AMBIENT 60 Seconds Using NanoLockits Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Ambient
Table of Contents
- AMBIENT 60 Seconds Using NanoLockits Instruction Manual
- Introduction
- The NanoLockit (ACN-NL-L) Lockit Timecode by Ambient
- Highly Accurate Timecode Generator
- One Button Syncing
- Logging Feature
- Plug & Play
- TX Mode
- Sleek Design
- Unit Description
- Front
- LED Blink Code
- ACN Jam (C-Jam, TX, Single)
- Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take2, Lockit+ (in standby) or
- Working with Audio Timecode.
- Firmware Updates are distributed via the LockitToolbox, available for
- It will last up to 24h while shooting.
- Blue ACN Connector
- ACN
- CE Conformity Statement:
- Manufacturer’s Address:
- declares that this product is in conformity with:
- FCC Statement
- FCC § 15.19
- Canada CNR-Gen Section 7.1.3
AMBIENT 60 Seconds Using NanoLockits Instruction Manual
Introduction
The NanoLockit (ACN-NL-L) Lockit Timecode by Ambient
Since we released the very first mobile timecode and sync generator everalready in 1992 our devices became the industry standard for timecode and synchronization on set. Lockits provide frame-accurate synchronized video and audio clips for Hollywood blockbusters, TV series and independent productions,
Highly Accurate Timecode Generator
Ambient Timecode is synonymous with precision and reliability. The NanoLockit
provides all timecode frame rates and full ACN compatibility. All Lockit
devices are based on a highly accurate temperature-compensated crystal
oscillator.
Once set, the NanoLockit stays on time – and drifts less than 1 frame apart
within 24 hours.
One Button Syncing
Long-press the green button to send a “Single Jam” into the ACN and all Lockit devices in the same ACN channel will follow.
Logging Feature
NanoLockits can be both used as Timecode Generators AND as Loggers. By pressing the green or red button you can mark good and bad takes on set and display those markers in the editing software.
Plug & Play
Instead of using the LockitToolBox – feed in timecode and framerate exter- nally. Just plug one NanoLockit to the TC Out port of another device (e.g. your sound recorder) and it’s automatically set and ready to sync – without any additional apps.
TX Mode
NanoLockits can be started in the so-called TX mode. Then they take over the timecode of an external source ( LTC – longitudial timecode or MTC – midi timecode) and spread it in the ACN. This is especially relevant in playback situations like music videos.
Sleek Design
NanoLockits are the smallest Timecode boxes of the Lockit Family. That makes them the go-to solution for DSLR cameras or gimbal rigs. A NanoLockit fits every camera build.
ACN stands for Ambient Communication Network and is our own wireless
network.
It utilizes an extremely reliable, proprietary 2.4GHz network with 16
selectable channels for communication to minimize lag and interference with
other radio sources. All gathered information is buffered until it is
successfully received and stored.
The ACN is used to interchange timecode related information including
time, frame rate and user bits as well as device meta- data between
Lockits or third-party devices with built-in Lockit Module.
Learn more about the beauty of ACN here: https://ambient.de/en/acn-
technology
Unit Description
Front
- ACN antenna, SMA RP 4GHz
- RGB status LED
- TC & ACN connector (LEMO-compatible)
- Green button long press: Send Single Jam short press: Good Take
- Red buttonshort press: Bad Take
- Power button
- Micro-USB socket (Power & Midi timecode)
LED Blink Code
Mode 1sec 2sec
ACN Jam (C-Jam, TX, Single)
Jam transmitted / sent Jam received
Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take2, Lockit+ (in standby) or
LockitModule
TC out mute; will start with preference TC out mute; will start from fallback
zero TC out active
TC out active; output level reduced TC out active; low battery
Lockit+ with WiFi active
TC out mute; will start with preference
TC out mute; will start from fallback zero
TC out active
TC out active; low battery
TX Mode Warnings
TC out mute; no initial LTC source
TC out active; LTC source lost/stopped
Charging Mode, Unit off
ext. Power, charging
ext. Power, fully charged
flash blink
Basic Button Operations
Turn On: Press and hold Power until LED lights green to start
unit.
Turn Off: Press and hold Power for 5 seconds.
Reset: When switched off, press and hold Red & Green
simultaneously for 10 seconds to perform a factory reset of the Lockit Module.
Working with Audio Timecode.
Quicktipp: If your camera does not support native timecode input you may
record timecode on a audio track.
Please assure to use line input as the timecode output of the NanoLockit is
amplified on default.
If you need to use a microphone input you can decrease the level of the
timecode output via following button interaction:
Operation Modes
Within the ACN there is always one Lockit device acting as timecode transmitter, broadcasting timecode and frame rate to the Receivers. You can choose be- tween C-Jam, TX and Single Jam Mode.
The NanoLockit can act as Single Jam or TX transmitter – and it can recieve a C-Jam (Continuous Jam) signal by a C-Jam Transmitter (Lockit, LockitSlate or Lockit+).
