KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Distribution Amplifiers Models:
VM-1010, VM-1015, VM-1021,
VM-1042, VM-1044, VM-1055, VM-54
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
i
Table of Contents
Section Name Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 A Word On Distribution Amplifiers 1
1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results 2
2 SPECIFICATIONS 3
3 HOW DO I GET STARTED? 4
4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 4
4.1 Optional Accessories 4
5 VM SERIES AMPLIFIERS 5
5.1 Getting To Know Your VM-1010 Amplifier 5
5.2 Getting To Know Your VM-1015 Amplifier 6
5.3 Getting To Know Your VM-1021 Amplifier 7
5.4 Getting To Know Your VM-1042 Amplifier 9
5.5 Getting To Know Your VM-1044 Amplifier 10
5.6 Getting To Know Your VM-1055 Amplifier 11
5.7 Getting To Know Your VM-54 Amplifier 12
6 INSTALLATION 14
6.1 Rack Mounting 14
7 CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES 15
8 USING THE VIDEO AMPLIFIERS 15
8.1 Powering On The Amplifier 15
8.2 Looping 15
8.3 Level Control 16
8.4 Equalization Control 16
8.5 Coupling 17
8.6 Black Level Clamping 17
8.7 Sync Tip Clamping 17
9 TAKING CARE OF YOUR VIDEO AMPLIFIER 17
10 TROUBLESHOOTING 18
10.1 Power And Indicators 18
10.2 Video Signal 18
Limited Warranty 20
List Of Illustrations
Figure Page
1 VM-1010 Front/Rear Panel Features 5
2 VM-1015 Front/Rear Panel Features 6
3 VM-1021 Front/Rear Panel Features 7
4 VM-1042 Front Panel Features 9
5 VM-1044 Front/Rear Panel Features 10
6 VM-1055 Front/Rear Panel Features 11
7 VM-54 Front/Rear Panel Features 12
List Of Tables
Table Page
1 VM-1010 Front Panel Features 5
2 VM-1010 Rear Panel Features 6
3 VM-1015 Front Panel Features 7
4 VM-1015 Rear Panel Features 7
5 VM-1021 Front Panel Features 8
6 VM-1021 Rear Panel Features 8
7 VM-1042 Front/Rear Panel Features 9
8 VM-1044 Front/Rear Panel Features 11
9 VM-1055 Front/Rear Panel Features 12
10 VM-54 Front Panel Features 13
11 VM-54 Rear Panel Features 14
12 Signals Supported By Model 15
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics amplifier. Since 1981 Kramer
has been dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio
equipment. The Kramer industrial line has become an integral part of many of the best
production and presentation facilities around the world. In recent years, Kramer has
redesigned and upgraded most of the industrial line, making the best even better. Kramer’s
line of professional video/audio electronics is one of the most versatile and complete
available, and is a true leader in terms of quality, workmanship, price/performance ratio
and innovation. In addition to the Kramer line of high quality amplifiers, such as the one
you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality industrial and
broadcast switchers, processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related products.
Kramer welcomes your inquiries for Kramer equipment or custom-manufactured products,
engineering, private labeling and OEM manufacturing per your specifications.
This manual includes configuration, operation and information for the following products
from the Kramer VM line of distribution amplifiers. All these VM amplifiers are similar in
operation and features.
VM-1010 - 1:10 Video Distributor
VM-1015 - 1:5 Video Distributor
VM-1021 - 1:20 Video Distributor
VM-1042 - 4:2 Video Component Distributor
VM-1044 - 4:4 Video Distributor
VM-1055 - 1:5 Five Channel Video Component Distributor
VM-54 - Looping Video Distributor
A Word On Distribution Amplifiers
Distribution amplifiers are used to distribute one source to several acceptors for
simultaneous recording or monitoring of one source, with no discernible signal
degradation. They vary in the number of inputs, looping capability, programming
capability, number of outputs, operating format, bandwidth and input/output coupling. A
good quality distribution amplifier amplifies the incoming signal, pre-compensates the
signal for potential losses (resulting from the use of long cables, noisy source, etc.) and
generates several identical buffered and amplified outputs. Often, a signal processor is
inserted between the source and the distribution amplifier for correction and fine-tuning of
the source signal before multiplication, so that all copies are corrected in the same way.
