---
title: "Set up an Ambient Lockit timecode generator"
canonical: "https://help.vicon.com/space/ShogunLive121/1253212541/Set%20up%20an%20Ambient%20Lockit%20timecode%20generator"
format: markdown
---
You can set up an Ambient Lockit timecode generator to provide reference/genlock and timecode signals to both the SDI camera and the Vicon system. Most SDI cameras require two cables to provide both timecode and sync.

> ⚠️ **Note**  
> ⚠️ The Ambient Lockit is suitable for most SDI cameras, which take tri-sync reference/genlock and LTC. However, it cannot be used with the Blackmagic URSA 4K Mini, which needs SDI sync because its shared tri-sync/LTC input is needed for LTC.

A system with one Ambient Lockit timecode generator requires a tri-level sync splitter. A timecode (LTC) splitter is not required because the Vicon Lock Studio has an LTC output as well as an LTC input, which can be used instead. If you do not have a tri-level sync splitter, you can use an additional Lockit module per SDI camera in your system, and link them using their radio channels.

See the diagrams in the following sections for how to set up either system.

> Macro (toc)

The examples in these sections include a Red Komodo SDI camera and a Vicon Lock Studio.

> Macro (scroll-pagebreak)

## Set up an Ambient Lockit timecode generator with a tri-level sync splitter

Use the following system diagram to help you set up an Ambient Lockit timecode generator with a tri-level sync splitter.

> ![image](media://3761a668-ca34-49b9-8c72-5aa1883c43fc)

> Macro (scroll-pagebreak)

When setting up the system, check the following requirements:

- Make sure the timecode generator and camera frame rate match. In Shogun Live, make sure the frame rate is a multiple of the timecode generator and camera frame rate.
- Make sure the Blackmagic capture card in your PC is set up correctly and the connection from the camera to the PC is going into an input socket. The capture card can be configured using the Blackmagic desktop application.
- On the Vicon Lock Studio, add a terminator to the Ref Loop socket that is not in use (See the diagram as an example).

### Components for system with Ambient Lockit timecode generator and a tri-level sync splitter 

Currently available and suitable for use in the previous configuration:

- [Ambient ACN-CL LockIt timecode generator](https://ambient.de/en/timecode-metadata/timecode-generators/754/acn-cl-lockit-timecode-and-sync-generator)
- RED Komodo 6K SDI camera
- RED Komodo expander module
- [AJA: C10DA Tri-Level sync splitter](https://www.rcblogic.co.uk/product/aja-c10da-analog-video-1-x-6-distribution-amplifier)
- Vicon Lock Studio
- BNC cable
- LEMO/BNC cable
- LEMO/XLR cable
- PC with Blackmagic DeckLink card (for more information, see [Set up a Blackmagic DeckLink card](https://vicon-help.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ShogunLive121/pages/1253212301))

> Macro (scroll-pagebreak)

## Set up an Ambient Lockit timecode generator with no tri-level sync splitter

If you do not have a tri-level sync splitter, you can use at least two Ambient Lockit timecode generators instead and synchronize the generators using their radio channels.

The number of cameras in your system determines how many Lockits are required. You need at least one Lockit and then an additional Lockit for each SDI camera. For example, a system with three SDI cameras requires four Lockits—three for each of the three SDI cameras and an additional Lockit for the system.

Use the following diagram to help you set up a system with one SDI camera and two Ambient Lockit timecode generators.

> ![image](media://40d2c45c-daba-4559-a11e-9fba09b92d28)

> Macro (scroll-pagebreak)

When setting up the system, check the following requirements:

- Make sure the timecode generator and camera frame rate match. In Shogun, make sure the frame rate is a multiple of the timecode generator and camera frame rate.
- Make sure the Blackmagic capture card in your PC is set up correctly and the connection from the camera to the PC is going into an input socket. The capture card can be configured using the Blackmagic desktop application.
- On the Vicon Lock Studio, add a terminator to the Ref Loop socket that is not in use (see the diagram as an example).
- Make sure the two Lockits are synchronized via their radio channels.

### Components for system with Ambient Lockit timecode generator and no tri-level sync splitter

Currently available and suitable for use in the previous configuration: 

- 2 x [Ambient ACN-CL Lockit timecode generator](https://ambient.de/en/timecode-metadata/timecode-generators/754/acn-cl-lockit-timecode-and-sync-generator)
- RED Komodo 6K SDI camera
- RED Komodo expander module
- Vicon Lock Studio
- BNC cable
- XLR to BNC cable adapter
- LEMO/BNC cable
- LEMO/XLR cable
- PC with Blackmagic DeckLink card (for more information, see [Set up a Blackmagic DeckLink card](https://vicon-help.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ShogunLive121/pages/1253212301))