Ambient ACC 501 User Manual

Clockit Timecode

ACC 501 Controller

Operating Manual

Rev. 1.07.0026 / 02/2009

Ambient Recording GmbH Schleissheimer Strasse 181c Tel.: [phone]
D – 80797 Munich Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]
www.ambient.de

ACC501

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Table of contents

page

1. Introduction 2

2. Description 3

2.1.1 Lemo 5 pin connector 3

2.1.2 Infrared Port 3

2.1.3 BNC, EXT.SYNC in 3

2.1.4 BNC, WCLK out 3

2.1.5 USB 1 3

2.1.6 USB 2 4

2.1.7 3.5mm mini jack, TC in/out 4

2.1.8 Sub-D 15 pin socket, accessory I/O interface 4

2.1.9 Keypad 5

2.1.10 Display 5

3. Getting Started 6

4. Menus 7

4.1 CONF 7

4.2 GEN 10

4.3 LTC 11

4.4 ASCII 12

4.5 MIDI 13

4.6 WCLK 13

4.7 TUNE 14

4.8 RTC 16

5. Technical Data 17

6. Warranty & Approvals 18

6.1 Warranty 18

6.2 Approvals 19

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1. Introduction

Superseding the ACC101 the Clockit Controller ACC501 retains all its functions and serves as
a general purpose TC master unit which can read, generate and compare and tune to all kind
of TC rates.

It offers a variety of addtional features such as word clock output, dual TC display, enhanced
GPS modes and multiple I/O ports including USB ports for PC/Mac connectivity and TC­conversion modes.

Although roughly half of the size of its predecessor the user interface has been vastly
improved using a graphical display and an enhanced keypad with dual navigational cursor
pads for easy two-handed operation.

Power can be provided over internal batteries, USB or an external source. One load of 4
good quality alkaline AA cells should achieve over 24 hrs. of continuous use (depending on
activity and brightness of display backlight), and many days in a typical scenario of
intermittent use. For increased battery lifetime a special standby mode has been
implemented. While the main MCU controls the main time code generator, keypad, display
and memory functions, a special low-power MCU monitors the power converters and an
auxiliary generator is maintaining frame accurate time code when put in standby for the full
battery life of the Controller (one week or more).

To allow for even more flexible implementation of future enhancements, the hardware has
been purposely designed to cater for new features without major hardware updates.
User-manageable software updates will become available from the product page on

http://www.ambient.de/en/products/ambient-recording/clockit-timecode/acc-501/acc-501­software.html so please check back for software updates and change logs.

Updating the software is done via a Windows PC over USB running a dedicated programming
tool also available from the aforementioned source.

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2. Description

2.1 Lemo 5 pin, common industry TC standard

Pin 1 Ground

2 TC in, nominal level 100 mV min., DC decoupled
3 Aaton ASCII protocol in/out
4 Tune signal @ 1.92 MHz, (DC in 5 to 12 Volts for Rev. A boards)
5 TC out, TTL level

2.2 IR - Infrared Port

For setting compatible Clockit devices and data transfer using Aaton ASCII protocol without
the need of linking the units via 5 pin Lemo, typical range 4 ft

2.3 BNC, EXT. SYNC

This input will accept sync signals such as composite video PAL, NTSC or trilevel sync and
analyze/ identify them providing vertical sync and field number signals in future software
revisions.
In the current software revision, a PAL video signal can be used to tune the reference
oscillator. Thus, Lockit boxes can be recalibrated to match the speed of an OB van or house
sync providing frame accurate sync of hardwired and portable equipment. The total time
code drift and diversion of a working system is minimized for most ease in edit.

2.4 BNC, WCLK

The word clock output is in sync to the internal time code reference generator which makes
it most useful when synchronizing equipment like stand alone audio recorders or DAWs.

44.1 KHz to 192 KHz with pull up and pull down are available.

2.5 USB 1

Used for programming new software or as serial interface for SMPTE/P2 conversion.
EXT power in, 5 Volts.

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2.6 USB 2

Serves as MIDI TC I/O interface for sending MTC (Midi time code) to a DAW.
EXT power in, 5 Volts.

The Mini B USB ports follow the USB specification. It is recommended to have the Controller
powered on with the appropriate operation mode selected when establishing the
connection to a computer.

Do not connect to two computers simultaneously!

2.7 3.5mm Mini jack, TC in/out

Offers a separate LTC input/output carrying the same TC signal as the Lemo TC socket with a
reduced level of 1 Volt peak to peak.

Tip = LTC-OUT
Ring = LTC-IN
Sleeve = Ground

2.8 Sub D 15 pin socket, accessory I/O interface

This socket is for general access to the Controller and contains all connections needed to
interface to an external device including power. This socket can be used to connect the
ACCSI (Ambient Serial Interface) with attached GPS module. Various options like radio link
transceivers etc. to follow.

Only connect approved accessories to avoid damage.

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2.9 Keypad

The keypad is organized with the menu and command cursors on the right and general
editing cursors on the left. These keys can double as hold/log when logging on the fly.

There is a red escape key on the left which doubles as an on/off switch and a green enter
key on the right. Underneath there are 0-9 number keys in black with secondary functions in
red and a shift key on the left. The 4 domed Allen screws protect the keypad surface.

2.10 Display

The display is a 128 X 64 pixel graphic display with selectable contrast. The white LED
backlight can be adjusted in intensity and turned off completely for reducing the power
consumption. The display is organized with a menu bar at the top and a command bar at the
bottom. Movement within these bars is done by 4 cursor keys at the right of the display, two
keys for left/right scroll for the menu bar at the top and 2 keys, left/ right scroll for the
command bar at the bottom. The relevant status of the controller is shown in the remaining
space between these bars.

A command is executed by selecting the respective command and then pressing ENTER or
pressing the relating numeric hot-key shown in the command bar. ESC returns to the
command line.

Battery symbol

This shows only the level of the internal 4xAA batteries, not the external source, for this see
Power Supply in the “Config” menu.
We welcome any comments or software ideas for this new controller. Please get in touch
with us for your suggestions.

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3. Getting Started

Take the Controller out of its pouch and open the sliding door on the left side. Insert 4 AA
cells carefully observing the polarity as indicated on the side panel, the 2 cells in the outer
slot facing both positive polarity outwards, the 2 cells in the inner tube positive polarity
inwards. Then close the contact hinge and slide the door shut.

The controller is designed to interface properly with other products of Ambient Recording's
Clockit range. When connecting to 3
manuals for requirements to evaluate the possibility of proper interfacing. Follow the
manufacturer´s instruction to the letter and only use the designed inputs with certified
cables. Ambient cannot be held liable for any damage or malfunctions caused by improper
set up and/or cabling.

SWITCHING THE UNIT ON AND OFF

A delay has been implemented to avoid inadvertent On/Off switching.

POWERING ON

Press the ESC (On/Off) key (red flash symbol) until the unit initializes displaying serial No.
and software version. After a few seconds the display changes to default with the time code
generator screen (GEN).

POWERING OFF

When switching off either standby or a complete power-down can be selected. In standby
mode the time code is held in the auxiliary TC generator (AUXGEN) that runs off the accurate
internal reference while power-off helps to save battery life and is intended for long time
no-operation.
Press the ESC key. After a short delay the switch-off select menu will appear.

rd

party’s equipment carefully consult the referring user

press ESC again:

Unit is powered off for maximum save of battery capacity, time code is lost.

press Enter:

Unit enters standby mode, AUXGEN holds TC until batteries are drained completely.