Tentacle Sync E Operating Manual

-WIRELESS SYNCHRONIZATION VIA BLUETOOTH SYNCHRONIZATION VIA CABLE SYNCHRONIZATION TO EXTERNAL TIMECODE PERFORMING A FIRMWARE UPDATE TENTACLE SETTINGS 6 BLUETOOTH CONNECTION AND STARTING THE APP MONITORING VIEW WIRELESS SYNC DEVICE WARNINGS SETUP EACH TENTACLE UNIT TIMECODE DISPLAY / SETTING A CUSTOM TIMECODE CUSTOMIZE NAME AND ICON OUTPUT VOLUME MIC / LINE SET FRAME RATE AUTO POWER OFF TIME GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENTACLE UNIT USER BITS CONNECTION TO RECORDING DEVICES 10 USING THE CORRECT ADAPTER CABLE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 11 RECHARGEABLE BATTERY BUILT-IN MICROPHONE TENTACLE CLAMP �2

about how to connect to different devices on our website: www.tentaclesync.com/download

•Red Mode: In this mode the Sync E is not outputting Timecode. It is waiting to be jam-synced by an external timecode source. -Green Mode:In this mode Tentacle is outputting Timecode through the 3.5mm jack. Make sure that all Tentacles are synchronized with each other, either by the Setup App or via cable (more information on page 5). - SETUP APP FOR iOS & ANDROID The Tentacle Setup App for mobile devices allows you to synchronize, monitor, setup and change basic parameters of your Tentacles (see page 7). You can download the Setup App here: www.tentaclesync.com/download Enable Bluetooth on the mobile device The Setup App will need to communicate with your SYNC E devices via Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile device. Switch on your SYNC E Select the Mode of Operation When the app is started for the first time select „Tentacle SYNC E - Bluetooth Setup“ Add a new Tentacle to the monitoring list After selecting Bluetooth Setup the app will scan for available Bluetooth devices. Tap on Add New Tentacle. This will show a list of available Tentacles. Select the one you like to add to your monitoring list. Hold your Tentacle close to your phone to finish the procedure. SUCCES! will appear when the SYNC E is added to the list. This ensures that only you have access to your Tentacles and not someone else nearby. - �4 Power switch slide direction

Firmware version 2.0 of the Setup Software for Tentacle SYNC E allows to wirelessly sync a number of Tentacle SYNC E boxes with each other. Synchronizing ALL Tentacles: To do the Wireless Sync, just open the Setup App on a mobile device and link all Tentacle SYNC Es with that device (see page 8 Add new Tentacle) In the monitoring view of the Setup App you will find the button Wireless Sync. 1. Tap on Wireless Sync and a small window will pop up. 2. Click on the frame rate and select one from the pull down menu. 3. Set a starting time for the timecode. If no time is set, it will start with time of day. Press Start and all Tentacles will synchronize within a few seconds. SYNCHRONIZATION VIA CABLE -Start one Tentacle in Green Mode (Master). For that slide the power button down until the Status LED is flashing green (-> 3sec.). Tentacle starts generating and outputting timecode through the 3.5mm jack. -Start all other Tentacles in Red Mode (JamSync). For that, slide the power button down shortly (approx. 1sec.), the status LED is flashing red now. Tentacle now waits for external timecode from the 3.5mm jack. -Connect all Tentacles in Red Mode to the one Tentacle in Green Mode via the included mini jack sync cable. Each Tentacle connected to the „Master“ will change from Red into Green Mode. After that all Tentacles are in sync and flashing green simultaneously. SYNCHRONIZATION TO EXTERNAL TIMECODE Start Tentacle in Red Mode (Jam-Sync). Connect the Tentacle briefly to the timecode source you would like to jam-sync it to. In most cases the timecode source will be a sound recorder acting as a timecode master. For this you need the appropriate adapter cable e.g. the „LEMO 5-Pin to Tentacle cable“. Once the device has been jammed from an external source, it automatically switches to Green Mode. This is indicated by a rhythm of 3 short green flashes. Unplug the Tentacle from the cable and it flashes green 1/sec (1st frame). Now it outputs the jammed timecode via the 3.5mm jack. �5

