Kramer VS-5x5 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-5x5
5x5 Video Audio Matrix
Switcher
P/N: 2900-055001 Rev 6

VS-5x5 – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2Firmware Upgrade 2
3Overview 3
3.1Defining the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 3
4Installing in a Rack 6
5Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 7
5.1Connecting the VS-5x5 Rear Panel 7
5.2Connecting to the VS-5x5 via RS-232 8
5.3Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 9
5.4Connecting a Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 10
5.5Setting the DIP-Switches 10
6Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485 12
7Operating the VS-5x5 14
7.1Displaying Unit Characteristics 14
7.2Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 15
7.3Switching OUT-IN Combinations 15
7.4Confirming Settings 16
7.5Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 17
7.6Locking the Front Panel 19
7.7Adjusting the Audio Gain Control 19
8Technical Specifications 20
9Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 21
10Tables of Hex Codes for Audio Input/Output Gain Control 22
10.1Tables of Hex Codes for Audio Input GainControl 22
10.2Tables of Hex Codes for Audio Output Gain Control 24
11Kramer Protocol 2000 26
Figures
Figure 1: VS-5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher - Front Panel 4
Figure 2: VS-5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher - Rear Panel 5
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 8
Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 9
Figure 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 9
Figure 6: Balanced Stereo Audio Connection 10
Figure 7: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input Connection 10
Figure 8: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output Connection 10
Figure 9: DIP-switch Settings 10
Figure 10: Cascade Configuration for RS-232/RS-485 Control 13
Figure 11: VS-5x5 Unit Characteristics 14
Figure 12: Storing and Recalling using the Input / Output Buttons 17

VS-5x5 - 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 that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix
Switchers; 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 VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix
Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Professional display systems requiring true 5x5 matrix operation
•Multimedia and presentation source and acceptor selection, and remote
monitoring of computer activity in schools and businesses

2VS-5x5 - 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)
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely
influence signal quality
•Position your Kramer VS-5x5 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
2.2 Firmware Upgrade
For instructions on upgrading the firmware, see the document: Upgrading the
VS-5x5 Firmware.
The latest version of firmware and installation instructions can be downloaded
from the Kramer Web site at www.kramerelectronics.com.
i

VS-5x5 - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VS-5x5 is a true 5x5 matrix switcher for composite video signals and
balanced stereo audio signals. The VS-5x5 lets you simultaneously route any or
all of the 5 inputs to any or all of the 5 outputs.
The VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher includes:
•Video bandwidth of 70MHz that ensures transparent performance
•Easy-to-connect detachable terminal block connectors for the audio signals
•Glitch-free transitions, which are produced when sources share a common
reference sync, as switching occurs during the vertical interval. Any input or
special external sync input may be selected as the vertical interval source
•DC coupled inputs and outputs
•Audio-follow-video and breakaway options
•The storing and recalling of setups
•A “Take” button for precise switch control
•A “Lock” button to prevent tampering with the front panel
•Gain control for all inputs and all outputs
Control the VS-5x5 via:
•The front panel buttons, infrared remote control transmitter, and remotely by
RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system,
PC, RC-IR3 or other serial controller
The VS-5x5 is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears”
included and is fed from a 100-240V AC universal switching power supply.
3.1 Defining the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher
This section defines the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher:

Figure 1: VS-5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher - Front Panel
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The yellow 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 OUT Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
4 IN Buttons Select the input to switch to the output
5 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
6 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs
7 7-segment display Displays the selected audio or video input switched to the output (marked above each input). When audio breakaway mode
is selected the Audio button illuminates. When the video breakaway mode is selected the Video button illuminates.
Also displays the number of IN and OUT ports, the firmware version number, and the MACHINE #. Refer to Section 7.1
8 VIDEO Button When pressed actions relate to video. When the video breakaway mode is selected the VIDEO button illuminates
9 AFV Button When pressed actions relate to video and audio channels. Audio channels follow the video channels. When the AFV mode
is selected the AFV button illuminates
10 AUDIO Button When pressed actions relate to audio. When the audio breakaway mode is selected the AUDIO button illuminates
11 STO (STORE) Button Pressing STO followed by an output button stores the current setting
For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
12 RCL (RECALL) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a setup from the non-volatile memory. The stored
status flashes. Pressing a different OUTPUT button lets you view another setup. After making your choice, pressing the
RCL button again implements the new status
Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
13 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode and the AT ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is
unnecessary). When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
14 LOCK Button Disengages the front panel switches
4VS-5x5 – Overview

