Kramer FC-21ETH User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODELS:
FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH
Ethernet Controller
P/N: 2900-300221 Rev 4

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 2
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
4Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers 6
4.1 Defining the FC-21ETH Ethernet Controller 6
4.2 Defining the FC-22ETH Ethernet Controller 8
4.3 Defining the FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller 10
5Initial Configuration and Use Overview 12
5.1 Configuring the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH 13
5.2 Configuring a Virtual Port on the PC 14
5.3 Configuring an Ethernet Connection on the PC 14
6Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH 15
6.1 Connecting via Ethernet 17
6.2 Connecting to the Ethernet Controller via RS-232 21
6.3 Connecting to a Controlled Device via the RS-485 Port 21
7Remote Operation via the Web Pages 23
7.1 Browsing the FC-24ETH Web Pages 23
7.2 Connected Clients Page 25
7.3 Device Settings Page 26
7.4 Communication Page 27
7.5 Serial Port Settings Page 28
7.6 Security Page 29
7.7 Logs Page 31
7.8 About Us Page 32
8Configuring and Maintaining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH 33
8.1 Selecting the RS-232 or RS-485 Serial Port 33
8.2 Terminating the RS-485 Bus 33
8.3 Activating DHCP 34
8.4 Resetting to the Factory Default Settings 34
8.5 Upgrading the Firmware 34
9Technical Specifications 35
9.1 Data Handling Performance 36
9.2 Example Bandwidth Calculation 36
10 Default Communication Parameters 37
11 Kramer Protocol 3000 38
11.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 – Syntax 38
11.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 – Command List 41
11.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 – Detailed Commands 42
11.4 Parameters 54

ii
Contents
Figures
Figure 1: FC-21ETH Ethernet Controller Front Panel 6
Figure 2: FC-21ETH Ethernet Controller Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: FC-22ETH Ethernet Controller Front Panel 8
Figure 4: FC-22ETH Ethernet Controller Rear Panel 9
Figure 5: FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller Front Panel 10
Figure 6: FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller Rear Panel 11
Figure 7: Connecting the FC-24ETH for Initial Configuration 12
Figure 8: Configuring a Remote Connection 14
Figure 9: Connecting the FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller 16
Figure 10: Local Area Connection Properties Window 18
Figure 11: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 19
Figure 12: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 19
Figure 13: Internet Protocol Properties Window 20
Figure 14: General Info Page 24
Figure 15: Connected Clients Page 25
Figure 16: Device Settings Page 26
Figure 17: Communication Page 27
Figure 18: Serial Port Settings Page 28
Figure 19: Security Page 29
Figure 20: Security Confirmation Popup 29
Figure 21: Authentication Required Popup 30
Figure 22: Security Activated Page 30
Figure 23: Logs Page 31
Figure 24: About Us Page 32

Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast range of
problems that confront video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned and upgraded most of our
line, making the best even better!
Our 1,000-plus different models now appear in 14 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Routers;
GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4: Format/Standards Converters; GROUP 5:
Range Extenders and Repeaters; GROUP 6: Specialty AV Products; GROUP 7:
Scan Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors; GROUP 9:
Room Connectivity; GROUP 10: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products; GROUP 12: Digital Signage; GROUP 13: Audio; and
GROUP 14: Collaboration.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH or
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
 Use with Ethernet/RS-232 interfaces and/or Ethernet/RS-485 interfaces

2
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
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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 (we recommend Kramer high-
performance, high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in
signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise levels (often
associated with low quality cables)Do not secure the cables in tight bundles
or roll the slack into tight coils
 Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely
influence signal quality
 Position your Kramer FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH away from
moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be
connected to other equipment that is installed inside a building.
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the Kramer Electronics input power wall
adapter that is provided with the unit.
Warning:
Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing
i
!
!

Getting Started
3
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
aims to reduce the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by
requiring it to be collected and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive,
Kramer Electronics has made arrangements with the European Advanced
Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any costs of treatment, recycling and
recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on arrival at the EARN
facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular country
go to our recycling pages at http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/recycling/.

