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Custom Synchronization: eSync

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eSync Synchronization Hub

Change the Sync Mode to Custom Synchronization to view the sync settings for the eSync and the eSync 2. The following sync settings will be available only when an eSync synchronization hub is connected.

eSync Synchronization Pane


Sync Input

Configure the input signal by first defining which input source to use. Available input sources include Internal Free Run, Internal Clock, SMPTE Timecode In, Video Gen Lock, Inputs (input ports), Isolated, VESA Stereo In, and Reserved. Respective input configurations appear on the pane when a source is selected. For each selected input source, the signal characteristics can be modified.

Synchronization Input Source Options
Input Source Description
Internal Free Run Uses eSync's internal clock to trigger the synchronization chain using default settings.
Internal Clock Sets the eSync to use its internal clock to deliver the sync signal to the Ethernet cameras, and the sync signal can be modified as well.
SMPTE Timecode In Sets a timecode sync signal from an external device as the input source signal.
Video Gen Lock Locks the camera sync to an external video sync signal.
Isolated Used for generic sync devices connected to the Isolated Sync In port from the eSync. Considered safer than other general input ports (Hi-Z and Lo-Z). The max signal voltage cannot exceed 12 Volts.
Inputs Uses signals through the input ports of the eSync. Used for high impedance output devices. The max signal voltage cannot exceed 5 Volts.
VESA Stereo In Sets cameras to sync to signal from the VESA Stereo input port.
Reserved Internal use only.


Sync Input Settings

Clock Freq (Hz): Controls the frequency of the eSync's internal sync generator when using the internal clock.

Sync Offset (us): Introduces an offset delay, in microsecond, to selected trigger signal.

Input Trigger: Sets the trigger mode. Available modes are Either Edge, Rising Edge, and Falling Edge, and each of them uses the corresponding characteristic of the input signal as a trigger.

Input Divider: Allows a triggering rate, compatible with the camera frame rate, to be derived from higher frequency input signals.

Input Multiplier: Allows a triggering rate, compatible with the camera frame rate, to be derived from lower frequency input signals. Available multiplier range: 1 to 15.

Final Frame Rate: Displays the final rate of the camera system.


eSync 1 ports

In the eSync 2, three general input ports are implemented in place of Lo-Z and Hi-Z input ports from the eSync 1. These general input ports are designed for high impedance devices, but low impedance devices can also be connected with appropriate adjustments. When the eSync 1 is connected to the system, options for Lo-Z and Hi-Z will be displayed.

Lo-Z input: Sets an external low impedance device as the trigger. The max signal voltage cannot exceed 5 Volts.

Hi-Z input: Sets an external high impedance device as the trigger. The max signal voltage cannot exceed 5 Volts.



Outputs

Allows you to configure signal type and polarity of synchronization signal through the output ports, including the VESA stereo output port, on the eSync.

Type: Defines the output signal type of the eSync. Use this to sync external devices to the eSync.

Polarity: Change the polarity of the signal to normal or inverted. Normal signals constantly output a low signal and pulses high when triggering. Inverted signals constantly output a high signal and pulse low when triggering.

Output Signal Types
Type Description
Exposure Time Outputs a pulse signal when the cameras expose.
Output ExposureTime.png
Recording Gate Outputs a constant high level signal while recording. Other times the signal is low.
Output RecordingGate.png
Record Start/Stop Pulse Outputs a pulse signal both when the system starts and stops recording.
Output RecordPulse.png
Gated Exposure Time Outputs a pulse signal when the cameras expose, only when the system is recording.
Output GatedExposure.png
Gated Internal Clock Outputs the internal clock, while the system is recording.
Selected Sync Outputs the Sync Input signal without factoring in signal modifications (e.g. input dividers).
Adjusted Sync Outputs the Sync Input signal accounting for adjustments made to the signal.
  • Internal Clock
  • SMPTE Timecode In
  • Video Genlock In
  • Isolated
  • Inputs
  • VESA Stereo In
  • Reserved
Uses a selected input signal to generate the synchronization output signal.

Record Triggering

Trigger Source: Determines which trigger source is used to initiate the recording in Motive. Available options are Software, Isolated, and Inputs. When the trigger source set to software, recording is initiated in Motive.

Triggering with External Signals

When external trigger source (Trigger source: isolated or input) is used, trigger source must be set to the corresponding input port, either isolated or general. Then, it will ask to define the trigger option. Available trigger options include, Rising Edge, Falling Edge, High Gated, or Low Gated. The appropriate trigger option will depend on the signal morphology of the external trigger. After the trigger setting have been defined, press the recording button in advance. It sets Motive into a standby mode until the trigger signal is detected through the eSync. When the trigger signal is detected, Motive will start the actual recording. The recording will be stopped when the second trigger signal, or the falling edge of gated signal, is detected.

  1. In the Synchronization Pane, set the synchronization to Custom Synchronization.
  2. Under the Record Triggering section, set the source to the respective input port where the trigger signal is inputted.
  3. Choose appropriate trigger option depending on the morphology of the trigger signal.
  4. Press the record button in Motive, which prepares Motive for recording. At this stage, Motive awaits for incoming trigger signal.
  5. When the first signal is detected, Motive starts recording.
  6. When the second signal is detected, Motive stops recording.
  7. For High Gated and Low Gated trigger options, Motive will record during respective gated windows.
  8. Press the stop button to disarm Motive.

Input Monitor

Input Monitor displays the corresponding signal input frequency. This feature is used to monitor the synchronization status of the signals into the eSync.

Internal Clock: Displays the frequency of the Internal Clock in the eSync.

SMTPE Time Code In: Displays the frequency of the timecode input.

Video Genlock In: Displays the frequency of the video genlock input.

Inputs: Displays the frequency of the input signals into the eSync 2.

Lo-Z: Displays the frequency of the external low impedance sync device.

Hi-Z: Displays the frequency of the external high impedance sync device.

Isolated: Display the frequency of the external generic sync device.

Reserved: For internal use only.


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