Kramer VP-81x1 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Models:
VP-81xl, 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher
VP-161xl, 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher
VP-321xl, 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your XGA / Audio Switcher 3
4.1 VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher 3
4.2 VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher 5
4.3 VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher 7
5 Installing on a Rack 9
6 Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher 10
6.1 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 12
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 13
6.3 Controlling via RS-485 14
6.4 Dipswitch Settings 15
6.4.1 Setting the MACHINE # 15
6.4.2 Setting the MACHINE ADDRESS # 17
6.4.3 Example: Connecting a Set of Three Cascaded VP-81xl Units 19
6.5 Connecting the REMOTE Terminal Block Connector 20
7 Operating Your XGA / Audio Switcher 22
7.1 Using the Front Panel INPUT SELECTOR Buttons 22
7.1.1 Using the INPUT SELECTOR Buttons on a Single Unit 22
7.1.2 Using the INPUT SELECTOR Buttons on a Set of Units 22
7.1.3 Using the Audio-Follow-Video (AFV) / Breakaway Modes 24
7.1.3.1 Operating in Breakaway Mode 24
7.1.3.2 Toggling between Video and Audio Control in Breakaway Mode 24
7.1.3.3 Operating in the Audio-Follow-Video Mode 24
8 Flash Memory Upgrade 25
8.1 Downloading from the Internet 25
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 25
8.3 Upgrading Firmware 26
9 Technical Specifications 31
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 32

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher 4
Figure 2: VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher 5
Figure 3: VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher 7
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-81xl 11
Figure 5: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 12
Figure 6: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 12
Figure 7: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 13
Figure 8: Controlling via RS-485 14
Figure 9: SETUP Dipswitches (Factory Default for Stand-Alone MACHINE # 1) 15
Figure 10: Dipswitch Settings on 4 VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and/or VP-321xl Units 16
Figure 11: Three Looped VP-81xl Units Interconnected (Video Connections Shown) 20
Figure 12: Connecting a Remote Mechanical Switcher Unit to the VP-81xl 20
Figure 13: Connecting a Remote Unit to a Cascaded Set of Three VP-81xl Units 21
Figure 14: Operating a 22x1 XGA / Audio Switcher (Three Looped VP-81xl Units) 23
Figure 15: Splash Screen 26
Figure 16: Atmel – Flip Window 27
Figure 17: Open Configuration File Select Window 27
Figure 18: Atmel – Flip Window (RS-232 Communication) 28
Figure 19: RS-232 Window 28
Figure 20: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 29
Figure 21: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 30
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features 4
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features 4
Table 3: Front Panel VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features 6
Table 4: Rear Panel VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features 6
Table 5: Front Panel VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features 8
Table 6: Rear Panel VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features 8
Table 7: Dipswitch Definitions 15
Table 8: MACHINE # Dipswitch Settings 15
Table 9: MACHINE ADDRESS # Dipswitch Settings 18
Table 10: Technical Specifications of the VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl 31
Table 11: VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl Hex Codes 32

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 XGA and balanced stereo audio
switcher, which is available in the following models: VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and
VP-321xl. The VP-81xl is an 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher, the VP-161xl is a
16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher, and the VP-321xl is a 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher.
The VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and VP-321xl are ideal for these typical applications:
 Display systems requiring simple input selection (from 8 inputs to up to
218 inputs)
 Remote monitoring of computer activity in schools and businesses
 Rental/staging applications
 Multimedia and presentation source selection
The package includes the following items:
 XGA / Audio Switcher (VP-81xl, VP-161xl or VP-321xl)
 Null-modem adapter, a power cord and an Infra-red remote control
transmitter (including the required battery and a separate user manual
2
)
 This user manual
2
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
3
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 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
1
2
RS-232
Computer
Graphics
Source 1
Computer
Graphics
Source 8
Projector
Audio connections
are not shown
2
1

