Kramer VS-81SP User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-81SP
8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
4Your VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher 3
5Installing the VS-81SP in a Rack 6
6Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher 7
6.1 Connecting via RS-232 9
6.2 Connecting via RS-485 9
6.3 DIP-switch Settings 10
6.3.1 Setting the MACHINE # 11
6.3.2 Setting the MACHINE ADDRESS # 13
6.4 Connecting the REMOTE Terminal Block Connector 15
7Operating the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher 17
7.1 Using the Front Panel Buttons 17
7.2 Using Serial Commands 17
7.3 Operating via the Infrared Remote Controller 17
8Technical Specifications 18
9Upgrading the VS-81SP Firmware 18
9.1 Downloading from the Internet 18
9.2 Connecting a PC to the RS-232 Port 19
9.3 Installing the Firmware 19
10 Hex Table 25
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 25

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher Functions 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-81SP – 1 Amplifier to 8 Speaker Pairs 8
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81SP – 8 Amplifiers to 1 Speaker Pair 8
Figure 4: Connecting a PC Without Using a Null-modem Adapter 9
Figure 5: Controlling via RS-485 10
Figure 6: SETUP DIP-switches (Factory Default for Stand-Alone MACHINE # 1) 10
Figure 7: DIP-switch Settings on 4 VP-81SP Units 12
Figure 8: Cascading 3 VP-81SP Units 14
Figure 9: Addressing 3 Cascaded VP-81SP Units 14
Figure 10: Connecting a Remote Mechanical Switcher Unit to the VP-81SP 15
Figure 11: Connecting a Remote Unit to a Cascaded Set of Three VP-81SP Units 16
Figure 12: Splash Screen 20
Figure 13: Atmel – Flip Window20
Figure 14: Device Selection Window 21
Figure 15: Device Selection Window 21
Figure 16: Loading the Hex 22
Figure 17: RS-232 Window 22
Figure 18: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 23
Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 24
Tables
Table 1: VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher Functions 5
Table 2: DIP-switch Definitions 11
Table 3: MACHINE # DIP-switch Settings 11
Table 4: MACHINE ADDRESS # DIP-switch Settings 13
Table 5: VS-81SP Technical Specifications 18
Table 6: VS-81SP Hex Table 25
Table 7: Protocol Definitions 25
Table 8: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 26

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 groups1
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker
Switcher, which is ideal for:
that are clearly
defined by function.
•Hi-fi retail stores
•Public address systems
•Home entertainment
Each package includes the following items:
•The VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
•Null-modem adapter, a power cord2
•Windows®-based Kramer control software
and an infrared remote
control transmitter (including the required battery and a separate
user manual)
•This user manual3
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 cables4
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix Switchers; 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; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
2 We recommend that you use only the power cord supplied with this device
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The VS-81SP is a bi-directional switcher for stereo audio speaker signals on
terminal block connectors. It can switch any one of eight pairs of input
signals to one output pair or one input pair to any one of eight output pairs.
The VS-81SP has the following features:
•8 x 1 input/output stereo connections with bi-directional
functionality
•The ability to cascade up to seven units to increase the number of
inputs or outputs
•The ability to handle both high-impedance (100/70V) and
low-impedance (8/4Ω) signals
•Control from the front panel, or via RS-232/RS-485 serial
commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial control device, as well as via an infrared remote controller,
or via remote contact-closure switches
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables1
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that
may adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer
VS-81SP away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
to avoid interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated
noise levels (often associated with low quality cables).
Caution – No operator-serviceable parts inside unit.
Warning – Use only the Kramer Electronics input power
wall adapter that is provided with this unit2
.
Warning – Disconnect power and unplug unit from wall
before installing or removing device or servicing unit.
4 Your VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
Figure 1and Table 1define the unit.
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
2 For example, part number 2535-000251

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
4
Figure 1: VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher Functions

