Kramer 648 User manual
Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
648
FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
Contents
i
Contents
1
Introduction 1
2
Getting Started 1
3
Overview 2
3.1
About FireWire 2
3.2
About the FireWire Repeater 3
3.3
Recommendations for Achieving the Best Performance 4
4
Your 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater 4
5
Using the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater 6
5.1
Connecting the 648 to a Peripheral Device 6
5.2
Using the 648 to Connect Other Peripheral Devices 8
5.3
Interconnecting the Bilingual Backward Compatible Ports to 1394a Devices 9
6
Technical Specifications 9
Figures
Figure 1: 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater 4
Figure 2: 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater – Top and Lower Side Panels 5
Figure 3: Connecting the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater to a Peripheral Device 7
Figure 4: Connecting the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater to Surveillance Cameras 8
Tables
Table 1: 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater Features 5
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the 648 9
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 DigiTOOLS 648 FireWire
2
800/1394b Optical Repeater, which is ideal for:
Extending IEEE1394b protocol signals for high-speed external disk drives
Professional scanners and printers
Cameras for surveillance systems, digital audio and video
Home entertainment components
The package includes the following items:
648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
One FireWire 9-pin to 6-pin connector cable
Power adapter (12V DC Input)
This user manual
3
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
4
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 FireWire, also known as IEEE 1394, was designed to be a universal interconnect, eliminating the need for many different
input/output connectors. The 1394 bus is a versatile, high speed, and inexpensive way to connect a wide variety of consumer
electronic devices. There are currently two standards: the original FireWire, now referred to as FireWire 400 or IEEE 1394,
and FireWire 800 or IEEE 1394b. As the names imply, the maximum speed of FireWire 400 is 400 Mbps, whereas FireWire
800 maximum speed is 800 Mbps
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 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 high performance 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater can connect
between a host computer and remotely located peripheral devices via fiber
optics. IEEE 1394b protocol signals can be extended to up to 500m (1640
feet), with a data rate of up to 800Mbps in full duplex mode
1
.
In particular, the 648:
Fully complies to the 1394b-2002 standard and is backward-compatible to
the 1394a-2000 and 1995 standards at 100/200/400Mbps
Includes two electrical bilingual ports and an optical duplex LC fiber optic
connector (transmitter and receiver)
Includes full P1394a support, that is, Connection Debounce, Arbitrated
Short Reset, Multispeed Concatenation, Arbitration Acceleration, Fly-By
Concatenation, Port Disable/Suspend/Resume
Meets Class 1 eye safety, certified by FDA/CDRH and IEC 60825-1
Works with both PC and Mac computers
Provides power through the connector
3.1 About FireWire
The Kramer DigiTOOLS 648 is based on FireWire which:
Is a serial bus standard
2
that enables quick universal interfacing between
video and computer hardware items
3
Is simple to use and operates independently of the host system, letting you
connect more items than you otherwise could (as a computer only has
limited ports available), and for extended distances. Several can be
cascaded to create up to a 63 port FireWire Repeater / HUB
Supports Plug and Play
4
, hot swapping
5
and isochronous
6
and
asynchronous applications
1 While the maximum cable length for transferring a 1394b protocol signal is currently 4.5 meters, the optical cables support
extension to up to 500 meters
2 Originally developed by Apple™ and published as IEEE 1394 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
3 Hardware items include digital cameras, computers, printers, VCRs, CD-ROMs, hard disks, scanners and graphic cards
4 Configures automatically. Whenever a device is added or removed the 1394 bus re-enumerates
5 You can connect and disconnect inputs and outputs dynamically, without having to restart the computer or cycle power
6 Video / audio applications require constant transfer rates, which the serial bus provides by supporting isochronous transfers
Overview
3
3.2 About the FireWire Repeater
Many computers today come with one or more FireWire ports on the rear
panel. These ports let you attach many devices to your computer quickly and
easily. The operating system also supports FireWire, so the installation of the
device drivers is quick and simple.
Connecting a FireWire device to a computer is easy – you just plug it into the
port. If it is an uninstalled FireWire device, the operating system auto-detects
it and installs software support for it automatically. If the device has already
been installed, the computer activates it and starts talking to it.
You plug the hub into your computer, and then plug your devices (or other
hubs) into the hub. By chaining hubs together, you can build up to 63
available FireWire ports on a single computer.
A FireWire repeater has bi-directional signals. The standard defines FireWire
as a Peer-to-Peer connection; that is why two devices, or a device and a
computer can talk to each other.
It is important to note that everything depends on your computer’s software,
and the firmware of the devices. Sometimes, it is possible that a computer can
work with many FireWire devices simultaneously (like a distribution
amplifier), sometimes it can work with many devices in time-sharing mode
(like a switcher). But most often it is possible to work one-to-one. In this case,
you have to disconnect all the devices that are unnecessary at this time and
leave only two of them. Since FireWire is a hot-plug standard, you can
connect/disconnect devices at any time.
Repeaters can be powered or unpowered. The FireWire standard lets devices
draw their power from their FireWire connection. Obviously, a high-power
device, like a professional DV camcorder, will have its own power supply, but
low-power devices like a Webcam derive their power from the bus in order to
simplify them. The power for this (up to 1.5 amps at 12 volts) comes from the
computer.
