Kramer VP-81SIDN User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-81SIDN
8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
P/N: 2900-300315 Rev 1

VP-81SIDN - Contents
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Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 2
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 About the Power Connect™ Feature 5
3.2 Using Twisted Pair cables 5
3.3 Using the IR Transmitter for the VP-81SIDN 5
4Defining the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher 6
5Installing in a Rack 9
6Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher 10
6.1 Connecting to a Balanced Audio Acceptor 12
6.2 Connecting Remote Contact Input and Output Selection Switches 12
6.3 Connecting to the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher via RS-232 14
6.4 Connecting to the VP-81SIDN via RS-485 14
6.5 Connecting to the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher via Ethernet 16
7Operating the VP-81SIDN Locally 20
7.1 Selecting an Input 20
7.2 Muting the Input when using Step-In Commanders 21
7.3 Resetting all Input Priorities to the Default 21
7.4 Selecting an Output 21
7.5 Setting the Audio Output Volume 21
7.6 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel Buttons 22
7.7 Muting and unmuting the Audio 22
8Configuring and Maintaining the VP-81SIDN 23
8.1 Setting the RS-485 Device Number 23
8.2 Reading the Current RS-485 Device Number 23
8.3 Setting the RS-485 Bus Termination 24
8.4 Resetting to the Factory Default Settings 24
8.5 Upgrading the Firmware 25
9Operating the VP-81SIDN Remotely 26
9.1 Operating the VP-81SIDN Using the Controller Software 26
10 Wiring the DGKat TP RJ-45 Connectors 38
11 Technical Specifications 39
12 Default Communication Parameters 40
13 Protocol 3000 41
13.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 41
13.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 43
Figures
Figure 1: VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher 10
Figure 4: Balanced Stereo Audio Output Connection 12

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VP-81SIDN - Introduction
Figure 5: Remote Input Selection Switch Wiring 13
Figure 6: RS-485 Control of Multiple VP-81SIDN Devices via RS-232 and RS-485 15
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 18
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 18
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Properties Window 19
Figure 11: RS-485 Termination DIP-switch 24
Figure 12: Step-In Software Main Window 27
Figure 13: Typical Input Button 28
Figure 14: Login Window 30
Figure 15: Connection Method Window 31
Figure 16: Input Selection 32
Figure 17: VP-81SIDN Input Selection 32
Figure 18: Changing the Output Volume 33
Figure 19: Input Button Priorities Window 34
Figure 27: TP Pinout Wiring 38

VP-81SIDN - 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 video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
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 Routers;
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 Video Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In
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-81SIDN - 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
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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 (we recommend Kramer high-
performance, high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in
signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise levels (often
associated with low quality cables)
Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely
influence signal quality
Position your VP-81SIDN away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be
connected to other equipment that is installed inside a building.
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit
Warning:
Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause
electrical shock! Servicing by qualified personnel only
Warning:
Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing
i
!
!

VP-81SIDN - Getting Started
3
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
aims to reduce the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by
requiring it to be collected and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive,
Kramer Electronics has made arrangements with the European Advanced
Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any costs of treatment, recycling and
recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on arrival at the EARN
facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular country
go to our recycling pages at http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/recycling/.

4
VP-81SIDN - Overview
3 Overview
The VP-81SIDN can route one of eight TP (Twisted Pair), a DVI or an HDMI input
to either a TP or an HDMI output. Input selection can also be controlled remotely
using;
Step-In modules (for example, the SID-DP)
Contact closure switches
A serial controller via RS-232 or RS-485
A PC via Ethernet connected over a LAN
The device also outputs balanced and unbalanced stereo audio, as well as digital
audio.
In particular, the VP-81SIDN:
Has a bandwidth of 1.65Gbps per video channel
Can be cascaded with up to four VP-81SIDN devices via the HDMI port to
provide up to 37 Twisted Pair inputs
Supports the SID range of Step-in Commander panels for remote inputs and
remote step-in control
Has a USB power port that can provide power to USB devices, (for example,
the Kramer KW-11T)
Is HDCP compliant
Provides EDID capture –Copies and stores the EDID from a display device
You can control the VP-81SIDN 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 over a LAN
The Kramer RC-IR3 Infrared Remote Control Transmitter or the
CA35M/IRR-50 infrared remote extension cable transmitter (optional)