4
Overview
3 Overview
The FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH are a family of high-performance,
easy-to-use, bidirectional hardware and software interface systems for controlling
RS-232 and/or RS-485 controllable machines via an Ethernet LAN, as well as via
the Internet.
These Ethernet to serial controllers bridge the gap between Ethernet
infrastructures and serial communication devices by offering bidirectional Ethernet
to serial conversion. All setup and maintenance of the devices is done from built-in
Web pages which are accessible using any common Web browser. All devices
offer one RS-232/RS-485 dual-use serial port.
In particular, the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH:
 Offer network connectivity that lets you connect a Kramer (or other) device
via its RS-232 or RS-485 port to an Ethernet LAN
 Let you control up to three RS-232 devices and one RS-485 device (model
dependent) via Ethernet from a PC
 Let you control a device from multiple Ethernet points (PCs or remote
controllers), via a LAN or the Internet
 Include Windows® based Virtual Port software for setting up virtual ports on
a PC
 Support Internet-based, remote firmware upgrades
 Can be rack mounted in a 1U rack space with the optional rack adapters
More specifically, the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH feature:
 One RS-232/RS-485 port (FC-21ETH), one RS-232 and one RS-232/RS-
485 port (FC-22ETH), three RS-232 and one RS-232/RS-485 ports
(FC-24ETH)
 An Ethernet LAN connection
 Static or dynamic (DHCP) IP addressing
 A USB port for upgrading the firmware

Overview
5
 A 5V DC power supply
 A compact Kramer TOOLS™ enclosure (FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH) or
MegaTOOLS™ enclosure (FC-24ETH) which can be mounted side by side
in a 19-inch rack using suitable rack adapters
The FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH include the Virtual Serial Port Manager
(Kramer VSPM) for compatibility with applications based on COM-port
communication. The virtual serial port:
 Makes the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH compatible with all
Windows®-based applications which require a physical COM port. This
includes all versions of K-Router and other Kramer control applications. It
lets you operate all RS-232 and RS-485 controllable devices via an Ethernet
LAN using their existing PC software
 Operates like a physical COM port, that is, a logical COM port that behaves
like a standard hardware COM port. In reality, it transparently reroutes the
data using the TCP/IP network to the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH or FC-24ETH
interface via a virtual connection which you can emulate over the Ethernet or
Internet
 Can be created in any quantity on your PC and does not occupy a physical
serial port

6
Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
4 Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
4.1 Defining the FC-21ETH Ethernet Controller
Figure 1 defines the front panel of the FC-21ETH.
Figure 1: FC-21ETH Ethernet Controller Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
ON LED
Lights green when the unit is on
2
ETHERNET
LEDs
CONNECTED
Lights yellow when the Ethernet port is connected
DATA
Flashes green when data is transferred over the Ethernet
link
3
SERIAL
LEDs
RS-232
Lights green when RS-232 is selected
RS-485
Lights green when RS-485 is selected
4
Tx
Flashes red when the serial port is transmitting data
Rx
Flashes green when the serial port is receiving data
5
DHCP
ON LED
Lights green when DHCP is selected
6
Button
Press to toggle the selection between DHCP and static IP
addressing, (see Section 8.3)
7
FACTORY DEFAULT Button
Press and hold while power-cycling the device to reset to
factory default parameters, (see Section 10)

Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
7
Figure 2 defines the rear panel of the FC-21ETH.
Figure 2: FC-21ETH Ethernet Controller Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
SERIAL 3-pin
Terminal Block
Connect to an RS-232 or RS-485 controlled device.
When connecting as an RS-485 port, the connections are G,
B, A in place of G, Rx, Tx
2
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to the PC or other controller directly or via a LAN
(see Section 6.1)
3
F/W UPGRADE USB
Connector
Connect to a PC to upgrade the firmware
4
RS-485 TERM Switch
Terminates the RS-485 bus, (see Section 8.3).
Slide down when this is the last device on an RS-485 bus.
Slide up when this device is not the last device on an RS-485
bus
5
SERIAL SELECT
Button
Selects either RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication, (see
Section 8.3).
Depress for RS-485 serial communication.
Release for RS-232 serial communication
6
5V DC Connector
Connect to the 5V DC power supply, center pin positive

