Kramer VS-16N, VS-16A User Manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

P/N: 2900-002006

KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

6X1 Switchers / Scanners

Models:

VS-16N

VS-16A

IMPORTANT

: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled

"Unpacking and Contents"

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

P/N: 2900-002006

Table of Contents

Section Name Page

1 INTRODUCTION 2

1.1 A Word on Switchers 2

1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results 2
2 SPECIFICATIONS 3
3 HOW DO I GET STARTED? 3
4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 3

4.1 Optional Accessories 4
5 VS SERIES SWITCHERS/SCANNERS 5

5.1 Getting to Know Your VS-16N Switcher/Scanner 5

5.2 Getting to Know Your VS-16A Switcher/Scanner 6
6 INSTALLATION 7

6.1 Rack Mounting 7
7 CONNECTING TO VIDEO and AUDIO DEVICES 7
8 USING the VIDEO/AUDIO SWITCHERS/SCANNERS 7

8.1 Controlling the Switcher 7

8.1.1 Start/Stop Switch 7

8.1.2 Dwell Time Switch 7

8.1.3 Enable/Disable Switch 7

8.1.4 Self Address 8

8.1.5 UP and Down Switches 8

8.1.6 ENTER Switch 8

8.1.7 Remote Connectors (rear) 8

8.2 RS-485 8
9 TAKING CARE OF YOUR SWITCHER 9
10 TROUBLESHOOTING 9

10.1 Video and other High Frequency Signals 9

10.2 Audio Signal 10
Limited Warranty 10

List of Illustrations

Figure

1 VS-16N Front/Rear Panel Features 5
2 VS-16A Front/Rear Panel Features 6

List of Tables

Table

1 VS-16N Front/Rear Panel Features 5
2 VS-16A Front/Rear Panel Features 6

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

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1.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics switcher/scanner. Since 1981 Kramer has been
dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio equipment. The Kramer 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 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 switchers, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality
distribution amplifiers, processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related products. This manual includes
configuration, operation and option information for the following products from the Kramer VS line of
switchers/scanner. All these VS switchers/scanners are similar in operation and features. The switchers/scanners
described in this manual are listed below:

 VS-16N

- 6x1 Video Switcher/Scanner

 VS-16A

- 6x1 Dual Wideband Switcher/Scanner

1.1 A Word on Switchers

Switchers route one or more signals to one or more users. They vary in the number of inputs, programming
capability, number of outputs, operating format (composite video, component, audio etc.) and switching method
(i.e., whether they switch during the vertical interval or not, whether they are electronic, RS232 or mechanically
controlled). A video/audio switcher usually switches between several sources (inputs) and one or more
acceptors (outputs). A switcher that allows several inputs to be connected to several outputs simultaneously is
called a Matrix Switcher. Switchers may be of the electronic or mechanical type. Most matrices are of the active
electronic type, with many crosspoints. Vertical Interval Switching, frequently used in video, ensures that the
transition from one video source to another is smooth and without interference. The mechanical switchers
described in this manual have full industrial specifications and are rack-mountable. The video/audio switchers
offer a simple and economic solution for every video/audio application. Due to very careful design the video
bandwidth is excellent.

1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results

The factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a source to an acceptor are:

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 Ohm" connection
resistance is the objective. Sockets and connectors also must match the required
impedance (75ohm in video). Cheap, low quality connectors tend to rust, thus
causing breaks in the signal path.

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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2.

SPECIFICATIONS

VS-16N VS-16A

Function

6x1 Video Switcher/Scanner 6x1 Dual Wideband

Switcher/Scanner

Inputs

6 video, 1Vpp / 75 ohms on
BNCs, 6 binding posts for
external control

6 dual signal sources- audio,
video or component, level and
impedance are source dependent,
on RCA connectors. 6 terminal
blocks for external remote
control.

Outputs

1 composite video, looping,

1 Vpp/75 Ω on a BNC.

1 dual signal - audio, video or
component, level and impedance
are acceptor dependent, on RCA
connectors.

Bandwidth

40 MHz. -3dB. 540 MHz. -3dB.

Differential Gain

0.9%. 0.02%.

Differential Phase

0.37 Deg. 0.02 Deg.

K-Factor

<0.05%. <0.05%

S/N Ratio

>72 dB. >72 dB

Crosstalk

<50 dB @ 5 MHz <50 dB @ 5 MHz

Controls

Automatic, manual, RS-485, and
contact closure. Switching during
Vertical Interval (derived from
source no. 1).

Automatic, manual, RS-485 and
remote contact closure.

Dimensions

(W, D, H)

24.5cm x 18cm x 4.5cm
(9.6" x 7" x 1.8")

24.5cm x 18cm x 4.5cm
(9.6" x 7" x 1.8")

Weight

1. 5kg. (3.3lbs.) Approx. 1.3kg. (2.9lbs.) Approx.

3.

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. If the section doesn’t apply to you, you don’t
have to spend your time reading it.

4.

UNPACKING AND CONTENTS

The items contained in your Kramer VS switcher/scanner package are listed below. Please save the original box
and packaging materials for possible future shipment.

 Switcher/Scanner
 User Manual
 Kramer concise product catalog
 4 rubber feet
 Power Cord

For additional information regarding optional cables and additional accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.