Kramer VP-4x8 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-4x8
4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix
Switcher
P/N: 2900-000372 Rev 3

VP-4x8 – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Recycling Kramer Products 2
3Overview 3
3.1 Defining the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher 5
3.2 Using the IR Transmitter 7
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting the VP-4x8 9
5.1 Connecting the VP-4x8 Rear Panel 9
5.2 Connecting the RS-232 Port to a PC or Controller 10
5.3 Connecting the RS-485 Port to a PC or Controller 11
5.4 Connecting the Ethernet Port 12
5.5 Setting the DIP-Switches 14
5.6 Cascading Machines 16
6Operating the VP-4x8 18
6.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 18
6.2 Confirming Settings 19
6.3 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 20
6.4 Locking the Front Panel 22
7Technical Specifications 23
8Serial Communication 24
8.1 Default Communication Parameters 24
8.2 Hex Code Table 24
9Kramer Protocol 2000 25
Figures
Figure 1: UVP-4x8U4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher Front Panel 5
Figure 2: UVP-4x8U4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 6
Figure 3: UVP-4x8UUnderside View 7
Figure 4: Connecting the UVP-4x8U4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 5: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 10
Figure 6: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 11
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 13
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 13
Figure 9: UVP-4x8UDIP-switches 14
Figure 10: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 17
Figure 11: Storing and Recalling using the Input/Output Buttons 20

VP-4x8 - 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 video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
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 Routers;
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-4x8 4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix
Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Any professional display system requiring a true 4x8 computer graphics
matrix operation
•Multimedia and presentation source, and acceptor selection

2 VP-4x8 - 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-4x8 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
2.2 Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
aims to reduce the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by
requiring it to be collected and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive,
Kramer Electronics has made arrangements with the European Advanced
Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any costs of treatment, recycling and
recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on arrival at the EARN
facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular country
go to our recycling pages at http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/recycling/.
i

VP-4x8 - 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
•HDTV compatibility
•Looping inputs
•12 preset memory locations for quick access to common configurations
•Delayed switching mode (ranging from 0 to 3.5 sec, in increments of 0.5sec)
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)

4 VP-4x8 - Overview
The VP-4x8 is a dependable and rugged unit that fits into one vertical space (1U)
of a standard 19-inch professional rack.
The RGBHV signals are connected on 15-pin HD pin connectors to reduce enclosure size.

VP-4x8 - Overview 5
VP-4x8 – Overview 5
3.1 Defining the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher
This section defines the VP-4x8.
Figure 1: VP-4x8 4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher Front Panel
# 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
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 (in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button
illuminates) 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
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 flashes. Pressing a different IN/OUT button lets you view 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)
Also displays the number of IN and OUT ports, the firmware version number, and the MACHINE #. See
Section 6.1

6 VP-4x8 - Overview
Figure 2: VP-4x8 4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
#
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 separate firmware upgrade
guide), or release for Normal (the factory default). The FLASH PROG “Reset” button is located
on the underside of the unit
16 DELAY,MACH# and RS-485 TERM
DIP-switches DIP-switches to set delay (DIPs 1-3), set the machine # (DIPs 4-7) and terminate the RS-485 connection (DIP 8) (see Section 5.5)
17 RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Port Connects to the PC or remote controller
18 ETH PROG Button Push in to upgrade ETH firmware, release for normal operation
19 ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector Connects to the PC or other serial controller through computer networking
20 ETH Factory Reset Button Press to reset to factory default definitions:
IP number −192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
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
21 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pin G is for ground connection; pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485
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)
23 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
6VP-4x8 – Overview

VP-4x8 - Overview 7
Figure 3 illustrates the underside of the VP-4x8 unit.
Figure 3: VP-4x8 Underside View
Feature
Function
RESET FOR PROGRAM Button Press to reset unit prior to firmware upgrade (see
separate firmware upgrade guide)
3.2 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR3 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in IR
receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR receiver (Model:
C-A35M/IRR-50). The external IR receiver can be located up to 15 meters away
from the machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used
with three extension cables (Model: C-A35M/A35F-50).
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer to
insert the internal IR connection cable (P/N: 505-70434010-S) with the 3.5mm
connector that fits into the REMOTE IR opening on the rear panel. Connect the
external IR receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.

8 VP-4x8 - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8 9
5 Connecting the VP-4x8
This section describes how to:
•Connect the VP-4x8 rear panel (see Section 5.1)
•Connect the VP-4x8 to a controlling device via RS-232 (see Section 5.2),
RS-485 (see Section 5.3) and/or the Ethernet (see Section 5.4)
•Set the DIP-switches (see Section 5.5)
•Connect several VP-4x8 machines (see Section 5.6)
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VP-4x8. After connecting your VP-4x8, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
5.1 Connecting the VP-4x8 Rear Panel
To connect the VP-4x8 as shown in Figure 4, do the following:
1. Connect up to 4 VGA/UXGA computer graphics sources to the INPUT
connectors.
Not all inputs need to be connected.
2. Connect up to 4 VGA/UXGA output acceptors to the LOOP connectors (local
displays or inputs to another cascaded unit).
3. Connect up to 8 output connectors to the VGA/UXGA video acceptors
(displays or projectors).
When less than eight outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VP-4x8
that are required, and leave the other outputs unconnected.
4. Set the DIP-switches (see Section 5.5).
5. Connect a PC and/or controller (if required) to the RS-232 port (see Section
5.2) and/or RS-485 port (see Section 5.3).
6. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 4).
We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine.
i

