FOR-A VSF-1616 User manual

VSF-1616
Routing Switcher
*S
1st Edition - Rev.1
OPERATION
MANUAL

Precautions
Important Safety Warnings
[Power]
Operate unit only on the specified supply voltage.
Disconnect power cord by connector only. Do not pull on cable portion.
Do not place or drop heavy or sharp-edged objects on power cord. A damaged cord
can cause fire or electrical shock hazards. Regularly check power cord for
excessive wear or damage to avoid possible fire / electrical hazards.
[Grounding]
Ensure unit is properly grounded at all times to prevent electrical shock hazard.
Do not ground the unit to gas lines, units, or fixtures of an explosive or dangerous
nature.
Ensure power cord is firmly plugged into AC outlet.
[Operation]
Do not operate unit in hazardous or potentially explosive atmospheres. Doing so
could result in fire, explosion, or other dangerous results.
Do not allow liquids, metal pieces, or other foreign materials to enter the unit. Doing
so could result in fire, other hazards, or unit malfunction.
If foreign material does enter the unit, turn power off and disconnect power cord
immediately. Remove material and contact authorized service representative if
damage has occurred.
[Transportation]
Handle with care to avoid shocks in transit. Shocks may cause malfunction. When
you need to transport the unit, use the original packing materials or alternate
adequate packing.
Stop
Caution
Hazard
Hazard
Caution
Hazard
Caution
Caution

[Circuitry Access]
Do not remove covers, panels, casing, or access circuitry with power applied to the
unit! Turn power off and disconnect power cord prior to removal. Internal servicing /
adjustment of unit should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Do not touch any parts / circuitry with a high heat factor.
Capacitors can retain enough electric charge to cause mild to serious shock, even
after power is disconnected. Capacitors associated with the power supply are
especially hazardous. Avoid contact with any capacitors.
Unit should not be operated or stored with cover, panels, and / or casing removed.
Operating unit with circuitry exposed could result in electric shock / fire hazards or
unit malfunction.
[Potential Hazards]
If abnormal smells or noises are noticed coming from the unit, turn power off
immediately and disconnect power cord to avoid potentially hazardous conditions. If
problems similar to above occur, contact authorized service representative before
attempting to again operate unit.
[Rack Mount Brackets, Ground Terminal, and Rubber Feet]
To rack mount or ground the unit, or to install rubber feet, do not use screws or
materials other than those supplied. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the internal
circuits or components of the unit. If you remove the rubber feet attached on the unit,
do not reinsert the screws securing the rubber feet.
[Consumables]
The consumables used in unit must be replaced periodically. For further details on
which parts are consumables and when they should be replaced, refer to the
specifications at the end of the Operation Manual. Since the service life of the
consumables varies greatly depending on the environment in which they are used,
they should be replaced at an early date. For details on replacing the consumables,
contact your dealer.
Caution
Hazard
Stop
Caution
Caution

Upon Receipt
Unpacking
VSF-1616 units and their accessories are fully inspected and adjusted prior to shipment.
Operation can be performed immediately upon completing all required connections and
operational settings.
Check your received items against the packing lists below.
ITEM QTY REMARKS
VSF-1616 1
AC Cord 1
Rack Mount Brackets 1 pr. EIA standard type
Operation Manual 1
Check
Check to ensure no damage has occurred during shipment. If damage has occurred, or items
are missing, inform your supplier immediately.
Rack Mounting
The VSF-1616 can be mounted to EIA standard rack units. When rack mounting a unit, remove
the rubber feet and use the accessory rack mount brackets (rack ears).

