Kramer VP-23C User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-23C
Presentation Switcher
P/N: 2900-000202 Rev 3

VP-23C – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1Defining the VP-23C Switcher 3
4Installing in a Rack 7
5Connecting the VP-23C 8
5.1Connecting to the VP-23C via RS-232 10
6Operating the VP-23C Presentation Switcher 12
6.1Operating your Switcher 12
7Technical Specifications 14
8Default Communication Parameters 15
9Hex Tables 16
9.1Audio Gain Control Hex Tables 16
10Kramer Protocol 2000 17
Figures
Figure 1: VP-23C Presentation Switcher 4
Figure 2: VP-23C Presentation Switcher – Underside View 6
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-23C Presentation Switcher 10
Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 11
Figure 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 11

VP-23C - 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 VP-23C Presentation Switcher, which
is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Presentation and conference room systems
•Production studios, as well as rental and staging

2 VP-23C - 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 VP-23C away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
i

VP-23C - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VP-23C is a high-quality presentation switcher designed for a wide variety of
presentation and multimedia applications. The VP-23C includes four switcher
groups, that combine the functions of a 2x1 switcher for composite video, a 2x1
switcher for s-Video, a 2x1 switcher for component video/UXGA, and a 4x1
switcher for VGA/UXGA type signals. Each video input has its own unbalanced
stereo audio input. There is also an independent unbalanced stereo master audio
output, which can select a signal from any of the 10 audio inputs.
In addition the VP-23C features:
•10 selector buttons, and front panel control buttons for the master audio
output level and microphone level
•Control of each switcher group independently from the other sections
•HDTV compatibility
•Control via the front panel buttons or by RS-232 serial commands
transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller
•Mixing the mic with the master output signal or by muting the master output
signal
•A lock button to prevent unintentional tampering with the front panel buttons
3.1 Defining the VP-23C Presentation Switcher
This section defines the VP-23C.

4 VP-23C - Overview
Figure 1: VP-23C Presentation Switcher

VP-23C - Overview 5
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2
INPUT
SELECTOR
VIDEO (CV) Buttons Select the composite video / audio input (1 and 2)
3 s-VIDEO (Y/C) Buttons Select the s-Video / audio input (1 and 2)
4 COMP/UXGA Buttons Select the component video / audio input (1 and 2)
Can also be used for UXGA inputs
5 VGA/UXGA Buttons Select the VGA/UXGA video / audio input (from 1 to 4)
6
AUDIO
LEVEL
MASTER - Button Decrease the master audio signal level
7 + Button Increase the master audio signal level
8 MIC + Button Increase the microphone audio signal level
9 - Button Decrease the microphone audio signal level
10 MUTE Button Press to disable/enable the Master Audio output
Except for the microphone signal in the MIX mode
11 MIX Button Press to toggle. When on, mixes the microphone signal
with the Master Audio output
When the MUTE button and the MIX button are
pressed, only the microphone signal is transferred to
the output
12 LOCK Button Press and hold to lock/unlock the front panel buttons
13 CV IN RCA Connectors Connect to the composite video sources (IN 1 and IN 2)
14 YC IN 4-pin Connectors Connect to the s-Video sources (IN 1 and IN 2)
15 YC OUT 4-pin Connector Connect to the s-Video acceptor
16 CV OUT RCA Connector Connect to the composite video acceptor
17 COMP/UXGA IN 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the component video or UXGA sources (IN 1
and IN 2)
When the 15-pin HD connector is used for UXGA
signals, the syncs are on PIN 13 and PIN 14
18 COMP/UXGA OUT 15-pin HD Connector Connect to the component video or UXGA acceptor
19 VGA/UXGA OUT 15-pin HD Connector Connect to the VGA/UXGA video acceptor
20 VGA/UXGA IN 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the VGA/UXGA video sources (from IN 1 to 4)
21 RS-232 Connector 9-pin D-sub connector connects to PC or Remote Controller
22 VGA/UXGA AUDIO INPUTS 3.5mm Mini
Jack Connectors Connect to the VGA/UXGA unbalanced stereo audio sources (from 1 to 4)
23 CV AUDIO IN RCA Connectors Connect to the composite video sources (1 and 2)
24 YC AUDIO IN RCA Connectors Connect to the s-Video unbalanced stereo audio sources
(1 and 2)
25 COMP/UXGA AUDIO IN RCA Connectors Connect to the component video stereo audio sources (1
and 2)
26 MASTER AUDIO OUT RCA Connectors Connect to the stereo audio acceptor
The input selector button last pressed transmits the
audio input signal of the selected channel to the master
audio output
27 MIC IN 6.3mm Phone Jack Connector Connects to the microphone
28 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