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and VP-321xl route any input to the output, using
15-pin HD female connectors for the VGA/XGA signals, and detachable
terminal block connectors for the balanced stereo audio.
In particular, the VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and VP-321xl include:
 Very high video bandwidth, ensuring transparent VGA/XGA 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
 An ability to cascade up to seven units to increase the number of inputs
 High standard directly coupled inputs and outputs
 Compatibility with the Kramer VPM-2 XGA Line Driver wall plate
 Control from the front panel, or via RS-232/RS-485 serial commands
transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial control device, as
well as via an infra-red remote controller, or via remote contact-closure
switches
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 that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your
VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
4 Your XGA / Audio Switcher
This section includes a description of the:
 VP-81xl, 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher (see section 4.1)
 VP-161xl, 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher (see section 4.2)
 VP-321xl, 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher (see section 4.3)
4.1 VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher
The VP-81xl is an 8x1 switcher for VGA / XGA signals and balanced audio
stereo signals that lets you route one of up to 8 inputs to one output.
Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2 define the VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher:

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your XGA / Audio Switcher
4
REMOTE OUT PUTAUDIO INPUT 8 INPUT 7 INPUT 6 INPUT 5 INPUT 4 INPUT 3 INPUT 2 INPUT 1
RS-232 IN
RS-232 OUT
G + -
RS-485
OUTPUT
36 1247 G8 5
ID BIT ID BIT ID BIT
ID BIT
8 6 4 27 5 3 1
+ +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG
FUSE
Figure 1: VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher
Table 1: Front Panel VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the
Kramer Infra-red remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
3 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
4 AUDIO Button When illuminated
1
actions relate to audio
5 VIDEO Button When illuminated
1
actions relate to video
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-81xl 8x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
6 REMOTE Terminal Block
Connectors
Connect to the remote contact-closure switches
7 AUDIO OUTPUT Terminal Block
Connector
Connect to the balanced audio acceptor
8 AUDIO INPUTS Terminal Block
Connectors
Connect to the balanced audio sources (from 1 to 8)
9 RS-232 IN DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or RS-232 remote controller
10 RS-232 OUT DB 9M Port Connects to the RS-232 IN DB 9F port of the next unit in the
daisy-chain
11 RS-485 Detachable Terminal
Block Port
Pin # 1 is for Ground connection, and Pins # 2 and # 3 are for
RS-485
12 Power Connector with FUSE AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
13 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit
14 ID BIT Switch Selects the ID BIT when switched ON (when outputting the input
signal from a notebook connected to an external VGA monitor)
2
15 INPUT HD15F Connectors Connect to the VGA/XGA sources (from 1 to 8)
16 OUTPUT HD15F Connector Connects to the VGA/XGA acceptor
1 If the AUDIO and VIDEO buttons both illuminate, the unit operates in the audio-follow-video mode. If only one button
illuminates (AUDIO or VIDEO), the unit operates in the breakaway mode
2 Sometimes notebook computers refuse to output a VGA signal to an external VGA monitor if they do not detect the ID BIT
as ON. Set the ID BIT to ON using this button so that the notebook will output to an external VGA monitor