Your VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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5
Table 1: VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher Functions
#
Feature
Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED illuminates when receiving signals from the
infrared remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON and OFF
3 IN/OUT SELECTOR Buttons Select which output (from 1 to 8) to switch from the input
4 OUT/IN Terminal Block Connectors Connects to the input source(s) and the output speaker
pair(s) (from 1 to 8)
5 RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub (F) Port Connects to the PC or RS-232 remote controller
6 RS-232 OUT 9-pin D-sub (M) Port Connects to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub (F) port of the next
unit in the daisy-chain
7 SETUP DIP-switches DIP-switches for setting up the unit (1 to 8 are for setting
addresses, 9 to 11 for software download, and 12 is for
RS-485 termination)
8 REMOTE Terminal Block Connectors Connect to the remote contact-closure switches
9 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485, pin G may be connected
to the shield (if required)
10 REMOTE IR Opening Connects to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the
machine via an IR remote controller (instead of using the front
panel IR receiver)1
11 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-81SP in a Rack
6
5 Installing the VS-81SP in a Rack
This section describes how to install the VS-81SP in a rack.
Before Installing in a rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range: To rack-mount a machine:
1. Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the
machine (3 on each side), and
replace those screws through the
ear brackets.
2. Place the ears of the machine
against the rack rails, and insert the
proper screws (not provided)
through each of the four holes in the
rack ears.
Note that:
•In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
•Detachable rack ears can be
removed for desktop use
•Always mount the machine in the
rack before you attach any cables
or connect the machine to the
power
•If you are using a Kramer rack
adapter kit (for a machine that is not
19"), see the Rack Adapters user
manual for installation instructions
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)
Operating temperature range +5º to +45º C (41º to 113º F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20º to +70º C (-4º to 158º F)
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing
!
CAUTION!!
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
1. It is located within the recommended environmental
conditions, as the operating ambient temperature of a
closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the
room ambient temperature.
2. Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around
the machine.
3. The machine is placed straight in the correct
horizontal position.
4. You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting
the machine to the supply circuit, overloading the
circuits might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for
fuse replacement, see the value printed on the
product label.
5. The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to situations where
electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord
is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for
example, when using an extension cable or a power
strip, and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.

Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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7
6 Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
To connect the VS-81SP, as shown in Figure 2, do the following1
1. Connect the input source (for example, the speaker outputs from a power
amplifier) to the OUT/IN terminal block connectors.
:
2. Connect the IN/OUT connectors to the speaker pairs (up to eight).
3. As an option you can connect a PC and/or controller to the:
•RS-232 port (see section 6.1)
•RS-485 port (see section 6.2)
4. Set the DIP-switches (see section 6.3).
5. If required, connect remote contact-closure switches to the REMOTE
terminal block connector (see section 6.4).
6. Connect the power cord to the power socket and connect the power cord to
the mains electricity.
Note: In a reverse configuration (see Figure 3), you can connect up to eight
power amplifiers to the IN/OUT input connectors and one speaker pair to
the OUT/IN output connector.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-81SP. After connecting your VS-81SP, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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Figure 2: Connecting the VS-81SP – 1 Amplifier to 8 Speaker Pairs
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81SP – 8 Amplifiers to 1 Speaker Pair

Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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9
6.1 Connecting via RS-232
To connect a PC to the VS-81SP, using the null-modem adapter provided
with the machine (recommended):
•Connect the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the
VS-81SP to the null-modem adapter and connect the null-modem
adapter with a 9-wire flat cable to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on
your PC
To connect a PC to the VS-81SP, without using a null-modem adapter:
•Connect the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub port on your PC to the
RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-81SP, as Figure 4
illustrates
Female DB9 (From PC)
PIN 4 Connected to PIN 6
PINS 8, 7, 1 Connected together
If a Shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Male DB9
Figure 4: Connecting a PC Without Using a Null-modem Adapter
6.2 Connecting via RS-485
You can control the VS-81SP via any RS-485 remote controller or a PC
(equipped with an RS-485 interface).
To connect an RS-485 remote controller to two VS-81SP units (see
Figure 5):
1. Connect the RS-485 port on the RS-485 remote controller to the RS-485
ports on the VS-81SP, as follows:
•Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 remote controller to
the “+” (A) PINs on the RS-485 ports of the VS-81SP units
•Connect the “B” (–) PIN on the RS-485 remote controller to
the “B” (–) PINs on the RS-485 ports of the VS-81SP units
•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)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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2. Set the SETUP DIP-switches on the VS-81SP units as follows (see section
6.3):
•Set the first VS-81SP unit to MACHINE # 11
•Set the second VS-81SP unit to MACHINE # 2
1 and set DIP
12 to ON, terminating the RS-485 line2
Figure 5: Controlling via RS-485
6.3 DIP-switch Settings
Configure the VS-81SP by setting the 12 SETUP DIP-switches (item 7 on
the rear panel), as Figure 6and Table 2define:
Figure 6: SETUP DIP-switches (Factory Default for Stand-Alone MACHINE # 1)
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-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
11
11
Table 2: DIP-switch Definitions
DIP
Function:
1-4 Set the MACHINE # (see section 6.3.1)
5-7 MACHINE ADDRESS # in daisy chain connection (see section 6.3.2)
8 Last cascaded device
9-11 (marked 1-3 on second set) Firmware upgrade (see section 9)
12 (marked 4 on second set) RS-485 termination (see section 6.2)
6.3.1 Setting the MACHINE #
To control a unit via RS-232 or RS-485, each unit has to be identified by its
unique MACHINE #. Set the MACHINE # on a VS-81SP unit according to
Table 3. A valid MACHINE # is from 1 to 15. For a single, stand-alone
machine, set as MACHINE # 1.
Table 3: MACHINE # DIP-switch Settings
MACHINE #
DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
DIP 4
1 ON OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF ON OFF OFF
3 ON ON OFF OFF
4 OFF OFF ON OFF
5 ON OFF ON OFF
6
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
7 ON ON ON OFF
8
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
9 ON OFF OFF ON
10
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
11
ON
ON
OFF
ON
12
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
13
ON
OFF
ON
ON
14 OFF ON ON ON
15 ON ON ON ON
Figure 7illustrates how to set the DIP-switches on four single VS-81SP
units, which are controlled by one RS-232 port:

