Kramer PL-50 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
PL-50
Power Controller - Monitor

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3Overview 3
3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual 4
4Your PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor 4
5Installing in a Rack 7
6Connecting the PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor 8
6.1 Connecting the Relays 9
6.2 Controlling the PL-50 via the Ethernet Port 9
6.2.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port Directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 9
6.2.2 Connecting via a Straight-Through Cable 10
6.2.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port Initially 11
6.3 Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 13
6.3.1 Setting the Embedded Web Page 13
6.3.2 The PANEL Screen 14
6.3.3 The SCHEDULER screen 15
6.3.4 The CHANNEL SETTINGS screen 17
6.3.5 The ALERTS Screen 18
6.3.6 The POWER MEASUREMENT Screen 22
6.3.7 The CONFIGURATIONS Screen 23
6.4 DIP-switch Settings 24
7Operating Your PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor 24
7.1 Operating via the Front Panel Buttons 24
8Flash Memory Upgrade 25
8.1.1 Downloading the Firmware 25
8.1.2 Connecting a PC to the PL-50 26
8.1.3 Updating the Firmware 26
8.2 Changing the Device Parameters 31
9Technical Specifications 32
10 Kramer Protocol 3000 33
10.1.1 Protocol 3000 Syntax 33
10.1.2 Command Parts Details 34
Figures
Figure 1: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor Front Panel 5
Figure 2: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor (for Europe) Rear Panel 5
Figure 3: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor (for USA) Rear Panel 5
Figure 4: Connecting the PL-50 8
Figure 5: Relay Wiring 9

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Contents
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Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 10
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 10
Figure 8: Connect Screen 11
Figure 9: Device Properties Screen 12
Figure 10: Typing the IP Number 13
Figure 11: Loading the Embedded Web Pages 13
Figure 12: Running the Application 14
Figure 13: HOME Embedded Web Page 14
Figure 14: Selecting a Channel 15
Figure 15: The Scheduler Screen 15
Figure 16: Scheduling the Outlets 16
Figure 17: The Channel Settings Screen 17
Figure 18: The Alerts Screen 18
Figure 19: Setting the Alarms 20
Figure 20: E-mail Alert Test 21
Figure 21: E-mail Alert 21
Figure 22: The Power Measurement Screen 22
Figure 23: CONFIGURATIONS Embedded Web Page 23
Figure 24: SETUP DIP-switches 24
Figure 25: P3K Wizard Screen 26
Figure 26: Connect Ethernet by Name 27
Figure 27: Connect Ethernet by IP 27
Figure 28: Connect Serial/USB 28
Figure 29: Error Message 28
Figure 30: Device Selection 29
Figure 31: Open File Window 29
Figure 32: Device and File Selected 30
Figure 33: Warning Window 30
Figure 34: Load Progress 31
Figure 35: Completion Message 31
Tables
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 4
Table 2: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor Features 6
Table 3: Relay PINOUT 9
Table 4: The Scheduler Screen Features 16
Table 5: The Channel Settings Screen Features 18
Table 6: The Alerts Screen Features 19
Table 7: The Power Measurement Screen Features 22
Table 8: DIP-switch Definitions 24
Table 9: Technical Specifications of the PL-50 32
Table 10: Instruction Codes for Protocol 3000 35

Introduction
1
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast
range of problems that confront the video, audio, presentation, and
broadcasting professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned
and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our 1,000-plus
different models now appear in 11 groups1
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer PL-50 Power Controller Monitor.
that are clearly defined by
function.
The PL-50 is ideal for power monitoring and security systems.
The package includes the following items:
•PL-50 Power Controller Monitor
•A power cord and an infrared remote control transmitter (including the
required battery and a separate user manual2)
•This user manual2
•P3K Wizard Software
2 Getting Started
We recommend that you:
•Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging
materials for possible future shipment
•Review the contents of this user manual
•Use Kramer high performance high resolution cables3
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4:
Format/Standards Converters; GROUP 5: Range Extenders and Repeaters; GROUP 6: Specialty AV Products; GROUP 7:
Scan Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors; GROUP 9: Room Connectivity; GROUP 10: Accessories
and Rack Adapters; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
2 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

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Getting Started
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Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The PL-50 Power Controller Monitor can control up to five power channels at
a total load of 10A. The PL-50, by measuring and then monitoring the
standby and active modes of the connected units, can detect whether a unit is
in the standby mode, the active mode or is disconnected.
Two versions of the PL-50 are available, a European version and a version for
the USA.
The PL-50 features include:
•PRESET LEVEL buttons, for measuring the STANDBY mode and the
ACTIVE mode for reference
•A green ACTIVE LED and an orange STANDBY LED per channel,
indicating the status of the outlet
•The ability to detect a change in the state of any of the channels and then
trigger an alarm by e-mail or via the RELAY and Digital control terminal
blocks that can be connected to an alarm or any other room activity
•Control via embedded Web pages, letting you schedule the activity of the
outlet, set a response in case of an event, set the status of each channel
separately, and so on
•An Ethernet port and a USB port for unit configuration and control
Control the PL-50 using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
•USB, RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen
system, PC, or other serial controller
•ETHERNET
•The Kramer Infrared Remote Control Transmitter
To achieve the best performance:
•Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise
levels (often associated with low quality cables)
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your PL-50 away from
moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