Your XGA / Audio Switcher
5
4.2 VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher
The VP-161xl is a 16x1 switcher for VGA / XGA signals and balanced audio
stereo signals that lets you route one of up to 16 inputs to one output.
Figure 2, Table 3 and Table 4 define the VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio
Switcher:
INPUT 8
INPUT 7
INPUT 6
INPUT 5
INPUT 4
INPUT 3
INPUT 2
INPUT 1
INPUT 9
INPUT 10
INPUT 11
INPUT 12INPUT 13INPUT 14INPUT 15INPUT 16
REMOTE OUTPUTAUDIO INPUT 16
INPUT 1
INPUT 15
INPUT 2
INPUT 14
INPUT 3
INPUT 13
INPUT 4
INPUT 12
INPUT 5
INPUT 11
INPUT 6
INPU T 10
INPUT 7
INPUT 9
INPUT 8
RS-232 IN
RS-232 OUT
G + -
RS-485
OUTPUT
ID BIT ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT ID BIT
ID BITID BIT ID BIT
1 3
12
5 7
1016 14
2 4
11
6 8
915 13
+ +- - LG RG
36 1247 G8 5
1114 9101215 G16 13
+ +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG
RG
+ +- -
LG
RG
+ +- -
LG
RG
+ +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG RG + +- - LG
RG
+ +- -
LG
RG
+ +- -
LG
RG
SETUP
Figure 2: VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your XGA / Audio Switcher
6
Table 3: Front Panel VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from
the Kramer Infra-red remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
3 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 16)
4 AUDIO Button When illuminated
1
actions relate to audio
5 VIDEO Button When illuminated
1
actions relate to video
Table 4: Rear Panel VP-161xl 16x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
6 REMOTE Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the remote contact-closure switches
7 AUDIO OUTPUT Terminal Block
Connector
Connect to the balanced audio acceptor
8 AUDIO INPUTS Terminal Block
Connectors
Connect to the balanced audio sources (from 1 to 16)
9 RS-232 IN DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or RS-232 remote controller
10 RS-232 OUT DB 9M Port Connects to the RS-232 IN DB 9F port of the next unit
in the daisy-chain
11 RS-485 Detachable Terminal Block Port Pin # 1 is for Ground connection, and Pins # 2 and # 3
are for RS-485
12 Power Connector with FUSE AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
13 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit
14 INPUT HD15F Connectors Connect to the VGA/XGA sources (from 1 to 16)
15 ID BIT Switch Selects the ID BIT when switched ON (when outputting
the input signal from a notebook connected to an
external VGA monitor)
2
16 OUTPUT HD15F Connector Connects to the VGA/XGA acceptor
1 If the AUDIO and VIDEO buttons both illuminate, the unit operates in the audio-follow-video mode. If only one button
illuminates (AUDIO or VIDEO), the unit operates in the breakaway mode
2 Sometimes notebook computers refuse to output a VGA signal to an external VGA monitor if they do not detect the ID BIT
as ON. Set the ID BIT to ON using this button so that the notebook will output to an external VGA monitor

Your XGA / Audio Switcher
7
4.3 VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher
The VP-321xl is a 32x1 switcher for VGA / XGA signals and balanced audio
stereo signals that lets you route one of up to 32 inputs to one output.
Figure 3, Table 5 and Table 6 define the VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio
Switcher:
INPUT 32
INPUT 17
INPUT 16
INPUT 15
INPUT 1 INPUT 2
INPUT 18
INPUT 19
INPUT 14
INPUT 13
INPUT 12
INPUT 11
INPUT 10
INPUT 9
INPUT 3 INPUT 4 INPUT 5 INPUT6 INPUT 7 INPUT 8
INPUT 20
INPUT 21
INPUT 22
INPUT 23
INPUT 24
INPUT 31
INPUT 30
INPUT 29
INPUT 28
INPUT 27
INPUT 26
INPUT 25
REMOTE OUTPUTAUDIO
INPUT 32
INPUT 17
INPUT 16
INPUT 1
INPUT 31
INPUT 18
INPUT 15
INPUT 2
INPUT 30
INPUT 19
INPUT 14
INPUT 3
INPUT 29
INPUT 20
INPUT 13
INPUT 4
INPUT 28
INPUT 21
INPUT 12
INPUT 5
INPUT 27
INPUT 22
INPUT 11
INPUT 6
INPUT 26
INPUT 23
INPUT 10
INPUT 7
INPUT 25
INPUT 24
INPUT 9
INPUT 8
RS-232 IN
RS-232 OUT
G + -
RS-485
SETUP
OUTPUT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
ID BIT
26
23
10
753
14
19
3032
17
16
1
12
21
28
6
4
13
20
29
31
18
15
2
11
22
27
+ +- -
LG
RG
27
19
11
3
30
22
14
6
25
17
9
1
26
18
10
2
28
20
12
4
31
23
15
7
G
G
G
G
32
24
16
8
29
21
13
5
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
LG
LG
LG
LG
RG
RG
RG
RG
Figure 3: VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your XGA / Audio Switcher
8
Table 5: Front Panel VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from
the Kramer Infra-red remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
3 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 32)
4 AUDIO Button When illuminated
1
actions relate to audio
5 VIDEO Button When illuminated
1
actions relate to video
Table 6: Rear Panel VP-321xl 32x1 XGA / Audio Switcher Features
# Feature Function
6 REMOTE Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the remote contact-closure switches
7 AUDIO OUTPUT Terminal Block
Connector
Connect to the balanced audio acceptor
8 AUDIO INPUTS Terminal Block
Connectors
Connect to the balanced audio sources (from 1 to 32)
9 RS-232 IN DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or RS-232 remote controller
10 RS-232 OUT DB 9M Port Connects to the RS-232 IN DB 9F port of the next unit
in the daisy-chain
11 RS-485 Detachable Terminal Block Port Pin # 1 is for Ground connection, and Pins # 2 and # 3
are for RS-485
12 Power Connector with FUSE AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
13 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit
14 ID BIT Switch Selects the ID BIT when switched ON (when outputting
the input signal from a notebook connected to an
external VGA monitor)
2
15 INPUT HD15F Connectors Connect to the VGA/XGA sources (from 1 to 32)
16 OUTPUT HD15F Connector Connects to the VGA/XGA acceptor
1 If the AUDIO and VIDEO buttons both illuminate, the unit operates in the audio-follow-video mode. If only one button
illuminates (AUDIO or VIDEO), the unit operates in the breakaway mode
2 Sometimes notebook computers refuse to output a VGA signal to an external VGA monitor if they do not detect the ID BIT
as ON. Set the ID BIT to ON using this button so that the notebook will output to an external VGA monitor

