FS-C Portable DTE Recorder User Guide Part Number: MANL-1038-04
LEGAL NOTICES THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL AND TRADE SECRET INFORMATION OF FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS AND ITS RECEIPT OR POSSESSION DOES NOT CONVEY ANY RIGHTS TO REPRODUCE OR DISCLOSE ITS CONTENTS, OR TO MANUFACTURE, USE, OR SELL ANYTHING THAT IT MAY DESCRIBE. USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
Contacting FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS: USA Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00PM (Central Time) Email: support@focusinfo.com Telephone: +1 763-398-1658 Fax: +1 763-571-7688 Address: Focus Enhancements, Inc. 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA. 95008 www.focusinfo.com EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) ii Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00PM Email: techsupport@como.
Regulations and Safety Focus Enhancements, Inc. 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA. 95008 Model Number: FS-C Date of Manufacture: Reference the Serial Number label attached to the unit. Serial Number The serial number for this equipment is located on the back of the unit. Please write this serial number on the enclosed warranty card and keep it in a secure area. FCC Class B This product satisfies FCC regulations when shielded cables and connectors are used to connect the unit to other equipment.
Symbol Used In the FS-C Unit This symbol indicates the presence of an uninsulated Dangerous Voltage within the product’s enclosure that may constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Symbols Used in This Documentation This symbol indicates important information that the User should read. This symbol indicates supplementary information about features, functions, or operations that may be of interest to the user.
Electrical Precautions Do Not Expose to Moisture Do not use this product near water or in an environment where it is exposed to dampness or there is the possibility of it getting wet. Do Not Remove Cover There are No User Serviceable Parts inside this unit. Servicing should be done by qualified service personnel. ON / OFF Switch in Stand-By Position The On/Off switch Does Not Separate the Unit From the Main Power when it is in the stand-by position.
• Non-Use Period During extended periods when the device is not used, unplug it from the power source and retract the power-cord. Grounding or Polarization • Polarized If this product is equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other), it will fit into the outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug.
Lightning and Power Surges During electrical storms or when left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug the FS-C from the power source and disconnect the antenna or cable system. Power Lines Do not locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of overhead power lines, electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall onto such lines or circuits.
Accessories and Replacement Parts Use only attachments and accessories recommended by Focus Enhancements. Use only replacement parts specified by the Focus Enhancements or of comparable quality and characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitution of parts can result in fire, electrical shock, other hazards, and loss of warranty.
Table of Contents Introduction DTE Eliminates Pre-edit Processing Unpacking Features FS-C Features FS-C 2.
Table of Contents Powering the FS-C 20 Connecting the FS-C to AC Power 20 Installing / Removing the Battery Pack 21 Installing a Battery 21 Removing a Battery 21 Charging the Battery 22 Connecting a FS-C to a DV/HD Camcorder 23 Record and Playback with the FS-C 24 Power On the FS-C 24 Select HDD Recorder Mode 25 Select a DV/HD File Format 26 Set Time and Date 27 Record With the FS-C 29 Manual Recording 31 Creating a New File without Dropping Frames 31 Syncro Slave 32 Tapeless 33 Recording Timecode in the F
Table of Contents Retro Disk Record Mode Loop Record Saving Loop Record Clips Snap Record Time Lapse Record HDD Mode Screen Setting Up Master and Slave FS-C Format Screen DV Formats HD Format Screen Setup Screens Date Time Version LCD Light On, Off, Auto Alarm On, Off Stop Frame, Gray, No video EXT CTL OFF, Pause, Frame, File TIME CODE EXT, REC RUN, FREE RUN, REGEN TC SET UB SET TC DROP, NON-DROP HDV TC TYPE LCD CONTRAST Functions Screen Functions List LOCK/UNLK Assigning Clips to Reels Blank Utilities Scr
Table of Contents Diagnostic Status Reels Screen Placing a Clip in a Reel Using a Wired Remote Control Play Screen Play From Screen Control Screen LCD Display Symbols and Text 99 Technical Specifications 101 Physical Description Input/Outputs Power Audio/Video/Timecode Specification DTE File Formats Disk Information Log Files Error Messages Warranty Temperature Compatible Camcorders and Accessories xii 91 92 93 93 94 95 96 97 101 101 101 101 102 102 102 103 103 103 104 FS-C Portable DTE Recorder
Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Focus Enhancements’ FS-C portable direct-to-edit (DTE) disk recorder. The FS-C is the first portable DV/ HD disk recorder with DTE technology designed for hand held camcorders in a small, rugged and shock proof chassis.
Introduction Unpacking 2 3 1 7 5 6 4 Verify that the FS-C has the following items: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. FS-C unit Belt clip User guide Two Firewire cables Power cord Power supply with cable and connector to the FS-C Removable Li-Ion battery pack Missing or Damaged Components If there are missing or damaged items, contact Focus Enhancements Support for assistance. USA Email: support@focusinfo.com USA Telephone: +1 763-398-1658 EMEA Email: techsupport@como.
Introduction Features FS-C Features The FS-C offers the following features: • Tapeless acquisition Especially equipped camcorders permit the use of Direct To Edit (DTE) Technology to record directly from a camcorder while shooting and without the need of a tape. • True DTE Technology When shooting is finished, connect the FS-C to a computer and instantly be ready to edit in the timeline.
Introduction • Compact, Lightweight, Rugged Design The FS-C weighs approximately one pound including the battery and is only 1.5" thick. You can mount the FSC directly to your camcorder using the optional camera mount kit, or clip the FS-C directly to your belt. The FSC is designed to withstand the rigors of field shooting. The programmable, 10-second electronic shock cache ensures that your video is always recorded even in the roughest of conditions.
