Kramer Cobra MX-88 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
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Model:
Cobra MX-88
8x8 Matrix Switcher

Contents
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Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 1
4 Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher Operation 2
4.1 Keypad Description 2
4.2 Input to Output Assignment 3
4.3 Preset Command 3
4.4 Recall Command 3
4.5 All Off Command 3
5 CAT 5 Serial Control/Command 4
5.1 RS-232 Protocol 4
5.2 RS-232 Hardware interface 4
5.3 Commands 4
5.4 Command Strings 4
5.5 Output Commands 5
5.6 Preset Commands 5
5.7 Recall Commands 6
5.8 Status Commands 6
5.9 ID Commands 7
5.10 Clear Working Preset 7
6 Address Configuration Commands 7
7 Technical Specifications 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
500-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix
Switcher. The Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher is designed for Plug and
Play operation and is fully compatible with all versions of the Kramer Cobra
series of CAT 5 transmitters/receivers.
The Kramer Cobra series products are not compatible with Kramer non-Cobra
series products.
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
3 Overview
Achieving the best performance when using the Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix
Switcher 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 that may
adversely influence signal quality and positioning your Cobra MX-88 in a
location free from moisture and away from excessive sunlight and dust
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

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Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher Operation
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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.
Warning – This equipment is not intended for, nor does it
support, distribution through an Ethernet network. Do not
connect these devices to any sort of networking or
telecommunications equipment! Note, CAT 5 cabling
must be pinned to the TIA-EIA T568B wiring
specification.
4 Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher Operation
This section describes how to operate the Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher.
4.1 Keypad Description
The Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher provides a front-panel keypad that
may be used to configure the input to output channel assignments.
Additionally, these assignments may be saved as preset configurations. Eight
configurations may be saved for later use.
When an input or output channel is selected, the key will be illuminated.
Pressing an input or output key will “toggle” the selection. It is not necessary
to press the CANCEL key to remove only the selected key from the current
assignment. The CANCEL key is used to abort any operation in progress, and
will also re-initialize all input and output key selections. The ENTER key will
update the matrix assignments with the current selection.
The Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher will “remember” the current preset
configuration if power is removed, and will return to this state when power is
restored. If the current configuration has not been saved as a preset however,
the unit will recall the last saved preset.
An eight by eight display is furnished to provide the user with a visual
overview of the current matrix assignments.
1 For example: model number AD2512C, part number 2535-000251

Cobra MX-88 8x8 Matrix Switcher Operation
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4.2 Input to Output Assignment
To assign an input channel (source) to an output channel (destination), press
the desired input key on the top row, and the desired output key(s) on the
bottom row of the selection keypad. If any outputs are assigned to the
selected input channel, the keys will be illuminated. When all assignments
have been made, press the ENTER key to update the matrix, or press the
CANCEL key to start again.
Multiple output channels may be assigned to a single input channel, but only
one input channel may be assigned to each output channel. To turn an output
channel off, press only the output key, then the ENTER key.
Pressing an input or output key will “toggle” the selection. It is not necessary
to press the CANCEL key to remove only the selected key from the current
assignment.
Pressing an input key will illuminate the input key and all outputs assigned to
this input. To re-assign the outputs to a new input, press the input key again,
then press the new input key. Press the ENTER key to update the matrix, or
press the CANCEL key to start again.
To turn an output channel off, make sure no inputs are selected, then press
only the output key, and the ENTER key.
4.3 Preset Command
To save the current matrix configuration, press the PRESET key, then the
input key that corresponds to the preset you wish to overwrite (1 – 8). Press
the ENTER key to save or the CANCEL key to start again.
4.4 Recall Command
To recall a saved preset configuration, press the RECALL key, then the input
key that corresponds to the preset you wish to recall (1 – 8). Press the ENTER
key to load the preset configuration or the CANCEL key to start again.
4.5 All Off Command
To turn all outputs off simultaneously, hold the CANCEL key for
approximately five seconds.

