Kramer VP-23DS User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VP-23DS
Presentation Switcher / Scaler













Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3Overview 3
4Your VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler 3
5Installing the VP-23DS on a Rack 7
6Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler 8
6.1 Connecting a PC 10
7Operating the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler 11
7.1 Operating your Switcher 11
7.2 Operating the Scaler Section 12
8Flash Memory Upgrade 13
8.1 Downloading from the Internet 13
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 13
8.3 Upgrading Firmware 13
9Technical Specifications 19
10 Hex Tables 20
10.1 Audio Gain Control Hex Tables 20
11 VP-23DS Communication Protocol 21
Figures
Figure 1: VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler 9
Figure 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 10
Figure 4: Setting the DIP to Flash Program 13
Figure 5: Splash Screen 14
Figure 6: Atmel – Flip Window 14
Figure 7: Device Selection Window 15
Figure 8: Selecting the Device from the Selection Window 15
Figure 9: Loading the Hex 16
Figure 10: RS-232 Window 16
Figure 11: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 17
Figure 12: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 18
Figure 13: Setting the DIP to Normal 18

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features 5
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features 6
Table 3: Technical Specifications of the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher 19
Table 4: VP-23DS Hex Table 20
Table 5: VP-23DS Master Audio Selector Hex Table 20
Table 6: Set the Relative Audio Output 20
Table 7: Increase or Decrease the Audio Output Gain by One Step 20
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 21
Table 9: Instruction Codes 22

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 Groups1, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-23DS Presentation Switcher /
Scaler. This product is ideal for the following typical applications:
Presentation and conference room systems, board rooms and auditoriums
Production studios
Rental and staging
The package includes the following items:
VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
Power cord and Null-modem adapter
Windows®-based Kramer control software2
This user manual3
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 cables4
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 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 Kramer VP-23DS is a high quality presentation switcher / Scaler
designed for a wide variety of presentation and multimedia applications. The
VP-23DS includes three independently controlled switcher groups that
combine the functions of a 2x1 switcher for composite video, a 2x1 switcher
for s-Video, and a 4x1 switcher for computer graphics 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 eight audio inputs.
The VP-23DS features an additional Scaler output at which the selected video
signal (composite or s-Video) is converted to a VGA output (resolution can be
scaled up to WXGA).
In addition, the VP-23DS:
Includes eight input selector buttons, control buttons for the master audio
output level, microphone level, as well as buttons for selecting the Scaler
mode and the Scaler resolution
Features a FOLLOW button to toggle between the follow and breakaway
mode
Has a LOCK button to prevent unintentional tampering with the front
panel buttons
Is designed so that each switcher group can be controlled independently
from the other sections
Lets you insert an additional microphone channel by mixing with the
master output signal or by muting the master output signal
The VP-23DS can be controlled via the front panel buttons or by RS-232
serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller. It is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears”
included, and is fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
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 and position
your Kramer VP-23DS away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the VP-23DS. Tables 1 and 2
define the front and rear panels of the VP-23DS, respectively.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
4
Figure 1: VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler

Your VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
5
Table 1: Front Panel VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 FOLLOW Press2so that the scaler output will follow the last
selected video input
Release to select the scaler output independently (by
pressing the CV, Y/C or VGA/UXGA scaler buttons)
3 CV Press to route the selected CV input to the scaled3
output4
4 Y/C Press to route the selected Y/C input to the scaled3
output4
5
MODE -
INPUT
Buttons
VGA/UXGA
Press to route the selected VGA/UXGA input to the
scaled output4
Note that the VGA/UXGA is not scaled. It is routed
directly to the scaled output
6 VGA Press to select the VGA (640x480) output resolution
7 SVGA Press to select the SVGA (800x600) output resolution
8 XGA Press to select the XGA (1024x768) output resolution
9
SCALER1
RES
Buttons
WXGA Press to select the WXGA (1366x768) output resolution
10 VIDEO (CV) Buttons Select the composite video and audio input (from 1 to 2)
11 s-VIDEO (Y/C) Buttons Select the s-Video and audio input (from 1 to 2)
12
INPUT
SELECTOR
VGA/UXGA Button Select the VGA/UXGA video and audio input (from 1 to 4)
13 - Button Decrease the master audio signal level
14 MASTER + Button Increase the master audio signal level
15 + Button Increase the microphone audio signal level
16
AUDIO
LEVEL MIC - Button Decrease the microphone audio signal level
17 MUTE Button Press to disable/enable the Master Audio output5
18 MIX Button Press to toggle. When on, will mix the microphone signal
with the Master Audio output6. When OFF, the
microphone signal is not available at the master audio
output
19 LOCK Button Press and hold7to lock/unlock the front panel buttons
1 See section 7.2
2 Button illuminates
3 Scaled according to the resolution selected using the RES button
4 In the FOLLOW mode, the button illuminates if this is the last input routed to the master output. In the breakaway mode,
press to select the input to route to the scaler output
5 Except for the microphone signal in the MIX mode
6 When the MUTE button and the MIX button are on, only the microphone signal is transferred to the output
7 For about 2 seconds

