Kramer VP-12x8 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VP-12x8
12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual 4
4 Your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher 4
5 Installing the VP-12x8 on a Rack 8
6 Connecting the VP-12x8 9
6.1 Connecting the VP-12x8 Rear Panel 9
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 11
6.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port 12
6.3.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 12
6.3.2 Connectingthe ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 13
6.3.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port 13
7 Operating the VP-12x8 14
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 14
7.2 Confirming Settings 14
7.2.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 15
7.2.2 Confirming a Switching Action 15
7.3 Storing/Recalling IN/OUT Configurations 16
7.3.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 16
7.3.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 16
7.3.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 17
7.4 Locking the Front Panel 17
8 Flash Memory Upgrade 18
8.1 Switcher Flash Memory Upgrade 18
8.1.1 Downloading from the Internet 18
8.1.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 18
8.1.3 Upgrading Firmware 19
8.2 Ethernet Flash Memory Upgrade 23
8.2.1 Downloading from the Internet 23
8.2.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 23
8.2.3 Upgrading Firmware 24
9 Technical Specifications 25
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 26
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 27

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher – Front and Rear View 5
Figure 2: VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher – Underside View 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-12x8 12x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 4: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 11
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window 12
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 13
Figure 7: Storing and Recalling using the Input/Output Buttons 16
Figure 8: Splash Screen 19
Figure 9: Atmel – Flip Window 19
Figure 10: Device Selection Window 20
Figure 11: Device Selection window 20
Figure 12: Loading the Hex 21
Figure 13: RS-232 Window 21
Figure 14: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 22
Figure 15: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 22
Figure 16: The KFR-Programmer Window 24
Tables
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 4
Table 2: Front Panel VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 3: Rear Panel VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 4: VP-12x8 Underside Panel Features 7
Table 5: STATUS 7-segment Display 14
Table 6: Technical Specifications of the VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher 25
Table 7: VP-12x8 Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 26
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 27
Table 9: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 28

Introduction
1
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! Our 1,000-plus different models
now appear in 11 groups
1
that are clearly defined by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Any professional display system requiring a true 12x8 computer graphics
matrix operation
Multimedia and presentation source and acceptor selection
The package includes the following items:
VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher
Power cord and Null-modem adapter
Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
Windows®-based Ethernet Configuration Manager and Virtual Serial
Port Manager
Infra-red remote control transmitter (including the required batteries and
a separate user manual
3
) and 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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4:
Format/Standards Converters; GROUP 5: Twisted-Pair Solutions; GROUP 6: Specialty AV Products; GROUP 7: Scan
Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors; GROUP 9: Room Connectivity; GROUP 10: Accessories and
Rack Adapters; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
2 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at 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
Getting Started
2

Overview
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VP-12x8 is a high performance matrix switcher for computer
graphics video signals, with resolutions ranging from VGA through UXGA
and higher on 15-pin HD connectors. The VP-12x8 can route any or all the
inputs to any or all the outputs simultaneously.
The VP-12x8 features:
A computer graphics video bandwidth of 380MHz that ensures
transparent performance even in the most critical applications, and is
HDTV compatible
Buttons for the storing and recalling of up to 12 preset memory locations
1
for quick access to common configurations
A Take button that allows you to place multiple switches in a queue and
then activate them simultaneously with one touch of the button
A 7-segment display
A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel and a switch
for firmware upgrade.
Control the VP-12x8 via the front panel buttons, and remotely, via:
RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller
The Kramer RC-IR2 Infra-Red remote control transmitter
The ETHERNET
The VP-12x8 is dependable, rugged, and fits into one vertical space (1U) of a
standard 19” professional rack
2
.
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 that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer VP-12x8
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
1 You can store/recall eight additional configurations via RS-232
2 The RGBHV signals are connected on 15-pin HD connectors to reduce enclosure size

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher
4
3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual
Table 1 defines some terms that are used in this user manual:
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual
Term Definition
802.3 The standard specification for ETHERNET that is maintained by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Dynamic Host
Configuration
Protocol (DHCP)
Allows the network administrator to distribute IP addresses from a central point and
automatically send a new IP address when an Ethernet point is plugged into a different
network location
Gateway A network position serving as an entry to another network. On the Internet, a node or
stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node.
IP Address A 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver (within a network via a
particular server or workstation) of data (HTML pages or e-mails) that is sent in packets
across the Internet. Every device connected to an IP network must have a unique IP
address. This address is used to reference the specific unit.
Local Area Network
(LAN) Computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a server within a defined geographic area.
Media Access
Control (MAC)
Address
A computer's unique hardware number (or address) in a LAN or other network. On an
Ethernet LAN, the (MAC) address is identical to the Ethernet address.
Transmission
Control
Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)
The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet that breaks the message
into appropriately sized packets for the network, and can be used as a communications
protocol in an intranet or an extranet.
4 Your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Table 2 and Table 3 define the VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix
Switcher.

