Kramer TOOLS VP-210XL User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
XGA Line Amplifier
Model:
VP-210xl
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 1
Table Of Contents
Section Name Page
1 INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 A Word on VGA/XGA Distribution / Line Amplifiers 2
1.2 Handling Graphics Signals 2
1.3 Factors Affecting Quality of Results 4
2 HOW DO I GET STARTED 5
3 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 5
3.1 Optional Accessories 5
4 XGA LINE AMPLIFIER 6
4.1 Getting to know your VP-210xl Line Amplifier 6
5 INSTALLATION 8
5.1 Rack Mounting 8
6. USING THE LINE AMPLIFIER 8
6.1 Typical Application 8
6.2 VP-210xl preset 9
6.3 Handling signal losses 10
6.4 Adding more outputs 11
6.5 Adding more inputs 11
7 SPECIFICATIONS 12
8 TROUBLESHOOTING 12
8.1 Power and Indicators 13
8.2 VGA/XGA Signal 13
Limited Warranty 14
List Of Illustrations
Figure Description Page
1 VP-210xl Front/Rear Panel Features 7
2 A typical application of the VP-210xl 8
3 Dip switch map of the VP-210xl 10
List Of Tables
Table Description Page
1 VP-210xl Front/Rear Panel Features 7

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 2
1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer XGA Line Amplifier. Since
1981, Kramer has been dedicated to the development and manufacture of high
quality video/audio equipment. The Kramer line has become an integral part of
many of the best production and presentation facilities around the world. In recent
years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the line, making the best
even better. Kramer’s line of professional video/audio electronics is one of the
most versatile and complete available, and is a true leader in terms of quality,
workmanship, price/performance ratio and innovation. In addition to the Kramer
line of high quality XGA Line Amplifiers, such as the one you have just
purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality distribution amplifiers,
switchers, processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related products. This
manual includes configuration, operation and option information for the VP-
210xl, one of the line of Kramer VP Tools.
1.1 A Word on VGA/XGA Distribution / Line Amplifiers
VGA/XGA distribution amplifiers distribute one or more signals to several users.
They vary in the number of inputs, looping capability, programming capability,
number of outputs, operating format, bandwidth and input/output coupling.
VGA/XGA distribution amplifiers are used to distribute one source to several
acceptors (wide screen projectors, format converters etc.) for simultaneous
recording or monitoring of one source, with no discernible signal degradation.
The machines excel in very large bandwidth (some approaching 400Mhz) and
very good linearity, making them usable for even the highest graphics standards.
A good quality distribution amplifier amplifies the incoming signal, may pre-
compensate the signal for potential losses (resulting from the use of long cables,
noisy source, etc.) and generates several identical buffered and amplified outputs.
The front panels of these Kramer amplifiers are designed to be simple to operate.
Typical applications of the machines are: computer graphics distribution in
classes, point of sale and multimedia studios, displaying computer graphics
before large audiences using the data input of a wide screen video projector.
1.2 Handling Graphics Signals
A computer generated graphics signal usually comprises 5 signals: Red, Green,
Blue - which are analog level signals -and two TTL (logic) level signals -
Horizontal Sync and Vertical Sync. (Digital graphics cards and monitors use a
different signal format, and will not be discussed here.)
Computer graphics resolution is measured in pixels and signal bandwidth. The
more pixels (picture elements) on the screen, the more detailed the image. VGA,

