HRT VSM-404 User manual

4 x 4 VGA Matrix Switch
With Serial Keypad
Model VSM-404
User’s Manual
Hall Research Technologies, Inc.
Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Hall Research Technologies, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com • E-mail: info@ hallresearch.com
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION

1
4x4 Video Matrix Switch
Trademarks Used In this Manual
Hall Research and (logo) are trademarks of Hall Research
Technologies, Inc. Any other trademarks mentioned are the property of
the trademark owners.
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This equipment generates, uses and radiates radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. This equipment
has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in which
case the user, at there own expense, will be required to take whatever
measures are necessary to correct the interference.
European Union Declaration of Conformity
This product has been tested and shown to comply with the
requirements of the European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.

Model VSM-404
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Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................... 3
2. Installation and Configuration ........................................................... 4
3. Operation ........................................................................................... 6
3.1 The Switch’s LEDs...................................................................... 6
3.2 Switching with the Keypad.......................................................... 6
3.3 Keypad Shortcut .......................................................................... 7
3.4 Blanking the Video Output.......................................................... 7
3.5 Switching all outputs to the same input....................................... 7
3.6 Auto Scan Mode .......................................................................... 7
3.6.1 How to Activate Scan Mode..................................................... 8
3.6.2 How to Exit Scan Mode............................................................ 9
3.6.3 How to change the Scan Timing............................................... 9
3.6.4 Compatibility with MatrixMon Software ................................. 9
3.7 Control from Serial Devices (RS-232 Command Protocol) ...... 10
3.7.1 Status and Special Commands................................................ 11
3.8 Free Control Software for Windows® PC................................. 11
4. Troubleshooting............................................................................... 12
5. Specifications................................................................................... 12

3
4x4 Video Matrix Switch
1. Introduction
The Model VSM-404 is a 4 in x 4 out video switch matrix that provides
four independent outputs each capable of displaying any of the 4 inputs (or
blanked out). The inputs can be RGBHV (e.g. VGA from a PC), RGBS, or
RGsB with resolutions to 1600x1200 pixels, all inputs are terminated and
buffered using 250 MHz DC-coupled video amplifiers for a sharp and
perfect reproduction at each output. The VSM-404 outputs can drive
cables in excess of 150 feet.
An RS232 “Serial Port” is provided on the unit to control the selection for
the outputs. A Serial Keypad is supplied with each unit. The VSM-404
requires an external power supply for operation, which is also furnished
(The keypad does not require a separate power supply and is powered by
the base unit)
The VSM-404 employs HDD15 female connectors for all video inputs and
outputs (with standard SVGA pinout). All cable connections are located on
the rear of the unit. The front panel provides the on/off power switch and
individual indication of the channels selected for each output.
The Switch’s features include:
•With its large bandwidth, it can handle even very high resolutions
and refresh rates, up to 1600 x 1280 pixels at up to 85 Hz.
•It includes a serial keypad, so it’s ready to do manual switching
right out of the box
•Comes with a universal power supply
•It’s primarily designed to carry VGA/XGA video, but it ca n
handle separate horizontal and vertical sync, composite sync, and
sync on green, so with the right kinds of cables or adapters it can
accept all sorts of video from all sorts of devices.
•All of its input and output signals are buffered, so you’ll get the
sharpest possible images.
•It can drive video signals as far as 150 ft. end-to-end, so it’s ideal
for use in auditoriums, conference halls, and similar spaces.
•Its front-panel LEDs show you right away which video inputs are
going to which outputs.

Model VSM-404
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2. Installation and Configuration
To set up your VSM-404 Video Matrix Switch system, take these steps:
1. Making sure that the Switch is powered off, find its input ports.
(These are the top row of HD15 connectors on its rear panel.
Run cabling from these ports to the video-output ports of the PC
CPUs or other devices that will be providing the Switch’s video input.
If all of these input devices are transmitting VGA/SVGA/XGA-type
video signals on HD15 female connectors, you can use standard VGA
video extension cables such as our product CVGX-xx-MM. Keep in
mind that the length of any of these cables plus the length of any of
your monitor/output cables (see step 2) should not be more than 150 ft.
If any of your input devices transmit some other type of video signal
and/or use some other type of video connector, you might need special
cables or adapters; call HRT Technical Support.
Figure 2-1. The Switch’s rear-panel components.

