Syncing 3 cameras

[Bakur]

Dear friends,

Sorry for maybe stupid question, that maybe was asked hundreds of times, but can someone explain, how can we sync 3 cameras and 2 audio recorders, and have single timecode on all five devices? Because, I am completely lost - Camera has only one port for timecode, and timecode generators have only maximum 2 ports (one in and one out).

 

[MichaelP]

Do you have a master clock that all other device can be jam synced to?

Michael

 

[Bakur]

Not right now. So we need to buy additional equipment and I just want to know , what to buy and how to connect.

 

[David Birdy]

Purchase the Denecke Time code box and jam sync each camera with the lemo to xlr cable or mini phono jack... This will insure each camera is running the same time code... I can make a cable if you need it!

Denecke also makes a time code box with video sync, (Black burst) if you are inter-cutting cameras and need a perfect video reference lock.

Info here

http://www.denecke.com/Products/tcgenerators/tcgenerators.htm#SB3

Dave

 

[Bakur]

But what I do not understand is, this device has only one output, how can I jamsync 3 cameras and 2 audio devices?

 

[MichaelP]

The device is the master clock and keeps running after you jam sync each device one after the other. They don't all need to be connected at the same time. I would recommend re-jamming every 2-4 hours to prevent any drift during the day.

Michael

 

[Noah Kadner]

Yeah I'd email the folks at Denecke- they are very cool and explain exactly how the process works with their gear. And it does work perfectly well with RED.

Noah

 

[Bakur]

Thanks a lot for the tip

 

[Bakur]

And one more question.

Ok, I jamsynced all cameras and devices once. How should I make cameras work simultaneously together with audio device (start and stop together I think).

 

[Bakur]

In case of cameras, it is easier (using USB cables - master/slave, I guess), but what about audio.

 

[Jonathan Cooper]

Timecode is a simple audio signal. You could always buy a audio distribution amplifier plug your master timecode into it and take your 6 outputs to the different devices.