Kramer VP-27 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VP-27
Presentation Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VP-27 Presentation Switcher 3
5 Installing the VP-27 in a Rack 7
6 Connecting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher 8
6.1 Connecting a PC 10
6.2 Dipswitch Settings 10
7 Operating the VP-27 Presentation Switcher 11
7.1 Locking the Front Panel 11
7.2 Resetting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher 12
8 Firmware Upgrade 12
8.1 Downloading from the Internet 12
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 12
8.3 Upgrading Firmware 12
9 Technical Specifications 15
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 16
11 Kramer Protocol 17
11.1 Protocol Output Definitions 17
11.2 Switching Protocols 17
11.2.1 Switching Protocols via the Front Panel Buttons 17
11.2.2 Switching Protocols via Protocol Commands 17
11.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 18
11.3.1 Protocol 3000 Syntax 18
11.3.2 Command Parts Details 18
11.4 Kramer Protocol 2000 23
Figures
Figure 1: VP-27 Presentation Switcher 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VP-27 9
Figure 3: Connecting to a PC 10
Figure 4: VP-27 Dipswitches 10
Figure 5: FlashLoader Window 13
Figure 6: Flash Upgrade Process 14

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Contents
ii
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-27 Presentation Switcher Features 5
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-27 Presentation Switcher Features 6
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings (Default Setting) 10
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VP-27 Presentation Switcher 15
Table 5: Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232 (Protocol 2000) 16
Table 6: Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232 (Protocol 3000) 16
Table 7: Instruction Codes for Protocol 3000 19
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 23
Table 9: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 24

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 Kramer VP-27 Presentation Switcher.
This product is ideal for the following typical applications:
Presentation and conference room systems
Production studios, as well as rental and staging
The package includes the following items:
VP-27 Presentation Switcher
Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
Power cord
3
Infrared remote control transmitter (including the required batteries and a
separate user manual
4
) and this user manual
4
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
5
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: 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; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
2 Download the latest software from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

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Getting Started
2

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VP-27 is a high quality presentation switcher designed for a wide variety
of presentation and multimedia applications. The VP-27 combines the
functions of a 4x1 switcher for composite video and audio, a 4x1 switcher for
s-Video and audio, and a 4x1 switcher for computer graphics video (PC/VGA)
type signals with audio.
The VP-27 is a one-box high-performance solution for installations that would
otherwise require several separate products, and is designed so that each
section is controllable independently from the other sections.
The VP-27 features:
An additional audio switching section that routes one of the pre-selected
audio inputs from the other switching sections to a separate output
24 selector switches and front panel control adjustment for master audio
output level and microphone level, mix, mute, and talk over
The ability to insert a microphone channel by switching, mixing, or talk-
over
A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
Control the VP-27 via the front panel buttons or IR remote control using the
Kramer infrared remote control transmitter (provided) or by RS-232 serial
commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller.
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-27 away
from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-27 Presentation Switcher
Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2 define the VP-27.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-27 Presentation Switcher
4
Figure 1: VP-27 Presentation Switcher

Your VP-27 Presentation Switcher
5
Table 1: Front Panel VP-27 Presentation Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver Signals from the remote control transmitter illuminate the LED
2 POWER LED Lights when the unit is turned ON
3 VIDEO (CV) Select the composite video / audio input (from 1 to 4)
4 s-VIDEO (Y/C) Select the s-Video / audio input (from 1 to 4)
5
INPUT
SELECTOR
Buttons PC Select the computer graphics video / audio input (from 1 to 4)
6 Y/C Press to route the selected audio signal from the s-Video section to
the master audio outputs
7 CV Press to route the selected audio signal from the composite video
section to the master audio outputs
8 PC Press to route the selected audio signal from the computer graphics
video section to the master audio outputs
9
MASTER AUDIO
SELECTOR Buttons
MIC Press to route the microphone input to the master audio outputs
10 - Decrease the master audio signal level
11 MASTER
+ Increase the master audio signal level
12 + Increase the microphone audio signal level
13
VOLUME
Buttons MIC - Decrease the microphone audio signal level
14 MUTE Button Press to disable/enable the Master Audio output
15 TALK OVER Button Press to toggle. When on will activate talk over function
1
16 MIX Button Press to toggle. When on, will mix the microphone signal with the
Master Audio output
17 LOCK Button Press and hold to lock/unlock the front panel buttons

1 With the TALK OVER button pressed in, speaking into the microphone amplifies the voice of the speaker, overriding and
fading out all other audio channels. However, pressing the MIC button in the Master Audio Selector renders the Talk Over
function inactive

