
Kramer Electronics, Ltd. 
USER MANUAL 
Models: 
RC-8RK, 
Universal Room Controller
RC-8RKL, 
Universal Room Controller 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

Contents 
1
Introduction  1
2
Getting Started  1
3
Overview  1
4
Your Universal Room Controller  3
5
Using Your Universal Room Controller  7
5.1
Operating the RC-8RK  10
5.2
An Example of Operating the RC-8RK  11
5.3
Using the Macro Buttons  12
5.4
Using the Internal Web Page  12
6
Flash Memory Upgrade  13
6.1
Downloading from the Internet  13
6.2
Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port  13
6.3
Upgrading Firmware  13
6.4
Installing the Web Applet  14
7
Technical Specifications  15
Figures
Figure 1: RC-8RK and RC-8RKL Front Panels  3 
Figure 2: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Panel  4 
Figure 3: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Lower Rear Panel  5 
Figure 4: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Upper Rear Panel  6 
Figure 5: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Side Panel  6 
Figure 6: Example of a Typical RC-8RK / RC-8RKL Configuration  8 
Figure 7: Example of a Typical RC-8RK Setup in the Lecture Auditorium  9 
Figure 8: RC-8RK Labels Setup  10 
Figure 9: RC-8RK Operation Example  11 
Figure 10: Internal Web Page Front Panel  12 
Figure 11: The KFR-Programmer Window  14
Tables 
Table 1: RC-8RK and RC-8RKL Front Panel Features  3 
Table 2: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Panel Features  4 
Table 3: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Lower Rear Panel Features  5 
Table 4: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Upper Rear Panel Features  6 
Table 5: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Side Panel Features  6 
Table 6: Connection Scheme (for the example in Figure 6)  8 
Table 7: The Commands Configuration  10 
Table 8: Technical Specifications of the Universal Room Controller Series  15
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

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
1
 that are clearly defined by function. 
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer RC-8RK and/or RC-8RKL
2
, 
which are designed to let an instructor enter a multimedia classroom and 
operate an A/V system with ease. The package includes the following items: 
 RC-8RK or RC-8RKL
2
 One 3.5mm to IR emitter control cable  
 This user manual3 
 Configuration software 
2  Getting Started 
This user manual is written for the end user. Refer to the separate online RC 
Configuration and Installation Guide for details of how to install and configure 
t
he Universal Room Controller4 
W
e recommend that you: 
 Review the contents of this user manual  
 Use Kramer high performance high resolution cables5 
3  Overview 
Kramer’s 2 Gang wall plates: RC-8RK and RC-8RKL are a unique series of 
highly versatile controller interfaces that act as an all-in-one extended remote 
control panel for control of A/V equipment—especially projectors and 
associated equipment—in any room (such as classrooms, boardrooms, or 
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 The RC-8RKL has larger-sized buttons 
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com 
4 That provides information about how to set up the system. This online guide may well be updated on a regular basis. For 
the latest online guide, go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com 
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Overview 
auditoriums). They streamline operations and simplify control by integrating 
audio, video, and computer-video sources into a centralized system. 
The RC-8RK and RC-8RKL include: 
 An Ethernet port for configuration and control1 
 Configurable buttons to set up any supported
2
 command 
 A color select switch for selecting the buttons’ color  
 A brightness switch for selecting the intensity of the selected buttons’ 
color and a backlight switch for setting a low intensity backlight when 
the unit is not active
3
 Two bidirectional RS-232 wired serial ports, for universal display (for 
example, projectors) and switcher control, and one RS-485 serial port 
 Two relays for the simplified and centralized control of room functions 
(such as lighting, closing blinds, screen settings, and so on) 
 Two IR control ports  
 An IR-learner for the customized control of external sources, receiving the 
IR commands from different remote transmitters without the need for an 
external IR remote control unit 
 Macro mode operation, for programming up to 15 commands with the 
press of a single button. They have a total of 120 commands 
 Support for firmware upgrade  
To achieve the best performance: 
 Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding interference, 
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noiselevels (often associated with low quality cables) 
 Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and position 
your Kramer Universal Room Controllers away from moisture, 
excessive sunlight and dust 
Caution – No operator-serviceable parts inside unit.  
Warning – Use only the Kramer Electronics input power 
wall adapter that is provided with this unit4. 
W
arning
– Disconnect power and unplug unit from wall 
before installing or removing device or servicing unit. 
1 Of up to five machines with unique IP addresses 
2 To be configured by the system integrator only 
3 So that if the room is dark, the buttons are still visible to the instructor 
4 For example: model number AD2512C, part number 2535-000251 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

