Kramer FC-28 User manual

P/N: 2900-300539 Rev 5 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
FC-28
Ethernet Controller

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Contents
i
Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 4
Defining FC-28 Ethernet Controller 5
Initial Configuration and Use Overview 7
Configuring the FC-28 Ethernet Controller 8
Configuring a Virtual Port on the PC 9
Setting Up an Ethernet Connection on the PC 9
Mounting FC-28 10
Connecting FC-28 11
Connecting via Ethernet 12
Remote Operation via the Web Pages 16
Browsing Web Pages 16
Connected Clients Page 18
Device Settings Page 18
Communication Page 20
Serial Port Settings Page 21
GPIO Port Settings Page 22
Relay Port Settings Page 26
IR Command Learner Page 27
Security Page 28
Logs Page 29
About Us Page 30
Configuring and Maintaining FC-28 31
IR Learning 31
Resetting Factory Default Settings 31
Upgrading Firmware 32
Technical Specifications 33
Data Handling Performance 34
Example Bandwidth Calculation 34
TCP/UDP Port Limitations 34
Default Communication Parameters 35
Kramer Protocol 3000 36
Understanding Protocol 3000 36
Kramer Protocol 3000 –Command List 39
Kramer Protocol 3000 –Detailed Commands 40
Parameters 61

