The Tentacle Sync TIMEBAR Timecode Slate is a modular kit that includes the TIMEBAR (a multipurpose timecode display) paired with a high-quality board, clapper sticks, and a custom holder, that also serves as a mount for the TIMEBAR.
The whole concept behind the TIMEBAR Timecode Slate was to come up with a lightweight, yet robust product that was versatile and user-friendly.
Tentacle Sync showed a prototype of its Wireless Timecode Slate that utilizes the company’s Timebar back in April at NAB 2024.
It is a modular system where you can screw a Tentacle Sync Timebar into a clapper board that becomes a fully functioning wireless timecode slate. The system was made in collaboration with Forty One Thirty and FILMSTICKS.
Having the ability to be able to pull the Timebar out of the clapper board makes a lot of sense and it increases the versatility of the product and makes it different from other solutions on the market.
Key features
- Precision-engineered acrylic board (Roll/Scene/Take Layout)
- Durable clapper sticks
- Custom-designed TIMEBAR holder/mount
- High-contrast OLED technology with a wide viewing angle
- 24-hour typical battery runtime
- Control, sync, and operate all devices via Bluetooth
- Timecode generator with TC in and out
- Timer and stopwatch functionality
- Text display
- Tentacle Sync Studio Software License included (macOS)
- TIMEBAR is designed and manufactured in Germany
Modularity
As I previously mentioned, the TIMEBAR Timecode Slate was designed to be modular which increases its versatility.
The TIMEBAR Timecode Slate is the film Industry’s standard 11” Slate size. It was designed to be specifically stripped down so that you can fully customize the Timecode Slate. You are able to fully customize the slate in that you don’t need to have an additional slate facia to add onto the timecode slate – which adds weight. In addition, like the Gripsticks Clapper Sticks, 4130 can actually design customized sticks as well to match the customized slate. All components can be replaced, and the system can be taken apart very quickly and reassembled.
You can take the TimeBar out of the slate by simply undoing the two M4 screws with a 3mm hex key and removing it from the TimeBar holder.
Yes, it arguably would have been better to have seen some sort of toolless quick-release system to remove the TimeBar or put it back in, but taking out a couple of screws isn’t a big deal, nor does it take too long.
Design & Weight
The TIMEBAR timecode slate is the lightest option on the market (but only by around 80 g), and it tips the scales at 786 g / 1.73 lb, including the battery.
As a comparison, the competing Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode Smart Slate weighs 1.1 kg / 2.5 lb without batteries. The Denecke TS-C Compact Timecode Slate (Color Clapper, EL Backlit) weighs 861 g / 1.9 lb, and the Ambient Recording Lockit Slate Take 2 Modular Timecode Slate (Plastic Clapsticks) weighs 1.1 kg / 2.4 lb.
As it features a custom-designed holder and recessed grip, it allows for one-handed operation.
The only caveat with the design is that you can’t stand it up on a table or flat surface as the clapper board is very thin.
Build Quality
The build quality is decent, but it may or may not be as robust as the competing Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode Smart Slate. I only say that because the Deity is thicker and made out of wood.
I think the TIMEBAR timecode slate would probably be ok even if you happened to drop it, but I not going to do that on purpose to find out!
Internal Battery
The internal battery can be charged via USB-C and will last for up to 10 hours with the timecode running continually, but in the real world, you are probably likely only going to need to charge it every few days.
Having an internal battery has its pros and cons. On the positive side, you don’t have to carry around a charger or additional batteries. On the negative side, batteries do degrade over time, and if the internal battery runs out, you would need to power it via a USB-C solution.
I personally think for an ‘affordably’ priced timecode clapper board, having an internal battery makes sense. Yes, no one wants e-waste, and having an internal battery is a concern, but I would imagine Tentacle Sync can replace the battery in the TIMEBAR as they can do with their timecode devices.
