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.