'Pico-Timecode' is an Open-Source solution for LTC Timecode, using the RP2040's PIO blocks to count time divisions and render the LTC waveform. It works with all common frame rates, with/with-out Drop-Frame operation. It also has the ability to read LTC from an external device, and sync to it.
LTC (sometimes refered to as SMPTE Timecode) is used in the TV/Movie industry as a way to synchronize video and audio recordings, it offers improvements in workflow and (most importantly) decreases overall editing time.
Some pro-consumer/professional Timecode devices use wireless links; Pico-Timecode is 'old skool' it uses a cabled connection to record the LTC signal onto an audio track of your camera or audio recorder. This audio waveform can later be processed and used to align multiple clips. If your device supports a true LTC input the data will be written directly as meta-data into the file(s).
For more information, check out the Wiki.
This technology has been implemented in 2 custom PCBs; Firstly the (now renamed) 'PT-Papa' board based around the (full sized) Raspberry Pico board, with Waveshare OLED screen module and input/output connectors.
Secondly with the 'PT-Thrifty' board based around the (mini sized) Waveshare RP2040-Zero. 'PT-Thrifty' aims to make LTC accessible to DIY/budget film-makers, and thus it uses a minimum of components. It has a UI with single button and RGB LED, the control of the device is achieved by navigating through a UI 'map' of states.
There are some demonstrations of 'PT-Thrifty' here.
As the project is Open-Source, it's intended to be customized for other implementations.
The code as it is can be run on any RP2040 board, though may need customization for particular use cases. The easiest/fastest route to try it out is to use the PT_Thrifty '.UF2' files on the releases page, these can be run on a 'naked' Pico and will even sync LTC between multi Picos - albeit it at 3.3V TTL level. You will need at least a mininal amount of interface circuitry to record the signal on your camera or audio recorder.
I recomend replacing the XTAL on the Pico with a TCXO, but once 'calibrated' even the XTAL will hold time OK for a few hours.
To install the code to your Pico from source, at minimum you need to copy/install the libs directory, pico-timecode.py and either pt_papa.py or pt_thrifty.py (which should be renamed as main.py so that it runs at boot time).
Why am doing this? Primarily because it's a fun challenge. I've been interested in Timecode for a while and the PIO blocks on the Pico are very powerfull. I am debating whether to offer pre-built hardware for purchase, at very reasonable costs.
You can follow the project on Instagram.