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4x4 Video Matrix Switch
2. The Switch’s output ports are the bottom row HD15 female
connectors on the rear panel. If all of your output devices are
standard VGA or multisync monitors with HD15 male connectors on
their video cables, you can plug them directly into these ports (if
they’ll be placed nearby) or run video-extension cables to them such
as our product CVGX-xx-MF (if they’ll be some distance away). Keep
in mind that the length of any of these cables plus the length of any of
your CPU/input cables (see step 1) should not be more than 150 ft. If
either of your output devices are designed to receive a non-VGA video
signal and/or use a different type of video connector, you might need
special cables or adapters; call HRT Technical Support.
3. Connect the included keypad to the DB9 male connector labeled
“RS-232” on the Switch’s rear panel.
4. Plug the output cord of the Switch’s power supply into the
Switch’s 5-pin DIN female power inlet. Plug one end of the power
supply’s input cord into the transformer’s IEC 320 male inlet; plug
the other end of the input cord into a working AC outlet. Your
Video Matrix Switch system is now fully installed, as shown in Figure
3-2 below.
5. Now you can turn on all attached devices. The system should
power up in its last state, with each of the Switch’s outputs
displaying its last selected input. If it does, the system should be
ready for continuous operation. If it doesn’t, check the front-panel
LEDs to make sure the Switch is ON; check your devices and make
sure they’re ON; and check you’re cabling and make sure it’s all
properly connected. If everything seems like it should work but the
system still doesn’t, call HRT Technical Support.
Figure 2-2

Model VSM-404
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3. Operation
3.1 The Switch’s LEDs
The LEDs on the 4 x 4 Video Matrix Switch’s front panel indicate which of
the Switch’s outputs are displaying the video from which inputs.
3.2 Switching with the Keypad
To switch a given output to display a given input (or
to blank an output), press “[out][.][in][Enter]” on the
Switch’s keypad, where:
• [out] is the number of the output channel (1 through 4, or “*” for all
outputs);
• [.] is the keypad’s decimal-point/Delete key;
• [in] is the number of the input channel (1 through 4, or 0 to blank the
output); and
• [Enter] is the keypad’s Enter key.
For example, to display input #1 on output #3, press [3][.][1][Enter]. To
blank output #2 so that it doesn’t display anything, press [2][.][0][Enter].
To send input #4’s video to all outputs, press [*][.][4][Enter]. Remember
that any number of outputs can be switched to display the same input, but
no output can be switched to display more than one input at the same time.
After you press each key, you have five seconds to press the next one; if
you wait longer than that, the switching command is aborted. If at any time
you press an invalid key or a key that the Switch isn’t expecting, the
command is also aborted. For example, if you press [4], and then [.], but
then press [5], or [.] again, or any unused key, the command in progress is
discarded and the Switch resets itself.

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4x4 Video Matrix Switch
3.3 Keypad Shortcut
After switching to a channel using the [output].[input][enter] format, you
can then switch the input of the last output you changed quickly by just
entering [input][enter]. For example:
Select Output 3 from Input 2 by pressing [3][.][2] [enter]
Then you can change the input for Output 3 by simply pressing [1] [enter]
to show input 1 or [2][enter] for input 2 etc.
3.4 Blanking the Video Output
Pressing 0 for input will blank the output. For example if you press
[3][.][0][Enter]. Then the output #3 will be blanked.
3.5 Switching all outputs to the same input
Pressing * for output will affect all the outputs. For example if you press
[*][.][1][Enter]. Then all the outputs will show input #1.
3.6 Auto Scan Mode
The VSM-404 has a “Scan Mode” whereby each output of the switch
automatically cycles through all inputs at a rate of every 1 minute or
customer specified period.

Model VSM-404
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3.6.1 How to Activate Scan Mode
There are 2 types of scan modes: individual scan and all scan. Both scan
modes will adhere to the scan cycle as described above. To enter individual
scan mode, a simple key sequence is entered on the keypad
[ Output Channel that you want to scan]. [/][Enter]
For example to scan output #1 press: [1].[/][enter
]
This will begin scanning output 1 at input 1 and cycle through the inputs.
Any time an output is put into individual scan mode, it starts with input 1.
Each of the 4 output channels can be scanning independently of one
another. This means you can start scanning on one channel and then at
some time later, start scanning on another channel. Both channels will now
be scanning independent of one another. All scanning channels will scan at
the same rate.
To enter the all scan mode, use the key sequence:
[*].[/] [Enter]
This will start with output 1 on input 1, output 2 on input 2, output 3 on
input 3 and output 4 on input 4 (as shown in the diagram below):

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4x4 Video Matrix Switch
3.6.2 How to Exit Scan Mode
To exit the scan mode hit the Esc key on the keypad and this will cancel all
scanning whether it be individual scan mode or all scan mode. If the all
scan command has been issued, then scanning can be canceled by selecting
any input from any output via the keypad or by selecting an individual
scan. When individual scan mode is running on a channel, the way to
cancel that specific channel’s scan mode is to select an input for that
channel from the keypad.
3.6.3 How to change the Scan Timing
The time between transitions in scan mode is user definable (factory default
is 10 seconds). Connect the ACL0404A to a PC using a crossover DB9
serial cable. Start up Hyper Terminal with the settings 1200, 8, none, 1,
none. To program the scan time, press PPP followed by the A through G
corresponding to periods shown below.
A5 seconds B10 seconds C1 minute D2 minutes
E3 minutes F4 minutes G5 minutes
3.6.4 Compatibility with MatrixMon Software
The scan mode is compatible with MatrixMon software (available free at
HRT’s web site), however once you enter the scan mode you can use the
MatrixMon to only monitor the status of the inputs and will not be able to
control the switch through it as in normal mode until you exit the scan
mode.