Your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher
5
Figure 1: VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher – Front and Rear View

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher
6
Table 2: Front Panel VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Infra-red remote
control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OUT Selector
Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
4 IN Selector Buttons Select the input to switch to the output.
5 OFF Button Press an OUT selector button and then an OFF button to disconnect that output
from the inputs
Press the ALL button and then the OFF button to disconnect all the outputs
6 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an IN button, connects that input to all outputs
1
7 RCL (Recall) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding IN/OUT button recalls a
setup from the non-volatile memory
8 STO (Store) Button Pressing STO followed by an input/output button stores the current setting
2
9 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the Confirm mode
3
and the
At Once mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
10 LOCK Button Disengages the front panel switches
11 STATUS 7-segment
Display
Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each
input)
4
Table 3: Rear Panel VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
12 IN 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the video sources (from 1 to 8)
13 OUT 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the output acceptor (from 1 to 8)
14 ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking
15 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
16 FLASH PROG Button Push in for “Program” to upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware
(see section 8), or release for Normal (the factory default)
5
17 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 For example, press ALL and then IN button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 For example, press STO and then the OUT button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
3 When in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
4 Also displays the number of IN and OUT ports, the firmware version number, and the MACHINE #. Refer to section 7.1
5 The FLASH PROG “Reset” button is located on the underside of the unit

Your VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher
7
Figure 2 illustrates the underside of the VP-12x8 unit, and Table 4 defines the
underside features.
Figure 2: VP-12x8 12x8 UXGA Matrix Switcher – Underside View
Table 4: VP-12x8 Underside Panel Features
# Feature Function
1 ETHERNET
NORMAL / PROGRAM Switches Set switches to PROGRAM to reset the unit prior to Ethernet flash memory firmware upgrade (see section 8.2)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VP-12x8 on a Rack
8
5 Installing the VP-12x8 on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing in a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing in a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5ºto +45ºC (41ºto 113ºF)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20ºto +70ºC (-4ºto 158ºF)
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing

CAUTION!!
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
1. It is located within the recommended environmental
conditions, as the operating ambient temperature of a
closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the
room ambient temperature.
2. Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around
the machine.
3. The machine is placed straight in the correct
horizontal position.
4. You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting
the machine to the supply circuit, overloading the
circuits might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for
fuse replacement, see the value printed on the
product label.
5. The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to situations where
electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord
is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for
example, when using an extension cable or a power
strip, and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.
To rack-mount a machine:
1. Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the
machine (3 on each side), and
replace those screws through the
ear brackets.
2. Place the ears of the machine
against the rack rails, and insert the
proper screws (not provided)
through each of the four holes in the
rack ears.
Note that:
In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
Detachable rack ears can be
removed for desktop use
Always mount the machine in the
rack before you attach any cables
or connect the machine to the
power
If you are using a Kramer rack
adapter kit (for a machine that is not
19"), see the Rack Adapters user
manual for installation instructions
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)

Connecting the VP-12x8
9
6 Connecting the VP-12x8
This section describes how to connect the VP-12x8:
Rear panel (see section 6.1)
To a controlling device via RS-232 (see section 6.2)
To the ETHERNET (see section 6.3)
6.1 Connecting the VP-12x8 Rear Panel
To connect the VP-12x8 as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the
following
1
:
1. Connect up to 12 VGA/UXGA computer graphics sources to the 15-pin
HD input connectors.
2. Connect
2
the eight 15-pin HD output connectors to up to eight
VGA/UXGA video acceptors (for example, displays
3
).
3. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see section
6.2) and/or the ETHERNET port (see section 6.3).
4. Connect the power cord
4
(not shown in this illustration).
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-12x8. After connecting your VP-12x8, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device. DO NOT push in the rear panel FLASH PROG button and DO NOT
move the underside ETHERNET PROGRAM switches. These are only used for upgrading to the latest Kramer firmware (see
section 8)
2 When less than eight outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VP-12x8 that are required, and leave the other
outputs unconnected
3 Alternatively, you can connect projectors
4 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-12x8
10
Display 8
RS-232
Display 1
Computer
Graphics Source 12
Computer
Graphics Source 1
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-12x8 12x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher

Connecting the VP-12x8
11
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VP-12x8 unit, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VP-12x8 unit to
the Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a
9-wire flat cable to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VP-12x8 unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC to the RS-232 9-pin D-
sub rear panel port on the Master VP-12x8 unit, as Figure 4 illustrates



9-pin D-sub
(From PC)
9-pin D-sub
(Male)
If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 4 is connected to PIN 6
PINs 8, 7, 1 are connected together



PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Figure 4: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-12x8
12
6.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port
You can connect the VP-12x8 via the ETHERNET in the following ways:
For direct connection to the PC, use a crossover cable (see section 6.3.1)
For connection via a network hub or network router, use a
straight-through cable (see section 6.3.2)
6.3.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover
Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the machine to the Ethernet port on your
PC, via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identification of the factory default
IP Address
1
of the VP-12x8 during the initial configuration
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Right-click the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection Properties.
4. Select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties window appears.
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see
Figure 5).
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window
1 The default IP address is 192.168.1.39

