Clip and Go
For the latest manual please visit :
www.timecodesystems.com/support/product-manuals
SyncBac PRO
quick start guide
Here we give you a quick tour of your new Timecode Systems SyncBac PRO,
guiding you through its key features so you can get up and running straight
away.
What’s covered?
The basics to getting started with:
• Timecode Systems: SyncBac PRO
• overview of the BLINK network protocol
Your Timecode revolution starts here...
Copyright Notice - Timecode Systems Limited
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed
written permission of Timecode Systems Ltd.
Timecode Systems Ltd shall not be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties
for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a
result of accident, misuse or abuse of this product or unauthorised modifications, repairs,
or alterations to this product, or failure to strictly comply with Timecode Systems Ltd
operating and installation instructions.
This is a guided tour of the SyncBac PRO. Your highly accurate wireless embedded
timecode solution for GoPro HERO 4 silver and black.
It is a highly accurate timecode generator and multi-channel digital timecode transceiver.
It can be used standalone with other SyncBac PRO units for accurate multicam sync
between GoPro’s or along with the :pulse mini base station as a complete ‘on-set’ solution
for syncing GoPros with other PRO cameras and PRO audio recorders.
Using the :pulse enables the powerful BLINK wireless protocol for remote control and
status via the BLINK Hub apps.
Control
The Timecode Systems SyncBac PRO settings are accessed and controlled from
the top panel.
2
3
1
4
1. Internal Diversity Antennas and optional External Antenna
For the digital transceiver module operating in the ISM band 915.050MHz to 922.200MHz.
2. LED
Glows either blue, green or red.
• Blue flash – RF lock sync with master
• Green flash – unit Free ‘running’ without RF lock. Battery FULL (when OFF)
• Red flash - Warning messages. Battery charging (when OFF)
3. OLED display
Shows the unit's status and settings.
4. Control knobs, UP/DOWN/SELECT
Allows one finger navigation through menus.
Ports
1. Mini USB 2.0 Socket, 5V power IN. Firmware Updates via the Timecode Systems PC
and Mac USB Updater Applications. Also charges the HERO 4 camera (when attached)
Please visit www.timecodesystems.com/support/firmware
for instructions on how to update the firmware of your
SyncBac PRO product.
Mounting Solutions
The SyncBac PRO is a fully integrated solution that simply clips
onto the rear of a HERO 4 silver or black. Attaching to the HEROBus
connector, as a BacPac solution.
It is the same physical size as the GoPro Battery BacPac, therefore is fits into all the
standard BacPac backdoor housings.
Customise
On-screen menus allow you to easily customise the settings of the Timecode Systems
SyncBac PRO to meet the exact needs of your shoot.
The default display shows (on time-out also):
TC + Unit Name + MODE + BLINK ID + RF CHANNEL+ SIGNAL STRENGTH + BATTERY STATUS
Pressing the UP or DOWN buttons on the front panel takes you to the following information
screens:
1. TC, Unit Name, Mode, BLINK ID, RF Channel, Signal strength, Battery status
2. TC, User Bits, FPS
3. Button Lock
4. Power Status and Battery Status
5. Product name, FW version, Serial number
Button basics
Press the large select knob to enter the menu for:
1. Set RF Channel number
2. Timecode Mode
3. System Settings
3. Display Settings
More on menus
Each menu allows further customisation of your Timecode Systems SyncBac PRO
Timecode Mode. Choose from five settings:
• GP Master TX. This is a mode where the unit is the 'master clock', transmitting T/C to
all SyncBac PRO 'RF slave' devices.
• RF Slave. This is a mode where the unit acts as a 'slave' receiving unit, constantly
locking to the incoming RF timecode from a :pulse mini base station & sync data, soft
jamming & chasing the incoming T/C from an RF master unit. The SyncBac unit acts as a
BLINK slave unit, sending its status and settings back to the BLINK master unit. It also
sends back the status of the connected GoPro HERO4 camera (if attached). When the
camera is attached it can also be remotely controlled from the BLINK master unit via the
applications.
TC Generator. Choose from:
• Set T/C. Turn to set flashing digits, press to enter. Repeat for each pair.
• Set FPS. Set to 23.976, 25 or 29.97
Set RF Channel Number. Select the RF channel group for Transmit or Receive (depending
on the timecode mode selected from the menu).
System Settings.
• Set RF country/area. Locked to FCC/IC Band
Set LED brightness. Sets the brightness of the Tri-colour LED
• Set factory defaults. To remove any customisation.