Model VSM-404
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3.7 Control from Serial Devices (RS-232 Command Protocol)
To control the Video Matrix Switch through an attached PC or other serial
device, the serial device has to be able to communicate with the Switch.
(You’ll need to set the device to 1200 bps, 8 data bits, and no parity; the
number of stop bits is irrelevant.).
To tie the unit to a PC, use a DB9 F/F cross-over cable (Null Modem:
2<>3, 4<>6, 7<>8, 5=5).
The serial device will have to mimic the Switch’s keypad commands.
When you press a button on the keypad, a “make” code is sent to the
Switch; when you release a button, a “break” code is sent to the Switch.
Here are the values you need to send to the Switch to get it to change
channels, listed as both ASCII characters and hexadecimal values:
Make Code Break CodeKeypad
Button ASCII (HEX) ASCII (HEX)
1 ` (60) @ (40)
2 a (61) A (41)
3 b (62) B (42)
4 c (63) C (43)
5 d (64) D (44)
6 e (65) E (45)
7 f (66) F (46)
8 g (67) G (47)
9 h (68) H (48)
0 o (6F) O (4F)
+ m (6D) M (4D)
- l (6C) L (4C)
. n (6E) N (4E)
* k (6B) K (4B)
/ j (6A) J (4A)
Esc i (69) I (49)
Enter t (74) T (54)
NumLock y (79) Y (59)
LEFT z (7A) Z (5A)
TAB { (7B) [ (5B)
SHIFT | (7C) \ (5C)
Fn } (7D) ] (5D)

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4x4 Video Matrix Switch
3.7.1 Status and Special Commands
There is a special set of codes that can be sent by (or through) the serial
device that will cause the Switch to respond with status values; these can be
very useful in automated systems:
• Send the Switch an ASCII “0” (zero, 30 hex) to have it return the revision
level of its firmware: an ASCII “1” (31 hex), for instance, for firmware
version 1.
• Send the Switch an ASCII “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4” (31 hex through 34 hex
respectively) to have it return the status of the corresponding output
channel: It will reply with ASCII “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4” (31 hex through 34
hex) to indicate that that output is switched to input #1, 2, 3, or 4
respectively, or it will reply with ASCII “0” (zero, 30 hex) to indicate that
that output is blanked.
3.8 Free Control Software for Windows® PC
The "Matrix Monitor" software available from www.hallresearch.com
allows point-and-click control and monitoring of the VSM-404 from a PC
with Windows OS.

Model VSM-404
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4. Troubleshooting
Make sure that all your connections are solid, and check the state of the
LED’s on the front of the unit. Do not open or try to repair the unit
yourself. There is no customer repairable items in the unit and you will
void your warranty.
Contact HRT Support at 714-641-6607 or via email or web. If you need to
ship your converter for repair, make sure to get a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number first.
5. Specifications
Standards: VGA, SVGA, XGA, or XGA-2 video
Compliance: CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A
Video Types: RGBHV (VGA, SVGA, XGA, or XGA-2), RGBS,
,RGsB (“sync on green”), or YPbPr (component)
Resolution and
Refresh Rate: Up to 1600 x 1280 non-interlaced at up to 85 Hz
Bandwidth: DC to 265 MHz
Temperature Operating: 0 to 50°C; Storage: –40 to +85°C
Humidity: Up to 95% noncondensing
Enclosure: Steel
MTBF: 100,000 hours (estimate)
Power: From utility-power (mains) outlet, through included
detachable output cord and external universal power
supply:
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz (autosensing);
Output: +5 VDC at 1 A, +12 VDC at 0.5 A, and –12
VDC at 0.5 A;
Consumption: 5 VA (5 watts) maximum
Size: 2.3"H x 8.3"W x 5.3"D
Weight: Base: 2.2 lbs, Keypad: 1 lbs , Power Supply: 1.2 lbs

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py
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ht 2007. Hall Research Technolo
g
ies, Inc.. All ri
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hts reserved.
1163 Warner Ave Tustin, CA 92780, Ph: [phone] , Fax -6698