Kramer FC-5 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
FC-5
Protocol Translator
P/N: 2900-000148 Rev 3

FC-5 – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
4Your FC-5 Protocol Translator 4
5Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 6
5.1Installing and Running the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 6
5.2Using the Translation List Window 7
5.3Connecting a PC (CONFIG Port) 11
5.4Setting the DIP-Switches 12
5.5Assigning the Translation List Driver Commands 13
6Using the FC-5 14
6.1Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller 14
6.2Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure 15
6.3Transmitting Commands via the Relays 16
6.4Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure and Relays 17
7Upgrading the FC-5 Firmware 18
7.1Downloading from the Internet 18
7.2Connecting the PC to the RS-232 CONFIG Port 18
7.3Upgrading Firmware 19
8Technical Specifications 20
Figures
Figure 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator 4
Figure 2: FC-5 Underside 5
Figure 3: Port Selection Window 6
Figure 4: Translation List Window 7
Figure 5: New/Open File Menu Command Dialog Box 8
Figure 6: New Command Window 8
Figure 7: Edit Command Window 9
Figure 8: Remove Command Prompt 10
Figure 9: Connecting a PC 11
Figure 10: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 11
Figure 11: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 12
Figure 12: Translation Set DIP-Switches 12
Figure 13: Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller 14
Figure 14: Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure 15
Figure 15: Transmitting Commands via the Relays 16
Figure 16: Relay Pinout 16
Figure 17: Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure and Relays 17
Figure 18: The JTG Sender Window 19

FC-5 - Introduction 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 groups that are clearly defined
by function: 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 and
GROUP 11: Sierra Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer FC-5 Protocol Translator, which is
ideal for the following typical applications:
•Operating switchers with different RS-232 protocols
•Controlling screens, projectors, lights, security gates via the relays
•Using contact closure switches to operate RS-232 controlled equipment

2 FC-5 - Getting Started
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 cables
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Caution: No operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning: Use only the Kramer Electronics input power wall
adapter that is provided with the unit
Warning: Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the
wall before installing
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables to avoid 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
•Position your Kramer FC-5 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
i
!

FC-5 - Overview 3
3 Overview
The FC-5 is a protocol translator designed to make an RS-232 controlled machine
(Kramer and non-Kramer products) compatible with other RS-232 based protocols.
By default the unit comes configured with two translation drivers, includes a PC
based software program for user configuration, and has two relays and eleven
contact closure control connections.
In particular, the FC-5:
•By default, comes configured with two translation drivers: a Generic Switcher
Protocol to Kramer’s “Protocol 2000”; and the Sierra Video Systems (SVS)
Protocol to Kramer’s “Protocol 2000”
•Can also be used as a programmable controller. Itfeatures two relays for the
simplified and centralized control of room functions (such as lighting, closing
blinds, and so on). The two output relays have normally open (NO) and
normally closed (NC) contacts
•Features connections for up to eleven remote contact closure switches (to
trigger RS-232 commands and/or control the relays)
•Includes an easy-to-use PC application program that lets you build
translation tables for the FC-5 to define the association between codes for
the COM ports, relays and contact closures. The FC-5 can be configured to
work with up to four translation tables, and each one can include up to 256
translation commands. DIP-switches are used to select between the
translation tables
•Supports firmware upgrade

4 FC-5 - Your FC-5 Protocol Translator
4 Your FC-5 Protocol Translator
Figure 1 defines the FC-5:
Figure 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator
# Feature Function
1 INPUTS Contact Closure Remote
Control PINs Connects to a contact closure switch (see Section 6.2
2 RELAY 1 Terminal Block Connect to room items (such as lighting,
screen settings, blinds, and so on). The
PINOUT is: NO: Normally Open; C: Common
Voltage; NC: Normally Closed
3 RELAY 2 Terminal Block
4 SETUP DIP-switches Used to select translation drivers (see Section
5.2)
5 12V DC +12V DC connector for powering the unit
6 COM1 9-pin D-type RS-232 port Connects to the Kramer or other device
7 COM2 9-pin D-type RS-232 port Connects to the Kramer or other device
8 CONFIG 9-pin D-type port Connects to the RS-232 port on a PC
9 STATUS LED Blinks when transmitting commands
10 ON LED Illuminates when receiving power
Figure 2 defines the underside switches (with the label removed), which are
designed to be used for firmware upgrade only. An adhesive label (Marked “For
Programming only! Do not remove”) protects access to them. Remove the label
only when upgrading to new firmware (see Section 7).

