
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
3 Overview 3
3.1 Defining the VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix 3
4 Installing in a Rack 8
5 Connecting a Single VP-1608 9
5.1 Connecting a Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 11
5.2 Connecting to the VP-1608 via RS-232 11
5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 11
5.4 Setting the MACHINE # DIP-Switches 12
5.5 Setting the DELAY DIP-Switches 13
6 Connecting Multiple VP-1608 Units 14
6.1 Connecting via a PC or Serial Controller 14
6.2 Connecting via an RS-485 Controller 15
7 Operating Your VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix 17
7.1 Using the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 17
7.2 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 18
7.3 Confirming Settings 19
7.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 20
7.5 Adjusting the Audio Gain Control 22
7.6 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 22
7.7 Resetting the VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix 22
7.8 Displaying Unit Characteristics 23
8 Flash Memory Upgrade 24
8.1 Downloading from the Internet 24
8.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 24
8.3 Upgrading the Firmware 25
9 Technical Specifications 30
10 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 31
11 Hex Tables for Audio Input/Output Gain Control 33
11.1 Hex Tables for Audio Input Gain Control 33
11.2 Hex Tables for Audio Output Gain Control 35
12 Kramer Protocol 2000 37
VP-1608 – Contents i

Figures
Figure 1: VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix Front Panel 4
Figure 2: VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced Audio Matrix Rear Panel 6
Figure 3: VP-1608 Underside Flash Program Switches 7
Figure 4: Connecting the VP-1608 10
Figure 5: Balanced Stereo Audio Connection 11
Figure 6: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input Connection 11
Figure 7: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output Connection 11
Figure 8: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 15
Figure 9: DIP-Switch Setup on a Single Machine 17
Figure 10: VP-1608 Unit Characteristics 23
Figure 11: VP-1608 Underside Flash Program Switches Set for Upgrade 25
Figure 12: Splash Screen 25
Figure 13: Atmel – Flip Window 26
Figure 14: Device Selection Window 26
Figure 15: Device Selection Window 27
Figure 16: Loading the Hex 27
Figure 17: RS-232 Window 28
Figure 18: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 28
Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 29
ii VP-1608 - Contents

1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast range of
problems that confront the video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting
professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned and upgraded
most of our line, making the best even better!
Our 1,000-plus different models now appear in 11 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix
Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4: Format/Standards Converters;
GROUP 5: Range Extenders and Repeaters; GROUP 6: Specialty AV Products;
GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors;
GROUP 9: Room Connectivity; GROUP 10: Accessories and Rack Adapters and
GROUP 11: Sierra Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-1608 16x8 RGBHV/Balanced
Audio Matrix, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
• Any professional system requiring outstanding value in a 16x8 matrix
• Production and duplications facilities
VP-1608 - Introduction 1

2 Getting Started
We recommend that you:
• Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging
materials for possible future shipment
• Review the contents of this user manual
• Use Kramer high-performance, high-resolution cables
• Use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
• Use only good quality connection cables to avoid interference, deterioration
in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise levels (often
associated with low quality cables)
• Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
• Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely
influence signal quality
• Position your Kramer VP-1608 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
2 VP-1608 - Getting Started