10 VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-4x8 4x8 VGA/UXGA Matrix Switcher
5.2 Connecting the RS-232 Port to a PC or Controller
You can connect to the unit via a crossed RS-232 connection, using for example,
a PC. A crossed cable or null-modem is required as shown in method A and B
respectively. If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to pin 5.
Method A (Figure 5)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a
crossed cable (only pin 2to pin 3, pin 3to pin 2, and pin 5to pin 5need be
connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC.
Note:There is no need to connect any other pins.
Figure 5: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
PC

VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8 11
Hardware flow control is not required for this unit. In the rare case where a
controller requires hardware flow control, short pin 1 to 7 and 8, and pin 4 to 6 on
the controller side.
Method B (Figure 6)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a
straight (flat) cable to the null-modem adapter, and connect the null-modem
adapter to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC. The straight cable usually
contains all nine wires for a full connection of the D-sub connector. Because the
null-modem adapter (which already includes the flow control jumpering described
in Method A above) only requires pins 2, 3 and 5 to be connected, you are free to
decide whether to connect only these 3 pins or all 9 pins.
Figure 6: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter
5.3 Connecting the RS-485 Port to a PC or Controller
You can operate the VP-4x8 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.
To connect a device with a RS-485 port to the VP-4x8:
•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-4x8
•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-4x8
•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-4x8
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter

12 VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8
5.4 Connecting the Ethernet Port
You can connect to the VP-4x8 to the Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
•Direct connection to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 5.4.1)
•Connection via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable
(see Section 5.4.2)
5.4.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC (Crossover
Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-4x8 to the Ethernet port on your PC,
via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VP-4x8
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Right-click the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection Properties.
4. Select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties window appears.
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see
Figure 7).
i

VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8 13
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 8.
You can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255 (excluding
192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.
7. Click OK.
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window

14 VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8
5.4.2 Connecting the Ethernet Port to a Network Hub (Straight-
Through Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-4x8 to the Ethernet port on a network
hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
5.4.3 Configuring Several Units via the Ethernet Port
To control several units via the Ethernet, connect the Master unit
(Machine # 1) via the Ethernet port to the LAN port of your PC. Use the PC to
initially configure the settings (see Section 5.4).
5.5 Setting the DIP-Switches
By default, all DIP-switches are set to OFF. Figure 9 illustrates the VP-4x8
DIP-switches:
Figure 9: VP-4x8 DIP-switches
DIPS Function Description
1, 2, 3 DELAY Determines switching delay time
4, 5, 6, 7 Machine # Determines the machine number (address) of
multiple units
8 RS-485 TERM ON for RS-485 line termination with 120Ω;
OFF for no RS-485 line termination
5.5.1 Setting the Delay
You can achieve clean transitions when switching between non-genlocked
sources by setting the delay time—ranging from 0 sec to 3.5 sec (In increments of
0.5 sec )—via the DELAY DIP-switches, as listed in the following table. The
VP-4x8 unit is shipped (its factory default state) with no delay, that is, the DELAY
DIP-switches are set up for a 0 sec delay.

VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8 15
Delay (sec)
DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
0 OFF OFF OFF
0.5 OFF OFF ON
1.0 OFF ON OFF
1.5 OFF ON ON
2.0 ON OFF OFF
2.5 ON OFF ON
3.0 ON ON OFF
3.5 ON ON ON
5.5.2 Setting the Machine Number
The Machine # determines the address of a VP-4x8 unit, specifying which VP-4x8
is being controlled when several units are connected to a PC or serial controller.
Set the Machine # on a VP-4x8 via MACH# DIPS 4, 5, 6 and 7, according to the
following table.
When connecting a single VP-4x8, set the Machine # to 1. When connecting more
than one VP-4x8, set the first machine connected to the PC (Master) as Machine #
1 (set DIPs 4 to 7 OFF).
Mach. #
DIP 4
DIP 5
DIP 6
DIP 7
1 OFF OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF OFF OFF ON
3 OFF OFF ON OFF
4 OFF OFF ON ON
5 OFF ON OFF OFF
6 OFF ON OFF ON
7 OFF ON ON OFF
8 OFF ON ON ON
9 ON OFF OFF OFF
10 ON OFF OFF ON
11 ON OFF ON OFF
12 ON OFF ON ON
13 ON ON OFF OFF
14 ON ON OFF ON
15 ON ON ON OFF
16 ON ON ON ON

16 VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8
5.6 Cascading Machines
You can cascade up to 16 VP-4x8 units with control from a PC or serial controller
(see Figure 10).
To cascade up to 16 individual VP-4x8 units via RS-485, do the following:
1. Connect the VGA/UXGA sources and acceptors, as Section 5.1 describes.
2. Connect the RS-232 (or RS-485) port on the first VP-4x8 unit to the PC
using the null-modem adapter provided with the machine (recommended),
as Section 5.2 describes.
3. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the first unit to the RS-485 port
on the second VP-4x8 unit and so on, connecting all the RS-485 ports.
4. Set the DIP-switches, as shown in Section 5.5:
Set the first VP-4x8 unit as Machine # 1 and the following 15 VP-4x8
units as Machine # 2 to Machine # 16, according to Section 5.5.2
Set DIP 8 ON on the first and last VP-4x8 units (terminating the
RS-485 line at 120Ω). Set DIP 8 OFF on the other VP-4x8 units
Set DIP 5, DIP 6 and DIP 7 OFF on all VP-4x8 units

VP-4x8 - Connecting the VP-4x8 17
Figure 10: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485