Kramer VS-66FW User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-66FW
6 Port FireWire Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 1
3.1 Understanding FireWire 2
3.2 FireWire Compliance 2
3.3 Your VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher 3
3.3.1 Achieving the Best Performance 3
3.3.2 Signal Terminology 3
3.3.3 Configuring as a FireWire Hub 4
4 Defining the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher 5
5 Connecting the VS-66FW 8
5.1 Connecting the VS-66FW Rear Panel 8
5.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 9
5.3 Controlling via RS-485 10
5.4 Setting the Dipswitches 10
5.4.1 Setting the MACHINE # 11
5.5 Connecting the REMOTE Connector 11
6 Operating the VS-66FW 12
6.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 12
6.2 Switching LEAF- BRANCH Combinations 13
6.3 Confirming Settings 13
6.3.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 14
6.3.2 Confirming a Switching Action 14
6.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 14
6.4.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 15
6.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 15
6.5 Locking the Front Panel 15
7 Flash Memory Upgrade 16
7.1 Downloading from the Internet 16
7.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 16
7.3 Upgrading Firmware 16
8 Technical Specifications 21
9 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 21
10 Kramer Protocol 2000 22

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: Configuring the VS-66FW as a 2x2 Port FireWire Hub 4
Figure 2: Configuring the VS-66FW as a 6 Port FireWire Hub 5
Figure 3: VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher 6
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher 9
Figure 5: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 9
Figure 6: Dipswitch Settings 10
Figure 7: REMOTE Connector 11
Figure 8: VS-66FW Unit Characteristics 12
Figure 9: Storing and Recalling using the LEAF Buttons 14
Figure 10: Splash Screen 17
Figure 11: Atmel – Flip Window 17
Figure 12: Open Configuration File Select Window 18
Figure 13: Atmel – Flip Window (RS-232 Communication) 18
Figure 14: RS-232 Window 19
Figure 15: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 19
Figure 16: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 20
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher Features 7
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher Features 7
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings 10
Table 4: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 11
Table 5: Technical Specifications of the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher 21
Table 6: Hex Table for the VS-66FW 21
Table 7: Protocol Definitions 22
Table 8: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 (Relevant to the VS-66FW) 23

P/N: 2900-0000662 A1
ADDENDUM: VS-66FW
This addendum updates the VS-66FW user manual, as follows:
Page 6 (item 3 on the rear panel in Figure 3, in section 4): the REMOTE connector
PINOUT is altered.
The seventh PIN (leaf) is now labeled L F, and the eighth PIN (branch) is now
labeled B R.
Page 11 (Figure 7 in section 5.5): the REMOTE connector PINOUT is replaced:
Figure A1: REMOTE Connector (Revised Graphic)
Page 21 (Table 5 in section 8): the POWER SOURCE spec is replaced with this text:
100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 30VA.

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
350-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher,
which is ideal for video broadcast studios for high quality signal routing, and
video production studios with Non-Linear editing systems. The package
includes the following items:
 VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
 Power cord, Null-modem adapter, Windows®-based Kramer control
software
2
, infra-red remote control transmitter (including the required battery
and a separate user manual
3
), and 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
3 Overview
This section describes:
 Understanding FireWire (see section 3.1)
 FireWire Compliance (see section 3.2)
 Your VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher (see section 3.3)
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 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com (click “DOS and Windows®-based software drivers
for Kramer machines” in the Technical Support section)
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com/manuals.html
4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com (click “Cables and Connectors”
in the Products section)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
2
3.1 Understanding FireWire
FireWire is a serial bus standard that enables quick universal interfacing
between video and computer hardware items. FireWire is simple to use and
operates independently of the host system. In addition, FireWire supports
Plug and Play
1
and hot swapping
2
.
Many computers today come with one or more FireWire ports on the rear
panel. These ports let you attach many devices to your computer quickly and
easily. The operating system also supports FireWire, so the installation of the
device drivers is also quick and easy. Compared to other ways of connecting
devices to your computer (including parallel ports, serial ports and special
cards that you install inside the computer's case), FireWire devices are
simple. Many peripheral devices (including: DV Camcorders, Digital still
cameras, Storage devices such as External Hard Drives and Arrays, and
Network connections) now come in a FireWire version.
3.2 FireWire Compliance
The VS-66FW:
 Fully supports the provisions of the IEEE 1394-1995 Standard for High
Performance Serial Bus and the P1394a Supplement
 Is fully interoperable with FireWire™ and i.LINK™ implementation of
IEEE Std 1394
 Is fully compliant with OpenHCI requirements
 Provides P1394a Fully Compliant Cable Ports at 100/200/400 Megabits
per Second (Mbits/s)
 Includes full P1394a support, that is, Connection Debounce, Arbitrated
Short Reset, Multispeed Concatenation, Arbitration Acceleration, Fly-By
Concatenation, Port Disable/Suspend/Resume
 Includes Extended Resume Signaling for Compatibility with Legacy DV
Devices
 Includes built-in protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD)
3
, by suppressing
all transient high voltages down to the allowed level. In particular, ESD protection
for high-speed data lines to IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) 15kV (air), 8kV (contact), IEC
61000-4-5 (Lightning) 12A (8/20us), and IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) 40A (5/50ns)
1 Configures automatically without any driver. Whenever a device is added or removed the 1394 bus re-enumerates.
2 You can connect and disconnect inputs and outputs dynamically, without having to restart the PC or cycle power
3 When connecting a "live" DV source to a receptor, an electrical potential difference or any other element creating a high
voltage (such as ESD or a live chassis) may permanently damage one or both of the connected devices. This high voltage may
be seen as a spark occurring at the instant of connection, or may not be seen at all, but nevertheless can result in costly
damage

