Tentacle Sync E Operating Manual V1.0

Operating Modes

Tentacles can be started in two operating modes:

Red Mode: During switch-on (approx. 1 sec. power button slide), the status LED flashes red. In this mode, the Tentacle waits to jam-sync to an external timecode source via the 3.5mm jack. It does not output timecode.

Green Mode: During switch-on (slide power button until status LED flashes green, > 3 sec.), the Tentacle fetches the "Time of Day" from its internal Real Time Clock (RTC), loads it into the timecode generator, and starts outputting timecode.

Setup App for iOS & Android

The Tentacle Setup App for mobile devices allows you to synchronize, monitor, setup, and change basic parameters of your Tentacle device. This includes settings such as timecode, frame rate, device name & icon, output volume, battery status, and user bits. Download the app from: www.tentaclesync.com/download.

Enabling Bluetooth and Connecting

The Setup App communicates with SYNC E devices via Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile device and grant the app necessary permissions. The Android version may request location permission, which is only used to receive Bluetooth data and is not stored.

Note: SYNC E devices connect via Bluetooth or USB (macOS/Windows/Android). The iOS app uses Bluetooth exclusively; the 4-pin mini jack cable is not compatible with SYNC E devices.

Before starting the app, switch on your SYNC E devices. They constantly transmit timecode and status information via Bluetooth during operation.

Adding a New Tentacle

If the monitoring list is empty, tap + Add New Tentacle. A list of available Tentacles nearby will appear. Select the desired Tentacle and hold it close to your phone to complete the procedure. A "SUCCESS!" message confirms the addition, ensuring exclusive access.

Note: Tentacles can be linked to up to 10 mobile devices simultaneously. Linking to an 11th device will drop the oldest one.

Wireless Sync

1. Open the Setup App and add all Tentacle SYNC Es to the monitoring list.
2. Tap on WIRELESS SYNC. A small window will pop up.
3. Select the desired frame rate from the dropdown menu.
4. Set a starting time for the timecode, or it will default to "Time of Day".
5. Press START. All Tentacles will synchronize within seconds.

During synchronization, the status shows "Sync In Process". Once complete, the status turns green and displays "Sync Done".

Wireless Master Sync

To use an audio recorder or another timecode source as master:

1. Start one Tentacle in Red Mode and connect it to your timecode source via a suitable adapter cable. Jam-sync until it runs in Green Mode.
2. Select this "master" Tentacle in the monitoring list, tap it, and go to its settings menu.
3. Scroll down and tap on WIRELESS MASTER SYNC.
4. Choose between "Sync All" and "Sync only Red Mode". Other Tentacles will synchronize to this master.

Synchronization via Cable

If a mobile device is unavailable, synchronize Sync E units using the included 3.5mm cable:

1. Start one Tentacle in Green Mode (master) and others in Red Mode (JamSync).
2. Connect all Red Mode Tentacles consecutively to the Green Mode master Tentacle using the mini jack cable.

Each connected Tentacle will change from Red to Green Mode. All Tentacles will then be in sync and flash green simultaneously.

Additional information: An external timecode source can also be used as a master.

Note: Feeding every recording device with timecode from a Tentacle ensures frame accuracy for the entire shoot.

Monitoring List

Once devices are added, the monitoring list displays key status information: timecode, frame accuracy, battery status, output level, frame rate, Bluetooth range, name, and icon.

If a Tentacle is out of Bluetooth range for less than a minute, its status and timecode are maintained. If no updates are received for over 1 minute, it shows "Last seen x minutes ago".

The unit information in the list is highlighted based on proximity; closer devices have more saturated colors.

Remove a Tentacle: Swipe left (iOS) or long-press (Android, > 2 sec.) on the Tentacle status information.

Device Warnings

Warning signs in the monitoring list provide short explanations when tapped:

• Cable unplugged: Appears if the device is in Green Mode but no cable is plugged into the 3.5mm jack. (Note: This checks for cable presence, not actual connection to a recording device.)
• Inconsistent frame rate: Indicates two or more Tentacles in Green Mode outputting timecode with mismatching frame rates.
• Not in sync: Displayed when inaccuracies of more than half a frame occur between devices in Green Mode. This can sometimes appear briefly when the app starts from the background. If the warning persists for over 10 seconds, re-sync your Tentacles.

Timecode Display

The currently running timecode is displayed. The color indicates the Tentacle's state:

• RED: Not yet synchronized, waiting for external timecode to jam-sync.
• GREEN: Synchronized or started in Green Mode, outputting timecode.

Custom Timecode / Set to Phone Time

Tap the timecode display to set a custom timecode or sync to phone time. A window allows selection of options.

Important note: The timecode display in the settings menu is for informational purposes only and may not be 100% frame accurate. For precise checking, use the monitoring view. For filming accurate timecode from your phone, use the free iOS app "Timebar".

Customize Icon and Name

Changing the device icon: Tap the device icon to select a new icon. Different icons (colored Tentacles, cameras, etc.) help identify Tentacles in the monitoring screen.

Changing the device name: Click the name field, change the name, and confirm with Return for better differentiation of multiple Tentacles.

Output Volume (LINE / MIC / AUTO)

Set the output volume according to your recording devices:

• AUTO (recommended): Automatically switches to MIC-level when plugged into devices with plugin power (e.g., 3.5mm jack inputs on Sony a7s, Lumix GH5) or phantom power (XLR inputs). Prevents distortion on mic inputs. MIC and LINE settings are locked when AUTO is enabled.
• LINE: For professional cameras with dedicated TC-IN connectors requiring LINE-level timecode.
• MIC: For cameras and recorders without a dedicated TC-IN connector. Timecode is recorded as an audio signal on an audio track. Adjust output level via the setup app to prevent distortion.