Introduction FS-C 2.0 upgrade features • QUICKTIME HD DTE format • MXF OPatom DV DTE format. • HD TC display and restripe capabilities.
6 FS-C Portable DTE Recorder
Quickstart This section provides the following information necessary for using the FS-C as quickly as possible. Physical Description and Basic Controls................................ 8 The FS-C Menu System ...................................................... 16 Connecting the FS-C to AC Power ..................................... 20 Installing / Removing the Battery Pack ............................... 21 Connecting a FS-C to a DV/HD Camcorder ........................
Quickstart Physical Description and Basic Controls Front Panel Controls LCD Display Function buttons A B C Navigation buttons Power ON and Reset Button Transport Control buttons Record Button Power OFF and Stop button Speaker LCD Display This is a backlit, 14 character by 7 line dot matrix display. In event of a mild electrical discharge to the unit the LCD could go blank. To correct, hold the SELECT button down for 5 seconds.
Quickstart Power On Button The Power ON button provides two functions. • Power ON Turn on the FS-C. • Reset FS-C • FS-C first must be powered on. • Hold down the Power On button for more than one second. • Power OFF Hold down the OFF button for three (3) seconds. During power off, the FS-C beeps, indicating that it is turning off. Alarm OFF If the Alarm feature is set to OFF, then the power-down sequence occurs silently. Navigation Buttons Use these buttons to navigate through the FS-C menus.
Quickstart Record Press this button once when the FS-C is in Stop mode to put the FS-C into REC-PAUSE. Press it again to start recording. Pressing the Record button while recording, causes the current clip to close and a new clip is created without dropping any frames. This button is the only button that has a red legend on the front panel. Back Search WW Press this button to play video at speeds different than real-time. Refer to the note in the Forward Search section.
Quickstart Back Index |WW This button returns the FS-C to the beginning of the current clip when in playback mode. Press this button twice in sequence to return the FS-C to the previous clip during playback. In STOP mode, press this button to return the FS-C to the beginning of the previous clip. Using Back Index with Short Clips When using Back Index with short clips, it is first necessary to place the FS-C in STOP mode.
Quickstart Top Panel The top panel contains the following connectors and LEDs: Camera (FireWire Connector) Remote Control (Serial Connector) Computer (FireWire Connector) Status LED Charge LED Charge LED States LED Indicates Off No Charger Connected Green Charging Cycle Completed Amber / Green Floating Charge Mode (Charging almost completed.) Amber Fast Charge Mode (Maximum charging rate.
Quickstart Computer FireWire Connector • • In/Out: 6-pin IEEE-1394a port x 1 Asynchronous Data I/O Remote Control, Serial Connector • • • GPI / RS232C; 3.5mm TRS mini jack. (3.5mm to DB-9 cable accessory available). Configure as a simple contact closure or RS-232C port. Connect an optional wired remote commander.
Quickstart Rear Panel The rear panel contains the following important items: Belt Clip Post Fan Intake Vent Do Not Block Battery Compartment Latch Battery Compartment Side Panel The side panel contains cooling vents as illustrated below.
Quickstart Bottom Panel The FS-C bottom panel features a single 2-pin DC power connector. Connect the supplied AC power adapter here. Internal Speaker DC Power Connector Cooling Vent Do Not Block Internal Speaker An internal speaker provides alarms and audible feedback. To disable the audible feedback, go to the Settings menu and select ALARM OFF. However, the power, temperature, and disk capacity alarms are always active.
Quickstart The FS-C Menu System The FS-C menu system provides access to all the functions available in the unit. Each of the screens below (except the Welcome and Home screens which come up automatically when the unit starts) are accessed by pressing the Left or Right navigation buttons. The functions of each of the selections on these screens is explained in more detail in FS-C Functions on page 49. Returning to the Top of Menu or Home screen To get to the top of any menu, press the Left button.
Quickstart • Reels Allows selected clips to be marked for placement in particular Reels Folders. • • • • • • • • • • • • R0 0 R1 1 R2 2 R3 3 R4 4 R5 5 R6 6 R7 7 R8 8 R9 9 NONE Utilities Contains the following disk and clip functions: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Organize Reel Organize OMF Organize MXF 2.0 upgrade only Organize PINN Delete Clip Format Repair Disk Repair Clip DV mode only File Name Upgrade System Reset Diagnostic Status Functions Contains user definable function button selections.
Quickstart • Setup Contains the controls for setting and reviewing the FS-C configuration: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Set Date (MM/DD/YY) Set Time (XX:XX:XX) View Firmware Version LCDLight ON LCDLight OFF LCDLight AUTO Alarm ON Alarm OFF Stop Frame DV mode only Stop Gray DV mode only Stop No Video EXT CTL OFF EXT CTL PAUSE EXT CTL FRAME DV mode only EXT CTL FILE TC EXT (external) TC REC RUN DV mode or 2.0 only TC FREE RUN DV mode or 2.0 only TC REGEN (regenerate) DV mode or 2.
Quickstart • DV or HD Formats Following HDD mode is a menu of formats available for the type recorder selected in HDD mode.
Quickstart Powering the FS-C • The FS-C operation without a battery installed. To operate the FS-C without a battery installed, connect the unit to an AC power source. • Before operating the FS-C with battery power. It is first necessary to fully charge the battery. An uncharged battery, typically takes 2-3 hours to charge. Connecting the FS-C to AC Power Attach the AC power cord to the FS-C (with or without battery installed). The FS-C is immediately ready for operation.
Quickstart Installing / Removing the Battery Pack Installing a Battery Battery Latch Hook Latch Slot Gently press DOWN while sliding battery pack FORWARD Latch Battery Pack Guides 1. Place the unit, so that the battery compartment is up. 2. Position the battery pack, as shown above, so that the latch hook is almost in the latch slot, and touching the floor of the battery compartment. 3. Slide the battery forward while gently pressing down. Feel the battery slide along guides and seat itself. 4.