The latest setup app for macOS and Windows also contains the latest firmware for your Tentacle. (You can download it here https://tentaclesync.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/ 115001522105-Setup-Software) It will automatically check the firmware version when you connect a Tentacle via USB. If there is a more recent version available it will ask you to update the firmware. If you agree to the update, the setup app will activate the Bootloader mode on the Tentacle. On a Windows computer it may take some time, because Windows might have to install a Bootloader driver first. During the firmware update ensure that your laptop has sufficient battery life or is connected to the mains. Also ensure you have a proper USB connection during a firmware update. In the unusual case that the firmware update fails, your device just needs to be restored. In this case please contact [email protected] TENTACLE SETTINGS With the setup app it’s possible to control all Tentacles and set each units parameter. This includes setting the timecode, frame rate, device name, output volume, time, checking battery state, user bits and more. BLUETOOTH CONNECTION AND STARTING THE APP Make sure Bluetooth is switched on The Setup App will need to communicate with your SYNC E devices via Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile device. You must grant the app the necessary permissions as well. The Android version also asks for a ‚location permission‘. This is only needed to receive Bluetooth data from the Tentacle. We do not use or store your current location data in any way. Switch on your SYNC E devices Before starting the app it is recommended to switch on your SYNC E devices first. During operation, the Tentacles constantly transmit timecode and status information via Bluetooth. Select the Mode of Operation When the app is started for the first time, the type of connection must be selected. Select „Tentacle SYNC E - Bluetooth Setup“ here by tapping on the SYNC E icon or bluetooth button. Please note: SYNC E devices can only be connected via Bluetooth or USB (macOS/Windows). They cannot be connected to a mobile device via cable to do the Setup like the Original Tentacles (1st generation 2015-2017) �6

After selecting Bluetooth Setup the app will scan for available Bluetooth devices. If you are using the app for the first time, you can add new SYNC E devices to the monitoring list by tapping on the plus sign Add New Tentacle. This will show a list of available Tentacles. Select the one you like to add to your monitoring list. Hold your Tentacle close to your phone to finish the procedure. SUCCES! will appear when the SYNC E is added to the monitoring list. This ensures that only you have access to your Tentacles and not someone else nearby. Please note: Tentacles can be linked to up to 10 mobile devices at the same time. If you link it to the 11th device, the first (or oldest) one will be dropped and has no longer access to this Tentacle. In this case you will need to add it again Remove a Tentacle from the monitoring list You can remove eachTentacle from the monitoring list by swiping to the left (iOS) or long- pressing (more than 2 sec.) on the Tentacle icon (Android). Monitoring screen In the monitoring list you can check the timecode and status of all SYNC E boxes in range simultaneously. If a Tentacle is out of range for a less than a minute the status and timecode of it will be maintained. If the app does has not received any updates for more than one minute it will show this with the info Last seen … ago. WIRELESS SYNC Synchronizing ALL Tentacles: To do the Wireless Sync, just open the Setup App on a mobile device and link all Tentacle SYNC Es with that device (see page 8 Add new Tentacle) In the monitoring view of the Setup App you will find the button Wireless Sync. 1. Tap on Wireless Sync and a small window will pop up. 2. Click on the frame rate and select one from the pull down menu. 3. Set a starting time for the timecode. If no time is set, it will start with time of day. 4. Press Start and all Tentacles will synchronize within a few seconds. Synchronization with ONE Master Tentacle: If one Tentacle is to be jam-synced from another timecode source and then act as a master, please do the following: 1. Select the "Master" Tentacle in the monitoring view and go into the settings menu. 2. Scroll all the way down in the settings menu and press Wireless Master Sync. 3. A window will pop up and you can choose between Sync All and Sync only Red Mode. The Tentacles will synchronize to the "Master" Tentacle. �7

in Green Mode but no cable is plugged into the 3.5mm jack. Please note that this will not test the actual electrical connection but only the physical presence of a 3.5mm cable plugged into the timecode output. • Inconsistent frame rate: This indicates two or more Tentacles in Green Mode outputting timecode with mismatching frame rates. • Not in sync: This warning message is displayed when inaccuracies of more than 1/2 frame occur between all devices in Green Mode. Sometimes this warning can pop up for a few seconds when starting the app from background. In most cases the app just needs some time to update eachTentacle. However, if If the warning message persists for more than 10 seconds you should consider re-syncing your Tentacles. SETUP EACH TENTACLE UNIT Pressing shortly on a Tentacle in the monitoring screen, will start a connection to this device and allows you to set timecode, frame rate, user bits and more. The general parameters are the same across all setup apps for the different operating systems. An active Bluetooth connection will be indicated by a pulsing blue LED at the SYNC E front. TIMECODE DISPLAY / SETTING A CUSTOM TIMECODE The currently running timecode of the connected Tentacle is displayed here. The color of the displayed timecode indicates the state of the Tentacle analog to its status LED: RED: Tentacle has not yet been synchronized and is waiting for external timecode to jam-sync. GREEN: Tentacle has been synchronized or is outputting timecode. You can set a custom timecode by tapping or clicking on the timecode display. Please note: The timecode display of the individual device setup menu is for informational purposes only. It is not guaranteed to be 100% frame accurate with the timecode running on the device. �8

