Kramer VP-4x4 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VP-4x4
4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 2
4 Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 2
4.1 Connecting the VP-4x4 5
4.1.1 Connecting a PC 5
4.1.2 Connecting a Phoenix Terminal Block Cable 6
4.1.3 Dipswitch Settings 6
5 Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher 7
5.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 7
5.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 8
5.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 8
5.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 8
5.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 8
5.4 Confirming Settings 9
5.4.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 9
5.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 10
5.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 10
5.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 11
5.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 11
5.5.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 11
5.6 Locking the Front Panel 12
6 Technical Specifications 12
Figures
Figure 1: VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 3
Figure 2: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 5
Figure 3: VP-4x4 Connections 6
Figure 4: VP-4x4 Unit Characteristics 7
Figure 5: SELECTOR Buttons 11
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features 4
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features 4
Table 3: Rear Panel Dipswitches 7
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 12

Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Dedication by Kramer Electronics since 1981, to the development and
manufacture of high quality video/audio equipment, makes the Kramer line
an integral part of the finest production and presentation facilities in the
world. In recent years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the line,
making the best even better!
The Kramer line of professional video/audio electronics is one of the most
versatile and complete available, and is a true leader in terms of quality,
workmanship, price/performance ratio and innovation. In addition to our high
quality industrial and broadcast switchers and matrix switchers, we also offer
excellent amplifiers, remote controllers, processors, interfaces and computer-
related products. Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-4x4
VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher.
This product is ideal for the following typical applications:
 Professional display systems requiring true 4x4 matrix operation
 Multimedia and presentation source and acceptor selection
 Remote monitoring of computer activity in schools and businesses
 Rental/staging applications
The package includes the following items:
 VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
 Power cord
 Windows 95/98/NT
TM
Kramer control software
 Null-modem adapter
 This user manual
 Kramer concise product catalog/CD
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

Overview
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
2
3 Overview
The VP-4x4 is a true 4x4 matrix switcher for VGA / XGA signals and stereo
balanced audio signals. The VP-4x4 enables the user to simultaneously route
any or all of the 4 inputs to any or all of the 4 outputs.
In addition the VP-4x4 includes:
 Video bandwidth of 440 MHz that ensures transparent VGA / XGA
performance
 Easy-to-connect detachable terminal block connectors on which the audio
signals reside
 DC coupled inputs and outputs
 Audio-follow-video and breakaway options
 Storing and recalling setup options
 “Take” button for precise switch control
 “Lock” button to prevent tampering with the front panel
 The ability to control via the front panel buttons, or remotely by RS-485
or 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
 Position your Kramer VP-4x4 in a location free from moisture and away
from excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the VP-4x4. Tables 1 and 2
define the front and rear panels of the VP-4x4, respectively.

Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
3
Figure 1: VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher

Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
4
Table 1: Front Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 Power Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
2 SELECTOR IN
Buttons
Select the input to switch to the output
3 SELECTOR OUT
Buttons
Select the output to which the input is switched
}
The SELECTOR IN and OUT
buttons also store/recall the
input/output configurations
1
4 ALL Button Pressing ALL before pressing an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
2
5 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
6 Video STATUS
OUT labels
Identifies a cross point between each video output to which the video input
displayed below it is connected
7 Audio STATUS
OUT labels
Identifies a cross point between each audio output to which the audio input
displayed below it is connected
8 Audio IN STATUS
7-segment Display
Displays the selected audio input switched
to the output (marked above each input)
Also displays the firmware version
number and the MACHINE #
3
9 Video IN STATUS
7-segment Display
Displays the selected video input switched to
the output (marked above each input)
Also displays the number of IN and
OUT ports
4
10
VID Button Affects video (the default)
11
AFV Button Affects audio-follow-video
12
AUD Button Affects audio
13
STO Button Pressing STO (STORE) followed by an output button stores the current setting
5
14
RCL Button Pressing the RCL (RECALL) button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a
setup. The stored status blinks. Pressing a different OUTPUT button lets you view
6
another setup. After making your choice, pressing the RCL button again
implements the new status
15
TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
7
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
16
LOCK Button Disengages the front panel switches
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 Audio INPUTS Phoenix Connectors Audio inputs
2 Audio OUTPUTS Phoenix Connectors Audio outputs
3 RS-485 Connector RS-485 Phoenix detachable terminal block port
4 RS-232 Connector DB 9F connector connects to PC or Remote Controller
5 MACHINE # Dipswitches setup
6 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
7 VGA/XGA Video OUTPUTS Connects to the VGA/XGA video outputs (1 to 4)
8 VGA/XGA Video INPUTS Connects to the VGA/XGA video inputs (1 to 4)
1 Refer to section 5.5
2 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
3 Refer to section 5.1
4 Refer to section 5.1
5 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
6 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
7 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates

Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
5
4.1 Connecting the VP-4x4
To connect the VP-4x4, connect the following
1
to the rear panel ports:
 Power cord
 VGA / XGA video input and output cables
 Audio input and output cables
 A PC via the null-modem adapter (when using the Kramer Control
software or other controller) if control via RS-232 is required
 RS-485 Phoenix terminal block cable if control via RS-485 is required
In addition, set the dipswitches as section 4.1.3 describes.
4.1.1 Connecting a PC
To connect a PC to the VP-4x4, without using a Null-modem adapter:
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear panel
port on the Master VP-4x4 unit, as Figure 2 illustrates (depending on whether
the PC has a 9-pin or 25-pin connector)
Figure 2: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter
To connect a PC to the VP-4x4, using a Null-modem adapter:
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the Master VP-4x4 unit to
the Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9 wire
flat cable to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC, as Figure 3 illustrates
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-4x4. After connecting your VP-4x4, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device

Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
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4.1.2 Connecting a Phoenix Terminal Block Cable
Connect a Phoenix terminal block cable connector to the RS-485 port on each
VP-4x4 unit in the series
1
, as Figure 3 illustrates.
Figure 3: VP-4x4 Connections
4.1.3 Dipswitch Settings
The VP-4x4 includes a set of 4 dipswitches, as Figure 3 illustrates above.
You configure each VP-4x4 unit by setting the dipswitches as follows:
 Pull a dipswitch DOWN to set it to ON
 Pull a dipswitch UP to set it to OFF
 Set dipswitch 4 to ON for the first and last units only
2
(otherwise set
dipswitch 4 to OFF)
1 You can connect up to 8 units
2 Acts as a terminator

Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
7
 Set dipswitches 1, 2 and 3 according to Table 3:
Table 3: Rear Panel Dipswitches
Dipswitch Settings
Self Address Dipswitch
Machine #
3 2 1 0 1 2 3
1
Master
0 0 0 0 OFF
OFF
OFF
2 0 0 0 1 OFF
OFF
ON
3 0 0 1 0 OFF
ON OFF
4 0 0 1 1 OFF
ON ON
5 0 1 0 0 ON OFF
OFF
6 0 1 0 1 ON OFF
ON
7 0 1 1 0 ON ON OFF
8 0 1 1 1 ON ON ON
5 Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
Operate your VP-4x4 via:
 The front panel buttons
 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC
1
, or
other serial controller
5.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics
Clarify the following VP-4x4 unit characteristics, as Figure 4 illustrates:
 The number of IN and OUT ports
2
 The firmware version number and the MACHINE #
3
Figure 4: VP-4x4 Unit Characteristics
1 For instructions on using the Windows 95/98/NT
TM
Control Software, refer to the separate user manual (included on the
CD-ROM in .pdf format), Kramer Control Software
2 Via the Video IN STATUS 7-segment display as item 9 in Figure 1 illustrates
3 Via the Audio IN STATUS 7-segment display as item 8 in Figure 1 illustrates

Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
8
VP-4x4 unit characteristics display in the following circumstances:
 Immediately (and automatically) after switching on the power; and
 When simultaneously pressing the 3 SELECTOR IN buttons
1
1, 2 and 3,
for 3 seconds
5.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option
You can switch stereo audio signals in one of 2 ways, either:
 Audio-follow-video (AFV), in which all operations and status indicators
relate to both the video and the audio channels
2
; or
 Breakaway, in which video and audio channels switch independently
5.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option
To set the Audio-follow-video (AFV) option:
1. Press the AFV button.
The AFV button illuminates. The audio will follow the video.
2. If the audio configuration differs from the video configuration, both the
Audio IN STATUS 7-segment displays and the AUD button will blink
3
,
and require reconfiguring for AFV operation.
3. Press the TAKE button to confirm the modification (reconfiguring the
audio according to the video).
5.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option
To set the Breakaway option:
1. Press either the AUD (for audio control only) or the VID (for video
control only) button.
2. If the AUD button illuminates all switching operations relate to the Audio
section.
3. If the VID button illuminates all switching operations relate to the Video
section.
5.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations
To switch a video/audio input to a video/audio output, do the following:
1 Item 2 in Figure 1
2 Audio and video connections are the same
3 Warning that changes are about to occur in the audio section