Kramer Electronics 103YC User Manual
Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Line Amplifiers
Models: VM-9S, VM-9YC
and
Kramer Tools Models: 103YC, 104L
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
Table of Contents
Section Name Page
.
.
.
.
INTRODUCTION
A Word on Line Amplifiers
Factors Affecting Quality of Results
SPECIFICATIONS
HOW DO I GET STARTED
UNPACKINGANDCONTENTS
Optional Accessories
LINE AMPLIFIERS
Getting to Know Your VM-9S Amplifier
Getting to Know Your VM-9YC Amplifier
Getting to Know Your103YClineAmplifier
Getting to Know Your104LlineAmplifier
INSTALLATION
RackTableMounting
CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES
CONNECTING TO AUDIO DEVICES(VM9Sonly)
USING LINE AMPLIFIERS
Powering on the Amplifier
Looping(VM-9S, VM-9YC only)
C Phase Control (VM-9YC only)
C Gain Control (VM-9YC,103YConly)
HF(EQUALIZATION)Control (VM-9S, 103YC, 104Lonly)
Y GAIN Control (VM-9YC103YConly)
Audio Level Control (VM-9S only)
Video Level/Gain Control (VM-9S,104Lonly)
Typical Line Amplifier Setup
TAKING CAREOFYOURLINEAMPLIFIER
TROUBLESHOOTING
Power and Indicators
Video Signal
Audio Signal(VM-9S only)
List of Illustrations
Figure Page
VM-9S Front/Rear Panel Features
VM-9YCFront/Rear PanelFeatures
103YCFront/Rear PanelFeatures
104LFront/Rear PanelFeatures
Typical Line Amplifier Setup
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8
Table
1 VM-9S Front/Rear Panel Features
2 VM-9YC Front/Rear Panel Features
103YC Front Panel Features
4 104L Front Panel Features
CableDegradation/AttenuationList
Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
List of Tables
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics line amplifier. 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 line amplifiers, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality
distribution amplifiers, switchers, processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related products. This manual
includes configuration, operation and information for the following products from Kramer. Kramer line
amplifiers are all are similar in operation and features.
VM-9S - Video/Audio Amplifier
VM-9YC - Y/C Line Amplifier
103YC - YC Line Amplifier
104L - Video Line Amplifier
1.1 A Word on Line Amplifiers
Line Amplifiers are usually used when video or audio units are connected via long cables. Due to imperfections
and stray capacitance, video cables degrade signal quality, causing image “smear”, fine detail loss and color
distortion. No special care is needed for Composite video signals when using good cables, up to 10 or 15
meters. Beyond this distance, in order to avoid potential losses, a line amplifier should be used. Kramer’s line
amplifiers may be used up to distances of 300m when using good quality cables. If a longer distance is needed,
then either another amplifier may be inserted in series, at the far end - effectively doubling the range - or a
different solution is needed. Other solutions are twisted-pair cable solutions and, if longer distances are needed
(5-25 km), then the optic-fiber solution is the preferred one. The line amplifiers are equipped with controls for
signal level compensation (linear amplification) and for fine detail loss and distortion – cable compensation
(Equalization), which null out the adverse effects of the cables. When a Y/C (s-Video) signal is involved, other
problems can arise. Due to the nature of the Y/C signal, which travels on two wires: one carrying the black and
white and the sync information (Luminance or “Y”) and the other carrying the color information (Chrominance
or “C”,) signal handling is more complicated. The Luminance channel may be treated as Composite video in the
sense of signal loss and fine detail degradation, but the Chrominance signal, besides level deterioration, may
suffer from additional problems. The Chrominance information may get phase shifted or delayed more or less
than the Luminance information, resulting in an image with incorrect tint and/or a image at the end of the line
with its color misprinted. As the Y/C signal is usually used for short distance operations, it uses a dual, thin, low
quality cable. Therefore, a line amplifier for Y/C is necessary when distances above 5-7 meters are involved.
For distances beyond 25 meters, it is highly recommended to use two discrete coax cables (RG-59 or similar) of
precisely the same length.
The basic rule in effectively using a line amplifier is to install it as close as possible to the signal source and not
to the acceptor side. (If the amplifier is installed close to the acceptor (the remote location) then all the noise
accumulated along the cable will be amplified with the signal).
1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results
Many factors affect 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 Ohm" connection resistance is the objective. Sockets and connectors should also
match the required impedance (75ohm 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
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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Y/C, 1Vpp/75 ohm, (Y)
24.5 x 18 x 4.5 (cm)
22 x 18 x 4.5 (cm)
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SPECIFICATIONS
Configuration
Input
Outputs
Output
Coupling
S/N Ratio
Video
Bandwidth
Audio
Bandwidth
Differential
Gain
Differential
Phase
K-Factor
THD (1kHz)
Max. Video
Output
Level Control
Dimensions
(W, D, H)
Weight
Power Source
VM-9S VM-9YC 103YC 104L
1:2 1:2 1:3 1:4
1 video, 1Vpp/75 ohm on
a BNC looping with a
termination switch
1 stereo audio,
1
0.3Vpp/75ohm (C) on a
4P connector looping with
termination switch
1 Y/C, 1Vpp/75 ohm, (Y)
0.3Vpp/75ohm (C) on a
4P connector
1 video, 1Vpp/75 ohm on
a BNC
1Vpp/25kohm, on RCAs,
looping
2 video, 1Vpp/75ohm
on BNCs, 2 stereo audio
1Vpp/100ohm on RCAs
2 Y/C, 1Vpp/75ohm,
(Y), 0.3Vpp/75ohm (C)
1 on a 4P connector, 1 on
3 Y/C, 1Vpp/75ohm,
(Y), 0.3Vpp/75ohm (C)
on 4P connectors
4 video, 1Vpp/75ohm on
BNCs
BNCs
DC (video)
DC (Y), AC (C) AC AC
AC (audio)
74dB 77dB >80dB 76dB
84MHz, -3dB "Y": 320MHz, -3dB ("Y"): 430MHz, -3dB 420MHz, ±3dB
25kHz, -1dB NA NA NA
0.2%
0.07%
0.03% 0.16%
0.5Deg. 0.05Deg. 0.03Deg 0.08Deg
<0.05% <0.05% <0.05% <0.05%
<0.03% NA NA NA
2Vpp 2Vpp 2.5Vpp 1.9Vpp
0 to 8dB (audio and
video)
9.6" x 7" x 1.8"
1.2kg (2.6lbs) 1.3kg (2.9lbs) 0.3kg. (0. 7 lbs.)
