520i

[Edlight]

Hello, I need to link my Starnd 520i to a sound system,

Let Me Explain, a few cues in our new show are required to be triggered off certain points in the music, music will either be on CD or MD,

 

Please explain how I can do this.

 

Thanks

[henny]

hi

 

if you want to use cd or md you will have to have music in mono to allow u to use one track for timecode and one for audio (unless you have a verry high end player that can kick out timecode)

 

simpley all you need to dop a pice of timecode on to the left channel (as audio , sample can be downloaded from http://www.showsage.com/SageIdeasPages/Techniques.html)

 

and feed the output of the left channel to the timecode in on your desk.

 

stick your music on the right and frrd t sound desk as normal

 

set your strand up to run off time code .(if in dout press the HELP key on the strand)

 

 

ian

[johnb]

The only audio format (excluding computer based systems) that I am aware of which actually uses timecode is DAT. This would give you stereo audio plus timecode output/chase.

 

One note on the side of this - DAT machines are now getting very hard to get hold of due to the main manufacturer of the tape transports deciding there was more money in the DV world and abandoning the DAT area. As a result there are almost no models available any more. I believe there is a Fostec D-15 that with chase/record/replay time code, but not generate internally, of the Sony 7040 which is the all singing all dnacing model with the price label to match the manufacturers!

[Edlight]

OK thanks, any one know how I set it up on my desk

[robloxley]

Does the 520 understand timecode in a sensible/useable way?

[Edlight]

No idea mate, I know however that it can work with time code.

[themadhippy]

erm cant you just watch the timer on the play back machine and hit the go button at the appropiate time?

[robloxley]

Without knowing the definition of 'a few' in the original post & the budget etc. etc. I'd go with that suggestion. Another way I've seen it done is to get the lighting desk to trigger the music: press go, timed sequence starts, contact closure output on desk starts CD playing at same time, hey presto!

Also I'm told the 520 will run from SMPTE & MIDI show control quite happily, never tried it personally.

[henny]

the 520 can eat timecode see below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

from the strand manule

 

SMPTE Time code events

 

This function is designed to match the lighting control needs of ‘themed environments’, where the requirement is for the playback of lighting shows synchronised to SMPTE audio or video time codes. The purpose of this CommuniquéPro function is to create a light show comprising SMPTE time-stamped events for use with the new electronics of 500 Series consoles, or a 510i Show Controller. The sequence of events is based on previously defined cues, effects, macros and submasters as described for GeniusPro and Lightpalette.

 

This section covers the following topics:

 

Event List

Time Code Format and Synchronisation

Event List Menu

Inserting and Deleting Events

Editing Event Labels, Cues and Commands

Selecting Events for Time Editing

Editing Timecodes

Moving or Copying Events with Time Edit Commands

Searching for Events Using Time Edit Commands

Timecode Event Playback Screen

Setting the Event Playback Start and Stop Time

Setting/Resetting the Internal SMPTE Clock

Stepping the Light Show Timing

Changes in SMPTE External Clock Input

 

 

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Event List

 

The Time Code Events feature is available when the [MORE], button is pressed and the {EVENT LIST} softkey is selected to display the Event List.

 

Up to 3000 events can be recorded against one light show, enabling triggering of up to 2000 cues and 2000 macros. The list shows the time code when each event will be triggered, together with an event label and optional cue and command references.

 

Use the level wheel to scan through the complete Event List one page at a time and the trackball to position the > marker over a particular event.

 

The Event List also shows the current state of the external/ internal SMPTE clock (EXTERNAL, OVERRIDE, NO CLOCK, INTERNAL or PAUSED) and the start and stop times of the event playback.

 

 

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Time Code Format and Synchronisation

 

The format of the external and internal SMPTE clock is as follows:

 

HH:MM:SS:FF where

 

HH = Hours (0-23)

MM =Minutes (0-59)

SS = Seconds (0-59)

FF = Frames per second (0-23, 0-24, 0-29 drop or 0-29 non-drop)

 

When the external SMPTE time code is running, the internal clock is automatically synchronized to it.

 

 

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Event List Menu

 

The Event List menu is displayed on the right-hand LCD and shows the range of events selected for time editing in the Event List.

If only one event is selected in the Event List the FIRST and LAST event numbers are the same. If no selection has been made in the Edit Times menu, FIRST and LAST are shown as 0, with the time code set at 00:00:00:00. Duplicate event times are shown with a trailing letter, e.g., 11:22:33:44a followed by 11:22:33:44b.