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Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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Figure 7: DIP-switch Settings on 4 VP-81SP Units

Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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13
6.3.2 Setting the MACHINE ADDRESS #
For certain applications, you may need more than 8 outputs1
Table 4: MACHINE ADDRESS # DIP-switch Settings
. Cascading the
outputs enables you to expand the number of outputs by looping up to seven
units to form a combined speaker switcher with up to 50 speaker pair
outputs.
MACHINE #
DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
DIP 4
1 ON OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF ON OFF OFF
3 ON ON OFF OFF
4 OFF OFF ON OFF
5 ON OFF ON OFF
6 OFF ON ON OFF
7 ON ON ON ON
To cascade up to seven identical units:
•Set the same MACHINE # on each unit, according to Table 3
•Set the MACHINE ADDRESS # and the eighth DIP-switch (last
in daisy-chain) on each unit that is included in a set, according to
Table 4
Figure 8and Figure 9give an example of how to setup and address a
cascade of three VP-81SP units that output to 22 speaker pairs.
1 You can also use this procedure for cascading inputs as well as outputs

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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Figure 8: Cascading 3 VP-81SP Units
Figure 9: Addressing 3 Cascaded VP-81SP Units

Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
15
15
6.4 Connecting the REMOTE Terminal Block1
Connect remote contact-closure switches to the REMOTE terminal block
connector (item 8 on the back panel) as
Connector
Figure 10 describes. A remote unit
can consist of a mechanical switcher2with a common wire for ground3
8
1
1
2
2
3
3
8 G
......
......
.
Figure 10: Connecting a Remote Mechanical Switcher Unit to the VP-81SP
You can also connect remote contact-closure switches to the REMOTE
terminal block connectors. The example in Figure 11 illustrates how to
connect remote contact-closure switches to the REMOTE terminal block
connectors on a set of three looped VS-81SP units:
1 The REMOTE terminal block connector has 8 pins (plus the G pin)
2 The remote unit can have up to 8 buttons for the VS-81SP, corresponding to the front panel INPUT SELECTOR buttons.
3 Providing control over a distance up to hundreds of meters

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Connecting the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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Figure 11: Connecting a Remote Unit to a Cascaded Set of Three VP-81SP Units

Operating the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
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17
7 Operating the VS-81SP 8 x 1 Loudspeaker Switcher
You can operate your VS-81SP using:
•The front panel buttons
•RS-232/RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen
system, PC, or other serial controller
•The infrared remote control transmitter
7.1 Using the Front Panel Buttons
To choose an input to switch to the output, press the appropriate IN/OUT
SELECTOR button.
7.2 Using Serial Commands
To operate your device using serial commands, you need to install Kramer's
control software that can be downloaded from the Kramer Electronics Web
site1
For an explanation of all control commands, see section
.
11.
7.3 Operating via the Infrared Remote Controller
You can use the RC-IR2 IR transmitter to control the machine via the
built-in IR receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR
receiver2. The external IR receiver can be located 15 meters away from the
machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used with
three extension cables3
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer
dealer to insert an internal IR connection cable17F
4, which is required so that
the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector can be used. Connect the external IR
receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.
To operate your device using the infra-red remote controller, see the User
Manual packed with the remote controller.
1 Download Kramer control software from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
2 P/N: 95-0104050
3 P/N: 95-0103050
4 P/N: 505-70434010-S