Help! Can't reset the time code on the DVX100b

Tom Knight

Tom Knight

Active member
Stupid newbie question -

I can't figure out how to re-set the time code!

The main reason I care is that I want to sync two cameras for a music concert shoot (tomorrow!)

I was able to get both cameras working in Free Run mode, starting with the remote at the same time.

But one camera has the time code at 4:39 and the other at 14:20.

I got it out of free run mode and hit the counter button on the side of the camera, and it scrolls through different time codes. It doesn't re-set anything to zero.

I think the problem might be that I didn't rewind the first tape all the way before I ejected it.

I've tried ejecting the tapes (which are brand new) and inserting them again, but the camera is still confused.

Maybe the only option is to try two more brand new tapes. Any other thoughts?

- Tom
 
Two things:

First, the counter button only changes the display mode. To reset the TC you need to go into the menu to Record Setup and set FIRST REC TC to PRESET, then go to TC PRESET and manually change every value in the TC.

Second, with the DVX100B, you can actually sync two cameras. See page 52 of the manual for the how-to. Download the manual from Panasonic HERE if you need it.
 
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Alex, I still can't get it to work.

I did manage to reset the TC to 0000000. But then when I switch both cameras to FREE RUN, they both immediately jump to very different time codes. (The time codes they were at before I re-set the TC!

I was using page 50 of Barry Green's DVX book which tells how to sync 2 cameras using the remote control. Basically, you start them at exactly the same time, and using the FREE RUN time code, they will be synced up even if one camera stops and starts recording.

So I don't understand why the time code jumps back to a high number after I manually reset it to 0000000. Any guesses?
 
I know this is a stupid question, but are you in Camera mode or VCR mode?

Oh, and another stupid question -- are these brand new tapes? By that I mean has anything been recorded on them yet?
 
Check the Recording Setup menu again. Is FIRST REC TC set to REGEN or PRESET?

If it's set to PRESET, it should be fine. It if is set to REGEN, however, it will pick up from the last TC stored in its memory (the last value it recorded to tape).
 
I did the gig and am tired of trying to figure out syncing. But I was able to reset the time code by changing it to REGEN. That seemed to do the trick!

The tapes were new, with no time code. I think it was in Camera mode when I was working with it.

I'm going to give this issue a rest for now, and work on editing the footage I shot!
 
Tom Knight said:
The tapes were new, with no time code.
Click to expand...

Just for future reference... there doesn't need to be a tape in the camera at all for it to have a stored TC value. When FIRST REC TC is set to REGEN, it will start even a fresh tape at the last value it had in its memory (and it's not connected with the TC PRESET). When you start with a fresh tape, reset your TC PRESET, put the camera in FIRST REC TC - PRESET. You should be able to start with your new TC value.

Also of note, and for anyone else who may read this: once you've started a new tape, after the first few shots or if you stop the tape to review something, switch FIRST REC TC to REGEN, and it will pick up the TC form the point on the tape at which it starts recording. This helps minimize TC breaks.
 
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