 

The following softkeys are available on the Event List Menu:

 

{DELETE EVENT} Refer to Inserting and Deleting Events

{INSERT EVENT} Refer to Inserting and Deleting Events

{RECORD CLOCK} Applies the current time to a selected event or creates a new event with the current time, if no event is selected

{LEARN EVENT} Records cues and commands in real time and stores the SMPTE timecode for each event. Press again to cancel.

{EDIT TIMES} Changes to Edit Times Menu

{PLAYBACK} Changes to Timecode Event Playback Menu.

 

 

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Inserting and Deleting Events

 

Events can be inserted in, or deleted from the Event List using the {INSERT EVENT} or {DELETE EVENT} softkeys on the Event List Menu.

 

{DELETE EVENT} Deletes the currently marked event on the Event List and renumbers all following events.

 

# {DELETE EVENT} [*] or # [THRU] # {DELETE EVENT} [*]

deletes a specific event or range of events. This action requires confirmation.

 

{INSERT EVENT} Inserts an event, at the current event time, after the currently marked event on the Event List and renumbers all following events.

 

# {INSERT EVENT} [*]

inserts the specified number of events.

Events are inserted at the currently marked event timecode. The inserted event is identified as having a duplicate timecode by a trailing letter, e.g., a,b, etc.). A maximum of nine duplicates are permitted for each timecode.

 

 

 

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Editing Event Labels, Cues and Commands

 

Event labels, cues and commands on the Event List can be added/edited as shown in the following examples

 

[TEXT] <up to 25 characters> [*]

Adds text to the currently marked event.

[TEXT] [*]

Clears text from the currently marked event

# [TEXT] <up to 25 characters> [*]

Adds text to the specified event number.

# [TEXT] [*]

Clears text from the specified event number.

# [CUE] [1] [0] [0] [.] [2] [*]

Assigns cue 100.2 to the specified event number.

# [CUE] [*]

Clears cue from the specified event number.

[CUE] [2] [.] [2] [*]

Adds cue 2.2 to currently marked event

[CUE] [*]

Clears cue from currently marked event number.

 

The following examples show how to assign commands to events. The command is automatically assigned to the first non-assigned command (CMD1 or CMD2), or will overwrite if already assigned.

 

# [FX] [1] [*]

Assigns effect 1 start to the specified event number.

# [FX] [-] [1] [*]

Assigns effect 1 stop to specified event number.

# [FX] [*]

Clears effect start.

# _{[2] [4] [*]}

_{Assigns sub 24 bump up to the specified event number.}

_{# [-] [2] [4] [*]}

_{Assigns sub 24 bump down to the specified event.}

_{# [*]}

_{Clears bump up command.}

_{# [MACRO] [2] [0] [0] [*]}

_{Assign macro 200 to the specified event number.}

_{# [MACRO] [*]}

_{Clears all macro commands in the specified event number.}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Selecting Events for Time Editing}

 

_{Events in the Event List can be selected for time editing as shown in the following examples:}

 

_{[1] [*] Select event number 1 for time editing. Displays > marker against event 1. Sets FIRST and LAST on Event List LCD to 1}

_{[2] [THRU] [5] [*] Selects and highlights event range 2 to 5 for time editing. Sets FIRST on Event List Menu to 2 and LAST to 5.}

_{[CLR] Cancels time editing event selection. Sets FIRST and LAST on Event List LCD to 0. Clears highlights.}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Editing Timecodes}

 

_{The Edit Times menu is accessed from the Event List Menu by selecting the {EDIT TIMES} softkey. This menu is used to edit the time codes in the Event List.}

 

_{Softkeys on the Edit Times Menu allow the event time codes of selected events to be set or edited as follows:}

 

_{{+HH} Adds one hour to all selected timecodes.}

_{{+MM} Adds one minute to all selected timecodes.}

_{{+SS} Adds one second to all selected timecodes.}

_{{+FF} Adds one frame to all selected timecodes.}

_{{+5FF} Adds five frames to all selected timecodes}

_{{BACK} Returns to the Event List LCD menu.}

 

_{When the [sHIFT] key is pressed the above keys change to decrement keys.}

 

_{Pressing the [TIME] key when the Edit Times Menu is displayed will display the word TIMECODE on the command line and changes the softkeys on the Edit Times Menu or Event List menu to the following:}

 

