1.   What is TALLY?

2.   Why do I need TALLY?

3.   My camera has RECORD (REC) light (or LED). Why do I need the PRO-X1 system´s TALLY?

4.   My switcher says it uses "contact-closure" for tally activation.
Does the PRO-X1 system support this method?

5.   My switcher literature says it uses an "open collector" circuit for tally.
Does the PRO-X1 system support this method?

6.   My switcher literature says it provides a "DC voltage" for tally.
Does the PRO-X1 system support this method?

7.   Are there any types of TALLY systems NOT supported by the PRO-X1 system?

8.   I understand wanting the cameraperson to know when their camera is "live,"
but I don´t want the audience to see TALLY. Is there a way I can turn this off?

Unanswered Questions?

 

1.   What is TALLY?

Tally is a method of communicating camera usage to the camera operator or subjects (called "talent"). Most professional-level cameras have a special TALLY light in the viewfinder and on front of the camera viewfinder that is activated when the camera is "taken" on the program buss of the video switcher.

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2.   Why do I need TALLY?

Tally provides an easy method of showing the cameraperson and/or talent when a particular camera is "live." Even single-camera productions can use tally to inform the cameraperson that their camera is in use, so they don´t accidentally move, re-focus, or do anything which might disrupt the shot. In multi-camera productions, TALLY allows the talent/guest to know which camera is "live," so they can address that particular camera.

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3.   My camera has RECORD (REC) light (or LED).
Why do I need the PRO-X1 system´s TALLY?

While many camcorders do have a REC (record) light, it is only active when tape is rolling (i.e. in record mode). In most multi-camera productions, the recording of the camera video signal usually takes place elsewhere (not in the camcorder), so it is helpful for the camera operator and talent to know when a particular camera is "active" (i.e. "on-air" or "live"). Since most "prosumer" grade camcorders have no way to input a TALLY signal (so the camcorder´s own TALLY/REC LED may be activated), the PRO-X1 system provides its own TALLY lights – visible to the camera operator and talent.

The PRO-X1 control unit (base) may be integrated with a variety of production/video switchers that support TALLY. When the director "takes" the video feed from a camera on the production switcher (video mixer) the TALLY signal to the appropriate camera is activated and the TALLY indicators are turned ON at the PRO-X1 camera adapter and control unit. This TALLY system informs the cameraperson that their camera is "live" (and informs others looking at the camera that it is "on-air.")

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4.   My switcher documentation says it uses "contact-closure" for tally activation. Does the PRO-X1 system support this method?

Yes. The PRO-X1 system supports contact closure (where two wires are electronically connected whenever the appropriate source is "taken" on the switcher´s program buss). (See Figure 1 for a wiring diagram example.) Select the "CONTACT CLOSURE" method of TALLY using the PRO-X1 control unit front panel controls for this application.

Figure 1 - TALLY Activation using "Contact Closure" (Contact Closure Method)

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5.   My switcher literature says it uses an "open collector" circuit for tally. Does the PRO-X1 system support this method?

Yes. In this method of TALLY control, a transistor is made to conduct when the video switcher "takes" the specified input. The PRO-X1 system may be used with this configuration as shown in Figure 2. Select the "DC VOLTAGE" method of TALLY using the PRO-X1 control unit front panel controls for this application.

Figure 2 - TALLY Activation using an External DC Source (DC Voltage Method)

6.   My switcher literature says it provides a "DC voltage" for tally. Does the PRO-X1 system support this method?

Yes. In this method of TALLY control, a DC voltage is applied to the switcher&actue;s TALLY output when the video switcher "takes" the specified input. The PRO-X1 system may be used with this configuration as shown in Figure 3. Select the "DC VOLTAGE" method of TALLY using the PRO-X1 control unit front panel controls for this application.

Figure 3 - TALLY Activation using an Internal DC Source (DC Voltage Method)

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7.   Are there any types of TALLY systems NOT supported by the PRO-X1 system?

Yes. Under no circumstances should the PRO-X1 control unit TALLY inputs be connected to an AC (alternating current) TALLY system. Additionally, when using a DC-based system, the input voltage to the PRO-X1 should not exceed 30 VDC.

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8.   I understand wanting the cameraperson to know when their camera is "live," but I don´t want the audience to see TALLY. Is there a way I can turn this off?

Yes. The large TALLY LED on the front panel of the PRO-X1 camera adapter (intended for the talent and/or audience) may be turned off using a toggle switch at the camera adapter. This will allow the camera operator to see their small "local" TALLY LED (on the viewfinder side of the camera) while the audience will not be alerted when the camera is "live."

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Please contact your PRO-X1 dealer or:

Camplex Corporation

3302 W. 6^th Ave., Suite C

Emporia, KS 66801 USA

620.342.7743 (voice)

620.342.7405 (fax)

http://www.camplex.com (Camplex Corporation Web Site)

sales@camplex.com (Sales Information)

techsupp@camplex.com (Post-sales technical assistance)

 

Our office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, Central Time Zone (GMT –0600)

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