User's Manual

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

1. Pre-roll the sound transport for at least 10 seconds before camera starts when doing live

action recording.

2. Properly identify materials. Indicate film and Nagra time code speed (30/29/25/

DF) on

your log. Do not use 24

FPS code.

3. Indicate if tracks are stereo or mono.

4. Voice slate reels and film rolls.

5. Use same type of code for the entire production (non-drop preferred) and indicate the

frame rate on the sound report.

6. Jam time code at least every 4 hours when using the Syncbox. Make sure numbers are

always changing. Jam the Slate in the Test Position of the Nagra.

7. Make sure the camera gets a clear shot of the slate’s display and always close the clap-

stick for an audible back up in case the time code display malfunctions.

8. When in doubt, check with transfer house.

9. Keep in mind that when the Nagra IVS-TC is in “record” the time code that the slate is

displaying is offset by 4 frames (30 frame code at 7-1/2 IPS) from the code being

recorded on the tape. This will offset the slate when hard wired or when transmitting

code. Record this offset on sound log for transfer house.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If no time code is being transmitted:

1. Check if the antenna is plugged in on the Comtek.

2. Check connections by wiggling cables.

3. Use earphones to check for time code transmission. If you can hear code check the gain

control on the Receiver. Adjust the Receiver and the Transmitter taking care not to

overload the system.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

1. Do not drop slate.

2. Use only alkaline batteries.

3. Do not leave clappers open when not in use.

4. Use dry erase Expo Marker for writing production information on the high gloss enamel

or Lexan Surface.

5. The operating temperature of this unit ranges from -20 to 120ºf. Temperature affects

battery life. (Example: 10 hours in “LOW” position at 72ºf = 1 hour in “LOW” at 0ºf).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. If incoming time code is lost for any reason, the slate will show the last time code

received with the clapper opened.

2. If the clapper is closed, it will retain the time code received at the moment it was last

open.

3. In playback, no offset occurs.

4. The conventional “clapper sync” is a back up feature.

5. If you have any questions about what kind of time code is being used, call the post

production facility where you are having the film transferred.