Kramer 906 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Preliminary
USER MANUAL
Model:
906
6.6W Per Channel Stereo Audio Amplifier

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
4Your 906 Amplifier 4
5Connecting the 906 Amplifier 5
5.1 Connect the 10V CONTROL Port to an External Controller 6
5.2 Connecting a PC 7
5.3 Connecting the 906 via the Ethernet Port 7
6Operating the 906 9
6.1 Using the Front Panel Buttons 9
6.2 Using Serial Commands 9
6.3 Using the Embedded Web Server 9
6.4 Using the RC-IR3 Infrared Remote Controller 14
6.5 Updating the 906 Firmware 14
7Default Communication Parameters 14
8Technical Specifications 15
9906 Commands in Protocol 3000 16
9.1 Operating Commands 16
9.2 Help Commands 16
9.3 Device Initiated Messages 16
9.4 Result and Error Codes 16
9.5 Basic Routing Commands 17
9.6 Audio Parameter Commands 17
9.7 Identification Commands 18
9.8 Network Setting Commands 19
9.9 Machine Information Commands 19
9.10 Protocol 3000 Syntax 20
9.10.1 Host Message Format 20
9.10.1.1 Simple Command 20
9.10.1.2 Command String 20
9.10.1.3 Device Message Format 20
9.10.1.4 Device Long Response 20
9.10.2 Command Terms 21
9.10.3 Entering Commands 21
9.10.4 Command Forms 22
9.10.5 Command Chaining 22
9.10.6 Maximum String Length 22

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: 906 Amplifier 4
Figure 2: Connecting the 906 Audio Amplifier 6
Figure 3: Connecting the 10V CONTROL Terminal Block Connector 6
Figure 4: Connecting to a PC 7
Figure 5: Local Area Properties Window 8
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 8
Figure 7: Java Test Page Success Message 10
Figure 8: Entering the IP Number in the Address Bar 10
Figure 9: Loading the Embedded Web Server 11
Figure 10: First Time Security Warning 11
Figure 11: The 906 Control Window 12
Figure 12: Control Settings 13
Figure 13: Ethernet Settings 13
Tables
Table 1: 906 Amplifier Functions 4
Table 2: Default Communication Parameters 14
Table 3: 906 Technical Specifications 15

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
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer MegaTOOLS®906 6.6W Per
Channel Stereo Audio Amplifier, which is ideal for:
that are clearly
defined by function.
•Presentation rooms and multimedia applications for quick, local
audio amplification
•Personal audio listening (for example, a PC and portable CD
player)
The package includes the following items:
•906 6.6W Per Channel Stereo Audio Amplifier
•Kramer RC-IR3 Infrared Remote Control Transmitter (including
the required battery and a separate user manual)
•Power supply (12V DC)
•This user manual2
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
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 our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The Kramer 906 is a high-performance audio amplifier for line-level stereo
audio signals. It accepts either a stereo audio signal on RCA connectors or a
balanced stereo audio signal on a terminal block connector. It delivers a speaker
output of 6.6W RMS per channel into 8Ωloads on a 4-pin terminal block
connector. The 906 features:
•Two input selector buttons and a mute button
•One gain knob for adjusting the audio output levels for loudness, bass,
middle, treble, balance and the volume
•A USB connector for firmware upgrade
•RS-232 and Ethernet ports
•A 10V control port for adjusting the audio gain via an external connector1
The 906 can be controlled:
•Directly, via the front panel push buttons and adjustment knob
•Via an external 10V controller (for volume)
•By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller
•Via the Ethernet using the embedded Web server
•Remotely, from the infrared remote control transmitter
The 906 is housed in a Kramer MegaTOOLS™ enclosure and is fed by a 12V
DC power supply.
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables2
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer 906 away
from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
to avoid interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise
levels (often associated with low quality cables).
1 For example, the Kramer RC-63A
2 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your 906 Amplifier
4
4 Your 906 Amplifier
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the 906.
Figure 1: 906 Amplifier
Table 1: 906 Amplifier Functions
#
Feature
Function
1 INPUT 1 L RCA Connector Connect to the left unbalanced stereo analog audio source 1
2 INPUT 1 R RCA Connector Connect to the right unbalanced stereo analog audio source 1
3 INPUT 2 Terminal Block Connector Connect to the balanced stereo audio source 2
4 OUT Terminal Block Connector Connect to a balanced stereo acceptor (speakers)
5 10V VOL Terminal Block Connector Connect to a controller1
6
to adjust the volume via the controller
RS-232 Tx Rx G Terminal Block
Connector
Control connector for RS-232
7 ETHERNET Port Connects to your LAN
2
8 FACTORY RESET Button Press to reset to the factory default state
9 PROGRAM Switch For factory use only
10 12V DC Connector +12V DC for powering the unit
11 IR IN Receiver Accepts IR remote commands
12 ON LED Illuminates green when receiving power, flashes when
receiving IR commands
13 MUTE Button Press to disable/enable the audio output. The button
illuminates when the audio output is disabled
14 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons 1 Press to select the input 1 audio source
15 2Press to select the input 2 audio source
16 LOUDNESS Adjustment Button Press to select the loudness adjustment, adjust with the Level
Knob
17 BASS Adjustment Button Press to select the bass adjustment, adjust with the Level Knob
1 For example, the Kramer RC-63A
2 Local Area Network (that is, computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a server
within a defined geographic area)

