Kramer Electronics 123V User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Differential Video Line Amplifier

Model:

123V

IMPORTANT

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled

"Unpacking and Contents"

Table Of Contents

Section Name Page

1 INTRODUCTION 2
2 A WORD ON DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS 2
3 HOW DO I GET STARTED? 3
4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 3

4.1 Optional Accessories 3
5 DIFFERENTIAL LINE AMPLIFIER / DA 4

5.1 Getting to Know your 123V 4
6 INSTALLATION 6

6.1 Rack Mounting 6
7 CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES 6
8 USING THE MACHINE 6

8.1 Turning ON the Machine 6

8.2 Operation 7
9 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 7
10 TAKING CARE OF YOUR MACHINE 8
11 TROUBLESHOOTING 8

11.1 Power and Indicators 8

11.2 Video Signal 9
12 Technical Specifications 9
Limited Warranty 10

List Of Illustrations

Figure Description Page

1 123V Front Panel Features 5
2 123V Typical Applications 7

List Of Tables

Table Description Page
1 123V Front Panel Features 6

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 1

1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics Differential
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 format interfaces, such as the one you have just
purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality distribution amplifiers,
switchers, processors, controllers and computer-related products. This manual
includes configuration, operation and option information for the 123V.

2 A WORD ON DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS

Distribution amplifiers distribute one signal to several users. They vary in the
number of inputs, looping capability, number of outputs, operating format,
bandwidth and input/output coupling. Distribution amplifiers are used to
distribute one video and/or audio source to several video/audio acceptors for
simultaneous recording or monitoring one source.

A quality distribution amplifier amplifies the incoming signal (video and
audio), pre-compensates the signal for potential losses (resulting from the use of
long cables, for example) 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.

There are many factors effecting signal quality when it is transmitted from a
source to an acceptor:

! Source and acceptor signal handling capability. Since different equipment

offer different degrees of quality, the final result is determined by the
performance of the lowest quality item. Using a low quality source will
always result in low quality duplicates.

! The connection cables should be of the best quality you can afford. Low

quality cables are susceptible to interference, deteriorate signal quality
due to poor matching and cause elevated noise levels.

! Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors, so often ignored,

should be of best quality, as "Zero Ohm" connection resistance should be
assured. Sockets and connectors should match the required impedance (75
ohms is used in video). Cheap connectors tend to rust, causing breaks in
the signal path.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 2

! Amplifying circuitry quality is extremely important and should posses

high linearity, low distortion and low noise operation.

! The distance between source and acceptors plays a major role in the final

result. If long distances (over 15 meters) exist between sources and
acceptors - special means should be taken in order to avoid cable loss,
such as using higher quality cables or, if necessary, line amplifiers.

! Interference from neighboring appliances can have an adverse effect on

signal quality. Balanced audio lines are less prone to interference, but
unbalanced audio and video lines, even though the cables are shielded,
should be installed far away from mains carrying cables, electric motors,
transmitters, etc.

! In some cases, either an induced interference on the cable carrying the

signals, or ground loop problems may severely disturb the video image on
the screen. To solve this problem, a differential video line amplifier,
designed to eliminate the interfering signals, is needed.

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. If a 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 format interface package are listed below.
Please save the original box and packaging materials for possible future shipment.

Amplifier (123V) User Manual

DC Power Supply Kramer Concise Product Catalog

4 Rubber Feet Mounting Brackets

4.1 Optional Accessories

The following accessories, which are available from Kramer, can enhance
implementation of your machine. For information regarding cables and additional
accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.

! Rack Adapter - Used to adapt smaller machines to a standard 1U or 3U

rack. One or more machines may be installed on each adapter.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 3

! 105V - (1:5 Video Distribution Amplifier) can be serially connected

between the output of the amplifier and several acceptors for video

distribution. The 105V splits a single video input source into five identical

outputs. The 105V uses an external 12VDC power source, and therefore is

suitable for fieldwork as well. The 105V uses state of the art technology and

microchip design, boasting a signal bandwidth of over 200MHz, thus

making it suitable for the most demanding applications.

! SP-11 - (Video/Audio Processor) can be serially connected between the

output of the 123V and the acceptor for video control/correction. The

machine provides

camera control and luminance/white balance correction. It
is also capable of performing composite to Y/C conversion and bi­directional 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 control is "audio-follow-video".

! 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.

5 DIFFERENTIAL VIDEO LINE AMPLIFIER /DA

This section describes the controls and connections of your Video DA.
Understanding the controls and connections helps you realize the full power of
your machine.

5.1 Getting to Know Your 123V

The KRAMER 123V, one of the KRAMER TOOLS, is a high quality, state-of­the art Differential Video Line Amplifier designed for studios, retail outlets,
showrooms and other demanding applications. The 123V splits a single input
source into three identical outputs while almost completely isolating the input
from the outputs. The 123V uses special differential amplifying circuitry,
eliminating noise and hum problems commonly found in long video lines. The
123V uses an external 12VDC power source, and is therefore suitable for
fieldwork as well. The machine has trimmers for easy adjustment of output video
levels and cable equalization.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 4

Figure 1: 123V Front Panel Features

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 5

Table 1: 123V Front Panel Features

1.

COMPOSITE OUT

2.

GAIN

3.

EQ.

4.

INPUT

5.

ON LED

6.

12VDC feed connector

Feature Function

3 BNCs for Composite Video outputs.

Output level control trimmer.

Cable Compensation control trimmer.

Video input BNC.

Becomes lit when power is connected.

A DC connector that allows power to be
supplied to the unit.

