| Why do I need a Timecode Buddy: tx unit? |
If you want to transmit timecode wirelessly from one source to another (i.e. from a camera to a sound recorder) then you need an RF transmitter. You can use a Timecode Buddy: tx as a cost effective transmitter or you could use another Buddy: wifi master as a transmitter instead (the Timecode Buddy: wifi master can be a transmitter or receiver). The 'receiving end' always has to be a Timecode Buddy: wifi master unit, set to RF or RF continuous mode.
Take a look at the In Action pages to see how this works in various scenarios. |
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| How do I open the battery compartment on a Timecode Buddy: wifi master? |
| The battery caddy is the blue section. Just squeeze together the edge of the 'ribbed' section on both sides with your thumb and forefinger, and slowly pull in the opposite direction to the aluminium spine. |
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| What is the distance range of the RF datalink? |
The CE approved model has an approximate line of sight range of 150-200 metres. The FCC approved model has an approximate line of sight range of 100-150 metres (300-450 yards). This is due to FCC regulations on radiated power allowed.
Read our product specification pages for more detailed information on the features of the Timecode Buddy range. |
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| What is the range of the WiFi? |
| It is fairly similar to a standard 2.4GHz b/g router with an internal antenna. A line of sight range of around 35 metres or 100 feet. |
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| When I try and update my Timecode Buddy: wifi master is sometimes says 'Timed Out'? |
Don’t worry, just press the 'check for update' menu option again. It will either say 'no update required' or it will continue to load the new program components.
The WiFi module connection routines to an internet infrastructure network are very fussy and quite often need a helping hand. We are working on trying to smooth out the update routines but a lot of it is hidden deep in the chip manufacturer’s base code routines. |
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| Occasionally when trying to update my wifi master the LCD display flashes without text? |
| Just unplug the power and try again. Rest assured, the original version of the program will not be overwritten until the whole of the new version has been checked for integrity. |
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| Can I use the wifi master alongside my SD CL-WiFi? |
| Yes, no problem. We have tested this out with the Timecode Buddy: wifi master touching the antenna of the CL WiFi module. There were no effects to the range of both devices. |
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| Can I intergrate a wifi master on Internal Gen mode with Ambient Lockit Boxes or Deneckes on set? |
| Yes. The Timecode Buddy: wifi master can even be jammed off the 5 pin lead of the Ambient master controller unit if need be. The advantage of having at least one Timecode Buddy on set is that you will then have wifi timecode for all the production to share for logging and slating. |
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| What AA battery life can I expect from a Timecode Buddy: wifi master? |
Worst case is when the WiFi is turned ON, RF is turned ON and backlight is turned ON. In this mode you should achieve 5.5-6 hours from AA Alkaline Procells, 8.5-9 hours from rechargeable AA 2500mAH and 11-12 hours from AA Lithium cells.
If the WiFi is turned off you can expect in excess of double these figures. |
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| Can the wifi master be used on a 3D camera rig? |
| Yes it can with v5.04 and above. The unit has dual buffered timecode outputs - one from the BNC and one from the 5 pin LEMO connector. In the SYSTEM menu there is a HIGH LEVEL GENLOCK option. This presents the correct voltage signal into a 37.5Ohm load, allowing for a BNC T-Piece to be inserted on the Genlock output to feed two cameras. |
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| Does the genlock output work ok on a RED camera? |
| Yes. We have optimised our Genlock levels and waveforms to work perfectly with RED cameras. Always use a Progressive Genlock signal into a RED, regardless of the camera project settings. |
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| I can't see the TCBuddy network SSID on my Android phone? |
| This issue has only just been highlighted to us and currently we have no idea why. The Timecode Buddy: web view works on Windows and OS X and obvously iOS, but we don't know why Android phones do not see it. We’ll update this when we work it out. |
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| The app keeps losing connection with my Buddy: wifi master? |
| Check in your WiFi Settings page that the Auto-Join button is ON for the TCBuddy network. Also make sure that you tell the iOS device to 'Ignore' other networks you don't want. |
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| What do the flashing dots mean on the app? |
When the app is properly connected to your Timecode Buddy: wifi master the dots should briefly flash once a second in time with the halo of the Timecode Buddy itself. The SSID (name) of your Buddy should be displayed in the top right of the screen.
If the dots are illuminated for most of the time and flash OFF briefly (i.e. reversed to normal), this means you have lost WiFi connection to your Timecode Buddy. The box on the top right will flash 'check WiFi'. Your timecode will start to drift as the app is now 'free running' and not getting sync from the Timecode Buddy. |
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| The coldshoe mount on the wifi master is getting in the way. |
| Just unscrew it and turn it around, it then slots in flush with the case to store it away. |
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| When I have my tx turned on and wifi master listening on the same channel I don't see the signal bar? |
| The Timecode Buddy: tx only transmits data when it has either running or stationary code fed into its BNC socket. As soon as you plug this in, you will see the signal strength bar pop up along with the Timecode readout on the Timecode Buddy: wifi master. |
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| Occasionally when I update my tx from the master, it starts counting up numbers next to 'e' top right of the LCD? |
This means your Timecode Buddy: tx is receiving error packets back from the Timecode Buddy: wifi master. Make sure another Timecode Buddy: tx or a second Timecode Buddy: wifi master is not on the same channel number.
Also try re-setting the Timecode Buddy: wifi master by removing the power and turning it back on. |
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| How do I update my tx unit? |
| Update your Timecode Buddy: wifi master first to make sure you have the latest firmware. Put your Timecode Buddy: wifi master into RF mode and select a channel/country and then put your Timecode Buddy: tx on the same channel/country. Press the knob, select settings, press 'check for update'. If one is available it will start to load. If it says 'no reply', then check the channel and try again. |
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| Can I use the Timecode Buddy: tx as a receiver on a camera? |
No. The Timecode Buddy: tx product is purely a 'transmitter' of timecode. It is actually a data transceiver though, this is how it can update its own firmware by communicating with a Timecode Buddy: wifi master.
The Timecode Buddy: wifi master always stores the latest Timecode Buddy: tx firmware in its memory. This ensures the Timecode Buddy: tx is also 'future proof', even though it does not have its own WiFi internet connection. |
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| What exactly do the two dots in the middle of the screen represent on the Timecode Buddy: app? |
If you are connected to a Timecode Buddy: wifi master (the name of the TCB should be shown in the box top right), and you are receiving 'Free Run' T/C then these two dots should flash for 1 frame duration every second.
If you are not sucessfully connected to a TCB, then these two dots will remain ON most of the time and briefly flash off once a second. At the same time as this the 'Check WiFi' message will apear in the box top right.
If you are connected to a Timecode Buddy: wifi master (the name of the TCB should be shown in the box top right), and you are receiving 'Stationary' T/C then the left dot will be permanently ON and the right dot will be permanently OFF. |
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