Single Jam Mode
On sets where there are only NanoLockit available you can use the Single
Jam Mode for sending a jam to all other NanoLockits on the same ACN Channel.
In Single-Jam Mode you can send a one-time pulse through the ACN to sync all
Lockit devices. From then on, each Lockit continues to run autonomously.
This is perfectly fine for most occasions, as our Lockit devices are highly
accurate and drift less than a frame within 24 hours.
To power up just long-press Power.
All Lockit devices in this mode can send and receive a Single Jam. Choose one
of your Lockits and press Green for 3 seconds until the green LED lights
up twice.
This way timecode and frame rate gets broadcasted to the other Lockit boxes in
the same ACN channel.
Note: Once a Lockit device is turned off the timecode generator stops. After
turning on again you must perform the Single Jam again.
That’s why we recommend C-Jam Mode over Single Jam Mode, as it completely eliminates drift and is more convenient to use.
C-Jam Mode (Continuous Jam)
The C-Jam Transmitter can either be a Lockit, LockitSlate or Lockit+. n
C-Jam Mode we utilize our ACN network to completely prevent any drift. In this
mode one Lockit device acts as a C-Jam Master. It sends a pulse through the
ACN every six seconds to constantly align with all other Lockit boxes.
To start the unit as C-Jam Master press and hold Green , then tap
Power
Press and hold Green to confirm the timecode and start the C-Jam.
The icon on the display will switch to M.
All other Lockits (that are on the same ACN channel) will now automatically
follow the C-Jam Master and display an ACN icon at the lower right of the
display.
Since even in C-Jam Mode every unit still uses its own VCO (voltage-controlled
oscillator) to generate timecode (and sync), they don’t necessarily have to be
in range of the C-Jam master constantly to be accurate.
Lockit devices that are powered up at a later point in time will automatically
follow the C-Jam Master and set their timecode and frame rate accordingly.
Note: Just one unit is allowed to be the C-Jam Master within an ACN channel.
A second master will be blocked and will also automatically follow the C-Jam
Master and display an ACN icon at the lower right of the display.
TX Mode (Transceiver Mode)
The TX Mode basically works like the C-Jam Mode, with the difference that the
TX Master receives timecode and frame rate from an external source via cable.
Main use cases are playback situations (e.g. music video shootings).
To start the unit as TX Master press and hold Red , then tap
Power. As soon as the external source sends timecode, the TX Master will
broadcast it via ACN to all other Lockits. They will display an ACN icon at
the lower right of the display.
As soon as the external source stops sending timecode to the TX Master, the
timecode on all Lockits will freeze, and they will start flashing yellow. As
soon as the timecode starts running again, they’ll flash green again.
Note: to make the TX Mode work, all Lockit Devices must run on the latest
firmware. (7.xx)
ACN Receiving Mode
All Lockit devices that are jammed via a C-Jam or TX Master automatically switch to ACN Receiving Mode, indicated by the ACN logo in the lower right of the display.
Lockit devices in ACN Receiving Mode constantly follow the current C-Jam or TX
Master.
To power up just long-press Power.
Lockit devices that are powered up at a later point of time will automatically
switch to ACN Receiver Mode after having received a jam via ACN. Their time-
code and frame rate will be set accordingly.
Good to Know: Plug and Play Timecode
Instead of using the graphical menu of the Lockit (pressing
Red & Green simultaneously) – feed in timecode and frame rate
externally. Just plug one Lockit to the TC Out port of another device (e.g.
your sound recorder) and it’s automatically set and ready to sync – without
any additional apps.
Just plug the Lockit to the TC Out port of another device (e.g. your Sound
Recorder) and it will automatically take over time- code and frame rate.
This only works if no Single Jam has been sent – or a C-Jam / TX Master is
active in the ACN channel. Indicated by the LED flashing red and green
alternately.
If the device is already jammed and you attach an external time- code source,
you can enter the “Compare Screen”. This displays a potential timecode drift
between external source and your Lockit.
LockitToolbox
With the LockitToolbox you can define basic settings for your NanoLockit.
Choose your projectrate for your next shooting and assure all your NanoLockits
are running on the same ACN Channel.
Please check ambient.de/en/down- loads
for new firmware updates.
Firmware Updates are distributed via the LockitToolbox, available for
Windows or Mac OS.
Logging Feature
You can use your NanoLockit both as a Timecode Generator AND a Live Logger.
The goal of the Logging feature is to mark good and bad clips (or several
parts of a clip) directly on set. This can save loads of time in post-
production.
Logging basically works by pressing the green or the red button, meaning
“good” and “bad”. The Markers are locally stored on the NanoLockit as a
.markers file that can be downloaded via a USB connection to your computer.
The NanoLockit Logger Software for Windows or Mac OS enables you to download
your logs from the NanoLockit.
Please check ambient.de/en/downloads for
the latest version.
Learn more about the logging workflow in postproduction following this link:
https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001/articles/4415296890642-Logging-in-Post-
Production
To learn how to use the NanoLockit as a Logger on Set please read this FAQ
article: https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001/articles/
4415296799634-Logging-on-
Set
Powering
Your NanoLockit has an internal battery.
