Kramer VP-727A User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VP-727A
Audio Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VP-727A Audio Switcher 3
4.1 The VP-727A Audio Switcher Underside 6
5 Installing the VP-727A Audio Switcher on a Rack 7
6 Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher 8
6.1 Connecting the VP-727A Audio Switcher 8
6.2 Connecting a PC (via RS-232) to a Standalone VP-727A 10
6.3 Configuring the VP-727A with the VP-727xl and the VP-727T 11
6.4 Connecting via RS-485 13
6.4.1 Connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727T via the VP-727xl 13
6.4.2 Connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727T via the VP-727 14
7 Flash Memory Upgrade 16
7.1 Downloading from the Internet 16
7.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 16
7.3 Upgrading Firmware 17
8 Technical Specifications 21
9 Kramer VP-727A Protocol (Ver. 3.21) 22
Figures
Figure 1: VP-727A Audio Switcher 4
Figure 2: VP-727A Audio Switcher Underside 6
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-727A with a VP-727xl Machine 9
Figure 4: Connecting the PC 10
Figure 5: Connecting 2 VP-727A machines to the VP-727T via 2 VP-727xl Machines 11
Figure 6: Connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727T via the VP-727 12
Figure 7: RS-485 Configuration between the VP-727A and the VP-727xl 14
Figure 8: RS-485 Configuration between the VP-727A and the VP-727 15
Figure 9: Splash Screen 17
Figure 10: Atmel – Flip Window 17
Figure 11: Device Selection Window 18
Figure 12: Selecting the Device Window 18
Figure 13: Loading the Hex 19
Figure 14: RS-232 Window 19
Figure 15: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 20
Figure 16: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 20

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Tables
Table 1: VP-727A Audio Switcher Features 5
Table 2: VP-727A Audio Switcher Underside Features 6
Table 3: Technical Specifications of the VP-727A Audio Switcher 21
Table 4: Instruction Codes for the VP-727A Protocol 22

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
1
that are clearly defined by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-727A Audio Switcher, which is
ideal for staging events, as well as:
Presentation applications that require an audio preview option
Projection systems with sound in conference rooms, board rooms,
auditoriums, hotels, and houses of worship
The package includes these items:
VP-727A Audio Switcher
Power cord
2
Null-modem adapter
This user manual
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
3
Use Kramer high performance high resolution cables
4
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic steps when connecting a VP-727A:
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4:
Format/Standards Converters; GROUP 5: Twisted-Pair Solutions; 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 Products
2 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with the machine
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: 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-727A is a high performance 8x2 audio switcher for
unbalanced stereo audio signals. It switches any input to either the preview or
program output. The VP-727A is an audio companion switcher for the
VP-727xl Universal Presentation Matrix Switcher / Scaler and the VP-727
Universal Presentation Matrix Switcher / Scaler, and operates in conjunction
with them and the VP-727T Presentation Switcher Control Panel.
The VP-727A features:
Eight unbalanced stereo audio inputs on RCA connectors
Three program outputs: unbalanced stereo audio, balanced stereo audio and
S/PDIF
One unbalanced stereo audio preview output
A selectable headphone connector for preview or program audio outputs
A front panel lockout
A TAKE button for executing preview to program switching (with
transition effects)
An audio-follow-video button when operating in conjunction with the
VP-727xl or the VP-727
Fade to mute audio switching
Separate mute buttons for the preview and program channels
Bass, treble and balance audio controls
Audio delay for each input channel
You can control the VP-727A via the front panel buttons and/or RS-232.
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, making sure
not to block the ventilation holes, and positioning your VP-727A away
from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-727A Audio Switcher
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the front panel of the VP-727A:

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-727A Audio Switcher
4
1 2 3 4 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14151617
18 19 20 21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Figure 1: VP-727A Audio Switcher

