Setup guide for MIDI time code support

MIDI time code enables you to synchronize your drone show precisely and automatically with other spectacles of your event, such as music, fireworks, ground lighting etc.

Skybrush Server is compatible with any standard timing equipment that should be simply connected to your computer appearing as a MIDI device. We do not perform the decoding of raw MTC signals, this should be done with professional dedicated equipment available on the market.

If you wish to have MIDI time code support in Skybrush Server, please purchase a professional license for Skybrush Live. This package — among many other pro features --, enables Skybrush Server to use the smpte_timecode pro extension.

Once the smpte_timecode extension is enabled, typically you need something like this within the EXTENSIONS block of the main configuration file:

"smpte_timecode": {
    "connection": "midi:DOREMiDi MTC-20:DOREMiDi MTC-20 MIDI 1 16:0",
    "timeout": 3,
    "max_allowed_drift_in_frames": 3
}

where the "connection" string must start with midi:, followed by the name of the timecode device, spelled exactly the way it appears when connected to your computer. If the name is not predictable, you can use a pattern instead, something like:

"smpte_timecode": {
    "pattern": "*DOREMiDi*",
    "timeout": 3,
    "max_allowed_drift_in_frames": 3
}

If this minimal help is not sufficient, we will of course help you setup your pro system optimally, based on your custom configuration.