TCS TXM-27


Crystal Control for Arri 16-BL

For Original EMP, BLE Motors.


By popular demand, we are proud to introduce the TXM-27, which restores the 23.976 and 29.970 crystal speeds once offered in the TXM-9, now with an added Phase button that is used for filming from video and special 24 FPS monitors. Speed stability is improved over previous models. Use any gear ratio: the normal U.S. 24:50, the European 25:50 or 24:48, or old U.S. governor motor 24:60. Changeover is accomplished with switches on the circuit board. A "Universal" EMP/BLE motor is required.


Ideal for Audio Recording With New Media.

The 23.976 and 29.970 speeds are ideal for filming along with double-system audio on DAT, CD, Deva, Hi-Fi videotape, or other media. By exposing film at the exact same speed that the Rank or other film scanner transfers film to NTSC video for computer or videotape editing, you can forget about recording audio with special odd time code rates or sampling frequencies. No audio or time code pulldown or expensive time code chasing equipment is required to sync up the picture and sound. Just record with the normal 29.970 non-drop-frame time code (if desired) and 48 kHz sample rate.

Improved Specifications Ten crystal speeds are included: 18, 21, 23.976, 24, 29.970, 30, 36, 42, 47.952 and 48 FPS. If you have the 25:50 or 24:48 European gear set, you can also enter special settings to also get 25 and 50 FPS. With the 24:60 gear set, your top speed might be limited to 42 FPS. Crystal speeds are factory calibrated within ±3 ppm (parts per million.) External Speed Control CapabilityThe built-in 23.976 and 29.970 speeds, plus Phase button, will eliminate the need for an external speed reference in most cases. The TXM-27 has a Mini-DIN 4-pin receptacle for external control with the TCS TMC Milliframe Controller. This permits filming from computer monitors with control over the shutter bar. A speed correction is required; the desired speed must be multiplied by 1.5 and entered in the TMC pushwheel switches. The TMC2 can also be used, but the footage counter will not advance.

Only a screwdriver is required for normal installation in place of the present rear bloop panel. Of course, your BL must have the removable "L" shaped bloop and pilot panel on the rear, and the motor and camera wiring, and the 9-pin Bendix/Amphenol connector, must all be intact. Power input to the TXM-27 becomes an industry-standard XLR 4-pin type. The installation and operation instructions can be previewed here.

The TXM-27 is constructed from a CNC-machined, heavy duty 1/8" aluminum panel, powder coated for durability, with highly legible precision silk-screened legends. The circuit board is made of almost indestructible FR-4 fire retardant fiberglass. A PTC (positive temperature coefficient) circuit breaker automatically cuts down the current to a safe value if a short circuit occurs in the camera or handgrip wiring, which should prevent the widespread and expensive damage that can otherwise occur.


Price of the TXM-27 is $795.

If you do not have a gear set, we can supply a newly manufactured 24:60 pair for $100. They must be used as a pair and will not mesh with any of the original gears.If you have an old BL "reversing" motor, or if the correct EMP or BLE motor has defective crystal related components, or if your 16-BL body has modified or defective wiring, you must consider instead the now discontinued TXM-25. The motor discussion page is here.
Which Motor is in your Arri 16-BL?

Governor (Reversing) motor:

The earliest motor supplied with Arri 16-BL cameras was engraved "BL" and it had a reversing switch for filming backwards, which could be accessed through the clear plastic cover on the back of the motor shroud, which was just unscrewed with your fingers. For European use, the motor was adjusted to spin at 3000 RPM, had a 50 Hz pilot output, and was used with either a 25:50 or 24:48 gear set, giving 25 FPS. For the USA, the motor was adjusted to turn 3600 RPM, had a 60 Hz pilot output, and was used with a 24:60 gear set, giving 24 FPS. (A pilot cable to a Nagra or equivalent was required for double system sound).

At one time, we offered a conversion service for these motors, enabling them to be used (with limited success) with a separate crystal control unit. Currently, crystal control is not offered and the motor must be replaced with another type, such as the now discontinued Tobin TXM-25.


Synchronous Motor:

For studio filming, at one time Arri offered three AC synchronous motors. The European one turned 3000 RPM and used the 25:50 or 24:48 gear set to get 25 FPS. The USA version turned 3600 RPM and used 24:60 gears to get 24 FPS. Some required an inline transformer to step down the AC line (mains) voltage to 42 volts; others ran on 115 volts directly. (A small AC stepdown transformer plugged into an outlet was required to generate a pilot signal, if the camera did not have a pilot generator inside.) Crystal control is not possible for these motors, and they must be replaced with the now discontinued Tobin TXM-25.


BLE Universal Motor:

The earliest Arri Universal motor was the BLE. It was a conversion of the BL motor, in fact some were engraved "BL" or "BL (serial number) E" instead of "BLE". It was usable as a governor motor like the BL, with this mode engaged by making the proper connection in the power plug, requiring a pilot cable for double system sound. Or, it could be used with an external control unit for variable or crystal speeds. It turned 3000 RPM and used 25:50 or 24:48 gears for 25 FPS, and 24:50 gears for 24 FPS. A 50 Hz pilot generator was built in, and a separate 60 Hz pilot generator was mounted in the camera body for USA use. The Tobin TXM-27 is used for crystal speeds with this motor. The recorder has its own crystal generator, to eliminate the sync cable. The reversing switch was omitted from this model, though the mounting hole for it was still present. Sometimes the magnetic pickup head goes bad, from losing its magnetism or from being melted by improper connection, requiring motor replacement in order to get crystal speeds. If a replacement head or EMP/BLE motor is not available, the motor must be replaced with another type such as the now discontinued Tobin TXM-25.


EMP Universal Motor:

The "EMP" is the later version of Arri Universal motor. It is usable as a governor motor like the BL, with this mode engaged by making the proper connection in the power plug, requiring a pilot cable for double system sound. Or, it could be used with an external control unit for variable or crystal speeds. It turns 3000 RPM and uses 25:50 or 24:48 gears for 25 FPS, and 24:50 gears for 24 FPS. A 50 Hz pilot generator is built in, and a separate 60 Hz pilot generator was mounted in the camera body for USA use. The Tobin TXM-27 is used for crystal speeds with this motor. The recorder has its own crystal generator, to eliminate the sync cable. The reversing switch was omitted from this model. It has a more "finished" appearance owing to being fully enclosed. Sometimes the magnetic pickup head goes bad, from losing its magnetism or from being melted by improper connection, requiring motor replacement in order to get crystal speeds. If a replacement head or EMP/BLE motor is not available, the motor must be replaced with another type such as the now discontinued Tobin TXM-25.


Seeing The Motor:

In all cases, the motor itself is seen by removing 4 screws and lifting off the motor soundproofing shroud.

About Gears:

Tobin crystal equipment that is currently manufactured can give correct filming speeds with any gear set. Older models such as the TXM-9 were made for a specific ratio.

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