6 VP-23C - Overview
Figure 2 describes the underside of the VP-23C:
Figure 2: VP-23C Presentation Switcher – Underside View
# Feature Function
1 NORMAL / FLASH
PROGRAM Switch Select between NORMAL for normal operation (the factory
default), and FLASH PROGRAM to upgrade to the latest
Kramer firmware
2 COND. MIC /DYN.
MIC Switch Select between a dynamic microphone and a condenser

VP-23C - Installing in a Rack 7
4 Installing in a Rack
Before Installing in a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the
environment is within the recommended range:
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.
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.
. 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 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.
1
2
3
4
5
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:
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 available from:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)
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
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CAUTION!
OPERATING TEMPERATURE:
STORAGE TEMPERATURE:
HUMIDITY:
0º to+55ºC (32ºto 131ºF)
-45ºto +72ºC(-49º to 162ºF)
10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
!

8 VP-23C - Connecting the VP-23C
5 Connecting the VP-23C
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VP-23C. After connecting your VP-23C, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
In Figure 3, the audio input connections are not shown, except for the microphone.
In this example, all the outputs are connected to the same projector. Use the
projector controller to switch between the VP-23C video outputs or the projector
inputs.
To connect the VP-23C, as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the following:
You do not need to connect all the inputs.
1. Connect the following video sources:
Although in this example not all the sources are connected (for example, the s-Video
source), you can connect all of the inputs, that is, 10 in total.
One composite video source (for example, composite video
player 1) to the CV IN 1 RCA connector
One composite video source (for example, a composite video
player 2) to the CV IN 2 RCA connector
One component video source (for example, component video
player 1) to the COMP/UXGA IN 1 15-pin HD connector
When connecting a component video input or output, connect Y to PIN 1, U to
PIN 2 and V to PIN 3 on the 15-pin HD connector.
When the 15-pin HD connector is used for UXGA signals, the syncs are on PIN
13 and PIN 14
One component video source (for example, a component video player
2) to the COMP/UXGA IN 2 15-pin HD connector
One VGA/UXGA source (for example, a computer graphics source) to
the VGA/UXGA IN 1 15-pin HD connector
2. Connect the acceptors to a projector as follows:
In this example a projector is used, but you can also connect separate outputs such as
displays, video recorders and so on
The composite video CV OUT RCA connector to the composite video
input of the projector
i

VP-23C - Connecting the VP-23C 9
The COMP/UXGA OUT 15-pin HD connector to the component video
input of the projector
When connecting a component video input or output, connect Y to PIN 1, U to
PIN 2 and V to PIN 3 on the 15-pin HD connector.
The VGA/UXGA OUT 15-pin HD connector to the VGA/UXGA input of
the projector
3. Connect the appropriate unbalanced stereo audio sources (not shown in
Figure 3).
4. Connect the MASTER AUDIO OUT RCA connectors to an amplifier with
speakers.
5. Connect a dynamic or a condenser microphone, if required, to the MIC IN
6.3 mm phone jack connector.
Use the COND. MIC / DYN. MIC switch (refer to item 2 in Figure 2) to select a dynamic
microphone or a condenser
6. As an option, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port
(see Section 5.1).
7. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 3).