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CAT 5 Serial Control/Command
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5 CAT 5 Serial Control/Command
5.1 RS-232 Protocol
The Cobra MX-88 will echo each command character that is received via the
RS232 port. When using an external Control System to control the MX-88, a
delay of at least 10 milliseconds must be inserted between characters. This
will allow enough time for the switcher to echo the character back to the
Control System, and accept the next character.
Example: To connect Input 1 to Output 5, the command O5=1<CR> should
be transmitted: O (10ms Delay) 5 (10ms Delay) = (10ms Delay) 1 (10ms
Delay) <CR>”.
7-bit ASCII: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 9600 bps (9600 8N1).
All commands are Upper Case.
5.2 RS-232 Hardware interface
Label Signal
TX+ RS-232 Transmit (TD)
TX- Not Used
RX+ RS-232 Receive (RD)
RX- Not Used
GND GND
5.3 Commands
Command Description ASCII Hex
“Output” “O” 4F
“Preset” “P” 50
“Recall (Preset)” “R” 52
“Status Report” “S” 53
“ID Report” “?” 3F
“Clear Working Preset” “C” 43
“Address Configuration” “A” 41
5.4 Command Strings
A valid command string will begin with a Command character, and terminate
with a “Carriage Return” (<CR>). The format is as follows:

CAT 5 Serial Control/Command
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5.5 Output Commands
The following Output Command formats shall be used:
Ox=<CR> : Report an output (x) channel configuration.
Device replies with:
Ox=y<CR><LF>
Parameters:
x = Output channel (1 - 8)
y = Input channel assigned to selected output channel (0 = OFF)
Ox=y<CR> : Configure an output (x) channel.
Device replies with:
Ox=y<CR><LF>
Parameters:
x = Output channel (1 - 8)
y = Input channel assigned to selected output channel (0 = OFF)
5.6 Preset Commands
The following Preset Command formats shall be used:
Px=<CR> : Report a preset (x) configuration.
Device replies with:
Px=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
Parameters:
x = Preset (0 - 8) – If x = 0, the current (working) configuration is
reported.
a = Output 1 input selection (0 = OFF)
b = Output 2 input selection (0 = OFF)
:
h = Output 8 input selection (0 = OFF)
Px<CR> : Saves current (working) configuration as a preset (x) configuration.
Device replies with:
Preset x Stored! <CR><LF>
Parameters:
x = Preset (1 - 8)
Px=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR> : Configures a preset.
Device replies with:
Preset x Stored! <CR><LF>
If x = 0 or if x = a recalled preset, the current working preset is reported
as:
P0=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>

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CAT 5 Serial Control/Command
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If x = a stored preset, the new preset configuration will be saved in
preset memory
location x.
Parameters:
x = Preset (0 - 8)
a = Output 1 input selection (0 = OFF)
b = Output 2 input selection (0 = OFF)
:
h = Output 8 input selection (0 = OFF)
5.7 Recall Commands
The following Recall Command formats shall be used:
Rx<CR> : Recall preset (x) and copy to current working preset.
Device replies with:
P0=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
Parameters:
a = Output 1 input selection (0 = OFF)
b = Output 2 input selection (0 = OFF)
:
h = Output 8 input selection (0 = OFF)
5.8 Status Commands
The following Recall Command formats shall be used:
S=<CR> : Report master device status.
Device replies with:
Px=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P1=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P2=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P3=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P4=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P5=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P6=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P7=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
P8=a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h<CR><LF>
Parameters:
x = Current (working) preset If x = 1 – 8 then a stored preset is
loaded. If any output configuration is changed after loading a stored
preset, then x = 0.
a = Output 1 input selection (0 = OFF)

Address Configuration Commands
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b = Output 2 input selection (0 = OFF)
:
h = Output 8 input selection (0 = OFF)
5.9 ID Commands
The following ID Command formats shall be used:
? <CR> : Report ID / firmware version
Device replies with:
MX88 Core vx.y<CR><LF>
MX88 Panel vx.y<CR><LF>
Parameters:
x = Major firmware revision
y = Minor firmware revision
5.10 Clear Working Preset
This command will turn all outputs off immediately.
C<CR> : Clear working preset
Device replies with: P0=0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0<CR><LF>
6 Address Configuration Commands
The following Address Configuration Command formats shall be used:
A=<CR> : Report device hardware address configuration.
Device replies with:
A=xx<CR><LF>
Parameters:
xx = Device address
A=xx<CR> : Configure device hardware address.
Device replies with:
A=xx<CR><LF>
Parameters:
xx = Hardware Address (“00” – “99”)
1. All commands are “echoed” at the terminal prompt.
2. Any invalid command sequences will return an error prompt / string.

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Address Configuration Commands
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