Kramer VS-401USB User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-401USB
4x1 USB Switcher
P/N: 2900-300029 Rev 1

VS-401USB – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
4Defining the VS-401USB 4x1 USB Switcher 5
5Connecting the VS-401USB 6
5.1 Connecting a PC 7
6Operating the VS-401USB 8
6.1 The Application Software 8
7Firmware Upgrade 9
8Technical Specifications 10
9Default Communication Parameters 11
10 Kramer Protocol 2000 12
11 Protocol 3000 14
11.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 14
11.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 17
Figures
UFigure 1: VS-401USB 4x1 USB SwitcherU5
UFigure 2: Connecting to the VS-401USBU7

VS-401USB - Introduction 1
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 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 VS-401USB 4x1 USB Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels
and churches, production studios, rental and staging
•Any application where high quality conversion and switching of multiple and
different video signals to graphical data signals is required for projection
purposes

2 VS-401USB - 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 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)
•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 Kramer VS-401USB 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.
Caution: There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning: Use only the Kramer Electronics input power wall
adapter that is provided with the unit
Warning: Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the
wall before installing
i
!
!

VS-401USB - Getting Started 3
3
2.2 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 VS-401USB - Overview
3 Overview
The Kramer VS-401USB is a high quality 4x1 USB switcher. It accepts up to four
USB devices and switches the selected device to the host. The VS-401USB
always powers the selected port as well as the three that were not selected,
(allowing attached USB units to be charged, for example).
In particular, the VS-401USB features:
•Four DEVICE SELECT buttons
•Hi speed USB revision 2.0
•Firmware upgrade via RS-232
•Remote control via RS-232 port and/or RC-IR3 IR remote control transmitter
•An external 5V DC source, making it suitable for field operation

VS-401USB - Defining the VS-401USB 4x1 USB Switcher 5
5
4 Defining the VS-401USB 4x1 USB Switcher
Figure 1: VS-401USB 4x1 USB Switcher
#
Feature
Function
1 HOST USB (type B) Port Connects to the host
2 DEVICE USB (type A) port Connects to a USB device (from 1 to 4)
3 PROG Button Push in for “Program” using a small screwdriver to
upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware via RS-232, or
release for “Normal” (the factory default)
4 5V DC +5V DC connector for powering the unit
5 IR Receiver The yellow LED lights when receiving signals from the
infrared remote control transmitter
6 RS-232 9-pin D-sub
Connector
Connects to a PC for firmware upgrade and control
7 DEVICE SELECT Buttons Select a device to switch to the host (from 1 to 4)
8 ON LED Illuminates green when receiving power

6 VS-401USB - Connecting the VS-401USB
5 Connecting the VS-401USB
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-401USB. After connecting your VS-401USB, connect its power
and then switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VS-401USB as illustrated in the example in Figure 2:
1. Connect the USB devices (for example, hard drives and/or memory sticks)
to the DEVICE ports. For example, a:
Hard drive to port 1
Memory stick to port 2
Smart phone to port 3
Memory stick to port 4
2. Connect the HOST USB port to an acceptor (for example, an LCD display
with a USB port).
3. If required, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 terminal
block (see Section 5.1
).
For best results we recommend that you use high quality USB
cables
4. Connect the 5V DC power adapter to the power socket and connect the
adapter to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 2).
!
i

VS-401USB - Connecting the VS-401USB 7
7
Figure 2: Connecting to the VS-401USB
5.1 Connecting a PC
You can connect to the VS-401USB via an RS-232 connection using, for example,
a PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VS-401USB via RS-232, connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear
panel port on the VS-401USB unit via a 9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2,
pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5 need to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub
port on your PC.