Table of Contents
1. Prior to Starting ...........................................................................................................................1
1-1. Welcome.............................................................................................................................1
1-2. About the VSF-1616............................................................................................................1
1-3. About This Manual ..............................................................................................................1
2. Panel Descriptions ......................................................................................................................2
2-1. Front Panel .........................................................................................................................2
2-2. Rear Panel..........................................................................................................................3
3. Connection..................................................................................................................................4
3-1. Video Input/Output Connections .........................................................................................4
3-2. Remote Control Connection (Option)..................................................................................5
3-3. Computer Control Connection ............................................................................................6
4. Internal Settings..........................................................................................................................7
4-1. MAIN Board ........................................................................................................................9
4-1-1. Dipswitch / Jumper Settings........................................................................................9
4-1-2. Setting the RS-232C/RS-422 Connector .................................................................. 11
5. Serial Control ............................................................................................................................12
5-1. Overview...........................................................................................................................12
5-2. RS-232C/RS-422 connector .............................................................................................12
5-2-1. RS-232C Interface ....................................................................................................13
5-2-2. RS-422 Interface.......................................................................................................14
5-3. Communication Parameters .............................................................................................15
5-4. Protocol.............................................................................................................................15
5-5. Command Logic................................................................................................................16
5-6. Operational Flow...............................................................................................................17
5-7. Control Commands ...........................................................................................................18
5-7-1. Crosspoint Switchover Commands ...........................................................................18
5-7-2. Preset Switchover Commands..................................................................................20
5-7-3. Status Request Commands ......................................................................................22
5-7-4. Response Commands ..............................................................................................23
5-7-5. Control Commands and ASCII Codes.......................................................................25
6. RS Command Control...............................................................................................................28
6-1. RS Commands..................................................................................................................29
6-2. Salvo Switching.................................................................................................................31
6-2-1. Clearing All Salvo Presets.........................................................................................32
6-2-2. Setting Salvo Crosspoints.........................................................................................32
6-2-3. Clearing Specified Crosspoints .................................................................................33
6-2-4. Storing Salvos to Memory .........................................................................................34
6-2-5. Recalling Stored Salvos ............................................................................................35
6-2-6. Confirming Salvo Contents .......................................................................................36
6-3. Sequence Switching .........................................................................................................37
6-3-1. Sequence Switching Registration .............................................................................37
6-3-2. Starting Sequence Switching ....................................................................................38
6-3-3. Stopping Sequence Switching ..................................................................................39
6-3-4. Confirming Sequence Switching ...............................................................................39
6-4. Auto Salvo Switching ........................................................................................................40
6-4-1. Auto Salvo Switching Registration ............................................................................40
6-4-2. Starting Auto Salvo Switching ...................................................................................41
6-4-3. Stopping Auto Salvo Switching .................................................................................41

6-4-4. Confirming Auto Salvo Switching.............................................................................. 42
6-5. Chop Switching ................................................................................................................ 43
6-5-1. Chop Switching Registration .................................................................................... 43
6-5-2. Starting Chop Switching ........................................................................................... 44
6-5-3. Stopping Chop Switching ......................................................................................... 45
6-5-4. Confirming Chop Switching ...................................................................................... 45
6-6. Alarm Switching................................................................................................................ 46
6-6-1. Alarm Switching Setting and Cancellation ................................................................ 46
6-6-2. Confirming Alarm Switching ..................................................................................... 47
6-7. Crosspoint Inhibit.............................................................................................................. 48
6-7-1. Crosspoint Inhibit Setting ......................................................................................... 48
6-7-2. Canceling Crosspoint Inhibits ................................................................................... 49
6-7-3. Confirming Crosspoint Inhibit Setting ....................................................................... 49
6-8. Destination Lock............................................................................................................... 50
6-8-1. Destination Lock Setting........................................................................................... 50
6-8-2. Confirming Destination Lock Setting ........................................................................ 51
6-9. Logical Channel Assignment ............................................................................................ 52
6-9-1. Logical Output Channel Assignment ........................................................................ 52
6-9-2. Confirming Logical Output Channel Assignment ...................................................... 55
6-9-3. Logical Input Channel Assignment ........................................................................... 56
6-9-4. Confirming Logical Input Channel Assignment......................................................... 57
6-10. Time ............................................................................................................................... 58
6-10-1. Time Settings.......................................................................................................... 58
6-10-2. Checking Time........................................................................................................ 59
7. Local Control Panel (Option) .................................................................................................... 60
7-1. Panel Descriptions ........................................................................................................... 60
7-2. Local Control Panel Internal Settings ................................................................................... 61
7-2-1. PANEL Board ........................................................................................................... 61
7-2-2. Dipswitch Settings .................................................................................................... 62
7-3. Installing the Local Control Panel ..................................................................................... 63
7-4. Local Control Panel Operations........................................................................................ 65
7-4-1. Crosspoint Switchover in DIRECT Mode.................................................................. 65
7-4-2. Crosspoint Switchover in TAKE Mode ...................................................................... 66
7-4-3. LOCK-OTHER.......................................................................................................... 67
7-4-4. LOCK-LOCAL........................................................................................................... 68
8. If Problems Occur.................................................................................................................... 69
9. Specifications & Dimensions .................................................................................................... 70
9-1. Unit Specifications ............................................................................................................ 70
9-2. External Dimensions ........................................................................................................71
9-2-1. VSF-1616 .................................................................................................................71
9-2-2. VSF-1616LCP .......................................................................................................... 71

