Kramer VS-88HC User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VS-88HC
8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual 4
4 Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 4
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter 9
5 Installing the VS-88HC on a Rack 10
6 Connecting the VS-88HC 11
6.1 Connecting the VS-88HC Rear Panel 11
6.2 Connecting and switching the Audio Signals 13
6.2.1 Digital Audio Input Output Switching 14
6.3 Setting the Dipswitches 15
6.3.1 Setting the Self Address # 15
7 Controlling the VS-88HC 16
7.1 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 16
7.2 Controlling via RS-485 17
7.2.1 Set the Dipswitches 17
7.3 Controlling the VS-88HC via the ETHERNET Port 19
7.3.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 19
7.3.2 Connectingthe ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 20
7.3.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port 20
8 Operating the VS-88HC 21
8.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 21
8.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 22
8.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 22
8.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 22
8.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 22
8.4 Confirming Settings 23
8.4.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 23
8.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 23
8.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 24
8.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 24
8.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 24
8.6 Setting and Adjusting the Audio Delay Time 25
8.7 Locking the Front Panel 26
9 Flash Memory Upgrade 27
9.1 Switcher Flash Memory Upgrade 27
9.1.1 Downloading from the Internet 27

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
9.1.2
Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 27
9.1.3 Upgrading Firmware 28
9.2 Ethernet Flash Memory Upgrade 32
9.2.1 Downloading from the Internet 32
9.2.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 33
9.2.3 Upgrading Firmware 33
10 Technical Specifications 34
11 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 35
11.1 Hex Codes for Switching 35
11.2 Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Delay Time 36
12 Kramer Protocol 2000 38
Figures
Figure 1: VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Front Panel 5
Figure 2: VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: VS-88HC Underside View 9
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 12
Figure 5: Connecting the VS-88HC Digital Audio Signals 14
Figure 6: Dipswitch Settings 15
Figure 7: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 16
Figure 8: Cascading Individual Units in a Control Configuration via RS-485 18
Figure 9: Local Area Connection Properties Window 19
Figure 10: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 20
Figure 11: Storing and Recalling using the Input / Output Buttons 24
Figure 12: Splash Screen 28
Figure 13: Atmel – Flip Window 28
Figure 14: Device Selection Window 29
Figure 15: Device Selection Window 29
Figure 16: Loading the Hex 30
Figure 17: RS-232 Window 30
Figure 18: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 31
Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 31
Figure 20: The KFR-Programmer Window 33

Contents
iii
Tables
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 4
Table 2: Front Panel VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 3: Rear Panel VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features 8
Table 4: VS-88HC 8x8 Underside Features 9
Table 5: Dipswitch Settings 15
Table 6: Self Address # Dipswitch Settings 15
Table 7: 7-segment Display Information 21
Table 8: Maximum Delay Time according to Sampling Rate 25
Table 9: DELAY Button Response 25
Table 10: Technical Specifications of the VS-88HC 34
Table 11: Hex Codes for Switching Video Channels via RS-232/RS-485 35
Table 12: Hex Codes for Switching Audio Channels via RS-232/RS-485 36
Table 13: Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Delay Time 37
Table 14: Hex Codes for Increasing the Audio Delay Time 37
Table 15: Protocol Definitions 38
Table 16: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 39

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
500-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment
Matrix Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Professional audio/video studios
Home cinema DVD applications
The package includes the following items:
VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
Power cord and Null-modem adapter
Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
Windows®-based Ethernet Configuration Manager and Virtual Serial
Port Manager
Infra-red 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: 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 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site: 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 Kramer VS-88HC is a matrix switcher designed for high quality home
entertainment. It is a true 8x8 matrix switcher for HDTV compatible,
component video (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr), digital audio (S/PDIF) and analog
unbalanced stereo audio signals, letting you simultaneously route any of the
eight inputs to any or all of the eight outputs. The component video, S/PDIF
and analog audio signals are on RCA connectors. The S/PDIF
INPUT/OUTPUT 2 is also available on optical (TOSlink) input/output
connectors.
The VS-88HC features:
A resolution of up to 1080p, fully loaded
An audio channel sampling rate of up to 192kHz, including
multi-channel audio (suitable for multi-channel applications,
like AC3)
A built-in digital audio delay line on OUTPUT 2, which corrects
lip sync errors, so that the audio delay will match the video delay
DC coupled video inputs and outputs
Audio-follow-video and breakaway options, as well as input
and output analog audio level control
Storing and recalling of 16 setups
A TAKE button for precise switch control
A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
A 7-segment display showing the status
Control the VS-88HC using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
RS-232 and RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch
screen system, PC, or other serial controller
The Kramer infra-red remote control transmitter
The ETHERNET
An external remote IR Receiver (optional)
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-88HC away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
4
3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual
Table 1 defines some terms that are used in this user manual:
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual
Term Definition
802.3 The standard specification for ETHERNET that is maintained by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Dynamic Host
Configuration
Protocol (DHCP)
Allows the network administrator to distribute IP addresses from a central point and
automatically send a new IP address when an Ethernet point is plugged into a different
network location
Gateway A network position serving as an entry to another network. On the Internet, a node or
stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node.
IP Address 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.
Local Area Network
(LAN) Computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a server within a defined geographic area.
Media Access
Control (MAC)
Address
A computer's unique hardware number (or address) in a LAN or other network. On an
Ethernet LAN, the (MAC) address is identical to the Ethernet address.
Transmission
Control
Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)
The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet that breaks the message
into appropriately sized packets for the network, and can be used as a communications
protocol in an intranet or an extranet.
4 Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
Figure 1 and Table 2 define the VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix
Switcher front panel:

Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
5
Figure 1: VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Front Panel

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
6
Table 2: Front Panel VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infra-red remote
control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OUTPUT
Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 8)
4
SELECTOR
Buttons
1
INPUT Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
5 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the Confirm mode
2
and the At
Once mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary). When the TAKE
button flashes (in the confirm mode), pressing it implements pending actions
6 STATUS 7-segment
Display Displays the selected video INPUT switched to the OUTPUT (marked above each input)
3
7 LOCK Button Disengages/engages the front panel switches
8 DELAY Button Press to toggle the output 2 DELAY feature between:
On – activates the delay
Set – sets the delay time and
Off – turns off the delay (see section 8.6)
9 STO /+ Button Pressing STO, followed by an output button, stores the current setting
4
; when
adjusting the audio delay, press to increase the delay time
10
RCL /- Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a setup
from the non-volatile memory; when adjusting the audio delay, press to
decrease the delay time
11
AFV Button When illuminated
5
, the subsequent actions relate to the video and audio
channels. The audio channels follow the video channels. Press to toggle
12
AUDIO Button When illuminated
6
, the subsequent actions relate to audio. Press to toggle
13
VIDEO Button When illuminated
6
, the subsequent actions relate to video. Press to toggle
14
ANALOG AUDIO
OUTPUT LEVEL
Trimmers
7
Turn to adjust the output signal levels (from 1 to 8)
15
OFF Button An OFF-OUTPUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an
OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs
16
ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
8
Figure 2 and Table 3 define the VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix
Switcher rear panel:
1 The digital audio inputs are switched only to digital audio outputs and the analog audio inputs are switched only to analog
audio outputs
2 When in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button flashes
3 Also displays the audio sample rate, the delay time and so on. Refer to section 8.1
4 For example, press STO and then the OUTPUT button # 3 to store in setup # 3
5 When in AFV mode
6 When in audio breakaway mode, either the AUDIO or the VIDEO button is illuminated and the AFV button is OFF
7 Insert a screwdriver into the hole and carefully rotate it, to trim the level
8 For example, press ALL and then input button # 2 to connect INPUT 2 to all the outputs

Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
7
Figure 2: VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Rear Panel

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
8
Table 3: Rear Panel VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 S/PDIF Connect to the digital audio source (from INPUT 1 to 8)
2 YRCA Connectors
3 U/Cb/Pb RCA
Connectors
4
INPUTS
Component
V/Cr/Pr RCA
Connectors
Connect to the component (Y, U/Cb/Pb, V/Cr/Pr) video source
(from INPUT 1 to INPUT 8)
5 S/PDIF Connect to the digital audio acceptor (from OUTPUT 1 to 8)
6 YRCA Connectors
7 U/Cb/Pb RCA
Connectors
8
OUTPUTS
Component
V/Cr/Pr RCA
Connectors
Connect to the component (Y, U/Cb/Pb, V/Cr/Pr) video acceptor
(from OUTPUT 1 to 8)
9 RS-232 DB 9F Port Connect to the PC or the Remote Controller via a null-modem
connection
10
RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485; Pin G may be connected to the
shield (if required)
11
Setup Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (1, 2 and 3 are for setting the
Self Address #; and 4 is for RS 485 termination)
12 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)
1
13
Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
14
OUT Connect to the digital audio acceptor
15
OPTIONAL OPTICAL
AUDIO ON CHAN. 2
TOSLINK Connector IN Connect to the digital audio source
16
ETH Factory Reset Button Press to reset to factory default definitions
2
:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
17
ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking LAN
18
ETH PROG Button Push in to upgrade ETH firmware (see section 9.2);
release for normal operation
19
FLASH PROG Button Push in
3
for “Program” to upgrade the switcher microcontroller to the
latest Kramer firmware (see section 9.1.2), or release (the factory
default) for normal operation
20 LEFT Connect to the left audio acceptor (from OUTPUT 1 to 8)
21
OUTPUTS
RIGHT Connect to the right audio acceptor (from OUTPUT 1 to 8)
22 LEFT Connect to the left audio source
23
ANALOG
AUDIO
INPUTS
RIGHT Connect to the right audio source
1 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the VS-88HC (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)
2 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
3 Using a screwdriver if required