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-27 Presentation Switcher
6
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-27 Presentation Switcher Features
# Feature Function
18 Y/C IN 4-pin Connect to the s-Video sources
2
19 CV IN RCA Connect to the composite video sources
2
20 Y/C OUT 4-pin Connect to the s-Video acceptor
21
Video
Connectors
CV OUT RCA Connect to the composite video acceptor
22 PC IN 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the VGA/UXGA video sources
2
23 PC OUT 15-pin HD Connector Connect to the VGA/UXGA video acceptor
24 DIP-switches DIP-switches for setup of the unit (DIP 1 and 4 are not used; DIP
2 PROG
1
, DIP 3 MIC DC; see section 6.2)
25 RS-232 (Tx, Rx, G) Terminal
Block Connector
Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
26 PC AUDIO IN 3.5mm Mini Plugs Connect to the s-Video unbalanced audio sources
2
27 PC AUDIO OUT 3.5mm Mini
Plug Connect to the PC unbalanced stereo audio acceptor (for the PC video)
28 MIC 6.3mm Phone Jack Connector
Connect to the microphone
29 CV AUDIO IN RCA Connectors Connect to the unbalanced audio sources
2
of the composite
video
30 CV AUDIO OUT RCA
Connectors (L and R) Connect to the composite video unbalanced audio acceptor (for the composite video)
31 Y/C AUDIO IN RCA Connectors Connect to the s-Video unbalanced audio sources
2
32 Y/C AUDIO RCA Connectors (L
and R) Connects to the s-Video unbalanced audio acceptor (for the s-Video)
33 MASTER OUT RCA Connectors
(L and R) Connect the master unbalanced audio channel acceptor
34 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
35 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF

1 Always set to OFF (for factory use)
2 From 1 to 4

Installing the VP-27 in a Rack
7
5 Installing the VP-27 in 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 +5°to +45°C (41°to 113°F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20°to +70°C (-4°to 158°F)
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing

CAUTION!!
When installing in 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)

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Connecting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
8
6 Connecting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
To connect
1
the VP-27, as illustrated in the example in Figure 2, do the
following
2
:
1. Connect the following video sources:
One composite video source (for example, composite video player 1)
to the CV IN 1 RCA connector
One composite video source (for example, a composite video player 2)
to the CV IN 2 RCA connector
One s-Video source (for example, s-Video player 1) to the YC IN 1
4-pin connector
One s-Video source (for example, s-Video player 2) to the YC IN 2
4-pin connector
One PC source (for example, a computer graphics video source) to the
PC IN 1 15-pin HD connector
2. Connect the acceptors to a projector
3
as follows, the:
Composite video CV OUT RCA connector to the composite video
input of the projector
s-Video YC OUT 4-pin connector to the s-Video input of the projector
PC OUT 15-pin HD connector to the VGA/UXGA input of the
projector
3. Connect
4
the appropriate unbalanced stereo audio sources.
4. Connect the MASTER AUDIO OUT RCA connectors to an amplifier with
speakers.
5. If required, connect a microphone to the MIC 6.3mm phone jack connector and
set the Mic DC switch as appropriate
5
.
6. As an option, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
section 6.2).
7. Connect
4
the power cord
6
.
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1 Although in this example not all the sources are connected, you can connect all of the inputs, that is, twelve in total.
However, you do not need to connect all the inputs and outputs
2 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-27. After connecting your VP-27, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
3 In this example a projector is used, but you can also connect separate outputs such as displays, video recorders and so on
4 Not shown in Figure 2
5 Set to Mic DC when using a condenser microphone, see section 6.2
6 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
9
Figure 2: Connecting the VP-27

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Connecting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
10
6.1 Connecting a PC
You can connect a PC (or other controller) to the VP-27 via the RS-232
terminal block connector.
To connect a PC to a VP-27 unit, connect the RS-232 terminal block connector
on the VP-27 unit to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC, see Figure 3:
Rx
Tx
PIN 5 Connected to G
PIN 3 Connected to Rx
PIN 2 Connected to Tx
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
PC (9-pin D-sub)
RS-232 to VP-27
G
Figure 3: Connecting to a PC
6.2 Dipswitch Settings
The VP-27 includes four dipswitches, as Figure 4 and Table 3 define. Only
two of the dipswitches are used:
Figure 4: VP-27 Dipswitches
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings (Default Setting)
# Function
Description
1 N.U. Not used
2 PROG Set to OFF (for factory use only)
3 Mic DC Set to Mic DC when using a condenser microphone
4 N.U. Not used

Operating the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
11
7 Operating the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
The VP-27 operates in the audio-follow-video
1
(AFV) mode so that the audio
signal follows the selected input signal.
You can select the video signals within each switcher group by pressing the
relevant INPUT SELECTOR
2
buttons. You can switch:
One
3
of the four composite video VIDEO (CV) inputs to the composite
video output
One of the four s-Video (Y/C) inputs to the s-Video output
One of the four PC inputs to the PC output of the VP-27
The selected button in each group is illuminated in red
4
.
An audio input can be switched to the master audio output either by pressing
any INPUT SELECTOR (in any group) button or by selecting a MASTER
AUDIO SELECTOR button (CV, Y/C, PC or MIC), which will route the
input signal of the selected group to the master audio output.
For example:
Press INPUT SELECTOR button 2 in the PC group to switch that input
button to the master audio output
Press IN 1 in the VIDEO (CV) group to route that input to the master
audio output
If the s-VIDEO (Y/C) IN 2 button is selected, press the MASTER SUDIO
SELECTOR Y/C button to rout that input to the master audio output
The MUTE and MIX functions can be toggled and their respective buttons on
the front panel illuminate.
7.1 Locking the Front Panel
To prevent changing the settings accidentally or tampering with the front
panel, lock your VP-27. Unlocking releases the protection mechanism.
To lock the VP-27:
Press the LOCK button for more than 2 seconds
The LOCK button illuminates, freezing the front panel controls. Pressing
a button will have no effect, except to cause the LOCK button to blink
5
.
Nevertheless, even though the front panel is locked you can still operate

1 In which all operations relate to both the video and the audio channels
2 You can overlook a switcher group and choose not to select a button from it
3 You cannot select more than one button in a section
4 Pressing an illuminated button for more than 2 seconds will disconnect the output and the button will no longer illuminate
5 Warning that you need to unlock to regain control via the front panel

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Firmware Upgrade
12
your PC control software
To unlock the VP-27:
Press the illuminating LOCK button for more than 2 seconds
The VP-27 unlocks and the LOCK button no longer illuminates
7.2 Resetting the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
Press the VIDEO (PC) INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 selector buttons to reset the
VP-27 to its factory default state.
8 Firmware Upgrade
The VP-27 firmware is located in FLASH memory, which lets you upgrade to
the latest Kramer firmware version in minutes! The process involves:
Downloading from the Internet (see section 8.1)
Connecting the PC to the RS-232 port (see section 8.2)
Upgrading Firmware (see section 8.3)
8.1 Downloading from the Internet
You can download the up-to-date file from the Internet. To do so:
1. Go to our Web site and download the file: “FlashLoader.zip” from the
Technical Support section.
2. Extract the file: “FlashLoader.zip” to a folder (for example, C:\Program
Files\Kramer Flash).
3. Create a shortcut on your desktop to the file: “FlashLoader”.
4. Go to our Web site and download the latest VP-27 firmware version.
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port
Before installing the latest Kramer firmware version on a VP-27 unit, connect
the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VP-27 unit to your PC.
8.3 Upgrading Firmware
Follow these steps to upgrade the firmware:
1. Double click the desktop icon: “FlashLoader”.
2. Connect the power on the VP-27 unit and switch it ON.
3. Set the appropriate COM port.
The following window appears:

Firmware Upgrade
13
Figure 5: FlashLoader Window
4. Click the Send Bin File button.
The following window appears:
Loading the Latest Firmware
5. Select the latest VP-27 firmware version, and click Open.
Wait for completion of the upgrade procedure. The new firmware version
appears in the INPUT STATUS 7-segment Display.

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Firmware Upgrade
14
Figure 6: Flash Upgrade Process
6. If required, disconnect the RS-232 rear panel port on the VP-27 unit from the
PC.