Connecting the VP-12x8
13
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 6.
7. Click OK.
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
6.3.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-
Through Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-12x8 to the Ethernet port on a
network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45
connectors.
6.3.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port
To control several units via the Ethernet, connect the Master unit
(MACH NO. 1) via the Ethernet port to the LAN port of your PC. Use your
PC initially to configure the settings (see section 6.3).
For detailed instructions on how to install and configure your Ethernet port,
see the “Ethernet Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf” file on our Web site:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VP-12x8
14
7 Operating the VP-12x8
This section describes:
The 7-segment display (see section 7.1)
How to confirm settings (see section 7.2)
How to store and recall IN/OUT combinations (see section 7.3)
How to lock the front panel buttons (see section 7.4)
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics
The STATUS 7-segment display shows two sets of information, as defined in
Table 5:
Table 5: STATUS 7-segment Display
The STATUS Display Shows:





 

Initial Displays
The machine name
appears after powering
the unit, followed by the
firmware version and the
machine number
1
      

Normal Display
Normal display (during
normal operation):
Inputs switched to the
outputs
2
7.2 Confirming Settings
You can choose to work in the At Once or the Confirm mode.
In the At Once mode (the TAKE button is not illuminated):
Pressing an OUT-IN combination implements the switch immediately
You save time as execution is immediate and actions require no user
confirmation
No protection is offered against changing an action in error
1 The example shown here is for firmware version 1.0 and for machine number 1
2 The example shown here is for: input 7 connected to output 1; input 12 connected to output 2; input 8 connected to output 3
and so on

Operating the VP-12x8
15
In the Confirm mode (TAKE button is illuminated):
You can key-in several actions and then confirm them by pressing the
TAKE button, to simultaneously activate the multiple switches
Every action requires user confirmation, protecting against erroneous
switching
Execution is delayed
1
until the user confirms the action
7.2.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes
To toggle between the At Once and Confirm modes, do the following:
1. Press the TAKE button to toggle from the At Once mode (in which the
TAKE button is not illuminated) to the Confirm mode (in which the
TAKE button illuminates).
Actions now require user confirmation and the TAKE button illuminates.
2. Press the illuminated TAKE button to toggle from the Confirm mode
back to the At Once mode.
Actions no longer require user confirmation and the TAKE button no
longer illuminates.
7.2.2 Confirming a Switching Action
To confirm a switching action (in the Confirm mode), do the following:
1. Press an OUT-IN combination.
The corresponding 7-segment display blinks. The TAKE button also
blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm the action.
The corresponding 7-segment display no longer blinks. The TAKE button
illuminates.
To confirm several actions (in the Confirm mode), do the following:
1. Press each OUT-IN combination in sequence.
The corresponding 7-segment display blinks. The TAKE button also
blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm all the actions.
The corresponding 7-segment display no longer blinks. The TAKE button
illuminates.
1 Failure to press the TAKE button within one minute (the Timeout) will abort the action

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VP-12x8
16
7.3 Storing/Recalling IN/OUT Configurations
You can store and recall up to 12 input/output configurations using the 12
input buttons
1
, as Figure 7 illustrates:
Figure 7: Storing and Recalling using the Input/Output Buttons
7.3.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration
To store the current status in memory, do the following:
1. Press the STO button.
The STO button blinks.
2. Press one of the 12 IN buttons (this will be the setup # in which the
current status is stored). If in the Confirm mode, press the blinking TAKE
button to confirm the action.
The memory stores the data at that reference.
7.3.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration
To recall an input/output configuration, do the following:
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button blinks.
2. Press the appropriate IN button (the button # corresponding to the setup
#). If in the Confirm mode, that setup configuration will blink in the
7-segment Display, together with the RCL button and the TAKE button,
and will only be implemented after pressing the TAKE button.
The memory recalls the stored data from that reference.
Tip: If you cannot remember which of the 12 input/output configurations is
the one that you want, set the VP-12x8 to the Confirm mode and manually
scan all the input/output configurations until you locate it.
1 You can store/recall eight additional configurations via RS-232

Operating the VP-12x8
17
7.3.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration
To delete an input/output configuration, do the following:
1. Press the STO and RCL buttons simultaneously.
Both the STO and RCL buttons blink.
2. Press the appropriate IN button.
This erases that specific input/output configuration from the memory,
leaving it empty and available
1
.
7.4 Locking the Front Panel
To prevent changing the settings accidentally or tampering with the unit via
the front panel buttons, lock
2
your VP-12x8. Unlocking releases the
protection mechanism.
To lock the VP-12x8:
Press the LOCK button for more than two seconds, until the LOCK
button is illuminated
The front panel is locked. Pressing a button will have no effect other than
causing the LOCK button to blink
3
To unlock the VP-12x8:
Press the illuminated LOCK button for more than two seconds, until the
LOCK button is no longer illuminated
The front panel unlocks
1 Storing a new configuration over a previous configuration (without deleting it first) replaces the previous configuration
2 Nevertheless, even though the front panel is locked you can still operate via RS-232 or RS-485, as well as via the Kramer
RC-IR1 / RC-IR2 Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter
3 Warning that you need to unlock to regain control via the front panel