Your VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
9
The VS-88HC underside is defined in Figure 3 and Table 4:
Figure 3: VS-88HC Underside View
Table 4: VS-88HC 8x8 Underside Features
Feature Function
INPUT AUDIO LEVELS Trimmers
Turn to adjust the RIGHT and/or the LEFT
input signal levels (from 1 to 8)
1
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR2 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in
IR receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR
receiver
2
. 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
3
.
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer
dealer to insert an internal IR connection cable
4
, which is required so that the
REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector can be used. Connect the external IRreceiver
to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.
1 Insert a screwdriver into the hole and carefully rotate it, to trim the level
2 P/N: 95-0104050
3 P/N: 95-0103050
4 P/N: 505-70434010-S

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-88HC on a Rack
10
5 Installing the VS-88HC on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5 to +45 Deg. Centigrade
5 to 65% RHL, non-condensing
-20 to +70 Deg. Centigrade
5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing
Operating humidity range
Storage temperature range
Storage humidity range
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
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.
Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the machine
(5 on each side), and replace those
screws through the ear brackets.
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:
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)




In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around the
machine.
The machine is placed straight in the correct horizontal
position.
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.
The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to supply
connections other than direct connections to the
branch circuit (for example, the use of power strips),
and that you use only the power cord that is supplied
with the machine.

CAUTION!!
Before Installing on a Rack
How to Rack Mount
To rack-mount a machine:
1
1
2
2
3
4
5

Connecting the VS-88HC
11
6 Connecting the VS-88HC
This section describes how to connect the VS-88HC. In particular, how to:
Connect the VS-88HC rear panel (see section 6.1)
Connect the audio signals (see section 6.2)
Set the dipswitches (see section 6.3)
6.1 Connecting the VS-88HC Rear Panel
To connect the VS-88HC, as the example in Figure 4 illustrates, do the
following
1
:
1. Connect up to eight component video sources
2
(for example, eight DVD
players) to the three INPUT RCA connectors Y, U/Cb/Pb and V/Cr/Pr
(from INPUT 1 to INPUT 8) and connect the corresponding digital
audio sources to the S/PDIF
3
RCA connectors
4
(see section 6.2).
2. Connect
5
the eight sets of three OUTPUT RCA connectors Y, U/Cb/Pb
and V/Cr/Pr (from OUTPUT 1 to OUTPUT 8) to up to eight video
acceptors (for example, eight plasma displays), and connect the
corresponding S/PDIF
6
RCA and/or ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUTS
LEFT and RIGHT RCA connectors to the eight digital and/or analog
audio acceptors
7
respectively (see section 6.2)
3. Set the dipswitches (see section 6.3).
4. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
section 7.1) and/or the RS-485 port (see section 7.2) and/or the
ETHERNET port (see section 7.3).
5. Connect the power cord
8
(not shown in Figure 4).
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-88HC. After connecting your VS-88HC, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device. DO NOT push in the rear panel Flash Program “FLASH PROG”
button (see Table 3) and/or the ETH PROG switch. These are only used for upgrading to the latest Kramer firmware (see
section 9)
2 Although in this example eight inputs are connected, you can connect less inputs
3 Or alternatively, a TOSLINK connector on channel 2 (IN)
4 Simultaneously, you can also connect analog audio sources to the ANALOG AUDIO INPUTS LEFT and RIGHT RCA
connectors. The analog sources switch only to the analog outputs and the digital inputs switch only to the digital outputs
(including the optical input and output)
5 When less than eight outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VS-88HC that are required, and leave the other
outputs unconnected
6 And/or a TOSLINK connector on channel 2 (OUT)
7 For example, an AV receiver or the audio connector of the plasma display
8 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-88HC
12
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Connecting the VS-88HC
13
6.2 Connecting and switching the Audio Signals
The digital audio inputs and outputs (including the optical input and output)
and the analog audio inputs and outputs switch separately. There is no
conversion between the analog and the digital formats.
In other words, you can only switch a digital audio input to the digital audio
outputs, and similarly, you can only switch an analog audio input to the analog
audio outputs (but when switching audio signals
1
, the analog and digital signals
switch simultaneously). For example, when switching INPUT 1 to OUTPUT 7,
the analog INPUT 1 is switched to the analog OUTPUT 7 and simultaneously,
the digital INPUT 1 is switched to the digital OUTPUT 7.
The VS-88HC 8x8 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher inputs and outputs
audio signals in the following formats:
Eight ANALOG AUDIO LEFT and RIGHT inputs that can be outputted
to eight ANALOG AUDIO LEFT and RIGHT outputs on RCA
connectors (from INPUT 1 to INPUT 8 and from OUTPUT 1 to
OUTPUT 8, respectively)
Eight S/PDIF inputs that can be outputted to eight S/PDIF outputs on
RCA connectors (from INPUT 1 to INPUT 8, and from OUTPUT 1 to
OUTPUT 8, respectively)
One TOSLINK input and one TOSLINK output for INPUT 2 and
OUTPUT 2 (digital audio only)
1 In the AFV and AUDIO modes (see section 8.2)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-88HC
14
6.2.1 Digital Audio Input Output Switching
In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the S/PDIF INPUT 1 source is
switched to the S/PDIF OUTPUT 2
1
, the S/PDIF INPUT 7 is switched to
OUTPUT 8, and INPUT 8 is not connected.
OUTPUT
2
OUTPUT 7
OUTPUT 8
OUTPUT 1

