Kramer VP-88ETH User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Models:
VP-88ETH, 8x8 RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VP-84ETH, 8x4 RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VP-82ETH, 8x2 RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VP-66ETH, 6x6 RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VP-64ETH, 6x4 RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 2
4 Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 3
5 Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 11
5.1 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 13
5.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 14
5.3 Controlling via RS-485 15
5.4 Setting the ETHERNET Port and Utilities 16
5.4.1 Connecting the VP-88ETH Ethernet Port 16
5.4.2 Installing and Running the XPort Configuration Software 18
5.4.3 Configuring the ETHERNET Port 21
5.4.4 Using the Web Manager Page 21
5.4.5 Controlling a Machine using the Com Port Redirector 25
5.4.6 Using the Com Port Redirector 31
5.5 Setting the VP-88ETH Dipswitches 31
5.5.1 Setting the SELF ADDRESS Dipswitches 32
5.6 Setting the Reply Dipswitch 32
5.7 Setting the RS-232\RS-485 Dipswitch 32
6 Operating Your VP-88ETH Machine 33
6.1 Displaying the Unit Characteristics 33
6.2 Selecting and Connecting an Output and/or Input 33
6.3 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 34
6.3.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 34
6.3.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 34
6.4 Confirming Settings 34
6.4.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 35
6.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 35
6.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 36
6.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 36
6.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 36
6.5.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 36
6.6 Resetting the Machine 36
6.7 Using the TERM: 75/TTL Buttons 37
7 Controlling Several RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switchers 37
7.1 Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 37
7.2 Control Configuration via RS-485 39
7.3 Control Configuration via the ETHERNET Port 40
8 Technical Specifications 41
9 Table of Hex Codes for the Master VP-88ETH 42
10 Communication Protocol 43

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VP-88ETH 8x8 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 4
Figure 2: VP-84ETH 8x4 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 5
Figure 3: VP-82ETH 8x2 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 6
Figure 4: VP-66ETH 6x6 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 7
Figure 5: VP-64ETH 6x4 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 8
Figure 6: Connecting the VP-88ETH 8x8 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 12
Figure 7: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 13
Figure 8: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 13
Figure 9: Connecting an Unbalanced Source to the Balanced Input 13
Figure 10: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 14
Figure 11: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 15
Figure 12: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 13: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 17
Figure 14: XPort™ Installer Main Dialog Box 19
Figure 15: Device Found on the Network 19
Figure 16: IP Address Assignment Dialog Box 20
Figure 17: ETHERNET Port Web-Manager 21
Figure 18: Server Configuration in the Unit Configuration Window 22
Figure 19: Port Configuration in the Unit Configuration Window 23
Figure 20: Server Properties in the Unit Configuration Window 23
Figure 21: Serial Port Settings Window 24
Figure 22: Dedicated Connection Window 24
Figure 23: Flush Mode Input Buffer Window 24
Figure 24: Com Port Redirector Welcome Screen 25
Figure 25: Setup Complete Dialog Box 26
Figure 26: Com Port Redirector Configuration Window 26
Figure 27: Port Setup Window 27
Figure 28: IP Service Setup Dialog Box 28
Figure 29: Port Settings Window 29
Figure 30: Silent Mode Checked in the RDCfg Window 30
Figure 31: VP-88ETH Dipswitches 31
Figure 32: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 38
Figure 33: Control Configuration via RS-485 40
Tables
Table 1: The RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher Front Panel Features 9
Table 2: The RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher Rear Panel Features 10
Table 3: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 16
Table 4: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 18
Table 5: Web Manager Window Buttons 22
Table 6: Port Settings Description 29
Table 7: Dipswitch Settings 31
Table 8: MACHINE # Dipswitch Settings 32
Table 9: Technical Specifications of the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switchers 41
Table 10: Hex Codes for Switching the Master VP-88ETH 42
Table 11: Protocol Definitions 43