Your VP-727A Audio Switcher
5
Table 1: VP-727A Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 PREVIEW Input Buttons Press to select an audio source to switch to the PREVIEW output
1
3 PROGRAM Input Buttons Press to select an audio source to switch to the PROGRAM output
1
4 Preview Button Press to disable/enable the preview audio output
5
MUTE
Program Button Press to disable/enable the program audio output
6 CONTROL SELECT Button Press to cycle
2
between the BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE and DELAY
3
7 IN LEVEL Button Press to select
2
the PROGRAM or the PREVIEW input audio level for
each program and preview channel
8 OUT LEVEL Button Press to select
2
the PROGRAM, the PREVIEW or the PHONES output
audio level
9 LOCK Button Press and hold to lock/unlock the front panel buttons
10 6.3mm Jack Connect to the headphones
11
PHONES
Button Press to select
2
which output (PROGRAM or the PREVIEW) to send to
the headphones
12 AUDIO LEVEL 7-segment Display Displays the numerical value of the CONTROL feature
4
13 + Button Press to increase the level
4
14 - Button Press to decrease the level
4
15 TAKE Button Press to swap the preview input with the program input
5
16 FADE Button Press to create a dissolved transition from the PREVIEW to the
PROGRAM output
17 AFV Button When pressed, the button is illuminated, and the audio channels
follow the video channels (on the VP-727xl or the VP-727)
Deselect AFV to switch the audio channels independently
18 RIGHT
19
INPUT RCA Connectors
LEFT
Connect to the unbalanced stereo audio source (from 1 to 8)
20 LEFT
21
PROGRAM RCA
Connectors RIGHT
Connect to an unbalanced stereo audio program acceptor
22 S/PDIF RCA Connector Connect to a digital audio acceptor
23 RIGHT
24
PREVIEW RCA
Connectors LEFT
Connect to an unbalanced stereo audio preview acceptor
25
OUTPUTS
PROGRAM Terminal Block
Connector
Connect to a balanced stereo audio program acceptor
DIP 8 to ON Operates the VP-727A with the VP-727xl (as slave baud rate 38,400)
DIP 7 to ON Operates the VP-727A with the VP-727 or the VP-727T (as chain baud
rate 115,200)
DIP 6 to ON For stand alone (baud rate 9,600)
DIPs 2, 3, 4and 5to OFF
26
SETUP DIPs
DIP 1to ON For the fade to follow the transition effect; set to OFF for separate fade
27 RS-485 Port Connects to the Kramer VP-727T or the VP-727xl (see section 6.4)
Pin G is for the Ground connection
6
; pins B (-) and A (+) are for
RS-485
28 RS-232 Connector
9-pin D-sub connector connects to a PC or Remote Controller via a
null-modem connection
29 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 From 1 to 8
2 The appropriate LED lights
3 The BASS, TREBLE and BALANCE levels are set for the PROGRAM output. The DELAY is set for each PROGRAM input
4 BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, DELAY, audio input level (PREVIEW AND PROGRAM), and audio output level
(PREVIEW AND PROGRAM)
5 To reset the VP-727A to its factory default settings, turn the unit OFF, then turn it ON while pressing the TAKE button for about 2
seconds: The preview and program input is set to input 1, the input volume resets to 0dB, and the bass and treble levels reset to 0
6 The ground connection is sometimes connected to the shield of the RS-485 cable. However, usually the ground is not connected

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-727A Audio Switcher
6
4.1 The VP-727A Audio Switcher Underside
Figure 2 and Table 2 define the VP-727A underside.
1
2
Figure 2: VP-727A Audio Switcher Underside
Table 2: VP-727A Audio Switcher Underside Features
# Feature Function
1 PROGRAM Slide Switch Slide to ON to upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware (see section 7),
or to the right for normal operation (the factory default)
2 RS-485 TERMINATION Slide
Switch Slide to ON for RS-485 Line Termination with 120, or to the right
for no RS-485 Line Termination

