Kramer VP-23N User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:

VP-23N
Presentation Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) / Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) 3
3.2 About the VP-23N 3
3.3 Recommendations for Achieving the Best Performance 4
3.4 Terminology Used in this User Manual 5
4 Your Presentation Switcher 5
5 Installing the VP-23N on a Rack 11
6 Connecting the VP-23N Presentation Switcher 12
6.1 Connecting the VP-23N Rear Panel 12
6.2 Wiring the CAT5 LINE OUT RJ-45 Connector 15
6.3 Connecting a PC 16
6.4 Connecting via RS-485 17
6.5 Controlling via ETHERNET 18
6.5.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 18
6.5.2 Connectingthe ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 20
6.5.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port 20
6.6 Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485 20
6.7 Dipswitch Settings 22
6.7.1 Setting the Machine # Dipswitches 22
7 Operating Your Switcher 23
7.1 The Front Panel Buttons 23
7.2 The Independent Switchers Mode 25
7.3 The Master Audio Mode 26
8 Flash Memory Upgrade 28
8.1 Downloading from the Internet 28
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 28
8.3 Upgrading Firmware 29
9 Technical Specifications 34
10 Hex Table 35
10.1 Audio Gain Control Hex Tables 35
11 Communication Protocol 37

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VP-23N Presentation Switcher – Front View 6
Figure 2: VP-23N Presentation Switcher – Rear View 8
Figure 3: VP-23N Presentation Switcher– Underside View 10
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-23N Presentation Switcher 14
Figure 5: CAT5 PINOUT 15
Figure 6: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 16
Figure 7: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 17
Figure 8: RJ-45 PINOUT 18
Figure 9: Local Area Connection Properties Window 19
Figure 10: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 19
Figure 11: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 21
Figure 12: Default Dipswitch Settings 22
Figure 13: Separate Switcher Mode 25
Figure 14: Switching in the Master Audio Mode 27
Figure 15: Splash Screen 29
Figure 16: Atmel – Flip Window 29
Figure 17: Device Selection Window 30
Figure 18: Selecting the Device from the Selection Window 30
Figure 19: Loading the Hex 31
Figure 20: RS-232 Window 31
Figure 21: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 32
Figure 22: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 33
Tables
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 5
Table 2: Front Panel VP-23N Presentation Switcher Features 7
Table 3: Rear Panel VP-23N Presentation Switcher Features 9
Table 4: VP-23N Underside Panel Feature 10
Table 5: CAT5 PINOUT 15
Table 6: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 18
Table 7: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 20
Table 8: Dipswitch Settings 22
Table 9: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 22
Table 10: Technical Specifications of the VP-23N Presentation Switcher 34
Table 11: VP-23N Hex Table 35
Table 12: VP-23N Master Audio Selector Hex Table 35
Table 13: Set the Audio Output Gain Control for the Groups 35
Table 14: Set the Audio Output Gain Control for the Microphone 35
Table 15: Set the Audio Output Gain Control for the Master Audio 36
Table 16: Increase or Decrease the Audio Output Gain by One Step 36
Table 17: Protocol Definitions 37
Table 18: Instruction Codes 38

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 Kramer VP-23N Presentation Switcher,
which is ideal for presentation and conference room systems, production
studios, rental and staging.
The package includes the following items:
 VP-23N Presentation Switcher
 Windows®-based Kramer control software
 Windows®-based Configuration Manager XPort software and Com Port
Redirector
 Null-modem adapter and power cord
2
 Kramer RC-IR1 Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter
3
(including the
required battery and a separate user manual
4
)
 This user manual
4
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
5
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 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
3 Previously known as the IR-1 / IR-1-01
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
Master Audio Mode
Select the master audio button
to switch a selected input audio
signal (one of the 3 selected
inputs in the switcher groups)
or the MIC input to the master
outputs: MASTER OUT and/or
SPKR OUT
To Talk Over the master audio
output with the microphone:
Press the Talk Over button.
Press the MIC AUDIO LEVEL
buttons to increase or decrease
microphone volume
UXGA
Connect to a
remote acceptor
(CAT5 receiver)
CAT5 OUT
Separate 4x1 A/V Switchers
Press a button to select an input (from 1 to 4)
on each switcher (CV, s-Video and/or
VGA/UXGA) to route to the appropriate output.
Selected input buttons illuminate
Adjust MASTER
Volume
Press + (increase)
or - (decrease)
buttons to adjust
audio signal Level
Adjust MIC Volume
Press + (increase)
or - (decrease)
buttons to adjust
MIC signal Level
Mute the Audio
Buttons
Press the illuminated
button for more than 2
seconds

