Note: You are reading this message either because you can not see our css files, or because you do not have a standards-compliant browser (such as Mozilla Firebird (all platforms), Safari (Mac OS X), iCab (Mac OS 9), or Explorer 5 or above). You would enjoy our site a lot more if you did, but that is up to you.
The OriginCplus (OC+) is a six hour master clock designed to be used as a timecode initialization tool as well as a timecode comparator. This clock will function with any 16 or 35mm camera that is AatonCode capable, as well as any timecode audio recorder, slate or other ancillary timecode device.
Learning the Main Keys
Programming the OC+ at the beginning of the day is a simple and straightforward
procedure if you learn the functions of the main keys:
# used to turn the unit on and scroll through timecode settings. Also used to escape from SMPTE generator mode (by holding for three seconds) and to shut off clock (by holding for six seconds).
* used to initiate, send or receive ASCII timecode information and to monitor drift in AatonCode cameras.
*o these two keys pressed simultaneously are used to send or receive SMPTE timecode information and to monitor drift in standard SMPTE timecode devices.
back to top 
Setting the Clock
Programming the masterclock takes only a few moments; however, hesitating between inputs for more than 10 seconds will cause the OC+ to turn itself off, so be prepared to input the information quickly.
To turn the unit on, press # . The display will flash one digit at a time, prompting you to input the following information, in this order:
Production Number (up to six digits) - Day (01-31), Month (01-12), Year (00-99) - Hour (00-23), Minute (00-59), Second (00-59)
Use the keypad to input the desired numerics into each of the above fields.
Press # to scroll through to the next setting.
After all these fields are set as desired, press * to start the clock. The OC+ is now displaying AatonCode, which fundamentally contains SMPTE timecode information in the more versatile ASCII format.
back to top
Important Programming Points
The OC+ will display Good 00.0 after the timecode has been accepted by the camera. Likewise, the camera will display the timecode in its LCD window and the yellow LED on the side of the motor (XTRprod and later XTRplus and 35-III models only) will blink on the second.
If the camera is not powered or if the OC+ cable is faulty, the display on the OC+ will indicate no AnS (no answer).
There are basically two means by which the OC+ can communicate with audio recorders and other timecode devices; via SMPTE or ASCII. Here's how to tell the difference.
If you are using a Fostex PD-2, Fostex PD-4, HHB PDR1000TC audio recorder, or a Denecke slate without the aid of a GMT generator, then communication with the OC+ will be in SMPTE, the standard timecode format of these machines. If you are using a Nagra IVS-TC audio recorder, unless it has been upgraded with a QSIA (Aaton) board, then it too will communicate with OC+ in SMPTE.
If you choose to use a GMT generator to externally drive your audio recorder, then communication with the OC+ will be in ASCII. If you are using a Nagra IVS-TC audio recorder with a QSIA (Aaton) board, or an Ambient Recording slate, then they too will communicate with OC+ in ASCII.
Before You Begin
Before initializing timecode in the Fostex PD-2, PD-4, HHB PDR1000TC or Nagra IVS-TC audio recorders, it is most important to check the following specifics: Cables - The OC+ provides a Lemo5 male interface for timecode communication, while audio recorders will either use 3 pin XLR (US Fostex, early HHB units) or 5 pin Lemo connectors (later HHB PDR1000TC, Nagra units) for timecode in and out.
Make sure that you have the correct timecode adapter cables if an adaptation is necessary. Most often, this would be a Lemo5 fem to XLR3 in / XLR3 out Y cable . With some recorders, such as the Fostex PD-4, alternate Y cable wiring schemes are employed due to the recorders' low dB output and floating ground. For this reason, check with your Aaton representative or rental house in advance.
Free Run - Check that the recorder is set to free run.
Date Configuration - Check that the recorder's user bit date configuration matches the European / Aaton order; that is, Day / Month / Year. For more details, refer to the section entitled Date Integrity - "How Important Is It Really?"
Frame Rate - Depending on the desired film frame rate, check that the recorder is set to resolve at its correct rate.
The following are recommendations for the audio timcode resolving rates to use with specific film frame rates. For less common situations, consult your Aaton representative or transfer facility for advice.
Checking LTC Setting on the OC+
The following setting is only necessary when using "OC+" to communicate with a SMPTE device. When communicating with an ASCII device, like the camera and recorders with GMT, this setting is not relevant.