Installing the VP-727A Audio Switcher on a Rack
7
5 Installing the VP-727A Audio Switcher on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing in a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing in a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5º to +45º C (41º to 113º F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20º to +70º C (-4º to 158º F)
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing

CAUTION!!
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
1. 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.
2. Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around
the machine.
3. The machine is placed straight in the correct
horizontal position.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
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 that:
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
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
8
6 Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
This section describes how to:
Connect the VP-727A (see section 6.1)
Connect a PC (see section 6.2)
Configure an AV presentation switcher, with a controller (see section 6.3)
Connect via the RS-485 (see section 6.4)
6.1 Connecting the VP-727A Audio Switcher
To connect
1
the VP-727A as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the
following
2
:
1. Connect the unbalanced audio sources to the inputs
3
. For example, the
unbalanced audio signal of:
A DVD player to the INPUT 1 LEFT and RIGHT RCA connectors
A camera to the INPUT 3 LEFT and RIGHT RCA connectors
An HDTV satellite receiver to the INPUT 5 LEFT and RIGHT RCA
connectors
2. Connect the following unbalanced audio outputs
4
:
The PROGRAM LEFT and RIGHT RCA connectors to a Program
acceptor (for example, a power amplifier with speakers)
The PREVIEW LEFT and RIGHT RCA connectors to a Preview
acceptor (for example, the Kramer 901 Personal Stereo Amplifier
5
connected to speakers)
3. Connect the RS-485 terminal block connector on the VP-727A to the
AUDIO CONTROL terminal block connector of the Kramer VP-727xl.
4. On the VP-727A, set DIP 8 to ON
6
. Make sure that all the other
dipswitches are set to OFF.
5. Connect the RS-485 terminal block connector on the VP-727xl (see
section 6.3) to the RS-485 terminal block connector of the VP-727T.
6. Connect the power cord
7
(not shown in Figure 3).
1 You do not have to connect all the inputs and outputs
2 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-727A. After connecting your VP-727A, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
3 The video inputs are connected to the VP-727xl in this example. Refer to the separate user manuals for these machines,
which can be downloaded from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 You can also connect the S/PDIF digital audio RCA connector and the balanced stereo audio terminal block connector to
the appropriate audio acceptors (not illustrated in Figure 3)
5 You can download this user manual from the Internet at: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
6 When connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727, set DIP 7 to ON and make sure that all the other dipswitches are set to OFF
7 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
9
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-727A with a VP-727xl Machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
10
6.2 Connecting a PC (via RS-232) to a Standalone VP-727A
1
You can connect a PC (or other controller) to a standalone VP-727A via the
RS-232 port for remote control and for upgrading the firmware.
To connect a PC to a VP-727A unit, using the Null-modem adapter provided
with the machine (recommended):
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VP-727A unit to the
Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9-wire flat
cable to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
To connect a PC to a VP-727A unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC to the RS-232 9-pin
D-sub rear panel port on the VP-727A unit, forming a cross-connection
2
, as
Figure 4 illustrates
D
B
9
(
To Presentation
Switcher
/
Scaler
)

DB9 (FromPC
)
Figure 4: Connecting the PC
1 When the VP-727A is configured with the VP-727xl, the audio follows the video and the VP-727A cannot be controlled via
a PC
2 Also known as a Null-modem connection

Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
11
6.3 Configuring the VP-727A with the VP-727xl
1
and the VP-727T
The VP-727A can be controlled by the VP-727T in conjunction with one or
more VP-727xl or VP-727 units. The VP-727A can be connected to the:
VP-727xl (see Figure 5) or the VP-727 (see Figure 6)
VP-727T via the VP-727xl or the VP-727 using the RS-485 ports
The example in Figure 5 illustrates how to connect two VP-727A machines and
two VP-727xl machines to a VP-727T controller.
On each VP-727A machine, set DIP 8 to ON. The other dipswitches are set to OFF
Figure 5: Connecting 2 VP-727A machines to the VP-727T via 2 VP-727xl Machines
1 Or the VP-727