Quickstart Charging the Battery The battery begins charging anytime it is connected to AC power using the AC adapter supplied with the FS-C. The charge LED lights when the FS-C is charging. For information on the charge LED, refer to the subsection Top Panel on page 12. Before the battery can be used it must charge until the battery status LED indicates the unit is fully charged (green). • The Charge LED on the top of the FS-C lights to show the battery is charging.
Quickstart Connecting a FS-C to a DV/HD Camcorder Before performing this procedure, make sure you have installed and charged the battery, see Installing / Removing the Battery Pack on page 21. 1. Connect the supplied Firewire cable to the “DV I/O” connector on the top of the FS-C. IEEE 1394 Cable 4-pin to 6-pin 2. Locate the FireWire/DV/iLink (or similar) connector on your video camera. It is located in different places depending upon the brand of camera.
Quickstart Record and Playback with the FS-C Before using the FS-C, set up the unit as outlined in the following sections: Power On the FS-C ............................................................. 24 Select HDD Recorder Mode ................................................ 25 Select a DV/HD File Format ................................................ 26 Set Time and Date .............................................................. 27 Record With the FS-C ............................................
Quickstart 2. The Welcome screen appears and displays while the The Home screen appears when the FS-C initializes. FS-C PORTABLE DTE RECORDER 3. The Home screen appears when the FS-C first powers up. For more details about this screen, Home Screen on page 51. STOP 1COUNTER 00:00:14:02 DISK 1 168 min REEL TAPE DISP LOCK Select HDD Recorder Mode 1. Press the Right navigation button two times until the HDD Mode display appears. HDD MODE -DV RECORDER HD RECORDER DD DRIVE USE EXT FS-C 2.
Quickstart Select a DV/HD File Format The formats displayed depend on the recorder mode selected in the previous step, for example DV RECORDER results in the following: DV FORMATS RAW DV -AVI TYPE1 AVI TYPE2 CANOPUS AVI 1. Use the Up and Down navigation buttons to select the DV file format that supports the preferred NLE system. A dash mark to the left of a list item indicates that it is the current selection. The default value is AVI Type 2.
Quickstart Set Time and Date Date and Time Must Be Set The date and time must be set because they are used in the FS-C file naming function. 1. Press the Right navigation button several times until the Setup display appears on the screen as shown below: SETUP 09 / 15 / 05 11 : 21 : 13 V 1 . 0. 0 -LCDLIGHT ON 2. Use the Down navigation button to highlight the date and press the Right navigation button to access the SET DATE screen. SET DATE 09 / 15 / 05 MM / DD / YY BACK 3.
Quickstart 5. Use the Down navigation button to select the time and press the Right navigation button. The following screen appears: SET TIME 11 : 21 : 13 HH : MM : SS BACK 6. Use the Up and Down navigation buttons to change the highlighted value. Use the Right and Left navigation buttons to highlight the Hour, Minute, and Second. (Time is indicated in 24hr. mode.) 7. Press the right-most Function button indicated as BACK on the screen. The new date appears on the SETUP screen.
Quickstart Record With the FS-C There are four modes of recording with the FS-C. • Manual Recording Control with the FS-C transport buttons. • Syncro Slave Use this mode with camcorders that do not have FS-C compatible external control or tapeless trigger functionality. In this mode, the FS-C watches the record status of the camcorder and replicates its actions. A tape must be in the camcorder for this mode to function.
Quickstart Do Not Disconnect Power or FireWire Cable Never disconnect the power or the FireWire cable during a recording. This will cause file corruption. Loss of Power During Recording If power is lost during recording it is possible to repair the damaged file or files, refer Repair Disk on page 86 to and Repair Clip DV Mode only on page 87.
Quickstart Manual Recording 1. Set the video camera to Camera or Cam mode. 2. Verify that an image appears in the viewfinder. 3. On the FS-C, press Record once. This sets the FS-C to Record-Pause mode. Record Stop (OFF) 4. On the FS-C, press Record button a second time. The FSC begins to record. The timecode value is displayed on the screen. 5. Press Stop (OFF) once to return the FS-C to Record-Pause mode. 6. Press Record same clip. 7. Press Stop 8.
Quickstart Syncro Slave CONTROL LOCAL -SYNCRO SLAVE AV / C TAPELESS This mode is for camcorders that do not have external control or the tapeless control functionality compatible with the FS-C. • Syncro Slave mode requires that a tape be in the camcorder for operation. • The FS-C must be set to Syncro Slave control mode. • In this mode, the FS-C watches the record state of the camcorder and follows its actions.
Quickstart Tapeless CONTROL LOCAL SYNCRO SLAVE AV / C -TAPELESS Use the Tapeless control mode with camcorders that are compatible with FS-C external control or tapeless operation capabilities. • When the FS-C is in Tapeless mode, an E displays along with the tape state, indicating that the unit is in Tapeless mode. • Use the camcorder’s REC button to Start and Stop the FSC tapeless recording. • The camcorder’s Tapeless control or tapeless trigger function must be enabled for this mode to work.
Quickstart Playback on the FS-C Verify that both the video camera and the FS-C are powered on and that they are connected together with the FireWire cable from the FS-C DV/IO port to the camcorder 1394 port. Feature Availability on PAL Cameras This feature is not available on some PAL cameras. 1. Set the video camera to VTR or playback mode. 2. Navigate to the video clip to preview, using the FS-C Left and Right transport control buttons.