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
350-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix
Switcher
2
, which is ideal for presentation and production applications. The
package includes the following items:
 VP-88ETH/VP-84ETH/VP-82ETH/VP-66ETH/VP-64ETH RGBH /
Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
 Power cord and Null-modem adapter
 Windows®-based Configuration Manager XPort software and Com Port
Redirector
 Windows®-based Kramer control software
3
 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
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 Available in the following models: VP-88ETH (an 8x8 model), VP-84ETH (an 8x4 model), VP-82ETH (an 8x2 model),
VP-66ETH (a 6x6 model), and/or VP-64ETH (a 6x4 model)
3 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
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
Overview
2
3 Overview
The high performance VP-88ETH/VP-84ETH/VP-82ETH/VP-66ETH/
VP-64ETH RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher is designed for high-
resolution computer graphics signals and balanced stereo audio signals. Each
machine is a true matrix, routing any input to any or all outputs
simultaneously.
In particular, the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher:
 Consists of three large bandwidth video channels, Red, Green and Blue
(RGB) and two TTL (logic level) channels – Horizontal and Vertical sync
 Switches channels during the vertical interval, offering glitch free
transitions when sources share a common reference sync
 Provides Audio breakaway, for switching audio independently from video
 Offers preset memory locations for quick access to common
configurations
 Includes the TAKE button, which lets you place multiple switches in a
queue and then activate them with one touch of this button
 Can be used for mixed applications such as Y/C and YUV simultaneously
 Includes an ETHERNET connection that supports easy dial-up and Internet
system remote control (requiring only a dedicated IP address
1
and a modem in
the remote location) whether it is a stand-alone PC or a LAN
2
system
Control the VP-88ETH/VP-84ETH/VP-82ETH/VP-66ETH/VP-64ETH
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
 ETHERNET
 The Kramer RC-IR1 Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter
3
The VP-88ETH/VP-84ETH/VP-82ETH/VP-66ETH/VP-64ETH is
dependable, rugged and fits into three vertical spaces (3U) of a standard 19"
rack.
1 IP Address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver (within a network via a particular server or
workstation) of data (HTML pages or e-mails) that is sent in packets across the Internet. Every device connected to an IP
network must have a unique IP address. This address is used to reference the specific unit
2 LAN is Local Area Network
3 Previously known as the IR-1/IR-1-01

Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
3
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 and position
your Kramer VP-88ETH/VP-84ETH/VP-82ETH/VP-66ETH/
VP-64ETH away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
This section describes each switcher as follows:
 VP-88ETH (see Figure 1)
 VP-84ETH (see Figure 2)
 VP-82ETH (see Figure 3)
 VP-66ETH (see Figure 4)
 VP-64ETH (see Figure 5)
Table 1 and Table 2 define the front and rear panels of the machines.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
4
Figure 1: VP-88ETH 8x8 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
5
   
     
Figure 2: VP-84ETH 8x4 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
6
  
          
Figure 3: VP-82ETH 8x2 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
7
   
        
Figure 4: VP-66ETH 6x6 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
8
   
         
Figure 5: VP-64ETH 6x4 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
9
Table 1: The RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher Front Panel Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Kramer Infra-
Red remote control transmitter
2 POWER switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OUTPUT SELECTOR
Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
4 INPUT SELECTOR
Buttons Select the input to switch to the output
5 TAKE Press to toggle between the Confirm mode
1
and the At Once mode (user
confirmation per action is unnecessary)
6 INPUT STATUS display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each input)
7 RCL Button Press the RCL button followed by an INPUT button
2
to recall a setup from the
non-volatile memory
8 STO Button Press the STO button followed by an INPUT button
2
to store the current
settings
9 AFV Button When pressed
3
, actions relate to the video and audio channels. The audio
channels follow the video channels
10 AUDIO Button When pressed
3
, actions relate to audio
11 VIDEO Button When pressed
3
, actions relate to video
12 OFF Button An OFF-OUTPUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an
OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs
13 ALL Button Press ALL followed by an INPUT button to connect that input to all the outputs
1 When in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button blinks
2 In this case the INPUT button corresponds to the setup address number
3 The button illuminates

