Kramer VP-1608 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-1608
16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio
Matrix
P/N: 2900-001608 Rev 5

VP-1608 – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1 Defining the VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix 3
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting a Single VP-1608 9
5.1 Connecting a Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 11
5.2 Connecting to the VP-1608 via RS-232 11
5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 11
5.4 Setting the MACHINE # DIP-Switches 12
5.5 Setting the DELAY DIP-Switches 13
6Connecting Multiple VP-1608 Units 14
6.1 Connecting via a PC or Serial Controller 14
6.2 Connecting via an RS-485 Controller 15
7Operating Your VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix 17
7.1 Using the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 17
7.2 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 18
7.3 Confirming Settings 19
7.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 20
7.5 Adjusting the Audio Gain Control 22
7.6 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 22
7.7 Resetting the VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix 22
7.8 Displaying Unit Characteristics 23
8Flash Memory Upgrade 24
8.1 Downloading from the Internet 24
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 24
8.3 Upgrading the Firmware 25
9Technical Specifications 30
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 31
11 Hex Tables for Audio Input/Output Gain Control 33
11.1 Hex Tables for Audio Input Gain Control 33
11.2 Hex Tables for Audio Output Gain Control 35
12 Kramer Protocol 2000 37

ii VP-1608 - Contents
Figures
Figure 1: VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix Front Panel 4
Figure 2: VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix Rear Panel 6
Figure 3: VP-1608 Underside Flash Program Switches 7
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-1608 10
Figure 5: Balanced Stereo Audio Connection 11
Figure 6: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input Connection 11
Figure 7: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output Connection 11
Figure 8: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 15
Figure 9: DIP-Switch Setup on a Single Machine 17
Figure 10: VP-1608 Unit Characteristics 23
Figure 11: VP-1608 Underside Flash Program Switches Set for Upgrade 25
Figure 12: Splash Screen 25
Figure 13: Atmel – Flip Window 26
Figure 14: Device Selection Window 26
Figure 15: Device Selection Window 27
Figure 16: Loading the Hex 27
Figure 17: RS-232 Window 28
Figure 18: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 28
Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 29

VP-1608 - 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 that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix
Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4: Format/Standards Converters;
GROUP 5: Range Extenders and Repeaters; 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 and
GROUP 11: Sierra Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced
Audio Matrix, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
• Any professional system requiring outstanding value in a 16x8 matrix
• Production and duplications facilities

2 VP-1608 - Getting Started
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
• Use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
• Use only good quality connection 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 VP-1608 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
i

VP-1608 - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix is a true matrix switcher,
routing any input to any or all outputs. The VP-1608 includes 16 input and 8 output
selector buttons.
The unit features:
• A bandwidth of 400MHz (fully loaded) for RGB signals
• A unique vertical and horizontal sync-pulse solution
• Audio-follow-video or audio breakaway option (to switch audio independently
from video)
• 15 preset memory locations for quick access to common configurations
• A “TAKE” button for precise switch control, letting you place multiple switches
in a queue, and then activate them, with one touch of this button or a single
serial command
• A delayed switching mode (ranging from 0 to 3.5sec in increments of
0.5sec), for clean transitions when switching between non-genlocked
sources
Control the VP-1608 using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
• RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands—that also support audio gain
adjustments for each input and output—transmitted by a touch screen
system, PC, or other serial controller
• The Kramer RC-IR3 Infrared Remote Control Transmitter
The VP-1608 is dependable, rugged and fits into three vertical spaces (3U) of a
standard 19" rack.
3.1 Defining the VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio
Matrix
Figure 1 and Figure 2 define the front and rear panels of the VP-1608. Figure 3
defines the switches on the underside.

4 VP-1608 - Overview
Figure 1: VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix Front Panel
4 VP-1608 – Overview

VP-1608 - Overview 5
VP-1608 – Overview 5
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Kramer Infra-red remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
3 OUTPUT SELECTOR
Buttons
Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 8)
4 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 16)
Use the INPUT SELECTOR buttons to store/recall the input/output configurations (refer to Section 7.4)
5 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
For example, press ALL and then INPUT button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
6 OFF Button Pressing OFF after pressing an OUTPUT button disconnects that output from the inputs. To disconnect
all the outputs, press the ALL button and then the OFF button
7 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode and the AT ONCE mode (user
confirmation per action is unnecessary)
8 VIDEO Button When pressed actions relate to video
9 AUDIO Button When pressed actions relate to audio
10 AFV Button When pressed audio channels follow the video channels. The button is illuminated when the AFV mode
is selected
11 STO Button Pressing STO (STORE) followed by an input button stores the current setup
12 RCL Button Pressing the RCL (RECALL) button and the corresponding input button recalls a setup
After pressing the button, the stored status flashes. Pressing a different input button lets you view (only
view, nothing is implemented at this stage) another setup. After making your choice, pressing the RCL
button again implements the new status
13 LOCK Button Pressing the LOCK button for more than 2 seconds, engages/disengages the front panel switches
14 INPUT STATUS 7-segment
Display
Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each input)
Also displays the number included in the product name and the firmware version number, as Section 7.8
describes