FS-C Using with a Computer Once video clips are recorded to the FS-C it is possible to use those clips in most computer based DV/HD NLE systems. This section contains the following: Initial Setup ......................................................................... 36 Mounting the FS-C in Windows ........................................... 37 FS-C and FAT 32 ................................................................. 40 Using Avid OMF Clips (Required for DV mode only) ...........
FS-C Using with a Computer To move video files from the FS-C to a computer: • Connect the FS-C’s Computer I/O 1394 port directly to a computer with an active OHCI compliant IEEE-1394 FireWire port and the necessary FireWire disk drive drivers. For More Information Go to the FOCUS Enhancements' website (www.focusinfo.com) for more compatibility information. • Use the FS-C HDD Bypass mode, refer below for more information.
FS-C Using with a Computer Mounting the FS-C in Windows Use this procedure for Windows XP, 2000, 98SE and ME. 1. On a Windows-based computer system, double click the My Computer icon on the top left hand corner of the desktop. A directory window appears. 2. Locate the FS-C drive and open it. Often, it appears as a standard FireWire disk drive and may be labeled E:, F:, G:, and so on. 3. Open the FS-C disk icon. 4. Open the folder with the most recent date code.
FS-C Using with a Computer This folder may contain several different files. The video clips. can appear as: • RawDV (.dv) • AVI Type 1 - (YYYYMMDDHHMMSSa01) • AVI Type 2 or AVI Type 2 24p (YYYYMMDDHHMMSSb01) • Canopus AVI - (YYYYMMDD-HHMMSSb01) • Matrox AVI - (YYYYMMDD-HHMMSSm01 This file has a separate .wav audio file per track. • QuickTime or Quicktime 24p (.mov) • Pinnacle - (YYYYMMDD-HHMMSSp01 There are two separate .wav audio files per track. • Avid OMF (.omf ) OMF has two separate .
FS-C Using with a Computer HD Resolution and Frames • M2T and MOV filename format: YYYYMMDD-HHMMSSX01.m2t or .mov where the X is a letter indicating the resolution of the captured video file. The table below lists letters and associated resolutions. Not all HDV camcorders support these resolutions. X Resolution X Resolution d 720p, 23.976 fps * D 1080i, 23.976 fps b 720p, 24 fps * B 1080i, 24 fps c 720p, 25 fps C 1080i, 25 fps a 720p, 29.97 fps A 1080i, 29.
FS-C Using with a Computer FS-C and FAT 32 The FAT32 file system limits file size to a maximum of 2GB or approximately, 9 minutes of recording time.
FS-C Using with a Computer Using Avid OMF Clips (Required for DV mode only) These steps are required when using Avid OMF formatted clips. The Avid OMF file format was developed for use with Avid editing products on Windows 2000, Windows XP or Mac 0SX. These products include Avid Xpress Pro, NewsCutter, and Media Composer Adrenaline (with the DV option). The Avid OMF file format creates three files simultaneously; one OMF video file and two separate AIF audio files.
FS-C Using with a Computer To use a FS-C recorded Avid OMF file on an Avid NLE system, use the following procedure. ORGANIZE OMF Function If using the ORGANIZE OMF function on the FS-C before connecting it to a computer, steps 2 and 3 are not necessary 1. Locate and open the FS-C drive folder. 2. Create a new folder and name it OMFI MediaFiles. 3. To do this in Windows, select File>New>Folder . 4. To do this with Macintosh, select File>New Folder. Next, type OMFI MediaFiles. 5.
FS-C Using with a Computer 9. Locate and select the FS-C under Media Drive(s). If Drive Does Not Appear If the drive does not appear, check to make sure that the OMFI MediaFiles folder was created correctly with proper case and spacing.In addition, verify that the drive is properly connected and recognized by the computer. Under Project(s), select All Projects (This highlights all items in the Project(s) window). 10. Verify that Master Clips is checked and press OK.
FS-C Using with a Computer Dismounting the FS-C (Windows) When finished working with the FS-C and the computer, it is necessary to dismount FS-C from the system Dismount FS-C Before Powering Off It is important to dismount the FS-C from the Windows system BEFORE powering down the unit. To do dismount the FS-C: 1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon at the bottom right side of the Windows task bar as shown below. Unplug or Eject Hardware Icon (Safely Remove Hardware) 2.
FS-C Using with a Computer Mounting the FS-C (Macintosh) 1. Start the Mac computer and connect the FS-C’s COMPUTER I/O port to the computer using a standard 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. When mounted, the FS-C should appear on the computer's desktop as shown below: The FS-C appears as a FAT32 volume with a PC label. 2. Locate the FS-C on the desktop and open it up. 3. Open the folder with the most recent date code (for example, “20050127-110345-01”).
Dismounting the FS-C (Macintosh) When finished working with the FS-C and the Macintosh it is necessary to dismount the unit from the system. Dismount FS-C Before Powering Off It is important to dismount the FS-C from the Mac system BEFORE powering down the FS-C. To dismount the FS-C from a Mac: 1. Select the FS-C on the computer's desktop. It is marked with a PC symbol. 2. Drag the drive into the Trash or use the Eject button. This dismounts the particular disk drive. 3. It is now safe to remove the FS-C.
FS-C Using with a Computer Mounting Hardware Mounting FS-C to a Camcorder Mount the FS-C to your camcorder using the optional Camcorder Mount Kit (P/N ASYF-0849-01). For more information about this kit or to order it, contact Focus Enhancements: USA Email: support@focusinfo.com Telephone: +1 408 866 8300 Address: Focus Enhancements, Inc. 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA. 95008 www.focusinfo.com EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Email: techsupport@como.
