Kramer VS-120 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-120
20 x 1 Sequential Video Audio Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3 Overview 3
4 Installing the VS-120 in a Rack 6
5 Connecting the VS-120 7
6 Controlling the VS-120 8
6.1 Controlling via the RS-232 Port 8
6.1.1 Connecting the RS-232 Port 8
6.1.2 Setting the Self Address 9
6.2 Controlling via the RS-485 Port 9
7 Operating the VS-120 10
7.1 Operating the VS-120 as a Switcher 10
7.1.1 Choosing Manual Mode 10
7.1.2 Routing an Input 10
7.1.3 Enabling and Disabling Inputs 11
7.2 Operating the VS-120 as a Scanner 12
7.2.1 Choosing Auto Mode 12
7.2.2 Scanning the Inputs 12
7.2.3 Detecting Errors 13
7.3 Operating Multiple VS-120 Units 13
7.3.1 Viewing the Configuration of Another Machine 14
7.3.2 Routing an Input from Another Machine 14
7.4 Operating Using Serial Commands 15
8 Technical Specifications 15
9 Hex Table 16
10 RS-232 Communication Protocol for the VS-120 16
Figures
Figure 1: VS-120 20 x 1 Sequential Video Audio Switcher 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-120 7
Figure 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 8
Figure 4: PC Controlling Multiple VS-120 Units 10
Figure 5: Multiple Unit Configuration 14

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel Features and Functions of the VS-120 5
Table 2: Rear Panel Features and Functions of the VS-120 5
Table 3: VS-120 Technical Specifications 15
Table 4: VS-120 Hex Table 16
Table 5: Instruction Codes for VS-120 Protocol 17

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.
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer TOOLS VS-120 20 x 1 Sequential
Video Audio Switcher, which is ideal:
As a sophisticated alarm camera scanner
For monitoring large duplication systems
For automatic error detection in security systems
Each package includes the following items:
The VS-120 20 x 1 Sequential Video Audio Switcher
Power cord
2
Windows
®
-based Kramer control software
Null-modem adapter
This user manual
3
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
4
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 supplied with this device
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at 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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VS-120 20 x 1 Sequential Video Audio Switcher is a programmable
scanning video switcher that accepts up to 20 inputs when operating as a
standalone unit, sequentially cycling the 20 video and audio stereo sources.
In manual mode it operates as a switcher and in automatic mode it operates
as a scanner. The fully programmable EEPROM/NOVRAM memory saves
and recalls all user-defined setups. Specifically, the VS-120 20 x 1
Sequential Video Audio Switcher features:
Support for connecting up to 99 VS-120 units to form a
switcher/scanner with up to 1980 inputs
Control via the front panel buttons or by RS-232 or RS-485
commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen system, or other
serial controller
Switching during the vertical interval, to ensure glitch-free
transitions between genlocked sources
Fully microprocessor controlled operation
To achieve the best performance:
Use only good quality connection cables
1
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 and position your Kramer
VS-120 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
4
Figure 1: VS-120 20 x 1 Sequential Video Audio Switcher

Overview
5
Table 1: Front Panel Features and Functions of the VS-120
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 PROGRAM KEYS Buttons Use to set the values for the Machine Number,Input Number or
Dwell Time
3 ENABLED INPUTS LEDs Indicate whether an input is enabled (on) or disabled (off)
4 MACHINE 7-segment Display Displays the Machine Number
5 INPUT 7-segment Display Displays the Input Number
6 DOWN Button Press to decrease a number by one
7 UP Button Press to increase a number by one
8 SELF ADDRESS Button Sets the Machine # (between 1 and 99). Set a standalone machine
address to 01
9 AUTO Button Press to activate the scanner mode. Prevents using the unit as a
switcher and lights the Auto LED
10
Setup
MANUAL Button Press to activate the (default) switcher mode. Prevents using the
unit as a scanner and lights the Manual LED
11
DWELL TIME Button Sets the scan display time (range is between 2 and 99 seconds) and
flashes the current setting in the MACHINE Display
12
START Button Starts scanning (only if the AUTO LED lights) from the first input of the
first machine that is in the Enable state. Dwell Time determines the
scanning time
13
STOP Button Stops the scanning
14
Auto Mode
CONTINUE Button Starts scanning from the present connected input to the output
(functions only when the AUTO LED lights)
15
MACHINE NUMBER
Button
Use to display another machine in a multiple unit configuration
16
INPUT NUMBER Button Press to alter the Enable/Disable status of an input. The current
Input Number flashes in the INPUT Display
17
ENABLE Button Press to light the selected Enabled Inputs LED
18
Program
DISABLE Button Press to turn off the selected Enabled Inputs LED
19
SKIP Button Skips an input after detecting a video input error during scanning
(lights the Skip LED) and continues scanning the next input
20
STOP Button Stops scanning after detecting a video input error (lights the Stop
LED)
21
IGNORE Button Scans independently of the video input signal’s characteristics (lights
the Ignore LED)
22
Error
LIST Button Press to produce a list (during the first scanning cycle) of the video
inputs at which a video signal is absent
Table 2: Rear Panel Features and Functions of the VS-120
# Feature Function
23
AUDIO INPUTS RCA Connectors Connects to the left and right audio sources (from 1 to 20)
24
Video Inputs BNC Connectors Connects to the video sources (from 1 to 20)
25
Video Outputs/Loop BNC Connectors Connects to the video acceptor(s) (from 1 to 2)
26
RS-485 Terminal Block Port Detachable terminal block port. PINOUT from left: + - G
27
Audio Outputs/Loop RCA Connectors Connects to the left and right audio connectors on the
acceptor(s) / next unit (from 1 to 2)
28
Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
29
RS-232 DB 9F Port Connect to the PC or the Remote Controller via a null-
modem connection

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-120 in a Rack
6
4 Installing the VS-120 in a Rack
This section describes how to install the VS-120 in a rack.
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)

Connecting the VS-120
7
5 Connecting the VS-120
To connect the VS-120, as shown in Figure 2, do the following
1
:
1. Connect up to 20 video-audio stereo sources to the appropriate input video
BNC connectors and input AUDIO L and AUDIO R RCA connectors (for
example, video players 1 to 20).
2. Connect the output video BNC connectors (for example, to one or two
displays) and output AUDIO L and AUDIO R RCA connectors to up to
two audio stereo acceptors (for example, the amplifier).
3. If required, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 or RS-485
ports (as shown below). To combine multiple units, connect them using the
RS-485 ports.
4. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity (not shown in
Figure 2).
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-120
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-120. After connecting your VS-120, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device