Y
our Universal Room Controller 
3
4  Your Universal Room Controller 
Figure 1 and Table 2 define the RC-8RK and RC-8RKL front panels: 
Figure 1: RC-8RK and RC-8RKL Front Panels 
Table 1: RC-8RK and RC-8RKL Front Panel Features 
#  Feature  Function 
1  Mounting holes (4)  For fastening the controller in place  
2
  Configurable Buttons (Macro Buttons) Control the room and the A/V equipment (from 1 to 8) 
3  IR IN Receiver  Accepts IR remote commands (for the IR-learner feature) 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Your Universal Room Controller 
Figure 2 and Table 2 define the RC-8RK / RC-8RKL (identical) rear panel: 
Figure 2: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Panel 
Table 2: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Panel Features 
#
F
eature 
F
unction 
1 BRIGHTNESS Indication 
Arrow 
Brightness indication to increase the brightness of the buttons1 
2
 BACKLIGHT Indication 
Arrow 
Backlight indication to set the backlight illumination for when the 
unit is not active 
3 ETHERNET Port  Connects to a PC or other controller via computer networking 
4 COLOR SELECT Indication 
Arrow 
Color select indication for selecting the button color2 
5
 N.U Switch  Not used 
6
 PROGRAM Switch  Switch to OFF for normal operation; to ON for firmware upgrade 
7 RS-485 TERM. Switch  Switch to ON for RS-485 line termination 
8
 FACTORY DEFAULT Button
P
ress to return to the factory default settings, including all the 
configured buttons and the network settings3 
1 See Table 5 
2 See Table 4 
3 Including the factory default IP number: 192.168.1.39 (an IP number is a device's numerical address as expressed in the 
format specified in the Internet Protocol) 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

Y
our Universal Room Controller 
5
Figure 3 and Table 3 define the RC-8RK and RC-8RKL lower rear panel: 
Figure 3: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Lower Rear Panel 
Table 3: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Lower Rear Panel Features 
#
Feature  Function 
1 +12VDC IN PIN  Connects (+) to the connector for powering the unit 
2
 GND PIN  Connects (-) to the Ground 
IR OUT1 PIN   
G
ND PIN  Connect to an IR emitter cable 
3 
IR OUT2 PIN   
4
 RS-232 Terminal Block 
Connector (1 and 2) 
Connect to the RS-232 connector on the A/V equipment or a PC or other 
Serial Controller 
5
 RS-485 Terminal Block 
Connector 
Connect to the RS-485 detachable terminal block on a switcher or PC 
6
 RELAY1 
7 RELAY2 
Connect each relay to a room item (such as lighting, screen settings, 
blinds, and so on)1 
Figure 4 and Table 4 define the RC-8RK and RC-8RKL upper rear panel: 
1 See the examples in Figure 6 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Your Universal Room Controller 
Figure 4: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Upper Rear Panel 
Table 4: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Upper Rear Panel Features 
#
F
eature 
F
unction 
Rotate to select the buttons’ color: 
1 for red  2 for blue  3 for green  4 for yellow 
1 COLOR 
SELECT Switch
5
 for pale blue  6 for pink  7 for white  8 for no color 
F
igure 5 and Table 5 define the RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL rear side panel: 
Figure 5: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Side Panel 
Table 5: RC-8RK and the RC-8RKL Rear Side Panel Features 
#  Feature  Function 
1  BRIGHTNESS Switch  Slide up to decrease the brightness of the buttons  
2  BACKLIGHT Switch  Slide up to set backlight illumination for easier operation 
in a dark room 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

U
sing Your Universal Room Controller 
7
5  Using Your Universal Room Controller1 
This user manual is applicable once the unit is installed and configured2. The 
installation process is not detailed in this user manual
3
, and includes: 
 Setting up the labels on the buttons, according to your specific 
requirements
4
 Hardware installation  
 Connecting the inputs and the display  
 Configuration via the Windows®-based configuration software and/or 
the IR learner 
The universal room controller is very easy to use, as the example in Figure 6 
and Table 6 defines
5
: 
1 From this section on, all the information is relevant to the RC-8RK and RC-8RKL units, unless noted otherwise 
2 By authorized Kramer technical personnel or by an external system integrator 
3 Refer to the separate online “RC Configuration and Installation Guide” at http://www.kramerelectronics.com 
4 It is recommended to place labels on the buttons prior to installing the unit, as this involves removing the face plate 
5 Your RC-8RK/RC-8RKL was installed and configured to suit your specific requirements. This example describes how to 
setup one of an unlimited number of available setups for the system 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Using Your Universal Room Controller 
Figure 6: Example of a Typical RC-8RK / RC-8RKL Configuration 
Table 6: Connection Scheme (for the example in Figure 6) 
This connector:  Controls: 
R
ELAY2  The lights 
RELAY1  The screen 
R
S-485 Terminal Block Connector  A power amplifier (and speakers) 
RS-232 (TX1, RX1) Terminal Block Connector  A projector1 
IR OUT1 PIN2  A DVD player 
I
R OUT2 PIN2  A video player 
1 The second RS-232 port can be used to control another A/V unit or an LCD 
2 Connected via the IR emitter cable. IR OUT1 and IR OUT2 can each be connected to identical machines and still be 
controlled separately 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