Changing the device icon (iOS/Android) You can set a new icon by tapping on the device icon. Choosing different icons for your Tentacles will help to better identify different Tentacles in the monitoring screen. Changing the device name For a better differentiation of multiple Tentacles the name of each Tentacle can be changed individually. Simply click on the name field, change the name and confirm with Return. OUTPUT VOLUME MIC / LINE Here you can smoothly set the output level of the timecode signal between MIC and LINE. Professional cameras with a dedicated TC-IN connector demand timecode with LINE-level. Tentacle can also be used with cameras and recorders without a dedicated TC-IN connector. Here you need to record the timecode signal as an audio signal on an audio track of that device. Some devices only accept MIC-level audio, so you have to adjust the output level through the setup app so that the timecode signal does not distort. Auto Mic Level: With Auto Mic Level enabled the Tentacle switches the output volume to mic-level when plugged into a device with plugin power (for 3.5mm mini jack inputs like 5D or GH4 or BMPCC) or phantom power (for XLR inputs). This helps to prevent distortion on mic inputs if you forgot to set the output level to mic. SET FRAME RATE Choose the correct frame rate by selecting the appropriate one in the pulldown menu. Tentacle generates the following frame rates: 23,98, 24, 25, 29,97, 29,97 DropFrame, 30fps. AUTO POWER OFF TIME If no cable is plugged into Tentacle’s mini jack, it switches off automatically after the set time period. It prevents an empty battery the next time it is used, if it has not been switched off after a shooting day. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENTACLE UNIT Firmware: shows the current firmware version running on the device. Serial Number: shows the serial number of your Tentacle. Calibration Date: shows the date of the last TCXO calibration. RTC Time: shows the current time and date of the real time clock. �9

calendar date or a camera id. These bits usually consists out of 8 hexadecimal digits which are able to handle values from 0-9 and a-f. Currently active User Bits: The currently running SMPTE timecode user bits are displayed here. User Bits Preset: Here you can select a preset for the user bits. The selected Preset will be set and saved to the device for recall when powering up next time. Selecting Set to Value sets the user bits to a static value which you can edit in the input box nearby. When selecting Use RTC Date the user bits will be generated dynamically from the build-in RTC. You are able to change the format of the date via the pulldown menu nearby. Take over User Bits of source: When this checkbox is enabled Tentacle takes over incoming user bits from other devices during jam sync in Red Mode. The user bits will then be output when the device switches over to Green Mode after syncing was successful. CONNECTION TO RECORDING DEVICES -Tentacles are very versatile and can be used in different ways. Basically, the equipment can be divided into two groups: Equipment that has a built-in timecode generator with the possibility to feed external timecode into the device through a TC IN connector. This equipment includes mostly professional cameras with a TC IN over BNC or special LEMO connectors. Here the timecode is processed inside the device and written into the media file in form of metadata. Any other equipment that has not the possibility to feed external timecode into the device through a TC IN connector. This equipment includes mostly semi-professional and equipment like DSLR cameras or low cost audio recorders. To use timecode on this devices, you have to record the timecode signal onto one free audio track. To make use of this recorded timecode later in editing you need either an editing system that has support for so-called audio timecode or you can use our included software to translate audio timecode to standard metadata timecode. Because timecode is recorded as an audio signal, you have to set the output volume of your tentacle to a proper value (mic level vs. line level) so that the mic input of the camera/recorder will not distort the signal. �10