8
Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
4.2 Defining the FC-22ETH Ethernet Controller
Figure 3 defines the front panel of the FC-22ETH.
Figure 3: FC-22ETH Ethernet Controller Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
ON LED
Lights green when the unit is on
2
ETHERNET
LEDs
CONNECTED
Lights yellow when the Ethernet port is connected
DATA
Flashes green when data is transferred over the
Ethernet link
3
SERIAL 1
LEDs
RS-232
Lights green when RS-232 is selected
RS-485
Lights green when RS-485 is selected
4
SERIAL I/Os
1 LEDs
Tx
Flashes red when the device is transmitting data over
serial port 1
Rx
Flashes green when the device is receiving data on
serial port 1
5
SERIAL I/Os
2 LEDs
Tx
Flashes red when the device is transmitting data over
serial port 2
Rx
Flashes green when the device is receiving data on
serial port 2
6
DHCP
ON LED
Lights green when DHCP is selected
7
Button
Selects either DHCP or static IP addressing, (see
Section 8.3).
Press to toggle the selection between DHCP and
static IP addressing
8
FACTORY DEFAULT Button
Press and hold while power-cycling the device to
reset to factory default parameters, (see Section 10)

Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
9
Figure 4 defines the rear panel of the FC-22ETH.
Figure 4: FC-22ETH Ethernet Controller Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
SERIAL 3-pin Terminal
Block
Connect to an RS-232 or RS-485 controlled device.
When connecting as an RS-485 port, the connections are G,
B, A in place of G, Rx, Tx
2
RS-232/2 3-pin Terminal
Block
Connect to an RS-232 controlled device
3
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to the PC or other controller directly or via a LAN
(see Section 6.1)
4
F/W UPGRADE USB
Connector
Connect to a PC to upgrade the firmware
5
RS-485 TERM Switch
Terminates the RS-485 bus, (see Section 8.3).
Slide down when this is the last device on an RS-485 bus.
Slide up when this device is not the last device on an
RS-485 bus
6
SERIAL SELECT Button
Selects either RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication for
the SERIAL port, (see Section 8.3).
Depress for RS-485 serial communication.
Release for RS-232 serial communication
7
5V DC Connector
Connect to the 5V DC power supply, center pin positive

10
Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
4.3 Defining the FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller
Figure 5 defines the front panel of the FC-24ETH.
Figure 5: FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
ON LED
Lights green when the unit is on
2
ETHERNET
LEDs
CONNECTED
Lights yellow when the Ethernet port is connected
DATA
Flashes green when data is transferred over the
Ethernet link
3
SERIAL 1
LEDs
RS-232
Lights green when RS-232 is selected
RS-485
Lights green when RS-485 is selected
4
SERIAL I/Os
1 LEDs
Tx
Flashes red when the device is transmitting data over
serial port 1
Rx
Flashes green when the device is receiving data on
serial port 1
5
SERIAL I/Os
2 LEDs
Tx
Flashes red when the device is transmitting data over
serial port 2
Rx
Flashes green when the device is receiving data on
serial port 2
6
SERIAL I/Os
3 LEDs
Tx
Flashes red when the device is transmitting data over
serial port 3
Rx
Flashes green when the device is receiving data on
serial port 3
7
SERIAL I/Os
4 LEDs
Tx
Flashes red when the device is transmitting data over
serial port 4
Rx
Flashes green when the device is receiving data on
serial port 4
8
DHCP
ON LED
Lights green when DHCP is selected
9
Button
Selects either DHCP or static IP addressing, (see
Section 8.3).
Press to toggle the selection between DHCP and
static IP addressing
10
FACTORY DEFAULT Button
Press and hold while power-cycling the device to
reset to factory default parameters, (see Section 10)