10 VP-23C - Connecting the VP-23C
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-23C Presentation Switcher
5.1 Connecting to the VP-23C 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.
I4
N
I1
N
out I1
N
I3
N
I4
N
CV
I
N2
OUT
VGA/UXGA A I
UDIO NPUTS
CV A I
UDIO N
YC A I
UDIO N
C /UXGA A I
OMP UDIO N
MAO
ASTER UDIO UT
MI
IN N
I4
N
I2
N
I
N1
YC
VGA/UXGA
Computer
Graphics Source Amplifier
MIC
Composite
Video Player 1
Projector
Audio input
connections
are not shown
Composite
Video Player 2
I1
N
Component
Video Player 1
Component
Video Player 2
RS-232
VGA
VGA
CV
CV
VGA VGA
CV
Audio
Audio

VP-23C - Connecting the VP-23C 11
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
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

12 VP-23C - Operating the VP-23C Presentation Switcher
6 Operating the VP-23C Presentation Switcher
You can operate your VP-23C via:
•The front panel buttons
•RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial controller
The front panel buttons include the INPUT SELECTOR buttons, the MASTER and MIC
AUDIO LEVEL BUTTONS, and the MUTE, LOCK and MIX buttons.
6.1 Operating your Switcher
You can select the video signals within each switcher group by pressing the
relevant INPUT SELECTOR buttons.
You can overlook a switcher group and choose not to select a button from it.
You can switch:
•One of the two composite video VIDEO (CV) inputs to the composite video
output
You cannot select more than one button in a section.
•One of the two s-Video (Y/C) inputs to the s-Video output
•One of the two component video COMP/UXGA inputs to the component
video output
•One of the four VGA/UXGA inputs to the VGA/UXGA output
The selected button in each group is illuminated in red. Pressing an illuminated
button for more than 2 seconds disconnects the output and the button no longer
illuminates.
The VP-23C operates in the audio-follow-video (AFV) mode so that the audio
signal follows the selected input signal in which all operations relate to both the
video and the audio channels.

VP-23C - Operating the VP-23C Presentation Switcher 13
The audio signal is routed to the MASTER AUDIO OUT output, therefore the last
INPUT SELECTOR button selected (from any of the switcher groups) routes the
audio signal of that input to the audio output.
The last selected button is illuminated in purple to indicate the source
of the outputted audio signal
When setting the master audio gain to its minimum, the MUTE button illuminates.
When both the MUTE and MIX buttons are on, only the microphone signal is
transferred to the master output.
The MUTE and MIX buttons can be turned ON or OFF via RS-232 control and
their respective buttons on the front panel illuminate.
i

14 VP-23C - Technical Specifications
7 Technical Specifications
INPUTS: 2 composite video (1Vpp/75Ω) on RCA connectors
2 s-Video 1 Vpp (Y), 0.3Vpp (C) / 75Ωon 4-pin connectors
2 component video/UXGA on 15-pin HD connectors
4 VGA/UXGA on 15-pin HD connectors
4 unbalanced stereo audio on 3.5mm jack connectors (for
VGA/UXGA): +4dBm/10kΩ
6 unbalanced stereo audio channels: +4dBm / 10kΩon RCA
connectors (for CV, YC, COMP/UXGA)
Mic: 3mV / 10kΩcondenser with 15V phantom voltage/ dynamic on a
6.3mm phone jack connector
OUTPUTS: 1 composite video (1Vpp/75Ω) on an RCA connector
1 s-Video 1Vpp (Y), 0.3Vpp (C) / 75Ωon a 4-pin connector
1 component video/UXGA on an 15-pin HD connector
1 VGA/UXGA on an 15-pin HD connector
1 unbalanced stereo master audio channel: +4dBm / 50Ωon RCA
connectors
MAX. OUTPUT
LEVEL: VIDEO: 2.1Vpp AUDIO: 27Vpp
BANDWIDTH
(-3dB): VIDEO: VGA / UXGA: 400MHz;
s-Video (Y): 310MHz;
Composite/SDI video: 310MHz;
Component video: 380MHz;
HDTV compatible
AUDIO: 40kHz
DIFF. GAIN: <0.07% all channels
DIFF. PHASE: <0.05Deg all channels
S/N RATIO: VIDEO: 75dB all channels AUDIO: 75dB /1 Vpp all
channels
CONTROLS: 10 selector buttons, master audio level, mic audio level, mix, lock,
mute, RS-232
POWER SOURCE: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, (115V AC, U.S.A.) 7VA
DIMENSIONS: 19” x 7” x 1U (W, D, H) rack-mountable
WEIGHT: 2.6kg (8lbs) approx
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, null modem adapter, Windows®-based Kramer control
software
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

