Frequently Asked Question
Posted 05/07/2010
What cables do I need to sync timecode from my camera to MovieSlate?
Use a compatible Camera or Timecode Generator
You'll need a camera or timecode generator that’s capable of sending LTC timecode over an audio cable. Not all cameras have this feature, but many professional-level cameras do.
Enable “Sync from Camera”
You’ll need to enable (purchase) the MovieSlate 2.0 “Sync from Camera” PRO module. To do that, tap MovieSlate’s Settings tab. Then tap the “Sync from Camera” ENABLE button.
Required Cables
You’ll need cables running from your camera or TC generator to the iPad/iPhone/iPod headphone jack.
The iPad/iPhone/iPod end of the cable must be a four connection mini jack (four visible bands; just like the jack used on Apple's iPhone headphones).
The audio signal needs to be at MIC level-- not LINE level which would overpower an iPad/iPhone/iPod headphone jack input. Many cameras output their audio signal at MIC level already.
If your camera’s LTC audio output is at LINE level or is too loud, you will have to attenuate the audio signal. For instance, we've been testing with external Horita timecode generators that export audio at LINE level, and so we've been using this set of cables:
iPhone Adapter 3.5mm 4 conductor TRRS Male to 1/4in Microphone Input Jack with built-in -22db Attenuator
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-mic42-a22.htm
RCA female Jack to 1/4 Mono Phone Plug
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/d-ad170-6.htm
RCA male to RCA male cable.
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/t-p-p-3.htm
This discussion on Apple's boards reveals this pinouts:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=5262651
BNC-to-RCA adapters. We don't have access to equipment with BNC connections to test with, however we believe that a simple BNC-to-RCA adapter will work without problems. If you have had success with these adapters we'd appreciate a quick note letting us know!
BNC Female to RCA Male adapter.
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/d-ad140-17-bncf-rcam.htm
BNC Male to RCA Female adapter.
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/d-ad170-5-1.htm
Troubleshooting Cables
Here’s a good way to test your camera’s audio output... Connect the cables from the camera to your iPad/iPhone/iPod headphone jack. In the MovieSlate tab, swipe the clappersticks to slide them to the left, revealing the Notes buttons. Tap the Microphone button. Tap the red recording button and record about 5 seconds of audio. Tap the blue playback button. You should hear a ticking sound, and the playback levels should be in the Orange to Red range. If they are a constant red, then the audio input is probably too loud. |
