FD - Jam Sync Sony PXW-Z280

Owned by Adam Barrett
Last updated: Feb 03, 2020 by Murray Basham
3 min read


TIME-CODE ‘JAM SYNCING’ SONY PXW- Z280 CAMERAS

Ensure ALL CAMERAS are set to record at the exact same frame rate

 

Locate Menu Button

Menu >> System >> Rec Format >>  Frequency   - 50

                                                            File System - exFAT

                                                            Codec          - XAVC-L

                                                          Video Format - 1920P 50

                                                         Aspect Ratio   - 16:9

Set all cameras to Free Run in the Timecode menu

 

Menu >> Timecode >> Run >> Free Run

 

Attach a BNC cable from Master Camera to one of the Slave cameras via their Time-Code input


Master Camera

Nominate a camera to be Master, usually Camera 1 used for the Recording.

Master camera needs to have its Timecode switch to OUT as shown



The first camera that needs to have its Timecode -Locked to the Master, needs to have its switch - set to 'Time-Code In'


This camera is then known as 'Slave'. 

Set Time-Code on the Master camera using 24 Hour Time or sometimes referred to as 'Time of Day'

Menu >> Timecode  >> Setting >> 

The picture shows the Setting of 13:40:59:00 in 24Hour notation.


This is to show the time as being 1:40:59 PM in the traditional 12 Hour notation

24 Hour clock

This form of Timecode allows a more accurate way in showing time for reference editing , compared to the 12Hour form.

When Slave cameras receive the Time-Code signal via cable from the Master camera they will automatically lock/sync to the Master camera’s Time-Code.  Check that the Time-code in the Slave does match the Time-code from the Master, by observing the 'counter' display.

 

Once Sync is completed repeat process for the second Slave camera

Be Aware that it is not uncommon when using Jam syncing for cameras to fall a couple frames out of sync over an extended period of time 

This is caused by minor variations in camera speeds but even then would only account for being a few frames off over several hours

Make sure to Jam sync all cameras at the start of each game. It is the Producer's responsibility to ensure that this is performed each week. 



When each SLAVE camera auto detect the incoming Time-Code signal they will display a note on the Left Bottom of screen ‘EXT-LK’ (External Time Code Lock)