It will last up to 24h while shooting.
A small percentage of the battery is preserved to maintain the RTC (Real Time
Clock) while the NanoLockit is powered off.
RTC is used to start und set the internal generator timecode.
Useful Links
- Timecode Cable Guide https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001/articles/4415083061650-Timecode-Cable-Guide
- ACN Technology https://ambient.de/en/acn-technology
- Ambient FAQs https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001
- LockitToolbox with Firmware Updates and Logger Software https://ambient.de/en/downloads
- Lockit Family Data Sheet – Compare Lockit Devices https://manuals.ambient.de/lockitfamily
Appendix
10.1 ACN Channel Frequencies
The ACN is designed to allow for friendly coexistence of different systems on the same channel. Still, equivalent ARRI remote focus equivalents listed to fur- ther help avoiding interferences. The default ACN Channel is 18.
ACN | ARRI EMIP WRS |
---|---|
Channel Center Frequency (MHz) | Channel |
11 2405 | |
12 2410 | 0 |
13 2415 | 1 |
14 2420 | |
15 2425 | |
16 2430 | 2 |
17 2435 | 3 |
18 2440 | |
19 2445 | |
20 2450 | 4 |
21 2455 | 5 |
22 2460 | |
23 2465 | |
24 2470 | 6 |
25 2475 | 7 |
26 2480 |
Learn more on https://ambient.de/en/acn-technology
Connector Pinouts
Blue ACN Connector
Accept LEMO FGG.0B.305 and compatible push-pull plugs.
Connectors carry TC in and out as per industry standard and ACN metadata.
ACN
1 GND
2 TC in
- ACN TX
- ACN RX
- TC out
Safety Instructions
For your own safety and trouble-free use, please carefully read through the
instructions below. Always keep a copy of these instructions and hand them out
with the unit to other users.
This unit is exclusively intended for indoor use. Keep it safe and away from
water, rain and humidity and dry under all conditions, even when powered off.
Clean gently with a slightly moistened cloth and never let water, detergents
or liquids of any kind get into the unit as this will imply the risk of short
circuits and electrical hazard.
Keep distant from sources of heat and never expose to direct sunlight. Ad-
missible ambience temperature for operation and storage is from +5° to +50°
Celsius. Power down before storing or shipping, detach external power sourc-
es, and, if applicable remove batteries.
Do not throw or expose to mechanical impact and keep it safe from hard
vibrations.
Only use genuine accessories such as cables antennae etc. which have been
included with the unit or supplied by an authorized dealer. Always observe
integrity and the pertinent compatibility with all units connected to.
Powering from external sources is exclusively limited to the use of LPS sourc-
es in compliance to part 2.5 of EN 60950-1 with correct polarity, voltage
range, and current rating. Disregarding recommended power requirements may
damage the product or even risk explosion of the internal backup cell or
inserted batteries.
Do not perform software updates in situations in which the integrity of mains
supply cannot be granted such as thunderstorms and remove connections from and
to all devices directly or in directly connected to mains.
When using the wireless connection, place it centrally and keep it distant
from sources of possible interference such as microwaves or electrical devices
with large metal surfaces. Only use the original external antenna directly and
firmly attached to the socket. Extension or use of 3rd party accessories is
not per- missible.
Never open the unit. Inappropriate and unauthorized access will void the
warranty and imply possible risk of harm to the user.
When disposing the unit, follow the legal requirements for recycling
electronic equipment.
Warranty
Ambient Recording GmbH warrants this product against defects in materi- als
and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail
purchase. This is a non-transferable limited warranty that extends only to the
original purchaser. Ambient Recording GmbH will repair or replace the
product at its discretion after evaluation at no charge. Warranty claims due
to severe service conditions will be addressed on an individual basis.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE. AMBIENT RECORDING
GMBH DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AMBIENT RECORDING
GMBH IS NOT RESPON- SIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARISING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
Because some jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitations set
forth above, they may not apply in all cases.
For all service, including warranty repair, please send the prodcut, along
with proof of purchase date to your retailer, or, if not applicable, to:
Ambient Recording GmbH Schleissheimer Str. 181 C
DE – 80797 Muenchen, Germany
Please obtain a return authorization through the contact form on our website
before sending in a unit.
Approvals
CE Conformity Statement:
Declaration of Conformity According to ISO/IEC Guide 22
Manufacturer’s Name:
Ambient Recording GmbH
Manufacturer’s Address:
Schleissheimer Str. 181 C, DE – 80797 Muenchen, Germany
declares that this product is in conformity with:
– EN 62368-1
– EN 300 328 V2.1.1
– EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2
– EN 301 489-3 V1.4.10
which is indicated and affirmed by the applied CE marking.
FCC Statement
The FCC requires that the following statements be included in this manual:
FCC § 15.19
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 interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.
Canada CNR-Gen Section 7.1.3
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.
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References
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