Before initializing a SMPTE device, check that the OC+ is set to supply SMPTE timecode at the audio frame rate you desire, as per the above chart. Most often, shooting 24 fps in the US, this setting would be 30. Therefore, we will use 30 for the purpose of these instructions:
This rate is set in the permanent memory of the OC+ and does not need to be reset when the unit is turned on and off.
There is another way of checking Ltc 30 which is somewhat quicker and does not involve the above procedure.
-Press *1 to convert AatonCode into SMPTE generator mode. The OC+ will display hours, minutes, seconds and running frames. Notice that the frame rate will momentarily hold on 30 to clearly indicate the Ltc frame rate selection. If the running code holds on either 24 or 25, use the aforementioned procedure to reset. -To reset the clock back to AatonCode mode, press # for 3 seconds until ESCAPE appears on the screen.
In order to initialize timecode into an audio recorder, it must be set to accept an external jam-syncing signal. Refer to your audio recorder's manual for more specific instructions.
If the correct set-up procedure is not followed, or if the OC+ cable is faulty, the display on the OC+ will indicate no AnS.
The following procedure should be followed when initializing a "Nagra" IVS-TC with QSIA (Aaton) circuit, or an audio recorder or other timecode device which is driven by a GMT. The procedure is identical to that of camera initialization. Before initializing timecode into a GMT that is driving an audio recorder, make sure the recorder is set to be receive external timecode. Refer to your audio recorder's manual for more specific instructions.
The OC+ will display Good 00.0 after the timecode has been accepted by the device. Likewise, the device will display the timecode in its LCD window.
If the GMT or audio device is not powered or if the OC+ cable is faulty, the display on the OC+ will indicate no AnS (no answer).
Once timecode has been initialized into camera(s) and sound recorder, accurate time will be individually maintained in each machine for approximately six hours. It is suggested, however, that new timecode from OC+ be re-initialized after two or three hours or as often as convenient, depending on the ppm accuracy of your audio recorders and any other timecode devices on set.
After initialization, the OC+ could be left on or off during production. Because the unit's internal 9V battery runs the unit for up to 150 hrs, we recommend to leave the unit on during the shoot for a visual reference and for the quickest drift monitoring possible.
If the OC+ is left on, as suggested above, the following procedure applies:
The OC+ will display Good , fair, bad, or dif-time (different time), followed by the amount of drift in tenths of a frame (see Drift Control section, which follows).
In this case, the OC+ is comparing the timecode of a particular machine to the code running on its own display.
- Follow the same procedure for each camera or sound recorder running Aatoncode.
back to top
If the OC+ is off, the following procedure applies:
The OC+ will display Good and begin counting time.
- Plug the OC+ into another timecode device. If it's another camera or GMT, press * to compare the time of the OC+ to the device. If it's a SMPTE device, press *0 to compare time.
In both cases, the OC+ will display Good , fair, bad, or dif-time, followed by the amount of drift in tenths of a frame (see Drift Control section, which follows)
In this case, the OC+ is comparing the running timecode in a particular machine to the code that was fed to its display from another machine.
- Follow the same procedure for all other timecode devices on set.
The OC+ will indicate whether or not two compared timecodes are within tolerance. Generally speaking, any time the display indicates a shift of more than 0.5 of a frame, it is necessary to re-initialize the machines. For example:
If the display reads Good, this means that the timecode drift is between 0.0 and 0.5 frames, and perfectly acceptable. If OC+ detects any drift, the clock will ask you if you want to send the monitored device a new time from OC+ by displaying the word Reload? To send the device new time from OC+, press * or *0 at this prompt.
If the display reads fair, this means that the timecode drift is between 0.5 and 1.5 frames. The same prompt will be displayed. Timecode should be re-initialized.
If the display reads bad, this means that the timecode drift is between 1.5 and 99 frames. The same prompt will be displayed. Timecode should be re-initialized.
If the display reads dif-time (different time), this means that the timecode discrepancy is over 99 frames. In this case, timecode should be re-initialized.
The "OC+" can also serve as a highly stable, low power SMPTE timecode generator for DAT, VTR and multitrack recording. In order to use the unit in this mode, set the time as normal, then press *1 for it to run as a SMPTE generator. Notice that the SMPTE frame rate selected (24, 25, or 30, under *4) can be detected, as the timecode will momentarily freeze on the appropriate 24, 25, or 30 frame rate.
In this mode, OC+ is designed to be left plugged into the device for which it is generating timecode. Before doing so, make sure the device is set to accept an external timecode.
=end=
^ back to top