8 VS-401USB - Operating the VS-401USB
6 Operating the VS-401USB
You can operate the VS-401USB via the front panel buttons by pressing one of
the four DEVICE SELECT buttons to select a device to switch to the HOST. You
can also use the application software (see Section 6.1
6.1 The Application Software
) or the RC-IR3 IR remote
control transmitter to operate the VS-401USB.
Use the K-SINGLE control application software to control the VS-401USB via the
Ethernet or RS-232 9-pin D-sub.
The latest version of K-SINGLE and installation instructions can be
downloaded from the Kramer Web site at www.kramerelectronics.com
i

VS-401USB - Firmware Upgrade 9
9
7 Firmware Upgrade
You can upgrade the VS-401USB via the Kramer K-UPLOAD software.
The latest version of K-UPLOAD and installation instructions, as well
as the application software and its user guide, can be downloaded
from the Kramer Web site at www.kramerelectronics.com
i

10 VS-401USB - Technical Specifications
8 Technical Specifications
DEVICE PORTS: 4 x USB (type A) ports
HOST PORT: 1 USB (type B) port
CONTROL: Front panel buttons, IR remote control, RS-232 on a 9-pin D-sub
connector
POWER SOURCE: 5V DC, 3.2A
OPERATING
TEMPERATURE:
0° to +40°C (32° to 104°F)
STORAGE
TEMPERATURE:
-40° to +70°C (-49° to 158°F)
HUMIDITY: 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
DIMENSIONS: 12cm x 7.15cm x 2.44cm (4.7" x 2.81" 0.96") W, D, H
WEIGHT: 0.3kg (0.67lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power supply, bracket installation kit
OPTIONS: Rack adapters: RK-3T, RK-6T or RK-9T
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

VS-401USB - Default Communication Parameters 11
11
9 Default Communication Parameters
RS-232
Protocol 2000 Protocol 3000 (Default)
Baud Rate: 9600 Baud Rate: 115200
Data Bits: 8 Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1 Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None Parity: None
Command Format: HEX Command Format: ASCII
Example (Output 1 to Input 1): 0x01, 0x81,
0x81, 0x81
Example (Output 1 to Input 1): #AV 1>1<CR>
Switching Protocol
P2000 -> P3000 P3000 -> P2000
Command: 0x38, 0x80, 0x83, 0x81 Command: #P2000<CR>
Front Panel: Press and hold Output 1 and
Output 3 simultaneously
Front Panel: Press and hold Output 1 and
Output 2 simultaneously

12 VS-401USB - Kramer Protocol 2000
10 Kramer Protocol 2000
The Kramer Protocol 2000 for RS-232/RS-485 communication uses four bytes of
information as defined below. All the values in the table are decimal, unless
otherwise stated.
MSB
LSB
DESTINATION INSTRUCTION
0 D N5 N4 N3 N2 N1 N0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1st byte
INPUT
1
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
I0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2nd byte
OUTPUT
1
O6
O5
O4
O3
O2
O1
O0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3rd byte
MACHINE NUMBER
1 OVR X M4 M3 M2 M1 M0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4th byte
1st BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 0.
D – “DESTINATION”: 0 - for sending information to the switchers (from the PC);
1 - for sending to the PC (from the switcher).
N5…N0 – “INSTRUCTION”
The function that is to be performed by the switcher(s) is defined by the INSTRUCTION (6 bits). Similarly, if a function is
performed via the machine’s keyboard, then these bits are set with the INSTRUCTION NO., which was performed. The
instruction codes are defined according to the table below (INSTRUCTION NO. is the value to be set for N5…N0).
2nd BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
I6…I0 – “INPUT”.
When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the INPUT (7 bits) is set as the input number which is to be switched.
Similarly, if switching is done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the INPUT NUMBER which was
switched. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.
3rd BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
O6…O0 – “OUTPUT”.
When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the OUTPUT (7 bits) is set as the output number which is to be
switched. Similarly, if switching is done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the OUTPUT
NUMBER which was switched. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.
4th BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1.
Bit 5 – Don’t care.
OVR – Machine number override.
M4…M0 – MACHINE NUMBER.
Used to address machines in a system via their machine numbers. When several machines are controlled from a single
serial port, they are usually configured together with each machine having an individual machine number. If the OVR bit
is set, then all machine numbers accept (implement) the command, and the addressed machine replies. For a single
machine controlled via the serial port, always set M4…M0 = 1, and make sure that the machine itself is configured as
MACHINE NUMBER = 1.

