Kramer VP-4x8 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VP-4x8
4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3 Overview 3
4 Your VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher 4
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter 8
5 Installing the VP-4x8 in a Rack 9
6 Connecting the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher 10
6.1 Connecting the VP-4x8 Rear Panel 10
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 11
6.3 Controlling via RS-485 12
6.4 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port 13
6.4.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 13
6.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 15
6.4.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port 15
6.5 Setting the Dipswitches 15
6.5.1 Setting the Delay 15
6.5.2 Setting the Machine # Dipswitches 16
6.6 Cascading Machines 16
7 Operating the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher 18
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 18
7.2 Confirming Settings 19
7.2.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 19
7.2.2 Confirming a Switching Action 19
7.3 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 20
7.3.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 20
7.3.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 20
7.3.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 21
7.4 Locking the Front Panel 21
8 Technical Specifications 22
9 Updating the VP-4x8 Firmware 23
9.1 Updating the Device Firmware 23
9.1.1 Downloading from the Internet 23
9.1.2 Connecting a PC to the RS-232 Port 23
9.1.3 Installing the Device Firmware 24
9.2 Upgrading the Ethernet Firmware 28
9.2.1 Downloading from the Internet 29
9.2.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 29
9.2.3 Installing the Ethernet Firmware 29

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 30
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 31
Figures
Figure 1: VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher– Front and Rear View 5
Figure 2: VP-4x8 Underside View 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher 11
Figure 4: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 12
Figure 5: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 13
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 14
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 14
Figure 8: VP-4x8 Dipswitches 15
Figure 9: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 17
Figure 10: Storing and Recalling using the Input/Output Buttons 20
Figure 11: Splash Screen 24
Figure 12: Atmel – Flip Window 25
Figure 13: Device Selection Window 25
Figure 14: Device Selection Window 26
Figure 15: Loading the Hex 26
Figure 16: RS-232 Window 27
Figure 17: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 27
Figure 18: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 28
Figure 19: The KFR-Programmer Window 29
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 3: VP-4x8 Underside Panel Features 7
Table 4: Dipswitch Settings 15
Table 5: DELAY Dipswitch Settings 16
Table 6: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 16
Table 7: STATUS 7-segment Display 18
Table 8: VP-4x8 Technical Specifications 22
Table 9: VP-4x8 Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 30
Table 10: Protocol Definitions 31
Table 11: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 32

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.
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix
Switcher, which is ideal for:
Any professional display system requiring a true 4x8 computer
graphics matrix operation
Multimedia and presentation source, and acceptor selection
Each package includes the following items:
The VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
Windows
®
-based Kramer control software
2
Windows
®
-based Configuration Manager XPort software and
Com Port Redirector
Kramer RC-IR2 Infrared Remote Control Transmitter (including
the required battery and a separate user manual
3
)
Power cord, null-modem adapter 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
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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VP-4x8 is a high-performance, high-resolution computer graphics
video switcher. The VP-4x8 lets you simultaneously route any or all of the
four inputs to any or all of the eight outputs and to loop each input to an
additional output.
The VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher features:
Video bandwidth of 400MHz that ensures transparent performance
even in the most critical applications
12 preset memory locations for quick access to common
configurations
Delayed switching mode (ranging from 0 to 3.5 sec
1
) for clean
transitions (seamless switching) when switching between
non-genlocked sources
DC coupled inputs and outputs
Kr-isp™ advanced sync processing technology, which provides a
sharp, stable image when the sync level is too low, by restoring the
sync signal waveform
A TAKE button that allows you to place multiple switches in a queue
and then activate them simultaneously with one touch of this button
A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
Automatic detection of connected input signals (respective button
illuminates)
Control the VP-4x8 using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen
system, or other serial controller
The Kramer Infrared remote control transmitter
Ethernet
An external remote IR receiver (optional)
The VP-4x8 is a dependable and rugged unit that fits into one vertical space
(1U) of a standard 19-inch professional rack
2
.
1 In increments of 0.5sec
2 The RGBHV signals are connected on 15-pin HD pin connectors to reduce enclosure size

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
4
To achieve the best performance:
Use only good quality connection cables
1
to avoid 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-4x8 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2 define the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix
Switcher.
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Your VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
5
Figure 1: VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher– Front and Rear View

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
6
Table 1: Front Panel VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Infrared
remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 IN SELECTOR Buttons Select the input to switch to the output.
When a signal is detected, the input button illuminates in green
4 OUT SELECTOR Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
5 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all
outputs
1
6 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
7 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the Confirm mode
2
and
the At Once mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
8 STO (Store) Button Pressing STO followed by an input/output button stores the current
setting
3
9 RCL (Recall) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding IN/OUT button
recalls a setup from the non-volatile memory. The stored status
blinks. Pressing a different IN/OUT button lets you view
4
another
setup. After making your choice, pressing the RCL button again
implements the new status
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)
5
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
12 LOOP 15-pin HD (F) Connectors Connect looped input to output acceptor (1 to 4)
13 INPUT 15-pin HD (F) Connectors Connect to the video sources (from 1 to 4)
14 OUTPUT 15-pin HD (F) Connectors Connect to the output acceptor (from 1 to 8)
15 FLASH PROG Button Push in for “Program” to upgrade to the latest Kramer
firmware (see section 9.1), or release for Normal (the factory
default)
6
16 RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
17 DELAY Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (DELAY dips 1, 2, 3 are for
setting the delay time)
18 SETUP, and RS-485 TERM
Dipswitches
Dipswitches for setup of the unit (SETUP dips 1, 2, 3, 4 are for
setting machine #; 8 is for RS-485 Termination)
19 ETH PROG Button Push in to upgrade ETH firmware, release for normal
operation
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 When in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
3 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
4 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
5 Also displays the number of IN and OUT ports, the firmware version number, and the MACHINE #. Refer to section 7.1
6 The FLASH PROG “Reset” button is located on the underside of the unit

Your VP-4x8 4x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
7
# Feature Function
20 ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking
21 ETH Factory Reset Button Press to reset to factory default definitions
1
:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
22 REMOTE IR 3.5mm Mini Jack Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine
via an IR remote controller (instead of using the front panel IR
receiver)
2
23 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pin G is for Ground connection; Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-
485
24 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
Figure 2 illustrates the underside of the VP-4x8 unit, and Table 3 defines
the underside features.
Figure 2: VP-4x8 Underside View
Table 3: VP-4x8 Underside Panel Features
Feature Function
RESET FOR PROGRAM
Button Press to reset unit prior to firmware upgrade (see section 9.1.3)
1 First disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the ETH Factory Reset button. The unit will power
up and load its memory with the factory default definitions
2 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)