Kramer VP-81K User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-81K
8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher
P/N: 2900-000387 Rev 3

VP-81K – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1DDC Support 4
3.2Defining EDID 4
3.3Defining the VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher 4
3.4Using the IR Transmitter 7
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting the VP-81K 9
5.1Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 10
5.2Controlling via RS-232 11
5.3Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 12
5.4Controlling the VP-81K via the Ethernet Port 12
5.5DIP-Switch Settings 18
5.6Cascading Machines 18
6Operating Your VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher 20
6.1Using the Front Panel Input Selector Buttons 20
6.2Using the Regular or Automatic Switching Mode 20
6.3Using the Audio-Follow-Video/Breakaway Modes 21
6.4Setting the Audio Gain 22
7Technical Specifications 23
8Communication Parameters 24
9Table of ASCII Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 3000) 25
10Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) 26
11Kramer Protocol 28
11.1Switching Protocols 28
11.2Kramer Protocol 3000 29
11.3Kramer Protocol 2000 36
Figures
Figure 1: VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher Front Panel 5
Figure 2: VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher Rear Panel 6
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-81K 10
Figure 4: Connecting an Balanced Stereo Audio Output 10
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Output 10
Figure 6: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 11
Figure 7: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 11
Figure 8: Local Area Connection Properties Window 13
Figure 9: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 13
Figure 10: Connect Screen 14
Figure 11: Device Properties Screen 15
Figure 12: HOME Embedded Web Page 16
Figure 13: CONFIGURATIONS Embedded Web Page 17
Figure 14: SETUP DIP-Switches 18
Figure 15: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 19

VP-81K - 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-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Display systems requiring simple input selection
Remote monitoring of computer activity in schools and businesses
Rental/staging applications
Multimedia and presentation source selection

2 VP-81K - 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-81K away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
i

VP-81K - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VP-81K is a high-performance switcher for computer graphics video signals,
with resolutions up to and exceeding UXGA, and unbalanced stereo audio signals.
The unit can switch any one of eight inputs to two identical video outputs, one
balanced and one unbalanced stereo audio outputs.
The VP-81K features:
Very high video bandwidth, ensuring transparent UXGA performance
Audio-follow-video (AFV) in which all operations relate to both the video and
the audio channels, or audio breakaway option, in which video and audio
channels switch independently
Volume control
DDC (Display Data Channel) communication between the selected input and
output 1 high-density 15-pin HD connectors on pins 12 and 15
KR-ISP™ technology, innovative integrated sync processing that lets you
achieve a sharp, stable image even when the sync level is too low, by
restoring the sync signal waveform
The cascade of up to eight units with control from a PC or serial controller
Automatic switching mode (as well as the regular switching mode),
automatically switching to the lowest number input when that input is
connected and active
For example, if INPUT 6 is currently selected and connected and then INPUT 4
receives an active signal, the VP-81K automatically switches to INPUT 4.
Control the VP-81K 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
Ethernet
The Kramer RC-IR3 Infrared Remote Control Transmitter or infrared remote
extension cable transmitter (optional)

4 VP-81K - Overview
3.1 DDC Support
When establishing a VGA connection between a PC or laptop and a display device, a
set of parameters known as EDID is exchanged between them, which is carried over
the DDC channel. In some PC graphic cards and laptops, this information exchange is
essential for proper VGA OUT operation.
3.2 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is a data-structure provided by a
display, to describe its capabilities to a graphics card (that is connected to the
display’s source). The EDID enables the VP-81K to “know” what kind of monitor is
connected to the output. The EDID includes the manufacturer’s name, the product
type, the timing data supported by the display, the display size, luminance data
and (for digital displays only) the pixel mapping data.
EDID is defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA).
3.3 Defining the VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher
This section defines the VP-81K.

VP-81K – Overview 5
Figure 1: VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher Front Panel
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
2 IR Receiver The yellow LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Kramer Infrared remote control transmitter
3 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Select the input (from 1 to 8) to switch to the outputs
The button illuminates in red if it is selected and there is no input signal
The button illuminates in green if it is not selected but there is an input signal at that input
The button illuminates in violet if it is selected and there is an input signal connected
4 AUDIO Button When illuminated, actions relate to audio
If the AUDIO and VIDEO buttons both illuminate, the unit operates in the audio-follow-video mode
5 VIDEO Button When illuminated, actions relate to video
6 AUDIO
GAIN
Buttons
+ Press to increase the audio output level of the selected input (while the AUDIO button illuminates)
7 - Press to decrease the audio output level of the selected input

Figure 2: VP-81K 8x1 UXGA/Audio Switcher Rear Panel
# Feature Function
8 INPUT 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the UXGA sources (from 1 to 8)
9 OUTPUT 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the UXGA acceptors (from 1 to 2)
10 AUDIO INPUT Mini Plug Connectors Connect to the unbalanced stereo audio sources (from 1 to 8)
11 OUT 1 Mini Plug Connector Connect to the unbalanced stereo audio acceptor
12 OUT 2 Terminal Block Connector Connect to the balanced stereo audio acceptor
13 PROG. Button Not used (for technical staff use only)
14 Ethernet Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking
15 FACTORY RESET Button Press to reset to factory default definitions:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
The audio gain of all the inputs is reset to 0dB
Turn the machine OFF, then turn the machine ON while pressing the FACTORY RESET button.
The unit powers up and loads its memory with the factory default definitions
16 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connects to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port of the next unit in the daisy-chain
17 SETUP DIP-switches DIP-switches for setup of the unit, see Section 5.5
18 REMOTE IR 3.5mm Mini Jack Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via an IR remote controller
(instead of using the front panel IR receiver)
Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine, see
Section 3.4
19 RS-485 Detachable Terminal Block Port Pin # 1 is for ground connection, and Pins # 2 and # 3 are for RS-485
20 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
6VP-81K – Overview

VP-81K - Overview 7
3.4 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR3 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in IR
receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR receiver (Model:
C-A35M/IRR-50). The external IR receiver can be located up to 15 meters away
from the machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used
with three extension cables (Model: C-A35M/A35F-50).
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer to
insert the internal IR connection cable (P/N: 505-70434010-S) with the 3.5mm
connector that fits into the REMOTE IR opening on the rear panel. Connect the
external IR receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.