S/PDIF
S/PDIF
S/PDIF
TOSLINK
TOSLINK
S/PDIF
S/PDIF
INPUT 2
INPUT 7
INPUT 8
INPUT 1
The button is
not illuminated
The button is
illuminated
INPUT 2
S/PDIF
S/PDIF
Figure 5: Connecting the VS-88HC Digital Audio Signals
The INPUT 2 digital audio signal (switched to OUTPUT 7) can be routed
either via the INPUT 2 S/PDIF connector or the IN OPTICAL AUDIO
connector, depending on the setup of the INPUT 2 button. To select the:
S/PDIF connector, press the button gently and make sure it does not
illuminate
TOSlink connector, press the INPUT 2 button for over 2 seconds; the
button illuminates and the signal is routed via the TOSlink connector
1 The digital audio signal on channel 2 is outputted simultaneously to the S/PDIF and the TOSLINK OUTPUT 2 connectors

Connecting the VS-88HC
15
6.3 Setting the Dipswitches
Figure 6 and Table 5 define the factory default dipswitches:
OFF
ON
1 2 3 4
Figure 6: Dipswitch Settings
Table 5: Dipswitch Settings
DIPS Function Description
1, 2, 3 Self Address Set the MACHINE # (see section 6.3.1)
4 RS-485 Term ON for RS-485 Line Termination with 120
OFF for no RS-485 Line Termination
6.3.1 Setting the Self Address #
To control a unit via RS-232 or RS-485, each unit has to be identified via its
unique Self Address #. Set the Self Address #
1
on a VS-88HC unit via
dipswitches 1, 2 and 3, according to Table 6.
Table 6: Self Address # Dipswitch Settings
DIPSWITCH
Self
Address #
1 2 3
1 OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF OFF ON
3 OFF ON OFF
4 OFF ON ON
5 ON OFF OFF
6 ON OFF ON
7 ON ON OFF
8 ON ON ON
When connecting more than one VS-88HC unit, set a different self address #
on each unit. You do not have to number the units in the sequence order in
which they connect to the PC, but it is essential that each unit is assigned a
unique machine number.
1 When using a single unit, set the unit to Self Address # 1

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Controlling the VS-88HC
16
7 Controlling the VS-88HC
You can control the VS-88HC via:
RS-232 (see section 7.1)
RS-485 (see section 7.2)
The Ethernet (see section 7.3)
The IR remote control transmitter
1
7.1 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC
2
to the VS-88HC unit, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the Master VS-88HC unit to
the Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a
9-wire flat cable to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VS-88HC unit, 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 Master VS-88HC unit, as Figure 7 illustrates
Female DB9 (From PC)
PIN 4 Connected to PIN 6
PINS 8, 7, 1 Connected together
If a Shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Male DB9
Figure 7: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter
1 Refer to the separate user manual. Download it from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
2 Or a master program remote control system such as the Kramer RC-3000