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
10
Table 2: The RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher Rear Panel Features
# Feature Function
14 TERM: 75
 /TTL Buttons When both buttons are released, the upper input channels are used for
TTL level H & V sync signals (RGBHV operation);
When both buttons are pushed in, the input channels become analog video
channels, just as the lower RGB channels, and the machine can be used
for 5 identical video channels
15 AUDIO INPUTS
1
Terminal
Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio sources
16 AUDIO OUTPUTS
1
Terminal
Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio acceptors
17 RS-485 Port Pin G is for the Ground connection
2
; pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485
18 Ethernet Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking
19 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector, enabling power supply to the unit
20 Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (1, 2 and 3 are for setting the machine
number; 4 is for RS-485 bus termination; 5 is for Reply; 8 is for RS-485 PC
communication)
21 RS-232 DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the remote controller
22 OUT BNC Connectors Connect to the video acceptors
23 INPUTS BNC Connectors Connect to the video sources
24 EXT./IN 1 Button When pushed in selects an external sync from the external source; when
released selects the internal sync (inputted via the video input #1
connectors)
25 EXT. SYNC BNC Connector Connects to the external sync source
1 VP-88ETH has 8 inputs and 8 outputs; VP-84ETH has 8 inputs and 4 outputs; VP-82ETH has 8 inputs and 2 outputs;
VP-66ETH has 6 inputs and 6 outputs; VP-64ETH has 6 inputs and 4 outputs
2 The ground connection is sometimes connected to the shield of the RS-485 cable. In most applications, the ground is not
connected

Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
11
5 Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
To connect the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher, for example the
VP-88ETH, do the following
1
(see Figure 6):
1. Connect up to 8 video / RGBHV sources
2
to the BNC INPUT connectors
3
.
2. Connect up to 8 balanced stereo audio sources to the AUDIO INPUT
terminal block connectors.
3. Connect up to 8 video / RGBHV acceptors to the BNC OUT connectors
3
.
4. Connect the corresponding balanced stereo audio acceptors
4
to the
AUDIO OUTPUTS terminal block connectors.
5. Set the dipswitches (see section 5.5).
6. Connect a PC and/or controller (if required) to:
 The RS-232 port and/or
 The RS-485 port and/or
 The ETHERNET connector
7. Connect the power cord
4
.
Note that:
 You can use the VP-88ETH for various video applications (other than
RGBHV) such as Composite video, Y/C, YUV (Component video) and
even SD – SDI signals (Serial Digital Video)
 You can use the VP-88ETH for parallel applications. For example, you
can use it simultaneously as a composite video, 8x8 matrix and a
Component (YUV) Matrix
 When using the VP-88ETH in mixed applications (such as Y/C and YUV
simultaneously), select the parallel output channels for the same format,
for example, if the Red and Green Channels are used for Y/C (the Red for
“Y” and the Green for “C”) then the output channels should be used
similarly (Red for “Y” and Green for “C”)
5
1 Switch off the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-88ETH. After connecting your VP-88ETH, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 All signal connections using more than one cable to interconnect between the devices, should be of equal length
3
5 BNC connectors (RGBHV) per source/acceptor
4 Not illustrated in Figure 6
5 In a mixed signal application all the input channels are selected simultaneously. For example, if used for Y/C and YUV
parallel switching, then when input number 1 is selected, it selects both input number 1 of the Y/C and input number 1 of the
YUV channel