230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
(115VAC U.S.A.)
3.5VA
-0.6dB to 4.1dB (Y
and C levels), -25 to
+90Deg. (C phase)
8.7" x 7" x 1.8"
230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
(115VAC U.S.A.)
5.1VA
-0.8dB to 6dB (Y),
0.9dB to 9.5dB
(Y EQ. @ 5.8MHz);
-0.5dB to 4.3dB
(C level).
12 x 7.5 x 2.5 (cm)
4.7" x 2.9" x 0.98"
Level: -0.8 to 6dB;
HF (EQ., cable
compensation)
0 to7.7dB@4.43MHz
Chroma SC
12 x 7.5 x 2.5 (cm)
4.7" x 2.9" x 0.98"
0.3kg. (0.7lbs.)
Approx.
Approx.
12VDC, 40mA 12VDC, 30mA
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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. If a section
doesn’t apply to you, you don’t have to spend your time reading it.
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UNPACKING and CONTENTS
The items contained in your Kramer Line Amplifier package are listed below. Please save the original box and
packaging materials for possible future transportation and shipment.
Line Amplifier
AC power cable (where applicable) or 12VDC power supply
User Manual
Kramer concise product catalog
2 mounting brackets (Kramer Tools only)
4 rubber feet
4.1 Optional Accessories
The following Kramer accessories can enhance implementation of your amplifier. For additional information
regarding optional cables and additional accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.
Rack Adapter -
be installed on each adapter.
BNC "Y" Connector -
an additional machine.
Used to install smaller size machines in a standard 1U rack. One or more machines may
Used for looping purposes and splits the incoming signal to enable connection of
Termination Plug -
VS-5x4
amplifiers for video and audio input switching. The VS-5x4 may also be used as one 1:4 or two 2:2 Y/Cvideo/audio DAs or any other combination as well. The VS-5x4 switches during the Vertical Interval for
smooth transitions between genlocked sources. The machine is microprocessor and RS-232 controlled
(software included), and is operated by touching a keypad on the front panel. Front switches control the
audio level of each output. Large illuminated seven segment LED displays show the connection status of
the machine at any given moment.
VIDEO TESTER
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.
- (5x4 Video/ Stereo Audio Matrix Switcher) can be serially connected between sources and VM
Used to terminate the line to 75ohm for proper matching.
- A new, unique, patented, indispensable tool for the video professional, the Video
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5
LINE AMPLIFIERS
This section describes all the controls and connections of your line amplifier. Understanding the controls and
connections helps you realize the full power of your line amplifier.
5.1 Getting to Know Your VM-9S Amplifier
The KRAMER
and audio signal losses when long cables are used. In any video/audio setup requiring considerable distances
between video/audio source and acceptors, signal loss and thus depreciation in the quality of both picture and
sound is a real problem. To prevent this phenomenon, a
source. The line amplifier may also be used as a 1:2 video/stereo audio (compensated) distributor. Front/rear
panel features of the
VM-9S
Video/Audio Line Amplifier is a high quality amplifier which compensates for video
VM-9S
amplifier is installed adjacent to the video/audio
VM-9S
are described in Figure 1 and Table 1.
NOTE
For operation instructions refer to section 9.
Figure 1: VM-9S Front/Rear Panel Features
Table 1: VM-9S Front/Rear Panel Features
No. Feature Function
1. Illuminated
Audio Level
2.
Video Level
3.
HF Level
4.
75 ohm/HI-z
5.
POWER
knob
knob
knob
Switch Supplies power to the unit.
Controls audio level of the outputs.
Controls video level of the outputs.
Controls cable equalization of the video outputs.
switch Selects "75ohm" or "
Hi-Z "
impedance (for looping select
Hi-Z
6. In BNC connector Video input.
Loop
7.
8.
BNC connector Provides video looping capability.
Video Outputs 1-2
BNC
2 amplified and buffered video outputs.
connectors
In
9.
10.
11.
RCA connectors
Loop
Audio Outputs 1-2
connectors
RCA connectors
(R, L)
(R, L)
Audio input.
(R, L)
Provides audio looping capability.
RCA
2 amplified and buffered audio outputs.
12. Power Connector A 3-prong AC connector allows power to be supplied to the unit.
Directly underneath this connector, a fuse holder houses the
appropriate fuse.
).
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