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SOFTWARE BULLETIN
1 INTRODUCTION This bulletin describes operating characteristics and limitations implemented by the TCD Version 1.07 software. The new 1.07 Version replaces the previous 1.03 Version. Version 1.07 of the Stelladat TC module requires at least Version 4.50 of the Stelladat motherboard software to take full advantage of all the new features.
2 ASSIGNMENT OF THE UNASSIGNED BIT 58 Following the complaints of some customers which had difficulties with the "40 hours" digit on some very old TC readers, the unassigned bit 58 of the SMPTE TC is no longer set to one to signal 30 frame/sec operation (as opposed to 29.97).
3 JAM SYNC MODE KEEPS GENERATOR RUNNING AFTER POWER-DOWN Previous version would loose correct "jam-synced" TC after a power-down. This would require a renewed "jam- sync" feed after every change of batteries. This is no longer required as the RTC (Real Time Clock) is now also set during jam-sync.
4 JAM SYNC AND RECORD_RUN MODE CONFLICT RESOLVED Although trying to have simultaneously the machine in Jam Sync and in Record Run mode seems a bit bizarre, some customers requested to have the machine behave in Record Run mode even when in Jam Sync. While the previous software version would ignore the RecordRun mode when in Jam Sync, the newer version will Jam Sync to an external TC (provided it is running) but only increment its value when in Record.
Note: TC will not jam-sync to an external source that is standing still (repeating the same value all the time). In order to jam sync the external TC must be incrementing normally. Please tell if this is a serious limitation...
Note: A known limitation of this mode is that after a power-down of the machine, the tape may show occasionally a one frame discontinuity at the first new record start position.
5 IMPROVED RECORD_RUN CONTINUITY ON TAPE Previous version would occasionally show TC discontinuities of up to 2 frames between takes and even higher gaps if the machine had been powered down between two consecutive takes. This problem is now solved and tapes recorded in Record run mode are now perfectly continuous (provided the tape remains at the last recorded position and is not shuttled around between takes). If tape is shuttled around, one should start a End_ID or a Blank search first. In addition TC is now properly output on the TC Out connector while recording in Record Run mode.
6 IMMEDIATE AUTO-DETECT FOR RECORDING Previous version would improperly label the first recording whenever the Input format was in Auto Detect mode. In addition the first record after a power-down would improperly be set to 25 frames/s. Both these problems are solved.
7 KNOWN LIMITATIONS When recording the internal generator in date mode with the 29.97 FF or 30 DF frame rate the user bits will not reflect the new date at the midnight crossing but around one minute and a half later or earlier (at 00:01:26:14 in 30 DF to be precise).
8 CHECKSUM The checksum of the V1.07 EPROM is 1D91H