U
sing Your Universal Room Controller 
9
Figure 7 shows the RC-8RK built into a podium that is located in a lecture 
auditorium. An overhead projector and screen, speakers, lights; and a cabinet 
with a VCR, a DVD and an amplifier inside, are all controlled via the 
RC-8RK. The presenter’s laptop is located on the podium, next to where the  
RC-8RK is mounted. It is also controlled by the RC-8RK and is used for 
presentations, slide shows and so on. 
Figure 7: Example of a Typical RC-8RK Setup in the Lecture Auditorium 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Using Your Universal Room Controller 
5.1 Operating the RC-8RK 
In the following example
1
 that is illustrated in Figure 8, the RC-8RK is 
labeled with specific functions and each button is programmed
2
 to perform 
several tasks
3
 as defined in Table 7. 
Each button may be assigned with up to 15 commands. 
Table 7: The Commands Configuration 
T
he 
L
abel 
T
he Macro Sequence 
ON 
 Power up the projector  
 Power up the power amplifier  
 Power up the DVD player  
 Power up the video player  
 Roll down the projector screen  
 Turn on the speakers  
 1 minute delay [for the projector to 
heat up] 
 Turn lights off  
 The projector selects the PC input 
OFF 
 Turn lights on  
 Power down the projector  
 Power down the power amplifier  
 Stop the DVD player  
 Power down the DVD player  
 Stop the video player  
 Power down the video player  
 Roll up the projector screen  
 Turn off the speakers 
DVD 
 Stop the video player  
 The projector selects the DVD 
input 
 Play the DVD 
VCR 
 Stop the DVD  
 The projector selects the VCR 
input 
 Play the VCR 
P
C 
 Stop the DVD  
 Stop the VCR  
 The projector selects a PC input 
V
ol UP 
 Power amplifier volume up 
Vol 
DOWN 
 Power amplifier volume down 
ON
OFF
DVD
PC
VCR
Vol
UP
Vol
DOWN
Figure 8: RC-8RK Labels Setup 
HELP 
DESK 
 Call for technical assistance 
1 This is only one example among numerous possibilities, each button can be configured as required 
2 By the technical installer 
3 A macro sequence, including up to 15 commands per button, carried out one after the other 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

U
sing Your Universal Room Controller 
11
5.2 An Example of Operating the RC-8RK 
Figure 9 shows an operating example: 
O
N
O
FF
DVD
PC
PC
V
CR
Vol 
UP
Vol
DOWN
Figure 9: RC-8RK Operation Example 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Using Your Universal Room Controller 
5
.3 Using the Macro Buttons 
Pressing any button initiates a macro sequence1, during which the button 
blinks (as programmed by the system integrator). 
If during the macro sequence the button blinks faster than usual2, this 
indicates that a malfunction has been detected3 and the RC-8RK exits the 
macro sequence. 
To solve the problem, summon technical help4 
If you want to stop a macro sequence, press and hold that button for 5 
seconds. The sequence will come to an end. You can resume operation by 
pressing any of the buttons
5
. The unit will carry out the macro sequence 
commands from the beginning. 
5.4 Using the Internal Web Page 
The internal Web page can be used to remotely operate the RC-8RK via the  
Ethernet. 
To control your RC-8RK via the internal Web page, do the following: 
1.  Type the unit’s IP number
6
 in the Address bar of your browser (or type 
any link defined by the system integrator). 
The RC-8RK front panel is displayed on your screen (see Figure 10). 
2. Press the on-screen buttons to control the unit. 
Figure 10: Internal Web Page Front Panel 
1 The macro sequence can be carried out instantly or can take a while, depending on the delay times included in the sequence  
2 Six times per second, as compared with twice per second during normal operation 
3 For example, a faulty DVD player 
4 In this example, press the HELP DESK button 
5 Including the button you kept pressed to stop the macro sequence 
6 The default IP number is 192.168.1.39, and may be changed by the system integrator 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