The competing Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode Smart Slate utilizes two included NP-style 3350mAh 7.4V 12.79Wh FB-NP-F550-DT batteries. With the clapper open and running, you will get over 25 hours of use. You can also hot-swap the batteries.
User Interface & Buttons
The TIMEBAR Timecode Slate is relatively straightforward and easy to use, but I personally prefer using the Tentacle Setup App to control and set up the slate.
The TIMEBAR Timecode Slate has a 3.5mm Timecode In/Out jack and a USB-C port for charging and firmware updates.
There is a Power On/Off button and A and B buttons for making changes.
On the front of the TIMEBAR, there is a light sensor, a Bluetooth signal strength indicator, a battery indicator, and a flashing frame rate.
POWER ON
Short press POWER: Timebar starts up waiting to be synchronized by app or external timecode.
Long press POWER: Timebar starts up generating timecode with Time of Day (RTC).
POWER OFF
Long press POWER: Timebar turns off.
BRIGHTNESS
Press A & B at once: Enter Brightness Selection
Press A or B: Select Brightness Level (1-31/Auto)
BRIGHTNESS BOOST
Press A & B twice: Brightness Boost for 30 Seconds
MODE
Press POWER: Enter Mode Selection
• Press A or B: Browse Modes
• Press POWER: Select Mode
TIMECODE
A: Show User Bits for 5 Seconds
B: Hold Timecode for 5 Seconds
TIMER
A: Select one of 3 Timer Presets
B: Start/Stop
STOPWATCH
A: Reset Stopwatch
B: Start/Stop
MESSAGE
A: Select one of 3 Message Presets
B: Start/Stop
All these functions and other settings are also accessible through the Tentacle Setup App.
Tentacle Setup App
As I just mentioned, the TIMEBAR Timecode Slate can be controlled via the free Tentacle Setup App that is available for both iOS and Android devices.
This is the same app that you use to control Tentacle Sync timecode devices and the Tentacle Sync Track E.
Once you have opened the app you need to add the Tentacle TIMEBAR. You just press the + button and then as long as your TIMEBAR is on it will appear as a new device.
Once you click on the TIMEBAR to add it you will need to move it close to your phone or tablet to enable it.
Once it is ready it will appear with the rest of your Tentacle Sync devices.
If you click on it you can bring up the above screen. Here there are the MODE & SETTINGS menus.
In MODE you can do the following:
- Change the Timebar Mode
- Set the timecode
- Change the frame rate
- Set User Bits
- Change the output volume from Line to Mic
- Choose to Sync to this device
In TimeBar Mode you can choose between the following options:
- Timecode Mode
- Timer Mode
- Stopwatch Mode
- Message Mode
- Slate Mode
In Timecode Mode, the TIMEBAR will constantly display the timecode and the slate is inoperative.
This is handy because you can have the timecode constantly being displayed with the clapper down.
In Custom Timecode, you can set your own timecode or set it to generate the time from your phone or tablet.
In Frame Rate you can choose the frame rate you want to use. If you go to change the frame rate you will get a visual warning asking you if you are sure.
In User Bits, you can change the RTC date format and use custom user bits if you prefer.
In Timer Mode, you can set three preset timers that count down. This is handy for anyone who needs to see how much time is remaining for say an interview, live cross, or anything that needs to run for a certain length of time.
Above you can see what it looks like and the message you get when the time expires.
You need to be in Slate Mode for the slate to work. In this mode, you can choose the timecode hold time, the user bits hold time, the text hold time, change the text you want to display, and do a calibration.
With the text, you are limited to displaying just 8 letters or numbers. I am not sure why this is, but I assume it is because the text doesn’t scroll and that is the maximum number you can display on the screen. I would have preferred to have had the option for scrolling text so you could import more information.
In Sync to this Device, you can choose to Sync All, or Only not synched devices.
If you choose Sync All, or Only not synched devices you will see a message saying Syncing.
Once it has done this you will see the timecode appear on the TIMEBAR menu page.
Above you can see that the TIMEBAR and the the two other Tentacle Sync devices I have turned on are all synched.
