KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Video/Audio Distribution Amplifiers
Models:
VM-80V
VM-10AN
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"
Table Of Contents
Section Name Page
9.6 Operating the VM-10AN 9
10 Taking Care of Your Amplifier 9
INTRODUCTION
A Word on Distribution Amplifiers
Factors Affecting Quality of Results
SPECIFICATIONS
HOW DO I GET STARTED
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
Optional Accessories
VM SERIES AMPLIFIERS
Getting to know your VM-80V
Getting to know your VM-10ANAmplifier
INSTALLATION
CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES
CONNECTING TOAUDIODEVICES
USING THE VM VIDEO/AUDIO AMPLIFIERS
Turning on the Amplifier
Looping
Coupling
Coupling Selection
Operating the VM-80V
TROUBLESHOOTING 9
Power and Indicators
AudioSignal
VideoSignal
8
10
10
11
List Of Illustrations
Figure Page
VM-80V Front/Rear Panel Features
VM-10AN Front/Rear Panel Features
List Of Tables
Table
VM-80V Front/Rear Panel Features
VM-10ANFront/Rear PanelFeatures
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KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 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 VM-80V and VM-10AN distribution amplifiers.
1.2
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.
1.3 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 target. Sockets and connectors also must match the required
impedance (75 ohms 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.
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2. SPECIFICATIONS
VM-80V VM-10AN
Function
Inputs Type
Outputs
Input Coupling
S/N Ratio
Audio Bandwidth
Video Bandwidth
Max video Output
Differential Gain
Differential Phase
Audio THD+N
K-Factor
1:8 Video Distribution Amplifier 1:10 AV Distribution Amplifier
2 Composite/single component
video 1Vpp/75ohm on BNCs with
termination switches
1 video looping, 1Vpp/75ohm on a
BNC with a termination switch.
1 stereo audio 1Vpp / 50 K ohm on
RCAs
2x4 Composite/single component
video 1Vpp/75ohm on BNCs
10 video, 1Vpp/75ohm on BNCs
10 stereo audio 1Vpp / 100 ohm on
RCAs
DC or AC (internal jumper
DC/AC internally selectable
selection)
74 dB > 89dB @ 1V (audio), >74dB (video)
NA 20 kHz –1dB
>330 MHz (-3dB) >77 MHz (-3dB)
2 Vpp 2.5 Vpp
0.12% 0.33%
0.5Deg. 0.26Deg.
NA <0.025%
<0.1% <0.05%
Dimensions (W, D, H)
Weight
Power Source
22 cm x 18cm x 4.5cm
8. 7" x 7" x 1.8"
24.5 cm x 16 cm x 5cm
9.6" x 6.3" x 2"
1.3 Kg (2.9lbs) Approx. 1.8 Kg (4 lbs.) Approx.
100 - 240VAC, 50 / 60 Hz, 10VA. 230VAC, 50Hz, (115V USA),
10.5VA.
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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 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 VM amplifier package are listed below. Please save the original box and
packaging materials for possible future shipment of the amplifier.
The amplifier
AC power cable (where applicable)
User Manual
Rubber feet
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.
Rack Adapter - Used to install small machines in a standard 1U rack. One or more machines may be
installed in each adapter.
BNC "Y" Connector - Splits the incoming signal for looping purposes to enable connection of an
additional machine.
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 conversion and bi-directional Transcoding. 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. The unique limiter switch in the SP40 allows true signal limiting and special effects.
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".
104L - (video Line Amplifier) Serially connected between the video source and the VM amplifier, 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 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 VM
amplifier, 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.
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