Kramer VS-4x4FW User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
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Model:
VS-4x4FW
4x4 FireWire Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your FireWire Switcher 4
5 Using the FireWire Switcher 5
5.1 Connecting the FireWire Switcher 5
5.2 Operating the FireWire Switcher 6
6 Technical Specifications 6
Figures
Figure 1: VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher 5
Tables
Table 1: VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher Features 4
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher 6

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 VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire
Switcher.This product is ideal for:
Small digital video editing systems
Data switching systems
The package includes the following items:
VS-4x4FW
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
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/manuals.html

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2

Overview
3
3 Overview
FireWire is a serial bus standard
1
that enables quick universal interfacing
between video and computer hardware items
2
. FireWire hubs let you:
Connect more items than you otherwise could
3
Extend the distances
FireWire is simple to use and operates independently of the host system.
In addition, FireWire supports:
Plug and Play
4
Hot swapping
5
Isochronous
6
as well as asynchronous applications
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 and position your
Kramer VS-4x4FW away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
Note that constant plugging and unplugging of FireWire equipment can result
in permanent damage to sensitive equipment due to ESD (electrostatic
discharge)
7
1 Originally developed by Apple™ and published as IEEE 1394 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
2 Hardware items include digital cameras, computers, printers, VCRs, CD-ROMs, hard disks, scanners and graphic cards
3 A computer only has limited ports available
4 Configures automatically without any driver. Whenever a device is added or removed the 1394 bus re-enumerates.
5 You can connect and disconnect inputs and outputs dynamically, without having to restart the PC or cycle power
6 Video / audio applications require constant transfer rates, which the serial bus provides by supporting isochronous transfers
7 It is recommended to use the Kramer PT-1FW, which is a line protector for FireWire signals

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your FireWire Switcher
4
4 Your FireWire Switcher
The high quality VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher is a mechanical 4x4
switcher for FireWire signals, using 6-pin FireWire connectors. In particular,
the VS-4x4FW:
Is designed for applications requiring a compact desktop unit for routing FIRE
WIRE signals
1
between any one of 4 sources to any one of 4 acceptors
2
Is ideal for high speed data signals up to 400 MB/s
With its high quality switching components and carefully designed
circuits, provides excellent isolation between inputs
With its unpowered design is advantageous for applications in which
various regulatory compliances would otherwise be required
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher:
Figure 1: VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher
Table 1: VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Selects a source from 1 to 4
2 OUTPUT SELECTOR Buttons
Selects an acceptor from 1 to 4
3 OUT 6-pin Connectors Connects to the acceptors from 1 to 4
4 IN 6-pin Connectors Connects to the sources from 1 to 4
1 For example, digital video or data
2 The VS-4x4FW can only provide one signal path at any given time (one active crosspoint). It cannot distribute a signal to
multiple outputs simultaneously

Using the FireWire Switcher
5
5 Using the FireWire Switcher
Sections 5.1 and 5.2 describe how to connect and how to operate your
VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher, respectively.
5.1 Connecting the FireWire Switcher
You can connect the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher to up to 4 sources
and to up to 4 acceptors, using 1394 cables with 6 pin connectors.
For example, to connect the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher to 2 sources
(a PC and a laptop) and to one acceptor (a digital video camera), as Figure 2
illustrates, do the following:
1. Connect a PC to the IN 1 port and connect a laptop to the IN 2 port.
2. Connect the OUT 4 port to the digital video camera.
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Technical Specifications
6
5.2 Operating the FireWire Switcher
You can route any one of 4 sources to any one of 4 acceptors when operating
your VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher.
For example, to route the signal from the PC to the digital video camera, as
Figure 2 illustrates, do the following:
Press the INPUT SELECTOR IN 1 button
Press the OUTPUT SELECTOR OUT 4 button
The signal from the PC routes to the digital video camera
For example, to route the signal from the laptop to the digital video camera,
as Figure 2 illustrates, do the following:
Press the INPUT SELECTOR IN 3 button
Press the OUTPUT SELECTOR OUT 4 button
The signal from the laptop routes to the digital video camera
6 Technical Specifications
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the VS-4x4FW 4x4 FireWire Switcher
Inputs: 4 firewire, 6-pin connectors
Outputs: 4 firewire, 6-pin connectors
Switching System:
Mechanical, break-before-make
Compatibility: Up to 400 MB/s
Dimensions: 18.8cm x 10.2cm x 4.4cm (7.4" x 4" x 1.7"), W, D, H.
Weight: 0.70 kg. (1.55 lbs.) approx.
Options: 19" rack adapter RK-81

7
LIMITED WARRANTY
WHO IS PROTECTED?
WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT COVERED
WHAT WE WILLPAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
CAUTION!
Kramer Electronics (hereafter ) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the
followingterms.
Kramer
HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY
Labor and parts are warranted for seven years from the date of the first customer purchase.
Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.
Wewillpay labor and material expensesfor covered items.We will not payfor thefollowing:
The liability of Kramer for any effective products is limited to the repair or replacement of the product at our option. Kramer shall
notbe liable for:
Thiswarranty gives youspecific legalrights, andyou may also have other rights, which vary from place to place.
All products returned to Kramer for service must haveprior approval.This may be obtained from your dealer.
Thisequipment has been testedto determine compliance with the requirements of:
EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility(EMC);
genericemissionstandard.
Residential, commercial and light industry"
EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility(EMC)generic immunitystandard.
Part 1: Residential, commercialand lightindustryenvironment".
CFR-47: FCC Rules and Regulations:
Part 15: “Radio frequency devices
Subpart B Unintentional radiators”
Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this product. The following are not covered
by the warranty:
1. Any product which is not distributed by Kramer, or which is not purchased from an authorized Kramer dealer. If you are
uncertain as to whether a dealer is authorized, please contact Kramer at one of the agents listed in the Web site
www.kramerelectronics.com.
2. Any product,on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed.
3. Damage, deterioration ormalfunctionresulting from:
i) Accident, misuse,abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of nature
ii) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product
iii) Repair or attemptedrepairby anyone not authorized by Kramer
iv) Anyshipment ofthe product(claims must bepresentedtothe carrier)
v) Removal or installation of the product
vi) Anyother cause, whichdoes not relate to a product defect
vii) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories usedin conjunctionwith the product
1. Removal or installationscharges.
2. Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the
responsibility of the Kramer dealer from whom the product was purchased.
3. Shipping charges.
1. To obtain service on you product, you must take or ship it prepaid to any authorized Kramer service center.
2. Whenever warranty service is required, the original dated invoice (or a copy) must be presented as proof of warranty
coverage, and should be included in any shipment of the product. Please also include in any mailing a contact name,
company, address, and a description of the problem(s).
3. For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your authorized dealer.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to
the length of this warranty.
1. Damage to other property caused by defects inthis product, damages basedupon inconvenience, loss ofuse of the product, loss
of time, commercial loss;or:
2. Anyother damages, whether incidental, consequentialor otherwise. Some countries may notallow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitationsandexclusions may notapply toyou.
Servicing the machines can only be done by an authorized Kramer technician. Any user who makes changes or
modifications to the unit without the expressed approval of the manufacturer will void user authority to operate the
equipment.
Use the suppliedDC power supply tofeed power to themachine.
Please use recommended interconnection cables toconnect the machine to other components.
NOTE:
Part 1:

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com
E-mail: inf[email protected]
P/N: 2900-002055 REV 2
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer
distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com,
where updates to this user manual may be found.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.
Caution
Safety Warning:
Disconnect the unit from the power supply before
opening/servicing.