CG-1800
Master Clock Generator
The CG-1800 master clock generator generates NTSC, PAL and HD Tri-level video clock – as well as word clock through BNC, AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs – ensuring compatibility with any synchronization system
The internal clock employs the high-precision OCXO that is not impacted by environment temperature
All models use a high-precision OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator) that boasts a clock frequency precision of ±0.01ppm*1 and a frequency stability of ±0.005ppm per day. The jitter management circuit developed by TASCAM reduces external clock jitters, enabling a stable clock signal to video and word outputs, while a glitch-free relock circuit maintains a sustained clock phase even during clock dropouts and recovery, thus effectively preventing noise and skipping from occurring, delivering high reliability and stability to users.
*1 The numerical value at the time of factory shipment.
Easily check conditions if problems occur through logging and GPO parallel output
The CG-1800 comes equipped with 4 video outputs, 12 word clock outputs, two AES3/11 and two S/PDIF digital outputs, enabling the construction of large-scale synchronization systems. Furthermore, it is compatible with 2×Fs, 4×Fs, and 256×Fs outputs, as well as Pro Tools and other DAW systems.
The CG-1800 is developed so that the cause of any malfunctions can be investigated during maintenance when problem occurs. The termination of output equipment, measuring of the input level, and the analyzer function that measures input frequency are all included, supporting troubleshooting should a problem occurs, while the word clock’s output level can be adjusted to different levels, allowing for optimum signal levels to be supplied to connecting equipment. As another function that supports the detection of problems, a logging function is also included.
User maintenance enabled by the self-calibration functions via external oscillators
Since crystal oscillators change over time, regular calibration is necessary in order to keep the oscillator in its best condition. The CG-1800 is equipped with a self-calibration function, enabling users to perform maintenance through easy operations*2. The design takes careful measures to attain durability, including the usage of the nut-coupling Amphenol BNC connectors that are extremely resistant against pulling and twisting, and independent circuit boards for each connector that prevent contact failures caused by twisting.
TASCAM’s accumulated experience and know-how in digital synchronization technology through its development of professional equipment has been refined to create products specialized in clock synchronization. The CG-1800 is a lineup of professional-grade master clock generators that was the result of an exhaustive injection of TASCAM technology.
*2 Use of the self-calibration function requires preparation of a separate PPS-output 10MHz oscillator with a built-in GPS antenna.
Abundant Input and Output Connectors Support Use in Large-scale Audio/Video Synchronization Systems
Numerous output connectors, including 12 word clock outputs
In addition to 12 word clock outputs and 4 video outputs, the digital outputs include 2 AES3/AES11 and 2 S/PDIF outputs, making the CG-1800 useful for large-scale audio/video synchronization systems, and a wide variety of other applications. Of the 12 word outputs, two also support 2×Fs, 4×Fs and 256×Fs output – enabling them to be used in systems with ProTools and other DAW software.
Supports input and output of a variety of video signal formats - including NTSC, PAL and HD Tri-level
High-precision synchronization systems can be created
Internal clock uses a high-precision OCXO that is not influenced by the temperature of the environment
The crystal oscillator is the heart of the clock generator, In the CG-1800, an OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator) is used for its high precision, and the fact it is not influenced by the temperature of the environment.
Boasting a clock frequency precision of 0.01 ppm*, which exceeds that of a TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator), this unit is key in the creation of high-precision synchronization systems - with word output frequency stability of +/-0.005ppm or less per day.
*factory default value.
Input connector that supports 10MHz signal - allowing the creation of systems with even higher precision
An external input connector that supports a 10MHz signal enables the CG-1800 to be connected to a rubidium clock or GPS clock for even higher precision.
Designed for High Reliability and Dependable Stability
Jitter management circuit provides stable clock
External clock jitter is reduced using an original TASCAM circuit design that incorporates a high-performance video clock generator device, featuring an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit with a discrete filter.
