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ACN-ML
Operation Guide
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Ambient ACN-ML Operation Guide

ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
www.ambient.de/en
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Table of contents page
Title Bar: Timecode and System Menu 8
The gear wheel on the right opens 8 WiFi Settings 9 System Reset 10 Firmware Update 10 About 10 Shutdown 10 Help 10
Tabs of the Web interface 11
Timecode 11 ACN Radar 13
Local MasterLockit 13
Add Device 13
Other Lockits in ACN Channel xx: 14
Clear Radar Screen and Tune Slaves 15
Orphaned Devices 15 Sound Recorder 16
Transport Control 16
Tracks 16
Next and Last Clip Quick Edit 17
History 17
Import More Clips for Sound Report 17
Editing Clips from the History 18 Clip Metadata 19
Sound Report 19 Lens Metadata 21
Main Menu 24 Mode Menu 24 FPS Menu 25
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 6.00
©2019, Ambient Recording GmbH
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TC Menu 27
Set 27 Jam 27 Output 27
Level 27
Mute 28
Offset 28 UB 28
Show 28
Jam 28
Sync Menu 29
Video 29 Audio 29 PPF 29 Off 29
Slate Menu 30
Display 30 LEDs 30 Sensor 30
Tilt 30
Brightness 30
ACN Menu 31
Ch 31
SYS Menu 32
Menu 32 Config 32 Display 32 RF 33 USB / LemoACN 33 Bat 33 IR 34 Reset 34 Info 34
C-Jam 36
TRX 37
Timecode, Sync, and the importance of Genlock 39
Choosing the correct TC frame rate and video sync format 39
Lockit Stays on Camera! 39
There is no double rate 40
2 worlds with 2 frame rates each 40
One Frame Base across the Set 40
The Camera is Always Right 40
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
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1. Introduction
The ACN-ML MasterLockit combines the state of the art, high-accuracy Lockit timecode technology by Ambient with advanced metadata administration and sharing over the Lockit Network.
It implements a dual-system design through a full-featured ACN Lockit circuitry with adapted software for no-compromise, fail-safe timecode integrity and a powerful multi-core CPU platform for unsurpassed mobile metadata processing. Providing local and set-spanning, line-level accurate timecode and metadata over ACN plus WiFi routing for Lockit Network apps and certified devices it can work both autonomously as hub or satellite in your timecode and metadata network.
An integrated backup cell with automatic charge-when-supplied will keep both systems alive for even lengthy set reconstructions or breaks and secure a coordinate shutdown on power drain.
2. Package Contents
• ACN-ML MasterLockit
• ACN Antenna (attached to ACN-ML)
• USB WiFi Stick (attached to ACN-ML)
• Manual
3. Powering
The ACN-ML can be powered by 6 to 24 Volts DC via either indicated Hirose 4-pin connectors, pin 1 carrying GND pin 4 positive voltage. The connectors are configured loop-through. Only apply power through one socket.
Upon applying external power the internal battery will automatically be charged. The power source
must be capable of supplying 1.5A for charging the internal battery.
While in operation, the active power source is indicated in the upper right corner of the display, EXT means external power is applied with appropriate voltage and current, whereas INT indicates that the unit is running on its integrated backup cell.
Typical values in operation with backup cell charged/in charging:
~ 500mA/850mA @ 6V DC
~ 250mA/400mA @ 12V DC
~ 150mA/200mA @ 24V DC
The MasterLockit must only be powered from either of its 4-pin Hirose sockets. The operating voltage range is 6-24V DC regulated, with pin 1 being GND and pin 4 carrying V+ per the industry standard.
Note: The two power sockets are wired in parallel for loop through of voltage. It is mandatory that only one socket must carry supply voltage at any given time!
With power applied, red LED over the display will slowly blink to indicate charging of the integrated backup cell. Fully charged, red and green LED will be lit permanently. The battery will keep the unit powered for a couple of hours, depending on the processing load of the unit.
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 6.00
©2019, Ambient Recording GmbH
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4. Unit Description
① Configuration wheel (↓ push, ↔ toggle left/right) ② Status LEDs (see page 26) ③ OLED display (see page 14 ff) ④ ACN antenna (do not remove, only substitute with original replacement) ⑤ ACN A, blue socket (see page 5) ⑥ TC, red socket (see page 5) ⑦ MasterLockitPlus: ACN B, grey socket with DC through (see page 5) ⑦ MasterLockit: DC through port (see page 6) ⑧ 1/4"/ 3/8” thread mount
⑨ Reset button (see page 13) ⑩ WiFi adapter, only substitute with original replacement ⑪ USB A ports (see page 6) ⑫ DC IN (see page 6) ⑬ RJ45 Ethernet port (see page 6)
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
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5. Connectors
⑥
“Red” socket,
SMPTE 12M Timecode in/out
Lemo series FGG/JGG.0B.305 or compatible
pin 1: GND
pin 2: TC in
pin 3: ACC com
pin 4: Reference out, ext DC In 6-18V on ACL204, ACN-TL and ACN-LS
pin 5: TC out (SMPTE 12M)
⑤
“Blue” socket, connect blue coded cables here
SMPTE 12M Timecode in/out
Metadataport for RED cameras and Sound Devices 788T and 6series
Lemo series FGG/JGG.0B.305 or compatible
pin 1: GND
pin 2: TC IN
pin 3: ACN A TX (RS232)
pin 4: ACN A RX (RS232)
pin 5: TC OUT (SMPTE 12M, 3Vpp)
⑦
“Grey” socket, connect grey coded cables here.
SMPTE 12M Timecode out
Metadataport for ZEISS CP.3 XD
Lemo series FGA/JGA.0B.305 or compatible
only available on MasterLockitPlus,
pin 1: GND
pin 2: ext. DC through
pin 3: ACN B TX (RS232)
pin 4: ACN B RX (RS232)
pin 5: TC OUT
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 6.00
©2019, Ambient Recording GmbH
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④
SMA type F, leave supplied antenna attached, only substitute with original
replacements ANT-2.4-SMA-M(90)
⑫
Primary DC port, connect your external power supply here
Hirose HR10-7P-4P or compatible
pin 1: GND
pin 2: NC
pin 3: NC
pin 4: 6 -24V DC
⑦
DC through socket, only available on MasterLockit
Hirose HR10-7P-4P or compatible
Use to daischain recorders and accessories
Unfused and in parallel to DC IN
Warning: always apply power through either socket only!
⑪ USB A ports, 1 populated with WiFi Stick, 2nd to download reports and logs
to USB sticks
⑬ Ethernet port, RJ45, metadata interface to ARRI ALEXA classic
6. Physical Specifications
Dimensions: (L / W / H): 91 x 64.5 x 33 mm
(overall length with WiFi and SMA antenna detached: 102.5mm)
Weight: 275g
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
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7. Quick Start Guide
Prepare for a new project
When preparing for a project with multiple MasterLockits it is advised to start with the unit that is planned to become the timecode and metadata Master. As only one device is allowed as Master, units
will only allow activation of Master if not receiving C-Jam broadcasts from another device.
1. Supply adequate power source. The internal battery is for backup purpose only and not suited for
operating the unit over longer time. The red LED should blink slowly in a 2 seconds interval. This indicates charging of the internal backup battery is in progress. If battery is fully charged red and green LED will come on solid.
2. Switch on the MasterLockit by pressing down the 3-function wheel and holding it until the OLED
display comes on. If unsure about the configuration and you’re starting for a new project/production it is advised to perform a system reset first. Using the navigation wheel navigate to Sys/Reset and select “All"
3. Wait approx. 40 seconds until the square indicator on the left bottom of the display has turned
from outlined to solid blue to indicate the metadata server has completed booting.
4. Log in to the MasterLockit’s WiFi using a smartphone, tablet or computer. On factory default, this
SSID is in the format ml-rssss (where “r” indicates the hardware revision and “s” consists of the last 4 digits of the unit’s serial number). This can be changed by the user, so your WiFi Name will be different. However, the password for log is always the same as the WiFi name. If you do not see any WiFi it may be the unit has been configured as WiFi client. You can find the configuration under Sys/WiFi
5. Open a browser and enter http://10.0.0.1 (or http://masterlockit.local) in the address bar.
Tip: you may want to create a favorite for this IP or make this your browser’s homescreen.
6. If the unit has been used previously in a project it is recommended to purge the database. Go to the
system menu (gear wheel in the upper right corner) and select “System Reset”. Note that the WiFi
name may now have been changed to default as per 4. Log back in and proceed with 6.
7. Select the Timecode tab. If your unit is new or has been reset it is configured as ACN slave, indicated
by a blue title bar. If this is the device to become your timecode masterclock click on Master. The unit will change its state and the titlebar will become orange and immediately send out C-Jam broadcasts with current timecode. Now check the Frame Rate (FPS). If you need to change from current, unlock by clicking the pencil, select the desired rate from the drop down list and confirm by clicking the orange OK tickbox. Finally, you may Set Timecode manually or to Time of Day.
Note: the generator will reset when switching between integer (A.K.A “PAL”) and non-integer (A.K.A. “NTSC”) frame rates. Hence it is advised to select FPS first on a new project before setting the generator.
8. Power on your other Lockit devices. ACN enabled Lockit devices on the same channel will
automatically jam to the hub’s TC value and framerate and listed in the ACN Radar tab for link and battery status.
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 6.00
©2019, Ambient Recording GmbH
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Note: default channel is 18. Slaves will try to follow a channel change of their Master. However, if the
Master’s channel has been changed while Slaves were powered down or out of range you may need to
change their channels manually. Slaves will be loyal to their Master even if another ACN set on the same channel is in range, so it will be very rarely necessary to go from default to another channel.
9. Congratulations, you have successfully configured your ACN! If you switch on the units every
morning, the Master will remember its state and automatically start to send out timecode. All you need to do is set TC again to time of day and occasionally monitor the battery status of the remote units within the ACN Radar to know when replacement is required.
8. Web Interface
The interface of the MasterLockit can be accessed through any WiFi equipped device using a common browser. Log in to your MasterLockit’s WiFi. The required password always reflects the SSID. Default SSID follows pattern ml-rssss where “r” indicates the hardware revision and “s” consists of the last 4
digits of the unit’s serial number.
Title Bar: Timecode and System Menu
Color depend on the MasterLockit’s configuration as Slave (blue) or Master (orange). The setting also determines accessible features of the interface.
While Slaves are basically limited to configuring the nature and access of a physical connected devices including metadata and remote control functions, a Master additionaly serves as global metadata and timecode hub to all Slaves. As it is mandatory only one Master is present within an ACN, default setting is Slave. When changing this to Master, A unit will always remember its state on next boot. So, if changed to Master, it will become Master again and start sending timecode jams. If another unit is already present as suchthe status will automatically revert to Slave.
The gear wheel on the right opens a drop down menu for maintenance.
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
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WiFi Settings
Shows info of the current WiFi configuraton. When running as host you can rename WiFi SSID and change the channel. After hitting reconfigure WiFi, the MasterLockit will immediately apply the new SSID so you will lose connection and need to log in again with new credentials.
Note: The password always coincides with the SSID. As such, it must be at least 8 digits long. Make sure you use a name that identifies the unit uniquely. Names like “soundcartHUB”, “camera-1”, or simply ascending numbers can later greatly help to better identify the individual units. This works well with the option to assign unit names in the ACN Radar.
Alternatively, you can join existing WiFis as client. The host can be another MasterLockit(Plus) or any DHCP host/access point/router. Scan for available networks using the circle icon, selct from the drop down list and enter the credentials. You need now to reconnect by logging into the host WiFi and entering the IP briefly displayed. Info on the joined network is also available on the device OLED menu under Sys/WiFi.
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 6.00
©2019, Ambient Recording GmbH
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System Reset
This will purge the database, reset the metadata server and restart in Satellite mode with default of 25 FPS and ACN Channel 18. This can be indicated when the unit needs to be attached to a different camera or was in use before on a different set. We recommend to do a reset at the start of a project especially when using the metadata network.
Note: This will also reset your WiFi to the default SSID
Firmware Update
Important: Always make sure your unit is powered from a reliable external source. A brownout may render your Master Lockit a service case.
Select File through your local file browser or drag ‘n’ drop a file through open explorer/finder. Navigate the update file, then click Upload & Restart. A 5 minute countdown will initialize after successful
upload after which you need to log back in to the WiFi. If the page doesn’t refresh automatically, hit the
reload button on your browser. If the firmware update involves an update to the Lockit firmware (which will be the case mostly) the unit will automatically power down after a while. Press and hold the config wheel until the LEDs rapidly flash alternating, then release and let the Master Lockit boot through.
About
See detailed information of your system environment such as code revisions and the unit’s serial
number. Debug logging for diagnostics and testing can be activated.
Shutdown
Which will completely shutdown the unit.
Note: thje server will take about 30 seconds to claose the database, leave unit connected to power until the blink code changes to charge mode.
Help
Clicking here will open this very file
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
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Tabs of the Web interface
On mobile devices tabs are replaced by a “burger menu” on the outmost left side of the title bar.
Some functions functions rely on the unit being in Master mode. Slaves purely serve as metadata
collectors/transceivers jammed and remotely to the master’s TC. Hence options are restricted to local
control.
Note: “Lens Metadata“ tab only available on ACN-MLP MasterLockitPlus
Timecode
Note: you can also access this tab by clicking directly on the running timecode in the title bar.
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 6.00
©2019, Ambient Recording GmbH
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Most importantly, you can switch the state between Slave and Master. On enabling “Master”, the generator will be set and the unit will send out C-Jam broadcasts indicated by a green flash on each second followed by a double blink every 6th second. Please refer to chapter “LED Blink Codes” for detailed description. A Master will remember it’s state and attempt to retain that state on reboot.
Note: only one unit within the ACN is allowed to be Master. The algorthms of the ACN will assist you to effectively prevent to enable this on more than one unit, if a Master is detected on boot, the unit will
revert to “Slave” also multiple ACNs can coexist on one channel as Slaves will only listen to their initial Master as long as receiving it’s C-Jam broadcasts.
“Master” also gives access to setting the Frame Rate (FPS) and manually Set Timecode of the generator to a deliberate value or automatically Set to Time of Day synchronized by the system clock of the device through which accessing the interface. Setting to Time Of Day will also insert the current date in the Userbits and set the realtime clock of NanoLockits on the channel. If using the Userbits for displaying the date e.g. on a LockitSlate, you can switch here between American (MM.DD.YY.AD) and European (DD.MM.YY.ED) date scheme. To make any changes, first click on the pencil symbol, apply desired settings and confirm by ticking the orange mark. The same way you can change the ACN Channel (also availbale on “Slave”).
Note: When connected Slaves will follow a channel change of their Master, so this will only be required when connecting to a Master which cannel has been previously edited from default.
Word Clock will switch pin 4 of TC (red) Lemo from Tune to 48KHz when a sound recorder is activated in ACN Radar Tab. If you want to tune your device via ACC501, disable the sound recordr channel or switch to Tune here.
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 6.00
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ACN Radar
This is the “ground control” over your ACN. On the top level you can configure the device currently
logged into. This is also the only option if the MasterLockit runs in Slave mode.
Local MasterLockit
Add Device
Click on the appropriate button and select from drop down list and optionally rename it. With 6.00 MasterLockit supports ARRI ALEXA classic range, ARRI CAP2 (ALEXA Mini and Amira), RED DSMC 1 & 2,
and Sound Devices’ 788T and 6 series audio recorders. On ARRI ALEXA you will need to enter the last 4
digits of the serial number found on the top-mounted plate or within the camera’s system menu while on CAP2 the password may need to be changed from the default “arri”.
This will require special cables to physically link MasterLockit to the respective device over the blue ACN
port. On physical connection the device will now show up active and green on the “Local MasterLockit”
frame. Supported lenses (Cooke /i and Zeiss XD) connected to the grey ACN socket di not need configusation and will appear automatically on connection.
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