Kramer VS-808YC User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VS-808YC
8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher 3
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter 7
5 Installing the VS-808YC on a Rack 8
6 Connecting the VS-808YC 9
6.1 Connecting the VS-808YC Rear Panel 9
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 11
6.3 Controlling via RS-485 12
6.4 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 13
6.5 Setting the DIP-switches 14
6.5.1 Setting the MACHINE # 14
7 Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485 15
8 Operating the VS-808YC 17
8.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 17
8.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 18
8.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 18
8.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 18
8.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 18
8.4 Confirming Settings 19
8.4.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 19
8.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 19
8.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 20
8.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 20
8.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 21
8.5.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 21
8.6 Locking the Front Panel 21
8.7 Resetting the VS-808YC 22
8.7.1 Resetting to the Current Status 22
8.7.2 Resetting to the Factory Default State 22
9 Flash Memory Upgrade 23
9.1 Downloading from the Internet 23
9.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 23
10 Upgrading Firmware 24
11 Technical Specifications 28
12 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 29
13 Kramer Protocol 2000 30

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher 4
Figure 2: VS-808YC Underside Flash Program Button 6
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 4: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 11
Figure 5: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 12
Figure 6: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 13
Figure 7: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input 13
Figure 8: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 13
Figure 9: DIP-switch Settings 14
Figure 10: Cascading Individual Units in a Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 16
Figure 11: VS-808YC Unit Characteristics 17
Figure 12: Storing and Recalling using the Input / Output Buttons 20
Figure 13: Splash Screen 24
Figure 14: Atmel – Flip Window 24
Figure 15: Device Selection Window 25
Figure 16: Device Selection Window 25
Figure 17: Loading the Hex 26
Figure 18: RS-232 Window 26
Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 27
Figure 20: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 27
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher Features 5
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 3: VS-808YC Underside Flash Program Button 6
Table 4: DIP-switch Settings 14
Table 5: Machine # DIP-switch Settings 14
Table 6: Technical specifications of the VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher 28
Table 7: VS-808YC Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 29
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 30
Table 9: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 31

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.
Congratulations on purchasing your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix
Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Professional display systems requiring true 8x8 matrix operation
Multimedia and presentation source and acceptor selection, and remote
monitoring of computer activity in schools and businesses
The package includes the following items:
VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher
Power cord and null-modem adapter
Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
Infrared remote control transmitter (including the required battery and a
separate user manual
3
)
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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
1 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; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
2 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet 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

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VS-808YC is a true 8x8 matrix switcher for s-Video signals and balanced
stereo audio signals. The high quality VS-808YC lets you simultaneously
route any or all of the 8 inputs to any or all of the 8 outputs.
The VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher features:
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
1
DC coupled inputs and outputs
Both audio-follow-video and breakaway options
The storing and recalling of 16 setups
A TAKE button for precise switch control
A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
Control the VS-808YC using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
RS-232 or RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system,
PC, or other serial controller
The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter or infrared remote extension
cable transmitter (optional), see section 4.1
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 VS-808YC
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2 define the VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio
Matrix Switcher:
1 As it switches during the vertical interval

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher
4
Figure 1: VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher

Your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher
5
Table 1: Front Panel VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The 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 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an
OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs
4 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
1
5 OUTPUT Buttons
Select the output to which the input is switched
6
SELECTOR
INPUT Buttons Select the input to switch to the output
7 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
2
and the
AT ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary). When in
TAKE mode, pressing TAKE implements the action
8 VIDEO Button When pressed
3
actions relate to video, and display shows video status
9 AUDIO Button When pressed
4
actions relate to audio, and display shows audio status
10 AFV Button When pressed
5
actions relate to video and audio channels. Audio channels
follow the video channels
11 STATUS 7-segment
Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each input)
6
12 STO (STORE) Button
Pressing STO followed by an output button stores the current setting
7
13 RCL (RECALL)
Button
Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a
setup from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a
different OUTPUT button lets you view
8
another setup. After making your
choice, pressing the RCL button again implements the new status
14 LOCK Button Engages/disengages the front panel switches. Button is illuminated when
front panel is locked
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
3 The VIDEO button is illuminated when the video breakaway mode is selected
4 The AUDIO button is illuminated when the audio breakaway mode is selected
5 The AFV button is illuminated when the AFV mode is selected
6 Also displays the firmware version number and the MACHINE #. Refer to section 8.1
7 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
8 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher
6
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
15 AUDIO INPUTS Terminal Block
Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio sources (from 1 to 8)
16 VIDEO INPUTS 4-pin
Connectors Connects to the s-Video sources (from 1 to 8)
17 VIDEO OUTPUTS 4-pin
Connectors Connects to the s-Video acceptors (from 1 to 8)
18 DIP-switches DIP-switches for setup of the unit (1, 2, 3 and 4 are for setting the
Machine #; 8 is for RS 485 Termination)
19 AUDIO OUTPUTS Terminal
Block Connectors Connect to the balanced stereo audio acceptors (from 1 to 8)
20 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
21 REMOTE IR Opening
1
Connects to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via
an IR remote controller instead of using the front panel IR receiver
2
22 FLASH PROG Button Push in
3
for “Program” to upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware
(see section 9), or release for Normal (the factory default)
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 and Table 3 define the Flash button on the underside of the VS-808YC:
Figure 2: VS-808YC Underside Flash Program Button
Table 3: VS-808YC Underside Flash Program Button
# Feature Function
1 Flash Program
Reset Button Push in
4
for “Reset” (see section 9), or release for Normal (the factory default)
1 Covered by a cap. The 3.5mm connector at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits through this opening
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)
3 Using a thin screwdriver if required
4 Using a screwdriver if required