If you have several self-powered devices, then your repeater does not need to
be powered, as none of the devices connecting to the repeater needs additional
power, and the repeater itself can derive power from the computer. If you have
many unpowered devices, you probably need a powered repeater.
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
4
3.3 Recommendations for Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
Connect 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)
Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and position
your Kramer 648 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
Figure 1, Figure 2 and Table 1 define the 648:
Top Side Panel
Lower Side Panel
Figure 1: 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
Your 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
5
Top Side Panel
Lower Side Panel
Figure 2: 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater – Top and Lower Side Panels
Table 1: 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater Features
# Feature Function
1 12V DC +12V DC connector for powering the unit (if required)
2 PORT 1 9-pin FireWire Bilingual
1
Connector
Connects to the FireWire device 1
3 PORT 2 9-pin FireWire Bilingual
1
Connector
Connects to the FireWire device 2
4 LINK LED Lights when a cable from an external device is connected
5 POWER LED Illuminates when receiving power
Tx Multimode Optical Fiber
Connector For transmitting signals6
OPTIC
CABLE Rx Multimode Optical Fiber
Connector For receiving signals
1 The Bilingual connector has a smaller top key on the cable, is built for high-speed devices, and offers backward
compatibility with older IEEE 1394a devices
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Using the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
6
5 Using the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
You can use your 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater for various
applications. For example, you can connect your host computer to:
A remote peripheral device (see section 5.1)
Several surveillance cameras (see section 5.2)
IEEE 1394a standard devices (see section 5.3)
Before connecting and using your repeater, make sure that you have:
A 1394a or 1394b controller (properly installed) with a DS/bilingual port
on your PC or Mac system
Correctly installed the drivers of the devices you are about to connect on
your host computer
5.1 Connecting the 648 to a Peripheral Device
1
To set up the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater units, as the example
in Figure 3 illustrates, do the following
2
:
1. Identify one 648 unit as upstream
3
and the other one as downstream
4
.
2. Connect the upstream unit to the downstream unit, using the duplex LC patch
cord fiber-optic cable
5
in the following way:
The Tx (upstream
3
) to the Rx (downstream
4
)
The Rx (upstream
3
) to the Tx (downstream
4
)
3. Connect the FireWire port on the host computer to the PORT 1 9-pin FireWire
connector
6
on the upstream
3
648 unit, using a copper FireWire cable.
4. Connect the downstream
4
PORT 1 9-pin FireWire connection
6
, to the
FireWire port of the peripheral device.
1 Such as a video camcorder, a scanner, a hard disk drive and so on
2 Not all ports need to be connected. Any unused port should simply be left unconnected
3 The host computer side
4 The peripheral device side
5 A multi-mode glass optical fiber with a 62.5/125m or a 50/125m core
6 Or PORT 2
Using the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
7
5. Check if the POWER LEDs on both 648 units are lit
1
.
6. For the 648 units that did not power up, connect the 12V DC power adapters
to the power socket and connect the adapters to the mains electricity (not
shown on Figure 3).
Make sure that this time the POWER LED lights on each unit.
Video Camcorder
Host
Computer
Figure 3: Connecting the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater to a Peripheral Device
1 If the POWER LED on both units light, the FireWire link is set up correctly and the system is ready for use. If one or both
of the POWER LEDs do not light, continue this connecting procedure
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Using the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater
8
5.2 Using the 648 to Connect Other Peripheral Devices
You can connect various peripheral devices, such as surveillance cameras, as
illustrated in Figure 4:
Top Side Panel
Lower Side Panel
Top Side Panel
Lower Side Panel
Top Side Panel
Lower Side Panel
Top Side Panel
Lower Side Panel
Optical Cable
up to 500m
Optical Cable
up to 500m
FireWire Cable
up to 4.5m
Host Computer
Surveillance
Camera
Surveillance
Camera
Surveillance
Camera
Surveillance
Camera
Figure 4: Connecting the 648 FireWire 800/1394b Optical Repeater to Surveillance Cameras
Technical Specifications
9
5.3 Interconnecting the Bilingual Backward Compatible Ports to
1394a Devices
The 648 is also compatible with the IEEE 1394a-2000 standard ports. These
ports are still present in many devices and can be connected with a maximum
cable length of 4.5 meters (about 15 feet). Connecting an IEEE 1394a-2000
standard port to the bilingual connector on the 648, lets you extend the
distance between such devices.
6 Technical Specifications
Table 2 includes the technical specifications:
Table 2: Technical Specifications1of the 648
PORTS: Two 9-pin serial 1394b Ports
TRANSFER RATE: 100/200/400/800 Mbps
STANDARDS: Fully supports the provisions of the IEE 1394b standard and the IEEE 1394-1995
Standard for High Performance Serial Bus and the P1394a Supplement;
Fully interoperable with FireWire™ and i.LINK™ implementation of IEEE Std 1394;
Fully compliant with OpenHCI requirements;
POWERSOURCE:12VDC,150mA
DIMENSIONS:12cmx10.05cmx2.76cm(4.7"x3.95"x1.08",W, D, H)
WEIGHT: 0.3 kg. (0.67 lbs.) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power supply, bracket installation kit, 1 FireWire 9-pin to 6-pin connector cable
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
10
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 seven 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
P/N: 2900-000106 REV 1
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.
Class 1 Laser Compliance
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
Thisproduct complies with “21 CFR1040.10”and“EN 60825-1”.
Table of contents