Machine Control Question

[Vedat]

Hi folks. We have been using Microlynx for laybacks to Digi.
But we just purchased the Machine Control option with the serial to RS422 adapter.
System is 8.0.4 HD2. Pro Control

Here's the problem.
Pro Tools controls the deck fine and deck transport lights on PT go solid once there is lock. And Pro Tools time line chases deck when in deck transport mode.
But switching to Pro Tools transport, there's no lock. Says waiting for sync.

I can see the incoming TC rolling in the session setup window. But PT does not lock up to it.
PT clocks to house black via Microlynx conversion.

I would assume that PT isn't seeing the TC coming back from the Machine, but it is rolling in the session setup.

What gives?

[Craig F]

it's been a few years but I think there is a Pro Tools chases TC in remote mode option that needs to be checked (or there was in 7.x)

[Vedat]

I have to check that..

Funny thing is PT looks like it's in playback. Timeline moves, but online and playback buttons are flashing and no audio can be heard.

[the dude]

feel free to email me I maybe able to help

[hummerZ]

double check your timecode rate settings.

[Vedat]

By the looks of it, since PT8, the only way for PT to chase serial TC, which is what the Machine Control provides, is to hook up a SYNC I/O.

Apparently in PT7, you didn't need to have SYNC I/O to enable this.

Please someone tell me this is not true.

[Bob Brown]

The SYNC (USD, SYNC I/O, or SYNC HD) has always been required to chase 9-pin serial time code.

Are you sure you have the Pro Tools "online" button enabled? This is what tells Pro Tools to chase time code (MTC, LTC, or Serial TC).

When "transport = Pro Tools" is selected, the transport buttons directly drive the Pro Tools transport.

When "transport = machine" is selected, the transport buttons directly drive the 9-pin deck (VTR).

[Vedat]

Originally Posted by Bob Brown

The SYNC (USD, SYNC I/O, or SYNC HD) has always been required to chase 9-pin serial time code.

The Machine Control manual suggests that it can be used with a keyspan adapter. And the manual recommends using this adapter instead of SYNC I/O with linear decks. But the manual was written in the PT6 era.

Originally Posted by Machine Control Manual

If you are not using a SYNC I/O, you can use the included Serial Deck Control cable for Serial Deck Control mode.

Originally Posted by Bob Brown

Are you sure you have the Pro Tools "online" button enabled? This is what tells Pro Tools to chase time code (MTC, LTC, or Serial TC).

When "transport = Pro Tools" is selected, the transport buttons directly drive the Pro Tools transport.

When "transport = machine" is selected, the transport buttons directly drive the 9-pin deck (VTR).

No problem syncing with SYNC I/O. Just curious why we have to have SYNC I/O for this functionality.

[Bob Brown]

Ah, yes.

I see where the confusion comes in.

The Keyspan is an excellent device. This can be used for serial communication with a VTR/deck. The serial ports on the SYNC can also be used.

The chase serial time code option is only available with the use of the SYNC not because of the serial ports but because of other technical dependencies and the need of Video Reference from the SYNC.

[the dude]

yes the keyspan is best for OSX but a SYNC IO is required as stated previously as well as it also says in the machine control and SYNC IO manuals
the 2 9 pin connectors can be used but not supported with OSX
hence the Keyspan is best but it only receives serial TC when used in conjunction WITH a Sync IO

Quote:
Originally Posted by Machine Control Manual
If you are not using a SYNC I/O, you can use the included Serial Deck Control cable for Serial Deck Control mode.

this is only for transport control not locking to or chasing serial TC