1
1. Prior to Starting
1-1. Welcome
Congratulations! By purchasing VSF-1616 Routing Switcher you have entered the world of
FOR-A and its many innovative products. Thank you for your patronage and we hope you will
turn to FOR-A products again and again to satisfy your video and audio needs.
FOR-A provides a wide range of products, from basic support units to complex system
controllers, which have been increasingly joined by products for computer video based systems.
Whatever your needs, talk to your FOR-A representative. We will do our best to be of continuing
service to you.
1-2. About the VSF-1616
The VSF-1616 is an advanced, low-cost, high-performance routing switcher that is ideal for
monitoring and audio-visual systems.
Control is possible over an RS-232C/RS-422 interface by a serial control device such as a
computer or by a remote control unit such as the RU-3000.
The VSF-1616 is a 16-input×16-output routing switcher.
Features
 16×16 configuration in a 1U size frame
 Incorporates a RS-232C/RS-422 serial interface for enabling a wide array of operations
 Many available crosspoint switchover operations
 Standard crosspoint switchover (Crosspoint switchover)
 Simultaneous switching of multiple crosspoints (Multiple switchover)
 Simultaneous switching of registered crosspoints (Salvo switching)
 Automatic switching of input channels at a selected time (Sequence switching)
 Automatic switching of registered crosspoints (Auto salvo switching)
 Alternate switching between two input channels (Chop switching)
 Automatic switching to selected input channel when input signal is disconnected (Alarm
switching)
 Wide range of available options
 Crosspoint switchover from a local control panel (VSF-1616LCP)
 Remote control unit (RU-3000, RU-1616)
1-3. About This Manual
This manual is intended to help the user easily operate the VSF-1616 and make full use of its
functions during operations. Before connecting or operating your unit, read this operation
manual thoroughly to ensure you understand the product. After reading, it is important to keep
this manual in a safe place and available for reference.

2
2. Panel Descriptions
2-1. Front Panel
(1) Power indicator
Power indication will be lit green whenever power switch is set to ON and power applied to
the unit.
(2) Power switch
Switch used to turn unit power ON / OFF.
OFF
ON
POWER
VIDEO SWITCHER FRAME
VSF-1616
(1) (2)

3
2-2. Rear Panel
1) VIDEO IN
Used for video signal input connection.
2) VIDEO OUT
Used to output routed video signal to destination equipment.
3) REF IN
Used for input of external black burst or composite sync reference signal for system
synchronization. If no loopthru connection is made to other system equipment, the REF OUT
connector must be terminated with a 75Ωterminator.
4) REF OUT
Used to output loopthru of externally input black burst or composite sync reference signal.
5) RS-232C/422
Used for RS-232C or RS-422 protocol control connection when controlling crosspoint
selection via computer. Connector is 9-pin D-sub, male. Note that connector lock screws
must be inch type screws. Control protocol is factory set to RS-232. See section 4-1. “MAIN
Board” for details on internal protocol setting.
6) SERIAL I/F
Used for control connection to optional remote control units (RU-3000 or RU-1616).
Connector is 9-pin D-sub, female. Note that connector lock screws must be inch type screws.
7) Ground Terminal
Used to ground unit to protect operators against static electricity and electrical shock.
8) AC IN (100VAC -240VAC, 50/60Hz)
Used for connection to AC power source via supplied accessory cord.
SER.NO.
RS-232C/42 2
SERIAL I/F
16
16
OUT
IN
REF
15
15
14
14
12 13
12 13
11
11
10
10
89
89
7
7
6
6
45
45
3
3
12
12
VIDEO OUT
AC100 - 240V~50/60Hz IN
VIDEOOUT VIDEO IN
VIDEOIN
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7) (8)

4
3. Connection
3-1. Video Input/Output Connections
Video input and output connections should be generally made as below.
SER.NO.
RS-232C/42 2
SERIAL I/F
16
16
OUT
IN
REF
15
15
14
14
12 13
12 13
11
11
10
10
89
89
7
7
6
6
45
45
3
3
12
12
VIDEO OUT
AC100 - 240V~50 /60Hz IN
VIDEOOUT VIDEO IN
VIDEO IN
Monitor 1
Camera 1 Camera 2 Camera 16
~
Monitor 2 Monitor 16
~
External reference signal
(black burst or composite sync)
Looped thru REF IN signal
VSF-1616

