Kramer FC-50 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
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
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Model:
FC-50
RS-232 Range Extender

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 About the Power Connect Feature 3
3.2 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) / Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) 3
3.3 Recommendations for Achieving the Best Performance 3
4 Your FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender 4
5 Connecting the FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender 6
5.1 Wiring the CAT 5 LINE IN / LINE OUT RJ-45 Connectors 7
6 Technical Specifications 7
Figures
Figure 1: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender 4
Figure 2: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender Underside 5
Figure 3: Connecting the FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender 6
Figure 4: CAT 5 PINOUT 7
Tables
Table 1: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender Features 4
Table 2: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender Underside Features 5
Table 3: CAT 5 PINOUT 7
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the FC-50 7

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 FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender,which is
ideal for controlling a single matrix switcher or other controllable device from
long distance.
The package includes the following items:
FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
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 our Web site: 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

Overview
3
3 Overview
The high quality Kramer MultiTOOLS FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender can
connect either to a PC or to a device (for example, a switcher). By connecting
two units via a CAT 5 cable, the PC can control the switcher over a range of
up to 1000 meters.
In particular, the FC-50:
Has the power connect feature
Features a CONNECTION switch to select between a crossed and a
straight connection
Includes a PC/DEVICE push button, which is released or pushed in if a
PC or a device, respectively, are connected to the RS-232 port
Is 12VDC fed
3.1 About the Power Connect Feature
The Power Connect feature allows the power to be transmitted from one
machine to the other via the interconnecting cable.
3.2 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) / Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
The decision whether to use shielded twisted pair (STP) cable or unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) cable depends on the nature of the application.
It is recommended that in applications with high interference, shielded twisted
pair (STP) cable is used. However, the shield itself does create a capacitance
that degrades the frequency response of the machines. For shorter distances, of
50m or so, shielded twisted pair (STP) cable is preferred because it provides
protection from interference (degradation is not apparent).
For long range applications, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable is preferred.
However, the unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable should be installed far away from
electric cables, motors and so on, which are prone to create electrical interference.
3.3 Recommendations for Achieving the Best Performance
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-50 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
4
Caution – No operator-serviceable parts inside unit.
Warning – Use only the Kramer Electronics input power
wall adapter that is provided with this unit
1
.
Warning – Disconnect power and unplug unit from wall
before installing or removing device or servicing unit.
4 Your FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender:
Figure 1: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
Table 1: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender Features
# Feature Function
1 12V DC +12V DC connector for powering the unit
2 CAT 5 RJ-45 Connector Connect to
2
the CAT 5 RJ-45 connector on the other FC-50 unit
3 PC / DEVICE Button Press when a device is connected to the RS-232 port
Release when a PC is connected to the RS-232 port
4 RS-232 DB 9F Connector Connects to either a PC or a device
PINs 2, 3 and 5 are passed through the device
5 GREEN=PC
RED=DEVICE
LED Lights in green when the PC/DEVICE button is released and in red
when the PC/DEVICE button is pressed
1 For example: model number AD2512C, part number 2535-000251
2 Using a UTP CAT 5 cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends (the PINOUT is defined in Table 3 and Figure 4)

Your FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
5
Figure 2 and Table 2 define the FC-50 underside:
Table 2: FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender Underside Features
Feature Function
CROSSED / STRAIGHT
CONNECTION Switch
Set to CROSSED for a crossed wire
connection
1
between the RS-232 port and the
PC/device
Set to STRAGHT for a straight wire
connection between the RS-232 port and the
PC/device
Figure 2: FC-50 RS-232
Range Extender
Underside
1 PINs 2 and 3 (Rx and Tx) are crossed in the wiring between the DB-9 connectors

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
6
5 Connecting the FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
To connect two FC-50 units, as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the
following:
1. Connect a PC to the RS-232 port of the first FC-50 unit and release the
PC/DEVICE button.
2. Connect the RS-232 port of the second FC-50 unit to a device (for example, a
switcher) and push in the PC/DEVICE button.
3. Connect the CAT 5 RJ-45 connector of the first unit to the CAT 5 RJ-45
connector of the second FC-50 unit via UTP cabling.
4. Set the CONNECTION switch independently on both units as follows:
STRAIGHT for a straight wire connection
1
between the RS-232 port
and the PC/device
CROSSED for a crossed wire connection
2
between the RS-232 port
and the PC/device
5. Connect the 12V DC power adapter to the power socket on the FC-50 and
connect the adapter to the mains electricity (not illustrated in Figure 3).
Figure 3: Connecting the FC-50 RS-232 Range Extender
1 For example, flat cable
2 Null-modem

Technical Specifications
7
5.1 Wiring the CAT 5 LINE IN / LINE OUT RJ-45 Connectors
Table 3 and Figure 4 define the UTP CAT 5 PINOUT, using a straight pin to
pin cable with RJ-45 connectors:
Table 3: CAT 5 PINOUT
EIA /TIA 568A EIA /TIA 568B
PIN Wire Color PIN Wire Color
1 Green / White 1 Orange / White
2 Green 2 Orange
3 Orange / White 3 Green / White
4 Blue 4 Blue
5 Blue / White 5 Blue / White
6 Orange 6 Green
7 Brown / White 7 Brown / White
8 Brown 8 Brown
Pair 1 4 and 5 Pair 1 4 and 5
Pair 2 3 and 6 Pair 2 1 and 2
Pair 3 1 and 2 Pair 3 3 and 6
Pair 4 7 and 8 Pair 4 7 and 8
Figure 4: CAT 5 PINOUT
6 Technical Specifications
Table 4 includes the technical specifications:
Table 4: Technical Specifications
1
of the FC-50
PORTS: RS-232 on a 9-pin D-sub connector
2
, 1 CAT 5 RJ-45 connector
BAUD RATES: Up to 115.2kbaud
DISPLAY: GREEN=PC/RED=DEVICE LED
DIMENSIONS: 5.32cm x 7.25cm x 4.2cm (2.09" x 2.85" x 1.65"), W, D, H
POWER SOURCE: 12 VDC, 42mA
WEIGHT: 0.3kg. (0.67lbs.) approx.
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice
2 Only PINs 2, 3, 5 on the RS-232 cable are valid

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
8

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com
E-mail: [email protected]
P/N: 2900-000333 REV 2
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.
Caution
Safety Warning:
Disconnect the unit from the power supply before
opening/servicing.