6 VP-1608 - Overview
Figure 2: VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix Rear Panel
# Feature Function
15 RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller
16 Setup DIP-switches DIPS 1, 2, and 3 for setup of the Machine #; DIP 4 for RS-485 termination
17 RS-485 Connector RS-485 port on detachable terminal block
18 DELAY DIP-switches DIP-switches for setup of the delay time ranging from 0sec to 3.5sec (in
increments of 0.5sec)
19 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
20
Video Outputs
V (Vertical Sync) OUTPUT BNC Connectors
Connect to the RGBHV video acceptors (1 to 8)
For RGBS applications, one of the sync channels (H or V) may be used for the S
channel
21 H (Horizontal Sync) OUTPUT BNC Connectors
22 B OUTPUT BNC Connectors
23 G OUTPUT BNC Connectors
24 R OUTPUT BNC Connectors
6 VP-1608 – Overview

VP-1608 - Overview 7
VP-1608 – Overview 7
# Feature Function
25
Video Inputs
R INPUT BNC Connectors
Connect to the RGBHV video sources (1 to 16)
26 G INPUT BNC Connectors
27 B INPUT BNC Connectors
28 H (Horizontal Sync) INPUT BNC Connectors
29 V (Vertical Sync) INPUT BNC Connectors
30 AUDIO INPUTS Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the audio sources (from 1 to 16)
31 AUDIO OUT Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the audio acceptors (from 1 to 8)
Figure 3: VP-1608 Underside Flash Program Switches
# Feature Function
1 Flash Program Switch 1 Slide right for Program (to upgrade firmware see Section 8), or left for
Normal (factory default)
2 Flash Program Switch 2 Slide right for Reset (to upgrade firmware see Section 8), or left for Normal
(factory default)

8 VP-1608 - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VP-1608 - Connecting a Single VP-1608 9
5 Connecting a Single VP-1608
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VP-1608. After connecting your VP-1608, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect a single VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix as illustrated in
Figure 4, do the following:
To connect up to 8 VP-1608 units to a PC or other RS-232/RS-485 controller (see Section 6).
1. Connect up to 16 RGBHV sources (such as RGBHV graphics sources) to
the RGBHV INPUT BNC connectors.
Not all sources or acceptors need to be connected.
2. Connect up to 8 RGBHV acceptors (such as RGBHV projectors) to the
RGBHV OUTPUT BNC connectors.
3. Connect up to 16 stereo audio sources to the AUDIO INPUT terminal block
connectors (see Section 5.1).
4. Connect up to 8 stereo audio acceptors to the AUDIO OUTPUT terminal
block connectors (see Section 5.1).
5. Set the MACHINE # DIP-switches to MACHINE # 1, according to Figure 9,
that is, set all switches OFF (see Section 5.3).
6. Set the DELAY DIP-switches, if required (see Section 5.5).
7. Connect a PC or other controller, if required, via the RS-232 (see Section
5.2) or RS-485 ports (see Section 5.3).
8. Connect the power cord.
i

10 VP-1608 - Connecting a Single VP-1608
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-1608

VP-1608 - Connecting a Single VP-1608 11
5.1 Connecting a Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
This section illustrates how to wire:
• A balanced stereo audio connection, see Figure 5
• An unbalanced stereo audio input connection, see Figure 6
• An unbalanced stereo audio output connection, see Figure 7
Figure 5: Balanced
Stereo Audio
Connection
Figure 6: Unbalanced
Stereo Audio Input
Connection
Figure 7: Unbalanced
Stereo Audio Output
Connection
5.2 Connecting to the VP-1608 via RS-232
You can connect to the VP-1608 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a
PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VP-1608 via RS-232:
• Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VP-1608 unit via a
9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5 need
to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port
You can operate the VP-1608 via the RS-485 port from a distance of up to 1200m
(3900ft) using any device equipped with an RS-485 port (for example, a PC). For
successful communication, you must set the RS-485 machine number and bus
termination.

12 VP-1608 - Connecting a Single VP-1608
To connect a device with a RS-485 port to the VP-1608:
• Connect the A (+) pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the A (+) pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VP-1608
• Connect the B (–) pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the B (–) pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VP-1608
• Connect the G pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the G pin on the RS-485
port on the rear panel of the VP-1608
5.4 Setting the MACHINE # DIP-Switches
The MACHINE # determines the address of a VP-1608 unit when several VP-1608
units are controlled by a PC or serial controller. Set the MACHINE # on a VP-1608
unit via DIPS 1, 2, and 3 (DIP 4 is for RS-485 termination), according to the
following table:
MACHINE
# DIPS
1 2 3
1 Master OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF OFF ON
3 OFF ON OFF
4 OFF ON ON
5 ON OFF OFF
6 ON OFF ON
7 ON ON OFF
8 ON ON ON
When using a stand-alone VP-1608 unit, set the MACHINE # to 1.
When connecting more than one VP-1608 unit, set the first machine (the Master)
connected via RS-232, as MACHINE # 1. The other VP-1608 slave units (each set
to a MACHINE # between 2 and 8) interconnect via their RS-485 ports to the
RS-485 port on the Master.

VP-1608 - Connecting a Single VP-1608 13
5.5 Setting the DELAY DIP-Switches
To achieve clean transitions when switching between non-genlocked sources, set
the delay time—ranging from 0sec to 3.5sec in increments of 0.5sec—via the
DELAY DIP-switches, as shown in the following table. The VP-1608 unit is shipped
from the factory set with no delay (0sec).
Sec DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 3 DIP 4
0 OFF OFF OFF OFF
0.5 OFF OFF OFF ON
1.0 OFF OFF ON OFF
1.5 OFF OFF ON ON
2.0 OFF ON OFF OFF
2.5 OFF ON OFF ON
3.0 OFF ON ON OFF
3.5 OFF ON ON ON

14 VP-1608 - Connecting Multiple VP-1608 Units
6 Connecting Multiple VP-1608 Units
You can connect up to eight single VP-1608 units from a PC or serial controller via
RS-232 and RS-485 (see Section 6.1), or up to seven single VP-1608 units via
RS-485 (see Section 6.2).
To connect a single VP-1608 unit to a PC or other RS-232 controller, see Section 5.2.
6.1 Connecting via a PC or Serial Controller
To connect up to eight single VP-1608 units from a PC or serial controller via
RS-232 and RS-485, as shown in Figure 8, do the following:
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VP-1608. After connecting your VP-1608, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
1. Connect the video sources and acceptors, the appropriate audio sources
and acceptors, and the power cord to each VP-1608 unit.
2. On each VP-1608 unit, set the MACHINE # DIP-switches, as required (see
Section 5.3).
Set the first unit to MACHINE # 1 (Master), the second unit to MACHINE # 2, and so on
- up to MACHINE # 8 for the eighth unit.
3. Connect the RS-232 port on the first VP-1608 unit to the PC (see Section
5.1).
4. Interconnect the RS-485 ports on all the VP-1608 units: from the
RS-485 port on the first VP-1608 unit, to the RS-485 port on the second
VP-1608 unit, and so on – up to the RS-485 port on the eighth VP-1608 unit.
i

VP-1608 - Connecting Multiple VP-1608 Units 15
Figure 8: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485
6.2 Connecting via an RS-485 Controller
To connect up to seven single VP-1608 units via an RS-485 controller, for
example, a PC (equipped with an RS-485 interface), do the following:
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VP-1608. After connecting your VP-1608, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
1. Connect the video sources and acceptors, the appropriate audio sources
and acceptors, and the power cord to each VP-1608 unit.
i

16 VP-1608 - Connecting Multiple VP-1608 Units
2. On each VP-1608 unit, set the MACHINE # DIP-switches, as required. For
example, set the first VP-1608 unit to MACHINE # 2, the second VP-1608
unit to MACHINE # 3, and so on, up to MACHINE # 8 for the seventh
VP-1608 unit (see Section 5.3).
3. Terminate the RS-485 line on both the PC and on the last VP-1608 unit (set
DIP 4 to ON).
4. Connect the RS-485 ports from the PC to the RS-485 ports on each of the
VP-1608 units, as follows:
 Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 PC port to the “A” (+) PIN on
the RS-485 rear panel ports of the VP-1608 units
 Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 PC port to the “B” (-) PIN on the
RS-485 rear panel ports of the VP-1608 units
 If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units