VS-5x5 – Overview 5
Figure 2: VS-5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher - Rear Panel
# Feature Function
15 LOOP BNC Connector For looping the video inputs
16 SYNC BNC Connector Connects to the external SYNC source
17 Composite BNC OUT Connectors Connects to the composite video acceptors (from 1 to 5)
18 Composite BNC IN Connectors Connects to the composite video sources (from 1 to 5)
19 INPUT Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio sources (from 1 to 5)
20 REMOTE IR Socket
Covered by a cap. The 3.5mm mini
connector at the end of the internal IR
connection cable fits through this opening
Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via an IR remote
controller instead of using the front panel IR receiver
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)
21 OUTPUT Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio acceptors (from 1 to 5)
22 RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
23 RESET Button Press to reset the unit to its original factory settings, or after firmware upgrade
24 FLASH PROG Button Using a screwdriver if required, push in for “Program” to upgrade to the latest Kramer
firmware or release for Normal (the factory default)
25 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pin G is for ground connection; pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485
26 DIP-switches DIP-switches for setup of the unit (1, 2, 3 and 4 are for setting the Machine #; 5 is for the
Vertical Interval Source; 8 is for RS-485 termination)
27 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

6 VS-5x5 - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack

VS-5x5 - Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 7
5 Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio
Matrix Switcher
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-5x5. After connecting your VS-5x5, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
This section describes how to connect the VS-5x5. In particular, how to:
•Connect the VS-5x5 rear panel (see Section 5.1)
•Control via RS-232, for example, using a PC (see Section 5.2)
•Control via RS-485 (see Section 5.3)
•Connect the audio inputs/outputs (see Section 5.4)
•Set the DIP-switches (see Section 5.5)
5.1 Connecting the VS-5x5 Rear Panel
To connect the VS-5x5, do the following:
Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-5x5. After connecting your VS-5x5,
switch on its power and then switch on the power on each device. DO NOT push in the rear panel Flash
Program “Program” button and DO NOT push in the underside Flash Program “Reset” button. These are only
used for upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware.
1. Connect up to 5 composite video sources (for example, composite video
recorders) to the 5 BNC input connectors, and connect up to 5 balanced
stereo audio sources to the “AUDIO INPUTS” terminal block connectors.
See Section 5.4 for a description of how to connect a balanced/unbalanced stereo audio input/output
2. Connect the 5 composite video output connectors to up to 5 composite video
acceptors and connect the corresponding “AUDIO OUTPUTS” terminal
block connectors to the balanced stereo audio acceptors.
When less than five outputs are required, connect only those outputs that are required, and leave the
other outputs unconnected
3. Set the DIP-switches (see Section 5.5).
4. 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).
i

8 VS-5x5 - Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher
5. Connect the power cord.
We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher
5.2 Connecting to the VS-5x5 via RS-232
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 4)—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.

VS-5x5 - Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 9
Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection
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 5)—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 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter
5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port
You can operate the VS-5x5 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 VS-5x5:
•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 VS-5x5
•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 VS-5x5
•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 VS-5x5
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
PC
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter

10 VS-5x5 - Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher
5.4 Connecting a Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio
Input/Output
This section illustrates how to wire:
•A balanced stereo audio connection, see Figure 6
•An unbalanced stereo audio input connection, see Figure 7
•An unbalanced stereo audio output connection, see Figure 8
Figure 6: Balanced Stereo
Audio Connection Figure 7: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input
Connection
Figure 8: Unbalanced
Stereo Audio Output
Connection
5.5 Setting the DIP-Switches
Figure 9 describes the factory default DIP-switches.
Figure 9: DIP-switch Settings
DIP# Function Description
1, 2, 3, 4 Machine # Determines the position of a unit in the sequence (see
Section 5.5.1)
5 Vertical
Interval
Source
ON for Input # 1 (or programmable) Vertical Interval Source;
OFF for External Vertical Interval Source (default)
See Section 11, instruction # 7
6 Reserved OFF
7 Reserved OFF
8 RS-485
Termination ON for RS-485 line termination with 120Ω;
OFF for no RS-485 line termination
MACH # RS-485 TERM
VERTICAL INTERVAL SOURCE
ON
18 74 635 2

VS-5x5 - Connecting the VS-5x5 5x5 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 11
5.5.1 Setting the MACHINE #
The MACHINE # determines the position of a VS-5x5 unit, specifying which
VS-5x5 unit is being controlled when several VS-5x5 units connect to a PC or
serial controller. Set the MACHINE # on a VS-5x5 unit via DIPS 1, 2, 3 and 4,
according to the following table.
When using a stand-alone VS-5x5 unit, set the MACHINE # to 1. When
connecting more than one VS-5x5 unit, set the first machine (the Master) that is
closest to the PC, as MACHINE # 1 (all DIP-switches OFF).
MACHINE # DIP-SWITCH
1 2 3 4
1 (Master) OFF OFF OFF OFF
2 ON OFF OFF OFF
3 OFF ON OFF OFF
4 ON ON OFF OFF
5 OFF OFF ON OFF
6 ON OFF ON OFF
7 OFF ON ON OFF
8 ON ON ON OFF