FS-C Using with a Computer Clipping to a Belt Belt Mount Clip Front View Side View FS-C Belt Clip Post A belt mount clip is included with the FS-C. This mount is similar to those used with cellular telephones. Attach the belt mount to the belt clip post on the rear of the FS-C and push it down to lock it in position. The belt clip can ratchet to various positions when attached to a belt.
FS-C Functions This section contains information on the following LCD displays: General Screen Information ................................................ 50 Record Screens .................................................................. 55 HDD Mode Screen .............................................................. 60 Format Screen .................................................................... 63 HD Format Screen .............................................................. 64 Setup Screens ...
FS-C Functions General Screen Information The FS-C LCD displays are organized by function with each screen displaying a list of items. An item can be: • A value that can be set, such as the date. • A switch similar to a check box, that can be enabled along with other options in the display. • A switch similar to a radio button, that belongs to a family of options, in which only one can be active at any time. • A link to another display, which is indicated by a .
FS-C Functions Home Screen The Home screen is read only and has no navigable items. To leave the Home screen use either the Left or Right Navigation button. 2 1 11 12 10 STOP 1COUNTER 00:00:14:02 DISK 1 168 min REEL TAPE DISP LOCK 7 8 3 4 5 6 9 1. Current Function: Symbol and Description Refer to LCD Display Symbols and Text on page 99. 2. Volume Disk Number The volume number is always 1 unless multiple FS-C’s are connected, refer to USE EXT FS-C on page 61. 3.
FS-C Functions 10. Reel Display In Record or Playback modes, this item displays the particular REEL that a clip is located in or, has been marked to. If in PLAY FROM > REEL LIST mode, the REEL appears in brackets for example, [REEL]. This area is blank if NO REEL has been selected. 11. DISP information field that displays data type. 12. DISP information field that displays current data.
FS-C Functions 12 Displays the set user bit value in a particular clip. A user bit value must be added for this to display, refer to UB SET on page 72. 11 ABSOLUTE 12 Displays an absolute timecode value for the particular session: the sum of all COUNTER timecodes on connected volumes. Absolute is primarily used when setting the FS-C to AV/ C mode and controlling it with an external FireWire device, such as a computer.
FS-C Functions FS-C System Information Screens The FS-C automatically creates information screens to indicate conditions such as high temperature, power remaining, or drive capacity remaining. WARNING 5% POWER REMAINING OK Press OK to clear the screen and return to the last screen.
FS-C Functions Record Screens RECORD NORMAL -RETRO DISK RETRO CACHE LOOP RECORD The Record screen permits setting the FS-C to various recording modes, depending on the model: • NORMAL • RETRO DISK • RETRO CACHE • LOOP RECORD • SNAP DV modes only • TIME LAPSE DV modes only Once a record mode is selected, the recorder remains in that mode until a different mode is chosen. Exiting the Record screen and returning to Home, enables the selected recording mode.
FS-C Functions Symbol SNAP T Indicates Snap Record Time Lapse For more about LCD display symbols and text, see LCD Display Symbols and Text on page 99. Normal Record This is the standard recording mode. • All control is from the FS-C front panel. Initially, the Home screen displays STOP. • Pressing Record puts the FS-C into II REC PAUSE mode. • Pressing Record a second time puts the FS-C into REC mode. Retro Cache Record Mode RETRO CACHE :00 :SS This line is not active: reference only.
FS-C Functions Retro Disk Record Mode RETRO DISK HDD AVAIL: 176 min RETRO TIME: 010 min BACK This is the only editable line on screen. The Retro Disk mode records video in a continuous loop to a user-defined portion of disk space. Pressing Record seamlessly begins active recording. The Retro Disk session is appended to the beginning of the new clip. The result is a set of clips beginning with the cached video and continuing with the newly recorded video.
FS-C Functions Loop Record Loop Record is similar to Retro Disk. Loop Record continuously records a series of video clips to available disk space. When all available disk space is used, Loop Record begins sequentially replacing the earliest clip with the most recent. • The size of the video clip depends on the length of the loop. • • • Loops of 60 minutes or less are recorded in one-minute clips. Loops greater than 60 minutes, are recorded in 2GB clips.
FS-C Functions Another Method to Capture Single Frames An alternative to Snap is EXT CTL FRAME. For more information see EXT CTL OFF, Pause, Frame, File on page 69. Time Lapse Record DV modes only TIME LAPSE 00:00:00:00 HH:MM:SS:FF This line is not active: reference only. BACK Time lapse provides the ability to record a single frame at specific time intervals, for example one frame per minute, 00:01:00:00.
FS-C Functions HDD Mode Screen HDD MODE -DV RECORDER HD RECORDER DD DRIVE USE EXT FS-C > This screen displays the following items: • DV RECORDER This sets the FS-C as a DV recorder. Connect the camera to the FS-C DV I/O port using a FireWire cable. • HD RECORDER This sets the FS-C as an HD recorder. Connect the camera to the FS-C DV I/O port using a FireWire cable.
FS-C Functions • USE EXT FS-C Use this option when longer recording times are needed. USE EXT FS-C permits the connecting of two FSC together to provide more disk storage for longer recording. One unit acts as the master with the other as a slave: the master records to itself until full and then continues recording on the slave unit.
FS-C Functions Setting Up Master and Slave FS-C 1 2 Master FS-C 4 Slave FS-C 3 STOP 1 - 001 COUNTER 00 : 00 : 00 : 00 DISK 1 000min TAPE DISP LOCK CONNECT COMPUTER THEN ENABLE BYPASS SUCCESS EXIT 1. Connect the camcorder to the master FS-C, DV I/O connector using the supplied FireWire cable. 2. Master Power on unit. Go to the HDD Mode menu screen and enable USE EXT FS-C. 3. Connect the FS-Cs through the units Computer I/O connectors using a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. 4.