This enables a stable clock signal to be provided to the video/word outputs, improving system stability.
Glitch-free relocking circuit prevents noise and skipping during clock dropouts and recovery
The CG-1800 constantly measures the external reference clock. In devices that do not have built-in countermeasures, and the master clock signal drops out, the video reference and word clock signals could become out of phase, and sound might skip during the dropout – and again during recovery.
In the CG-1800, if the clock drops out, a substitute reference clock signal is maintained with a high-performance holdover.
During this time, the video reference and word clock signals are kept in-phase, so restoration of synchronization to the reference signal can occur without glitches - preventing video/audio noise and skipping sounds when recovering from a dropout.
Multiple Functions Support Maintenance and Identification of Issues If Problems Occur
Analyzer function that can measure output device termination
In the installation of broadcasting and large-scale post-production studios, numerous connected devices and complicated wiring are common.
The CG-1800 has an analyzer function that allows it to measure input frequencies, input levels and the terminations of output devices - enabling it to provide support when troubleshooting problems should they occur.
Optimal levels can be provided to other devices by adjusting wordclock output levels
Depending on the routing of wiring and the receiving devices, signal levels could be reduced - resulting in proper reception failures.
Since the output of the CG-1800 can be set to multiple levels, it can provide optimal signal levels to connected devices.
Checking conditions if problems occur is possible through logging
One function that enables identification of the causes of trouble is the logging function. In addition to being able to check the log on the CG-1800 display, you can also capture the log as a CSV-format file on a USB flash drive.
Self-calibration function enables maintenance by users
Since crystal oscillators change over time, regular calibration is necessary. In order to avoid problems that could lead to broadcast trouble, timely inspections and regular maintenance are required.
The CG-1800 has a self-correction function, enabling users to conduct maintenance using external signal input* and simple operations.
*Use of the self-calibration function requires preparation of a separate PPS-output 10MHz oscillator with a built-in GPS antenna.
Designed for Durability
Durable nut-coupling Amphenol BNC connectors
Since the Amphenol BNC connectors use nuts for coupling, they are extremely resistant to pulling, twisting and multiple connect-disconnect cycles.
Each connector has an independent circuit board to prevent contact failures due to twisting and repeated use
The construction uses a single circuit board for each connector. This provides excellent resistance to the twisting and pulling of cables and suppresses interference between connectors.
Features at a Glance
- Internal clock uses a high-precision OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator) that is not influenced by the temperature of the environment
- External input connector that supports 10MHz, allowing creation of systems with even higher precision
- Jitter management circuit provides stable clock
- Glitch-free relocking circuit prevents noise and skipping during clock dropouts and recovery
- Numerous output connectors, including (12) word clock outputs, enabling the use in large-scale video/audio synchronization systems
- Supports input and output of a variety of video signal formats, including NTSC, PAL and HD Tri-level
- AES3 and AES11 signals can also be used for external master clock input sources
- Analyzer function that can measure output device termination
- Optimal levels can be provided to other devices by adjusting wordclock output levels
- Self-calibration function using an external oscillator (Atomic/GPS 10MHz, GPS PPS)
*Use of the self-calibration function requires the use of a separate PPS-output 10MHz oscillator with a built-in GPS antenna. - Word clock performance up to 192 kHz
- 0.1% pull-up/down for 24F(Film) and 29.97F(NTSC), and 4% pull-up/down for 24F(Film) and 25F(PAL)
- Up to (4) system settings can be saved to buttons for recall, and saved settings can be imported and exported via USB
- Durable nut-coupling BNC connectors made by Amphenol
- Independent circuit boards for each connector prevents contact failures due to twisting
- Three-prong IEC power cable included
- Panel-lock switch can be used to prevent inadvertent changes to unit operation
- 128x64-pixel organic EL display with a wide viewing angle
- Firmware updates possible using the USB port
- EIA 1U rack mount size
- RoHS-compliant product
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