Kramer VP-23 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VP-23
Presentation Switcher
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Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 1
4 Your VP-23 Presentation Switcher 2
5 Connecting the VP-23 Presentation Switcher 5
5.1 Connecting a PC 5
5.2 Dipswitch Settings 6
6 Operating the Presentation Switcher 7
6.1 Operating your Switcher 7
7 Technical Specifications 8
8 VP-23 Communication Protocol 9
Figures
Figure 1: VP-23 Presentation Switcher 3
Figure 2: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 6
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-23 Presentation Switcher Features 4
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-23 Presentation Switcher Features 4
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings 6
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VP-23 Presentation Switcher 8
Table 5: Protocol Definitions 9
Table 6: Instruction Codes 10
Table 7: Video and Audio Switch Commands (HEX) 11
Table 8: Audio Switch Commands (HEX) 11

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 VP-23 Presentation
Switcher.This product is ideal for the following typical applications:
 Presentation and conference room systems
 Production studios, as well as rental and staging
The package includes the following items:
 VP-23 Presentation Switcher
 Power cord and Null-modem adapter
 Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
 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
3 Overview
The VP-23 is a high quality presentation switcher designed for a wide variety
of presentation and multimedia applications. The VP-23 combines the
functions of a 4x1 switcher for composite video and audio, a 4x1 switcher for
s-Video and audio, and a 4x1 switcher for VGA type signals with audio. In
addition the VP-23:
 Is a one box high performance solution for installations that would
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 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
Your VP-23 Presentation Switcher
2
otherwise require several separate products
 Is designed so that each section is controllable independently from the
other sections
 Is controllable via the front panel buttons or by RS-232 serial commands
transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller
 Includes an additional audio switching section that routes one of the
pre-selected audio inputs from the other switching sections to a separate
output
 Enables the switching section to insert an additional microphone channel
by switching, mixing, or talk-over
 Includes 16 selector switches and front panel control adjusters for
VGA/XGA output level and EQ., master audio output level and microphone
level
Achieving the best performance means:
 Connecting 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)
 Avoiding interference from neighboring electrical appliances and
positioning your VP-23 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-23 Presentation Switcher
Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the VP-23. Tables 1 and 2
define the front and rear panels of the VP-23, respectively.

Your VP-23 Presentation Switcher
3
Figure 1: VP-23 Presentation Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-23 Presentation Switcher
4
Table 1: Front Panel VP-23 Presentation Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 Power Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
2 Video-Audio-Selector Buttons Selects the composite video / audio input from 1 to 4
3 s-Video-Audio-Selector Buttons
Selects the s-Video / audio input from 1 to 4
4 VGA-Audio-Selector Buttons Selects the VGA/XGA video / audio input from 1 to 4
5 s-Video Button Master Audio Selector button for s-Video
6 CV Button Master Audio Selector button for composite video
7 Mic Button Master Audio Selector button for microphone
8 VGA Button Master Audio Selector button for VGA
9 Mic Level Knob Adjusts the microphone level
10
Talk Over Button Pushing in button activates talk over
11
Audio Level Knob Adjusts the audio level
12
VGA Level Knob Adjusts the VGA level
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-23 Presentation Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 Mic IN 6.5mm Connector Connects to the microphone
2 Con / Dyn Switch Pushing in selects a dynamic microphone, pushing out
selects a condenser
3 Audio (Composite Video) IN RCA Connectors Connects the audio input from 1 to 4 (for the composite
video)
4 Audio (Composite Video) OUT RCA Connector
Connects the audio output (for the composite video)
5 Audio (s-Video) IN RCA Connectors Connects the audio input from 1 to 4 (for the s-Video)
6 Audio (s-Video) OUT RCA Connector Connects the audio output (for the s-Video)
7 Audio (VGA/XGA) IN RCA Connectors Connects the audio input from 1 to 4 (for the VGA/XGA
video)
8 Audio (VGA/XGA) OUT RCA Connector Connects the VGA/XGA audio output (for the
VGA/XGA video)
9 Master Audio Out RCA Connector Connects the master audio output
10
Setup Dipswitches setup (refer to section 5.2)
11
RS-232 Connector DB 9F connector connects to PC or Remote Controller
12
Power Connector with FUSE AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
13
VGA/XGA OUT Connector Connects to the VGA/XGA video output
14
VGA/XGA IN Connectors Connects the VGA/XGA video input from 1 to 4
15
s-Video OUT 4p Connector Connects to the s-Video output
16
s-Video IN 4p Connectors Connects the s-Video input from 1 to 4
17
Composite Video OUT BNC Connector Connects to the composite video output
18
Composite Video BNC Connectors Connects the composite video input from 1 to 4

