Aaton Cam Xter Users Guide

							
AATONCODE
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6.1 CONCEPT
AatonCode, Aaton's proprietary in-camera timecode system, is 
recorded in the Xterà on the edge of  the film between the perfora-
tions in both matrix and man-readable form. As recorded in the 
camera, AatonCode contains a six digit production ID, a SMPTE-
compatible real time address (full date and time), a camera equip-
ment ID and the running speed of  the body.
Timecode is exposed onto the film by means of  seven micro-di-
odes, which flash rapidly to form the code as the film rolls through 
the gate. The intensity of  the diodes is adjusted to the film's sensi-
tivity by means of  the camera's ASA selection.
The Xterà can accept timecode information in both ASCII and 
SMPTE form, and work with all standard timecode devices.
Because the same time address is running in both the camera  and 
the sound recorder, a slate is no longer needed for syncing purpos-
es; synchronization becomes fully automatic during the film/tape 
transfer or later post-production stages.
An Aaton device called Keylink, which consists of  VHR reader 
heads and a PC, and which is owned by the telecine house, is de-
signed to read Keycode and Aatoncode off  the film during transfer 
and correlate this to the continuous video timecode and all other 
colorist entries for storage on its hard drive. Keylink can also ingest 
scene/take information and notes from the set recorded by means 
of  Aaton's Script Supervisor software. 
The facility can then supply all correlated information in VITC (ver-
tical interval timecode) and/or burn-in windows on the transferred 
tape, and also on floppy disk for direct use with non-linear editing 
systems, audio workstations and logging programs.
6.2 THE INTERNAL CLOCK
The Xterà contains an internal clock designed to be initialized from 
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AATON CODE
an outside source and keep accurate time (within a half  a frame) 
for 8 hours. After 8 hours of  keeping time, the yellow diode on the 
base of  the Xterà will flash once every four seconds, indicating that 
accurate time is no longer guaranteed.
In order for the internal clock to operate, the camera must be 
powered before initialization. The camera is also equipped with 
an instantly charged supercapacitor buffer that is designed to keep 
time between battery changes. Keep in mind that a battery which is 
too low to run the camera has enough energy to drive the internal 
clock for hours. Get into the habit of  leaving an exhausted battery 
on-board the camera until you have a fresh battery close by. The 
supercapacitor allows a full minute for battery replacement before 
timecode is lost. 
6.3 ORIGINCPLUS
For the most efficient and foolproof  means of  working with Aaton-
Code, it is highly recommended that an Aaton device called Orig-
inCplus is used. OriginCplus can be quickly 
programmed with a production ID, full date and time of  day, then 
initialize timecode devices in either ASCII or SMPTE form. Orig-
inCplus is TCXO-controlled and will run for 150 hours with an 
internal 9V lithium cell; it is designed to be left on during the shoot 
day and used as a comparator to monitor timecode drift between 
devices. 
OriginCplus can also be used as a SMPTE generator to supply accu-
rate timecode for slates and inserters, or to record timecode on one 
audio channel of  a non-timecode audio recorder.
6.4 INITIALIZING AATONCODE IN THE
CAMERA 
						

							
There are two ways in which AatonCode can be initialized in the 
Xterà camera. The preferred method is by means of  the OriginC-
plus, which inputs timecode in ASCII form. It is also possible for 
the camera to receive information in SMPTE form directly from a 
SMPTE timecode device such as an TC audio recorder. Both meth-
ods are detailed below.
6.4.1 Using the OriginCplus - Recommended Method• • Program 
the OriginCplus by inputting Prod ID, accurate date and time of  
day. Press the # key to scroll through each field; after all fields are 
set as desired, Press * to start the clock.
• Make sure the camera has a battery attached.
• Plug the Lemo5 cable of  the OriginCplus into Lemo5 chassis 
mount on the base of  the camera. On the Xterà, the Lemo5 con-
nector is located on the motor side to the lower left of  the motor.
• Press * on the OriginCplus to send the timecode information. The 
OriginCplus will display Good 00.0 after the timecode has been ac-
cepted by the camera. Likewise, the small yellow diode on the cam-
era base will blink to indicate running timecode. Also, the control 
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panel of  the Xterà will display hours/minutes/seconds when the 
button marked time is selected. Toggling this button will also display 
year/month/day, then the production ID, then the equipment #. 
• Make sure to adjust the ASA selection to the exposure index of  
the film stock being used.
• Disconnect the OriginCplus from the body and proceed to the 
next device.
For further details on the OriginCplus, please refer to the publica-
tion entitled OriginCplus - Initializing and Monitoring Aaton Time-
code.
6.4.2 Using an External SMPTE Device
• Make sure the Xterà has a battery attached and is not running.
• Choose the SMPTE timecode device that will be supplying the 
timecode (such as a Fostex PD2 or a Nagra IVS-TC). Set the time 
of  day and date, and set its clock to free run mode.
• Connect a cable from the SMPTE output of  the timecode device 
to the Lemo5 chassis mount on the base of  the camera.
• Set the on/off  switch on the camera to run or test position, then 
off  again; this will send the timecode information to the camera 
body. The small yellow diode on the camera base will blink to indi-
cate running timecode. Also, the Xterà will display hours/minutes/
seconds when the button marked time is pressed. Toggling this but-
ton will also display year/month/day and the camera's equipment #. 
No production ID will be recorded.
• Disconnect the cable from the body and proceed to the next de-
vice.
6.5 MONITORING AND MAINTAINING 
AATONCODE
AAfter initialization, the OriginCplus should be left on during pro-
duction to act as a visual reference and for quick drift monitoring. 
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AATON CODE 
						