5
3-2. Remote Control Connection (Option)
Crosspoint switchover and other operations can be performed by remote control by connecting
a RU-3000 or RU-1616 remote control unit to the serial interface (I/F) of the VSF-1616. Internal
board settings can also be made to use the RS-232C/422 connector as a serial I/F loopthru
connector. For details about the setting procedure, see section 4-1. “MAIN Board.” A connection
example is shown in the figure below.
<Connection Limitations>
 Up to 14 remote control units can be connected (including loopthru connections).
 Set the ID number of the remote control unit to a number from 0 to 13. (ID15 is used for the
VSF-1616 main unit, and ID14 is used for the local control panel.)
 The total extension distance of the cables connecting the units is a maximum of 1.2 km.
The following connectable options are available.
・Remote control unit
RU-3000: Numeric key input type remote control unit
RU-1616: 32-input and 32-output remote control unit
・Serial 9-pin cable
PC-2075-1 (5m), PC-2076-1 (10m):
For connecting serial I/F connector and RU series remote control or RU series
remote control and RU series remote control
・D-sub 9-pin terminator (PWA-0576-3)
~ ~
Serial 9-pin cable
Serial 9-pin cable
RU-3000 unit 1
REMOTE 2
REMOTE 1
RU-3000 unit 2
REMOTE 2
REMOTE 1
Serial 9-pin cable
Serial 9-pin cable
RU-3000 unit 3
REMOTE 2
REMOTE 1
RU-3000 unit 4
REMOTE 2
REMOTE 1
D-sub 9-pin
terminator
Serial 9-pin cable
RU-3000 unit 13
REMOTE 2
REMOTE 1
D-sub 9-pin
terminator
Serial 9-pin cable
RU-3000 unit 14
REMOTE 2
REMOTE 1
VSF-1616
SER.NO.
RS-232C/42 2
SERIAL I/F
16
16
OUT
IN
REF
5
5
VIDEO OUT
AC100 - 240V~50/60Hz IN
VIDEO IN

6
3-3. Computer Control Connection
Crosspoint switchover settings can be made via computer command using either RS-232C
or RS-422 interface via the RS-232C/RS-422 connector. Note that interface at
RS-232C/RS-422 connector is internally set. Control protocol is factory set to RS-232. See
section 4-1. “MAIN Board” for details on internal protocol setting.
Computer
RS-232C/RS-422
VSF-1616
SER.NO.
RS-232C/42 2
SERIAL I/F
16
16
OUT
IN
REF
5
5
VIDEO OUT
AC100 - 240V~50/ 60Hz IN
VIDEO IN

7
4. Internal Settings
Depending on your system configuration, settings for dipswitches and jumpers on the internal
MAIN board may have to be changed from factory defaults.
IMPORTANT
Always switch unit power OFF and disconnect power cord before accessing unit
interior to make settings.
To access unit interior to make settings on the internal MAIN board, proceed as follows.
1) Remove the two screws on the cover panel, and the three screws on the right side of the unit.
Place the removed screws in a safe place for later use.
2) Remove the three screws on the left side of the unit.
3) Slide the cover panel toward the rear side and lift it off.
FOR.A VSF-1616
FOR.A
FOR.A VSF-1616

8
4) After all required settings are made, replace the unit cover panel and resecure in place with the
screws removed in the previous steps.
IMPORTANT
Make sure all screws are securely tightened.

9
4-1. MAIN Board
4-1-1. Dipswitch / Jumper Settings
Once you have accessed the internal MAIN board, dipswitches and jumpers will be located
on the board as indicated in the figure below.
 Jumper settings
JP NO. Description Factory Default
JP1 For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting. Open
JP2 For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting. 2-3 short
JP3
Determines whether the RS-232/422 connector is
RS-232C or RS-422 protocol. See section 4-1-2.
“Setting the RS-232C/RS-422 Connector.”
See section 4-1-2.
“Setting the
RS-232C/RS-422
Connector.”
JP4
Determines whether the RS-232/422 connector is
RS-232C or RS-422 protocol. See section 4-1-2.
“Setting the RS-232C/RS-422 Connector.”
See section 4-1-2.
“Setting the
RS-232C/RS-422
Connector.”
JP5
Sets to use the RS-232C/RS-422 connector as a serial
I/F loopthru connector. See section 4-1-2. “Setting the
RS-232C/RS-422 Connector.”
See section 4-1-2.
“Setting the
RS-232C/RS-422
Connector.”
JP6 For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting. 2-3 short
JP7 For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting. 2-3 short
JP8 For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting. Open
JP5
JP7
JP6
JP4
JP1
JP2
S1 S2
S3
S6 S4 S5
Front side
JP8
1 3
1 3
1 3
1 3
1 3