VS-401USB - Kramer Protocol 2000 13
13
Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000
Instruction Definition for Specific Instruction Notes
#
Description
Input
Output
1 SWITCH VIDEO Set equal to video input which is
to be switched
(0 = disconnect)
Set equal to video output which is
to be switched
(0 = to all the outputs)
2, 15
5
REQUEST STATUS
OF A VIDEO OUTPUT
Set as SETUP #
Equal to output number whose
status is reqd
4, 3
56
CHANGE TO ASCII
0
SVS protocol
Generic protocol
Protocol-3000
19
61 IDENTIFY MACHINE 1 - video machine name
2 - audio machine name
3 - video software version
4 - audio software version
5 - RS422 controller name
6 - RS422 controller version
7 - remote control name
8 - remote software version
9 - Protocol 2000 revision
0 - Request first 4 digits
1 - Request first suffix
2 - Request second suffix
3 - Request third suffix
10 - Request first prefix
11 - Request second prefix
12 - Request third prefix
13
62
DEFINE MACHINE
1 - number of inputs
2 - number of outputs
3 - number of setups
1 - for video
2 - for audio
3 - for SDI
4 - for remote panel
5 - for RS-422 controller
14
NOTES on the above table:
NOTE 2 - These are bi-directional definitions. That is, if the switcher receives the code, it performs the instruction; and if
the instruction is performed (due to a keystroke operation on the front panel), then these codes are sent. For example, if
the HEX code
01 85 88 83
was sent from the PC, then the switcher (machine 3) switches input 5 to output 8. If the user switched input 1 to output 7
via the front panel keypad, then the switcher sends HEX codes:
41 81 87 83
to the PC.
When the PC sends one of the commands in this group to the switcher, then, if the instruction is valid, the switcher
replies by sending to the PC the same four bytes that it was sent (except for the first byte, where the DESTINATION bit
is set high).
NOTE 3 - SETUP # 0 is the present setting. SETUP # 1 and higher are the settings saved in the switcher's memory,
(i.e. those used for Store and Recall).
NOTE 4 - The reply to a "REQUEST" instruction is as follows: the same instruction and INPUT codes as were sent are
returned, and the OUTPUT is assigned the value of the requested parameter. The replies to instructions 10 and 11 are
as per the definitions in instructions 7 and 8 respectively. For example, if the present status of machine number 5 is
breakaway setting, then the reply to the HEX code
0B 80 80 85
would be HEX codes
4B 80 81 85
NOTE 13 - This is a request to identify the switcher/s in the system. If the OUTPUT is set as 0, and the INPUT is set as
1, 2, 5 or 7, the machine sends its name. The reply is the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT. For example, for a
2216, the reply to the request to send the audio machine name would be (HEX codes):
7D 96 90 81 (i.e. 128dec+ 22dec for 2nd byte, and 128dec+ 16dec for 3rd byte).
If the request for identification is sent with the INPUT set as 3 or 4, the appropriate machine sends its software version
number. Again, the reply would be the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT - the INPUT representing the number
in front of the decimal point, and the OUTPUT representing the number after it. For example, for version 3.5, the reply to
the request to send the version number would be (HEX codes):
7D 83 85 81 (i.e. 128dec+ 3dec for 2nd byte, 128dec+ 5dec for 3rd byte).
If the OUTPUT is set as 1, then the ASCII coding of the lettering following the machine’s name is sent. For example, for
the VS-7588YC, the reply to the request to send the first suffix would be (HEX codes):
7D D9 C3 81 (i.e. 128dec+ ASCII for “Y”; 128dec+ ASCII for “C”).
NOTE 14 - The number of inputs and outputs refers to the specific machine which is being addressed, not to the
system. For example, if six 16X16 matrices are configured to make a 48X32 system (48 inputs, 32 outputs), the reply to
the HEX code
3E 82 81 82 (ie. request the number of outputs)
would be HEX codes
7E 82 90 82
ie. 16 outputs
NOTE 15 – When the OVR bit (4th byte) is set, then the “video” commands have universal meaning. For example,
instruction 1 (SWITCH VIDEO) causes all units (including audio, data, etc.) to switch. Similarly, if a machine is in
“FOLLOW” mode, it performs any “video” instruction.
NOTE 19 –After this instruction is sent, the unit will respond to the ASCII command set defined by the OUTPUT byte.
The ASCII command to operate with the HEX command set must be sent in order to return to working with HEX codes.