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Your PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor
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3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual
Table 1 defines some terms that are used in this user manual:
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual
Term
Definition
802.3
The standard specification for ETHERNET that is maintained by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) Allows the network administrator to distribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically send a new IP address when an Ethernet point is plugged into a different
network location.
Gateway
A network position serving as an entry to another network. On the Internet, a node or
stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node.
IP Address
A 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver (within a network via a
particular server or workstation) of data (HTML pages or e-mails) that is sent in packets
across the Internet. Every device connected to an IP network must have a unique IP
address. This address is used to reference the specific unit.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a
server within a defined geographic area.
Media Access Control
(MAC) Address
A computer's unique hardware number (or address) in a LAN or other network. On an
Ethernet LAN, the (MAC) address is identical to the Ethernet address.
Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP)
The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet that breaks the message into
appropriately sized packets for the network, and can be used as a communications protocol
in an intranet or an extranet.
4 Your PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor
Figure 1 and Table 2 define the PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor:

Your PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor
5
Figure 1: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor Front Panel
Figure 2: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor (for Europe) Rear Panel
Figure 3: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor (for USA) Rear Panel

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Table 2: PL-50 Power Controller – Monitor Features
#
Feature
Function
1 IR Receiver Window The red LED lights when receiving signals from the Kramer
Infrared remote control transmitter
2 POWER LED The red LED lights when the main power is ON
3 OUT Channel
(from 1 to 5) STANDBY LED The orange LED lights when an outlet is connected to that power channel and active, and blinks when reading the preset
active level
4 ACTIVE LED The green LED lights when the channel outlet is in the
standby mode, and blinks when reading the standby level
5 OUT Button Press one or more buttons to select the power channel for
calibrating
6 PRESET LEVEL
Buttons STANDBY Press to read the standby mode
7 ACTIVE Press to read the active mode
8 PROGRAM USB connector For configuring and programming the unit
9 ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking
10 RESET Press to reset the standby and active values for all the
channels
11 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connect to the PC or other Serial Controller
12 DIP-switches Program, for technical use only
RS-485 TERM, for RS-485 termination
13 RS-485 Terminal Block Connector Connect to the PC or other Serial Controller
14 RELAY terminal block connector Connect to an alarm or other item (see section 6.1)
15 DIGITAL CONTROL (G, OC
1
Connect to an alarm or other item)
Terminal Block Connector
16 Power Outlets (from 1 to 5) 220-240V AC for European version (see Figure 2)
100-120V AC for USA version (see Figure 3)
17 POWER IN Connector with FUSE AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
18 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
1 OC means Open Collector

Installing in a Rack
7
5 Installing in a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing in a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing in a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range: To rack-mount a machine:
1. Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the
machine (3 on each side), and
replace those screws through the
ear brackets.
2. Place the ears of the machine
against the rack rails, and insert the
proper screws (not provided)
through each of the four holes in the
rack ears.
Note that:
•In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
•Detachable rack ears can be
removed for desktop use
•Always mount the machine in the
rack before you attach any cables
or connect the machine to the
power
•If you are using a Kramer rack
adapter kit (for a machine that is not
19"), see the Rack Adapters user
manual for installation instructions
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)
Operating temperature range +5º to +45º C (41º to 113º F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20º to +70º C (-4º to 158º F)
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing
!
CAUTION
!!
When installing in a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
1. It is located within the recommended environmental
conditions, as the operating ambient temperature of a
closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the
room ambient temperature.
2. Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around
the machine.
3. The machine is placed straight in the correct
horizontal position.
4. You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting
the machine to the supply circuit, overloading the
circuits might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for
fuse replacement, see the value printed on the
product label.
5. The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to situations where
electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord
is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for
example, when using an extension cable or a power
strip, and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.

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6 Connecting the PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor
To connect the PL-50, as illustrated in the example in Figure 4, do the following1
1. Connect up to five
:
2
OUT 1 to a DVD player
outlets (from 1 to 5). For example, connect:
OUT 2 to an LCD display
OUT 4 to a power amplifier with speakers
OUT 5 to a Lighting system
2. Set the DIP-switches (see Table 2).
3. Connect an item (for example, an alarm) via the RELAY and/or DIGITAL
CONTROL terminal block connectors (not shown in Figure 4).
4. As an option you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port,
RS-485 port and/or the ETHERNET connector (see section 6.2.1)
5. Connect the power cord3Figure 4(not shown in ).
Figure 4: Connecting the PL-50
1 Be sure that the power is switched OFF on each device before connecting it to your PL-50. After connecting all the devices
to your PL-50, switch on the power of the PL-50, and then switch on the power of each device
2 You do not have to connect all the outlets
3 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting the PL-50 Power Controller - Monitor
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6.1 Connecting the Relays
Figure 5 shows how to connect the relay.
To Alarm
Figure 5: Relay Wiring
On each 3-pole terminal block connector, connect either: Cto NC, or C to
NO.Table 3 defines the Relay PINOUT:
Table 3: Relay PINOUT
RELAY PINOUT
C Common
NO Normally Open (relay is open by default and closes for activation)
NC Normally Closed (relay is closed by default and opens for activation)
6.2 Controlling the PL-50 via the Ethernet Port
You can connect the PL-50 via the ETHERNET in the following ways:
•For direct connection to the PC, use a crossover cable (see section 6.2.1)
•For connection via a network hub or network router, use a
straight-through cable (see section 6.2.2)
6.2.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port Directly to a PC (Crossover Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the PL-50 to the Ethernet port on your
PC, via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the PL-50
with the factory configured default IP address
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Right-click the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection Properties.
4. Select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties window appears.

