Timecode converter with backup
The sound department runs the show from QLab (or a sound desk) and sends LTC. Your laser or lighting system wants Art-Net or MIDI Time Code. ShowTimeCoda sits in between and converts, with no media loaded, a backup source and freewheel in case a cable gets knocked.
Example setup, not a customer story. Check it with your own gear before a show.
You need
- An audio input on the ShowTimeCoda PC for the LTC feed (a USB interface's line input is ideal).
- Optionally a second timecode feed from the master as a backup, for example MIDI Time Code over a MIDI interface.
Steps
- Chase from LTC. Switch to Chase TC In. In Setup > Chase timecode in, choose LTC, the audio input and the channel that carries it. The chase bar shows LTC IN, the frame rate and a level meter.
- Backup. Under Backup 1, choose the second feed (for example MIDI Time Code and its input). If the LTC stops, ShowTimeCoda switches to the backup at once and back again when the LTC returns.
- Freewheel. Switch it on, so a short dropout on every source doesn't stop the outputs.
- Outputs. Switch on Art-Net timecode (to the laser system) and MIDI Time Code or LTC out (to lighting). While chasing, they re-send the incoming timecode, each with its own offset. No cues are needed.
- Calibrate. LTC through an audio input arrives a little late. If the receivers run behind the master, add a small positive chase offset.
- Log it. In Setup > Timecode log, switch on the CSV log, so you can see afterwards exactly what came in and went out, and when a backup took over.
Settings at a glance
| Mode | Chase TC In, no cues |
|---|---|
| Source / Backup 1 | LTC / MIDI Time Code |
| Freewheel | On |
| Outputs | Art-Net timecode and MTC (or LTC); never send an output back to the input it came from |
| Log | On for the show |
Check before the show
- Pull the LTC cable during a run: the chase bar shows BACKUP and the receivers carry on.
- Stop the master: the outputs stop (or freewheel for the timeout and then stop).
- Art-Net in with Art-Net out is blocked on purpose, so use LTC or MTC as the input if Art-Net is an output.