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
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 3
5 Installing the VP-4x4 on a Rack 7
6 Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 8
6.1 Connecting the VP-4x4 Rear Panel 8
6.2 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 10
6.3 Connecting a PC 11
6.4 Cascading Machines 11
6.4.1 Dipswitch Settings 13
7 Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher 14
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 14
7.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 14
7.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 15
7.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 15
7.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 15
7.4 Confirming Settings 16
7.4.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 16
7.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 17
7.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 17
7.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 17
7.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 18
7.5.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 18
7.6 Locking the Front Panel 18
8 Technical Specifications 19
9 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 20
10 Kramer Protocol 2000 21

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 9
Figure 3: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 10
Figure 4: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 10
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Source to the Balanced Input 10
Figure 6: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 11
Figure 7: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 12
Figure 8: VP-4x4 Dipswitches 13
Figure 9: VP-4x4 Unit Characteristics 14
Figure 10: SELECTOR Buttons 17
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features 5
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings 13
Table 4: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 13
Table 5: Technical Specifications of the VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher 19
Table 6: VP-4x4 Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 20
Table 7: VP-4x4 Hex Codes for Switching Audio Channels via RS-232/RS-485 20
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 21
Table 9: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 22

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 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
 Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
 Null-modem adapter
 Power cord
3
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: 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
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

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
Machine # 1 (= Master)
Machine # 2
Up to 8
Units
Display
Display
Display
Display
VGA/XGA
Source
VGA/XGA
Source
VGA/XGA
Source
VGA/XGA
Source

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VP-4x4 is a true 4x4 matrix switcher for computer graphics (VGA/XGA)
signals and balanced stereo audio signals. The VP-4x4 enables the user to
simultaneously route any or all of the four inputs to any or all of the four
outputs.
In addition, the VP-4x4 includes:
 A video bandwidth of 440MHz 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
 A TAKE button for precise switch control that lets you execute multiple
switches all at once
 A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
Control the VP-4x4 using the front panel buttons, or remotely via RS-485 or
RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial controller (including the Kramer RC-IR1 external remote receiver).
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-4x4 away
from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the VP-4x4. Table 1 and
Table 2 define the front and rear panels of the VP-4x4, respectively.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
4
Figure 1: VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher

Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
5
Table 1: Front Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 Power Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 SELECTOR IN Buttons Select the input to switch to the output1
3 SELECTOR OUT
Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
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 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
3
7
VIDEO
STATUS OUT
labels Identifies a cross point between each video output to which the video input displayed below it is connected
8 STATUS OUT
labels Identifies a cross point between each audio output to which the audio input displayed below it is connected
9
STATUS
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
10 VID Button When pressed
4
actions relate to video
11 AFV Button When pressed, the audio channels follow the video channels. The button is
illuminated when the AFV mode is selected
12 AUD Button When pressed
5
actions relate to audio
13 STO Button Pressing STO (STORE) followed by an output button stores the current
setting
6
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
7
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
8
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
16 LOCK Button Disengages the front panel switches

1 The SELECTOR IN and OUT buttons also store/recall the input/output configurations (see section 7.5)
2 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
3 Refer to section 7.1
4 The VID button is illuminated when in breakaway mode and actions relate to video
5 The AUD button is illuminated when in breakaway mode and actions relate to audio
6 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
7 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
8 When in the CONFIRM mode, the TAKE button illuminates

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
6
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
17 AUDIO INPUTS Terminal
Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio sources (from 1 to 4)
18 INPUT HD15F Connectors Connects to the VGA/XGA video sources (from 1 to 4)
19 OUTPUT HD15F Connectors Connects to the VGA/XGA video acceptors (from 1 to 4)
20 AUDIO OUTPUTS Terminal
Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio acceptors (from 1 to 4)
21 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485; Pin G (Ground) may be connected to
the shield of the cable if desired (see the PINOUT in Figure 7)
22 RS-232 DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
23 Setup Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (DIP1, DIP 2 and DIP 3 are for setting
the machine #; DIP 4 is for RS-485 Termination)
24 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

