Tentacle Sync & Epic-W / I/O back

[Curtis boggs]

Hi Gang,

I'm trying to jam sync timecode into my Epic-W using a Tentacle Sync and I can't get the camera to see it.

Does anyone here have experience with this??

I have timecode set to "external" in camera, .. using the proper cable designed to go TO the camera, etc.


Thanks

Curtis

 

[Bob Gundu]

Is the tentacle set to send timecode and not receive?

 

[Hugh Scully]

It depends how you're using it. I have one and use it this way:

If you want to sync to a recorder here are the steps from the quickstart card. Start Tentacle in Red-Mode (JamSync). Briefly connect Tentacle with the right adapter cable to the TC source you would like to JamSync to (e.g. Sound Devices) - it will then switch automatically over to green mode.

So then you're jammed to the recorder. Hang it on the camera with the "right adapter cable." The one I have has a label on the cable pointing from the mini plug to the mini lemo in. They're one way cables. The camera TC will light on the monitor, then you're set.

If you use it this way, you have to make sure that you jam sync to the recorder every time you cycle power on the recorder - at least I do.

If you have > 1, you can sync set as master and sync all the others to it. Hope that helps

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

If it doesn't work you might have a bad sync port on your base expander. Mine worked fine for a year then I just had it fixed by Red recently

 

[Curtis boggs]

Thanks for the help,

Hugh, I have tried exactly what you mentioned but the TC on the camera does not light, also don't see the free run TC on the camera update.
It will be sync to a recorder / TC from the sound guy.

I have it set to send TC and want to send to the camera.

I also have a Zoom H5 I use for interviews that I would
like to send timecode to, so I would need another unit for that.

What are most people using that is reliable??

 

[Hugh Scully]

Cables maybe? Do you have a sync source recorder there to test? Did it sync (turn to green mode? ) If it's in green mode, and you tether it to the sync input, it should show up on the monitor TC.

 

[Curtis boggs]

Hugh,
I don't have a sync recorder to test, .. thinking about a zoom f4 but its too big the run&gun stuff i do.

The Tentacle has a flashing green but when i plug into camera i dont get the green TC on the monitor.

Red told me they have seen problems with these units so i may go to another tc box.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Mine have been solid on my weapon. I hope you get it worked out.

 

[Hugh Scully]

Sorry to hear it, Curtis. It has been working on my Scarlet Dragon without issues. If you have the RED output cable it should work. The only other thing I can think of is the setup done with the iOS app or on a computer. Just make sure the output is set to "line" and the framerates match.

It's frustrating. I was on a shoot last year where the sound mixer had a Denecke sync box and we couldn't get the TC indicator to light. Finally, we had to go, so I had to mount a scratch mic. Anyway, he emailed me afterwards and said that he had the level set lower, for another rig. I thnk he said Alexa.

Maybe check with who you bought it from. I got mine from Trew audio. They're really helpful over there.

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

Tentacles work great on weapon. Amazing system. Something is amiss

 

[Brendan H. Banks]

I have worked with multiple sound mixers who hook up a Tentacle sync to my Epic-W and Base I/O with no problems. I wonder if there is something else in the chain of communication that could be causing this issue. Is it possible to test the Tentacle with another camera to rule that out?

 

[Curtis boggs]

I'm with you guys, have heard many good things about them.

I'm gonna keep hunting this, .. I have not tried it on my Scarlet but I will tonight.
Also going to try resetting the TS on the computer instead of the Iphone app and double check line levels.

It's gotta be here someplace

Really thanks for the hep

Curtis

 

[Curtis boggs]

OK,

I tracked it down, faulty connector.

Got it to work but it's intermittent, .. have to plug and unplug the cable from the TS unit till it works.
But when it does work it will disconnect after a few seconds.

Tried on both my Epic and Scarlet with the same result.

I'm in contact with TS to resolve the issue.

Thank you for the help guys!!

Curtis

 

[Hugh Scully]

Cool, Curtis. Glad you were able to trouble shoot it.

 

[Curtis boggs]

Update on this issue, ..

the fine people at Tentacle sync exchanged the unit asap and the new unit works flawlessly !!

Easy Peasy, ..

curtis