FAQ for the Evertz 5600MSC System
Updated May 06, 2004References
Timecode
- There are two time code outputs. Which one do I use to drive my clocks?
- How many slave clocks can I drive from one time code output of the 5600MSC?
- What time code output combinations are possible from two XLR outputs?
- Will other equipment, such as a Leitch Master Clock system, be able to access the time from the 5600MSC using a modem?
- Is VITC available on all NTSC/PAL outputs?
Outputs
- Can the 5600MSC be used for both PAL and NTSC at the same time?
- Can the HDTV tri-level sync outputs be 1080i and 720p at the same time?
- What signal combinations are possible from the 6 BNC sync outputs?
- Is the DARS output locked to video?
- What tones are available on the audio test signal outputs?
- How can I use the NTP (Network Time Protocol) option to synchronise my house computers to local time?
- If accurate time can be obtained over the internet, what is the advantage of using the 5600MSC for this purpose?
Upgrading
Operation
Automatic Changeover
References
The 5600MSC can be referenced to GPS. If I want to use two Masters with an ACO, do I need two GPS receivers?
Two GPS receivers are recommended because this is the only way to achieve true redundancy. But If you really want to, you could use just one GPS receiver and have the second 5600MSC get its time information through the Synchro Cable, which is supplied to facilitate identical settings of two SPGs, by programming just one of them.
What other reference inputs can be used?
10MHz input for a high stability frequency reference. G/L input in case the 5600MSC needs to be locked to an external video reference. Optional modem for sourcing an external time reference via telephone line.
Can I use different antenna cable lengths with two Masters?
Yes, but there will be a phase difference which can be corrected in the 5600MSC. It is preferable to have both antenna cables the same length.
How close can I place the antennas?
They should be at least 15 feet apart.
Timecode
There are two time code outputs. Which one do I use to drive my clocks?
You can use either time code output, as long as it is programmed for 60Hz, 29.97Fps drop-frame or 25Fps.
How many slave clocks can I drive from one time code output of the 5600MSC?
The two time code outputs are low impedance and each can drive 100 or more high impedance clocks, as long as they have their own independent power sources.
What time code output combinations are possible from two XLR outputs?
- 60Hz and 29.97Fps drop frame
- 23.98Fps non-drop 29.97Fps non-drop
- UTC and Local Time (29.97Fps drop-frame or 25Fps)
- Local Time (or UTC) and advanced time to accommodate down stream delays
Will other equipment, such as a Leitch Master Clock system, be able to access the time from the 5600MSC using a modem?
Yes, as long as the modem option is fitted in the 5600MSC
Is VITC available on all NTSC/PAL outputs?
Yes. You can also turn VITC off or on for any desired output. Different times can be programmed on different outputs for different time zones.
Outputs
Can the 5600MSC be used for both PAL and NTSC at the same time?
Yes. Any number of the colour black outputs can be programmed for PAL. The rest could be NTSC and/or tri-level sync.
Can the HDTV tri-level sync outputs be 1080i and 720p at the same time?
Yes.
What signal combinations are possible from the 6 BNC sync outputs?
There are 3 internal frequency references. The 3 references have frequencies of 27MHz, 74.25MHz and 74.25MHz/1.001. Each of these oscillators may be assigned to each of two Banks of BNC outputs. There are 2 banks of 3 outputs each.
-
Bank 1 referenced to 27Mz
Any output NTSC or PAL -
Bank 1 referenced 27MHz and Bank 2 referenced to 74.25Mhz
Any outputs 1 - 3 NTSC or PAL; any outputs 4 - 6 HDTV 25Hz, 30Hz or 60Hz frame rate -
Bank 1 referenced to 74.25MHz and Bank 2 referenced to 74.25MHz/1.001
Any outputs 1 - 3 HDTV 25Hz, 30Hz or 60Hz; any output 4 - 6 HDTV 23.98Hz, 29.97Hz or 59.94Hz frame rates
e.g. for Example 3 - Six simultaneous outputs of 1080i/50, 1080i/60, 720p/60, 1080p/23.98, 1080i/59.94 and 720p/59.94
-
Bank 1 referenced to 27Mz
Is the DARS output locked to video?
