Kramer RC-308 User manual

P/N: 2900-301203 Rev 1 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODELS:
RC-308, RC-306, RC-208, RC-206
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
RC-308 –Contents
i
Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 3
Defining the Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad 4
Preparing the RC-308 7
Configuring the RC-308 7
Inserting Button Labels 8
Replacing a Button Label 8
Installing the RC-308 9
Installing the Junction Box 9
Connecting the RC-308 9
Mounting the RC-308 14
EU/UK Version 14
US-D Version 15
Operating the RC-308 16
Technical Specifications 17
Default Communication Parameters 18

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –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!
The devices described in this user manual are generally referred to as RC-308 or Ethernet
and K-NET Control Keypad. A device is named specifically only when a device-specific
feature is described.
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/RC-308 to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving 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 RC-308 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust.
This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
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.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Introduction
2
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.
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 Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad. This
User Manual describes the following four devices: RC-308, RC-306, RC-208 and RC-206.
The Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad is a compact button control keypad that fits US,
European and UK standard 1 Gang wall junction boxes. Easy to deploy, it fits decoratively
within a room design. It is perfectly suited for use as a user interface keypad within a Kramer
Control system. Using K-Config, tap into the rich, built-in I/O interfaces that enable this
keypad to be used as a flexible, standalone room controller. In this way, it is ideal for
classroom and meeting room control, providing end-user convenient control of complex
multimedia systems and other room facilities such as screens, lighting and shades.
Multiple keypads can be linked together side-by-side or at a distance, via a single K-NET™
cable carrying both power and communication, providing uniform design and user experience.
The table below defines the variations between the different models:
Device Name
Keypad Buttons
Ethernet with PoE Capabilities
RC-308
8
Yes
RC-306
6
Yes
RC-208
8
No
RC-206
6
No

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Introduction
3
The Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad provides advanced and user-friendly operation
and flexible control.
Advanced and User-Friendly Operation
•Clear and Customizable User Interface –RGB-color, tactile feedback, backlit buttons
with custom-labeled, removable button caps, allowing simple and intuitive end-user and
guest control over facility deployed devices and systems.
•Simple Control Programming –Using K-Config software. Leverage the power of
Kramer’s highly customizable, flexible and user-friendly software, to easily program
complex control scenarios of Pro-AV, Lighting, and other room and facility-controlled
devices.
•Easy and Cost-effective Installation –Compactly fits into standard US, EU and UK
1 Gang in-wall box size, allows decorative integration with room deployed user
interfaces such as electrical switches. Keypad installation is fast and cost-effective via
single LAN cable communication.
•For RC-308 and RC-306 only, LAN cable also provides Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Flexible Control
•Flexible Room Control –Control any room device via LAN connections, multiple RS-232
and RS-485 serial ports, and various IR, relay and general purpose I/O built-in device
ports. Connect the keypad to an IP network with additional control gateways interfacing
with remote controlled devices, for extending control across large space facilities.
•Expandable Control System –Easily expands to be part of a larger control system, or
coupled-operation with auxiliary keypads, via either LAN or K-NET™ single cable
connection delivering both power and communication.
Typical Applications
RC-308 is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Control in presentation and conference room systems, board rooms and auditoriums.
•Control interface for Kramer Control.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Defining the Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad
4
Defining the Ethernet and K-NET
Control Keypad
This section defines the RC-308, RC-208, RC-306 and RC-206.
US-D Version
Front
Rear
EU/UK Version
Front
Rear
Figure 1: RC-308 and RC-208 Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad Front Panel
US-D Version
Front
Rear
EU/UK Version
Front
Rear
Figure 2: RC-306 and RC-206 Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
Designed 1 Gang Wall
Frame
For fixing the RC-308 to the wall.
DECORA™ design frames are included in US-D models.
Button Faceplate
Covers the buttons area after inserting the button labels into the clear button
caps (supplied separately) and attaching them (see Inserting Button
Labels on page 8).
Configurable RGB
Backlit Buttons
Configured to control the room and A/V devices.
RC-308 / RC-208: 8 backlit buttons.
RC-306 / RC-206: 6 backlit buttons.
Mounting Bracket
For fixing the frame to the in-wall box.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Defining the Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad
5
#
Feature
Function
DIP-Switches
For K-NET: The last physical device on a K-NET bus must be terminated.
For RS-485: The first and the last units on the RS-485 line should be
terminated. Other units should remain unterminated.
DIP-switch 1 (to the left)
K-NET Line Termination
DIP-switch 2 (to the right)
RS-485 Line Termination
Slide down (ON)
For K-NET line-termination.
For RS-485
line-termination.
Slide up (OFF,
default)
To leave bus unterminated.
To leave RS-485 line
unterminated.
Ring Tongue Terminal
Grounding Screw
Connect to grounding wire (optional).
Figure 3: Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad Rear View
#
Feature
Function
RS-232 3-pin Terminal
Block Connectors
(Rx, Tx, GND)
Connect to RS-232 controlled devices (1 and 2, with common GND).
RS-485 3-pin Terminal
Block Connector
Connect to the RS-485 terminal block connector on another device or PC.
KNET 4-pin Terminal
Block Connector
Connect the GND pin to the Ground connection; pin B (-) and pin A (+) are
for RS-485, and the +12V pin is for powering the connected unit.
12V Power Supply 2-pin
Terminal Block
Connector (+12V, GND)
Connect to a power supply: Connect GND to GND and 12V to 12V.
For RC-308 / RC-306 only, you can also power the unit via a PoE provider.
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to an Ethernet LAN for control, firmware upgrade and for uploading
the configuration.
For RC-308 / RC-306 only, LAN also provides PoE.
REL 2-pinTerminal
Block Connectors
Connect to a device to be controlled by relay. For example, a motorized
projection-screen (1 and 2).
IR 2-pin Terminal Block
Connectors (Tx, GND)
Connect to an IR emitter cable (1 and 2, with common GND).
I/O 2-pinTerminal Block
Connector (S, GND)
Connect to a sensor or device to be controlled, for example, a motion
sensor. This port may be configured as a digital input, digital output, or
analog input.
Factory Reset Button
Press while connecting the power and then release to reset the device to its
default parameters. To access this button, you need to remove the Button
Faceplate.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Defining the Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad
6
#
Feature
Function
Mini USB Type B Port
Connect to your PC for firmware upgrade or for uploading the configuration.
To access the USB port, you need to remove the Button Faceplate.
IR Sensor
For learning commands from an IR remote control transmitter.
Programing DIP-switch
For internal use. Always keep set to UP (towards the mini USB port).