Technical Specifications
15
9 Technical Specifications
Table 4 includes the technical specifications:
Table 4: Technical Specifications
1
of the VP-27 Presentation Switcher
INPUTS: 4 composite video on RCA connectors
4 s-Video on 4-pin connectors
4 PC on 15-pin HD connectors
4 unbalanced stereo audio on RCA connectors, L+R (for CV)
4 unbalanced stereo audio on RCA connectors, L+R (for Y/C)
4 unbalanced stereo audio on 3.5mm jack connectors (for PC)
Mic: 3mV / 10kcondenser / dynamic on a 6.3mm Phone Jack connector
OUTPUTS: 1 composite video on an RCA connector
1 s-Video on a 4-pin connector
1 PC on a 15-pin HD connector
1 master audio on an RCA connector, L+R
1 unbalanced stereo audio on an RCA connector, L+R (for CV)
1 unbalanced stereo audio on an RCA connector, L+R (for Y/C)
1 unbalanced stereo audio on a 3.5mm jack connector (for PC)
MAX. OUTPUT LEVEL: VIDEO: CV and Y/C: 1.8Vpp
PC: 2Vpp AUDIO: CV and Y/C: 1.8Vpp; mic: 6.2Vpp, PC: 6.2Vpp; master: 6Vpp
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): CV: 683MHz; Y/C: 725MHz; PC:
415MHZ AUDIO:CV and Y/C: >40kHz; mic: 22.6kHz; PC: >40kHz; master:
22.5kHz
DIFF. GAIN: CV and Y/C: 0.03%; XGA: 0.05%
DIFF. PHASE: CV and PC: 0.03 Deg.; Y/C: 0.02Deg.
K-FACTOR: <0.05%
S/N RATIO: VIDEO (@5MHz): CV: 75.1dB;
Y/C: 78.7dB; PC: 74.4dB AUDIO (@1MHz): CV and Y/C: 78.5dB; PC: 78dB; mic: 52dB
CROSSTALK (all hostile): VIDEO(@5MHz): CV: -50.5dB;
Y/C: -33dB; PC: -51.5dB AUDIO: -68.9dB @1MHz, -43.3dB @20kHz (YC)
CONTROLS: MUTE, TALK OVER, MIX, LOCK, switching front panel buttons,
RS-232, rear panel dipswitches, volume for line: -62dB to +14.1dB;
mic volume: -17dB to +69.5dB
COUPLING: VIDEO: DC AUDIO: AC
AUDIO THD + NOISE (@1kHz): YC: 0.092%; PC: 0.024%
AUDIO 2nd HARMONIC
(@1kHz): YC and PC: 0.03%
POWER SOURCE: 100-240V AC, 6VA max.
DIMENSIONS: 19-inch (W), 7-inch(D) 1U (H) rack mountable
WEIGHT: 2.7kg (6 bs) approx
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, Windows®-based control software

1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication
16
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication
Table 5 lists the Protocol 2000 Hex values for the VP-27:
Table 5: Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232 (Protocol 2000)
MASTER AUDIOPCY/CCV
2

0













IN 1
2

0













IN 2
2

0













IN 3
2

0













IN 4
Table 6 lists the Protocol 3000 Hex values for the VP-27:
Table 6: Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232 (Protocol 3000)
MASTER AUDIOPCY/CCV
#A 1>0<CR>#V 1>3<CR>
#V 1>2<CR>#V 1>1<CR>
IN 1
#A 2>0<CR>#V 2>3<CR>
#V 2>2<CR>#V 2>1<CR>
IN 2
#A 3>0<CR>#V 3>3<CR>
#V 3>2<CR>#V 3>1<CR>
IN 3
#A 4>0<CR>#V 4>3<CR>
#V 4>2<CR>#V 4>1<CR>
IN 4

Kramer Protocol
17
11 Kramer Protocol
1
By default, the VP-27 is set to protocol 3000 (see section 11.3) but is also
compatible with Kramer’s Protocol 2000 (see section 11.4). Section 11.2
describes how to switch between protocol 3000 and protocol 2000.
11.1 Protocol Output Definitions
The protocol output definitions are: Video (CV) group defined as output 1,
Video (YC) group defined as output 2, Video (PC) group defined as output 3,
and Master Audio Selector defined as output 0.
11.2 Switching Protocols
You can switch protocols either via the front panel buttons (see section 11.2.1)
or the protocol commands (see section 11.2.2).
11.2.1 Switching Protocols via the Front Panel Buttons
To switch from protocol 3000 to protocol 2000, press and hold
2
the CV group
INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 buttons for a few seconds.
To switch from protocol 2000 to protocol 3000, press and hold the CV group
INPUT 1 and INPUT 3 buttons for a few seconds.
11.2.2 Switching Protocols via Protocol Commands
To switch from protocol 3000 to protocol 2000, send the following command:
#P2000<CR>
To switch from protocol 2000 to protocol 3000, send the following command:
0x38, 0x80, 0x83, 0x81
The Windows®-based Kramer control software
3
operates with protocol 2000. If
the VP-27 is set to protocol 3000, it is automatically switched to protocol 2000.

1 You can download our user-friendly “ Software for Calculating Hex Codes for Protocol 2000” from the technical support
section on our Web site at: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
2 Not as part of a switching operation
3 Download the latest software from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com