Kramer Electronics VM-3Sxl User Manual
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Video/Audio Distribution Amplifiers
Models:
VM-3S/ VM-3Sxl
VM-3V/ VM-3Vxl
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
Table Of Contents
Section Name Page
INTRODUCTION 2
A Word On Distribution Amplifiers 2
Factors Affecting Quality of Results 2
SPECIFICATIONS 3
HOW DO I GET STARTED 4
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 4
Optional Accessories 4
VM SERIES AMPLIFIERS
GettingTo Know Your VM-3S/xl Amplifier
Getting To Know Your VM-3V/xl Amplifier
INSTALLATION
CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES
USING VM VIDEO/AUDIO AMPLIFIERS
Turning on the Amplifier
Coupling
Installing a VM Amplifier in a Video System
TAKING CARE OF YOUR VIDEO AMPLIFIER
TROUBLESHOOTING
Power And Indicators
Audio Signal
Limited Warranty 12
List Of Illustrations
Figure Page
VM-3Sxl: Front/Rear Panel Features
VM-3Vxl: Front/Rear Panel Features
Installing a VM Amplifier In A Video System
List Of Tables
Table
VM-3Sxl:Front/Rear Panel Features
VM-3Vxl: Front/Rear Panel Features
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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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 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
amplifiers, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality switchers,
processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related products. This manual includes configuration, operation
and option information for the following products from the Kramer VM-3 line of distribution amplifiers. All
these amplifiers are similar in operation and features:
VM-3S
/
VM-3Sxl
- 1:3 Audio/Video Distributor
VM-3V / VM-3Vxl - 1:3 Video Distributor
The xl versions have a larger video bandwidth and include an external termination switch, so when you use a
“T” connector on the input, the incoming signal may be routed to another video user (looping).
1.1 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.
1.2 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 Ohm" connection resistance is the objective. Sockets and connectors also must match the required
impedance (75 ohms in video). Cheap, low quality connectors tend to rust, thus causing breaks 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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2.
SPECIFICATIONS
VM-3S / VM-3Sxl VM-3V / VM-3Vxl
Function
Input
Output Type
Output Coupling
Controls
S/N Ratio
Video Bandwidth
Max Video Output
Diff. Gain
Diff. Phase
K-Factor
Dimensions
(W, D, H)
Weight
1:3 s-Video DA 1:3 Composite/Single Component Video
DA
1 s-Video, 1Vpp/75ohm (Y),
0.3Vpp/75ohm (C) on a 4P connector
3 s-Video, 1Vpp/75ohm (Y),
0.3Vpp/75ohm (C) on 4P connectors
AC AC
Termination Switch (VM-3Sxl only) Termination Switch (VM-3Vxl only)
70dB (80 dB for VM-3Sxl) 73dB (77dB for VM-3Vxl)
60 MHz -3dB (Y);
(200 MHz –3dB, Y, VM-3Sxl)
2Vpp (Y) 2Vpp
0.03% 0.05%
0.03Deg. 0.13Deg.
0.4% (0.3% for VM-3Sxl) <0.5% (0.2% for VM-3Vxl)
11.7cm x 6cm x 3.2cm
4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3"
0.240kg (0.53lbs) Approx. 0.28kg (0.62lbs.) Approx.
1 Composite Video, 1Vpp/75ohm, on a
BNC connector
3 Composite Video, 1Vpp/75ohm, on
BNC connectors
60 MHz -3dB;
(430 MHz -3dB,VM-3Vxl)
11.7cm x 6cm x 3.2cm
4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3"
Power consumption
Power Source
0.84VA 0.6VA
12VDC, 70mA 12VDC, 50mA
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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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.
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
4.
The items contained in your Kramer VM amplifier packaging are listed below. Please save the original box and
packaging materials for possible future shipment.
Amplifier
AC adapter
User Manual
Rubber feet
Kramer Concise Catalog
For additional information regarding optional cables and additional accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.
4.1 Optional Accessories
The following Kramer accessories can enhance implementation of your amplifier.
SP-40 - (Video/Audio Processor) Serially connected between the video/audio source and the VM amplifier
for video and audio processing, the machine is a high quality processor used for video control and correction
in duplication and production studios, camera control, luminance and white balance correction. The SP-40 is
capable of Composite to Y/C switching and bi-directional transcoding using its DC coupled video
inputs/outputs allowing full control over the video signal. The machine allows video gain control down to full
fade, definition control, contrast control, color saturation control, black level control, audio mix control for
mixing between the selected source and an audio AUX source and a screen splitter control for “before-after”
comparison. A unique limiter switch allows true signal limiting and special effects.
SP-11 - (Video/Audio Processor) can be serially connected between the video/audio source and the
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".
104L - (Video Line Amplifier) Serially connected between the video/audio source and the amplifier for
video and audio processing, the machine is used for video line amplification and cable compensation, video
field work and SDI signal distribution. Signal loss and the resulting depreciation in the picture quality is a real
problem in any video setup requiring considerable distance between video source and acceptors. The
KRAMER 104L Video Line Amplifier, one of the KRAMER TOOLS, is a high quality amplifier, which
prevents video signal losses over long cables. For best results the 104L amplifier is installed adjacent to the
video source. The 104L is housed in the compact KRAMER TOOLS enclosure and is fed by a 12VDC source.
High bandwidth and front accessible controls make it suitable for the most demanding analog and SDI studio
applications.
VM-9YC - (Video/Audio Line Amplifier) Serially connected between the video/audio source and the
amplifier for video and audio processing, the machine is a high quality video/stereo amplifier which
compensates for video 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 VM-9S amplifier is
installed adjacent to the video/audio source.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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