RC600 Count Up/Down Controller

The Masterclock RC600 is a single-channel count controller that supports counting up or down up to 99 hours, with reference time from NTP, IRIG-B or SMPTE.

Masterclock RC600 count-up/countdown timer — front panel with display and control buttons
Masterclock RC600 count controller back panel with DC IN, time code in/out, USB, serial, ethernet and reset connectors

Masterclock RC600 product demo (YouTube)

The Masterclock RC600 count controller is a compact pushbutton-style controller for production studios, training events, and sports timing. As a count up/down controller, the Masterclock RC600 lets you set, start, stop, and reset target counts directly from the front panel without configuration software. The RC600 drives Masterclock NTDS-series timer displays via standard RJ-cable, supporting both count up and count down modes with millisecond precision and SMPTE LTC or IRIG-B timecode input.

Output via NTP or SMPTE timecode, so the RC600 drives both NTDS and TCDS digital timer displays. Operation via front panel, network or optional GPIO contacts. The typical choice for production studios, sports halls, places of worship or meeting rooms that need one central countdown function alongside their existing time system.

Technical specifications

Standard Features
  • Count-up or count-down up to 99 hours
  • Reference time from NTP, IRIG-B or SMPTE (30/25/24 fps non drop frame)
  • Generate NTP and SMPTE (30/25/24 fps non drop frame)
  • Control an unlimited number of network clocks and devices simultaneously
  • Control an unlimited number of time code clocks via SMPTE BNC output
  • Real time clock chip retains time during loss of power or time reference
  • Modes include count-down, count-up, count to time, and clock
  • 6-digit LED display
Network Compatability
  • Supports NTP, DHCPv4, DHCPv6 for automatic acquisition of network address, name servers, and timeserver configuration
  • Telnet or SSH communication
  • IPv4/IPv6 compatible
  • SNMP with custom MIB
Interface
  • Network or direct com to NTDS via RJ45
  • Time code in and out via BNC connectors
  • Illuminated buttons for Mode Select (count-up, count-down, clock) and Action (start, pause, reset)
Configuration
  • Configure devices through provided WinDiscovery software or Telnet or SSH
  • Configuration is saved to nonvolatile memory and survives power losses
  • Authenticated network messages prevent unauthorized tampering of clock configuration
Power
  • Power input: 9-28 VDC via 2.1 mm barrel jack
  • Universal power adapter supplied as standard: 100-240 VAC in, 24 VDC out, with interchangeable EU / UK / US / AU-NZ plug heads
  • PoE (Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af) - alternative: one cable for data and power
  • No built-in mains inlet - allow a mounting position for the adapter, or provide your own 9-28 VDC supply
  • No room for the adapter at the clock? Use PoE - then only one cable runs to the clock, with the injector or switch in the technical room
Connectors
  • RJ45 - 10/100MB Ethernet
  • BNC for time code in/out
  • USB for configuration
  • DC input - 2.1 mm male jack
Physical
  • Size: 17.32w x 13.31h x 6.02d cm
  • Weight: 0.9 kg
  • Black powder coated steel chassis
  • Rubber feet for tabletop use
Operating Parameters
  • Temperature: 0 to 60°C
  • Humidity: Up to 90% (non-condensing)
Optional
  • Flush-mount version
Warranty
  • 1 year Daylight warranty + 4 years extra Masterclock warranty (parts and labour)
Compliance
  • FCC, CE Marked, ROHS, ANSI

Frequently asked questions

What is the Masterclock RC600?

The Masterclock RC600 is a single-channel count up/down controller for production studios, sports halls, places of worship and meeting rooms that need one central countdown function alongside their existing time system. It counts up or down to 99 hours with reference time from NTP, IRIG-B or SMPTE, and outputs NTP or SMPTE timecode to drive Masterclock NTDS and TCDS digital timer displays. Operation via front panel, network or optional GPIO contacts.

What is the RC600 used for?

The Masterclock RC600 count controller is typically used in production studios, sports halls, places of worship, broadcast facilities and meeting rooms. Common applications include show countdowns, training-event timers, match clocks, prayer-time displays and on-air timers. The RC600 drives NTDS or TCDS digital timer displays via NTP or SMPTE timecode output.

Which NTDS or TCDS displays can the RC600 drive?

All Masterclock displays that accept NTP or SMPTE input. NTDS models work via network packets (count mode); TCDS models via SMPTE timecode. A single RC600 can drive multiple displays in parallel via network broadcast.

Up to what duration can the RC600 count down?

Up to 99 hours, in 1-second resolution. For frame-rate resolution (MM:SS:FF) the RC1000 is the right model.

How is the RC600 physically connected?

Standard 1U rack mount (or desktop), with Ethernet RJ45 for the network, BNC for SMPTE out, a 2.1 mm DC input for power, and optional GPIO connections for external switches (start/stop/reset/pause). The RC600 has no built-in mains inlet: it runs on 9-28 VDC from the supplied universal power adapter, or on PoE (IEEE 802.3af). Request advice for specific GPIO wiring.

What is the lead time for this product?

Standard lead time is 8-10 weeks from Masterclock USA. Daylight bv stocks the most common references in Ghent. Contact us for current availability and any rush options.

What warranty do you get on this product?

1 year Daylight warranty + 4 years extra Masterclock warranty on parts and labour (5 years total), via Daylight bv as authorised Masterclock distributor. Carry-in for customers in the EEA, on-site available by prior arrangement. See five-year warranty.

Comparison

Compare the RC600 with other models in the same product family.

View comparison · RC600 vs RC1000

Background in our knowledge base

Deeper explanation of the protocols and concepts behind this product.

Interested?

Request a no-obligation quote for the RC600. Daylight bv – authorised Masterclock distributor since 2014, with 1 year Daylight warranty + 4 years extra Masterclock warranty and 24/7 support.

Request a quote

What are you looking for?