14 VS-401USB - Protocol 3000
11 Protocol 3000
The VS-401USB can be operated using serial commands from a PC, remote
controller or touch screen using the Kramer Protocol 3000.
This section describes:
•Kramer Protocol 3000 syntax (see Section 11.1
•Kramer Protocol 3000 commands (see
)
Section 11.2
11.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax
)
11.1.1 Host Message Format
Start Address (optional) Body Delimiter
# Destination_id@ Message CR
11.1.1.1 Simple Command
Command string with only one command without addressing:
Start Body Delimiter
# Command SP Parameter_1,Parameter_2,… CR
11.1.1.2 Command String
Formal syntax with commands concatenation and addressing:
Start Address Body Delimiter
# Destination_id@ Command_1 Parameter1_1,Parameter1_2,…|
Command_2 Parameter2_1,Parameter2_2,…|
Command_3 Parameter3_1,Parameter3_2,…|…
CR
11.1.2 Device Message Format
Start Address (optional) Body delimiter
~ Sender_id@ Message CR LF
11.1.2.1 Device Long Response
Echoing command:
Start Address (optional) Body Delimiter
~ Sender_id@ Command SP [Param1 ,Param2 …] result CR LF
CR = Carriage return (ASCII 13 = 0x0D)
LF = Line feed (ASCII 10 = 0x0A)
SP = Space (ASCII 32 = 0x20)

VS-401USB - Protocol 3000 15
15
11.1.3 Command Terms
Command
A sequence of ASCII letters ('A'-'Z', 'a'-'z' and '-').
Command and parameters must be separated by at least one space.
Parameters
A sequence of alphanumeric ASCII characters ('0'-'9','A'-'Z','a'-'z' and some special
characters for specific commands). Parameters are separated by commas.
Message string
Every command entered as part of a message string begins with a message
starting character and ends with a message closing character.
Note: A string can contain more than one command. Commands are separated by
a pipe ( '|' ) character.
Message starting character
'#' – For host command/query
'~' – For device response
Device address (Optional, for K-NET)
K-NET Device ID followed by '@'
Query sign
'?' follows some commands to define a query request.
Message closing character
CR – For host messages; carriage return (ASCII 13)
CRLF – For device messages; carriage return (ASCII 13) + line-feed (ASCII 10)
Command chain separator character
When a message string contains more than one command, a pipe ( '|' ) character
separates each command.
Spaces between parameters or command terms are ignored.

16 VS-401USB - Protocol 3000
11.1.4 Entering Commands
You can directly enter all commands using a terminal with ASCII communications
software, such as HyperTerminal, Hercules, etc. Connect the terminal to the serial
or Ethernet port on the Kramer device. To enter CR press the Enter key.
( LF is also sent but is ignored by command parser).
For commands sent from some non-Kramer controllers like Crestron, some
characters require special coding (such as, /X##). Refer to the controller manual.
11.1.5 Command Forms
Some commands have short name syntax in addition to long name syntax to allow
faster typing. The response is always in long syntax.
11.1.6 Chaining Commands
Multiple commands can be chained in the same string. Each command is
delimited by a pipe character (“|”). When chaining commands, enter the message
starting character and the message closing character only once, at the
beginning of the string and at the end.
Commands in the string do not execute until the closing character is entered.
A separate response is sent for every command in the chain.
11.1.7 Maximum String Length
64 characters

VS-401USB - Protocol 3000 17
17
11.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands
Command
Short
Form Description Permission
# Protocol handshaking End User
BAUD Set protocol serial ports baud rate Common
BAUD? Get protocol serial ports baud rate Common
BUILD-
DATE?
Read device build date End User
FACTORY Reset to factory default configuration Administrator
HELP List of commands End User
LDFW Load new firmware file Administrator
MACH-NUM Set machine number End User
MODEL? Read device model End User
NAME Set machine (DNS) name Administrator
NAME? Get machine (DNS) name End User
NAME-RST Reset machine (DNS) name to factory
default
Administrator
P2000 Switch to protocol 2000 End User
PASS Set password Administrator
PASS? Get password Administrator
PROT-VER? Read device protocol version End User
RESET Reset device Administrator
ROUTE Set input End User
ROUTE? Get input End User
SECURE Start/Stop security Administrator
SECURE? Get current security state Administrator
SN? Read device serial number End User
UPGRADE Set device flag of new firmware Administrator