The front panels of these Kramer amplifiers are designed to be simple to operate.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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Factors Affecting Quality of Results
There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a
source to an acceptor:
Connection cables - Low quality cables are susceptible to interference, they degrade signal
quality due to poor matching and cause elevated noise levels. They should therefore be of
the best quality.
Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors - So often ignored, they should be of
highest quality, since "Zero " connection resistance is the target. Sockets and connectors
also must match the required impedance (75 in video). Cheap, low quality connectors
tend to rust, thus causing flaws in the signal path.
Amplifying circuitry - Must have quality performance when the desired end result is high
linearity, low distortion and low noise operation.
Distance between sources and acceptors - Plays a major role in the final result. For long
distances (over 15 meters) between sources and acceptors, special measures should be
taken in order to avoid cable losses. These include using higher quality cables or adding
line amplifiers.
Interference from neighboring electrical appliances - These can have an adverse effect on
signal quality. Balanced audio lines are less prone to interference, but unbalanced audio
should be installed far from any mains power cables, electric motors, transmitters, etc.
even when the cables are shielded.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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SPECIFICATIONS
VM-1010 VM-1015 VM-1021 VM-1042 VM-1044 VM-1055 VM-54
Configuration
2X CV 1X CV 1X CV 4XCV/RGB 4XCV/RGB 5XCV/ RGB
HSVS
1X CV, 3comp
Input Type
CV CV CV CV/RGB CV/RGB CV/RGB HSVS CV/Comp
Input
Connections
BNC BNC BNC BNC BNC BNC BNC
Input Level
1Vpp/75
looping
1Vpp/75
looping
1Vpp/75
looping
1Vpp/75
looping
1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75
looping
Output Type
1X10 or 2X5 5XCV CV 3Vpp Max. 2X4 CV/RGB
2Vpp
4X4 CV/RGB 5X5CV/ RGB
HSVS
3x18
Composite/ CV
Output
Connector
BNC BNC BNC BNC BNC BNC BNC
Output Level
1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75 1Vpp/75
Output
Coupling
DC/AC AC/ DC/
Clamped
AC/ DC/
Clamped
DC DC DC DC/AC
S/N Ratio
74dB 75dB 74dB 73dB 74dB 74dB 70dB
Bandwidth
220MHz –3dB 340MHz -3dB 350 MHz -3dB 200 MHz -3dB 320 MHz -3dB 300 MHz -3dB 350MHz
Differential
Gain
0.05%. 0.08%. 0.1%. 0.05%. 0.05%. 0.1%. 0.03%
Differential
Phase
0.05Deg 0.12Deg 0.07Deg 0.05Deg 0.05Deg 0.1Deg 0.09Deg
K-Factor
<0.05%. <0.03%. <0.03%. <0.05%. 0.1%. 0.05%. <0.05%
Non Linearity
0.2% <0.1%. 0.1%. <0.1%. <0.1%. 0.1%. 0.2%
EQ. Control
0 to 2.5dB @
100% color bar,
4.43MHz
0 to 2.7dB @
100% color bar,
4.43MHz
0 to 2.9dB @
100% color bar,
4.43MHz
0 to 1.3dB @
100% color bar,
4.43MHz
0 to 0.9dB @
100% color bar,
4.43MHz
No equalization 0 to 2.3dB
DC Clamp
Not clamped 0 V DC Black
Level, or sync
bottom TIP
0 V DC Black
Level, or sync
bottom TIP
Not clamped Not clamped Not clamped Not clamped
Level Control
-1.4dB to
+2.5dB
-1.2dB to
+2.8dB
(trimmer)
4 accessible
trimmers
-2.2dB to
+2.0dB
-1.1dB to
+2.5dB
Fixed gain=1 24 accessible
trimmers
Dimensions
19” (W), 7”
(D),
1U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 4.5cm
19” (W), 7”
(D),
1U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 4.5cm
19” (W), 7”
(D),
1U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 4.5cm
19” (W), 7”
(D),
1U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 4.5cm
19” (W), 7”
(D),
1U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 4.5cm
19” (W), 7”
(D),
1U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 4.5cm
19” (W), 7”
(D),
2U (H)
48.26 cm x
17.78 x 9 cm
Weight
2.5kg (5.55lb)
Approx.
2.42kg (5.38lb)
approx.
2.66kg (5.91lb)
approx.