Connecting the VP-23 Presentation Switcher
5
5 Connecting the VP-23 Presentation Switcher
To connect the VP-23, connect the following
1
to the rear panel ports:
1. The Composite, s-Video and VGA/XGA video sources and acceptors as
well as the appropriate audio sources and acceptors.
2. A microphone or a condenser
2
.
3. The power cord.
Note: Set each of the 3 front panel control level knobs
3
to their mid position.
In addition, you can choose to connect the following option:
 A PC via the null-modem adapter (when using the Kramer Control
software or other controller)
5.1 Connecting a PC
To connect a PC to the VP-23, using the Null-modem adapter provided with
the machine (recommended):
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VP-23 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 VP-23, 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-23, as Figure 2 illustrates (depending on whether the PC has a
9-pin or 25-pin connector)
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-23. After connecting your VP-23, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
2 Use the Con / Dyn switch (refer to item 2 in Figure 1) to select a dynamic microphone or a condenser
3 Mic Level, Audio Level and VGA Level

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-23 Presentation Switcher
6
Figure 2: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter
5.2 Dipswitch Settings
You can connect up to 16 VP-23 units to the PC via the Null-modem adapter and
the RS-232 ports. On the first machine, Machine # 1
1
, that is closest to the PC, set
the dipswitches to ON. Adjust the dipswitches on the other units according to Table 3:
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings
Self Address Dipswitch
Machine
# 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4
1
Master
0 0 0 0 ON
ON
ON
ON
2 0 0 0 1 ON
ON
ON
OFF
3 0 0 1 0 ON
ON
OFF
ON
4 0 0 1 1 ON
ON
OFF
OFF
5 0 1 0 0 ON
OFF
ON
ON
6 0 1 0 1 ON
OFF
ON
OFF
7 0 1 1 0 ON
OFF
OFF
ON
8 0 1 1 1 ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
9 1 0 0 0 OFF
ON
ON
ON
10 1 0 0 1 OFF
ON
ON
OFF
11 1 0 1 0 OFF
ON
OFF
ON
12 1 0 1 1 OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
13 1 1 0 0 OFF
OFF
ON
ON
14 1 1 0 1 OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
15 1 1 1 0 OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
16 1 1 1 1 OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
1 The Master

Operating the Presentation Switcher
7
6 Operating the Presentation Switcher
You can operate your VP-23 via:
 The front panel buttons and front panel control level knobs
 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller
The front panel buttons include: Video-Audio Selector, s-Video-Audio
Selector, VGA-Audio Selector, Master-Audio Selector (consisting of CV, s-
Video, VGA and Mic buttons), and Talk Over
1
.
The adjustable front panel control level knobs include:
 VGA Level that adjusts a VGA/XGA image, which is dim or lacking in
sufficient detail, perhaps due to the use of long cables
2
, by increasing or
decreasing the VGA/XGA red, green and blue levels as well automatically
adjusting cable equalization
 Audio Level that adjusts the overall audio output level at the Master
Audio Out port, without influencing any other audio output
 Mic Level that adjusts the microphone level at the Master Audio Out port
and the talk-over function threshold
3
6.1 Operating your Switcher
You can switch one of the 4 CV inputs, one of the 4 Y/C inputs and one of
the 4 VGA/XGA inputs to the corresponding CV, Y/C or VGA/XGA outputs,
respectively.
To switch an input to an output:
 Press one
4
button from the set of 4 buttons in the Video (CV)-Audio
section and/or
5
one button from the set of 4 buttons in the s-Video
(Y/C)-Audio section and/or one button from the set of 4 buttons in the
VGA/XGA-Audio section
Each pressed button illuminates
6
, indicating selection and outputting of that
video and audio source
1 With the Talk Over button pressed in, speaking into the microphone amplifies the voice of the speaker, overriding and
fading out all other audio channels. However, pressing the Mic button in the Master Audio Selector renders the Talk Over
function inactive
2 We recommend using a Line Amplifier when connecting long cables
3 Achieving optimum results when using a microphone may require experimentation in adjusting the Audio and Mic Levels
4 You cannot select more than one button in a section
5 You can overlook a section and choose not to select a button from it
6 Pressing an illuminated button for more than 2 seconds will disconnect the output and the button will no longer illuminate