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Preparing the RC-308
7
Preparing the RC-308
This section describes the following actions:
•Configuring the RC-308 on page 7.
•Inserting Button Labels on page 8.
•Replacing a Button Label on page 8.
Configuring the RC-308
You can configure the device in the following ways:
•RC-308 as a Master Controller on page 7.
•RC-308 as a Control Interface on page 7.
RC-308 as a Master Controller
Before connecting to the devices and mounting the RC-308, you need to configure the
buttons via K-Config.
To configure the RC-308 buttons:
1. Download K-Config onto your PC, see www.kramerav.com/product/RC-308 and install
it.
2. Connect the RC-308 to your PC via one of the following ports:
▪The mini USB port (on the front panel, behind the frame).
▪The Ethernet port (on the rear panel).
3. If required, connect the power:
▪When connecting via USB, you need to power the device.
▪When connecting via the RC-208 / RC-206 Ethernet port, you need to power the
device.
▪When connecting via the RC-308 / RC-306 Ethernet port, you can use PoE instead
of powering the device.
4. Configure the buttons via K-Config (see www.kramerav.com/product/RC-308).
5. Sync the configuration to RC-308.
RC-308 as a Control Interface
To use RC-308 as a control interface:
1. Connect the power to the device.
2. If required, configure Ethernet settings.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
Ethernet and K-NET Control Keypad –Preparing the RC-308
8
Inserting Button Labels
You can label a button using the supplied button sheet button can be configured to perform a
set of actions. For example, a button that is assigned to turn on the lights in a room and then
turn on the projector can be labeled “ON”.
To insert button labels:
1. Remove a label from the button label sheet.
2. Place the label inside the button cover.
Figure 4: Inserting the Label
3. Cover the button with the button cap.
Figure 5: Attaching the Button
Replacing a Button Label
Use the supplied tweezers to replace a button label.
To replace a button label:
1. Using the supplied tweezers, grip the button cap via the horizontal or vertical ledges and
remove the cap.
Figure 6: Removing the Button Cap
2. Replace the label and cover the button with the button cap (see Inserting Button
Labels on page 8).