Operating instructions

SMPTE Location Control and Synchronization
SMPTE is an acronym for the Society of Motion Picture and Television
Engineers. SMPTE time code is a standard digital coding technique for
identifying the location of an audio or video tape; coding is done in hours,
minutes, seconds and frames (24 frames/second for film or 30
frames/second for video). A time code generator is used to record the code
onto one track of the tape. A time code controller or locator can then read the
code from two or more tape machines, and, by also servo controlling the reel
motors of those machines, bring them to specific cue points. A time code
synchronizer further controls the capstan motors to keep both of the
machines running synchronously. These techniques can be used to obtain
more tracks of recording, to mix audio in sync with video or film images, to
make complex edits per user-selected programs, etc.
Contact Otari or local Otari dealers for the connectors necessary for the
connection (Otari part number CN225221 for EXT CLOCK or Otari part
number CN237323 for Parallel I/O).
The following are some of the synchronizers now available for use with the
MTR-90II. For further details on newly developed synchronizers and
interfaces, you can contact the manufacturer, Otari or local Otari dealers.
Manufacturers Type of Synchronizers Interface Information
ADAMS-SMITH WIDE BAND or TACH Page A-4
BTX TACH/SMPTE Page A-6
AUDIO KINETICS TACH Page A-7
EECO WIDEBAND Page A-8
CONVERGENCE TACH/SMPTE Not shown
SUGGESTIONS REGARDING INTERFACE OF THE MTR-90II TO A SMPTE BASED
SYNCHRONIZER OR CONSOLE AUTOMATION SYSTEM.
The following Steps should be performed whenever the MTR-90III is to be
interfaced with a SMPTE based system:
1. Turn on SW1-4 on the MTR-90 TRANSPORT CONTROL PCB Assembly.
RESULT: This allows the machine to output SMPTE code to the
synchronizer before the transport has reached operating speed.
2. Adjust the Tape Lifter Airpot so that the tape contacts the heads within
0.5–1.5 seconds when coming from fast wind to a Stop. (Refer to §5.8
on page 5-10 #5).
RESULT: This allows the machine to output SMPTE code to the
synchronizer immediately upon entering Play from Fast Wind.
3a. It may be necessary to turn on SW1-1 on the TRANSPORT CONTROL
PCB Assembly when using any wideband reader and most tach
pulse/SMPTE readers.
RESULT: This allows the audio signal to not be attenuated when the tape
lifters are defeated in fast wind. This lifter defeat is commonly used by
synchronizer manufacturers at 2 times play speed to recalculate the
SMPTE to tach pulse rate.
3b. Turn on SW4 on the BIAS CONTROL PCB Assembly.
RESULT: This bypasses the audio attenuation system, including the
attenuation of the audio while in fast wind even without the lifters
defeated.
NOTE: Refer to §2.2 on Pages 2-2, 3 and 4 for further information regarding
the location, function and settings of the switches above.
Appendix A
A - 2
October 1990
MTR-90III Operation and Maintenance Manual