2.5kg (5.55lb)
approx.
2.54kg (5.64lb)
approx.
2.66kg (5.91lb)
approx.
3.98kg (8.84lb)
approx.
Power
consumption
10.3VA 4.6VA 6.7VA 3.2VA 4.6VA 5.3VA 21.39VA
Power Source
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
230V/115V AC
50/60Hz
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The fastest way to get started is to take your time and do everything right the first time.
Taking 15 minutes to read the manual may save you a few hours later. You don’t even
have to read the whole manual. At the beginning of each section, you’ll find an overview
of the section. So if the section doesn’t apply to you, you don’t have to spend your time
reading it.
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
The items contained in your Kramer VM Amplifier packaging are listed below. Please save
the original box and packaging materials for possible future transportation and shipment of
the Amplifier.
Amplifier (rack-mountable)
AC power cable
User Manual
4 rubber feet
For additional information regarding optional cables and optional accessories contact your
Kramer dealer.
Optional Accessories
The following Kramer accessories can enhance implementation of your amplifier.
SP-11 - (Video/Audio Processor) can be serially connected between the video/audio source
and the VM amplifier for video and audio control/correction. The machine provides camera
control and luminance/white balance correction. The SP-11 is also capable of performing
Composite to Y/C conversion and bi-directional transcoding. The machine allows full control
over the video signal: Video gain down to full fade, log or linear Definition control, log or
linear Contrast control, Color saturation control, Black Level control, Red, Green and Blue
controls and a Screen Splitter control for “before-after” comparison. The Input switch control
is "Audio-follow-Video".
SP-3001 - (Component Video Processor) can be serially connected to the VM amplifier in
order to achieve full control of component video. The SP -3001 has 3 looping Component
Video inputs and 9 outputs- three for each component; thus it serves as a Component DA as
well. The SP -3001 allows full control of Gain, Contrast, Definition and black level of the Y
channel and individual Gain and Black level controls of the R-Y and B-Y channels. A Screen
Splitter control for "before-after" comparison is also built in.
611T/611R - (611T full bandwidth Fiber Optic Transmitter and 611R matching Fiber Optic
Receiver) Part of the KRAMER TOOLS series, and designed for studio and other demanding
applications. These machines, in combination, may be used to send one of the distributed
channels to distances of 5-25Km. The 611T and 611R use state-of-the-art fiber optic circuitry
and allow the user (via rear panel trimmers) to adjust input and output video levels and high
frequency peaking to achieve best performance. Both machines, like all KRAMER TOOLS,
are fed from a 12V DC source, making them perfectly suitable for fieldwork as well.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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VIDEO TESTER - A new, unique, patented, indispensable tool for the video professional,
the Video Tester is used to test a video path leading to/from an amplifier. By pressing only one
touch switch it can trace missing signals, distinguish between good and jittery (VCR sourced)
signals, and identify the presence of good signals. Whenever a video signal is missing, because
of bad connections, cable breaks or faulty sources, the Video Tester is all you need.
VM SERIES AMPLIFIERS
This section describes all the controls and connections of your amplifier. Understanding all
of the controls and connections helps you realize its full power.
Getting To Know Your VM-1010 Amplifier
The KRAMER VM-1010 is full broadcast, state-of-the-art, Programmable Video
Distribution Amplifier designed for studio and other demanding applications. The VM1010 has two looping video inputs, each splitting to 5 outputs. The user may select 2x1:5
or 1:10 operation via front panel control switches. Several VM-1010 units may be chained
through the looping inputs. Output signals are (user selectable) DC or AC coupled for
maximum flexibility.
Front/rear panel features of the VM-1010 are described in Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2.
Figure 1: VM-1010 Front/Rear Panel Features
Table 1: VM-1010 Front Panel Features
No.
Feature
Function
1.
Power switch Illuminated switch: Supplies power to the unit.
2.
EQ trimmer (CHANNEL B) Controls cable equalization of channel B outputs.
3.
Level trimmer (CHANNEL B) Controls video level of channel B outputs.
4.
MODE (2 x 1:5, 1:10) pushbutton Selects either 1:10 or 2 x 1:5 operation.
5.
EQ trimmer (CHANNEL A) Controls cable equalization of channel A outputs.
6.
Level trimmer (CHANNEL A) Controls video level of channel A outputs.
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