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 3
S-VGA, XGA, S-XGA and U-XGA are terms describing graphics resolution and
color depth. Color depth represents the maximum number of simultaneously
displayed colors on the screen and is measured in bits. 24 and 32-36 bits of color
depth represent millions to billions of color shades available on the screen at any
given moment. (It should be born in mind, though, that the human eye can resolve
only a few thousands colors!) The more detailed the image (higher resolution)
and the higher the color depth, the more real the image will look. The highest
resolution of standard VGA was 640x480 pixels with 4 bits of color (16 colors).
Standard VGA was able to use more colors (256) but at a lower resolution,
around 320x200 pixels, which was very crude. Common resolutions used today
for computer graphics vary from 1024x768 up to 2000x1600 pixels with “high
color” - 16 bits of color, representing 64,000 different colors, up to “true color” -
24 bits or more, representing from 16.7 million colors, up to several billion.
Displaying such a detailed and colorful image on the screen (e.g. “writing” so
many pixels on the screen in real time) needs enormous graphics memory per
frame, as well as very high speeds. The amplifiers that carry those signals must be
able to handle those speeds and signal bandwidths.
Standard VGA, at 640x480 resolution, needed amplifiers with 20-30MHz
bandwidth. At 1600x1200 or even at 1280x1024 (S-XGA), those amplifiers fail
completely. In order to faithfully amplify and transmit modern high-resolution
graphics, amplifiers with bandwidths of 300 MHz and more are needed. Those
amplifiers, besides the enormous bandwidth they handle, need to be linear, to
have very low distortion and to be stable. Stability of an amplifier is its ability to
avoid bursting into uncontrolled oscillation, which is in adverse relationship to
the speed it can handle. The tendency to oscillate is further increased by the load
impedance. The load impedance of a system is usually not just a resistor. A cable
connected to an amplifier (leading to the receiver or monitor) may present a
capacitive and/or an inductive load to the amplifier. This is the main cause of
instability. The quality problems of a load or cable may severely degrade the
bandwidth, linearity, and stability of the amplifier and in general its ability to
faithfully reproduce the signal.
Cables also affect image resolution. Longer cables, due to their imperfections,
cause high frequency deterioration and hence image “smear” and loss of
resolution. In computer graphics especially, this adverse effect is very much
accentuated. Amplifiers should therefore cope with an additional task -
compensating for cable losses up to the maximum useful operation distance.
High-resolution graphics systems should use very high quality cables for image
transmission. The cables should be shielded to eliminate externally induced
interference but the shield might itself increase the capacitance of the cable, and
therefore, cause deterioration in the image’s resolution and clarity. Standard

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 4
quality cables can only be a few meters long. For longer distances, compound
cable is replaced by five individual coax cables, which are bulky and
cumbersome for use. Even then, the distance is limited to several tens of meters.
Cables may create other problems, which result from their failure to accurately
match the system’s required impedance. The result of this, especially at high
frequencies, is “shadows” or “ghosts” on the image, resulting from standing
waves and electronic reflections running back and forth between transmitter and
receiver. Another aspect to consider is the sync. As sync signals are logic signals,
which are not treated as analog signals, the receiver does not terminate the line,
and therefore the line is not matched. A host of problems can occur when sync
signals are sent over long, unterminated, unmatched cables. The result might be
image breakdown or distortion due to improper sync information. The amplifier
that drives the analog section of the graphics data should also be able to buffer,
recover and send the sync information in such a way that it is received properly at
the receiving end.
1.3 Factors Affecting Quality of Results
There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are
transmitted from a source to an acceptor:
 Connection cables - Low quality cables are susceptible to interference;
they degrade signal quality due to poor matching and cause elevated noise
levels. They should be of the best quality.
 Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors - So often
ignored, they should be of highest quality, since "Zero Ohm" connection
resistance is the target. Sockets and connectors must also match the
required impedance (75ohm in video). Cheap, low quality connectors tend
to rust, thus causing breaks in the signal path.
 Amplifying circuitry - Must provide quality performance when the
desired end result is high linearity, low distortion and low noise operation.
 Distance between sources and acceptors - Plays a major role in the final
result. For long distances of over 15 meters (~2 to 3 meters for
VGA/XGA) between sources and acceptors, special measures should be
taken in order to avoid cable losses. These include using higher quality
cables or adding line amplifiers.
 Interference from neighboring electrical appliances - They can have
an adverse effect on signal quality. Balanced audio lines are less prone to
interference, but unbalanced audio should be installed far from any mains
power cables, electric motors, transmitters, etc. even when the cables are
shielded.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 5
2 HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The fastest way to get started is to take your time and do everything right the first
time. Taking 15 minutes to read the manual may save you a few hours later. You
don’t even have to read the whole manual. If a section doesn’t apply to you, you
don’t have to spend your time reading it.
3 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
The items contained in your Kramer distributor package are listed below. Please
save the original box and packaging materials for possible future shipment.









  




  




    




  !"