Connecting the 906 Amplifier
5
5
#
Feature
Function
18 MID Adjustment Button Press to select the mid range adjustment, adjust with the Level
Knob
19 TREBLE Adjustment Button Press to select the treble adjustment, adjust with the Level Knob
20 BALANCE Adjustment Button Press to
select the balance between right and left speakers, adjust
with the Level Knob
21 VOLUME Adjustment Button Press to select the volume adjustment, adjust with the Level Knob.
Press and hold to disable local volume control and enable remote
volume control. Press and hold again to activate local volume
control (see section 6.1)
22 Adjustment Potentiometer Knob Turn to raise or lower the selected audio feature
23 PROGRAM USB Connector For factory use only
5 Connecting the 906 Amplifier
To connect the 906, as illustrated in the example in Figure 2, do the
following:
1. Connect an unbalanced stereo audio source (for example, the unbalanced
stereo audio output of a DVD player) to the L and R INPUT 1 RCA
connectors.
2. Connect a balanced stereo audio source (for example, the balanced stereo
audio output of a DVD player) to the INPUT 2 terminal block connector.
3. Connect the OUTPUT terminal block to a pair of loudspeakers:
Connect the “L+” and the “L-” terminal block connectors to the left
loudspeaker, and the “R+” and the “R-” terminal block connectors to the
right loudspeaker. Do not ground the loudspeakers.
4. Connect the 12V DC power adapter to the power socket and connect the
adapter to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 2).
5. If required connect:
The 10V CONTROL terminal block connector to an external
controller15.1
(see section )
The RS-232 port to a PC and/or serial controller (see section 5.2)
The Ethernet port to a PC or a network hub or router (see section
5.3)
1 For example, the Kramer RC-63A

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the 906 Amplifier
6
Figure 2: Connecting the 906 Audio Amplifier
5.1 Connect the 10V CONTROL Port to an External Controller
You can connect the 906 10V CONTROL terminal block connector to a
controller (for example, the Kramer RC-63A) as illustrated in Figure 3:
Figure 3: Connecting the 10V CONTROL Terminal Block Connector

Connecting the 906 Amplifier
7
7
5.2 Connecting a PC
You can connect a PC (or other controller) to the 906 via the RS-232
terminal block connector.
To connect a PC to a 906 unit, connect the RS-232 terminal block connector
on the 906 unit to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC, see Figure 4
Figure 4: Connecting to a PC
5.3 Connecting the 906 via the Ethernet Port
To connect the 906 via the Ethernet port, do the following:
•When connecting to the Ethernet port on a network hub or network
router, use a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors
•When connecting to the Ethernet port of a PC, use a crossover
cable with RJ-45 connectors
If you are connecting the 906 directly to your computer (not through the
network) you may need to reconfigure the PC network settings.
To reconfigure the PC network settings:
1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Network Connections.
2. Click on the appropriate Local Area Connection.
3. Right-click the Local Area Connection and click Properties.
The Local Area Properties Window appears:

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the 906 Amplifier
8
Figure 5: Local Area Properties Window
4. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window appears:
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
5. Click Use the following IP address and enter the IP address and Subnet
mask shown above. Click OK and OK to close both windows and save the
settings.