Display Settings.
• Set Brightness. Allows you to change the level of brightness from 1 through to 100.
(100 being the brightest)
• Flip Display. Flip the display 180 degrees
• Short Timed ON. Stays bright for a short duration, then dims
• Long Timed ON. Stays bright for a longer duration, then dims
• Always ON. Stays bri ght at the Set Brightness level.
BLINK Network Feature
The BLINK network augments the existing wirelessly shared timecode data. The
proprietary BLINK RF network keeps the same incredibly accurate wireless sync over the
robust sub GHz ISM band, but adds enhanced two-way multiplexed status/control and
metadata.
This allows for complete monitoring and contro l of all connected “BLINK enabled”
Timecode Systems’ devices and is built to allow for long-range remote control and status
of any supported & connected third-party accessories, such as SyncBac PRO and HERO 4
silver and black cameras.
The pulse and wave can be configured either as a BLINK master or slave, whereas the
:minitrx+ and SyncBac PRO can only be configured as BLINK slave devices.
More on BLINK
The BLINK slave devices are continually feeding back their status and settings to the BLINK
master unit. The BLINK master unit then allows the Timecode Systems BLINK Hub app; to
not only display all of this information, but allow the user to remote control certain
features.
Additionally, with the SyncBac PRO, the attached camera can also be remotely controlled
using the BLINK master pulse unit’s WiFi or Ethernet interface to our BLINK Hub
application running on a PC or Mac.
The huge advantage of the BLINK protocol is that it the Timecode Systems RF transceiver
is very long range and robust, with up to 200 metres line of sight range. It is a very
uncongested frequency band on set and in heavy RF environments.
This then allows the Wi-Fi network of the BLINK master to be used as a short wireless hop
into the apps or a solid cabled Ethernet connection between the PC or Mac, with the long
range communications to slave units being looked after by the BLINK network.
Technical specification
OLED Display: Blue 128 x 32 pixels
Timecode generator accuracy: TCXO 0.5ppm when free running, in practice
around 1 frame drift in 24 hours. Zero ppm when RF locked to a master.
Supported FPS Modes: 23.976, 25 and 29.97
External power: Mini USB (5V DC).
Internal power: Built in Li-Polymer (3.7V battery)
T/C input: via a ‘GP Master’ SyncBac PRO or Timecode Systems: pulse bae station
T/C outputs: HERoBus connector, embedded timecode metadata in mp4 camera
media.
Multi-channel digital transceiver: 915.050- 922 . 200 MHz
Quality declarations
Use of External Antenna(s):
This device has been approved by Industry Canada & FCC to operate with the antenna
types listed below with the maximum permissible gain of 5.4 dBi and required antenna
impedance of 50 Ohms for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this
list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly
prohibited for use with this device.
Name: Linx Model ANT-916-MHW-RPS-S (with adapter Amphenol model 242141RP or equiv)
RF Exposure Warning Statement:
To comply with FCC/IC RF exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled exposure,
the external antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
FCC Warning Statement:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfyin g RF
exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada Statements:
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter
tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en
compromettre le fonctionnement.
Industry Canada - Class B This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for
radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing
equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux
appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matérial brouilleur:
“Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par l’Industrie.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate usin g an
antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry
Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not
more than that necessary for successful communication.
Warranty and technical support
All products sold by TIMECODE SYSTEMS LIMITED. are warranted to the
original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship for (1) year
from the date of original purchase.
However, this warranty excludes accessories, batteries and cables. Also, this
warranty does not apply to any instrument determined by
TIMECODE SYSYTEMS LIMITED to have been subjected to customer alteration, modification,
negligence or misuse.
In the event of any defects determined to be covered by this warranty,
TIMECODE SYSTEMS LIMITED will, at its sole option, repair or replace the
defective instrument without charge. To obtain warranty service the defective
instrument must be returned within one (1) year from purchase to:
TIMECODE SYSTEMS LIMITED
ATTN: Repair Department
Unit 6, Elgar Business Centre
Moseley Road, Hallow
Worcester, WR2 6NJ, UK
Telephone +44 (0) 1700 808 600
All transportation and shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser.
For the latest manual please visit:
www.timecodesystems.com/support/product-manuals
Timecode Systems
Unit 6, Elgar Business Centre, Hallow
Worcester, WR2 6NJ, UK
+44 (0) 1700 808 600
contact@timecodesystems.com
http://www.timecodesystems.com
Loading...