Overview
3
3.3 Your VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
The Kramer VS-66FW is a high quality 6-port matrix switcher for routing
1394/FireWire interface signals. In particular, the VS-66FW:
 Offers simple-to-connect automatic branch/leaf configuration that
operates bi-directionally
 Can be operated with FireWire™/i.Link™ implementation of the IEEE
1394-1995 and the IEEE 1394A standards at data rates of up to 400Mbits/sec
 Supports isochronous
1
and asynchronous transfers, as well as all the
features of the 1394/FireWire interface, including hot insertion and removal
 Can source the power to all ports
 Stores and retrieves 15 setups in the built-in non-volatile memory
 Includes a large, bright LED display on the front panel that shows the
current status of the matrix, as well as PORT STATUS LEDs that indicate the
status of each port
 Includes a “Take” button for precise switch control, and a “Lock” button
to prevent tampering with the front panel
 Is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure
You can control the VS-66FW via the:
 Front panel buttons
 Infra-red remote control transmitter
 Remote contact-closure switches
 Remotely by RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch
screen system, PC, or other serial controller
3.3.1 Achieving the Best Performance
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 Kramer VS-66FW away
from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
3.3.2 Signal Terminology
With regard to the signal technology used in the VS-66FW, note that:
 Connections are between Branch and Leaf FireWire devices, rather than
the regular In and Out, or Source and Destination devices. The difference is
1 Video / audio applications require constant transfer rates, which the serial bus provides by supporting isochronous transfers

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
4
not merely one of semantics but a vital distinction when understanding the
concept of FireWire Branch/Leaf technology
 With a regular In and Out switcher, not only does the front panel have
separate In and Out buttons but the rear panel also has separate ports for input
and output connectors
 With a Branch and Leaf control switcher, the front panel has separate
Branch and Leaf buttons but the rear panel has shared Branch/Leaf
connectors: FireWire ports
3.3.3 Configuring as a FireWire Hub
The VS-66FW is a 6 Port FireWire Switcher,which—due to its Branch/Leaf
design—can also be configured as a FireWire hub.
3.3.3.1 Configuring as a 2x2 Port FireWire Hub
The example in Figure 1 illustrates a 2x2 FireWire hub in which the
bi-directional signals flow separately between Port 1 and Port 4, and Port 5
and Port 6, simultaneously.
Figure 1: Configuring the VS-66FW as a 2x2 Port FireWire Hub

Defining the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
5
3.3.3.2 Configuring as a 6 Port FireWire Hub
The example in Figure 2 illustrates how the VS-66FW can be configured
1
as
a 6 port FireWire hub in which the bi-directional signals flow between Port 4
and all the other ports:
Figure 2: Configuring the VS-66FW as a 6 Port FireWire Hub
4 Defining the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
Figure 3, Table 1 and Table 2 define the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher:
1 By pressing the ALL button and Branch button 4

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE
TECHNOLOGY
Defining the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
6
Figure 3: VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher

Defining the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
7
Table 1: Front Panel VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Infra-red remote
control transmitter
2 Power Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an BRANCH button, connects that BRANCH to all
LEAF devices
1
4 OFF Button An OFF-LEAF combination disconnects that LEAF from the BRANCH devices;
an OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the LEAF devices
5 LEAF Buttons Select 1 - 6 to connect between a BRANCH device and a LEAF device
6 BRANCH Buttons Select 1 - 6 to connect between a LEAF device and a BRANCH device
7 STO (STORE) Button
Pressing STO followed by a LEAF button stores the current setting
2
8 RCL (RECALL) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding LEAF button recalls a setup
from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a different
LEAF button lets you view
3
another setup. After making your choice, pressing
the RCL button again implements the new status
9 LOCK Button Toggles engaging/disengaging the front panel switches. The button is lit
when the switches are locked (disengaged)
10
TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
4
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
11
LEAF Labels identify a cross point between each LEAF to which the BRANCH
displayed below it is connected
12
BRANCH 7-segment Display
5
shows the selected BRANCH switched to the LEAF (under
the corresponding LEAF label)
13
PORT STATUS LEDs
Lights when data from an external device is detected on that port
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 PORT Connects to the FireWire device(s) (from 1 to 6)
2 RS-232 IN DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the RS-232 Remote Controller
3 REMOTE Terminal Block
Connector Connects to the Remote contact-closure switches
4 RS-485 Terminal Block Port
Pin G is for Ground connection; Pins + and – are for RS-485
5 RS-232 OUT DB 9F Port Connects to the RS-232 IN DB 9F port of the next unit in a
daisy-chain
6 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (1, 2, 3 and 4 are for setting the
Machine #; 8 is for RS-485 Termination)
7 FLASH Program Button Push in
6
for “Program” to upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware
(see section 7), or release for Normal (the factory default)
7
8 Power Connector with Fuse
AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 For example, press ALL and then BRANCH button # 2 to connect BRANCH # 2 to all the LEAF devices
2 For example, press STO and then the LEAF button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
3 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
4 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
5 Also displays the firmware version number. Refer to section 6.1
6 Using a screwdriver if required
7 Note that the FLASH PROG “Reset” button is located on the underside of the unit. Push in for “Reset”, or release for
Normal (see section 7)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-66FW
8
5 Connecting the VS-66FW
This section describes how to connect the VS-66FW. In particular, how to:
 Connect the VS-66FW rear panel (see section 5.1)
 Control via RS-232, for example, using a PC (see section 5.2)
 Control via RS-485 (see section 5.3)
 Set the dipswitches (see section 5.4)
 Connect the REMOTE Connector (see section 5.5)
5.1 Connecting the VS-66FW Rear Panel
You can connect the VS-66FW to up to 6 devices, using IEEE-1394 cables
with 6 pin connectors. The example in Figure 4 illustrates how you can use
the VS-66FW to capture and edit real-time video and audio from one video
camcorder to a computer, and from another video camcorder to a laptop. The
data from the computer is stored on an external hard drive.
To connect the VS-66FW, as the example in Figure 4 illustrates, do the
following:
1. Connect the two FireWire ports of a computer, as follows:
 Connect the first FireWire port to PORT 1
 Connect the second FireWire port to PORT 2
2. Connect a FireWire device (for example, a video camcorder) to PORT 3.
3. Connect a FireWire device (for example, another video camcorder) to
PORT 4.
4. Connect a FireWire device (for example, a laptop) to PORT 5.
5. Connect a FireWire device (for example, a hard disk) to PORT 6.
6. Set the dipswitches (see section 5.4).
7. Connect a PC (if required) to the RS-232 IN port (see section 5.2).
8. Connect the power cord
1
.
1 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting the VS-66FW
9
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher
5.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VS-66FW unit, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VS-66FW 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 VS-66FW unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear panel
port on the VS-66FW unit, as Figure 5 illustrates (depending on whether the
PC has a 9-pin or 25-pin connector)
Figure 5: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-66FW
10
5.3 Controlling via RS-485
You can control a VS-66FW unit via any RS-485 remote controller or a PC
(equipped with an RS-485 interface).
To connect an RS-485 remote controller to a VS-66FW:
1. Connect the RS-485 port on the RS-485 remote controller to the RS-485
ports on the VS-66FW unit, as follows:
 Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 remote controller to the “+” (A)
PIN on the RS-485 port of the VS-66FW unit
 Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 remote controller to the “B” (-)
PIN on the RS-485 port of the VS-66FW unit
 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 VS-66FW unit as follows:
 Set the first VS-66FW unit to MACHINE # 1
1
 Set the second VS-66FW unit to MACHINE # 2
1
and set DIP 8 to ON,
terminating the RS-485 line
2
5.4 Setting the Dipswitches
Figure 6 illustrates the factory default dipswitches:
Figure 6: Dipswitch Settings
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings
Function DIPS Description
Machine # 1, 2, 3, 4 Determines the position of a unit in the sequence (see section 5.4.1)
Reserved 5 OFF
Reserved 6 OFF
Reserved 7 OFF
RS-485 Termination 8 ON for RS-485 Line Termination with 120;
OFF for no RS-485 Line Termination
1 See Table 3
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 the VS-66FW
11
5.4.1 Setting the MACHINE #
The MACHINE # determines the position of a VS-66FW unit, specifying
which VS-66FW unit is being controlled when several VS-66FW units
connect to a PC or serial controller. Set the MACHINE # on a VS-66FW unit
via DIPS 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to Table 4.
When using a stand-alone VS-66FW unit, set the MACHINE # to 1. When
connecting more than one VS-66FW unit, set the first machine that is closest
to the PC, as MACHINE # 1.
Table 4: Machine # Dipswitch Settings
DIPSWITCH DIPSWITCH
MACHINE #
1 2 3 4
MACHINE #
1 2 3 4
1 ON OFF
OFF
OFF
9 ON OFF OFF ON
2 OFF
ON OFF
OFF
10 OFF ON OFF ON
3 ON ON OFF
OFF
11 ON ON OFF ON
4 OFF
OFF
ON OFF
12 OFF OFF ON ON
5 ON OFF
ON OFF
13 ON OFF ON ON
6 OFF
ON ON OFF
14 OFF ON ON ON
7 ON ON ON OFF
15 ON ON ON ON
8 OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
5.5 Connecting the REMOTE Connector
Connecting dry contact-closure switches to the REMOTE connector lets you
duplicate the actions of the front panel LEAF-BRANCH buttons when switching
a BRANCH FireWire device to a LEAF FireWire device, from a distance of up
to 1000 meters. Figure 7 illustrates how to connect the remote push buttons:
Figure 7: REMOTE Connector

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-66FW
12
6 Operating the VS-66FW
You can operate your VS-66FW via:
 The front panel buttons
 Infra-red remote control transmitter
 Remote contact-closure switches
 RS-232/RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system,
PC, or other serial controller
6.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics
Switching on the VS-66FW unit, momentarily displays the following test
1
in
the front panel 7-segment Display, in consecutive cycles (before recalling the
last configuration from the non-volatile memory):
Figure 8: VS-66FW Unit Characteristics
1 In the case shown here, the firmware version is 1.2

Operating the VS-66FW
13
6.2 Switching LEAF- BRANCH Combinations
To switch a BRANCH FireWire device to a LEAF FireWire device (a
bi-directional connection), do the following:
1. Press a LEAF button (either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or ALL).
The corresponding item in the 7-segment Display blinks.
2. Press a BRANCH button (either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or OFF).
The selected BRANCH switches to the selected LEAF.
Note that, pressing a LEAF button and a BRANCH button, when the # is the
same
1
will not display a digit in the 7-segment Display. You cannot connect
the same BRANCH # and LEAF # because the (bi-directional) FireWire Port
is shared (see also
2
the illustration in Figure 2).
For details of how to use the VS-66FW 6 Port FireWire Switcher as a
FireWire hub, see section 3.3.3.
6.3 Confirming Settings
Choose to work in the AT ONCE or the CONFIRM mode, as section 6.3.1
describes. When the VS-66FW operates in the AT ONCE mode, pressing a
LEAF-BRANCH combination implements the switch immediately. In the
CONFIRM mode, the TAKE button must be pressed to authorize the switch.
In the AT ONCE mode, you save time as execution is immediate and actions
require no user confirmation. However, no protection is offered against
changing an action in error.
In the CONFIRM mode:
 You can key-in several actions and then confirm them by pressing the
“TAKE” button, to simultaneously activate the multiple switches
 Every action requires user confirmation, protecting against erroneous
switching
 Execution is delayed until the user confirms the action
3
1 For example, LEAF button # 3 and a BRANCH button # 3
2 Illustrating that the digit “4” does not appear in the BRANCH status 7-segment Display when the VS-66FW is configured
as a 6 port FireWire hub in which the bi-directional signals flow between Port 4 and all the other ports
3 Failure to press the TAKE button within 30 seconds (the Timeout) will abort the action