#$%%&
3.1 Optional Accessories
The following accessories, which are available from Kramer, can enhance
implementation of your machine. For information regarding cables and additional
accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.
 Rack Adapter - Used to install smaller size machines in a standard 1U or
3U rack space. One or more machines may be installed on each adapter.
 VP-211 -(2x1 Automatic VGA/Audio Switcher) can be serially inserted
between the XGA/audio source and the Line Amplifier for XGA long-line
use. It is a full bandwidth switcher designed for computer and presentation
applications. The VP-211 automatically detects the presence of a
VGA/XGA signal on input no. 1 and routes it to the output. If the signal
disappears, the machine switches to input no. 2 and routes it to the output.
When the signal on input no. 1 re-appears, the VP-211 reroutes input no. 1
to the output. The machine operates in audio-follow-video (VGA) mode and
switches the stereo audio input appropriate to the VGA input. Signal
bandwidth of 517MHz ensures that the VP-211 remains transparent even in
the most critical applications. The VP-211 is part of the Kramer TOOLS
family of compact, high quality and cost effective solutions for a variety of
applications.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 6
 VP-103 - (VGA to RGBS/HV Converter) can be serially inserted between
the XGA Line Amplifier and the acceptors for XGA to RGBS/HV
conversion. The VP-103 is a high performance VGA/XGA/UXGA-to-BNC
converter which allows a single VGA/XGA/UXGA source to
simultaneously drive a local monitor and up to two compatible large display
devices. Many projectors and large monitors use BNC connectors rather
than multi-pin D connectors found on computers. The VP-103 solves this
physical incompatibility, and also provides the local monitor loop-through,
and the necessary buffering, amplification, and sync processing for remote
acceptor applications. Note that the VP-103 does not perform any scan rate
conversion. The VP-103 will accept all typical VGA modes such as VGA,
SVGA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA and will output RGsB, RGBS, or
RGBHV. Video bandwidth of 315 MHz ensures transparent operation at
multiple resolutions including XGA. For applications not requiring a local
monitor, a front-panel termination switch is provided eliminating the need
for external termination plugs. The machine provides Level and Cable
Equalization from easy-access front panel controls. The VP103 is rugged,
dependable, and runs on a standard 12VDC source, and is therefore
perfectly suitable for fieldwork.
4 XGA LINE AMPLIFER
This section describes the controls and connections of your amplifier.
Understanding the controls and connections helps you realize the full power of
your machine.
4.1 Getting to Know Your VP-210xl Line Amplifier
The Kramer VP-210xl is a high performance Line Amplifier for VGA/XGA
signals. It accepts one input, provides correct buffering and isolation, loops it out
to a local monitor or another acceptor and outputs an amplified and equalized
signal to a remote acceptor. The machine provides output level control and cable
equalization, using two rotary controls on the front panel of the machine. The
machine allows input signal termination and ID bit control via 4 small switches
under the chassis. Video bandwidth exceeding 380 MHz ensures that the VP-
210xl remains transparent even at the highest resolution UXGA modes
(1600x1200). It is ideal for remote monitor applications, or presentation systems
requiring a local monitor and a large screen display such as a projector, at close or
remote locations. A 12V power supply is included.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 7
Figure 1: VP-210xl Front/Rear Panel Features
Table 1: VP-210xl Front/Rear Panel Features
No. Feature Function
1 LOOP HD 15 connector VGA/XGA loop output to local monitor.
2 INPUT HD 15 connector VGA/XGA input
3 OUTPUT HD 15 connector VGA/XGA output to remote acceptor.
4 LEVEL Control Knob Adjusting VGA/XGA signal output level
5 EQ. Control Knob Adjusting VGA/XGA cable equalization
6 ON LED Glows when power is supplied
7 12VDC Socket 12 Volts power feed to the machine

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 8
5 INSTALLATION
5.1 Rack Mounting
The VP-210xl line amplifier may be rackmounted in a standard 19” (1U or 3U)
EIA rack assembly, using either the RK-T1 optional adapter (1U rack space - for
mounting up to three machines) or the RK-T3 optional adapter (3U rack space
for mounting up to eight machines).
5.2 Connecting TO VGA/XGA Devices
VGA/XGA sources and output devices (such as monitors, projectors or recorders)
may be connected through the HD 15F connectors located on the back of the unit.
6 USING The Line Amplifier
6.1 Typical Application
A typical application is described in figure 2 below.
Figure 2: A typical application of the VP-210xl

