[TC-1] Modes, Menu Reference & Timecode Sync
The three TC-1 modes plus every menu item, cable and wireless jam-sync, firmware updates, and Sidus Audio app control.
This guide is the full settings reference for the Timecode Box TC-1. It covers the three working modes, every menu item (FPS, Channel, Out Type, TC, BT, and General Settings), the ways to synchronize your units by cable and wirelessly, firmware updates, and control from the Sidus Audio app.
Mode Selection
Rotate the Function Control Wheel to select the mode, then short-press to set the desired working mode. There are three modes:
- Master Run: the TC-1 wirelessly outputs timecode to other TC-1 units in the same group, in either Auto Jam mode or Jam Once And Lock mode. It can also be jam-synced over a 3.5mm cable.
- Auto Jam: the TC-1 waits to be jam-synced by an external timecode source. The system default mode is Auto Jam.
- Jam Once And Lock: the TC-1 locks after being synced once. It will then not follow any commands from the master TC-1 or the Sidus Audio app. You need to change the mode to unlock.
FPS Setting
Open FPS to set the frame rate for your timecode: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF, 30. DF stands for drop frame. The system default frame rate is 25. Set a frame rate that matches your recording device in advance so the TC-1 can feed each device with recording timecode.
Channel Setting
If you do not have a mobile device at hand, you can synchronize TC-1 units with each other over wireless sync technology as long as they share the same Channel setting. Channels run from A group through H group. The system default channel is group A.
Out Type Setting
Based on the TC-1 mode and the camera or audio recorder you connect to, select the correct output type of timecode.
| Out Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| L-IN | Requires Line level timecode input. |
| L-OUT | Outputs Line level timecode. |
| A-OUT | Outputs MIC level timecode to a DSLR device. Timecode is recorded as an audio signal on one audio track. |
TC Setting
When the TC-1 working mode is set to Master Run, there are three options for TC setting:
- SYNC: feeds timecode to other devices.
- SET: feeds timecode to other devices starting from 00:00:00:00 or any custom timecode starting point.
- EXT: the TC-1 can detect and be jam-synced by an external timecode source through the 3.5mm jack.
BT Setting
Open BT to turn the Bluetooth function on or off. Bluetooth is disabled by default. Select RESET and then YES to reset the Bluetooth. A SUCCESS message indicates that the reset is complete.
General Settings
DID (Deity ID)
Enter DID to set a new device name by short-pressing the control wheel. Choosing different names for each TC-1 helps you identify individual units in the monitoring screen of the Sidus Audio app.
SCREEN
Enter SCREEN to set the lock screen time. The default is 15S. The options are Never, 15S, 30S, 60S. After first use, the TC-1 will boot with your last screen lock setting.
SYS RESET
Enter SYS RESET to reset the system and restore the default settings.
FIRMWARE
Enter FIRMWARE to see which firmware version your TC-1 is running. Rotate the Function Control Wheel to view the MAC address of your TC-1.
UPDATE
See the Firmware Update section below.
Timecode Synchronization
The TC-1 uses a precision oscillator that generates timecode with a high degree of accuracy (approximately less than 1 frame per 48 hours). We recommend feeding every recording device with the timecode from a TC-1 to ensure frame accuracy for the entire shoot.
Cable Jam Sync
You can use the included 3.5mm cable or a suitable adapter cable to jam the TC-1 to an external timecode source. Set the TC-1 mode to Auto Jam or Jam Once And Lock and set the out type as L-IN. When connected to the 3.5mm cable, the TC-1 automatically detects and takes over the incoming frame rate and timecode immediately on jam-sync.
Wireless Master Sync
If you do not have a mobile device at hand, you can synchronize TC-1 units with each other over wireless master sync. Start one TC-1 in Master Run mode and set all other units to Auto Jam or Jam Once And Lock. Set all units to the same Channel (a group, for instance). Enter the master unit's TC setting and select SYNC to perform the wireless master sync, using the timecode that the master TC-1 is running. All TC-1 units will synchronize within a few seconds. You can also select SET to synchronize timecode starting out from 00:00:00:00 or a custom starting point.
Jam Sync from an External Source in Master Run
During Master Run mode, the TC-1 can also be jam-synced by an external timecode source or another TC-1 over the 3.5mm cable. Set the TC-1 mode to Master Run, enter the TC setting, select the EXT option, and the TC-1 will detect the external timecode and frame rate automatically. Press the Function Control Wheel to select Jam and synchronize to the external timecode source.
Wireless Sync via Sidus Audio
The Sidus Audio app lets you wirelessly sync a number of TC-1 units over Bluetooth (tested with more than 20 units). You can synchronize, monitor, set up, perform firmware updates, and change basic parameters such as timecode, frame rate, device name, out type, and TOD (Time of Day) timecode. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile device and on the TC-1.
- Open Sidus Audio on your mobile device and add all TC-1 units to the monitoring list. Use the DID setting to give individual device names so you can identify units more easily.
- Tap Set Up and a window pops up with a Sync All option. This synchronizes all TC-1 units to the master TC-1 timecode or the TOD timecode it fetches from the mobile device.
- Tap SYNC for each TC-1 to synchronize it to the master unit individually.
Firmware Update
You can update the firmware with a U disk (an exFAT or FAT32 USB flash drive). Download the latest update from the Deity website and place the firmware in the root directory of the U disk. Use the USB-C to USB-A Firmware Update Adapter to connect the U disk to the USB-C input port, select UPDATE from the menu, and update the firmware following the on-screen instructions. After the firmware update is completed, a SUCCESS message is displayed. The firmware version will reflect the update, and you can enter FIRMWARE in the General Settings menu to check. The TC-1 also supports firmware update via the Sidus Audio OTA process.
Setup Sidus Audio App for iOS and Android
Download the Sidus Audio app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store to enhance the functionality of the TC-1. For a full walkthrough of the app, see [Sidus Audio] Introduction.