Operating Steps

​

1. Select the Rate

Select the timecode rate by adjusting the rotary control on the front of the QBit.

The rate switch positions are:

​

    0 - 23.976 FPS 3 - 29.97 FPS 6 - 30 FPS DF

    1 - 24FPS
    4 - 29.97 FPS DF 7 - Show Position

    2 - 25 FPS
    5 - 30 FPS
    8-9 Do Not Use

 

The unit must be powered OFF to change the Rate - The rate can only be changed when the QBit is powered OFF. Any attempt to change the rate while powered ON will cause the LED to flash rapidly. This indicates the timecode rate being generated is not the same as that which is displayed on the switch. If the rate switch is adjusted while the QBit is ON, no change or interruption to the timecode's output will occur.

 

 

2. Power ON

The power switch for the Qbit is located on the right side of the unit. Move the switch towards the connectors (top) to turn it on and towards the bottom to turn it off.

 

BNC version:

When the QBit powers up, it is waiting for a jam signal to be presented on the BNC connector. The QBit will wait about 7-to-9 seconds for this signal to be applied. If no jam signal was seen, then the QBit will default to “free-run” mode where timecode is generated from a default time of 01:00:00:00. User bits will be all zeros. In free-run mode, the QBit LED will flash for one frame at frame zero. When the QBit is waiting for the jam signal, it will rapidly blink until either a jam is successful or free-run mode is entered.

 

Lemo version:

When the QBit powers up, it will enter free-run mode where timecode is generated from a default time of 01:00:00:00. User bits will be all zeros. To jam the QBit, a jam signal needs to be applied to Pin 2 of the Lemo with Pin 1 being Ground. In free-run mode, the QBit LED will flash for one frame at frame zero.

 

 

3. Jamming and Cross Jamming the QBit

When the QBit is jammed, the LED will flash on for one second and off for one second. When cross-jammed, the LED will flash on for two seconds and off for two seconds. When cross-jammed, the input rate can be discovered by rotating the Rate switch until the LED shows the jam indication again (two seconds on, two seconds off). In this case, the switch is at the Jam input rate.

 

 

Other Functions

 

Battery Information and Indication

The Qbit and Qbit XL are designed so they can be externally powered via the Hirose connector at the top. When the unit is connected, the battery will charge. A low battery level is indicated when the LED flashes twice at short intervals.

​

QBit

The Qbit is primarily designed to be powered externally. There is an internal battery to be used as a back up battery. The internal battery will power the Qbit for around 4-5 hours without being connected to an external source.

​

QBit XL

The Qbit XL is designed so that its internal battery will power about 30 hours without being connected to an external source. If external powering is preferred, this can also be done via the HIrose connector at the top. It can be powered from a source that is from 7 to 18 volts DC.

​

The QBit XL is powered by one NP50 battery. The battery is not designed to be changed daily since it should be recharged while in the unit. However it is designed so that the battery is at the back of the unit and easily accessible. This way it can be easily replaced in the field if needed.

 

​

Show Position

Putting the rate switch to position 7 will show the current timecode in hours and minutes. The LED will flash a short blip to indicate a zero and a longer flash to indicate numbers from 1 to 9. For example, a timecode time of 01:23 (hour 1 and 23 minutes) will be indicated by blip space flash space flash flash space flash flash flash.

 

Rate switch positions:

    0 – 23.976 FPS
    1 - 24 FPS
    2 – 25 FPS
    3 – 29.97 FPS
    4 – 29.97 FPS DF 5 – 30 FPS

    6 – 30 FPS DF 7 - Show

 

​

LED Indications Quick Guide

​

*LED flashes one frame at the beginning of each second

When the QBit powers ON, it will generate timecode at the selected rate. It will flash one frame at the beginning of each second (frame zero) to indicate that timecode is being produced. A second camera can shoot this LED to get some indication of sync. This can be done even if it does not have any timecode connected. Timecode begins at 01:00:00:00 and all user bits are zero.

*LED flashes one second ON, one second OFF

When jammed, the LED on the QBit will blink at a rate of one second ON, one second OFF to show it is jammed.

*LED flashes two seconds ON, two seconds OFF

When cross jammed, the LED on the QBit will blink at a rate of two seconds ON, two seconds OFF to show it is cross jammed.

*LED flashes twice at short intervals

 

A low battery level is indicated when the LED flashes twice at short intervals. Timecode output is still produced at a correct rate while Battery Low level indicator is operating. If you are trying to jam while the battery warning is active, the battery warning will cease for approximately one to two minutes when the jam timecode is locked. This is done so that the jam indication can be seen. After this time the Battery Warning will reappear.

 

Short Blip Followed by Flash

 

If the QBit was started in position 7, no timecode is being output.

 

 

Connections

 

BNC

Outer - Ground
Pin - TC Input and Output

Warranty

 

Lemo

1 - Ground
2 - Timecode Input
4 - +7 to +18v DC external power 5 - Timecode output

 

WARRANTY

 

There is a 2-year limited warranty on the Qbit and Qbit XL (batteries not included.