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Technical Specifications
8
In addition, you can operate the following option:
 Press a Master Audio Selector button (CV, s-Video or VGA) to route the
audio channel of the selected source from that section to the Master Audio Out
port (as well as to the OUT port of that selected source)
For example, pressing the CV Master Audio Selector button, routes the audio
channel of the selected Video-Audio Selector source to the Master Audio Out
port as well as to the Audio (Composite Video) Out port.
7 Technical Specifications
Table 4 includes the technical specifications:
Table 4: Technical Specifications
1
of the VP-23 Presentation Switcher
INPUTS: 4 VGA / XGA on HD15F connectors
4 s-Video 1 Vpp (Y), 0.3Vpp (C) / 75on 4p connectors
4 composite video 1Vpp / 75on BNC connectors
Each input is accompanied by the appropriate audio stereo channels:
+4dBm / 50 kon RCA connectors
Mic: 3mV / 10 k
OUTPUTS: 1 x VGA / XGA
1 s-Video - 1 Vpp (Y), 0.3Vpp (C), / 75on a 4p connector
1 composite video 1 Vpp / 75on a BNC connector
Each output is accompanied by the appropriate audio stereo channel:
+4dBm / 150
1 master audio +4dBm / 150
MAX. OUTPUT LEVEL: VIDEO: 2.1 Vpp AUDIO: 27 Vpp
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): VIDEO: XGA / VGA: 315 MHz;
s-Video (Y): 260 MHz;
composite video: 470 MHz
AUDIO: 40kHz
DIFF. GAIN: <0.07% all channels
DIFF. PHASE: <0.05 Deg. all channels
S/N RATIO: VIDEO: 75dB all channels AUDIO: 75dB /1 Vpp all channels
CONTROLS: 16 selector switches; VGA/XGA level: 4dB; audio: 6dB, Mic: up to 49dB
POWER SOURCE: 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, (115VAC, U.S.A.) 16VA
DIMENSIONS: 19-inch (W), 7-inch (D) 2U (H) rack-mountable
WEIGHT: 3.6 kg (8 lbs.) approx
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, PC control software
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

VP-23 Communication Protocol
9
8 VP-23 Communication Protocol
Communication with the VP-23 uses four bytes of information as defined below.
Data is transferred at 9600 baud with no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
(VER-1.0)
Table 5: Protocol Definitions
1st byte
Destination INSTRUCTION
0 D N5 N4 N3 N2 N1 N0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
MSB LSB
2nd byte
INPUT
1 0 0 0 0 I2 I1 I0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
3rd byte
OUTPUT
1 0 0 0 0 0 O1 O0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
4th byte
Machine Number
1 0 0 0 M3 M2 M1 M0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1st BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 0.
D – “DESTINATION BIT”.
This bit is always low, when sending from the PC to the switchers, and high for information sent to the PC.
N5…N0 – “INSTRUCTION”.
The function that is to be performed by the switcher(s) is defined by this 6 bits. Similarly, if a function is performed via the
machine’s keyboard, then these bits are set with the INSTRUCTION NO, which was performed. The instruction codes are
defined according to the table below (INSTRUCTION NO. is the value to be set for N5…N0).
2nd BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
Bits 3 – 6 - Defined as 0.
I2… I0 – “INPUT”.
For disconnect, set as 0. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.
3rd BYTE: Bit 7 – defined as 1.
Bits 2-6 defined as 0.
O1, O0 – “OUTPUT”
For operations these bits are defined according to the table.
4th BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
Bits 3-6 Defined as 0.
M3… M0 – “MACHINE NUMBER”.
MACHINE NUMBER = (DIPSWITCH CODE) + 1.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
VP-23 Communication Protocol
10
Table 6: Instruction Codes
INSTRUCTION DEFINITION FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION NOTE
# DESCRIPTION INPUT OUTPUT
0 RESET MACHINE 0 0 1
1 SWITCH GROUPS 1-4 Set equal to video and audio
inputs to be switched for the
relative group
1-3 Set equal to group which
output to be switched
2
2 SWITCH AUDIO OUTPUTS 1-4 * Set equal to audio output to
be switched to Master Audio out.
1 2
5 REQUEST GROUP STATUS 0 1-3 Set equal to the group of
which status is required.
3
6 REQUEST STATUS OF
MASTER AUDIO OUTPUT
0 1 3
16 ERROR/BUSY Don’t care Don’t care 4
18 RESET MACHINE 0 0 1
57 SET AUTO SAVE 1 – autosave
2 – no save
Don’t care 5
61 IDENTIFY MACHINE 1 or 2 – machine name
3 or 4 – program version
Don’t care 6
* #4 – for microphone.
NOTES on the above table:
NOTE 1 - When the master switcher is reset, (e.g. when it is turned on), the reset code is sent to the PC. If this code is sent to
the switchers, it will reset according to the present power-down settings.
NOTE 2 - These are bi-directional definitions. That is, if the switcher receives the code, it will perform the instruction; and if
the instruction is performed (due to a keystroke operation on the front panel), then these codes are sent. For example, if:
0000 0001 Instruction “Switch Groups”
1000 0010 Input #2
1000 0001 in composite video group
1000 0001 Machine #1 (master)
Was sent from the PC, then the switcher (machine #1) will switch input 2 in composite video group to its output. If the user
switched input 4 in the VGA group via the front panel keypad, then the switcher will send:
0100 0001
1000 0100
1000 0011
1000 0001 to the PC.
When the PC sends instruction #1 or #2 to the switcher, then, if the instruction is valid, the switcher replies by sending the
same four bytes to the PC that were sent (except for the first byte, where the DESTINATION bit is set high).
NOTE 3 – To reply to a “REQUEST” instruction is as follows: the same instruction and input codes as were sent are
returned, and the OUTPUT is assigned to the value of the requested parameter. The reply to the instruction #5 (what is the
status of the VGA group?):
0000 0101
1000 0000
1000 0011
1000 0001
Would be:
0100 0101
1000 0000
1000 0100
1000 0001
NOTE 4 – An error code is returned to the PC if an invalid code was sent to the switcher (for example, when trying to switch
an input or a group which is greater than the highest one defined). This code is also returned to the PC if an RS-232
instruction is sent while the machine is being programmed via the front panel. Reception of this code by the switcher will not
be valid.
NOTE 5 – Under normal conditions, the machine’s present status is saved each time a change is made. The power-down save
(the auto save) may be disabled using this code. Note that each time that the machine is turned ON, the auto save function is
automatically set.

