How to Sync ARRI AMIRA – Tutorial
Learn how to synchronize an ARRI AMIRA camera with an external generator.
Required gear:
- Arri Amira
- NanoLockit or Lockit
- Timecode Cables:
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| Lemo compatible 5-pin to BNC right angle | |
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| Lemo compatible 5-pin to BNC right angle (optional) |
This is a detailed tutorial video about how to timecode and Genlock synchronize an ARRI AMIRA camera with an external Lockit generator.
Direct link: How to Sync ARRI AMIRA cameras - Tutorial from Ambient Recording on YouTube.
The first step is to set up the Amira so that it continuously takes the lock of time code for synchronization. And of course, for timecode press the TC buttons. Start the process of changing the project time base, go to project rate and again, project rate, and then choose the project time-based frame rate in the dropdown menu.
Then go back into the timecode menu, choose options and switch the run mode to free run. Then change the mode to Regen so the camera continuously reads the external time code.
Now change the Cal mode to non drop frame, unless of course the production company specifically asks for it and then complete the timecode settings by selecting the time code in within the BNC mode.
So now we'll focus on setting up the gen lock sync on the Amira, go back to the home screen. And then the main menu here we jump into the system settings, select sensor, and then scroll down to gen lock in this menu. We can enable the gen like sink input gen lock or timecode.
These options are available with firmware 3.0 and higher. We recommend using the time code in this tells the camera to sync the sensor to the incoming time code. So only one cable is required and you can disable the sync output on your locket, saving a lot of battery life. This completes the camera portion of the setup. So the aria mirror is now ready and waiting for the incoming timecode signal. So let's move on and set up the locket box. When you start an ambient locket from factory default, it will always boot on jammed in internal time code mode with sync switched off. So the first thing we should decide is the running mode of the locket internal time code is used. If you just want to jam St the lockets without ACN continuous jam or CGM is used. If you want to use the ACN for zero drift wireless synchronization and TRX is used for wireless record run time code setups. We want to use the C-Jam being the most convenient and accurate mode for time code without gen lock. We go to the timecode menu to choose our project time based frame rate. As we switched the sensor sync of the Mira to external time code, we can switch off the sync generator to the locket to save battery, to do so go to the sink menu, dial off and apply.
Since we're using the CGM mode, the ACN is already enabled and working per factory default on channel 18. If for some reason you want to work on a different channel or use some of the features in the extended menu, jump into the ACN menu and set up the ACN network as required. Finally, we need to GM sync our lockboxes. This can be done the old way via cable from our time code master source. If you're using the internal timecode mode, of course, you should make sure that the source is jammed correctly. First with continuous jam, you can use any ACN devices timecode master. As you get started, simply jam the master or manually edit the start time code. Then go to the ACN menu, jump to the sync menu and start the CGM broadcast. You'll get immediate feedback on how many ACN devices were jammed successfully. Although you can use any ACN devices master, we want to use the master, lock it to wireless wirelessly jam St. Call units. Thanks to the web interface. This device offers powerful visual feedback and direct control of all ACN devices in our network to access the web interface, open the browser of any device connected to the wifi of the master and go to the domain master lock@dotlocalortentozero.zero.one.
Now go to the timecode tab and change the frame rate of the unit to the project time base by clicking the pencil and choosing from the dropdown menu and apply type in the required start value, or simply use the time of day from your device check to make sure the master is set to the same ACN channel as the other lock devices, and then hit the start CGM button within a few seconds. All your ACN devices should appear green on the screen, ready for naming and displaying the battery status and current frame rate. Now we're ready to connect our sync, lock it to the mirror camera, the yellow timecode and gen indicator should change to white. The exclamation mark in the upper left corner should disappear and the time code should begin running in the timecode menu. When your system is sinked like this, your camera's will run for an entire shooting day without drift. Additionally, we strongly recommend that you check the synchronization of your system to avoid any issues.