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 9
Computer based graphics is used in video production, in presentation
applications, for education purposes and more. It is frequently necessary to
distribute PC graphics from one source to a remote acceptor. Figure 2 describes a
typical XGA line amplification where the source feeds a local monitor and is
distributed to a remote acceptor.
Perform the following steps:
1) Preset the machine according to the description in section 6.2.
2) Connect VGA/XGA source to the input of the amplifier.
3) Connect a local XGA/VGA monitor (if needed) to the loop
connector of the amplifier.
4) Operate the amplifier, source and acceptors.
5) Adjust, if needed, the level control and the cable EQ. control. As
described in section 6.3 - “handling signal losses”.
6.2 VP-210xl Preset
In order to use the VP-210xl efficiently, the machine should be preset to the
required application. There are four dip switches accessible from the bottom of
the machine. Three are used for enabling the looping option, and one is used for
pin 4 ID control. The use of those switches is described below and in Figure 3.
When looping is needed (connecting a local monitor) the three dipswitches
labeled R, G, B should be switched away from the INPUT connector side. When
a local monitor is not used, they should be in the “TERM” (terminate) position,
(towards the INPUT connector side.) When using a notebook PC that requires
that the ID bit will be set ON in order to output the graphics on a local monitor,
then the last switch, marked ID, should be switched ON, in the INPUT socket
direction. Incorrect setting of the termination switches might result in a too-bright
or too-dim image, and might damage the monitors! All RGB switches should be
moved together. Failing to so will result in severe color distortion.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 10
Figure 3: Dip switch map of the VP-210xl
6.3 Handling signal losses
High-resolution VGA/XGA signals are very sensitive to cable length and quality.
Long and/or low quality cables tend to degrade the signal quality, resulting in
image “smear” and fine-detail loss, as well as signal level attenuation.
The VP-210xl allows the user to handle and correct those problems, using the
built-in amplifiers. Using very high quality cables of 1-2 meter length will not
require adjustment, even when the signals involved are UXGA signals
(1600x1200 resolution). At that length, standard cables will allow resolutions of
640x480 and sometimes 800x600. If longer standard cables are used, even at
those low resolutions, cable compensation is needed.
Even with the best available compound cables (several thin cables in one sleeve)
at SXGA resolution (1280x1024) or UXGA resolution, there will be apparent
signal depreciation at over five meters. In low quality cables, those high-
resolution signals will be affected at distances even shorter than one meter.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 11
The VP-210xl has two user adjustable controls, which should be used as
following:
1. If you see a signal detail loss (resulting in image “smear” and blurring on the
screen) carefully turn the EQ. control knob clockwise, until the lost details
reappear and the original resolution is resumed. This control gradually
compensates for the losses incurred within the cable due to its design or
length. Bear in mind though that beyond a certain distance, dictated by the
cable stray-capacitance (cable measure of quality) losses cannot be
completely recovered. In this case, it is advised that a lower graphics
resolution should be chosen or the cable should be replaced with a better one.
2. If the whole signal is attenuated, the image on the screen will become darker.
In this case, carefully turn the LEVEL control knob clockwise. Overdoing
this control will result in image “burnout” and might damage the signal
receiver, therefore, adjusting this control should be done very carefully.
Between the EQ. control (that should be adjusted first) and the LEVEL
control, much of the lost signals may be restored.
6.4 Adding more outputs
If more outputs than the two outputs the VP-210xl provides are needed, then any
of Kramer VGA/XGA distribution amplifiers may be used. The VP-200, for
example, provides 2 outputs, the VP-300 provides 3, the VP-400 provides 4 and
so on up to the VP-12xl that is able to provide 12 parallel outputs from a single
input. All that is needed is to connect the output of the VP-210xl to the input of
the selected distributor.
6.5 Adding more inputs
If more inputs are needed, then one of Kramer’s VGA/XGA switchers may be
installed in front of the VP-210xl. Some suitable machines are the VP-201 (2
inputs), VP-32xl (3 inputs), VP-61xl (6 inputs), etc.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 12
7 SPECIFICATIONS
INPUTS: Looping analog Red, Green, Blue signals - 0.7 Vpp/75 , H &
V sync, TTL level, on HD15F connectors.
OUTPUT: 1 Analog Red, Green, Blue signals - 0.7 Vpp/75 , H & V
syncs-TTL level, on HD15F connectors.
VIDEO
BANDWIDTH:
380 MHz -3dB.
CONTROLS: Level: -0.6 to +4.1dB, EQ.: 0 to +4dB @ 5 MHz
VIDEO S/N RATIO:
73 dB.
DIFF. GAIN: <0.05%.
DIFF. PHASE: <0.03 Deg.
K-FACTOR: <0.05%.
DIMENSIONS: 12cm x 7.5cm x 2.5cm (4.7" x 2.95" x 0.98", W, D, H.).
POWER SOURCE: 12 VDC, 60 mA.
WEIGHT: 0.25 kg. (0.55 lbs.) Approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power supply, mounting brackets.
OPTIONS: Model VA-50P power supply with six 12VDC outlets, RK-T1
and RK-T3 rack adapters.
8 TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTES
1. Please note that if the output signal is disturbed or interrupted by very
strong external electromagnetic interference, it should return and stabilize
when such interference ends. If not, disconnect power from the machine and
reconnect again to reset the machine.
2. If the recommended actions still do not result in satisfactory operation,
please consult your KRAMER Dealer.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 13
8.1 Power and Indicators
Problem Remedy
No Power
1. Confirm that power connections are secured at the
machine and at the receptacle. Make sure the
receptacle is active, outputting the proper voltage.
2. If there is still no power use a Philips screwdriver to
remove two screws on both sides of the machine and