VP-81SIDN - Overview
5
3.1 About the Power Connect™ Feature
The Power Connect™ feature here means that digital Step-In Commanders (for
example, the SID-DP and SID-DVI) do not require an independent power supply if
the distance between the VP-81SIDN and the Step-In Commander does not
exceed 50m (164ft). The Power Connect™ feature applies as long as the cable
can carry power and the distance does not exceed 50m on standard TP cable.
(Heavier gauge cable may be used to extend the Power Connect™ range).
Note: Analog Step-In Commanders (for example, the SID-VGA and SID-X1) do
require independent power supplies.
3.2 Using Twisted Pair cables
Kramer engineers have developed special twisted pair cables to best match our
digital twisted pair products; the Kramer BC-DGKat524 (CAT 5 24 AWG), the
Kramer BC-DGKat623 (CAT 6 23 AWG), and the Kramer BC-DGKat7a23 (CAT
7a 23 AWG) cables. These specially built cables significantly outperform regular
CAT 5/CAT 6/CAT 7a cables.
Note: The VP-81SIDN cannot work with unshielded cables.
3.3 Using the IR Transmitter for the VP-81SIDN
You can use the RC-IR3 IR transmitter to operate the VP-81SIDN via the built in
IR receiver on the front panel, or instead, via an optional external IR receiver. The
external IR receiver can be located 15m (49ft) away from the device. This distance
can be extended to up to 60m (197ft) when used with three extension cables.
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer to
insert the internal IR connection cable with the 3.5mm mini jack that fits into the
REMOTE IR opening on the rear panel. Connect the external IR receiver to the
REMOTE IR 3.5mm mini jack.

4 Defining the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
Figure 1 defines the front panel of the VP-81SIDN.
Figure 1: VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR
LED
Lights yellow when receiving an IR signal
2
Sensor
Receives the signal transmitted by an IR remote control
3
POWER LED
Lights green when the device is powered on
4
TP INPUT SELECT Buttons (1 to 8)
Press to select one of the TP inputs
5
LOCAL INPUT SELECT
Buttons
DVI
Press to select the DVI input
6
HDMI
Press to select the HDMI input
7
OUTPUT SELECT Buttons
HDMI
Press to select the HDMI output
8
TP
Press to select the TP output
9
VOLUME CONTROL Buttons
+
Press to increase the analog audio output volume
10
–
Press to decrease the analog audio output volume
11
MUTE Button
Press to mute the external audio output
12
LOCK Button
Press and hold to lock the front panel buttons. Press and hold again to
unlock the buttons
6
VP-81SIDN –Defining the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher

Figure 2 defines the rear panel of the VP-81SIDN.
Figure 2: VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
TP Input RJ-45 Connectors IN 1 to
IN 8
Connect to the remote TP sources (1 to 8) using CAT 6 or higher specification
cable. These may be step-in panels (for example, SID-DP) or TP transmitters (for
example, the PT-571 or TP-573)
2
LOCAL
INPUTS
DVI
Connect to the local DVI source
3
HDMI
Connect to the local HDMI source
4
TP OUT RJ-45 Connector
Connect to the remote TP receiver, for example, PT-572+, using CAT 6 or higher
specification cable (maximum 50m, 164ft)
5
USB POWER Connector
Connect any device requiring USB power, (for example, the Kramer KW-11T)
6
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port (F)
Connect to a serial controller (see Section 6.3)
7
REMOTE 12-way Terminal Block
Connect to remote contact closure input and output selection switches (see
Section 6.2)
8
ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector
Connect to a PC or LAN for remote control via Ethernet (see Section 6.5)
9
AC Mains Power Socket
Connect to the AC mains power
10
AC Mains Fuse
AC mains supply protection fuse
11
AC Mains Power Switch
Turns the AC mains power supply to the device on and off
VP-81SIDN –Defining the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
7