_{{:} Used as timecode field separator.}

_{{MOVE TO} Used to move the starting time of a range of timecodes.}

_{{COPY TO} Used to copy a range of events and specify a new starting timecode.}

_{{START} Used to set the playback start time}

_{{STOP} Used to set the playback stop time}

 

_{The following examples show the use of the command line and [TIME] key to edit timecodes in the event list.}

 

_{Key entry: [1] [THRU] [3] [TIME] [1] {:} [2] {:} [3] {:} [4] [*]}

_{Action: Sets event times 1 to 3 to 01:02:03:04}

_{Key entry: [TIME] [1] {:} [*]}

_{Action: Sets event times 1 to 3 to 01:??:??:?? (MM,SS,FF unchanged)}

_{Key entry: [TIME] {:} [2] [*]}

_{Action: Sets event times 1 to 3 to ??:02:??:?? (HH,SS,FF unchanged)}

_{Key Entry: [TIME] {:} {:} {:} [4] [*]}

_{Action: Set event times 1 to 3 to ??:??:??:04 (HH,MM,SS unchanged)}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Moving or Copying Events With Time Edit Commands}

 

_{This facility enables a block of events to be moved to a new start time, or repeated at a specific point in the show.}

 

_{If other events are timed to occur within the time range of the moved or copied block of events, they are merged together. If events occur at exactly the same time, they are set as duplicates (magenta background and trailing letter a,b)}

 

_{The following examples show moving and copying event blocks}

 

_{Key Entry: [2] [THRU] [5] [TIME] {MOVE TO} [1] {:} [2] {:} [3] {:} [4] [*]}

_{Action: Moves events 2 to 5 to a new starting time of 01:02:03:04. The original time span of the event range is preserved.}

_{Key Entry: [2] [THRU] [5] [TIME] {COPY TO} [1] {:} [2] {:} [3] {:} [4] [*]}

_{Action: Copies events 2 to 5 and repeats the events at the starting time of 01:02:03:04. The original time span of the event range is preserved.}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Searching for Events Using Time Edit Commands}

 

_{You can use the time edit command to search for the occurrence of an event at a specified time using the [GOTO] and [TIME] keys as follows:}

 

_{Key Entry: [GOTO] [TIME] [2] {:} [3] {:} [4] [*]}

_{Action: Select event timed to occur at exactly 02:03:04:05. Marker > positioned on event in Event List.}

 

_{If no event is timed to occur at the selected time, the next highest timed event is selected. If no events are timed to occur at, or after the selected time, the last event is displayed.}

 

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

 

_{Timecode Event Playback Screen}

 

_{The Timecode Events Playback Screen is part of the Live display and is shown when the {PLAYBACK} softkey is selected on the Events List Menu . The window, which may be displayed as a full screen, or together with the X Playbacks Screen, shows the same data as the Event List, but shows the current status of the timecode playback. The last actioned event is shown highlighted. The screen will automatically scroll to continuously display at least the current and next event.}

 

_{The window also shows the current time, source and status for the selected clock (internal or external), as follows:}

_{CLOCK: The current SMPTE time (internal or external)}

_{EXTERNAL: External SMPTE clock controlling events.}

_{OVERRIDE: Internal clock taken over control due to failure of external clock. (Clock Override enabled in Show Setup Screen)}

_{NO CLOCK: Internal clock unable to take control due to Clock Override being disabled in Show Setup Screen.}

_{INTERNAL: Internal SMPTE clock controlling events.}

_{*PAUSED*: Clock paused when {PAUSE CLOCK} softkey is pressed.}

_{nnf: Frames per second. 24f, 25f, 30df (drop) or 30f (non-drop). This value is set in the Frame Rate field of the Timecode Options window in the Show Setup Screen.}

_{SMPTE: Clock Type. (SMPTE or OFF). The SMPTE clock is selected as OFF or SMPTE in the Source field of the Timecode Options in the Show Setup Screen}

_{START: Timecode that clock must reach before playback is started.}

_{STOP: Timecode after which clock ceases to play events.}

 

_{Note: The time code source must be set to SMPTE at the Show Setup display before the internal or external clock can be used.}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Setting the Event Playback Start and Stop Time}

 

_{The following examples show how to set the event playback start and stop times. Playback start and stop times can be entered for the complete show, or can be set to the times of specific events, or a range of events as shown in the following examples:}

 