VP-23 Communication Protocol
11
NOTE 6 – This is a request to identify the switchers in a system. If the INPUT is set as 1 or 2, the machine will send its
name. The reply is the decimal value of the INPUT and the OUTPUT. For example, the reply to the request to send the
machine’s name (for machine #001) will be:
0111 1101
1000 0000 (i.e. 128+0)
1001 0111 (i.e. 128+23)
1000 0001
If the request for identification is sent with the INPUT set as 3 or 4, the appropriate machine will send its software version
number. Again, the reply would be the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT – the INPUT representing the number in
front of the decimal point, and the OUTPUT representing the number following the decimal point. For example, for version
3.5 the reply will be:
0111 1101
1000 0011 (i.e. 128+3)
1000 0101 (i.e. 128+5)
1000 0001.
Table 7: Video and Audio Switch Commands (HEX)
OUT 1 (CV GROUP) OUT 2 (Y/C GROUP) OUT 3 (VGA GROUP)
01 01 01
80 80 80
81 82 83
OFF
81 81 81
01 01 01
81 81 81
81 82 83
IN 1
81 81 81
01 01 01
82 82 82
81 82 83
IN 2
81 81 81
01 01 01
83 83 83
81 82 83
IN 3
81 81 81
01 01 01
84 84 84
81 82 83
IN 4
81 81 81
Table 8: Audio Switch Commands (HEX)
MASTER AUDIO OUTPUT
02
80
81
OFF
81
02
81
81
AUDIO OUT 1
81
02
82
81
AUDIO OUT 2
81
02
83
81
AUDIO OUT 3
81
02
84
81
AUDIO OUT 4
(MICROPH.)
81

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
12
LIMITED WARRANTY
Kramer Electronics (hereafter Kramer) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the
following terms.
HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY
Labor and parts are warranted for three years from the date of the first customer purchase.
WHO IS PROTECTED?
Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.
WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this product. The following are not covered
by the warranty:
1. Any product which is not distributed by Kramer, or which is not purchased from an authorized Kramer dealer. If you are
uncertain as to whether a dealer is authorized, please contact Kramer at one of the agents listed in the web site
www.kramerelectronics.com.
2. Any product, on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed.
3. Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:
i) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of nature
ii) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product
iii) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer
iv) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier)
v) Removal or installation of the product
vi) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect
vii) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in conjunction with the product
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR
We will pay labor and material expenses for covered items. We will not pay for the following:
1. Removal or installations charges.
2. Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the
responsibility of the Kramer dealer from whom the product was purchased.
3. Shipping charges.
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
1. To obtain service on you product, you must take or ship it prepaid to any authorized Kramer service center.
2. Whenever warranty service is required, the original dated invoice (or a copy) must be presented as proof of warranty coverage,
and should be included in any shipment of the product. Please also include in any mailing a contact name, company, address, and
a description of the problem(s).
3. For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your authorized dealer.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to
the length of this warranty.
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
The liability of Kramer for any effective products is limited to the repair or replacement of the product at our option. Kramer
shall not be liable for:
1. Damage to other property caused by defects in this product, damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss
of time, commercial loss; or:
2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. Some countries may not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from place to place.
NOTE: All products returned to Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be obtained from your dealer.
This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requirements of:
EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);
generic emission standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry"
EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) generic immunity standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry environment".
CFR-47: FCC Rules and Regulations:
Part 15: “Radio frequency devices
Subpart B – Unintentional radiators”
CAUTION!
Servicing the machines can only be done by an authorized Kramer technician. Any user who makes changes or modifications to
the unit without the expressed approval of the manufacturer will void user authority to operate the equipment.
Use the supplied DC power supply to feed power to the machine.
Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to other components.

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com
E-mail: [email protected]
P/N: 2900-002044 REV 4
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer
distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com,
where updates to this user manual may be found.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.