VP-23C - Default Communication Parameters 15
8 Default Communication Parameters
RS-232
Protocol 2000
Baud Rate: 9600
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
Command Format: HEX
Example (Output 1 to Input 1): 0x01, 0x81, 0x81, 0x81
Ethernet
IP Address: 192.168.1.39
TCP Port Number: 5000
Network Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

16 VP-23C - Hex Tables
9 Hex Tables
These tables list the Hex values (which the protocol in Section 10 describes in
more detail) for the VP-23C Presentation Switcher:
Inputs Composite
Video OUT s-Video OUT Component Video OUT VGA/UXGA OUT
Group #
Composite
Video In 1 01 81 81 81
In 2 01 82 81 81
s-Video In 1 01 81 82 81
In 2 01 82 82 81
Component
Video In 1 01 81 83 81
In 2 01 82 83 81
VGA / UXGA
In 1 01 81 84 81
In 2 01 82 84 81
In 3 01 83 84 81
In 4 01 84 84 81
Master Audio Selector
Composite Video Group 02 81 81 81
s-Video Group 02 82 81 81
Component Video Group 02 83 81 81
VGA / UXGA Group 02 84 81 81
Microphone 02 85 81 81
9.1 Audio Gain Control Hex Tables
The next tables describe the audio gain controls:
When controlling the VP-23C via RS-232, read the note to command 42 in the communication
protocol.
Set Relative Audio Gain of Master
Audio Out Gain Gain by One Step Master Out Microphone
16 81 80 81 Mute Increase 18 81 80 81 18 82 80 81
…
Decrease 18 82 81 81 18 82 81 81
16 81 D3 81 -6dB
…
16 81 DF 81 0dB
…
16 81 EB 81 6dB
…
16 81 FF 81 16dB
For the microphone gain control,
the second byte equals 82

VP-23C - Kramer Protocol 2000 17
10 Kramer Protocol 2000
The VS-23C is compatible with Kramer’s Protocol 2000 (version 0.48) (below).
This RS-232/RS-485 communication protocol uses four bytes of information as
defined below. For RS-232, a null-modem connection between the machine and
controller is used. The default data rate is 9600 baud, with no parity, 8 data bits
and 1 stop bit.
MSB LSB
1st byte DESTINATION INSTRUCTION
0 D N5 N4 N3 N2 N1 N0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
2d byte INPUT
1 I6 I5 I4 I3 I2 I1 I0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
3d byte OUTPUT
1 O6 O5 O4 O3 O2 O1 O0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
4th byte MACHINE NUMBER
1 OVR X M4 M3 M2 M1 M0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1st BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 0.
D – “DESTINATION”: 0 - for sending information to the switchers (from the PC);
1 - for sending to the PC (from the switcher).
N5…N0 – “INSTRUCTION”
The function that is to be performed by the switcher(s) is defined by the INSTRUCTION (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.
I6…I0 – “INPUT”.
When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the INPUT (7 bits) is set as the input number which is to be switched.
Similarly, if switching is done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the INPUT NUMBER which was
switched. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.
3rd BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
O6…O0 – “OUTPUT”.
When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the OUTPUT (7 bits) is set as the output number which is to be switched.
Similarly, if switching is done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the OUTPUT NUMBER which
was switched. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.
4th BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
Bit 5 – Don’t care.
OVR – Machine number override.
M4…M0 – MACHINE NUMBER.
Used to address machines in a system via their machine numbers. When several machines are controlled from a single
serial port, they are usually configured together with each machine having an individual machine number. If the OVR bit
is set, then all machine numbers will accept (implement) the command, and the addressed machine will reply.
For a single machine controlled via the serial port, always set M4…M0 = 1, and make sure that the machine itself is
configured as MACHINE NUMBER = 1.