10
 Push switch and dipswitch settings
Switch Description
S4
（PUSH SW）For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting.
S5
（PUSH SW）For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting.
S6
（PUSH SW）For maintenance use only. Do not change this setting.
S3
（DIP SW）
For maintenance use only. Do not
change settings. (All dipswitches
are preset OFF at the factory before
shipping. □indicates the switch
position.)
S1
（DIP SW）
For maintenance use only. Do not
change settings. (All dipswitches
are preset OFF at the factory before
shipping. □indicates the switch
position.)
S2
（DIP SW）
For maintenance use only. Do not
change settings. (Pin1 to Pin4 are
set to ON and Pin5 to Pin8 are set to
OFF at the factory before shipping.
□indicates the switch position.)
ON
ON
ON

11
4-1-2. Setting the RS-232C/RS-422 Connector
Three jumper pins can be used to change the RS-232C/RS-422 connector usage setting. A
loopthru connection of the serial I/F connector is used when connecting multiple RU-3000
remote control units (option). Make the settings by referring to the labels on the board as
shown in the table below.
RS-232C/RS-422
connector usage
setting
JP5 JP3 JP4
For RS-232C
(Factory setting)
Front side Front side Front side
For RS-422
For serial I/F
connector
loopthru
connection
No use No use
For details about the RS-232C/RS-422 communication protocol and connection cables, see
section 5. “Serial Control.”
NOTE
Before changing the RS-232C/RS-422 connector setting, be sure to turn off the
VSF-1616 main unit.
RS-485
RS-485
RS-485
RS-232C
RS-422
RS-232C
RS-422
RS-232C
RS-422
RS-232C
RS-422

12
5. Serial Control
5-1. Overview
Basic crosspoint control can be performed from a computer using an RS-232C interface or
RS-422 interface. To use additional functions, see “6. RS Command Control.”
5-2. RS-232C/RS-422 connector
Connector is 9-pin D-sub, female. Note that connector lock screws must be inch type screws.
The RS-232C/RS-422 connector is used for either RS-232C or RS-422 interface connection.
A setting in the internal MAIN board is used to switch between interfaces.
Control protocol is factory set to RS-232. See section 4-1. “MAIN Board” for details on internal
protocol setting.

13
5-2-1. RS-232C Interface
RS-232C/422 connector pin assignment for RS-232C interface is as shown below.
Pin No. Signal direction
Computer－VSF-1616 Signal
1 Open
2 ← Transmit data (TXD)
3 → Receive data (RXD)
4 → Internally connected to pin6
5 Signal ground (SG)
6 ← Internally connected to pin4
7 → Clear to send (CTS)
8 ← Request to send (RTS)
9 Open
An example of computer cable connection for control via RS-232C/422 interface is shown
below. This example uses a PC/AT compatible computer for the control terminal.
Signal Pin
no.
Pin
no. Signal
DCD 1 1 Open
RxD 2 2 TXD
TxD 3 3 RXD
DTR 4 4 Internally
connected to
p
in6
SG 5 5 SG
DSR 6 6 Internally
connected to
p
in4
RTS 7 7 CTS
CTS 8 8 RTS
RI 9 9 Open
VSF-1616 side (DCE)
RS-232C/422 connector
9-pin D-sub (female)
PC side (DTE)
RS-232C connector
9-pin D-sub (female)

14
5-2-2. RS-422 Interface
RS-232C/422 connector pin assignment for RS-422 interface is as shown below.
Pin No. Signal direction
Computer－VSF-1616 Signal
1 Frame ground (FG)
2 ← Transmit A (T-)
3 → Receive B (R+)
4 Frame ground (FG)
5 Open
6 Frame ground (FG)
7 ← Transmit B (T+)
8 → Receive A (R-)
9 Open
An example of computer cable connection for control via RS-232C/422 interface is shown
below. Note example is based on the use of RS-422 interface board installed in a PC-AT type
computer. Refer to RS-422 interface board manual for pin assignments.
Signal Pin No. Signal
FG 1 FG
R+ 7 T+
R- 2 T-
FG 6 FG
- 5 NC
T+ 3 R+
T- 8 R-
FG 4 FG
- 9 NC
VSF-1616 side
RS-232C/422 connector
9-pin D-sub (female)
RS-422 interface
board side
(installed on PC)
Twisted pair
Twisted pair