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5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see
Figure 6).
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 7.
7. Click OK.
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
6.2.2 Connecting via a Straight-Through Cable
You can connect the ETHERNET of the PL-50 to the Ethernet port on a
network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45
connectors.

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6.2.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port Initially
To initially configure the Ethernet port, download the P3K WizardEthernet
configuration software1
Follow these steps to configure the port:
. Extract the file to a folder and create a shortcut on
your desktop to the file.
1. Double click the desktop icon
The Connect screen appears as follows:
Figure 8: Connect Screen
2. Connect a USB cable from a USB port on the PC to the USB port on the
PL-50.
3. Click OK.
The P3K Wizard screen appears2
1 From the Kramer Web site at
.
http://www.kramerelectronics.com
2 Do not use P3K Wizard to upgrade the firmware. To upgrade the firmware, see section 8

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Figure 9: Device Properties Screen
4. If required, make changes and click Set. If not, click Close.

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6.3 Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages
The embedded Web page can be used to remotely operate the PL-50 via the
Ethernet (see section 6.2).
6.3.1 Setting the Embedded Web Page
Before you use the embedded Web pages to control the PL-50 via the
Ethernet, check that the Java™ software is installed on your computer. If not,
download it from: www.java.com.
A help box is available for each screen when clicking the question mark that
appears on the left side of the screen.
To control the PL-50 via the embedded Web page, make sure that it is
connected to the Ethernet port of your computer and do the following:
1. Open your Internet browser.
2. Type the unit’s IP number1in the Address bar of your browser (or the name,
if using DHCP):
Figure 10: Typing the IP Number
The following window appears:
Figure 11: Loading the Embedded Web Pages
1 The default IP number is 192.168.1.39, and may be changed by the system integrator

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Check that Java and JavaScript is enabled in your browser. The following
window appears:
Figure 12: Running the Application
3. Click Run.
The PL-50 front panel is displayed on your screen (see Figure 13).
The Web embedded screens let you control the PL-50 via the Ethernet. The
menu appears on the left side of the screen.
6.3.2 The PANEL Screen
The PANEL screen lets you select one or more channels in order to read the
Standby or Active values the channels and set the power ON/OFF:
Figure 13: HOME Embedded Web Page

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4. Click the on-screen buttons:
Figure 14: Selecting a Channel
The Help Box ?
This is the main panel window. In this window you can control the channels.
6.3.3 The SCHEDULER screen
The Scheduler screen lets you schedule the operation of the outlets on a
weekly basis. Figure 15 and Table 4 define the Scheduler Screen:
Figure 15: The Scheduler Screen

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Table 4: The Scheduler Screen Features
Feature
Function
DATE/TIME SETTINGS Set the current date and time
Click Read to read the machine settings
Click Submit to accept the date and time settings
SCHEDULER PROGRAMMING Select a channel for scheduling1
Select the day or days of the week for scheduling
Select the time schedule for the selected channel(s): the ON
time and the OFF time
You can select more than one active period per channel, per
day
Click Add to add the schedule for the selected channel(s)
Click Submit to save the current scheduling table
Click Read2
Click Clear All to clear the scheduling table
to read the current schedule stored in the
machine
After scheduling the outlets, the Scheduler screen appears as follows:
Figure 16: Scheduling the Outlets
1 Or several channels, or all the channels
2 The scheduled store overwrites the data displayed on the scheduler

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In Figure 16, the channels are scheduled at different times (for example, on
Monday, Channel 3 will be ON from 12:00 to 13:00, and on Thursday,
channel 2 is scheduled to be ON between 15:00 and 16:00, and Channel 4 is
scheduled to be ON from 15:00 to 16:00 and then from 17:00 to 18:00).
You can clear a checkbox next to a time period setup in the scheduler table to
delete a scheduled ON time. Click Submit to save the schedule to the PL-50.
HELP BOX ?
This page lets you view and set the ON/OFF scheduling of the channel. Note,
that the device will store the new scheduling only after you click "Submit".
You can also view and set the current time.
6.3.4 The CHANNEL SETTINGS screen
Figure 17 and Table 5 define the CHANNEL SETTINGS screen:
Figure 17: The Channel Settings Screen