_{Key Entry: [TIME] {START} {:} {:} [1] [*]}

_{Action: Sets playback start time to 00:00:01:00}

_{Key Entry: [TIME] {STOP} [2] [0] {:} [0] {:} [0] {:} [0] [*]}

_{Action: Sets playback stop time to 20:00:00:00}

_{Key Entry: [1] [TIME] {START} [*]}

_{Action: Sets playback start time to event 1 time}

_{Key Entry: [1] [THRU] [3] [TIME] {START} [*]}

_{Action: Sets playback start and stop times to event 1 to 3 times.}

_{(Pressing the {STOP} softkeykey instead of the {START} softkey will have the same effect as above.)}

_{Key Entry: [TIME] {STOP} [*]}

_{Action: Sets playback stop time to 23:59:59:29}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Setting/Resetting the Internal SMPTE Clock}

 

_{When the clock is INTERNAL or *PAUSED*, the {SET CLOCK} softkey may be used to display alternative softkeys used to increment, decrement or reset the internal clock. As follows:}

 

_{{+HH} Add one hour to the internal clock time.}

_{{+MM} Add one minute to the internal clock time.}

_{{+SS} Add one second to the internal clock time.}

_{{+FF} Add one frame to the internal clock time.}

_{{+5FF} Add 5 frames to the internal clock time.}

_{{BACK} Return to the Events List.}

_{[sHIFT] + {-HH} Subtract one hour from the internal clock time.}

_{[sHIFT] + {-MM} Subtract one minute from internal clock time.}

_{[sHIFT] + {-FF} Subtract one frame from the internal clock time.}

_{[sHIFT] + {-5FF} Subtract 5 frames from the internal clock time.}

_{[sHIFT] + {RESET TIME} Reset internal clock to 00:00:00:00}

 

_{With the Timecode Event Playback Window displayed, pressing the [TIME] key allows the internal SMPTE clock to be set manually, as follows:}

_{[TIME] [2] [:] [3] [:] [4] [:] [5] [*] Sets clock to 2:3:4:5}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Stepping the Light Show Timing}

 

_{Selecting {PAUSE CLOCK} stops the internal or external clock at the time of the last triggered event. Pressing {STEP} will manually trigger the next event and select the following event ready for the next {STEP}. Alternatively, with {PAUSE CLOCK} selected the operator may move the < marker to a different event using the [sHIFT] key and the softkeys displayed on the Timecode Event Playback Menu, as follows:}

 

_{{LAST} Sets the < marker and clock time to the last event.}

_{{NEXT} Sets the < marker and clock time to the next event.}

_{{BEGIN LIST} Sets the < marker and clock time to the first event on the list.}

_{{END LIST} Sets the marker and clock time to the last event on the list.}

 

_{The following softkeys clear any incomplete commands:}

 

_{{UNBUMP ALL} Unbumps any bumped submasters.}

_{{STOP FX} Stops all running effects}

 

 

_{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

 

 

_{Changes in External SMPTE Clock Input}

_{If the external clock stops and then restarts, or jumps to more than one second forward or back from the next expected time code, the following actions are taken:}

 

 

_{The next event due to trigger is changed to be the one at, or after the new time code.}

_{If tracking is enabled at setup, the event prior to the new time is triggered to set the same lighting state as if that event had been reached before the time code interruption.If tracking is disabled, the prior event is not triggered. Cues and effects run from events triggered in this way are run using the setup Cut time, not their recorded time, i.e., as if by CUE n CUT or GOTO n *.}

[Bryson]

All the shows I do onboard the ship are timecoded - admittedly on a Hog and an Expression, but the principle remains.

 

What I'm not sure about is how to record some timecode onto one side of your CD or MD (We use multitrack HD recorders and the office send us them with the timecode already generated.) Perhaps someone more sound-like could help us out here? If you care about stereo then you'll need some kind of multi-track solution. Not sure if MD compression affects SMPTE timecode so CD is probably better.

 

Beyond that it's very simple - you'll need a bit of pre-roll (ie: a bit of the CD that has no music, just Tcode) to check that you're properly "locked" with the timecode and then it'll fire itself at the times you've specified.

 

PM for extra advice.

 

EDIT: Looks like Henny has already shown you how to get timecode onto one track.

[henny]

ive not tried this but if you run the whoel proccess backwords using the desk to spew timecode , the record it on to md or whatever ,

 

only thing is not shore if 520 can spew timecode?

 

henny

[James]

Not sure if MD compression affects SMPTE timecode so CD is probably better.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I've run timecode from MD before, when I wanted to run a SSAR on the cheep without a timecode source. I just recorded 10 minuites of TOD and everything worked fine.

 

James