Installing on a Rack
9
5 Installing on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount
1
.
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
1 This section applies to VP-81xl, VP-161xl and VP-321xl

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
10
6 Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
To connect the VP-81xl
1
, unit, as illustrated in Figure 4, do the following
2
:
1. Connect up to eight VGA/XGA computer graphics sources to the HD15F
INPUT connectors (from 1 to 8).
2. Connect the balanced audio sources (see section 6.1) to up to eight INPUT
terminal block connectors (not shown in Figure 4)
3. Connect the OUTPUT connector to a VGA/XGA acceptor (for example, a
projector).
4. Connect the balanced audio terminal block connector (see section 6.1) to an
acceptor (not shown in Figure 4).
5. Set the dipswitches (see section 6.4)
6. As an option you can connect a PC and/or controller to the:
 RS-232 port (see section 6.2)
 RS-485 port (see section 6.3)
7. If required, connect remote contact-closure switches to the REMOTE
terminal block connector (see section 6.5)
8. Connect the power cord
3
.
1 The same connecting principles apply to the VP-161xl (16 inputs) and the VP-321xl (32 inputs)
2 Be sure that the power is switched OFF on each device before connecting it to your unit(s). After connecting all the devices
to your unit(s), switch on the power of the unit(s), and then switch on the power of each device
3 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
11
RS-232
Computer Graphics
Source 1
Computer Graphics
Source 8
Projector
Audio connections
are not shown
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-81xl

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
12
6.1 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 5 illustrates how to wire a balanced input/output connection on the
VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and/or VP-321xl unit:
Figure 5: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 6 illustrates how to wire an unbalanced input/output on the VP-81xl,
VP-161xl, and/or VP-321xl unit:
Figure 6: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output

Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
13
6.2 Controlling via RS-232
To connect a PC to the VP-81xl, VP-161xl, or VP-321xl unit, using the
Null-modem adapter provided with the machine (recommended):
 Connect the RS-232 IN DB9 rear panel port on the VP-81xl, VP-161xl, or
VP-321xl unit 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 a PC to the VP-81xl, VP-161xl, or VP-321xl unit, without using a
Null-modem adapter:
 Connect the RS-232 IN DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear
panel port on the VP-81xl, VP-161xl, or VP-321xl unit, as Figure 7
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 7: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
14
6.3 Controlling via RS-485
You can control a VP-81xl, VP-161xl, or VP-321xl unit(s) via any RS-485
remote controller or a PC (equipped with an RS-485 interface).
To connect an RS-485 remote controller to two VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl
units (see Figure 8):
1. Connect the RS-485 port on the RS-485 remote controller to the RS-485 ports
on the VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units, as follows:
 Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 remote controller to the “+” (A)
PINs on the RS-485 ports of the VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units
 Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 remote controller to the “B” (-)
PINs on the RS-485 ports of the VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units
 If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units (for example, on the
RS-485 remote controller)
2. Set the SETUP dipswitches on the VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units as
follows:
 Set the first VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl unit to MACHINE # 1
1
 Set the second VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl unit to MACHINE # 2
1
and set DIP 12 to ON, terminating the RS-485 line
2
G + -
G + -
DIPSWITCHES
TERMINATE
RS-485
CONNECTION
TERMINATE
RS-485
CONNECTION
SWITCHER # 1
SWITCHER # 2
REMOTE
CONTROLLER
MACHINE # 1
MACHINE # 2
RS-485
RS-485
RS-485
G + -
Figure 8: Controlling via RS-485
1 See Table 8
2 The RS-485 line must also be terminated at the remote controller. Refer to the remote controller’s user manual for details of
how to terminate the RS-485 line on the remote controller

Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
15
6.4 Dipswitch Settings
Configure the VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and/or VP-321xl unit by setting the 12
SETUP dipswitches (item 13 on the rear panel), as Figure 9 and Table 7 define:
1 2
ON
3 4 5
MACHINE #
First Set (DIP 1 - 8)
Second Set (DIP 9 - 12)
MACHINE
ADDRESS #
1 2 3 4
Last in
daisy-chain
6
8
R
S
-
4
8
5
T
e
r
m
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
FIRMWARE
UPGRADE
Figure 9: SETUP Dipswitches (Factory Default for Stand-Alone MACHINE # 1)
Table 7: Dipswitch Definitions
DIP Function:
1-4 Set the MACHINE # (see section 6.4.1)
5-7 MACHINE ADDRESS # in daisy chain connection (see section 6.4.2)
8 Last in daisy chain
9-11 (marked 1-3 on second set) Firmware Upgrade (see section 8)
12 (marked 4 on second set) RS-485 Termination (see section 6.3)
6.4.1 Setting the MACHINE #
To control a unit via RS-232 or RS-485, each unit has to be identified via its
unique MACHINE #. Set the MACHINE # on a VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and/or
VP-321xl unit according to Table 8. A valid MACHINE # is from 1 to 15. For
a single, stand-alone machine, set as MACHINE # 1.
Table 8: MACHINE # Dipswitch Settings
MACHINE # DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 3 DIP 4
1 ON OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF ON OFF OFF
3 ON ON OFF OFF
4 OFF OFF ON OFF
5 ON OFF ON OFF
6 OFF ON ON OFF
7 ON ON ON OFF
8 OFF OFF OFF ON
9 ON OFF OFF ON
10 OFF ON OFF ON
11 ON ON OFF ON
12 OFF OFF ON ON
13 ON OFF ON ON
14 OFF ON ON ON
15 ON ON ON ON

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
16
Figure 10 illustrates how to set the dipswitches on four single VP-81xl,
VP-161xl, and/or VP-321xl units, which are controlled by one RS-232 port:
DIPSWITCHES
MACHINE # 1
MACHINE # 3
MACHINE # 4
MACHINE # 2
RS-232 IN
RS-232 IN
RS-232 IN
RS-232 OUT
RS-232 IN
Null-modem connection
(cross-connection or use
Null-modem adapter)
Null-modem connection
(cross-connection or use
Null-modem adapter)
RS-232 OUT
RS-232 OUT
RS-232 OUT
Figure 10: Dipswitch Settings on 4 VP-81xl, VP-161xl, and/or VP-321xl Units

Connecting an XGA / Audio Switcher
17
6.4.2 Setting the MACHINE ADDRESS #
For certain applications, you may need more than 8 inputs
1
. Cascading the
inputs of VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units enables you to expand the
number of inputs by looping up to seven units to form a combined XGA /
Audio Switcher with up to 218 inputs. Be aware that:
 Cascading VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units can cause XGA signal
quality degradation
 Choosing the quantity of VP-81xl/VP-161xl/VP-321xl units to cascade
depends on your particular XGA signal quality requirements
 The technical specifications contained in Table 10 are guaranteed for
stand-alone units only
To cascade up to seven identical
2
units, that is, seven VP-81xl units, or seven
VP-161xl units, or seven VP-321xl units:
 Set the same MACHINE # on each unit, according to Table 8
 Set the MACHINE ADDRESS # and the eighth dipswitch (last in
daisy-chain) on each unit that is included in a set, according to Table 9
1 For example, if you want to connect 50 VGA/XGA audio sources and then be able to switch any one of them at any time
2 Only the same types of units (for example, seven VP-161xl units) can be cascaded – you cannot mix the various types (a
cascade cannot include say, four VP-81xl units, and three VP-161xl units)