Yes. It is locked to video and independently phaseable.
What tones are available on the audio test signal outputs?
The same source is used for analogue and AES/EBU tones. Available tones are 60, 100, 200, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 3000, and 6000Hz. They can be continuous, beep, or bell. The beep may be sine or square wave (Klaxon). The beep and bells have programmable duration, and start times. They may be programmed to start at a time of day, every hour or every minute. Up to 10 start times are available. These items can all be controlled from the front panel.
How can I use the NTP (Network Time Protocol) option to synchronise my house computers to local time?
The NTP option (+T) is now available for the 5600MSC. It is a factory installed option. The user can assign an IP address to the 5600MSC from the front panel. The 5600MSC is connected to the house computer network via the RJ45 Ethernet port and a network hub. Two modes of operation are supported. Broadcast Mode is where the 5600MSC broadcasts time information; Server Mode is where the 5600MSC responds to time requests from a computer. Windows XP and other operating systems, already include software which will interface with the 5600MSC. Other details regarding the use of NTP, may be found at www.ntp.org.
Note that your 5600MSC must be referenced to a high level time standard such as GPS or a modem time standard. If no reliable time standard is available, the NTP option will decline to provide time information.
If accurate time can be obtained over the internet, what is the advantage of using the 5600MSC for this purpose?
NTP RFC868 defines an accuracy of better than 1 second. This might be sufficient for many time clock applications, but it is not precise time and it cannot be used for video time code applications, as the video time code would change every time you resynchronised to an NTP server. In the 5600MSC, time code is always locked to the video.
Upgrading
Can I add a test signal generator option to the 56000MSC at a later date?
No. None of the hardware options are field upgradeable. The SDI or HDSDI test signal options can only be added by returning the 5600MSC to the factory.
Can the Modem Option be installed in the field?
The Modem option cannot be installed in the field. This option comprises a number of parts which are assembled onto the mother board and chassis at the time of manufacture.
How can I upgrade firmware in the 5600MSC?
The upgrade of the 5600MSC, test generators and and most all of its options, is easily accomplished via the RS232 port on the back of the unit, using a computer with a communications program. We recommend HyperTerminal.
Operation
The front control panel sometimes won't let me enter data. Why is that?
Probably the 5600MSC is either in the wrong mode or it is unable to operate in the requested format. e.g. You will not be able to enter a time or date if the input reference has been programmed for GPS. Also, you will not be able to program Output 2 for an HDTV format if Output 1 is already a composite analog format. If Outputs 1 - 3 are programmed for PAL or NTSC or both, you will have to use Outputs 4 - 6 for HDTV.
Automatic Changeover
Can the ACO be used for SDI or HDSDI video?
No. You need the 500ACO2-HD/SD to switch these signal types. e.g. digital test signals and digital black. This module can be accommodated in a stand-alone frame or the 3RU frame.
How do I route the NTP connections through the ACO?
You don't need to. Your computer system can be programmed to access the time from main and back up IP addresses. Use a network hub to access both 5600MSCs and assign them different addresses.
Can I use the 5600ACO with a couple of 5010 time code generators?
Yes the 5600ACO can be used with a pair of 5010's (with or without VITC or GPS). You will need to wire up appropriate cables to get the LTC from the 5010 into the respective AUX I/O 'D' connectors.
Can the 5600ACO be used for SDI or HDSDI video?
No. You need either the 5600ACO2 or the 500ACO2-HD/SD to switch these signal types (e.g. digital test signals and digital black). The 5600ACO2 is a 2RU product which is designed to switch all signals of two 5600MSCs fitted with all options, including HD and SD digital signals. The 500ACO2-HD/SD is a plug-in module which can be accommodated in a stand-alone frame, or the 3RU frame. It is designed to switch digital HD and SD signals.