12 VS-5x5 - Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485
6 Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485
You can cascade up to 8 VS-5x5 units with control from a PC or serial controller.
To cascade up to 8 individual VS-5x5 units, via RS-232 and RS-485, do the
following:
1. Connect the composite video sources and acceptors, as well as the
appropriate stereo audio sources and acceptors, as Section 5.4 describes.
2. Connect the RS-232 port on the first VS-5x5 unit to the PC using the
null-modem adapter provided with the machine (recommended), as
described in Section 5.2.
Alternatively, the RS-485 port could be used for PC control (instead of RS-232)
3. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the first VS-5x5 unit to the
RS-485 port on the second VS-5x5 unit and so on, connecting all the
RS-485 ports as described in Section 5.3.
4. Set the DIP-switches, as described in Section 5.5. In particular:
Set the first VS-5x5 unit as MACHINE # 1 and the following 7 VS-5x5
units as MACHINE # 2 to MACHINE # 8
Set DIP 8 ON at the first and last VS-5x5 units (terminating the RS-485
line at 120Ω). Set DIP 8 OFF at the other VS-5x5 units
Set DIP 5 to OFF for an external vertical interval source (factory
default) or ON for an input #1 (or programmable – see Section 11
instruction # 7) vertical interval source
Set DIP 6 and DIP 7 OFF on all VS-5x5 units

VS-5x5 - Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485 13
Figure 10: Cascade Configuration for RS-232/RS-485 Control

14 VS-5x5 - Operating the VS-5x5
7 Operating the VS-5x5
You can operate your VS-5x5 via:
•The front panel buttons
•RS-232/RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system,
PC, or other serial controller
•RC-IR3 infrared remote control transmitter
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics
The VS-5x5 unit characteristics are displayed in the following circumstances:
•Immediately (and automatically) after switching on the power; and
•When simultaneously pressing the 3 “IN” buttons 1, 2 and 3, for 3 seconds
The following information is displayed in the 7-segment display:
•The number of IN and OUT ports (shown during the “First Display”). The
“First Display” appears initially, followed a few seconds later by the “Second
Display”
•The firmware version number and the MACHINE # (shown during the
“Second Display”)
Figure 11: VS-5x5 Unit Characteristics

VS-5x5 - Operating the VS-5x5 15
7.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option
You can switch stereo audio signals in one of two ways, either:
•Audio-follow-video (AFV), where all operations and status indicators relate to
both the video and the audio channels or
Audio and video connections are the same
•Breakaway, where video and audio channels switch independently
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 follows the video.
If the audio configuration differs from the video configuration, the audio
input(s), to be changed, flash in the 7-segment display and the AUDIO
and TAKE buttons also flash.
Warning that changes are about to occur in the audio section
2. 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, press either the AUDIO (for audio control only) or the
VIDEO (for video control only) button.
•If the AUDIO button illuminates, all switching operations, and the
7-segment display, relate to the audio section
•If the VIDEO button illuminates, all switching operations, and the
7-segment display, 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 (1, 2, 3, 4 or ALL).
The 7-segment display flashes.

16 VS-5x5 - Operating the VS-5x5
2. Press an IN button (1, 2, 3, 4 or OFF).
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.
7.4 Confirming Settings
Choose to work in the AT ONCE or the CONFIRM mode. When the VS-5x5
operates in the AT ONCE mode (TAKE button is not lit), pressing an OUT-IN
combination implements the switch immediately. In the CONFIRM mode (TAKE
button is lit), the TAKE button must be pressed to authorize the switch.
In the AT ONCE mode, execution is immediate and actions require no user
confirmation. However, no protection is offered against changing an action in
error.
In the CONFIRM mode:
•You can key-in several actions and then confirm them by pressing the TAKE
button, to simultaneously activate the multiple switches
•Every action requires user confirmation, protecting against erroneous
switching
•Execution is delayed until the user confirms the action. Failure to press the
TAKE button within one minute (the Timeout) returns abort the action
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 dim TAKE button to toggle from the AT ONCE mode (in which the
TAKE button is dim) to the CONFIRM mode (in which the TAKE button
illuminates).
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.

VS-5x5 - Operating the VS-5x5 17
Actions no longer require user confirmation and the TAKE button no longer
illuminates.
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 7-segment display flashes. The TAKE button also
flashes.
2. Press the flashing TAKE button to confirm the action.
The corresponding 7-segment display no longer flashes. The TAKE button
illuminates.
3. To confirm several actions (in CONFIRM mode), do the following:
Press each OUT-IN combination in sequence.
The corresponding 7-segment display flashes. The TAKE button also
flashes.
4. Press the flashing TAKE button to confirm all the actions.
The corresponding 7-segment display no longer flashes. The TAKE button
illuminates.
7.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations
You can store and recall up to 10 input/output configurations using the 5 input
buttons and the 5 output buttons, as Figure 12 illustrates:
The 10 input/output configurations (or setups) also include the relevant audio-follow-video / breakaway option
definition
Figure 12: Storing and Recalling using the Input / Output Buttons
The gray numbers (1 to 10) in Figure 12 that illustrate the corresponding store/recall configuration numbers,
are for the purpose of illustration only and do not appear on the buttons