Kramer FC-5 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
FC-5
Protocol Translator

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 2
3.1 Quick Start 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
5.2.1 Entering Data in the New Command Window 8
5.2.2 Editing Data in the Command Window 9
5.2.3 Erasing a Command from the Command Translation List Window 10
5.3 Connecting a PC (CONFIG Port) 11
5.4 Dipswitch Settings 11
5.5 Assigning the Translation List Driver Commands 12
6 Using the FC-5 13
6.1 Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller 13
6.2 Transmitting Commands via the Dry Contacts 13
6.3 Transmitting Commands via the Relays 14
6.4 Transmitting Commands via the Dry Contacts and Relays 15
7 Upgrading Firmware 16
7.1 Downloading from the Internet 16
7.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 CONFIG Port 16
7.3 Upgrading Firmware 17
8 Technical Specifications 18
Figures
Figure 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator 4
Figure 2: FC-5 (Top Side Panel) 4
Figure 3: FC-5 (Lower Side Panel) 4
Figure 4: FC-5 Underside 5
Figure 5: Port Selection Window 6
Figure 6: Translation List Window 7
Figure 7: New / Open File Menu Command Dialog Box 8
Figure 8: New Command Window 8
Figure 9: Edit Command Window 9
Figure 10: Remove Command Prompt 10
Figure 11: Connecting a PC 11
Figure 12: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 11
Figure 13: The JTG Sender Window 17

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Tables
Table 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator Features 5
Table 2: Underside Features 5
Table 3: Translation List Window Functionality 7
Table 4: New Command Window Functionality 9
Table 5: Edit Command Window Functionality 10
Table 6: Dipswitch Definitions 11
Table 7: Dipswitch Settings 11
Table 8: Technical Specifications of the FC-5 Protocol Translator 18

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
500-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function. Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer TOOLS: FC-5
Protocol Translator, which is ideal for:
 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
The package includes the following items:
 FC-5
 CD-ROM Kramer FC-5 Manager Driver Translation software with two
sample files
 Power adapter (12V DC Input)
 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
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
Overview
2
3 Overview
The unique FC-5 is a high quality TOOL designed to make an RS-232
controlled machine (Kramer and non-Kramer) compatible with other RS-232
based protocols
1
.
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. It features 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. Dipswitches are used to select between the translation
tables
 Supports firmware upgrade
 Is housed in a Kramer TOOLS enclosure and is 12VDC fed
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 FC-5 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
Caution – No operator-serviceable parts inside unit.
Warning – Use only the Kramer Electronics input power
wall adapter that is provided with this unit
2
.
Warning – Disconnect power and unplug unit from wall
before installing or removing device or servicing unit.
1 Data is transferred at 9600 baud with No parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit
2 For example: model number AD2512C, part number 2535-000251

Overview
3
3.1 Quick Start
This Quick start chart summarizes the basic steps when connecting a FC-5:

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your FC-5 Protocol Translator
4
4 Your FC-5 Protocol Translator
Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Table 1 define the FC-5:
Figure 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator
Figure 2: FC-5 (Top Side Panel)
Figure 3: FC-5 (Lower Side Panel)

Your FC-5 Protocol Translator
5
Table 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator Features
# Feature Function
1 INPUTS Contact Closure
Remote Control PINs
Connects to a dry contact switch (see section 5.5)
2 RELAY 1 Terminal Block
3 RELAY 2 Terminal Block
Connect to up to room items (such as lighting, screen settings, blinds, and
so on). The PINOUT is: NO: Normally Open; C: Common Voltage; NC:
Normally Closed
4 SETUP Dipswitches Used to select translation drivers (see section 5.4)
5 12V DC +12V DC connector for powering the unit
6 COM1 DB9 RS-232 port Connects to the Kramer or other device
7 COM2 DB9 RS-232 port Connects to the Kramer or other device
8 CONFIG DB9 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 4
1
and Table 2 define the underside switches, which are designed to be
used for firmware upgrade only. An adhesive label
2
protects access to them.
The label should only be removed when upgrading to new firmware (see
section 7).
Table 2: Underside
Features
# Feature Function
1 Switch
2 Switch
3 Switch
Slide all 3
switches down
to set to OFF
(Normal mode)
3
.
Slide all 3
switches up to
set to ON
(Program mode)
Figure 4: FC-5 Underside
1 Shows the underside with the adhesive label removed
2 Marked “For Programming only! Do not remove, see user manual”
3 The default

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software
6
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 list translation driver commands, see sections 5.3, 
5.4, and 5.5
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 FC5Manager icon.
The Port selection window appears:
Figure 5: Port Selection Window
2. Choose the appropriate COM port for configuration via the serial cable and
click OK.
The Translation List window (see Figure 6) opens.

Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software
7
5.2 Using the Translation List Window
Figure 6 and Table 3 define the Translation List window. Double clicking
COMMAND(1) opens the Edit command window (see section 5.2.2).
Figure 6: Translation List Window
Table 3: Translation List Window Functionality
Feature Function
New Creates a new blank file
Open Opens or finds a Protocol file (see Figure 7)
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
File menu
commands
Exits Closes the application
Restart Not in use
COM Port Displays the Port Selection window (see Figure 5)
New Button Displays the New Command window (see Figure 8)
Edit Button Displays the Edit Command window (see Figure 9)
Remove Button
Displays the Remove Command prompt (see Figure 10)
Close Button Closes the Command Translation List window
Assign Button
1
Transmits the complete set to the COM ports of the FC-5 unit
1 The data is assigned to the “translation set” according to the DIP-switch setting at the time that the Assign button is pressed