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Introduction
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!
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
Go to www.kramerav.com/downloads/FC-28 to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables (we recommend Kramer high-performance,
high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in signal quality due to poor
matching, and elevated noise levels (often associated with low quality cables)
•Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely influence
signal quality
•Position your Kramer FC-28, and away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
Safety Instructions
Caution:
•This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
•For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
•There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Warning:
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
•To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which located on the bottom of the unit.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Introduction
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Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC aims to reduce
the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by requiring it to be collected
and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive, Kramer Electronics has made
arrangements with the European Advanced Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any
costs of treatment, recycling and recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on
arrival at the EARN facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular
country go to our recycling pages at www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer FC-28 Ethernet Controller. The FC-28 is a PoE-
powered control gateway, capable for plug and play deployment over customer Ethernet LAN
for remote control of customer controlled devices via bidirectional RS-232, IR, GPIO and relay
control connections. Multiple control clients can be IP-connected to the FC-28 control gateway
for concurrent control of two RS-232, four IR, two GPIO, and two relay-controllable devices,
such as AV scalers, video displays, audio amplifiers, DVD players, sensors, screens, shades,
door locks, and lighting.
The FC-28 is bidirectional RS-232, IR control, GP I/O and relay control signal to Ethernet
converter. It allows two RS-232, four IR, two GP I/O, and two relay-controllable devices to be
controlled via an Ethernet or LAN connection.
These Ethernet to I/O controllers bridge the gap between Ethernet infrastructures and I/O
communication devices by offering bidirectional Ethernet to any I/O interface conversion. All
setup and maintenance of the devices is done from built-in Web pages which are accessible
using any common Web browser.
The FC-28 can receive K-Touch Ethernet-based per-I/O port commands and convert them
into I/O interface signals on the requested I/O port. Responses are sent back to all Ethernet
connected panels.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Introduction
3
Exceptional Quality
•Built-in IR learning capabilities.
•Included Windows®-based Virtual Port software for setting up virtual ports on a PC.
•A compact, Kramer MegaTOOLS™ enclosure which can be mounted side by side in a
19-inch rack using suitable rack adapters.
Figure 1: FC-28 Controlling Devices Remotely Using K-Touch 3.0 over a LAN
Flexible Connectivity
•Network connectivity that lets you connect a Kramer (or other) device via its control I/O
port to an Ethernet LAN.
•Working in conjunction with K-Touch 3 for remote control of devices over an Ethernet
LAN via I/O interface connections (see Figure 1).
•Control of up to two RS-232 devices via Ethernet from a PC, tablet, smartphone, and so
on.
•Up to four IR ports for device control via IR blasters/emitters.
•Input/output triggering for up to two devices via the GP I/O ports.
•Control of up to two devices via built-in relays.
•Control of a device from multiple Ethernet points (PCs or remote controllers), via a LAN
or the Internet.
•Static or dynamic (DHCP) IP addressing.
•PoE receiver capability.
•A USB port for upgrading the firmware.
•Remote firmware upgrades via a LAN.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Introduction
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About Power over Ethernet Feature
Power over Ethernet passes electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling. This allows
a single cable to provide both data connection and electrical power to compatible devices.
Using K-Touch you can design advanced room-control and automation systems that can be
operated from iOS or Android touch devices. K-Touch can be used to perform device
discovery over the network as the FC-28 is set to be a DHCP client by default.
You can use the Kramer LAN Configurator software to discover devices that are attached to
the network, including the FC-28.
The FC-28 includes the Virtual Serial Port Manager (Kramer VSPM) for compatibility with
applications based on COM-port communication. Virtual Serial Port Manager:
•Makes the FC-28 compatible with all Windows®-based applications which require a
physical COM port. This includes all versions of K-Router and other Kramer control
applications. It lets you operate all RS-232 controllable devices via an Ethernet LAN
using their existing PC software.
•Allows virtual serial ports to operate like physical COM ports, that is, logical COM ports
that behave exactly like a standard hardware COM port. In reality, it transparently
reroutes the data using the TCP/IP network to the
FC-28 interface via a virtual connection which you can emulate over the Ethernet or
Internet.
•Allows the creation of any number of serial ports on your PC which do not occupy any
physical serial ports.
Typical Applications
FC-28 is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Remote IP control of RS-232, IR, GPIO and relay controllable devices.
•K-Touch multi-clients IP room control.
•LAN-based expansion of K-Config control system.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Defining FC-28 Ethernet Controller
5
Defining FC-28 Ethernet
Controller
Front Panel
Figure 2 defines the front panel of the FC-28.
Figure 2: FC-28 Ethernet Controller Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
F/W UPGRADE Mini USB
Connector
Connect to a PC to perform a firmware upgrade.
2
IR IN Sensor
Sensor for IR learning.
3
ETH LEDs
CONNECT
Lights orange when the Ethernet port is connected.
DATA
Flashes green when data is transferred over the Ethernet link.
4
RS-232
LEDs
TX 1
Lights green when data Is transmitted on serial port 1.
RX 1
Lights red when data is received on serial port 1.
TX 2
Lights green when data Is transmitted on serial port 2.
RX 2
Lights red when data is received on serial port 2.
5
IR OUT 1 ~ 4 LEDs
The associated LED lights green when the relevant IR port
transmits data.
When IR learning is in progress, the relevant IR Out LED
lights and the FC-28 is unavailable for normal operation.
6
I/O 1 ~ 2 LEDs
Lights green when the port is triggered.
7
RELAY 1 ~ 2 LEDs
Lights green when the relay is closed.
8
ON LED
Lights green when the unit is on.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Defining FC-28 Ethernet Controller
6
Rear Panel
Figure 3 defines the rear panel of the FC-28.
Figure 3: FC-28 Ethernet Controller Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
RS-232 Two 3-pin
Terminal Blocks
1
Connect to the first RS-232 controlled device.
2
Connect to the second RS-232 controlled device.
2
IR 1 ~ 4 Four 2-pin
Terminal Blocks
Connect to IR blasters/emitters using cables up to 80m (260ft) long.
3
I/O Two 2-pin
Terminal Blocks
1
Connect to sensors or devices to be controlled, (for example, a
motion sensor). Port may be configured as a digital input, digital
output, or analog input.
2
Connect to the second sensor or device to be controlled.
4
RELAY Two 2-pin
Terminal Blocks
1
Connect to the first device to be controlled by relay, (for example, a
motorized projection screen).
2
Connect to the second device to be controlled by relay.
5
LAN POE RJ-45
Connector
Connect to a PC or other controller directly or via a LAN (see
Connecting via Ethernet on page 12).
6
RESET Button
Press and hold while power-cycling the device to reset to factory
default parameters, (see Default Communication Parameters
on page 35).
7
5V DC Connector
Connect to the 5V DC power supply, center pin positive. External
power supply is not needed when the device is supplied power by a
PoE provider.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Initial Configuration and Use Overview
7
Initial Configuration and Use
Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the initial configuration and basic operation of the FC-28
and comprises:
•Configuring the FC-28 (see Configuring the FC-28 Ethernet Controller on page 8).
•Configuring a virtual port on the PC (see Configuring a Virtual Port on the PC
on page 9).
•Configuring an Ethernet connection on the PC (see Setting Up an Ethernet Connection
on the PC on page 9).
Figure 4: Connecting the FC-28 for Initial Configuration