#
Feature
Function
12
LOCAL AUDIO
INPUTS
DVI
Connect to the local DVI audio source
13
HDMI
Connect to the local HDMI audio source
14
HDMI OUT Connector
Connect to the local HDMI acceptor
15
AUDIO
OUTPUTS
+L–G+R–
Connect to the balanced audio acceptor (see Section 6.1)
16
R
Connect to the unbalanced audio acceptor right channel
17
L
Connect to the unbalanced audio acceptor left channel
18
S/PDIF
Connect to the digital audio acceptor
19
PROG TERM DIP-Switch
DIP-Switch 1: Sets the RS-485 bus termination (see Section 8.3).
Up = Off, Down = On (Default = On)
DIP-Switch 2: For the use of Kramer service personnel only
20
RS-485 3-way Terminal Block
Connect to RS-485 port on a remote controller or another VP-81SIDN.
Connect: G to Ground, A to A, and B to B (see Section 6.4)
21
RESET Button
Press while power-cycling the device to reset parameters to factory default values
22
REMOTE IR 3.5mm Mini Jack
Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the device via an IR remote
controller (see Section 3.3)
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VP-81SIDN –Defining the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher

VP-81SIDN - Installing in a Rack
9
5 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

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VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
6 Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-
In Switcher
Switch off the power to all devices before connecting them to your
VP-81SIDN. After connecting your VP-81SIDN, connect its power and
then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
To connect the VP-81SIDN as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to eight remote Step-in Commanders (for example, the SID-H
and SID-DVI Step-In Commander panels up to 50m (164ft) away) or TP
transmitters (for example, the PT-571 and TP-573) to the VP-81SIDN RJ-45
TP INPUT connectors.
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VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
11
2. Connect a DVI video source (for example, a computer graphics source) to
the LOCAL INPUTS DVI connector, and the computer’s unbalanced stereo
audio source to the LOCAL AUDIO INPUT DVI connector.
3. Connect an HDMI video source to the LOCAL INPUTS HDMI connector.
4. Connect the TP OUT RJ-45 connector to a compatible TP receiver up to
50m (164ft), for example, PT-572+.
5. Connect the S/PDIF RCA digital audio output to an audio acceptor (for
example, a DAT recorder).
6. Connect the balanced audio 5-pin terminal block (see Section 6.1) to an
audio acceptor (for example, a balanced stereo audio amplifier).
7. Connect up to ten remote, contact closure input selection switches to the
REMOTE terminal block (see Section 6.2).
8. Connect the Ethernet RJ-45 TP port directly or via a LAN to a PC controller.
Alternatively, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the:
RS-232 port (see Section 6.3)
RS-485 port (see Section 6.4)
9. Connect the power cord.
Note: When signal sources are disconnected from inputs, signal acceptors (for
example, a projector) may not go into standby mode automatically. We therefore
recommend that you turn off the VP-81SIDN and/or the acceptor.
Note: When using the PT-572+ in conjunction with the VP-81SIDN do not connect
the 12V power supply to the PT-572+.