Installing the VP-4x4 on a Rack
7
5 Installing the VP-4x4 on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing on a Rack
Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5 to +45 Deg. Centigrade
Operating humidity range 5 to 65 % RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20 to +70 Deg. Centigrade
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 supply
connections other than direct connections to the
branch circuit (for example, the use of power strips),
and that you use only the power cord that is supplied
with the machine.
How to Rack Mount
To rack-mount the 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)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
8
6 Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
This section describes how to:
 Connect the VP-4x4 rear panel (see section 6.1)
 Connect a balanced stereo audio input/output (see section 6.2)
 Connect the VP-4x4 to a controlling device via RS-232 (see section 6.3)
 Connect several VP-4x4 machines (see section 6.4)
 Set the dipswitches (see section 6.4.1)
6.1 Connecting the VP-4x4 Rear Panel
To connect
1
the VP-4x4, as illustrated in the example in Figure 2, do the
following
2
:
1. Connect up to four VGA/XGA computer graphics sources to the HD15F
INPUT connectors (from INPUT 1 to INPUT 4).
2. Connect up to four balanced
3
stereo audio sources (for example, the
Computer’s audio source
4
) to the AUDIO INPUT terminal block connectors
(from 1 to 4).
3. Connect the four OUTPUT connectors to up to four VGA/XGA video
acceptors (for example, displays).
4. Connect the four AUDIO OUTPUT terminal block connectors to up to four
balanced stereo audio acceptors
3
(for example, balanced stereo audio
amplifiers with speakers) 
5. Set the dipswitches (see section 6.4.1).
6. As an option, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
section 6.3) and the RS-485 port (see section 6.4)
7. Connect the power cord
5
.

1 You do not need to connect all inputs and outputs
2 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
3 See section 6.2
4 Alternatively, you can connect a separate audio source, or no source at all
5 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
9
Display
Display
Display
Display
VGA/XGA
Source
VGA/XGA
Source
VGA/XGA
Source
VGA/XGA
Source
Figure 2: Connecting the VP-4x4 VGA/XGA Audio Matrix Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
10
6.2 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
This section illustrates how to wire:
 A balanced input/output connection (see Figure 3)
 An unbalanced audio output (see Figure 4)
 An unbalanced source to the balanced input on the VP-4x4 (see Figure 5)
Figure 3 illustrates how to wire a balanced input/output connection (for
example, audio INPUT 1 or AUDIO OUTPUT 1):
Figure 3: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 4 illustrates how to wire an unbalanced acceptor to the balanced output
of the unit (for example, AUDIO OUTPUT 1):
Figure 4: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output
Figure 5 illustrates how to connect an unbalanced source to the balanced input
on the VP-4x4 (for example, AUDIO INPUT 1):
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Source to the Balanced Input

Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
11
6.3 Connecting a PC
To connect a PC to the VP-4x4 unit, using the Null-modem adapter provided
with the machine (recommended):
 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
To connect a PC to the VP-4x4 unit, 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 6 illustrates
Female DB9 (From PC)
PIN 4 Connected to PIN 6
PINS 8, 7, 1 Connected together
If a Shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Male DB9
Figure 6: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter
6.4 Cascading Machines
You can cascade up to eight VP-4x4 units with control from a PC or serial
controller.
To cascade up to eight individual VP-4x4 units via RS-485, as illustrated in
the example in Figure 7, do the following:
1. Connect the sources and acceptors (see section 6.1).
2. Connect the RS-232 port of the first VP-4x4 unit to a PC using the Null-
modem adapter provided with the machine (see section 6.3).
3. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the first unit to the RS-485 port on
the second VP-4x4 unit and so on, connecting all the RS-485 ports.
4. Set the dipswitches, as section 6.4.1 describes:
 Set the first VP-4x4 unit as Machine # 1 and the following seven
VP-4x4 units as Machine # 2 to Machine # 8, according to Table 4
 Set DIP 4 ON on the first and last VP-4x4 units (terminating the
RS-485 line at 120). Set DIP 4 OFF on the other VP-4x4 units

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
12
Machine # 1 (= Master)
Machine # 2
Machine # 8
1
OFF
ON
2 3
Up to 8
Units
RS-485
AB G
RS-485 PINOUT
G
B
A
_
+
1
OFF
ON
2 3
1
OFF
ON
2 3
Figure 7: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485

Connecting the VP-4x4 4x4 VGA XGA Audio Matrix Switcher
13
6.4.1 Dipswitch Settings
The VP-4x4 includes a set of four dipswitches, as Figure 8 and Table 3 define:
Figure 8: VP-4x4 Dipswitches
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings
DIPS
Function Description
1, 2, 3
Machine # Determines the number of the machine in the sequence
4 RS-485 Term ON for RS-485 line termination
1
with 120
OFF for no RS-485 line termination
The machine # determines the position of a VP-4x4 unit when cascading units
(see section 6.4). Set dipswitches 1, 2 and 3 according to Table 4:
Table 4: Machine # Dipswitch Settings
Machine # DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 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

1 When cascading machines, set dipswitch 4 to ON for the first and last units only (otherwise, set dipswitch 4 to OFF)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
14
7 Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
You can operate your VP-4x4 via:
 The front panel buttons
 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics
Figure 9 shows an example of the display immediately after switching on the
power, or after resetting the machine (by pressing SELECTOR IN buttons 1, 2
and 3 simultaneously for three seconds). The STATUS VIDEO 7-segment
display shows the number of IN and OUT ports, and the STATUS AUDIO 7-
segment display shows the firmware version number and the machine number.
Number 44
indicate 4 IN
and 4 OUT
ports
s
ports
Number 1
indicates the
MACHINE #
Number 10
indicates the
firmware
version #
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
STATUS
OUT
IN
A UDIOV IDEO
Figure 9: VP-4x4 Unit Characteristics
This display disappears after a few seconds, replaced by the normal display
1
.
7.2 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

1 During normal operation, the STATUS display shows which inputs are switched to which outputs, both for video and audio
signals
2 Audio and video connections are the same

Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
15
7.2.1 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
1
, and require
reconfiguring for AFV operation.
3. Press the TAKE button to confirm the modification (reconfiguring the audio
according to the video).
7.2.2 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.
7.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations
To switch a video/audio input to a video/audio output, do the following:
1. Press an OUT button
2
.
The corresponding Audio and
3
/or Video IN STATUS 7-segment displays
4
blink.
2. Press an IN button
5
.
The selected input switches to the selected output.
For example, press the ALL button and then IN button # 2 to connect
input # 2 to all the outputs

1 Warning that changes are about to occur in the audio section
2 Either 1, 2, 3, 4 or ALL
3 When the audio-follow-video option is active (refer to section 7.2)
4 Items 8 and 9, respectively, in Figure 1
5 Either 1, 2, 3, 4 or OFF

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
16
7.4 Confirming Settings
Choose to work in the AT ONCE or the CONFIRM mode.
In the AT ONCE mode:
 You save time
 Actions require no user confirmation
 Execution is immediate
 No protection is offered against changing an action in error
In the CONFIRM mode:
 You have an optional method to help avoid making a mistake
 Every action requires user confirmation
 Execution is delayed
1
until the user confirms the action
 Protection is offered to prevent erroneous switching
 You can key-in several actions and then confirm them by pressing the
TAKE button once, to simultaneously switch all monitors
Pressing an OUT-IN combination when your VP-4x4 operates in the AT
ONCE mode implements the switch immediately. When the VP-4x4 operates
in the CONFIRM mode, press the blinking TAKE button to authorize the
switch.
7.4.1 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
2
to the
CONFIRM mode
3
.
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.

1 Failure to press the TAKE button within one minute (the Timeout) will abort the action
2 The TAKE button does not illuminate
3 The TAKE button illuminates

Operating Your Audio Matrix Switcher
17
7.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action
To confirm a switching action (in CONFIRM mode), do the following:
1. Press an OUT-IN combination.
The corresponding AUDIO and VIDEO IN STATUS 7-segment displays
1
blink. The TAKE button also blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm the action.
The corresponding AUDIO and VIDEO IN STATUS 7-segment displays
1
no
longer blink. The TAKE button illuminates.
To confirm several actions (in CONFIRM mode), do the following:
1. Press each OUT-IN combination in sequence.
The corresponding AUDIO and VIDEO IN STATUS 7-segment display
1
blinks. The TAKE button also blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm all the actions.
The corresponding AUDIO and VIDEO IN STATUS 7-segment displays
1
no
longer blink. The TAKE button illuminates.
7.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations
You can store and recall
2
up to eight input/output configurations using the four
SELECTOR IN and the four SELECTOR OUT buttons, as Figure 10 illustrates:
1 2 3 4
IN
OUT
SELECTOR
Figure 10: SELECTOR Buttons
3
7.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration
To store the current status in memory, do the following:
1. Press the STO button.
The STO button blinks.

1 Items 8 and 9, respectively, in Figure 1
2 The 8 input/output configurations (or setups) also include the relevant audio-follow-video / breakaway option definition
3 The gray numbers (1 to 8) in Figure 10 that illustrate the corresponding store/recall configuration number, are for the
purpose of illustration only and do not actually appear on the buttons