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Initial Configuration and Use Overview
8
Configuring the FC-28 Ethernet Controller
The FC-28 is dispatched from the factory with DHCP enabled and a random IP address. This
means that in order to connect to the FC-28 on first installation, you need to identify what IP
address has been automatically assigned to the FC-28. This can be done by using K-LAN
Configurator to discover the IP address of the FC-28. This is available for download from our
website at www.kramerav.com.
To browse the FC-28 Web pages on taking the device out of the box, use the default host
name, (see Default Communication Parameters on page 35).
To configure the FC-28:
1. Connect the Ethernet port on the rear panel of the FC-28 to a PC, either directly or via a
LAN, (see Connecting via Ethernet on page 12).
2. Using a Web browser and the relevant IP address, browse the General Info home page
(see Figure 11).
3. Click on Device Settings to browse to the Device Settings page, (see
Figure 13).
4. Enter the time and date manually, or enter the Time server address for automatic time
and date synchronization.
5. Click Save Changes.
6. Click on Communication to browse to the Communication page, (see
Figure 14).
7. Enter the IP address, mask and gateway for static IP addressing and Click Set. We
recommend that you set a meaningful host name.
If you have changed the IP from the default setting, you must reload the General
Info home page again using the new IP address.
8. Click on Serial Ports Settings to browse to the Serial Port Settings page, (see Figure 15).
9. Associate the required serial ports with their corresponding TCP/UDP settings.
10.For each associated serial port, enter the serial port configuration parameters using the
drop-down lists under Serial Configuration.
11.Click Save Changes.
12.If required, click on Security to browse to the Security page.
13.Click ON to activate security.
The user name and password credentials popup appears.
14.Enter the required user name and password.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Initial Configuration and Use Overview
9
Configuring a Virtual Port on the PC
If the control application cannot work with an Ethernet driver, download the Kramer VSPM
from our Web site to set a virtual port for each local port on your FC-28.
The Kramer VSPM software lets you emulate virtual ports which normally would be present in
the machine hardware. After setup, the virtual port lets you control Kramer machines via your
PC.
Setting Up an Ethernet Connection on the PC
If the control application can directly connect to the Ethernet driver, select the host IP and port
number according to your FC-28 configuration, as illustrated in
Figure 5.
Figure 5: Configuring a Remote Connection

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Mounting FC-28
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Mounting FC-28
This section provides instructions for mounting FC-28. Before installing, verify that the
environment is within the recommended range:
•Operation temperature –0to 40C (32 to 104F).
•Storage temperature –-40to +70C (-40 to +158F).
•Humidity –10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing.
Caution:
•Mount FC-28 before connecting any cables or power.
Warning:
•Ensure that the environment (e.g., maximum ambient temperature & air flow) is
compatible for the device.
•Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
•Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used for avoiding
overloading of the circuits.
•Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
To mount the FC-28 on a rack
Mount the unit in a rack using the recommended rack adapter
(see www.kramerav.com/product/FC-28)
To mount the FC-28 on a table or shelf
•Attach the rubber feet and place the unit on a flat surface.
•Fasten a bracket (included) on each side of the unit and attach it
to a flat surface.
For more information go to www.kramerav.com/downloads/FC-28

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Connecting FC-28
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Connecting FC-28
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your FC-28. After
connecting your FC-28, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 6: Connecting the FC-28 Ethernet Controller
To connect the FC-28 as illustrated in the example in Figure 6:
1. Connect the device to a LAN or PC via the RJ-45 Ethernet connector.
2. Connect up to two serially controlled devices, (for example, the control port of a switcher
and a projector) to the 3-pin, RS-232 terminal blocks.
3. Connect IR emitters to the IR Outputs, (for example, two IR emitters for Blu-ray disk
player and multimedia player control, and an IR blaster for a second Blu-ray disk player).
4. Connect a Relays port to a device to be controlled, (for example, an electric screen).
5. Connect a GP I/O port to a input/output device, (for example, a sensor).
6. If the FC-28 cannot be powered by a PoE power source, connect the device to the
power adapter and connect the power adapter to the mains electricity (not shown in
Figure 6).