Overview
3
3 Overview
This section describes:
 Using shielded twisted pair (STP)/unshielded twisted pair (UTP), see section 3.1
 A summary of the VP-23N, see section 3.2
 Recommendations for achieving the best performance, see section 3.3
 The terminology used in this user manual, see section 3.4
3.1 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) / Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
The decision whether to use shielded twisted pair (STP) cable or unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) cable depends on the nature of the application.
It is recommended that in applications with high interference, shielded
twisted pair (STP) cable will give better results. However, the shield itself
does create a capacitance that degrades the frequency response of the
machines. For shorter distances, of 50m or so, shielded twisted pair (STP)
cable is preferred because it provides protection from interference
(degradation is non apparent).
For a long range application, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable is preferred.
However, the unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable should be installed far away
from electric cables, motors etc., which are prone to create electrical interference.
Some Kramer twisted pair products include the Power Connect feature
1
. The
VP-23N does not have this feature.
3.2 About the VP-23N
The VP-23N is a high quality one-box presentation switcher, which includes
three independent 4x1 audio/video switchers and a master audio switcher. It
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 computer graphics
(VGA/UXGA) signals with audio, as well as the master audio switcher that
routes one of the pre-selected audio inputs (from these three switchers) to two
separate outputs.
1 The Power Connect feature lets you power a transmitter / receiver system by connecting just one power adapter to either the
transmitter or the receiver. The other unit is fed over the same CAT5 cable. The Power Connect feature applies as long as the
CAT5 cable is heavy gauge cable (that is, it can carry power). The distance does not exceed 50 meters on standard cable. For
a distance of 100 meters, separate power supplies must be connected to the transmitter and to the receiver simultaneously,
unless using heavy gauge CAT5 cable

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
4
In addition, the VP-23N:
 Has a VGA/UXGA video bandwidth of 350MHz to ensure transparent
performance even in the most critical applications, and is HDTV compatible
 Has a composite/SDI video bandwidth of 650MHz, an s-Video bandwidth
of 385MHz, and a CAT5 bandwidth of 158MHz
 Includes 16 selector buttons, digital microphone input level control and
digital master audio level control
 Features a microphone talk-over mode (the microphone input signal lowers
the line audio output level when the connected microphone detects sound)
 Has a CAT5 output, with a transmission range of more than 300 feet (over
100 meters) that transmits XGA signals to a remote acceptor via a
receiver
 Includes an internal 5-Watt per channel (24kHz, 3dB), power amplifier
for connecting the speakers directly to the machine
 Has a panel LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
 Recalls the previous setup via the non-volatile memory after power up
 Supports changing the audio output levels via RS-232 commands
Control the VP-23N using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
 RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system,
PC, or other serial controller
 The Kramer Infra-Red remote control transmitter
 The ETHERNET
3.3 Recommendations for Achieving the Best Performance
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-23N away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

Your Presentation Switcher
5
3.4 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 Presentation Switcher
Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 2 and Table 3 describe the front and rear panels of
the VP-23N, respectively.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your Presentation Switcher
6
Figure 1: VP-23N Presentation Switcher – Front View

Your Presentation Switcher
7
Table 2: Front Panel VP-23N Presentation Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR (Infra-Red) Receiver Signals from the remote control transmitter illuminate the
LED
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
3 VIDEO (CV)-AUDIO SELECTOR
Buttons Selects the composite video-audio source (from 1 to 4)
4 s-VIDEO (Y/C)-AUDIO SELECTOR
Buttons Selects the s-Video-audio source (from 1 to 4)
5 VGA/UXGA-AUDIO SELECTOR
Buttons Selects the VGA/UXGA video-audio source from (1 to 4)
6 CV Button Press to route the selected audio signal from the composite
video section to the master audio outputs
1
s-VIDEO Button Press to route the selected audio signal from the s-Video
section to the master audio outputs
1
VGA/UXGA Button
Press to route the selected audio signal from the
VGA/UXGA section to the master audio outputs
1
MASTER
AUDIO
SELECTOR
MIC Button Press to route the microphone input to the master audio
outputs
1
7 + Button
Increase the microphone audio signal level
8 MIC - Button Decrease the microphone audio signal level
9 + Button
Increase the master audio signal level
10
AUDIO LEVEL
MASTER
- Button Decrease the master audio signal level
11 TALK OVER Button Push the button to activate talk over
2
12 LOCK Button Press to lock the front panel buttons
1 MASTER OUT and SPKR OUT
2 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