-To connect Tentacle to nearly any kind of camera you have to use the right adapter cable. Here is a short overview of the cables available. For more cables please ask your local dealer or visit shop.tentaclesync.com Tentacle sync cable (included): For use with any device that features a 3.5mm microphone jack e.g. DSLR cameras. Tentacle -> RED: To send timecode to RED Cameras with a 4-pin LEMO sync port Tentacle <-> BNC: To send timecode to your camera or recorder with a BNC input connector. The BNC cable is bidirectional and enables you also to sync your Tentacle to an external timecode source. Tentacle -> LEMO: To send timecode to a device with a 5-pin LEMO input connector such as Sound Devices recorders or ARRI Alexa cameras. LEMO -> Tentacle: To send timecode from your a device with a 5-pin LEMO output connector (e.g. Sound Device) to Tentacle. Tentacle -> XLR: To send timecode to a device without a TC input, but with XLR audio input connector Tentacle/Mic Y-Cable -> Mini Jack: To send timecode and audio of an external microphone to a device with a 3.5mm microphone input eg. DSLR. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS RECHARGEABLE BATTERY -Tentacle has a built-in, rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery. Charging is possible via USB at the rear. The charging state will be shown by the LED right next to the USB port. The internal battery can be charged from any USB power source. -The charging time is 1.5 hours if the battery is completely empty. Fully charged, Tentacles can run for up to 35 hours. When the battery is nearly empty, Tentacle indicates this by flashing the front LED red several times. The device continues to run in this state until it switches itself off. If the battery is empty, the Tentacle can no longer be switched on before it has been recharged.The battery is replaceable. �11

DSLR Cameras or devices with a 3.5mm mic input. It is located in the little notch behind the rubber band on top of the device. By using the mini jack sync cable the timecode signal will be recorded on the left channel, reference sound will be recorded on the right channel. -Please note: The built-in microphone can only be used when working at mic levels with plugin power switched on at camera side. TENTACLE CLAMP To ensure that the angled jack plugs are not accidentally pulled out of the device, the cables can be easily and securely fastened using the clamp. Slide the clamp into the recess on the Tentacles. - Size: 38mm x 50mm x 15mm Weight: 30g Switchable mic/line output + built-in microphone for reference sound LTC timecode according to SMPTE-12M, frame rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF and 30fps Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2 High precision TCXO: • Inaccuracy less than 1 frame per 24 hours • Temperature range: -20°C to +60°C Can act as master clock in Green Mode or jam-sync to external timecode source in Red Mode Automatically detects and takes over incoming frame rate on jam-sync Built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery • Operating time up to 35 hrs • Fast charging via 1 x USB-C (max. 1.5 hrs) • More than 3 years of battery life (if handled correctly) • Exchangeable Integrated hook surface on back for easy mounting - �12

device is not waterproof and should be protected against rain. For safety and certification reasons (CE) you are not permitted to convert and/or modify the device. The device can be damaged if you use it for purposes other than those mentioned above. Moreover, improper use can cause hazards, such as short circuits, fire, electric shock, etc. Read through the manual carefully and keep it for later reference. Give the device to other people only together with the manual. SAFETY NOTICE A guarantee that the device will function perfectly and operate safely can only be given if the generally standard safety precautions and device-specific safety notices on this sheet are observed. The rechargeable battery integrated in the device must never be charged in an ambient temperature below 0 °C and above 40 °C! Perfect functionality and safe operation can only be guaranteed for temperatures between -20 °C and +60 °C. The device is not a toy. Keep it away from children and animals. Protect the device from extreme temperatures, heavy jolts, moisture, combustible gases, vapors and solvents. The safety of the user can be compromised by the device if, for example, damage to it is visible, it doesn‘t work anymore as specified, it was stored for a longer period of time in unsuitable conditions, or it becomes unusually hot during operation. When in doubt, the device must principally be sent in to the manufacturer for repairs or maintenance. DISPOSAL / WEEE NOTIFICATION This product must not be disposed of together with your other household waste. It is your responsibility to dispose of this device at a special disposal station (recycling yard), at a technical retail center or at the manufacturer. FCC DECLARATION This device contains FCC ID: 2AA9B05. This device has been tested and found to comply with part 15B of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interferences in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. - Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. - Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. -Modification to this product will void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. -This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions. (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. INDUSTRY CANADA DECLARATION This device contains IC: 12208A-05. This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This digital device complies with the Canadian regulatory standard CAN ICES-003. �13

Tentacle Sync GmbH, Eifelwall 30, 50674 Cologne, Germany declares herewith that the following product: Tentacle SYNC E timecode generator complies with the provisions of the directives named as follows, including changes in them that apply at the time of the declaration. This is evident from the CE mark on the product. EN 55032:2012/AC:2013 EN 55024:2010 EN 300 328 V2.1.1 (2016-11) Draft EN 301 489-1 V2.2.0 (2017-03) Draft EN 301 489-17 V3.2.0 (2017-03) EN 62479:2010 EN 62368-1:2014 + AC:2015 Cologne, 07.02.019 Ulrich Esser, CEO �14