Operating the 906
9
9
6 Operating the 906
You can operate your 906 using:
•The front panel buttons (see section 6.1)
•PC, touch screen system, or other serial controller via RS-232
serial commands (see section 6.2)
•The Ethernet via the embedded Web server (see section 6.3)
6.1 Using the Front Panel Buttons
The front panel buttons let you:
•Select an input, by pressing the INPUT 1 or the INPUT 2 button
•Adjust the sound
To adjust the sound of the output signal:
1. Press the sound component that you want to adjust (LOUD, BASS, MID,
TREBLE, BAL or VOLUME). The button illuminates.
2. Turn the adjustment knob to adjust the value.
Note: To enable remote volume control via the 10V VOL connector (using
for example, the Kramer RC-63A), you must disable the local digital
volume control by pressing and holding the VOLUME button on the front
panel for several seconds. The LED flashes to indicate that remote control is
enabled. In this mode, volume control via software ("Set simple audio
volume" P3000 command, see section 9.6) is disabled. To disable remote
control, press and hold the VOLUME button and the LED lights solid.
6.2 Using Serial Commands
To operate your device using serial commands, you need to install Kramer's
control software1
For an explanation of all control commands, see section
.
9.
6.3 Using the Embedded Web Server
You can remotely operate the 906 using a Web browser via the Ethernet
connection (see section 5.3). To be able to do so, you must use a supported
Web browser; Microsoft (V6.0 and higher), Chrome or Firefox (V3.0 and
higher).
1 Download control software from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the 906
10
To check that Java is installed correctly and running, browse to:
http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml
This page runs a test and displays a Java success (see Figure 7) or failure
message.
Figure 7: Java Test Page Success Message
If you do not see the success message, follow the instructions on the page
to:
•Load and enable Java
•Enable Javascript in your browser
Make sure that your PC is connected via the Ethernet connection to the 906
(see section 5.3) and do the following:
1. Open your Internet browser.
2. Enter the unit’s IP number1
or name in the Address bar of your browser.
If you are using DHCP, you must enter the name.
Figure 8: Entering the IP Number in the Address Bar
The following window appears:
1 The default IP number is 192.168.1.39, and may be changed by the system integrator

Operating the 906
11
11
Figure 9: Loading the Embedded Web Server
3. Check that Java and JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
The following window appears:
Figure 10: First Time Security Warning
4. Click Run.
The 906 Control Window opens (see Figure 11):

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the 906
12
Figure 11: The 906 Control Window
5. To choose the desired input, click on Input 1 or Input 2 (see Figure 12).
Each input has its own set of audio adjustments.
6. To adjust each function, click and hold each slider and drag to the right to
increase or to the left to decrease the shown value.
7. To mute the output, check the Mute box.

Operating the 906
13
13
Figure 12: Control Settings
8. To change the Ethernet settings, click the Settings tab at the top of the
Control Window. The Ethernet settings display (see Figure 13):
Figure 13: Ethernet Settings
9. Make any necessary changes and click Save to save the settings.
10. To return to the Control Window, click 906 under the Kramer logo.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Default Communication Parameters
14
6.4 Using the RC-IR3 Infrared Remote Controller
You can use the RC-IR3 remote controller to make some1
•To choose an input, press button 1 or 2
of the
adjustments that are made using the front panel buttons:
•To toggle muting, press the OFF button
•To increase the volume, press + (►)
•To decrease the volume, press – (◄)
6.5 Updating the 906 Firmware
The 906 functions by means of a device microcontroller that runs firmware
located in FLASH memory.
If required, you can download2and upgrade to the latest version of
firmware3
7 Default Communication Parameters
.
Table 2 lists the communication parameters as used in Kramer Electronics
products.
Table 2: Default Communication Parameters
RS-232
Protocol 3000 (Default)
Baud Rate: 115,200
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
Command Format: ASCII
Ethernet Factory Default Values
IP Address: 192.168.1.39
Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Power cycle the unit while pressing
the Factory Reset button, located on
the rear panel of the unit.
TCP Port #: 5000
UDP Port #: 50000
1 Loudness, bass, mid, treble and balance adjustments are not adjustable using the IR remote
2 From the Kramer Web site www.kramerelectronics.com
3 The firmware is installed using the P3K software that is also available from the Kramer Web site