6  Flash Memory Upgrade 
The RC device firmware is located in FLASH memory, which lets you 
upgrade to the latest Kramer firmware version in minutes! 
The process involves: 
 Downloading the upgrade package from the Internet (see section 6.1)  
 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 port (see section 6.2)  
 Upgrading the firmware (see section 6.3)  
 Installing the Web Applet (see section 6.4) 
6.1  Downloading from the Internet 
You can download the up-to-date file
1
 from the Internet. To do so: 
1. Go to our Web site at http://www.Kramerelectronics.com and download the 
file: “SetKFRXXX-xx.zip”
from the technical support section. 
2. Extract the file “SetKFRXXX-xx.zip” package, which includes the  
KFR-Programmer application setup, the .s19 firmware file and the Web  
Applet dat file, to a folder (for example, C:\Program Files\KFR Upgrade). 
3. Install the KFR-Programmer Application. 
6.2  Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 
Before installing the latest Kramer Ethernet firmware version on the 
RC-8RK, do the following: 
1. Connect the RS-232 port (COM 1) on the RC-8RK to a Null-modem  
adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9-wire flat cable to the 
RS-232 9-pin D-sub COM port on your PC. 
2. Set the PROGRAM switch to ON. 
3. Connect the power on your machine. 
6.3  Upgrading Firmware 
Follow these steps to upgrade the firmware: 
1. Double-click the KFR-Programmer desktop icon. 
The KFR-Programmer window appears. 
1 File names are liable to change from time to time 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
Flash Memory Upgrade 
Figure 11: The KFR-Programmer Window 
2. Select the required COM Port1. 
3. Click the File button to select the .s19 firmware file included in the package. 
4. Click the Send button to download the file. The Send button lights red. 
5. Wait until downloading is completed and the red Send button turns off. 
6. Disconnect the power on the RC-8RK. 
7. Set the PROGRAM switch to OFF. 
8. Connect the power on the RC-8RK. 
6.4  Installing the Web Applet
2
Follow these steps to install the Web Applet: 
1.  Connect RC-8RK to your PC through computer networking. 
2.  Start RC Configuration Software and connect to the RC device (see the 
RC Configuration and Installation Guide
3
). 
3.  In the Device menu select Upgrade Applet option and browse to MC.dat 
file included in the package 
4.  Wait until uploading is completed and the success message appears. 
Click OK. 
1 To which the RC device is connected on your PC 
2 This section is applicable only to firmware version 26.0 and higher and requires RC Configuration Software version 
1.26.0.38 and higher 
3 On our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

T
echnical Specifications 
15
7  Technical Specifications 
Table 8 defines the technical specifications: 
Table 8: Technical Specifications1 of the Universal Room Controller Series 
PORTS:  2 RS-232 on terminal block connectors; 1 RS-485 on terminal block 
connectors; 1 ETHERNET RJ-45 port 
OUTPUTS:  2 relays on terminal block connectors (30V AC or DC, 2A, 60VA maximum; 
2 IR emitters on terminal block connectors 
POWER SOURCE: 
RC-8RK: 12V DC, 140mA; RC-8RKL: 12V DC, 240mA 
DIMENSIONS:  15.1cm x 3.2cm x 8.6cm (5.94" x 1.26" x 3.39", W, D, H) 
WEIGHT:  0.3kg (0.67lbs) approx. 
A
CCESSORIES:  Kramer 3.5mm to IR Emitter Control Cable (C-A35/IRE-10), power supply, two 
extra M3x5 screws, Java based control software (internal), Windows®-based 
Kramer control software 
O
PTIONS:  Kramer 3.5mm to IR Emitter Control Cable (C-A35/IRE-10), 15-meter and 20-meter 
IR emitter extension cables 
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 
W
HO IS PROTECTED?
WHAT IS COVERED AN D WHAT IS NOT COVERED
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
LIMI TATION OF I MPLIED WARRANTIES
EXCLUSIO N OF DAMAGES
CAUTION!
Kramer Electronics (hereafter  ) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the 
following terms.
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.
We will pay labor and material expenses for covered items. We will not pay for the following:
The liability of Kramer for any effective products is limited to the repair or replacement of the product at our option. Kramer shall 
not be liable for:
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from place to place.
 All products returned to Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be obtained from your dealer.
This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requirements of:
EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);
generic emission standard. 
  Residential, commercial and light industry" 
EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) generic immunity standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry environment". 
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, or on which the WARRANTY VOID 
TAMPERED sticker has been torn, 
3. Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting 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 attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer 
iv) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier) 
v) Removal or installation of the product 
vi) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect 
vii) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in conjunction with the product
1. Removal or installations charges.
2. Costs of
initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the 
r
esponsibility 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 in this product, damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss 
of time, commercial loss; or:
2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. Some countries may not allow 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 
l
imitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
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 supplied DC power supply to feed power to the machine. 
Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to other components.
IF  reattached, removed or otherwise interfered with.
* FCC and CE approved using STP cable (for twisted pair products)
NOTE:
Part 1: 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203

Kramer Electronics, Ltd. 
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com 
E-mail: info@kramerel.com 
P/N: 2900-425 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 
S
afety Warning: 
Disconnect the unit from the power supply before 
opening/servicing. 
Tel. 07131 911201 
Fax 07131 911203