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
6
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features
# Feature Function
20 CV IN RCA Connectors Connect to the composite video sources (from IN 1 to IN 2)
21 YC IN 4p Connectors Connect to the s-Video sources (from IN 1 to IN 2)
22 YC OUT 4p Connector Connect to the s-Video acceptor
23 CV OUT RCA Connector Connect to the composite video acceptor
24 VGA/UXGA IN HD15 Connectors Connect to the VGA/UXGA video sources (from IN 1 to 4)
25 VGA/UXGA OUT HD15 Connector Connect to the VGA/UXGA video acceptor
26 SCALER OUT HD15 Connector Connect to the VGA-UXGA acceptor1
27 RS-232 Connector DB 9F connector connects to PC or Remote Controller
28 VGA/UXGA AUDIO INPUTS 3.5mm Mini
Jack Connectors
Connect to the VGA/UXGA unbalanced stereo audio sources
(from 1 to 4)
29 CV AUDIO IN RCA Connectors (L and R)
Connect to the CV unbalanced stereo audio sources
(from 1 to 2)
30 YC AUDIO IN RCA Connectors (L and R)
Connect to the s-Video unbalanced stereo audio sources
(from 1 to 2)
31 MASTER AUDIO OUT RCA Connectors Connect to the stereo audio acceptor2
32 Dipswitches FLASH PROGRAM Select between NORMAL for normal operation (the factory
default), and FLASH PROGRAM to upgrade to the latest
Kramer firmware (see section 8)
COND / DYN MIC Select between a condenser and a dynamic microphone
33 MIC IN 6.3mm Phone Jack Connector Connects to the microphone
34 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 Displays the scaled output
2 The input selector button last pressed transmits the audio input signal of the selected channel to the master audio output

Installing the VP-23DS on a Rack
7
5 Installing the VP-23DS 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
(3 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
and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.
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,

CAUTION!!
Before Installing on a Rack
How to Rack Mount
To rack-mount a machine:
1
1
2
2
3
4
5

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
8
6 Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
In Figure 2, the audio input connections are not shown, except for the
microphone and the MASTER AUDIO OUT. In this example, all the outputs
are connected to the same projector. Use the projector controller to switch
between the VP-23DS video outputs1.
To connect2the VP-23DS, as illustrated in the example in Figure 2, do the
following3:
1. Connect the following video sources:
One4composite video source (for example, composite video
player 1) to the CV IN 1 RCA connector
One4composite video source (for example, a composite video
player 2) to the CV IN 2 RCA connector
One s-Video source (for example, s-Video player 1) to the YC IN 1
4p connector
One s-Video source (for example, s-Video player 2) to the YC IN 2
4p connector
One4VGA/UXGA source (for example, a computer graphics
source) to the VGA/UXGA IN 1 HD15F connector
2. Connect the acceptors to a projector5as follows:
The composite video CV OUT RCA connector to the composite
video input of the projector
The s-Video YC OUT 4p connector to the s-Video input of the
projector
The VGA/UXGA OUT HD15F connector to the VGA/UXGA input
of the projector
3. Connect the SCALER OUT HD15F connector to an acceptor (for example, a
VGA display).
4. Connect the appropriate unbalanced stereo audio sources (not shown in
Figure 2).
5. Connect the MASTER AUDIO OUT RCA connectors to an amplifier with
speakers.
1 Or the projector inputs
2 You do not need to connect all the inputs
3 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-23DS. After connecting your VP-23DS, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device. Switching on the VP-23DS, recalls the previous setup from the non-
volatile memory
4 Although in this example not all the sources are connected, you can connect all of the inputs, that is, eight in total
5 In this example a projector is used, but you can also connect separate outputs such as displays, video recorders and so on

Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
9
6. If required, connect a dynamic or a condenser microphone1to the MIC IN
6.3mm phone jack connector.
7. As an option, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
section 6.1).
8. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 2).
Figure 2: Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
1 Use the DYN / COND MIC switch (on the rear panel) to select a dynamic microphone or a condenser

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
10
6.1 Connecting a PC
You can connect a PC (or other controller) to the VP-23DS via the RS-232 port.
To connect using the Null-modem adapter provided with the machine
(recommended method):
Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VP-23DS 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 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-23DS, as Figure 3 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 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

Operating the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
11
7 Operating the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
You can operate your VP-23DS 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:
Switcher section buttons: the INPUT SELECTOR buttons, the MASTER
and MIC AUDIO LEVEL BUTTONS, and the MUTE, LOCK and MIX
buttons
Scaler section buttons: the FOLLOW, CV, Y/C and VGA/UXGA MODE-
INPUT buttons, as well as the VGA, SVGA, XGA and WXGA resolution
buttons
7.1 Operating your Switcher
You can select the video signals within each switcher group by pressing the
relevant INPUT SELECTOR1buttons. You can switch one2of the:
Two composite video (CV) inputs to the composite video output
Two s-Video (Y/C) inputs to the s-Video output
Four VGA/UXGA inputs to the VGA/UXGA output
The selected button in each group is illuminated in red3.
The VP-23DS operates in the audio-follow-video4(AFV) mode so that the
audio signal follows the selected video input signal.
The audio signal is routed to the MASTER AUDIO OUT output, therefore the
last INPUT SELECTOR button selected (from any of the switcher groups)
will route 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
1 You can overlook a switcher group and choose not to select a button from it
2 You cannot select more than one button in a group
3 Pressing an illuminated button for more than 2 seconds will disconnect the output and the button will no longer illuminate
4 In which all operations relate to both the video and the audio channels