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Connecting FC-28
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Connecting via Ethernet
You can connect to the FC-28 via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to
a PC on page 12).
Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see e: If you want to
connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6, speak to your IT department for
specific installation instructions.
Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the FC-28 directly to the Ethernet port on your PC using
a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the FC-28 with the factory configured
default IP address.
After connecting the FC-28 to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and click Change
settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network adapter appears
as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Connecting FC-28
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4. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears as shown in
Figure 8 or Figure 9.
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window
5. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 10.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Connecting FC-28
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For TCP/IPv4 you can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255
(excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Properties Window
6. Click OK.
7. Click Close.
Connecting the Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of the FC-28 to the Ethernet port on a network hub or
using a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Connecting to FC-28 via RS-232 or IR
To connect to the FC-28 via RS-232:
•Connect the RS-232, 3-pin, terminal block connectors on the rear panel of the FC-28
using 3-wire cable (pin TX to pin 2, RX to pin 3, and G to pin 5) to the RS-232 9-pin D-
sub port on the devices to be controlled.
To connect to the FC-28 via IR either:
•Connect an IR blaster to one of the IR Outputs and place it within 4m to 8m (13 to 26ft)
and in line-of-sight of the device to be controlled.
—OR—
•Connect an IR emitter cable to one of the IR Outputs and stick the emitter to the IR
sensor on the device to be controlled.
The IR emitter is sometimes supplied with a 3.5mm mini jack connector. To connect the
emitter to the IR terminal block, cut off the plug and connect the black wire to the G pin and
the white-striped wire to the TX pin on the terminal block.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Connecting FC-28
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Connecting the GP I/O Ports on the FC-28 to a Device
To connect the GP I/O port on the FC-28 to a device:
•Connect the G pin on the GP I/O port to the ground connection on the device.
•Connect the S pin on the GP I/O port to the signal/positive connection on the device.
Connecting the Relays on the FC-28 to a Device
To connect the relay port on the FC-28 to a device:
•Connect the C pin on the relay port to the ground connection on the device.
•Connect the NO pin on the relay port to the signal/positive connection on the device.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Remote Operation via the Web Pages
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Remote Operation via the Web
Pages
The embedded Web pages can be used to remotely operate the FC-28 using a Web browser
and an Ethernet connection.
Before attempting to connect:
•Perform the procedures in Configuring the FC-28 Ethernet Controller on page 8and in re
that your browser is supported (see Technical Specifications on page 33).
The specific parameter values shown in screenshots are merely representative.
Browsing Web Pages
To browse the Web pages:
1. Open your Internet browser. Type the IP address of the device (see Configuring the
FC-28 Ethernet Controller on page 8) in the Address bar of your browser.
The Loading page appears followed shortly by the General Info page shown in Figure 11.
The General Info page displays the following:
•Model name.
•Firmware version.
•Device serial number.
•Web page version.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Remote Operation via the Web Pages
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At the bottom left hand side of all pages there are Load/Save Configuration buttons. These
allow you to save the current configuration and load any pre-saved configurations.
Figure 11: General Info Page
Loading and Saving Configurations
You can save a configuration for easy recall in the future.
Loading and saving configurations can be performed using the buttons at the bottom left-hand
side of the screen irrespective of which page is displayed.
To load a configuration:
1. Click Load.
The Explorer window opens.
2. Browse to the required file.
3. Select the required file and click Open.
The device is configured according to the saved preset.
To save the current configuration:
1. Configure the device as required.
2. Click Save.
The Save File window opens.
3. Browse to the required location to which to save the file.
4. Enter the required name for the saved preset.
5. Click OK.
The current configuration is saved.
When using Chrome, the file is automatically saved in the Downloads folder.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-28 –Remote Operation via the Web Pages
18
Connected Clients Page
The Connected Clients page allows you to view the following details of any client devices
connected via Ethernet to the FC-28:
•IP address.
•The port to which it is connected.
•Method of connection.
•Whether or not Send Replies is enabled for the port.
Figure 12: Connected Clients Page
Device Settings Page
The Device Settings page allows you to view the model name and time server status. You can
also edit the following fields:
•Device name.
•Device time, date, and time zone.
•Use a time server to set the time and date automatically (if the device is connected to
the Internet), including the Time Zone and daylight savings time.
Figure 13: Device Settings Page