Jam Sync Guide

A short guide I created for jamming timecode with common cameras. NOTE: This was an internal document and is based on my workflow. Use at your own risk.

General Timecode Practices

• Always make sure the frame rate on the camera matches the mixer.
• Still Important to clap or use a reference track. Always have a backup encase the timecode breaks or drifts.
• Re-Jam every 4–6 hours, if there is a battery change, or when the camera is powered off for more than a few minutes.

Sound Devices 633 Cables+Menu

633 Timecode connector

Sound Devices timecode LEMO/BNC, RED SYNC Timecode breakout cable, 5pin to 5pin LEMO coiled cable for Alexa.

Root menu. Timecode menu. Jam-Sync menu.

RED EPIC

QUICK GUIDE

1. Ensure matching framerates on mixer and camera.
2. Connect blue 5pin cable to the “TC” connector on the 633.
3. Connect 4pin black breakout cable to the “SYNC” port on the RED
4. Connect blue “TC OUTPUT” to the yellow BNC via male-to-male BNC adaptor.
5. Wait a few seconds and disconnect. The “TC” menu indicator will light green.
6. The camera is now jammed.

MENU SETTINGS

Make sure RED Timecode Source settings are set to “External Brain”
Menu → Settings → Project → Timecode Source → External Brain.

WARNING

Only use 633 cable labeled “out” for sending TC.
Only use the RED EPIC “Yellow” SYNC connector to receive TC.

RED EPIC back connectors.

Sound Devices TC cable “OUTPUT” connected by male-to-male BNC RED EPIC “SYNC” breakout cable.

(LEFT) RED EPIC MENU, (RIGHT) Green TC indicates successful jam.

Sony F3 or Canon C300

QUICK GUIDE

1. Ensure matching framerates on mixer and camera.
2. Connect the blue 5pin cable to the “TC” connector on the 633.
3. Connect the blue “TC OUTPUT” BNC connector on the other side to “TC IN” port on the back of the F3. Do not plug into the Ki Pro Mini.
4. Wait a few seconds and disconnect.
5. The camera is now jammed.

KiPro MINI SETTINGS

1. In the Config 8.1 menu, set “TC Input” to “Read from cam.”
2. Set time code to “Free Run.”
3. Make sure setting on KiPro match F3.
4. Port A on the F3 will output clean 422 and timecode.

TIP: A right angle BNC is required to fit cable past KiPro Recorder.

“TC OUTPUT” plug connect to the “TC IN” port on the F3.

Arri Alexa Jam Sync

QUICK GUIDE

1. Ensure matching framerates on mixer and camera.
2. Connect the black coiled 5pin-5pin LEMO connector to the 633.
3. Connect to the “TC” input on on the front right of the Alexa.
4. Push “Jam” on the 633 timecode menu.
   Menu → Timecode → 4. Jam Menu
5. Wait approximately 8x seconds. The timecode will stop blinking on the camera and the mixer will display “Jam successful” on the menu.

ALEXA MENU SETTINGS

Push the TC Button to see the timecode menu.
Source: Ext LTC
Mode: Free Run
Generator: Jam Sync

Alexa timecode menu and “TC” connector on right side of the camera.

Troubleshooting

Blinking Timecode — This means the camera is trying to jam. If it continues to blink there is a problem, usually frame rate mismatch (i.g. Cam set to 24fps, mixer set to 23.978fps) or the camera is set to regen mode. Another cause of blinking timecode is after a frame rate change.

TIP: press the Info button during the process and the camera will tell you if it’s jamming, jammed etc.

TIP: Use regen mode if you have a constant TC source (e.g. Lockit).

NOTE: In the current firmware the camera’s timecode display will read approximately 1 second behind actual timecode, (internal camera timecode is correct).

Created By: Brett Bittner.
I make short documentary films.
You can can see some of my work at brettjbittner.com.