Defining the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH Ethernet Controllers
11
Figure 6 defines the rear panel of the FC-24ETH.
Figure 6: FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
SERIAL
I/Os
SERIAL 3-pin
Terminal Block
Connect to an RS-232 or RS-485 controlled device.
When connecting as an RS-485 port, the connections
are G, B, A in place of G, Rx, Tx
2
RS-232/2 3-pin
Terminal Block
Connect to an RS-232 controlled device
3
RS-232/2 3-pin
Terminal Block
Connect to an RS-232 controlled device
4
RS-232/2 3-pin
Terminal Block
Connect to an RS-232 controlled device
5
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to the PC or other controller directly or via a
LAN (see Section 6.1)
6
F/W UPGRADE USB
Connector
Connect to a PC to upgrade the firmware
7
RS-485 TERM Switch
Terminates the RS-485 bus, (see Section 8.3).
Slide down when this is the last device on an RS-485
bus.
Slide up when this device is not the last device on an
RS-485 bus
8
SERIAL SELECT Button
Selects either RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication
for the SERIAL port, (see Section 8.3).
Depress for RS-485 serial communication.
Release for RS-232 serial communication
9
5V DC Connector
Connect to the 5V DC power supply, center pin
positive

12
Initial Configuration and Use Overview
5 Initial Configuration and Use Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the initial configuration and basic operation
of the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH. The chapter comprises:
 Configuring the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH (see Section 5.1)
 Configuring a virtual port on the PC (see Section 5.2)
 Configuring an Ethernet connection on the PC (see Section 5.3)
In the following description the FC-24ETH is used as an example. The same
principles apply to the FC-21ETH and FC-22ETH.
Figure 7: Connecting the FC-24ETH for Initial Configuration

Initial Configuration and Use Overview
13
5.1 Configuring the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH
To configure the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH:
1. Connect the Ethernet port on the rear panel of the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH
and FC-24ETH to a PC either directly or via a LAN, (see Section 6.1).
2. Using a Web browser, (see Section 6.1 and Section 7) browse to the
General Info home page (see Figure 14).
3. Click on Device Settings to browse to the Device Settings page, (see
Figure 16).
4. Enter the time and date manually, or enter the Time server address for
automatic time and date synchronization.
5. Click Save Changes.
6. Click on Communication to browse to the Communication page, (see
Figure 17).
7. Enter the IP address, mask and gateway for static IP addressing and Click
Set.
—Or—
Click DHCP On for dynamic IP addressing.
Note: If you have changed the IP from the default setting, you must reload
the General Info home page again using the new IP address.
8. Click on Serial Ports Settings to browse to the Serial Port Settings page,
(see Figure 18).
9. Associate the required serial ports with their corresponding TCP/UDP
settings.
10. For each associated serial port, enter the serial port configuration
parameters using the drop-down lists under Serial Configuration.
11. Click Save Changes.
12. If required, click on Security to browse to the Security page.

14
Initial Configuration and Use Overview
13. Click ON to activate security.
The user name and password credentials popup appears.
14. Enter the required user name and password.
5.2 Configuring a Virtual Port on the PC
If the control application cannot work with an Ethernet driver, download the Kramer
VSPM from our Web site to set a virtual port for each local port on your
FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH.
The Kramer VSPM software lets you emulate virtual ports which normally would
be present in the machine hardware. After setup, the virtual port lets you control
Kramer machines via your PC.
5.3 Configuring an Ethernet Connection on the PC
If the control application can directly connect to the Ethernet driver, select the host
IP and port number according to your FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH
configuration, as illustrated in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Configuring a Remote Connection

Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH
15
6 Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and
FC-24ETH
This section describes:
 Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH or FC-24ETH via Ethernet (see
Section 6.1)
 Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH or FC-24ETH via RS-232 (see
Section 6.2)
 Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH or FC-24ETH via RS-485 (see
Section 6.3)
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH. After connecting your
FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
In the following description, the FC-24ETH is used as an example. The same
principles apply to the FC-21ETH and FC-22ETH.
i

16
Connecting the FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH
Figure 9: Connecting the FC-24ETH Ethernet Controller
To connect the FC-24ETH as illustrated in the example in Figure 9:
1. Connect the device to a LAN or PC via the RJ-45 Ethernet connector.
2. Connect up to 4 serially controlled devices, (for example, an RS-232/RS-485
controlled device, a projector and two other devices) to the 3-pin, RS-232
terminal blocks.
3. Connect the device to the power adapter and connect the power adapter to
the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 9).