							
Once timecode has been initialized into the camera(s) and sound 
recorder, accurate time will be individually maintained in each ma-
chine for six hours. It is suggested, however, that new timecode be 
re-initialized after four hours or so as a precautionary measure. Get 
into the habit of  using the OriginCplus to monitor timecode drift in 
each device when possible; every 2-3 hours or so is recommended.
6.5.1 Monitoring AatonCode with OriginCplus
Assuming that the OriginCplus has been left on during the produc-
tion, follow the simple procedure below to monitor drift in the 
camera.
• Plug the Lemo5 cable of  the OriginCplus into the Lemo5  chassis 
mount connector at the base of  the camera.
• Press * to monitor AatonCode drift. OriginCplus will compare its 
own timecode to that of  Xterà. OriginCplus will display Good, fair, 
bad or dif-time (different time) followed by the amount of  drift in 
tenths of  a frame.
• Follow the same procedure for each camera or sound recorder on 
the set running AatonCode. When initializing or monitoring time-
code in a SMPTE device, press *0 on the OriginCplus.
6.5.2 Maintaining AatonCode without OriginCplus
If  the OriginCplus has not been used and timecode has been set in 
the camera directly from the TC audio recorder, there is no way to 
monitor timecode drift between the two devices. In this case, it is 
recommended to simply re-jam the camera every two to three hours. 
Follow the procedure detailed in section 4.2 Using an External 
SMPTE Device
Make sure that the camera on/off  is switched to run or test posi-
tion for it to accept the newly fed code.
6.6 THE CAMERA ASSISTANT'S DUTIES
Although timecode-related practices on the set are very straightfor-
ward and uncomplicated, there are a few duties which should be 
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handled by the camera assistant as part of  his / her routine.
6.6.1 Checking the Diodes
In order to inspect and clean the gate between magazine rolls, the 
camera must be set to test position. Not only will test position ro-
tate the shutter 180°, but the seven timecode LEDs in the gate will 
illuminate in a three/four sequence. Use this pattern to occasionally 
check that all diodes are operational and evenly illuminated. As part 
of  the normal gate cleaning procedure, clean this area with a Q-tip 
and lens cleaning fluid to assure that no dust particles cover the 
LED array.
The seven diodes will illuminate in test position whether or not 
timecode is running in the camera.
6.6.2 Setting the ASA
When changing magazines, make sure the ASA/ISO setting of  the 
camera matches the film stock being used. To check the current 
ASA selection on the LCD control panel, press the button marked 
ISO twice . To adjust the ASA setting, press SET, then this button. 
Make your selection between 25 and 1000 ISO by toggling the but-
ton or by rotating the jog wheel.
6.3.3 Checking for Running Time
The yellow LED located to the right of  the motor, will flash once 
per second on the second when timecode is running in the camera. 
Get into the habit of  looking for this flash as an additional peace of  
mind check. If  more than one camera is counting time on the set, 
check that all flashes occur simultaneously.
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AATON CODE 
						

							
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Weight 6kg / 13 lbs with 400 ft load and 12V on-board battery.
Power 10-14 V, 600 mA, with film à 25°C / 77°F.
Temperature range  -20°C / +4°F to +40°C / +104°F. 
Noise level 20 dB -1/+2.
Speeds preset speeds of  6, 12, 18, 20, 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 36, 40, 48, 60 
and 75 fps. Built-in variable crystal control from 3 to 75 fps in 0.001 incre-
ments.
Image stability Co-planar claw and lateral pressure. Vertical and lateral 
steadyness to 1/2000 of  image dimensions.
Viewing screen Interchangeable fiber optical screens available in 1.33, 1.66, 
1.78 (16/9)1.85 and 2.35 aspect ratios and combinations thereof. Aatonite 
illuminated markings.
Lens port Interchangeable hard fronts: ArriPL as standard. Aaton universal 
and Panavision on option.
Variable Shutter Opening sectors : 180°, 172,8°, 160°, 150°, 144°, 120°, 90°, 
60°, 45°, 30°, 15°          .
Formats 16 / Super16 operation. Field-convertible quick centering of  lens 
axis, viewfinder and VHR target between formats.
Time recording AatonCode; in-camera, at-the-gate matrix recording of  
man-readable figures and machine readable data. TCXO control for 1/2 
frame accuracy over 8 hours internal clock. SMPTE and ASCII-RS232 in.
Accessory inputs, Lemo6 x 3, Lemo8 x 2, Lemo5 (Smpte and RS232 time 
input) and Lemo2 x 2 (camera on/off). Outputs : BNC x 2, Fisher 4 x 1 
(located on VHR)
Magazine 400 ft and 800ft, coaxial instant DX magazines, quick loading, 
magnetic drive, no timecode-related parts.
LCD control panel Illuminated display. Pre-set and variable speed selection, 
ASA selection, battery voltage monitoring, remaining footage, short end 
reset, elapsed footage, mag ID, full timecode readout.
Warnings Low speed, problem with the magazine, low battery, end of  film 
coming soon.