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
12
The example in Figure 6 illustrates how to connect a VP-727A and a VP-727
machine to a VP-727T controller.
On the VP-727A, set DIP 7 to ON. The other dipswitches are set to OFF
Figure 6: Connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727T via the VP-727

Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
13
6.4 Connecting via RS-485
You can connect the VP-727A to the VP-727T, via RS-485 communication,
via the VP-727xl (see section 6.4.1) or via the VP-727 (see section 6.4.2).
6.4.1 Connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727T via the VP-727xl
To connect the VP-727A to the Kramer VP-727T Presentation Switcher
Control Panel via the RS-485 control port, as illustrated in the example in
Figure 7, do the following:
1. Connect the VP-727A to the VP-727xl as follows:
Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-727A to the A (+) PIN on the AUDIO CONTROL rear panel port
of the VP-727xl unit
Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727A
to the B (-) PIN on the AUDIO CONTROL rear panel port of the
VP-727xl unit
If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units
2. Connect the VP-727xl to the VP-727T as follows:
Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-727xl to the A (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-727T unit
Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727xl
to the B (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727T unit
If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units
3. Slide the underside RS-485 TERMINATION switch to ON.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
14
VP-727T Side Panel
VP-727A
VP-727xl
RS-485 PINOUT
G
B
A
_
+
Figure 7: RS-485 Configuration between the VP-727A and the VP-727xl
6.4.2 Connecting the VP-727A to the VP-727T via the VP-727
To connect the VP-727A to the Kramer VP-727T Presentation Switcher
Control Panel via the RS-485 control port, as illustrated in the example in
Figure 8, do the following:
1. Connect the VP-727A to the VP-727 as follows:
Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-727A to the A (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VP-727 unit
Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727A
to the B (-) PIN on the AUDIO CONTROL rear panel port of the
VP-727 unit
If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units

Configuring the VP-727A Audio Switcher
15
2. Connect the VP-727 to the VP-727T as follows:
Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727
to the A (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727T unit
Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727
to the B (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the VP-727T unit
If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units
3. Slide the underside RS-485 TERMINATION switch to ON.
VP-727T Side Panel
VP-727A
VP-727
RS-485 PINOUT
G
B
A
_
+
Figure 8: RS-485 Configuration between the VP-727A and the VP-727

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Flash Memory Upgrade
16
7 Flash Memory Upgrade
The VP-727A firmware is located in FLASH memory, which lets you upgrade
1
to the latest Kramer firmware version in minutes! The process involves:
Downloading from the Internet (see section 7.1)
Connecting the PC to the RS-232 port (see section 7.2)
Upgrading Firmware (see section 7.3)
7.1 Downloading from the Internet
You can download the up-to-date file
2
from the Internet. To do so:
1. Go to our Web site at www.kramerelectronics.com and download the
file: “FLIP_VP727A.zip” from the Technical Support section.
2. Extract the file: “FLIP_VP727A.zip” to a folder (for example,
C:\Program Files\Kramer Flash).
3. Create a shortcut on your desktop to the file: “FLIP.EXE”.
7.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port
Before installing the latest Kramer firmware version on a VP-727A unit, do the
following:
1. Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port according to section 6.2.
2. Slide the underside PROGRAM switch to ON (see section 4.1).
3. Switch the unit ON.
Note: this sequence is critical – first push the FLASH PROG button and then turn
on the unit
1 Upgrade should be carried out by skilled technical personnel. Failure to upgrade correctly will result in the malfunction of
the machine
2 The files indicated in this section are given as an example only. File names are liable to change from time to time

Flash Memory Upgrade
17
7.3 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:
Figure 9: Splash Screen
2. After a few seconds, the Splash screen is replaced by the “Atmel – Flip”
window:
Figure 10: 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: