Kramer VS-801USB User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-801USB
8x1 USB Switcher
P/N: 2900-300030 Rev 2

VS-801USB – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1 Defining the VS-801USB 8x1 USB Switcher 4
4Connecting the VS-801USB 6
4.1 Connecting to the VS-801USB via RS-232 7
4.2 Connecting to the VS-801USB via the ETHERNET 7
5Operating the VS-801USB 10
5.1 The Front Panel Buttons 10
5.2 The REMOTE Terminal Block Connector 10
5.3 The Application Software 10
6Firmware Upgrade 11
7Technical Specifications 12
8Default Communication Parameters 13
9Kramer Protocol 2000 14
10 Protocol 3000 16
10.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 16
10.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 19
Figures
Figure 1: VS-801USB 8x1 USB Switcher 4
Figure 2: Connecting to the VS-801USB 7
Figure 3: Local Area Connection Properties Window 8
Figure 4: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 9
Figure 5: Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINs 10

VS-801USB - 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 video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
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-801USB 8x1 USB Switcher,
which is ideal for educational institutions, presentation and display systems and
home theater applications.

2 VS-801USB - 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 Kramer high performance high resolution cables
i
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)
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely
influence signal quality
•Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
•Position your Kramer VS-801USB away from moisture, excessive sunlight
and dust
!
Caution: 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

VS-801USB - Overview 3
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VS-801USB is a high quality 8x1 USB switcher. It accepts up to eight USB
devices and switches the selected device to the host.
In particular, the VS-801USB features:
•Hi speed USB revision 2.0
•Eight DEVICE SELECT buttons
•Firmware upgrade via RS-232
•Remote control via the RS-232 port, the RC-IR3 IR remote control
transmitter, the Ethernet and/or remote contact closure
•An external 5V DC source, making it suitable for field operation
The VS-801USB is housed in a compact MegaTOOLS™ enclosure, enabling two
units to be rack mounted side-by-side in a 1U rack space using the optional
RK-T2B universal rack adapter.

4 VS-801USB - Overview
3.1 Defining the VS-801USB 8x1 USB Switcher
Figure 1: VS-801USB 8x1 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 8)
3 REMOTE Switch Terminal
Block
Connect to contact closure switches for duplicating the
function of the front panel DEVICE SELECT buttons (see
Section 5.2)
4 ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to a remote controller via a LAN (see Section
4.2)
5 RESET Button Reset to the Ethernet factory default values
6 5V DC +5V DC connector for powering the unit
7 IR Receiver Receives signals from the infrared remote control
transmitter

VS-801USB - Overview 5
5
#
Feature
Function
8 IR LED The yellow LED lights when receiving IR signals
9 RS-232 9-pin D-sub
Connector
Connects to a PC for firmware upgrade and control
10 PROG 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)
11 DEVICE SELECT Buttons Select a device to switch to the host (from 1 to 8)
12 ON LED Illuminates green when receiving power

6 VS-801USB - Connecting the VS-801USB
4 Connecting the VS-801USB
!
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-801USB. After connecting your VS-801USB, connect its power
and then switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VS-801USB 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 4
Hard drive to port 6
Memory stick to port 8
2. Connect the HOST USB port to an acceptor (for example, a laptop).
3. If required, you can connect a PC and/or controller to the:
RS-232 terminal block (see Section 4.1)
Ethernet connector (see Section 4.2)
i
For best results it is advised to 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).

VS-801USB - Connecting the VS-801USB 7
7
Figure 2: Connecting to the VS-801USB
4.1 Connecting to the VS-801USB via RS-232
You can connect to the VS-801USB 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-801USB via RS-232, connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub front
panel port on the VS-801USB 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.
4.2 Connecting to the VS-801USB via the ETHERNET
You can connect to the VS-801USB via Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
•Direct connection to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 4.2.1)
•Connection via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through
cable (see Section 4.2.2)