release the panel.
3. Locate the fuse holder located inside your machine.
Confirm that the fuse is good by looking for the wire
connected between the ends of the fuse. If this wire is
broken, replace the fuse with another, with the same
rating.
4. Install the machine's cover by tightening its Philips
screws.
8.2 VGA/XGA Signal
Problem Remedy
No VGA/XGA
the output
device
1. Confirm that your source and output devices are
powered on and connected properly. The input of your
machine should be of an identical signal format at the
output of your source.
2. Confirm that any other device in the signal path have
the proper input and/or output selected.
3. Use a VP-800 together with a known working
monitor to help trace faulty cables and equipment.
VGA/XGA
level is too high
or too dim.
1. Verify that the lines are well matched through 75ohm
impedances; otherwise it results in a video level that is
too high or too dim.
2. Confirm that the connecting cables are of high quality
and properly inserted.
3. Check level controls on your source input device or
output display.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 14
Noise bars "roll"
up or down in
the output image
or:
Low Frequency
Hum in the
output signal
1. Hum bars (ground loop) are caused by a difference in
the ground potential of any two or more devices
connected to your signal path. This difference is
compensated by passing that voltage difference
through any available interconnection, including your
cables.
WARNING! Do not disconnect the ground from any
piece of equipment in the signal path!
2. Check the following to remove hum bars:
3. Confirm that all interconnected equipment is
connected to the same power phase, if possible.
4. Remove equipment connected to that phase that may
introduce noise, such as motors, generators, etc.
5. Disconnect all interconnecting cables and reconnect
them one at a time until the ground loop reappears.
Disconnect the affected cable and replace, or insert an
isolation transformer in the signal path.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Kramer Electronics (hereafter Kramer) warrants this product free from defects in material
and workmanship under the following terms.
HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY
Labor and parts are warranted for three years from the date of the first customer purchase.
WHO IS PROTECTED
Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.
WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this
product. The following are not covered by the warranty:
1) Any product which is not distributed by Kramer, or which is not purchased
from an authorized Kramer dealer. If you are uncertain as to whether a
dealer is authorized, please contact Kramer at one of the agents listed in
the web site www.kramerelectronics.com.
2) Any product, on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or
removed.
3) Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:
a) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of
nature.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 15
b) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the
product.
c) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer.
d) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier).
e) Removal or installation of the product.
f) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect.
g) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in
conjunction with the product.
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR
We will pay labor and material expenses for covered items. We will not pay for the
following:
1) Removal or installations charges.
2) Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user
controls or programming. These costs are the responsibility of the Kramer
dealer from whom the product was purchased.
3) Shipping charges.
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
1) To obtain service on you product, you must take or ship it prepaid to any
authorized Kramer service center.
2) Whenever warranty service is required, the original dated invoice (or a
copy) must be presented as proof of warranty coverage, and should be
included in any shipment of the product. Please also include in any mailing
a contact name, company, address, and a description of the problem(s).
3) For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your
authorized dealer.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
Kramer’s liability for any defective products is limited to the repair or replacement of the
product at our option. Kramer shall not be liable for:
1) Damage to other property caused by defects in this product, damages based
upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss of time, commercial
loss; or:
2) Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. Some
countries may not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not
apply to you.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 16
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which
vary from place to place.
NOTE: All products returned to Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be
obtained from your dealer.
NOTICE
This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requirements of:
EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);
generic emission standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry"
EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) generic immunity standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry environment".
CFR-47 FCC Rules and Regulations:
Part 15- “Radio frequency devices:
Subpart B- Unintentional radiators”
CAUTION!
 Servicing the machines can only be done by an authorized Kramer
technician. Any user who makes changes or modifications to the unit without
the expressed approval of the manufacturer will void user authority to operate
the equipment.
 Use the supplied DC power supply to feed power to the machine.
 Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to
other components.

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
P/N: 2900-001020 REV 2
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer
distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com.
Updates to this user manual may be found at
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/manuals.html.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.