Technical Specifications
15
15
8 Technical Specifications
906 technical specifications are shown in Table 3:
Table 3: 906 Technical Specifications1
INPUTS: 1 unbalanced stereo audio input on RCA connectors; 1 balanced
stereo audio input on a 5-pin terminal block connector
OUTPUTS: 1 speaker stereo audio output on a 4-pin terminal block connector
INPUT SENSITIVITY: 224mVpp
OUTPUT POWER: 6.6W per channel into 8Ω; 11W per channel into 4Ω
MAX. VOLTAGE GAIN: 65.6x, 36.3dB
OUTPUT MUSIC POWER: 22W per channel into 8Ω; 28W per channel into 4Ω
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): 32.5kHz
S/N RATIO: 67.5dB @1kHz
CROSSTALK: -55.6dB @1kHz
CONTROLS: Volume: < -37dB to 35.6dB;
balance: < -20dB to 0dB;
treble: -5.3dB to 10.9dB @10kHz;
mid: -7.8dB to 13.2dB @1kHz;
bass: -4.1dB to 15.1dB @100Hz;
RS-232 on a terminal block connector; Ethernet; USB for
upgrading firmware
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS: Input selector, mute, external potentiometer, remote by contact
closure, infrared remote
COUPLING: Input: AC, output: DC
AUDIO THD + NOISE: 3.4% @1kHz
AUDIO 2nd HARMONIC: 0.3% @1kHz
AMPLIFIER TYPE: Class D
POWER SOURCE: 12V DC 1.2A (8Ω load), 1.7A (4Ω load)
DIMENSIONS 18.8cm x 11.4cm x 2.4cm (7.4" x 4.5" x 0.94") W, D, H
WEIGHT: 0.6kg (1.32lbs)
ACCESSORIES: Power supply, RC-IR3 remote controller
OPTIONS: RK-T2B 19” rack adapter
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
906 Commands in Protocol 3000
16
9 906 Commands in Protocol 3000
This RS-232/RS-485 communication protocol lets you control the machine
from any standard terminal software (for example, Windows®
HyperTerminal Application) and uses a data rate of 115200 baud, with no
parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.
This section describes all commands sent to the 906. For an explanation of
the syntax and use of Protocol 3000, see section 9.10.
9.1 Operating Commands
Following are the specific commands that the room controller (RC device)
sends to the 906 to operate the external devices.
9.2 Help Commands
Command Syntax Response
Protocol handshaking #CR ~OKCRLF
9.3 Device Initiated Messages
Command Syntax
Start message Kramer Electronics LTD. , Device Model Version
Software Version
Switcher actions:
Audio channel has switched (breakaway mode) AUD IN>OUT
9.4 Result and Error Codes
Syntax
Command ran successfully, no error. COMMAND PARAMETERS OK
Protocol Errors:
Syntax error ERR001
Command not available for this device ERR002
Parameter is out of range ERR003
Unauthorized access (command run without the
matching login).
ERR004

906 Commands in Protocol 3000
17
17
9.5 Basic Routing Commands
Command Syntax Response
Switch audio only AUD IN>OUT, IN>OUT, …
Short form: A IN>OUT , IN>OUT, …
AUD IN>OUT, IN>OUT, …RESULT
Switch audio only AUD IN>OUT, IN>OUT, …
Short form: A IN>OUT , IN>OUT, …
AUD IN>OUT, IN>OUT, …RESULT
Read audio connection AUD? OUT
Short form: A? OUT
AUD? *
AUD IN>OUT
AUD IN>1, IN>2, …
Parameter Description:
IN = Input number or '0' to disconnect output.
'>' = Connection character between in and out parameters.
OUT = Output number or '*' for all outputs.
9.6 Audio Parameter Commands
Command Syntax Response
Set simple audio
volume1VOLUME VOLUME
Short form: VOL VOLUME
VOLUME VOLUME RESULT
Read simple audio
level1
VOLUME?
Short form: VOL?
VOLUME VOLUME
Set audio level in
specific amplifier
stage.
AUD-LVL STAGE, CHANNEL, VOLUME
Short form: ADL STAGE, CHANNEL, VOLUME
AUD-LVL STAGE, CHANNEL,
VOLUME RESULT
Read audio volume
level
AUD-LVL? STAGE, CHANNEL
Short form: ADL? STAGE
AUD-LVL STAGE, CHANNEL,
VOLUME
Advanced commands for controlling each stage of audio amplification:
Set audio bass level BASS CHANNEL, BASS
Short form: ADB CHANNEL, BASS
BASS CHANNEL, BASS
RESULT
Read audio bass level BASS? CHANNEL
Short form: ADB? CHANNEL
BASS CHANNEL, BASS
Set audio treble level TREBLE CHANNEL,TREBLE
Short form: ADT CHANNEL,TREBLE
TREBLE CHANNEL, TREBLE
RESULT
Read audio treble TREBLE? CHANNEL
Short form: ADT? CHANNEL
TREBLE CHANNEL, TREBLE
Set audio midrange MIDRANGE CHANNEL, MID_RANGE
Short form: ADM CHANNEL, MID_RANGE
MIDRANGE CHANNEL,
MID_RANGE RESULT
Read audio midrange MIDRANGE? CHANNEL
Short form: ADM? CHANNEL
MIDRANGE CHANNEL,
MID_RANGE
Set audio loudness LOUDNESS CHANNEL, LOUDNESS
Short form: ADS CHANNEL, LOUDNESS
LOUDNESS CHANNEL,
LOUDNESS RESULT
Read audio loudness LOUDNESS? CHANNEL
Short form: ADS? CHANNEL
LOUDNESS CHANNEL,
LOUDNESS
Mute audio MUTE MUTE-MODE MUTE MUTE-MODE RESULT
1 From -80 (mute) to 15 (-80dB to +15dB)