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-66FW
14
6.3.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes
To toggle between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM modes, do the following:
1. Press the unlit TAKE button to toggle from the AT ONCE mode (in
which the TAKE button is not illuminated) to the CONFIRM mode (in
which the TAKE button illuminates).
Actions now require user confirmation and the TAKE button illuminates.
2. Press the illuminated TAKE button to toggle from the CONFIRM mode
back to the AT ONCE mode.
Actions no longer require user confirmation and the TAKE button no
longer illuminates.
6.3.2 Confirming a Switching Action
To confirm a switching action (in CONFIRM mode), do the following:
LEAF-BRANCH
1. Press a LEAF-BRANCH combination.
The corresponding digits in the 7-segment Display blink. The TAKE
button also blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm the action.
The corresponding digits in the 7-segment Display no longer blink. The
TAKE button illuminates.
6.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations
You can store and recall up to 6 configurations using the 6 LEAF buttons
and/or up to 15 configurations via RS-232, as Figure 9 illustrates:
Figure 9: Storing and Recalling using the LEAF Buttons
1
1 The gray numbers (1 to 6) in Figure 9 that illustrate the corresponding store/recall configuration numbers, are for the
purpose of illustration only and do not appear on the buttons

Operating the VS-66FW
15
6.4.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration
To store
1
the current status in memory, do the following:
1. Press the STO button.
The STO button blinks.
2. Press one of the 6 LEAF buttons (this will be the setup # in which the
current status is stored). If in the CONFIRM mode, press the blinking
TAKE button to confirm the action.
That setup # flashes brightly in the 7-segment Display and the memory
stores the data at that reference.
6.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration
To recall a configuration, do the following:
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button blinks.
2. Press the appropriate LEAF button (the button # corresponding to the
setup #). If in the CONFIRM mode, that setup configuration will blink in
the 7-segment Display, together with the RCL button and the TAKE button,
and will only be implemented after pressing the TAKE button.
The memory recalls the stored data from that reference.
Tip: If you cannot remember which of the 6 configurations is the one that you
want, set the VS-66FW to the CONFIRM mode and manually scan all the
configurations until you locate it.
6.5 Locking the Front Panel
To prevent changing the settings accidentally or tampering with the unit via
the front panel buttons, lock
2
your VS-66FW. Unlocking releases the
protection mechanism.
To lock the VS-66FW:
 Press and hold the LOCK button until the LOCK button is illuminated
The front panel is locked. Pressing a button will have no effect.
To unlock the VS-66FW:
 Press and hold the illuminated LOCK button, until the LOCK button is no
longer illuminated
The front panel unlocks
1 Storing a new configuration over a previous configuration (without deleting it first) replaces the previous configuration
2 Nevertheless, even though the front panel is locked you can still operate via RS-232 or RS-485, as well as via the Kramer
IR Remote Control Transmitter

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Flash Memory Upgrade
16
7 Flash Memory Upgrade
The VS-66FW firmware is located in FLASH memory, which lets you upgrade
to the latest Kramer firmware version in minutes! The process involves:
 Downloading from the Internet (see section 7.1)
 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 port (see section 7.2)
 Upgrading Firmware (see section 7.3)
7.1 Downloading from the Internet
You can download the up-to-date file from the Internet. To do so:
1. Go to our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com and download
the file: “FLIP_VS_66FW_12.zip” from the Technical Support section.
The program automatically recognizes the size of the switcher.
2. Extract the file: “FLIP_VS_66FW_12.zip” to a folder (for example,
C:\Program Files\Kramer Flash).
7.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port
Before installing the latest Kramer firmware version on a VS-66FW unit, do
the following:
1. Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VS-66FW unit to the
Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9 wire flat
cable to the RS-232 DB9 COM port on your PC.
It is recommended that you use COM port
1
2. However, if your computer has
only one COM port, open the file: “VS_66FW_12.cfg” (located at C:\Program
Files\Kramer Flash\ VS_66FW_12.cfg) in Notepad, and change “set port
COM2” to “set port COM1”.
2. On the rear panel, push in the FLASH button
2
(to Program), using a
screwdriver.
3. Connect the power cord and turn the POWER switch on the VS-66FW ON.
The front panel buttons may illuminate erratically. This should be ignored.
7.3 Upgrading Firmware
Follow these steps to upgrade the firmware:
1. Double click the desktop icon: “Shortcut to FLIP.EXE”.
The Splash screen appears as follows:
1 The software is preset for use with COM port 2
2 Item 7 in Table 2