LANC / SMPTE time code interface
The RECORDER USGH software can decode LANC and
SMPTE time code information that is fed into the
UltraSoundGate digital inputs (DIN). To enable the time
code signal detection / decoding mechanism, the option
Show time code on the Configuration dialog box must be
checked:
Once a valid LANC or SMTPE signal is detected on one of
the DIN inputs, a time code display will be launched:
In case the software cannot extract a meaningful time
stamp stream, a TC ERROR message is displayed:
Interfacing to LANC Time Code
LANC (RS232, 9600 boud) time code information was
available on a number of MiniDV (tape-based) SONY and
Canon camcorders that is no longer available on the new
file-based products. The LANC signal is usually a 2.5mm
stereo TRS jack (or in newer models a 10-pin A/V terminal
jack, which requires an appropriate adapter cable) that
can be connected to a USG DIN socket by using a
custom-made interface cable that has a 3-pole 2.5 mm
TRS plug at one end (with the ring pin left unconnected )
and a 2-pole 2.5 mm TS plug at the other end. Such a
cable is available from Avisoft Bioacoustics (part# 40122).
Interfacing to SMPTE Time Code
SMPTE time code signals are provided by a number of
SMPTE time code generators, such as the model HORITA
PG-2100 or TG-50/TG-50P. The output signal of these
devices is an AC-coupled signal that is originally intended
for recording onto an analog audio input channel. It is
therefore required to convert this AC-coupled signal to the
open-collector DIN input of the UltraSoundGate. A suited
adapter cable with integrated amplifier is available from
Avisoft Bioacoustics (part# 40123.)
The recorded time code can also be played from within
the Avisoft-SASLab Pro software through a common
soundcard or audio interface, which can be set up by
activating the option File/Advanced playback
options/Route UltraSoundGate DIO track (LTC) to the right
playback channel.
If activated, an UltraSoundGate DIO track containing
linear time code (LTC) will be routed to the right channel of
the playback device, which will enable synchronization
with suited video playback equipment.
On multichannel .wav files, the
channel
containing the
time code must be selected from the command
Analyze/Time axis format… (activate the option “
absolute
clock time
” and select “
SMPTE time code on USG DI
(LSB)
”). In addition to that, one of the following
“
multichannel mode”
(mono output) options must be
selected from the command File/Playback settings…: :”1
of N”, “SUM” or “SUM mix”.