Set Frame Rate

Choose your project frame rate from the pulldown menu. Tentacle supports SMPTE Standard frame rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97 DropFrame, and 30 fps.

Auto Power Off Time

If no cable is plugged into the Tentacle's mini jack port, it switches off automatically after the set time period. This prevents battery drain if you forget to switch it off.

General Information

• Firmware: Shows the current firmware version.
• Serial Number: Displays your Tentacle's serial number.
• Calibration Date: Shows the date of the last TCXO calibration.
• RTC Time: Displays the current time and date from the internal real-time clock.

User Bits

User bits embed additional information (e.g., calendar date, camera ID) into the timecode signal, typically consisting of eight hexadecimal digits (0-9, a-f).

• Currently active User Bits: Displays the running SMPTE timecode user bits.
• User Bits Preset: Select a preset for user bits. "Set to Value" allows editing a static value. "Use RTC Date" generates user bits dynamically from the RTC, with format options available.
• Take over User Bits of source: When enabled, Tentacle adopts incoming user bits during jam sync in Red Mode, outputting them upon switching to Green Mode.

Dedicated TC-IN

Equipment with a dedicated timecode/sync input or built-in timecode generator. This includes professional cameras and audio recorders with BNC or special LEMO TC IN connectors. Timecode is processed internally and written as metadata.

Microphone-IN

Other equipment that does not have a direct timecode input. Timecode is recorded onto a free audio track. This category typically includes DSLR cameras or small audio recorders.

To use timecode via audio track, record the signal onto a free audio track. Editing systems supporting "audio timecode" or included software can translate this to standard metadata timecode.

Set the Tentacle's output volume to MIC-level to prevent distortion on the camera/recorder's mic input. Verify audio menu settings on the recording device.

Adapter Cables

Use the correct adapter cable to connect Tentacle to your equipment. For wiring diagrams and more cables, visit shop.tentaclesync.com or ask your local dealer.

• Tentacle sync cable (included): For devices with a 3.5mm microphone jack (e.g., Blackmagic BMPCC4K/6K, DSLR cameras, Sound Devices Mix Pre 3/6).
• Tentacle ► RED: 4-pin Lemo cable for TC IN on RED Cameras (except Red One).
• Tentacle ► BNC: For cameras/recorders with a BNC TC IN. Bidirectional, also syncs Tentacle to external timecode sources (e.g., Canon 300, Zoom F8/N).
• Tentacle ► LEMO: Straight 5-pin Lemo cable for TC IN on devices like Sound Devices recorders or ARRI Alexa cameras.
• LEMO ► Tentacle: 5-pin Lemo cable to send timecode from a device with a Lemo TC OUT connector (e.g., Sound Device) to a Tentacle.
• Tentacle ► XLR: For devices without TC input but with XLR audio input (e.g., Sony FS7, FS5, Zoom H4N).
• Tentacle/Mic Y-Cable ► Mini Jack: Sends timecode and audio from an external microphone to a device with a 3.5mm microphone input (e.g., DSLR cameras).

Tentacle Clamp - Lock Your Cable

To prevent accidental unplugging, slide the clamp into the recess on the Tentacle until it clicks, securely fastening the cable.

Rechargeable Battery

The Tentacle has a built-in, rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery. Charging is via USB at the rear; the status LED next to the port indicates charge level. A full charge takes 1.5 hours and provides up to 35 hours of operation.

When the battery is nearly empty, the front LED flashes red multiple times before the device switches off. If the battery is empty, it cannot be switched on until recharged. The battery is replaceable by professional service if performance decreases after several years.

Built-in Microphone

A small built-in microphone is located in a notch behind the rubber band on top of the device. It can record reference sound on DSLR cameras or devices with a stereo 3.5mm mic input. Using the mini jack cable, the timecode signal is recorded on the left channel, and reference sound on the right channel.

Note: The built-in microphone only works at mic levels with plugin power switched on at the camera side.

Intended Use

This device is intended for use with suitable cameras and audio recorders only. It must not be connected to other devices. The device is not waterproof and should be protected from rain. Conversion and/or modification of the device is not permitted for safety and certification reasons (CE). Improper use can cause hazards like short circuits, fire, or electric shock. Read the manual carefully for reference.

Safety Notice

Proper function and safe operation are guaranteed only if standard safety precautions and device-specific notices are observed. The rechargeable battery must not be charged below 0°C or above 40°C. Perfect functionality and safe operation are guaranteed between -20°C and +60°C. Keep the device away from children and animals. Protect from extreme temperatures, heavy jolts, moisture, combustible gases, vapors, and solvents. User safety can be compromised if the device is damaged, malfunctions, was stored improperly, or becomes unusually hot. For repairs or maintenance, contact the manufacturer.

Disposal / WEEE Notification

This product must not be disposed of with household waste. Dispose of it at a special disposal station (recycling yard), technical retail center, or at the manufacturer.

FCC Declaration

This device contains FCC ID: 2AA9B05. It has been tested and found to comply with FCC Part 15B, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to correct it by measures such as reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, or connecting to a different circuit. Modification voids user authority to operate the equipment.

Industry Canada Declaration

This device contains IC: 12208A-05. It complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standards and the Canadian regulatory standard CAN ICES-003. Operation is subject to conditions preventing harmful interference.

Declaration of Conformity

Tentacle Sync GmbH, Eifelwall 30, 50674 Cologne, Germany declares that the Tentacle SYNC E timecode generator complies with relevant directives, including 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, and EN 62368-1:2014 + AC:2015. This is indicated by the CE mark.