FC-5 - Your FC-5 Protocol Translator 5
Figure 2: FC-5 Underside
# Feature Function
1 Switch Slide all 3 switches down to set to OFF
(Normal mode, default). Slide all 3 switches
up to set to ON (Program mode)
2 Switch
3 Switch

6 FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software
5 Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager
Software
This section describes how to:
•Install and run the Kramer FC-5 Manager software, see Section 5.1
•Use the Translation List window, see Section 5.2
•Connect and assign the driver commands to the translation list, see Sections
5.2.1, 5.2.2 and 5.2.3
5.1 Installing and Running the Kramer FC-5 Manager
Software
To install the FC-5 Manager software:
1. Insert the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive; double click the FC-5 Manager icon.
The Port selection window appears:
Figure 3: Port Selection Window
2. Choose the appropriate COM port for configuration via the serial cable and
click OK.
The Translation List window (see Figure 4) opens.

FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 7
5.2 Using the Translation List Window
Figure 4 defines the Translation List window. Double clicking COMMAND(1) opens
the Edit command window (see Section 5.2.2).
Figure 4: Translation List Window
Feature Function
File menu
commands New Creates a new blank file
Open Opens or finds a Protocol file (see Figure 5)
Save Saves the changed command list to the current
translation driver file
Save As Saves the current file with a different file name or
location
Exits Closes the application
Restart Not in use
COM Port Displays the Port Selection window (see Figure 3)
New Button Displays the New Command window (see Figure 6)
Edit Button Displays the Edit Command window (see Figure 7)
Remove Button Displays the Remove Command prompt (see Figure 8)
Close Button Closes the Command Translation List window
Assign Button Transmits the complete set to the COM ports of the FC-5 unit
The data is assigned to the “translation set” according to the DIP-switch
setting at the time that the Assign button is pressed

8 FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software
Figure 5: New/Open File Menu Command Dialog Box
5.2.1 Entering Data in the New Command Window
Figure 6 defines the New Command window:
Figure 6: New Command Window

FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 9
Feature Function
Properties NAME
Field Defines the new command NAME
Automatically generates the text: COMMAND (x) where x is the
next number in the sequence. Lets you type over alternative text of
up to 17 characters or leave the field blank
Properties EVENT
Field Defines the new EVENT. The drop-down list box offers a choice of:
COM1 RECEIVE, COM2 RECEIVE, DRYCONTACT_01 to
DRYCONTACT_11
Properties ACTION
Field Defines the new ACTION. The drop-down list box offers a choice
of: COM1 TRANSMIT, COM2 TRANSMIT, RELAY_01 ON,
RELAY_02 ON, RELAY_01 OFF, RELAY_02 OFF
Clear Button Removes the data that is entered in all the text boxes
Add Button Adds all the data that is entered in the text boxes to that new
command
Close Button Closes the New Command window
Note: To enter invisible characters in ASCII mode (such as "ENTER") place the
cursor in that square and press the appropriate key on the keyboard.
5.2.2 Editing Data in the Command Window
Figure 7 defines the Edit Command window:
Figure 7: Edit Command Window

10 FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software
Feature Function
Properties
NAME Field Defines the command NAME
Lets you type over alternative text of up to 17 characters or leave the
field blank
Properties
EVENT Field Defines the new EVENT. Lets you change the selection via the
drop-down list box:
COM1 RECEIVE, COM2 RECEIVE, DRYCONTACT_01 to
DRYCONTACT_11
Properties
ACTION Field Defines the new ACTION. Lets you change the selection via the
drop-down list box:
COM1 TRANSMIT, COM2 TRANSMIT, RELAY_01 ON, RELAY_02 ON,
RELAY_01 OFF, RELAY_02 OFF
Clear Button Removes the data that is entered in all the text boxes
Apply Button Saves any changes made
Lets you continue to make changes in the Edit Command window
OK Button Saves any changes made and closes the Edit Command window
Close Button Closes the New Command window
5.2.3 Erasing a Command from the Command Translation List
Window
To erase a command from the Command Translation List window, select the
relevant command and then click Remove. Click Yes to the Remove prompt
message (see Figure 8):
Figure 8: Remove Command Prompt

FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 11
5.3 Connecting a PC (CONFIG Port)
This section describes how to connect a PC to the CONFIG port.
Figure 9: Connecting a PC
You can connect to the unit via a crossed RS-232 connection, using for example,
a PC. A crossed cable or null-modem is required as shown in method A and B
respectively. If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to pin 5.
Method A (Figure 10)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a
crossed cable (only pin 2to pin 3, pin 3to pin 2, and pin 5to pin 5need be
connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC.
Note: There is no need to connect any other pins.
Figure 10: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
PC

12 FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software
Hardware flow control is not required for this unit. In the rare case where a
controller requires hardware flow control, short pin 1 to 7 and 8, and pin 4 to 6 on
the controller side.
Method B (Figure 11)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a
straight (flat) cable to the null-modem adapter, and connect the null-modem
adapter to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC. The straight cable usually
contains all nine wires for a full connection of the D-sub connector. Because the
null-modem adapter (which already includes the flow control jumpering described
in Method A above) only requires pins 2, 3 and 5 to be connected, you are free to
decide whether to connect only these 3 pins or all 9 pins.
Figure 11: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter
5.4 Setting the DIP-Switches
Figure 12 defines the DIP-switches, which are used to select the translation
drivers.
DIPs Set as follows:
1, 2 Determines the settings of the translation set
3, 4 Reserved
Figure 12: Translation Set DIP-Switches
Translation
Set 1 Translation Set 2 Translation Set 3 Translation Set 4
Generic to
Kramer 2000
(default)
Sierra Video Systems
to Kramer 2000
1 OFF ON OFF ON
2 OFF OFF ON ON
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter

FC-5 - Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 13
5.5 Assigning the Translation List Driver Commands
Assign the configured translation list commands driver to the FC-5. The list is
configured to the Translation Set selected by the DIP-switches at the time of the
download. This process can take several minutes. During the process the “Assign”
button of the Kramer FC-5 Manager software application flashes, and the STATUS
LED of the FC-5 unit also flashes. At the end of this process the following
message appears: “Assigned Successfully!”

14 FC-5 - Using the FC-5
6 Using the FC-5
You can use your FC-5 to transmit commands via the:
•PC or remote controller, see Section 6.1
•Contact closure, see Section 6.2
•Relays, see Section 6.3
•Contact closure and relays, see Section 6.4
6.1 Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller
You can use your FC-5 to transmit commands via a PC or remote controller:
Figure 13: Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller
Connect a PC or Remote Controller to the COM1 port and a controlled unit is
connected to the COM2 port. In this example, the PC or Remote Controller
transmits user-defined commands to the Kramer switcher

FC-5 - Using the FC-5 15
6.2 Transmitting Commands via the Contact Closure
You can use the FC-5 to transmit commands via the contact closure (see also
Section 6.4):
Figure 14: Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure
The INPUTS contact closure remote control pins let you temporarily route an input
to the output by momentarily attaching an input to the GND (Ground) pin (do not
connect more than one PIN to the Ground PIN at the same time). In this example
INPUT 3 is routed to the output, by temporarily attaching PIN 3 to PIN GND, and a
Kramer switcher is connected to the COM2 port

16 FC-5 - Using the FC-5
6.3 Transmitting Commands via the Relays
You can use your FC-5 to transmit commands via the relays:
Figure 15: Transmitting Commands via the Relays
A PC or Remote Controller is connected to the COM1 port. Relay 1 is connected
to the blinds, and relay 2 is connected to the lighting system. On each 3-pole
terminal block connector, connect either: Cto NO, or C to NC
Figure 16: Relay Pinout
C Common
NO Normally Open (that is, the electricity is switched ON)
NC Normally Closed (that is, the electricity is switched OFF)

FC-5 - Using the FC-5 17
6.4 Transmitting Commands via the Contact Closure and
Relays
You can use your FC-5 to transmit commands via the contact closure to the
relays, and to a projector via RS-232:
Figure 17: Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure and Relays
The INPUTS contact closure remote control pins let you switch commands to the relays,
and via RS-232. Relay 1 is connected to the blinds, and relay 2 is connected to the
lighting system (see Section 6.3 for the Relay PINOUT). INPUT contact closure remote
control pins 1 to 4 are connected to switches 1 to 4, respectively.
In this particular example, pressing:
•Switch button 1 turns on the projector
•Switch button 2 turns off the projector
•Switch button 3 toggles the blinds up/down
•Switch button 4 toggles the lights on/off