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VP-23DS Presentation Switcher / Scaler
12
When setting the master audio gain to its minimum, the MUTE button illuminates.
When MIX is OFF, then the microphone signal is not available at the master
audio output.
When MIX is ON and MUTE is OFF, the microphone signal is mixed with the
master audio output.
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.
7.2 Operating the Scaler Section
The SCALER section can operate in the FOLLOW or the breakaway mode:
In the FOLLOW mode, the FOLLOW button illuminates, and the Scaler
output follows the last selected video input
For example, if the last selected input is VIDEO (CV) 2, its INPUT
SELECTOR button is illuminated (in purple) and in the SCALER
section, the CV button illuminates (as well as the FOLLOW button)
indicating that CV INPUT 2 is scaled and routed to the SCALER output
In the Scaler breakaway mode, the FOLLOW button is not illuminated
and the input to the SCALER output is selected by pressing appropriate
SCALER button
For example, if the last selected master output is s-VIDEO (Y/C) 2,
select the Scaler output by pressing one of the three SCALER buttons:
CV, Y/C or VGA/UXGA
You can select the desired Scaler output resolution by pressing one of the four
resolution buttons: VGA, SVGA, XGA or WXGA.

Flash Memory Upgrade
13
8 Flash Memory Upgrade
The VP-23DS firmware is located in FLASH memory, which lets you
upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware version in minutes! The process
involves:
Downloading from the Internet (see section 8.1)
Connecting the PC to the RS-232 port (see section 8.2)
Upgrading Firmware (see section 8.3)
8.1 Downloading from the Internet
You can download the up-to-date file1from the Internet. To do so:
1. Go to our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com and download the
file: “FLIP_VP23DS.zip” from the Technical Support section.
2. Extract the file: “FLIP_VP23DS.zip” to a folder (for example, C:\Program
Files\Kramer Flash).
3. Create a shortcut on your desktop to the file: “FLIP.EXE”.
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port
Before installing the latest Kramer firmware version on a VP-23DS unit, do
the following:
1. Disconnect the power on the VP-23DS.
2. Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the
VP-23DS unit to the Null-modem adapter and connect
the Null-modem adapter with a 9-wire flat cable to the
RS-232 DB9 COM port on your PC (see section 6.1).
3. On the rear panel, set the FLASH PROG DIP to Flash
Program (by setting the FLASH PROG DIP
downwards, see Figure 4).
4. Connect the power on the VP-23DS unit and switch it
ON.
Figure 4: Setting
the DIP to Flash
Program
8.3 Upgrading Firmware
Follow these steps to upgrade the firmware:
1. Double click the desktop icon: “Shortcut to FLIP.EXE”.
The Splash screen appears as follows:
1 The files indicated in this section are given as an example only. These file names are liable to change from time to time

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Flash Memory Upgrade
14
Figure 5: Splash Screen
2. After a few seconds, the Splash screen is replaced by the “Atmel – Flip”
window:
Figure 6: Atmel – Flip Window
3. Press the keyboard shortcut key F2 (or select the “Select” command from the
Device menu, or press the integrated circuit icon in the upper right corner of
the window).
The “Device Selection” window appears:

Flash Memory Upgrade
15
Figure 7: Device Selection Window
4. Click the button next to the name of the device and select from the list:
AT89C51RD2:
AT89C51RD2
T89C51RD2
Figure 8: Selecting the Device from the Selection Window
5. Click OK and select “Load Hex” from the File menu.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Flash Memory Upgrade
16
A
Figure 9: Loading the Hex
6. The Open File window opens. Select the correct HEX file that contains the
updated version of the firmware for VP-23DS (for example,
23DSM_V1p2.hex) and click Open.
7. Press the keyboard shortcut key F3 (or select the “Communication / RS232”
command from the Settings menu, or press the keys: Alt SCR).
The “RS232” window appears. Change the COM port according to the
configuration of your computer and select the 9600 baud rate:
Figure 10: RS-232 Window
8. Click Connect.
In the “Atmel – Flip” window, in the Operations Flow column, the Run button
is active, and the name of the chip appears as the name of the third column:
AT89C51RD2.

Flash Memory Upgrade
17
Verify that in the Buffer Information column, the “HEX File: VP23DS.hex”
appears.
A
VP23DS.hex
Figure 11: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected)
9. Click Run.
After each stage of the operation is completed, the check-box for that stage
becomes colored green1.
When the operation is completed, all 4 check-boxes will be colored green and
the status bar message: Memory Verify Pass appears2:
1 See also the blue progress indicator on the status bar
2 If an error message: “Not Finished” shows, click Run again