In Stopwatch Mode, you can use the TimeBar as a regular stopwatch which is handy for producers, directors, production assistants, etc. who want to see how long something is running for.
Above you can see what the Stopwatch Mode looks like.
In Message Mode, you can write messages and control the text scroll speed. You can store up to three messages.
This is handy if you need to show someone something silently such as a question or in an interview or live shot for example you could let the presenter or reporter know how much time is left.
Above you can see how it looks.
In Calibration Mode, you can calibrate the system.
In the Settings page, you can change the device name, turn the auto brightness on/off, adjust the brightness manually, enable or disable brightness boost, change the orientation, choose the auto power off time, turn MIDI timecode on/off, or look at the information of your TIMEBAR.
It is handy being able to display the timecode upside down so you can flip your slate for the end of takes.
The Brightness Boost makes it super bright and easy to see outdoors.
Tentacle Sync also has another app called Timebar that can you use as well.
No marker pen or case
Unlike the competing Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode Smart Slate you don’t get a case or a marker pen. It would have been good to have seen Tentacle Sync at least offer a case and marker pen as an option.
UPDATE: Filmsticks have actually made a case for the Digital Timecode Slate.
Does it only work with Tentacle Sync Devices?
In short, no. As the TIMEBAR Timecode Slate has a 3.5mm Timecode In/Out jack you can use it with select other systems.
Real World Use
The TIMEBAR Timecode Slate works as advertised and it is easy to use. I like the versatility of using it not just as a timecode slate.
The Tentacle Sync setup app is super easy to use and it makes configuring and making changes to the TIMEBAR an easy task.
You can write on the slate with a non-permanent marker pen and wipe it off easily.
As far as easy viewing is concerned I did find the competing Deity a little easier to see as the numbers are slightly more spaced out and the : are larger. In saying that, with a timecode slate as long as the numbers are clearly defined that is all you really need.
The competing Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode
Smart Slate has the added benefit that the slate is backlit, whereas, with the Tentacle Sync solution, it isn’t. This can be an issue when using it in low-light conditions.
I do wish that there was an optional stand available so you could sit it upright on a flat surface.
UPDATE: For the stand, FilmTools haven’t made a stand, because all the 2nd ACs that they consulted don’t stand up Timecode Slates on Magliners. They usually place them down. However, the company has made an optional Handle for the slate, which allows the Timecode Sale to sit at an angled position and can also be flipped to stand more upright. The Handle also has 1/4 20 and 3/8” hole configurations to allow the Timecode Slate to be fixed on other brackets, like a lighting stand.
TIMEBAR Timecode Slate 
Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode
Smart Slate
The off-axis viewing is good, and although that probably doesn’t really matter when using it as a timecode slate, it is handy when using it as a stopwatch, timer, message board, etc. The off-axis viewing is better than the competing Deity, but as the Deity is only a timecode slate, that isn’t a big deal.
Overall, the Tentacle Sync TIMEBAR Timecode Slate is a great solution, and while there are a few things that could be improved, it represents very good value for money as it is significantly more affordable than other competing solutions on the market. The versatility is unmatched when compared to other slates that are available and that is what makes it stand out.
If you already own Tentacle Sync devices and are invested in their ecosystem then the TIMEBAR Timecode Slate makes a lot of sense as it works seamlessly with all of their other products.
Price & Availability
The Tentacle Sync TIMEBAR Timecode Slate is now available to pre-order for $699 USD.
Below you can see how that price compares to other timecode slates that are on the market.
| PRICE | |
| Tentacle Sync TIMEBAR Timecode Slate | $699 USD |
| Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Wireless Timecode Smart Slate | $999 USD |
| Denecke TS-C Compact Timecode Slate (Color Clapper, EL Backlit) | $1,410.75 USD |
| Ambient Recording Lockit Slate Take 2 Modular Timecode Slate (Plastic Clapsticks) | $1,679 USD |
Specifications