6 INSTALLATION

6.1 Rack Mounting

The Kramer 123V may be rack mounted in a standard 19” EIA rack assembly,
using a special TOOLS Adapter. A 1U version hold up to 2 TOOLS while the 3U
version hold up to 8 TOOLS. (See section 4.1). To mount the machine, follow the
installation instructions enclosed with the rack mount adapter. It can be also table
mounted using mounting brackets provided. The device does not require any
specific spacing above or below the unit for ventilation.

7 CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES

Video sources and output devices (such as monitors, projectors or recorders) may
be connected to the machine through the BNC connector located on the back of
the unit.

8 USING THE MACHINE

8.1 Turning on the Machine

Notes

The machine should only be turned on after all connections are completed and all
source devices have been turned on. Do not attempt to connect or disconnect any
video, audio or control signals to the machine while it is turned on!
The socket-outlet should be near the equipment and should be easily accessible.
To fully disconnect equipment, remove the power cord from the socket.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 6

8.2 Operation

! Connect a cable leading from the INPUT connector of the 123V machine to

the output of the video source.

! Connect up to three video acceptors to the OUT sockets of the 123V

machine. Use best available coaxial cables for connection.

! Connect an appropriate 12VDC source to the DC socket of the 123V

machine. Observe polarity. The built-in LED will light.

! Operate source and acceptor(s).
! Adjust the GAIN and EQ. (cable equalization) control trimmers on the

123V machine only if necessary. Those trimmers are preset at the factory
for unity gain, so re-adjusting them unnecessarily might upset the signal
transparency.

9 TYPICAL APPLICATION

Figure 2 shows a typical application of the 123V for elimination of hum and noise
picked up from a long video line or as a result of ground related problems.

Figure 2: 123V Typical Application

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 7

10 TAKING CARE OF YOUR MACHINE

Do not locate your machine in an environment where it is susceptible to dust or
moisture. Both of these may damage the electronics, and cause erratic operation
or failure. Do not locate your machine where temperature and humidity may be
excessive. Doing so may also damage the electronics, and cause erratic operation
or failure of your machine. Do not clean your machine with abrasives or strong
cleaners. Doing so may remove or damage the finish, or may allow moisture to
build up. Take care not to allow dust or particles to build up inside unused or
open connectors.

11 TROUBLESHOOTING

NOTES

Please note that if the output signal is disturbed or interrupted by very strong external
electromagnetic interference, it should return and stabilize when such interference ends. If
not, turn the power switch off and on again to reset the machine.
If the following recommended actions do not result in satisfactory operation, please
consult your KRAMER Dealer.

11.1 Power and Indicators

Problem Remedy

No Power

! Confirm that power connections are secured at the

machine and at the receptacle. Make sure the receptacle
is active, outputting the proper voltage.

! If there is still no power use a Philips screwdriver to

remove screws on both sides of the machine and release
the panel.

! Locate the fuse inside your machine. Confirm that the

fuse is good by looking for the wire connected between
the ends of the fuse. If this wire is broken, replace fuse
with another, with the same rating.

! Install cover and tighten the Philips screws.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 8

11.2 Video Signal

Problem Remedy

No video at the
output device

Video level is too
high or too dim.

! Confirm that your source and output devices are turned on

and connected properly. The input of your machine
should be of an identical signal format to the output of
your source. Signals at the output of your machine should
be of an identical signal format as at the input of your
display.

! Confirm that any other device in the signal path have the

proper input and/or output selected.

! Use the Video Tester to test the video path leading

to/from your machine (see section 4.1"Video Tester")

! Verify that the lines are well matched through 75ohm

impedances.

! Confirm that the connecting cables are of high quality and

properly inserted.

! Check level controls located on your source input device

or output display.

! Adjust, only if absolutely necessary, the video level

and/or cable equalization using the LEVEL and EQ.
adjustment trimmers of the machine.

12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT
OUTPUTS
VIDEO BANDWIDTH
COUPLING
DIFF. GAIN
DIFF. PHASE
S/N RATIO
K-FACTOR
MAX. VIDEO OUTPUT
POWER SOURCE
WEIGHT
DIMENSIONS

1 Video, Differential, 1Vpp / 75Ω on a BNC connector.
3 Video, 1Vpp / 75Ω on BNCs.
55 MHz -3dB.
AC.

0.25%.

0.35 Deg.

-76dB.
<0.05%.
2 Vpp.
12 VDC, 30mA.

0.3 Kg (approx.), (0.66 Lbs.)
12cm x 7.5cm x 2.5cm (4.7" x 2.95" x 0.98"), (W, D, H.)

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 9

LIMITED WARRANTY

Kramer Electronics (hereafter Kramer) warrants this product free from defects in material
and workmanship under the following terms.

HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY

Labor and parts are warranted for three years from the date of the first customer purchase.

WHO IS PROTECTED

Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.

WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT COVERED

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.

3)

Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:

a) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of

nature.

b) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the

product.
c) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer.
d) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier).
e) Removal or installation of the product.
f) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect.
g) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in

conjunction with the product.

WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR

We will pay labor and material expenses for covered items. We will not pay for the
following:

1)

Removal or installations charges.

2)

Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls
or programming. These costs are the responsibility of the Kramer dealer from
whom the product was purchased.

3)

Shipping charges.

HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE

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).

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 10

3)

For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your
authorized dealer.

LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES

Kramer’s liability for any defective products is limited to the repair or replacement of the
product at our option. Kramer shall not be liable for:

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 limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which
vary from place to place.

NOTE

: All products returned to Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be

obtained from your dealer.

NOTICE

This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requirements of:

EN-50081

: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);

generic emission standard.
Part 1: 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”

CAUTION!

⌦ 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.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. 11

The list of Kramer distributors appears on our web site:

www.kramerelectronics.com

From the web site it is also possible to e-mail factory headquarters.

We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

3 Am VeOlamo Street. Jerusalem 95463, Israel Tel: [phone].

Fax: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail]