Plura ELC Users Guide

Functional Description and Specifications

Version: 2.0

March 20, 2015

ELC

Ethernet to LTC Convertor

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 3

CONTENTS

A1 REVISION HISTORY
A2 COPYRIGHT
A3 CERTIFICATIONS & COMPLIANCES
A4 WARRANTY
A5 UNPACKING/SHIPPING/REPACKAGING INFORMATION

1 DESCRIPTION 8

1.1 INTRODUCTION 8

1.2 CONNECTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS 9

1.3 POWER SUPPLY 11

1.4 STATUS INDICATION BY LED 12

1.5 MOUNTING 13

2 FIRMWARE UPDATE 14

3 SOFTWARE TOOLS FOR ELC 15

3.1 THE UD/SC CONFIGURATION PROGRAM 15

3.2 THE INTEGRATED ETHERNET SERVER 16

3.3 CONFIGURATION 18

3.3.1 General 18

3.3.2 “Profile“: Store and Load a Complete Set-Up 19

3.3.3 “System“: View and Change System Parameters 20

3.3.4 “Source“: Select the Signal Source 22

3.3.5 “Ethernet“: Set-Up of Network Parameters 23

3.3.6 “Real-Time“: NTP Real-Time Parameters 25

3.3.7 “Output“: Set-Up of LTC Outputs 27

4 APPLICATIONS 33

4.1 MTD TIMER SYSTEM AND LTC DISPLAYS 33

4.2 GENERATE LTC - UTC AND LTC - LOCAL TIME 34

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

No.

Date

Subject

0.n Preliminary documents, changes without notice.

1.0

October 16, 2012

First release.

1.1

November 30, 2012

Chapter “Output – Set-Up of LTC Outputs” revised.

1.2

April 02, 2014

Chapter “System: View and Change System Parameters”: added note if password is lost.

2.0

July 23, 2014

Completely revised. Set-up can now be done via integrated Ethernet server.

Page 4

A1 Revision History

Due to constant product development the features of ELC are subject to change. The current
functional description always refers to the current firmware and the current configuration
tool.

You can download the latest version of the standard firmware from

http://plura.tv/products-and-solutions/time-code-solutions.

Please be sure to use the latest configuration program after having done an update. You can
download the latest version from the address above.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 5

A2 Copyright

Copyright © PLURA Europe GmbH 2002. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, translated into another language, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise
without the prior written consent of PLURA Europe GmbH.

Printed in Germany.

Technical changes are reserved.

All brand and product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Information in this publication replaces all previously published information. PLURA Europe
GmbH assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

For further information please contact your local dealer or:

PLURA Europe GmbH

Muehlweg 11
D-73433 Aalen
Phone: ++49 - (0)7361 – 589 46 0
Fax: ++49 - (0)7361 – 589 46 55
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.plura.tv

A3 Certifications & Compliances

CE-Declaration ELC:

We,

PLURA Europe GmbH

Muehlweg 11
D-73433 Aalen

herewith declare under our sole responsibility that the

ELC

meets the intent of the following directives, standards and specifications:

2004/108/EC EMC Directive

applying the following standards:
EN 55022:2006 Emission
EN 55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003 Immunity

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 6

A3 Warranty

PLURA warrants that their products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of two years from the date of shipment. If this product proves defective during
the warranty period, PLURA, at its option, will repair or replace the defective product without
charge, provided this product are returned to PLURA freight prepaid.

In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify PLURA of the defect
before expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the perfor­mance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective
product to PLURA, please notice the Shipping Information given below.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by abuse, misuse,
improper use, negligence, accident, modification, alteration, or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care.

This warranty is given by PLURA with respect to this product in lieu of any other warranties,
express or implied. PLURA and its vendors disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose. PLURAs responsibility to repair or replace defective
products is the sole and exclusive remedy provided to the customer for breach of this
warranty. PLURA and its vendors will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages irrespective of whether PLURA or the vendor has advance notice of
the possibility of such damages.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 7

A4 Unpacking/Shipping/Repackaging Information

This product has been carefully inspected, tested and calibrated before shipment to ensure
years of stable and trouble-free service.

The shipping carton and pads provide protection for the product during transit. Retain the
shipping cartons in case subsequent shipment becomes necessary.

Carefully unpack the product from its transit material and carefully check the product for
signs of damage. In the event that the product has been damaged during transit, contact the
carrier and your PLURA dealer.

Please confirm that all items listed on the packing list have been received. Check the items
against your original order to ensure that you have received the correct parts. If any item is
missing, please contact your PLURA dealer.

Ensure that all packaging material is removed from the product and its associated
components before installing the unit.

Products returned to PLURA for servicing or repair should have a tag attached showing:

 Name and complete address of the owner and the name of the person that can be

contacted.

 Unit’s serial number and a description of the service required or failure detected.

Products returned should be shipped prepaid in the original packaging material if possible. If
the original packaging is not available or is unfit for use, supply an adequate packaging
which should meet the following criteria:

 Packaging must be able to withstand the product weight.
 Product must be held rigid within the packaging.
 Allow at least one inch of space between the product and the container.
 The corners of the product must be protected.
 Seal the carton with shipping tape or an industrial stapler.

If the product is still within the warranty period, the product will be returned by prepaid

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 8

1 Description

1.1 Introduction

ELC serves as an LTC generator with two output stages. The data content within the LTC time
code is either fed from an NTP server or an MTDoE master device. Both LTC output signals
are phase locked to UTC time which is available as well in NTP mode as in MTDoE mode.
Time addresses as well as user data (binary groups) of the LTC can be independently
configured and generated.

These are the key features of ELC:

 PoE power supply.
 Connectors: 1 x RJ45 for Ethernet/PoE, 2 x RJ45 for LTC outputs.
 Set-up and firmware update possible via the “UD SC Config“ program.
 Set-up and status display possible via the integrated Ethernet server.
 All settings will be stored at a non-volatile memory, so the latest set-up will not get

lost if ELC was powered off.

 Frame rate of LTC outputs selectable: 24/25/30/29.97 frames per second.
 LTC signal level adjustable for each output separately.
 Source = NTP:

 One “Primary“ and one “Secondary“ NTP Server can be addressed.
 Various date formats can be transported in the binary groups (user data) of the

LTC.

 Based on UTC received from the NTP Server, ELC can output a time & date LTC of

any time zone, with or without Daylight Saving Time switching.

 Source = MTD:

 Selectable MTDoE group.
 Time addresses of LTC can be a local real-time or a time of any MTD counter.
 A date can be transported in the binary groups (user data) of the LTC.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

STAT ACT

Green LED STAT
indicates status.

Yellow LED ACT
indicates Ethernet
activity.

10/100Base-T PoE
RJ45 jack

1: Tx+ / V

PoE

+

2: Tx– / V

PoE

+

3: Rx+ / V

PoE

–

4: V

PoE

+

5: V

PoE

+

6: Rx– / V

PoE

–

7: V

PoE

–

8: V

PoE

–

LTC OUT 2 LTC OUT 1

2 x RJ45 jack

Pin assignment of both outputs and
adaption to XLR3 connector:

Signal RJ45 XLR3
GND 4 1
LTC OUT + 3 2
LTC OUT – 6 3

Operating voltage

According to PoE specification (48 VDC nominal)

Power consumption

≤ 2 W

Weight

0.2 kg

Dimensions

W x H x D: 100 x 26 x 56 mm; 3.94 x 1.02 x 2.20 inches

Environmental
characteristics,
operating

Temperature: 5 °C to 40 °C

Relative humidity: 30 % to 85 %, non-condensing

Environmental
characteristics, non­operating

Temperature: -10 °C to +60 °C

Relative humidity: 5 % to 95 %, non-condensing
Ethernet connector

RJ45 jack 10/100 BASE-T

Ethernet

10/100Base-T

LTC output

Balanced LTC (Linear Time Code) outputs.
Format: according to SMPTE 12M-1-2008
Output impedance: < 50 

Connecting and signal levels (adjustable):

balanced use unbalanced

to XLR3F

2

1

3

GND
LTC OUT ­LTC OUT +

to Cinch/RCA/BNC

LTC OUT +
GND
LTC OUT -

1.2 Connections and Specifications

Page 9

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Minimum: –16.1 dBu/0.3 Vpp –22.2 dBu/0.17 V

pp

Maximum: +8.5 dBu/5.8 Vpp +2.5 dBu/2.9 Vpp

Page 10

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

PoE

10/100Base-T PoE

ELCPoE Switch

Power-over-Ethernet Injector

~

Non-PoE Switch

10/100Base-T PoE

ELC

External Power Supply:
Option PI

AC Power

Page 11

1.3 Power Supply

ELC receives power via “Power over Ethernet“ (PoE). Power over Ethernet or PoE technology
describes a system to pass electrical power, along with data, on Ethernet cabling. Just
connect ELC to a PoE port of a switch.

If no PoE port is available, use the PI external PoE injector. You can order this part with order
number 14085015.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Event

Status

LED

Power just turned
on

No IP address assigned for the unit, DHCP is still
running.

No LTC output.

Flickering

First NTP query

First NTP query after power has turned on or after
changing the set-up regarding NTP server.

No LTC output.

Off,
lights up shortly
once per second

Synchronization

NTP query has been successful, but synchronization
still is running.

No LTC output.

On,
turns off shortly
once per second

Synchronized

Normal operation.
As long as the LTC output is switch on, LTC will be

generated – even if synchronization will be lost.

On

Faults

DHCP successful,
but no
communication

“Source = MTD”: No MTD master found yet.
“Source = NTP”: Invalid NTP server address (e.g.

0.0.0.0).
No LTC output.

Flashing:
1 s on – 1 s off

NTP server not
available

No return from NTP server at all.
No LTC output.

Off,
turns off shortly
twice per second

NTP server lost

“Source = NTP”: Timeout, communication between

ELC and NTP server is disrupted.
As long as the LTC output is switch on, LTC will be

generated.

On,
turns off shortly
twice per second

MTD master lost

“Source = MTD”: Timeout, communication between
ELC and MTD master is disrupted.

As long as the LTC output is switch on, LTC will be
generated.

On,
turns off shortly
twice per second

Page 12

1.4 Status Indication by LED

The green LED STAT indicates the operating status of the unit.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Alpermann+Velte

100 mm

56 mm

50 mm

PREVENT OVERHEATING

PROVIDE PROPER ENVIRONMENT

1.5 Mounting

There are two threaded holes (M3) at the bottom of the unit.

Maximum screw-in depth: 15 mm/0.59 inches.

Drawing not to scale!

Page 13

To prevent product overheating, position the unit only where sufficient air
circulation can be maintained. Good air circulation is essential to prevent internal
heat build-up, do not block any ventilation openings. Do not expose the unit to
direct sun light or any other strong lights. Keep the unit away from heat sources.

Dust, humidity, shocks and strong electromagnetic fields must be avoided. Do
not expose this unit to dripping or splashing water. Ensure that no objects filled
with liquid are placed on the unit.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 14

2 Firmware Update

Firmware updates require a computer with the UD SC Config program and an Ethernet con­nection. Computer and ELC have to be connected to the same network. When using a
firewall, either disable it or ensure that the computer can connect to the unit on UDP port
8051 for both incoming and outgoing traffic.

Please have the new firmware (.tcf file) stored on your computer. The latest firmware is
available at:

http://plura.tv/service/688.

Execute UD SC Config on your computer. The program gives a list of all MTD devices found
in the network. ELC should be on this list. Access via Ethernet can be protected by a password
(please refer to chapter “System”: View and Change System Parameters).

Select the ELC line, open the File menu, choose Flash Update..., and open the .tcf file.

During the flash update the operation of the device stops!

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 15

3 Software Tools for ELC

3.1 The UD/SC Configuration Program

Via the UD SC Config program you can locate and setup ELC units in your network. It runs on
a computer (32/64 bit Windows operating systems 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7). You can
download the latest version of the program from:

http://plura.tv/service/688.

ELC set-up is done via Ethernet; the computer must be connected to the same network.
Access via Ethernet can be protected by a password (please refer to chapter “System”: View
and Change System Parameters).

Firmware update is performed by this program as well. Please refer to chapter “Firmware
Update”.

After program start a list is given of all MTD devices and their IP addresses found in your
local network:

Select the ELC line and click button “Configure”, or double click on the line. Additional tabs
will be shown. On these tabs you can check or change the set-up as described in chapter
“Configuration”.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

System indicates the installed
firmware and the current network
parameters.

Page 16

3.2 The Integrated Ethernet Server

Start an Internet Browser and type in the IP address of ELC. If you do not know the IP
address, start the UD SC Config program (refer to chapter “The UD/SC Configuration
Program”).

The menu at the left border offers three links: System and NTP Status – where you can have
status information; and Configuration – which enables to set-up the ELC module (please
refer to chapter “Configuration“).

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

NTP Status indicates the most
relevant information regarding
the NTP Client functionality.

Page 17

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 18

3.3 Configuration

3.3.1 General

You can do a set-up of ELC via the UD SC Config PC program or via the integrated Ethernet
server.

Set-up via UD SC Config:

After program start the ELC module should appear in the list. Select the ELC line and
click button , or double click on the line – this opens the configuration.
Additional tabs will be shown which will be described in the following chapters.

Set-up via integrated Ethernet server:

Start an Internet Browser and type in the IP address of the ELC module. Click
Configuration in the menu at the left border – this opens the configuration. A new
menu appears which shows a list of all configuration pages which are currently
available. With a click on one of these entries of the menu a configuration page will be
opened where you can see and change parameters. Each configuration page will be
described in the following chapters.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Five different set-ups can be stored into
the non-volatile memory of the unit.
Click Store:

Profile: Select 1 – 5.
Info Operator: You may enter a text.

Comment: You may enter a text.

Click OK to store the current set-up.

Any set-up stored as a profile can replace
the current set-up.
Click Load:

Profile: Select “Factory Settings“ or 1 – 5.

“Factory Settings“ installs the

default set-up.

Click OK to replace the current set-up by
the selected profile. If no valid set-up has
been stored, an error message is given.

3.3.2 “Profile“: Store and Load a Complete Set-Up

Configuration options (example shows a screen shot of the Ethernet server):

Page 19

This feature enables to easily change the complete set-up of the unit during normal
operation. During installation, the current set-up can be stored as a “profile”. You can enter a
name in the “name” entry before storing. Now choose a different set-up and store this as a
different profile. Fife profiles are available.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Name Give the device a significant name. This name appears wherever ELC devices can

be found.
Enter a text (10 characters) in the Name field. Complete with Enter or Tab key.

Reboot Warm boot of the unit.

It is provided to protect the unit against non permission or unintentional access via Ethernet.
With a click on the Change button the following entry opens:

Enter the password twice and press the OK button.
Clear an existing password by checking No Password.
Password forgotten? → Please read chapter “Passwords” of “The MTD System” manual.

Page 20

3.3.3 “System“: View and Change System Parameters

Configuration options (example shows a screen shot of the Ethernet server):

Unit

Security

Info

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Indicates some device status, e.g. the version of the installed firmware.

Page 21

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 22

3.3.4 “Source“: Select the Signal Source

Configuration options (example shows a screen shot of the Ethernet server):

MTD ELC is able to convert data of an MTDoE system to LTC. These data include six

independent programmable timers, real-time, date, and a time of a time code.
Each timer can show a stop timer, a remaining time, a time difference, a time
of a time zone etc.

For a detailed description of the MTDoE system please read the manual The
MTD System – Installation and Operation Manual.

NTP ELC transfers a time & date into LTC. The reference time, received from an NTP

server, can get a programmable offset. It is possible to enable a Daylight
Saving Time handling.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

This box indicates the current network parameters of the device.

Only available with the UD SC Config PC program:

A click on Change... enables to change parameters:

Use DHCP If checked, the device will automatically request its IP parameters (IP address,

subnet mask, and gateway) from a DHCP server. In this case the “IP Address”,
“Subnet Mask”, and “Gateway” boxes have no relevance.

Please let the device restart (power off – on) if you select this mode.

Page 23

3.3.5 “Ethernet“: Set-Up of Network Parameters

Configuration options (example shows a screen shot of the UD SC Config PC program):

“Source = MTD“ “Source = NTP“

Current Settings

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Automatic MTD Master IP Address If checked, the device will automatically find the

MTDoE central unit responsible for the group number
below. In a redundant system (two MTDoE central units), an
automatic changeover can take place in case one central
unit fails.

MTD Master IP Address If “Automatic Host IP Address” is not checked, the IP address

of the MTDoE central unit has to be entered manually.

Group Indicates the MTDoE group number. Likewise, you can

change this number here.

Click Reload Page at the bottom of the tab if the „Current Settings“ box does not show the
new parameters.

Enter the IP addresses which the NTP client of the device uses to request time & date
information of an NTP server.

Primary Server IP Address Address of the primary (1st) NTP server.

Secondary Server IP Address Address of a secondary (back-up) NTP Server.

Click Reload Page at the bottom of the tab if the „Current Settings“ box does not show a
changed address.

Page 24

MTD - if “Source = MTD“ has been selected

NTP Client - if “Source = NTP“ has been selected

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

3.3.6 “Real-Time“: NTP Real-Time Parameters

“Source = NTP“ only.

Configuration options (example shows a screen shot of the Ethernet server):

Page 25

ELC receives time & date from an NTP server according to the set-up at the “Ethernet” tab.
Time and date refers to UTC (Universal Time Coordinated = world time reference without a
Daylight Saving Time [DST]). Having the UTC as a time base, any local time zone can be
calculated and displayed.

Enable Real-Time Enables or disables the time zone handling.

 If checked, offsets will be calculated and a DST switching can be done automatically.
 If not checked, the generated time corresponds to the reference time without offset.

Local Time Zone 1 / 2 Local time zone will be defined with respect to UTC. ELC has two

independent programmable LTC outputs; therefore two time zones can be
programmed independently.

Offset from UTC Sign and hours/minutes offset for standard time (winter time).

If the time zone has a DST period, the following parameters should be programmed:

Automatically set Daylight Saving Time Check, if reference input has a DST period.
DST Bias Enter the DST correction value. Most of the cases the correction value will

be (+) one hour.

DST Start Using these inputs (e.g. last Sunday of March at 2 o’clock) the device

calculates the start of DST for the current year.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 26

DST End Using these inputs (e.g. last Sunday of October at 3 o’clock) the device

calculates the end of DST for the current year.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

3.3.7 “Output“: Set-Up of LTC Outputs

Configuration options (example shows a screen shot of the Ethernet server):

Page 27

Frame Rate Select the frame rate of both LTC outputs:

Auto
24
25
30
30 df / 29.97

Please note: An LTC counting for a 29.97 Hz system (drop-frame mode) has
severe difficulties in a real-time application, because an odd number of frames
per second will be generated.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Page 28

“Auto“: If “Source = NTP“: frame rate equal to 25.

If “Source = MTD“: frame rate set from MTDoE master device.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

Data content and level of both LTC outputs can be set individually. The mode of
synchronization is fixed for both outputs, so that each time code word starts at exactly the
same time.

Time This entry determines what will be the data content of the time addresses of the

time code. Any time code reader will display these data in a “time” mode.

“Source = MTD“
Real-Time Local real-time.
Timer A (B, C, D, E, F) Time of counter A (B, C, D, E, F).
Main 1 (2, 3) Time of MTD “main time“ 1 (2, 3).
Time Code Time of a time code of the MTDoE system.

“Source = NTP“
UTC Reference time without any offset or DST correction.
Time Zone 1 Time of time zone 1 – refer to “Real-Time“ tab.
Time Zone 2 Time of time zone 2 – refer to “Real-Time“ tab..

User This entry determines what will be the data content of the user data (binary

groups) of the time code. Any time code reader will display these data in a “user”

mode.
The user data consists of eight four-bit groups which will be denoted as BG1 to

BG8, and they are paired in the following way:

BG8/7 = “Hours“,
BG6/5 = “Minutes“,
BG4/3 = “Seconds“,
BG2/1 = “Frames“.

Date formats: A “U” in a date format receives that value of the binary group
which has been entered at the “Set User” entry for this position. DD denotes the
day, MM the month, YY the year – all BCD coded.

Set Fixed values as programmed at the “Set User“ entry.

--- Date --- Various date formats.

“Source = MTD“: Date refers to local time.
“Source = NTP“: Date refers to the time zone selected at “Time“.

Survey of various BCD coded formats:

BG8/7

BG6/5

BG4/3

BG2/1

UU.DD.MM.YY

U U

DD

M M

YY

DD.MM.YY.YY

DD

M M

YY

YY

YY.MM.DD.UU

YY

M M

DD

U U

UU.YY.MM.DD

U U

YY

M M

DD

UY.YM.MD.DU

U Y

Y M

M D

D U

LTC 1 / LTC 2

Page 29

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

DD.MM.YY.UU

DD

M M

YY

U U

MM.DD.YY.UU

M M

DD

YY

U U

UU.MM.DD.YY

U U

M M

DD

YY

BBC Date coded according to the “EBU Technical Information I29-

1995” (so-called BBC format). The date is BCD coded and

assigned to the binary groups as follows:

BG1

Reserved

All bits = 0

BG2

Units of the day

4 bits, LSB = bit 12

BG3

Units of the month

4 bits, LSB = bit 20

BG4

Tens of the day

2 bits, LSB = bit 28

Tens of the month

1 bit = bit 30, bit 31 = 0

BG5

Reserved

All bits = 0

BG6

Units of the year

4 bits, LSB = bit 44

BG7

Reserved

All bits = 0

BG8

Tens of the year

4 bits, LSB = bit 60

309M: YYMMDD Date and time zone information according to the SMPTE

309M-1999 “YYMMDD” format.

309M: MJD Date and time zone information according to the SMPTE

309M-1999 “MJD” format.

--- MTD --- “Source = MTD“: Counter values decoded out of the MTD data:

Timer A (B, C, D, E, F) Time of counter A (B, C, D, E, F).
Real-Time Local real-time.
Main 1 (2, 3) Time of MTD “main time“ 1 (2, 3).
Time Code Time of a time code of the MTDoE system.

Set User Manual entry of user data. Enter 8 characters (0 – 9, A – F). Complete with Enter

or Tab key.

Gain Select the output level from the drop-down list. You can mute an output by

selecting “off”.
The values in this list refer to a use of balanced signals for output and input, i.e.

VPP (= peak-to-peak value) will be the difference between LTC OUT + and LTC
OUT –. VPP will be half of the indicated value if unbalanced signals are used, i.e.
the peak-to-peak value of the single LTC OUT + or LTC OUT – signal.

Correspondence between balanced use and unbalanced use:

Use of balanced signals

Use of unbalanced signals

Maximum: +8.5 dBu / 5.8 VPP

+2.5 dBu / 2.9 VPP

+6.2 dBu / 4.5 VPP

0.2 dBu / 2.2 VPP

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Functional Description and Specifications ELC

+2.0 dBu / 2.8 VPP

–4.0 dBu / 1.4 VPP

–6.5 dBu / 1.0 VPP

–12.5 dBu / 0.5 VPP

Minimum: –16.1 dBu / 0.3 VPP

–22.1 dBu / 0.17 VPP

Digits “6 Digits” or “8 Digits” can be selected. This set-up is relevant only if one of the

MTD timers “Timer A – F“ or “Main 1 – 3“ has been selected and this timer is

counting down. If a display or a similar device reads this LTC and displays the
time without frames (e.g. HH:MM:SS), the “6 Digits” mode should be selected. If
this device displays the time with frames, the “8 Digits” mode should be selected.
The correct choice ensures that the down-counting time at the display reaches 0
synchronous with the original MTD time.

For example: MTD timer counting down from 1s to 0s
MTD Timer ELC-LTC “6 Digits“ Display HH:MM:SS Display MM:SS:FF
00:00:01 00:00:01:00 00:00:01 00:01:00
00:00:00 00:00:00:24 00:00:00 00:00:24

MTD Timer ELC-LTC “8 Digits“ Display HH:MM:SS Display MM:SS:FF
00:00:01 00:00:00:01 00:00:00 00:00:01
00:00:00 00:00:00:00 00:00:00 00:00:00

Still - Usually an LTC reader compensates the decoding delay of one frame by adding

one frame to the current value being indicated. Some readers can switch off this
compensation automatically receiving a "still" LTC; this ensures a frame accurate
value while the LTC time stands still. If the LTC is connected to a display or a
similar device which utilizes this compensations mechanism, do not click "Still –",
otherwise "Still –" should be clicked.

Example: Standing LTC time = 01:02:03:04
ELC-LTC with "Still –" Device with compensation Device without

compensation

01:02:03:03 01:02:03:03 01:02:03:04

ELC-LTC without "Still –" Device with compensation Device without

compensation

01:02:03:04 01:02:03:04 01:02:03:05

PC Bit If checked: The polarity of the synchronization word of the LTC output will be

stabilised. The polarity correction bit is put in a state, so that every 80-bit word
contains an even number of logical zeros. The polarity correction bit is bit no. 27
in the 525/60 system, no. 59 in the 625/50 system. Checking this checkbox is
helpful if you do some LTC measurements with an oscilloscope.

Page 31

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

During normal operation mode you can let it unchecked.

Down Reverse The LTC word can be generated with a “forward” or “reverse” code.

Independent from this, the time addresses of the LTC can count upwards,
downwards, or can stop counting. This especially will become true if ELC
generates the time of a stop timer (e.g. timer A of the MTD system).

If Down Reverse is not checked, the LTC signal always has the “forward” code.
Some LTC readers may run into problems if the code will not match the direction

of counting. Check Down Reverse to overcome this problem.
During normal operation mode you can let it checked.

Page 32

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

START

STOP

RESET

OFFSET
TIME

DOWN

DIFF
TIME

DOWN

TIMER A

Alpermann+Velte

7 8 9

654

1 2 3

0+

_

TCUE / SPT

LTC OUT 1LTC OUT 2

ELC

Local
Network

2 1

3

IN

2 1

3

IN

LTC Display: Timer B

LTC Display: Timer A

Page 33

4 Applications

4.1 MTD Timer System and LTC Displays

ELC offers an easy and cost effective opportunity to display UP or DOWN counters of the

PLURA MTD system at Non-PLURA displays. These displays must be able to read SMPTE/EBU
time code (LTC).

ELC set-up: “Source“: Select MTD.

“Ethernet“: Check Automatic MTD Master IP Address and select your MTD

group (normally = 1).

“Output“: LTC 1 – Time: e.g. “Timer A“; LTC 1 – User: e.g. “Set“.

LTC 2 – Time: e.g. “Timer B“; LTC 1 – User: e.g. “Set“.

Digits = “6 Digits”, if the connected device (display) does not

indicated frames.

Digits = “8 Digits”, if the connected device (display) indicates

frames.

Note: If it is required to show more than two counters, additional ELC units can be

integrated.

Functional Description and Specifications ELC

2 1

3

LTC OUT 1LTC OUT 2

1 231 231 231 2

3

2 1

3

1 231 231 231 2

3

ELC

IN IN

OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT

AUDIO
DISTRIBUTION

AUDIO
DISTRIBUTION

LTC - UTC LTC - local time

NTP
Server

Page 34

4.2 Generate LTC - UTC and LTC - Local Time

ELC offers an easy and cost effective opportunity to provide one LTC line with UTC reference
time and a second LTC line with local time.

ELC set-up: “Source“: Select NTP.

“Ethernet“: Enter the IP address of your NTP server at the NTP Client

entry.

“Real-Time“: Check Enable Real-Time and program Local Time Zone 1.

“Output“: LTC 1 – Time = UTC; LTC 1 – User = any date format.

LTC 2 – Time = Time Zone 1; LTC 2 – User = any date format.

Notes: This application basically does not provide LTC outputs which are phase

locked to a video sync signal. The LTC outputs are locked to video, if

 the video sync generator (SPG) is frequency and phase locked to a real-

time source (e.g. locked by PPS and 10 MHz signals of a GPS receiver),

 and the NTP server for ELC uses the same real-time reference as the video

sync generator (SPG),

 and the video system provides an even number of pictures per second

(PAL 625/50, but not NTSC 525/59.94).

 Please remember that an LTC counting for a 29.97

mode) has severe difficulties in a real-time application.

Hz system (drop-frame