Set the time code on your sound-recording deck (or other time-code generator). Every DAT or Time Code Nagra (1/4") is different, so you'll need to consult your manual for your individual menu options, but the basics are the same. First decide whether you're running "24hr" or "Free Run" time code. 24hr uses the exact time of day as a frame marker, and has its advantages in documentary shooting, when time references are important. For most non-documentary use, however, setting your own 12-hour alternating free-run time code works best (i.e., on even-numbered days, use 1 to 12 hours; on odd days, use 13 to 24 hrs). It's more simple and less confusing when shooting for days at a time.When setting your deck to a 12-hour "day," set your initial time code to 00:59:00:00 (or 12:59:00:00 on "odd" days) and use the last minute of hour zero to record your 1khz tone or other normalizing sound. At 01:00:00:00, set your time code to "free run."
Make sure your smart slate is off. Connect your jam-sync cable (usually a 1/4" or 4-pin XLR) to your slate and the plug it into the appropriate jack on your time-code source.
If your slate has the option, make sure it is set to "read," "slave," "ext" or whatever setting indicates it is going to take an external time-code signal. If your slate has the option, make sure it is set to the same frame rate as the time-code device (25 FPS, 29.97 FPS, etc). Some newer slates automatically read the frame rate of the time code.
Once your time-code generator (sound deck, etc.) is running time code, and your slate is set properly and plugged into the generator, simply turn on the slate. On most slates, this will jam-sync the slate to the deck. Some slates may have a physical jam button you have to press.Open the clap sticks on the slate and check the LED readout to make sure the numbers match the numbers on the generator. The slate will also usually have a flashing LED, either in the display or on the body of the slate. A steady light or steady blinking light will indicate a good jam, while a strobing light will indicate it did not sync properly.
Use the slate as you would any standard slate during roll call, but keep the following things in mind:Roll sound early! Let the sound deck, which is recording the time code, roll for a good 10 seconds before marking the take, ensuring plenty of pre-roll time code for digitizing in post-production.Every time you turn off the slate, you will lose sync. This is fine; just be sure to re-jam it with the sound recorder every time you power it back up. Also, as a rule, re-jam every few hours to ensure that you maintain good sync.When you clap the sticks, make sure the camera has a good, focused look at the numbers on the slate; otherwise, call for a second slate. If you have multiple brightness settings for the display, only use the brightest level in very intense light. In low light levels, too bright of a display will bleed or flare, making the numbers harder to read in post-production.If you do not have multiple brightness settings, but are shooting in low light, you may need to cut a strip of neutral density gel to tape over the display and dim it appropriately to prevent flare.