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VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
6.1 Connecting to a Balanced Audio Acceptor
Figure 4 illustrates how to wire devices to the balanced audio output.
Figure 4: Balanced Stereo Audio Output Connection
6.2 Connecting Remote Contact Input and Output Selection
Switches
You can connect remote, contact closure input selection switches to the REMOTE
terminal block on the rear panel of the VP-81SIDN. Remote input selection
switches provide the ability to remotely activate the inputs and an output.
The following table lists the remote-contact, terminal block connections.
Terminal
Number
Description
1
Connect to ground to select input 1
2
Connect to ground to select input 2
3
Connect to ground to select input 3
4
Connect to ground to select input 4
5
Connect to ground to select input 5
6
Connect to ground to select input 6
7
Connect to ground to select input 7
8
Connect to ground to select input 8
9
Connect to ground to select input 9
10
Connect to ground to select input 10
11
Connect to ground to toggle between output 1 and output 2
G
Ground

VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
13
The following example illustrates three switches (1, 8 and A) connected so as to
remotely control inputs 1 and 8, and select an output respectively. Connected as
shown, pressing switch 1 causes input 1 on the VP-81SIDN to be the active input,
and pressing switch 8 causes input 8 to be the active input. Pressing switch A
causes the output selection to toggle between the TP and HDMI outputs.
Figure 5: Remote Input Selection Switch Wiring
To connect remote input/output selection switches as illustrated in the
example in Figure 5:
1. Connect Switch 1 to pins 1 and G on the terminal block (remote step-in for
input 1).
2. Connect Switch 8 to pins 8 and G on the terminal block (remote step-in for
input 8).
3. Connect Switch A to pins 11 and G on the terminal block (remote output
selection toggle).

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VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
6.3 Connecting to the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In
Switcher via RS-232
You can connect to the VP-81SIDN via an RS-232 connection using, for example,
a PC.
To connect to the VP-81SIDN via RS-232:
Connect the Control RS-232 3-pin, terminal block connector on the rear
panel of the VP-81SIDN unit via a 3-wire cable (pin TX to pin 2, RX to pin 3,
and G to pin 5) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
6.4 Connecting to the VP-81SIDN via RS-485
You can operate the VP-81SIDN via the RS-485 port from a distance of up to
1200m (3900ft) using any device equipped with an RS-485 port (for example, a
PC). For successful communication, you must set the RS-485 machine number
and bus termination.
To connect a device with a RS-485 port to the VP-81SIDN:
1. Connect the TxD+ pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the A pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VP-81SID.
2. Connect the TxD–pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the B pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VP-81SIDN.
3. If shielded TP cable is used, connect the shield to the G (ground) pin on the
unit.
6.4.1 Connecting and Controlling Multiple VP-81SIDN Devices
You can connect up to four VP-81SIDN devices with operation via RS-232 (as
shown in the example in Figure 6) or Ethernet. Connecting four devices provides
37 inputs.

VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
15
Figure 6: RS-485 Control of Multiple VP-81SIDN Devices via RS-232 and RS-485
To connect up to four VP-81SIDN devices:
1. Connect the RS-232 port on the first VP-81SIDN device to the PC (see
Section 6.3).
2. Connect the RS-485 terminal block port on the first device to the RS-485
port on the second device, and so on for all devices. (Connect A to A, B to B,
and G to G.)
3. Connect the HDMI LOCAL INPUT on the first device to the HDMI OUT on
the second device, and so on for all devices.
4. Set the machine number and termination as follows:
The first device is machine number 1 and the subsequent three
devices are machine numbers 2 to 4 (see Section 8.1)
Terminate the first and last devices, that is, terminate machine
numbers 1 and 4 (see Section 8.3). Ensure that all other devices are
left unterminated

16
VP-81SIDN - Connecting the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In Switcher
6.5 Connecting to the VP-81SIDN 8x1 Digital Step-In
Switcher via Ethernet
You can connect to the VP-81SIDN via Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 6.5.1)
Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see
Section 6.5.2)
Note: If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6,
speak to your IT department for specific installation instructions.
6.5.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
Youcan connect the Ethernet port of the VP-81SIDN directly to the Ethernet port
on your PC using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VP-81SIDN
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the VP-81SIDN to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as
follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and
click Change settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network
adapter appears as shown in Figure 7.
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