FS-C Functions Format Screen DV Formats DV FORMATS -RAW DV AVI TYPE 1 AVI TYPE 2 CANOPUS AVI DV formats include: • RAW DV • AVI TYPE 1 • AVI TYPE 2 • CANOPUS AVI • MATROX AVI • QUICKTIME • AVID OMF • QUICKTIME 24P (NTSC only) • AVI TYPE 2 24P (NTSC only) • PINNACLE • MXF OPAtom FS-C 2.0 upgrade only Using Organize AVID OMF, MXF OPAtom (2.0 only) and PINNACLE formats require using the Utilities functions, Organize OMF, Organize MXF, or Organize PINN respectively.
FS-C Functions HD Format Screen HD FORMATS -M2T QUICKTIME The FS-C 2.0 upgrade provides the additional HD DTE format QUICKTIME The latest DTE supported applications and file formats are listed on the Focus Enhancements website: www.focusinfo.com. Check regularly for updates.
FS-C Functions Setup Screens SETUP 10 / 10 / 05 21 : 10: 50 V 2. 0. 0 -LCDLIGHT ON The items on the Setup Screen are grouped by function. Within the function the items act like radio buttons, i.e. when one is active the others are not. In some cases, such as the Date, a settings screen appears. To return from a settings screen, use the BACK function button.
FS-C Functions • EXT CTL FRAME • EXT CTL FILE • TC EXT Group Default • TC REC RUN DV mode or 2.0 only • TC FREE RUN DV mode or 2.0 only • TC REGEN DV mode or 2.0 only • TC SET • UB SET • TC DROP NTSC only • TC NON-DROP Default, NTSC only • HDV TC TYPE HD mode (2.0 upgrade only) • LCD CONTRAST Date and Time Must Be Set The date and time must be set. They are used in the FS-C file naming function. Refer to Set Time and Date on page 27.
FS-C Functions Time SET TIME 10 : 50 : 40 HH : MM : SS BACK Version VERSION 2.0.0.01010106 NTSC FS-C BACK This screen displays: • FS-C Firmware version • SD video of the unit.
FS-C Functions LCD Light On, Off, Auto These items enable or disable the LCD's backlight. • LCDLIGHT ON Group Default keeps the backlight on permanently. • LCDLIGHT OFF Keeps the backlight off permanently. • LCDLIGHT AUTO Turns off the backlight after one minute, pressing any button pad button turns the backlight back on. Any information screen turns the backlight on. Alarm On, Off Default is On. • When the alarm is enabled, pressing any button on the FS-C produces audio feedback.
FS-C Functions EXT CTL OFF, Pause, Frame, File These options permit the use of an external device to control the FS-C through the optional RS-232 cable. RS-232 Cable Available from Focus Online Store The RS-232 cable required to connect the FS-C to an external control device is Focus part number CBLA-0113-01. It and other accessories mentioned in this manual are available at https://www.focusinfo.com/sales/store. • EXT CTL OFF Use this option when connecting an external device using an RS232C cable.
FS-C Functions TIME CODE EXT, REC RUN, FREE RUN, REGEN The FS-C 2.0 upgrade provides additional TC REC RUN, TC FREE and TC REGEN functionality in HD RECORDER mode. This functionality is only active when HD FORMAT is set to QUICKTIME. In M2T mode, all TC modes act as TC EXT. RUN, The following are timecode (TC) functions. • TC EXT Group Default Records the incoming source timecode. If the timecode is not running, the FS-C records the same timecode number in each recorded frame.
FS-C Functions TC SET TC SET 00 : 00 : 00 : 00 HH : MM : SS : FF BACK The Timecode Set parameter stores a user defined timecode in the FS-C’s non-volatile memory. This value is available for use by the FS-C immediately after exiting TC SET. • TC FREE RUN The FS-C uses this value on the next recording after it is set in TC SET. • TC REGEN This is the starting value when using an empty hard disk drive for recording.
FS-C Functions UB SET UB SET FF : FF : FF : FF BACK The User Bit Set function provides the ability to change the user bits in the timecode recorded in the video files. • Timecode values are not set when in TC EXT mode. Professional applications employ user bits to add metadata to recordings to assist in post production. For example, multiple cameras are used during a shoot. Each FS-C has a unique UB setting that identifies it and the camera it serves.
FS-C Functions TC DROP, NON-DROP NTSC only These parameters are only available for NTSC and only one may be enabled at a time. Drop and non-drop enable and disable the drop-frame function that modifies how the timecode is calculated during recording. These options are only applied when the unit is in DV RECORDER mode. • TC DROP Enables the drop-frame function: • • • Frames 00 and 01 are dropped from each minute of video recorded. Exception The first minute of each hour is not dropped.
FS-C Functions HDV TC TYPE FS-C 2.0 upgrade only HDV TC TYPE -TTC GOP TC REC TC PTS BACK This menu sets the source of the timecode displayed in the TC DISP mode, while in HD RECORDER mode. This is also the timecode reported in AV/C control mode. • TTC (Title Timecode) • GOP TC (Group of Pictures Timecode) • REC TC (Recorded Timecode) • PTS (Presentation Timestamp) Each NLE utilizes a different HDV TC TYPE for its workflow.
FS-C Functions LCD CONTRAST SET CONTRAST VALUE: 00 BACK Use this function to adjust the contrast of the LCD display for easier viewing. 1. Use the Right navigation button to go to the SET CONTRAST submenu. 2. Use the Up and Down navigation buttons to increase and decrease the contrast number. 3. Press BACK when done.
FS-C Functions Functions Screen The Functions buttons FA, FB, and FC provide convenient Home screen shortcuts by acting as toggle switches for specific system settings. The Home screen below is an example of the information displayed. STOP 1COUNTER 00 : 00 : 20 : 15 DISK 1 168 min Reel receiving clips. R1 DISP DD Function Keys FA FB FC Function Groups Function settings are user-assignable and available in the Functions screen.
FS-C Functions Functions List A list of the Function button menu is below. In each group, the default selection is listed first. MENU Appears on LCD as… FA SYNC SYNC Toggles between SYNCRO and LOCAL record control.
FS-C Functions 78 FB BLANK No Function.
FS-C Functions LOCK/UNLK: UNLOCK KEYS PRESS SELECT TO CONFIRM EXIT This function is a toggle switch that locks and unlocks the keys on the FS-C’s front panel. To prevent accidental unlocking of the front panel, there is an unlock confirmation screen: 1. Press the UNLK key. 2. Press SELECT to unlock the front panel keys.
FS-C Functions Assigning Clips to Reels Currently Selected REEL STOP 1COUNTER 00 : 00 : 20 : 15 DISK 1 168 min R1 REEL R2 R1 Function FA set to FA REELS Function FB set to FB R2-2 Function FC set to FC R1-1 The function buttons are a quick way to mark video clips during recording. The Functions menu offers two types of markers to use, as an example FA REELS and FB R2-2. • FA REELS Selecting the FA REELs programs the FS-C to mark the clips to the currently selected reel.
FS-C Functions Utilities Screen UTILITIES ORGANIZE REEL ORGANIZE OMF ORGANIZE MXF ORGANIZE PINN The Utilities available are: • ORGANIZE REEL • ORGANIZE OMF • ORGANIZE MXF 2.
FS-C Functions Organize Functions are Mutually Exclusive Once one organize utility is performed on a set of files, another organize function can not be applied. For example, if the Organize OMF is used on a set of files, then Organize Reel can not be applied to them. Organize Reel This selection places all files identified as a REEL clip during recording or playback into the appropriate reel folder. You can import this folder directly into most DV NLE bins.
FS-C Functions Organize PINN This selection organizes clips for use with Pinnacle Liquid series NLE systems. Products such as the Pinnacle file format were created for use with products such as Pinnacle Liquid Edition. The Pinnacle file format creates three files simultaneously during a recording; an AVI video file and two separate WAV audio files labeled as left and right. An additional ALE file for each recording session is also created which contains timecode data. This file must be kept with the media.
FS-C Functions Delete Clip DELETE CLIP CLIP 001 YES BACK Use this item to delete a selected clip. 1. From the Utilities screen, go to the DELETE CLIP screen. 2. Enter the number of the clip to be deleted using the Up and Down navigation buttons. 3. Press the YES function key. The selected clip is deleted. 4. Press BACK to return to the Utilities screen. When a clip is deleted, the FS-C re-organizes and displays the remaining clips in sequence.
FS-C Functions Format Disk FORMAT DISK PRESS YES TO ERASE ALL DATA YES BACK Prevent lost frames due to file fragmentation by formatting the FS-C before each recording session. Save Files Before Formatting The formatting process erases all data on the disk and is not reversible. Backup all files and clips on the FS-C before formatting. This selection formats the disk as follows: 1. From the Utilities screen, go to Format Disk. 2. Select YES to begin formatting.
FS-C Functions Repair Disk REPAIR DISK PRESS YES TO REPAIR DISK YES BACK Use this function if a recording session does not complete properly and there is a question that the file may be damaged. For example, recording terminates due to a loss of power to the FS-C. Repair Disk scans the entire disk drive checking for and repairing file errors and incomplete files. When the file is repaired it is can be used in the NLE system.
FS-C Functions Repair Clip DV Mode only REPAIR CLIP CLIP 001 YES BACK Use this function to repair a specific file that may be damaged or incomplete. For example, recording terminates due to a loss of power to the FS-C and a specific file may be damaged. Repair Clip scans the specified file checking for and repairing file errors and incomplete files. When the file is repaired it then can be used in the NLE system. 1. From the Utilities screen, go to Repair Clip. 2.
File Name FILE NAME CLIP 001 20060101 165423 BACK This function displays a file name but does not permit changing it. 1. From the Utilities screen, go to FILE NAME. 2. Enter the file’s clip number using the Up and Down navigation buttons. The base filename is dynamically displayed as a function of the clip number. When a clip has multiple files, the first Base file name is displayed 3. Press BACK to return to the Utilities screen.
FS-C Functions Upgrade Check Focus Enhancements website for upgrades and latest software updates, go to www.focusinfo.com. To upgrade system software: 1. Set the FS-C to DD Drive mode from the HDD Mode screen and connect it to a computer. 2. On your computer, rename the XXX.bin file as fsc.bin. 3. Copy or drag the fsc.bin file to the FS-C while it is in DD Drive mode. 4. Exit the FS-C from DD Drive mode and navigate to the Utilities screen. 5. From the Utilities screen, go to Upgrade. 6. Press Right.
FS-C Functions 9. Up on successful completion of the upgrade, the FS-C displays the message: UPGRADE COMPLETE PLEASE RESTART 10.Hold down the STOP / POWER OFF button until the FS-C shuts down. 11. Power up the FS-C. Upgrade Errors If the upgrade fails, the FS-C displays one of the following messages: UPGRADE ERROR WRONG PRODUCT ID EXIT Verify that the update is for the model of FS-C it is being installed on. An update is not cross-platform and must be installed on the model for which it is intended.
FS-C Functions UPGRADE ERROR FILE NOT FOUND EXIT Verify that the upgrade file name is fsc.bin and that it is in the FS-C hard drive’s root directory. System Reset SYSTEM RESET CONTINUE TO RESET SYSTEM? YES BACK The System Reset feature restores the factory default settings for the FS-C unit. This feature is useful for diagnosing problems with the unit. System Reset A System Reset can not be reversed.
FS-C Functions Status STATUS SUPPLY1: 1.83V SUPPLY2: 3.27V SUPPLY3: 4.89V BATTERY: 12.56V TEMP : 39c BACK The FS-C Status screen provides details of the systems power state as well as internal temperature. This screen may assist Focus Enhancements Technical Support in determining power and thermal problems with your unit.
FS-C Functions Reels Screen REELS R0 R1 R2 R3 0 1 2 3 When a disk is formatted, the FS-C creates 10 folders, numbered 0-9, on the disk. During recording or playback of a clip, it is possible to place it into folders or play it from up to 10 different reels. These folders can have any name up to 10 characters in length. To name the folders it is first necessary to enter DD Drive mode and mount the FS-C to a computer. Placing a Clip in a Reel From the Reels screen, choose the Reels as follows: 1.
FS-C Functions Using a Wired Remote Control When using the optional wired remote control, use the button pad numbered 0-9 to mark the clips. Any additional button presses during a recording or playback, changes the selected REEL. Once a session is finished, select ORGANIZE REEL in Utilities screen. The marked clips are placed in the REEL in sequential order.
FS-C Functions Play Screen PLAY PLAY CLIP LOOP CLIP LOOP ALL PLAY ALL • Play Clip In this mode, the FS-C plays the selected clip from start to finish when you press the PLAY button. At the end of the particular clip, the FS-C pauses. • Loop Clip In this mode, the FS-C plays the selected clip from start to finish. Immediately after completing the clip, the FSC begins playing the clip again without a pause. It stays in this state until stopped.
FS-C Functions Play From Screen PLAY FROM TRACK LIST REEL LIST This screen permits the selection of from where clips playback. There are two choices: • Track List Clips playback in the order in which they were recorded. Playback order is based on the order of the file names. • Reel List Clips in a selected folder are played back. This function provides the ability to choose between any folders on the disk. Folders can appear with their user assigned folder name (if used).
FS-C Functions Control Screen CONTROL LOCAL -SYNCRO SLAVE AV/C TAPELESS The Control screen provides the capability of enabling the FS-C to operate in five different control modes during record and playback. • LOCAL Local control mode ignores record triggers from the camcorder and is controlled exclusively from the FS-C front panel or the optional wired remote control unit.
FS-C Functions • Use the Keeper key to cycle through the available Reels. For example, if the current Reel selection is 3. pressing Keeper changes the selection to Reel 4. To purchase the wired remote control, p/n ACSS-001901, for the FS-C, visit Focus Enhancements web site at www.focusinfo.com/sales/store/. • Syncro Slave Use this mode when the camcorder does not have FS-C compatible external control or the tapeless trigger functionality.
LCD Display Symbols and Text The table below shows the different symbols and states displayed on the top line of the LCD when used with different FS-C control, record, play and stop modes: PLAY/REC MODE Stop Pause Play Rec (Pause) FS-C LCD STOP ll PLAY PLAY ll REC Normal Rec (Rec) REC Retro Disk (Stop) L STOP Retro Disk (Standby) L REC Retro Cache (Stop) C STOP Retro Cache (Standby) C REC Loop Record (Stop) O STOP Loop Record (Rec) O REC Loop Record (Standby) ll O REC Snap (Stop) STOP Sn
LCD Display Symbols and Text PLAY/REC MODE FS-C LCD Time Lapse (Pause) ll T REC Time Lapse (Rec) O T REC AV/C* (Stop) A STOP AV/C* (Rec Pause) ll AREC AV/C* (Rec) AV/C* (Play Pause) AV/C* (Play) Syncro Slave (Pause) Syncro Slave (Rec) Tapeless (Pause) Tapeless (Rec) AREC ll A PLAY A PLAY ll YREC YREC ll EREC EREC AV/C* Only for use when the FS-C is connected to a computer system.
Technical Specifications Specifications are subject to change. Physical Description • Dimensions: 1.59" x 5.6" x 3.74" (40mm x 142mm x 95mm) (with normal 90 minute Battery) • Weight: 1 lb. (.45 kg) Input/Outputs • DV Video I/O - 25Mb/s (1x 6-pin IEEE-1394) In HD RECORDER mode the unit accepts 720P and 1080i MPEG video from specially equipped camcorders. • FireWire Computer I/F - up to 400Mb/s (1 x 6-pin IEEE1394) • GPI & RS-232C Control (1 x 3.5mm mini jack) Power • 15V DC, 7.
Technical Specifications • DV Embedded Timecode (Drop or Non-Drop) • DV audio: embedded 2-channel (16-bit, 48kHz) or 2-channel (12-bit, 32kHz) Audio. 4-channel (12-bit, 32kHz) is available for RawDV format only. • HD audio: MPEG1 Audio Layer II. DTE File Formats • DV mode: Raw DV, AVI Type 1, AVI Type 2, Matrox AVI, Canopus AVI, QuickTime, AVID OMF, AVI Type 2 24p (NTSC only), QuickTime 24p (NTSC only), Pinnacle HD mode: M2T • FS-C 2.
Technical Specifications Error Messages Error messages may appear on the FS-C LCD display from time to time. The purpose of these messages is to alert you to action that may effect your FS-C operation. Below is a list of error messages and actions you can take: Error Message Description Action LOW BATTERY! Battery power is low. Connect AC Power or replace the battery pack. When the unit is run without the battery installed, this warning can be displayed, that is normal.
Compatible Camcorders and Accessories For a list of tested camcorders, refer to www.focusinfo.com.
Part Number: MANL-1038-04
