Kramer FC-5 User Manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

USER MANUAL

MODEL:

FC-5

Protocol Translator

P/N: 2900-000148 Rev 3

FC-5 – Contents i

Contents

1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 2

2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2

3 Overview 3
4 Your FC-5 Protocol Translator 4
5 Configuring the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 6

5.1 Installing and Running the Kramer FC-5 Manager Software 6

5.2 Using the Translation List Window 7

5.3 Connecting a PC (CONFIG Port) 11

5.4 Setting the DIP-Switches 12

5.5 Assigning the Translation List Driver Commands 13

6 Using the FC-5 14

6.1 Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller 14

6.2 Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure 15

6.3 Transmitting Commands via the Relays 16

6.4 Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure and Relays 17

7 Upgrading the FC-5 Firmware 18

7.1 Downloading from the Internet 18

7.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 CONFIG Port 18

7.3 Upgrading Firmware 19

8 Technical Specifications 20

Figures

Figure 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator 4
Figure 2: FC-5 Underside 5
Figure 3: Port Selection Window 6
Figure 4: Translation List Window 7
Figure 5: New/Open File Menu Command Dialog Box 8
Figure 6: New Command Window 8
Figure 7: Edit Command Window 9
Figure 8: Remove Command Prompt 10
Figure 9: Connecting a PC 11
Figure 10: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 11
Figure 11: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 12
Figure 12: Translation Set DIP-Switches 12
Figure 13: Transmitting Commands via a PC or Remote Controller 14
Figure 14: Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure 15
Figure 15: Transmitting Commands via the Relays 16
Figure 16: Relay Pinout 16
Figure 17: Transmitting Commands via the Contact closure and Relays 17
Figure 18: The JTG Sender Window 19

FC-5 - Introduction 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 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 and
GROUP 11: Sierra Products.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer FC-5 Protocol Translator, which is
ideal for the following typical applications:

• Operating switchers with different RS-232 protocols

• Controlling screens, projectors, lights, security gates via the relays

• Using contact closure switches to operate RS-232 controlled equipment

2 FC-5 - 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

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).

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

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

• Position your Kramer FC-5 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

i

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FC-5 - Overview 3

3 Overview

The FC-5 is a protocol translator designed to make an RS-232 controlled machine
(Kramer and non-Kramer products) compatible with other RS-232 based protocols.
By default the unit comes configured with two translation drivers, includes a PC
based software program for user configuration, and has two relays and eleven
contact closure control connections.

In particular, the FC-5:

• By default, comes configured with two translation drivers: a Generic Switcher

Protocol to Kramer’s “Protocol 2000”; and the Sierra Video Systems (SVS)
Protocol to Kramer’s “Protocol 2000”

• Can also be used as a programmable controller. It features two relays for the

simplified and centralized control of room functions (such as lighting, closing
blinds, and so on). The two output relays have normally open (NO) and
normally closed (NC) contacts

• Features connections for up to eleven remote contact closure switches (to

trigger RS-232 commands and/or control the relays)

• Includes an easy-to-use PC application program that lets you build

translation tables for the FC-5 to define the association between codes for
the COM ports, relays and contact closures. The FC-5 can be configured to
work with up to four translation tables, and each one can include up to 256
tra nslation commands. DIP-switches are used to select between the
translation tables

• Supports firmware upgrade

4 FC-5 - Your FC-5 Protocol Translator

4 Your FC-5 Protocol Translator

Figure 1 defines the FC-5:

Figure 1: FC-5 Protocol Translator

# Feature Function

1 INPUTS Contact Closure Remote

Control PINs

Connects to a contact closure switch (see

Section

6.2

2 RELAY 1 Terminal Block Connect to room items (such as lighting,

screen settings, blinds, and so on). The
PINOUT is: NO: Normally Open; C: Common
Voltage; NC: Normally Closed

3 RELAY 2 Terminal Block

4 SETUP DIP-switches Used to select translation drivers (see Section

5.2

)

5

12V DC

+12V DC connector for powering the unit
6 COM1 9-pin D-type RS-232 port Connects to the Kramer or other device
7 COM2 9-pin D-type RS-232 port Connects to the Kramer or other device
8 CONFIG 9-pin D-type port Connects to the RS-232 port on a PC
9 STATUS LED Blinks when transmitting commands
10 ON LED Illuminates when receiving power

Figure 2 defines the underside switches (with the label removed), which are

designed to be used for firmware upgrade only. An adhesive label (Marked “For
Programming only! Do not remove”) protects access to them. Remove the label
only when upgrading to new firmware (see Section

7).

FC-5 - Your FC-5 Protocol Translator 5

Figure 2: FC-5 Un derside

# Feature Function

1 Switch Slide all 3 switches down to set to OFF

(Normal mode, default). Slide all 3 switches
up to set to ON (Program mode)

2 Switch
3 Switch