Your VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher
7
4.1 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
1
. The
external IR receiver can be located 15 meters away from the machine. This distance
can be extended to up to 60 meters when used with three extension cables
2
.
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer
dealer to insert the internal IR connection cable
3
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.
1 Model: C-A35M/IRR-50
2 Model: C-A35M/A35F-50
3 P/N: 505-70434010-S

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-808YC on a Rack
8
5 Installing the VS-808YC on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing in a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5°to +45°C (41°to 113°F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20°to +70°C (-4°to 158°F)
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 situations where
electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord
is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for
example, when using an extension cable or a power
strip, and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.
To rack-mount a 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)

Connecting the VS-808YC
9
6 Connecting the VS-808YC
This section describes how to connect the VS-808YC. In particular, how to:
Connect the VS-808YC rear panel (see section 6.1)
Control via RS-232, for example, using a PC (see section 6.2)
Control via RS-485 (see section 6.3)
Connect the audio inputs/outputs (see section 6.4)
Set the DIP-switches (see section 6.5)
6.1 Connecting the VS-808YC Rear Panel
To connect the VS-808YC, as the example in Figure 3 illustrates, do the
following
1
:
1. Connect up to 8 s-Video sources
2
to the 8 VIDEO (Y/C) 4-pin input
connectors, and connect
3
up to 8 balanced stereo audio sources
2
to the 8
“AUDIO INPUTS” terminal block connectors.
2. Connect
4
the 8 VIDEO (Y/C) 4-pin output connectors to up to 8 s-Video
acceptors (for example, s-Video recorders) and connect up to 8 “AUDIO
OUTPUTS” terminal block connectors to the balanced stereo audio
acceptors (for example, power amplifiers and speakers).
3. Set the DIP-switches (see section 6.5).
4. If required, Connect a PC to the RS-232 port (see section 6.2).
5. Connect the power cord
5
.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-808YC. After connecting your VS-808YC, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device. DO NOT push in the rear panel Flash Program “Program” button
(item 9 in Table 2) and DO NOT push in the underside Flash Program “Reset” button. These are only used for upgrade to the
latest Kramer firmware (see section 9)
2 For example, s-Video players
3 See section 6.4 for a description of how to connect a balanced/unbalanced stereo audio input/output
4 When less than 8 outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VS-808YC that are required, and leave the other
outputs unconnected
5 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-808YC
10
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-808YC 8x8 s-Video / Audio Matrix Switcher

Connecting the VS-808YC
11
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VS-808YC unit, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the Master VS-808YC
unit to the Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with
a 9-wire flat cable to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VS-808YC unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC to the RS-232 9-pin
D-sub rear panel port on the Master VS-808YC unit, as Figure 4
illustrates



9-pin D-sub
(From PC)
9-pin D-sub
(Male)
If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 4 is connected to PIN 6
PINs 8, 7, 1 are connected together



PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Figure 4: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-808YC
12
6.3 Controlling via RS-485
You can control a VS-808YC unit via an RS-485 controller, for example, a
PC (equipped with an RS-485 interface) or a Master Programmable Remote
Control system such as the Kramer RC-3000.
To connect an RC-3000 to a VS-808YC unit (see Figure 5):
1. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the RC-3000 to the RS-485
port on the VS-808YC 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 VS-808YC 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 VS-808YC 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 VS-808YC unit as MACHINE # 2, according to Table 5 (that is,
DIP 1, DIP 2, and DIP 3 OFF, and DIP 4 ON), and set the other
DIP-switches on the VS-808YC unit, as follows:
Set DIP 5, DIP 6, and DIP 7 OFF
Set Dip 8 ON (for RS-485 Line Termination with 120)
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 16
OUT
13 15
IN
RS-485 PINOUT
B
A
_
+
Figure 5: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000)

Connecting the VS-808YC
13
6.4 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 6 illustrates how to wire a balanced input/output connection:
Figure 6: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 7 illustrates how to wire an unbalanced input:
Figure 7: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input
Figure 8 illustrates how to wire an unbalanced acceptor to the balanced output
of the unit:
Figure 8: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-808YC
14
6.5 Setting the DIP-switches
Figure 9 illustrates the factory default DIP-switches:
Figure 9: DIP-switch Settings
Table 4: DIP-switch Settings
Function DIPS Description
Machine # 1, 2, 3, 4 Determines the position of a unit in the sequence (see section 6.5.1)
Reserved 5 OFF
Reserved 6 OFF
Reserved 7 OFF
RS-485 Termination 8 ON for RS-485 Line Termination with 120;
OFF for no RS-485 Line Termination
6.5.1 Setting the MACHINE #
The MACHINE # determines the position of a VS-808YC unit, specifying
which VS-808YC unit is being controlled when several VS-808YC units
connect to a PC or serial controller. Set the MACHINE # on a VS-808YC unit
via DIPS 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to Table 5.
When using a stand-alone VS-808YC unit, set the MACHINE # to 1. When
connecting more than one VS-808YC unit, set the first machine (the Master)
that is closest to the PC, as MACHINE # 1
1
.
Table 5: Machine # DIP-switch Settings
DIP-Switch DIP-Switch
MACHINE #
1 2 3 4
MACHINE #
1 2 3 4
1
Master
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
9 ON OFF
OFF
OFF
2 OFF
OFF
OFF
ON 10 ON OFF
OFF
ON
3 OFF
OFF
ON OFF
11 ON OFF
ON OFF
4 OFF
OFF
ON ON 12 ON OFF
ON ON
5 OFF
ON OFF
OFF
13 ON ON OFF
OFF
6 OFF
ON OFF
ON 14 ON ON OFF
ON
7 OFF
ON ON OFF
15 ON ON ON OFF
8 OFF
ON ON ON 16 ON ON ON ON
1 Set the DIP-switches to OFF

Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485
15
7 Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485
You can cascade up to 16 VS-808YC units with control from a PC or serial
controller.
To cascade up to 16 individual VS-808YC units, via RS-232 and RS-485, do
the following:
1. Connect the s-Video sources and acceptors, as well as the appropriate
stereo audio sources and acceptors, as section 6.1 describes.
2. Connect the RS-232 port on the first VS-808YC unit to the PC using the
Null-modem adapter provided with the machine (recommended), as
section 6.2 describes.
3. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the first VS-808YC unit to the
RS-485 port on the second VS-808YC unit and so on, connecting all the
RS-485 ports.
4. Set the DIP-switches, as section 6.5 describes. In particular:
Set the first VS-808YC unit as MACHINE # 1 and the following 15
VS-808YC units as MACHINE # 2 to MACHINE # 16, according to
Table 5.
Set DIP 8 ON on the first and last VS-808YC units (terminating the
RS-485 line at 120). Set DIP 8 OFF on the other VS-808YC units
Set DIP 5, DIP 6 and DIP 7 OFF on all VS-808YC units

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485
16
ON
1 874 63 52
MACH.
#
RS-485
TERM
ON
1 874 63 52
MACH.
#
RS-485
TERM
Enlarged View
ON
1 874 63 52
MACH.
#RS-485 TERM
Figure 10: Cascading Individual Units in a Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485

Operating the VS-808YC
17
8 Operating the VS-808YC
You can operate your VS-808YC via:
The front panel buttons
RS-232/RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system,
PC, or other serial controller
Infrared remote control transmitter
8.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics
Switching on and/or resetting
1
the VS-808YC unit, momentarily displays the
following characteristics in the front panel 7-segment Display, in three
consecutive cycles, as the example in Figure 11 illustrates:
Figure 11: VS-808YC Unit Characteristics
1 To the Current Status (see section 8.7.1) or to the Factory Default State (see section 8.7.2)