Kramer VP-108 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VP-108
1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 1
4 Your VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA 2
5 Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA 5
5.1 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 6
5.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 8
5.2.1 Setting the Dipswitches 8
5.2.2 Setting the MACHINE # 9
5.3 Connecting the REMOTE Connector 9
6 Technical Specifications 11
7 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 12
Figures
Figure 1: VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA 3
Figure 2: VP-108 Underside 4
Figure 3: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 6
Figure 4: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 6
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Source to the Balanced VP-108 Input 6
Figure 6: Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA 7
Figure 7: Connecting a VP-108 Unit to a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 8
Figure 8: SETUP Set of 4 Dipswitches 8
Figure 9: REMOTE Terminal Block Connector 10
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA Features 4
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA Features 4
Table 3: VP-108 Underside Features 4
Table 4: Dipswitch Settings 8
Table 5: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 9
Table 6: Technical Specifications of the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA 11
Table 7: VP-108 Hex Codes 12

Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics (since 1981): a world of unique, creative and
affordable solutions to the infinite range of problems that confront the video,
audio and presentation professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have
redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our
350-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced
Stereo Audio DA (distribution amplifier),which is ideal for using with
presentation systems, and video duplication and production studios.
The package includes the following items:
 VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
 Power cord
 Windows®-based Kramer control software
 Null-modem adapter
 This user manual
2
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
3
3 Overview
The high-performance VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA is an
8-channel distribution amplifier for VGA/XGA and stereo audio (balanced or
unbalanced) that uses 15-pin HD connectors for the VGA-type signals, and
detachable terminal block connectors for the audio.
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Video and Audio Switchers, Matrix Switchers and Controllers; GROUP 3:
Video, Audio, VGA/XGA Processors; GROUP 4: Interfaces and Sync Processors; GROUP 5: Twisted Pair Interfaces;
GROUP 6: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; and GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors
2 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: 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
Your VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
2
In particular, the VP-108:
 Is unique in that each of the 8 VGA outputs, and each of the 8 stereo
audio outputs, may be individually enabled or disabled
1
, replacing a switcher
which would typically be used in such setups
 Is controllable (switching of the outputs) via RS-232 or RS-485 serial
commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller,
as well as via external dry contact switches
2
 Stores the output configuration in non-volatile memory so that the
machine will restore its power-down status when power is returned
 Uses solid-state electronic switching, and low-noise amplifying circuitry
throughout the unit, and the sync pulses are detected and reconstructed before
amplifying and buffering to the outputs
 Has a high video bandwidth, ensuring that each unit remains transparent
even at the highest resolution VGA modes such as XGA
Achieving the best performance means:
 Connecting 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)
 Avoiding interference from neighboring electrical appliances and positioning
your VP-108 unit in a location free from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2 define the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo
Audio DA:
1 Using the REMOTE connector (see section 5.3) or via RS-232 or RS-485
2 Using the REMOTE connector (see section 5.3)

Your VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
3
Figure 1: VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
4
Table 1: Front Panel VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch
Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA Features
# Feature Function
1 AUDIO INPUT Terminal Block Connector Connect to the balanced stereo audio source
2 XGA INPUT HD15 Connector Connect to the XGA source
3 LEFT LEVEL Trimmer Adjusts
1
the left output signal level
4 RIGHT LEVEL Trimmer Adjusts
1
the right output signal level
5 LOOP HD15 Connector For looping to increase output availability
6 AUDIO OUTPUT Terminal Block Connectors
Connect to the balanced stereo audio acceptors (from 1 to 8)
2
7 XGA OUTPUT HD15 Connectors Connect to the XGA acceptors (from 1 to 8)
2
8 REMOTE Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the dry contact switches
9 RS-485 Connector RS-485 detachable terminal block port
10 RS-232 DB 9F Connector Connect to PC or other Serial Controller
11 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit
12 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
Figure 2 and Table 3 define the underside controls:
Figure 2: VP-108 Underside
Table 3: VP-108 Underside Features
Feature Function
ID BIT Switch Set to ON position
3
to select the ID BIT
4
TERMINATION
5
Switch Set to ON position
3
to terminate with 75, or move to Hi-Z for looping
EQ.
5
Trimmers Adjust
1
the cable compensation equalization levels for blue, green and red
LEVEL
5
Trimmers Adjust
1
the output signal levels for blue, green and red
1 Insert a screwdriver into the small hole and carefully rotate it
2 As required. Outputs may be connected or left unconnected
3 The factory default
4 Sometimes notebook computers refuse to output a VGA signal to an external VGA monitor if they do not detect the ID BIT
as ON. Set the ID BIT to ON using this switch so that the notebook will output to an external VGA monitor
5 Separately for Blue (B), Green (G) and Red (R)

Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
5
5 Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
To connect the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA, as the example
in Figure 6 illustrates, do the following
1
:
1. Connect the XGA graphics source (for example, a PC) to the XGA
INPUT HD15 connector, and connect
2
the balanced stereo audio source to the
AUDIO INPUT terminal block connector.
2. Connect up to 8 XGA OUTPUT HD15 connectors to the XGA acceptors
(for example, XGA monitors), and connect
2
the corresponding AUDIO
OUTPUT terminal block connectors to the stereo audio acceptors (for
example, pairs of stereo loudspeakers).
3. Connect the LOOP HD15 connector (OPTIONAL) to the XGA INPUT
HD15 connector on an additional unit to increase video outputs.
4. Set the dipswitches (see section 5.2.1).
5. Set the switches on the underside for looping
3
(see Figure 2).
6. Connect the power cord
4
.
7. Adjust the left and right audio signal levels, if required.
8. Connect a PC (OPTIONAL) or other RS-232 (see section 5.2) or RS-485
controller, when using, for example, the Windows®-based Kramer control
software.
9. Connect a REMOTE terminal block connector (OPTIONAL) to the
Ground terminal block connector to disable that output
5
(see section 5.3).
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-108. After connecting your VP-108, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device. Switching on the VP-108, recalls the last status prior to powering down
2 See section 5.1 for a description of how to connect a balanced/unbalanced stereo audio input/output
3 The default settings are for non-looping
4 The power connector is not illustrated in Figure 6
5 An output may also be disabled via RS-232 or RS-485

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
6
5.1 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 3 illustrates how to wire a balanced input/output connection:
Figure 3: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 4 illustrates how to wire an unbalanced acceptor to the balanced output
of the unit:
Figure 4: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output
Figure 5 illustrates how to connect an unbalanced source to the balanced
input on the VP-108:
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Source to the Balanced VP-108 Input

Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
7
Figure 6: Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
8
5.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VP-108 unit(s), using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VP-108 unit to the
Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9 wire flat
cable to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VP-108 unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear panel
port on the VP-108 unit, as Figure 7 illustrates (depending on whether the PC
has a 9-pin or 25-pin connector)
Figure 7: Connecting a VP-108 Unit to a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter
5.2.1 Setting the Dipswitches
Figure 8 illustrates the factory default SETUP dipswitches:
Figure 8: SETUP Set of 4 Dipswitches
Table 4: Dipswitch Settings
Function DIPS Description
Machine # 1, 2, 3 Determines the position of a unit in the sequence (refer to section 5.2.2)
PC 485 4 Set ON when connecting the PC (or other controller) via the RS-485 port, set
OFF when connecting the PC via the RS-232 port or when not connecting a PC

Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
9
5.2.2 Setting the MACHINE #
The MACHINE # determines the position of a VP-108 unit, specifying which
VP-108 unit is being controlled when several VP-108 units connect to a PC
or serial controller. Set the MACHINE # on a VP-108 unit via DIPS 1, 2 and
3, according to Table 5.
When using a stand-alone VP-108 unit, set the MACHINE # to 1. When
connecting more than one VP-108 unit, set the first machine (the Master) that
is closest to the PC, as MACHINE # 1
1
.
Table 5: Machine # Dipswitch Settings
DIPSWITCH MACHINE #
1 2 3
1
Master
OFF
OFF
OFF
2 ON OFF
OFF
3 OFF
ON OFF
4 ON ON OFF
5 OFF
OFF
ON
6 ON OFF
ON
7 OFF
ON ON
8 ON ON ON
5.3 Connecting the REMOTE Connector
Connecting the REMOTE terminal block connector pins to a dry contact switch
enables you to disable (and then enable again) output(s) by remote control
2
.
To do so, touch (momentarily) the appropriate REMOTE terminal block
connector pin to the Ground PIN, as Figure 9 illustrates.
For example to disable outputs 1, 2 and 8, touch (momentarily) PIN 1 to the
Ground PIN, and then touch (momentarily) PIN 2 to the Ground PIN, and then
touch (momentarily) PIN 8 to the Ground PIN.
Do not touch (momentarily) more than one PIN to the Ground PIN
simultaneously.
1 Set the dipswitches to OFF
2 An output may also be disabled via RS-232 or RS-485

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
10
Figure 9: REMOTE Terminal Block Connector

Technical Specifications
11
6 Technical Specifications
Table 6 includes the technical specifications:
Table 6: Technical Specifications
1
of the VP-108 1:8 XGA / Balanced Stereo Audio DA
INPUT: 1 XGA on an HD15F connector; 1 balanced audio +4dBm 100kon
detachable terminal block connectors
1 LOOP on an HD15F connector
OUTPUTS: 8 XGA on HD15F connectors; 8 balanced audio +4dBm 100kon
detachable terminal block connectors
MAX. OUTPUT LEVEL: VIDEO: 1.5 Vpp AUDIO: 25 Vpp
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): VIDEO: 400 MHz AUDIO: >100 kHz
DIFF. GAIN: 0.03%
DIFF. PHASE: 0.03 Deg.
K-FACTOR: <0.05%
S/N RATIO: VIDEO: 74.3dB AUDIO: 93dB unweighted
CONTROLS: VIDEO: Level : -1.1 to +6.2dB;
Equalization: 0dB to +8dB, 50 MHz AUDIO: Level : -0.9 to +8.6dB
COUPLING: VIDEO: DC AUDIO: DC
AUDIO THD + NOISE: 0.005%
AUDIO 2nd HARMONIC: 0.003%
POWER SOURCE: 90-260 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 25 VA
DIMENSIONS: 19-inch (W), 7-inch (D), 1U (H) rack mountable
WEIGHT: 2.6 kg. (5.7 lbs.) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, Null modem adapter, Windows®-based Kramer control software
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication
12
7 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication
Table 7 lists the Hex values for a single machine (MACHINE # 1). 4 bytes of
information are sent for each instruction. For more detailed information, see
Protocol 2000
1
.
Table 7: VP-108 Hex Codes
VIDEO
2
:
OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4 OUT 5 OUT 6 OUT 7 OUT 8 ALL OUTPUTS
ON 





2



3



4



5



6



7



8





OFF

0



0
2


0
3


0
4


0



0



0



0



0


AUDIO
3
:
OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4 OUT 5 OUT 6 OUT 7 OUT 8 ALL OUTPUTS
ON 2



2

2

2

3

2

4

2

5

2

6

2

7

2

8

2



OFF
2
0


2
0
2

2
0
3

2
0
4

2
0


2
0


2
0


2
0


2
0


1 On our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com (click “Communication Protocols and Hex Tables for RS-232
operated switchers, matrix switchers, and other equipment” in the Technical Support section)
2 For audio-follow-video mode
3 For audio breakaway mode

13
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:
i) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of nature
ii) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product
iii) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer
iv) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier)
v) Removal or installation of the product
vi) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect
vii) 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
The liability of Kramer for any effective 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.
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.
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: [email protected]
P/N: 2900-000108 REV 3
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer
distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com,
where updates to this user manual may be found.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.