No external Time code sync BMPCC 6k Pro & tentacle sync

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silverhand

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No external Time code sync BMPCC 6k Pro & tentacle sync

PostWed Jun 04, 2025 5:43 pm

Thanks to moving countries last year I haven't shot on my BMPCC 6K Pro in a while. In prep for a shoot I updated the firmware on everything (6K Pro is currently on 8.1). I have a Tentacle Sync which has worked well in the past as an external TC generator for the camera. Currently the camera is not grabbing TC from the Sync. I have tried two different Sync units with the same effect. I also have a BMPCC 4K and it grabs TC from either Sync unit just fine. In both cases I'm using the 3.5mm mic jack.

So far I have tried with different media (CFast, SD, and USB), and none of those changes have had an impact. I have tested the 3.5mm mic input with a standard mic and it works. If I record the audio from the Sync to an audio channel it comes through fine. Any suggestions for other troubleshooting ideas?

I can do this next shoot on my 4K if needed, but I would much rather shoot on the 6K Pro. Considering I record my audio on a Track E, it makes my life significantly easier if I can use all Tentacle products for TC.

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~Chris Manning
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Robert Niessner

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Re: No external Time code sync BMPCC 6k Pro & tentacle sync

PostThu Jun 05, 2025 5:48 am

Consider a firmware downgrade back to a version working with the Tentacle.

But what exactly were your audio settings on the PPC6k Pro?
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Alex Mitchell

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Re: No external Time code sync BMPCC 6k Pro & tentacle sync

PostThu Jun 05, 2025 6:25 am

You double checked to make sure that the 6KPro and the Tentacle are set to the same FPS base and that the 6KPro isn't set to record in off-speed? it should just grab the TC from the 3.5mm input... Hmmm...
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silverhand

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Re: No external Time code sync BMPCC 6k Pro & tentacle sync

PostThu Jun 05, 2025 8:50 am

Alex Mitchell wrote:You double checked to make sure that the 6KPro and the Tentacle are set to the same FPS base and that the 6KPro isn't set to record in off-speed? it should just grab the TC from the 3.5mm input... Hmmm...


And this is the answer. I suspect the firmware upgrade switched the project frame rate back to 24fps and I didn't notice. Thanks for this. Sometimes it's the simple, stupid things we don't think to check.

Thanks
~Chris
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