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
12
RS-232
RGBHV
Display
RGBHV
Projector
RGBHV High Resolution
Graphics Source 6
RGBHV High Resolution
Graphics Source 1
Audio Connections
are not shown
Figure 6: Connecting the VP-88ETH 8x8 RGBHV / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
13
5.1 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
This section illustrates how to wire:
 A balanced input/output connection (see Figure 7)
 An unbalanced audio input (see Figure 8)
 An unbalanced source to the balanced input on the VP-88ETH (see Figure 9)
Figure 7 illustrates how to wire a balanced input/output connection:
+
+
L
R
-
-
G
G
Figure 7: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 8 illustrates how to wire an unbalanced acceptor to the balanced output
of the unit:
+
+
L
R
-
-
G
G
Figure 8: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output
Figure 9 illustrates how to connect an unbalanced source to the balanced input
on the VP-88ETH:
+
+
L
R
-
-
G
G
Figure 9: Connecting an Unbalanced Source to the Balanced Input

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
14
5.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VP-88ETH unit
1
, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VP-88ETH unit to the
Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9-wire
flat cable
2
to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VP-88ETH unit
1
, 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 VP-88ETH unit, as Figure 10 illustrates
2
(depending on
whether the PC has a 9-pin or 25-pin connector)
Figure 10: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter
1 When connecting a single VP-88ETH unit via RS-232, set the SELF ADDRESS # dipswitches to SELF ADDRESS # 1,
according to Table 8
2 Up to 50 feet of cabling may be used for the RS-232 connection

Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
15
5.3 Controlling via RS-485
You can control a VP-88ETH unit via an RS-485 controller
1
, for example, a
PC (equipped with an RS-485 interface) or a Master Programmable Remote
Control system, such as the Kramer RC-3000
2
.
To connect an RC-3000 to a single VP-88ETH unit (see Figure 11):
1. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the RC-3000 to the RS-485
port on the VP-88ETH unit, as follows:
 Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
RC-3000 to the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-88ETH unit
 Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
RC-3000 to the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-88ETH unit
 If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units (for example, on the
RC-3000)
2. Set the SELF ADDRESS # dipswitches on the VP-88ETH unit to a
SELF ADDRESS # between 2 and 8, according to section 5.5.1. Do not
set as SELF ADDRESS # 1 (the Master). Terminate the RS-485 line on
both the VP-88ETH unit (set DIP 4 to ON) and on the RC-3000
3
.
KEYBOARD EXTENSION REMOTE CONTACT
RS-485 RS-232 IN RS-232 OUT 12 VDC 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 G4 6 8 103 5 7 9 11 12 14 1 6
OU T
13 15
IN
     
RS-485 PINOUT
G
B
A
_
+
Figure 11: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000)
1 RS-485 can be used for control even for distances exceeding 1km
2 Previously known as the VS-3000
3 Refer to the RC-3000 user manual for details of how to terminate the RS-485 line

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
16
5.4 Setting the ETHERNET Port and Utilities
To control your VP-88ETH via the ETHERNET, do the following:
1. Connect the Ethernet port of the VP-88ETH to the LAN port of your PC
(see section 5.4.1).
2. Install and configure your ETHERNET Port (see sections 5.4.2 through 
5.4.4).
3. Install the COM Port Redirector to control the VP-88ETH (see
section 5.4.5).
5.4.1 Connecting the VP-88ETH Ethernet Port
You can connect the ETHERNET port either via a crossover cable (see
section 5.4.1.1) or a straight through cable (see section 5.4.1.2).
5.4.1.1 Connecting via a Crossover Cable
Connect the ETHERNET port of the VP-88ETH to the LAN port on your PC,
via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors, as Table 3 defines.
Table 3: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT
Side 1 Side 2
PIN Wire Color PIN Wire Color
1 White-orange
1 White-green
2 Orange 2 Green
3 White-green 3 White-orange
4 Blue 4 Blue
5 White-blue 5 White-blue
6 Green 6 Orange
7 White-brown 7 White-brown
8 Brown 8 Brown
This type of connection is recommended for identification of the factory
default IP Address of the VP-88ETH during the initial configuration
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.

Connecting the RGBH / Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
17
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button
(see Figure 12).
Figure 12: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 13.
7. Click OK.
Figure 13: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window