KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Communication Protocol
24
NOTE 5 – For the OUTPUT byte set as 6, the VIS source is the input selected using the OUTPUT byte. Similarly, for the
OUTPUT byte set as 7, the VIS source is the output selected using the OUTPUT byte. Note also, that on some machines the
sync source is not software selectable, but is selected using switches, jumpers, etc!
NOTE 6 – If INPUT is set to 127 for these instructions, then, if the function is defined on this machine, it replies with
OUTPUT=1. If the function is not defined, then the machine replies with OUTPUT=0, or with an error (invalid instruction
code).
If the INPUT is set to 126 for these instructions, then, if possible, the machine will return the current setting of this function,
even for the case that the function is not defined. For example, for a video switcher which always switches during the VIS of
input #1, (and its VIS setting cannot be programmed otherwise), the reply to the HEX code
0A
FE
80
81 (ie. request VIS setting, with INPUT set as 126dec)
would be HEX codes
4A
FE
81
81 (ie. VIS setting = 1, which is defined as VIS from input #1).
NOTE 7 – Setting OUTPUT to 0 will return the VIS source setting as defined in instruction #7. Setting to 1 will return the input
# or output # of the sync source (for the case where the VIS source is set as 6 or as 7 in instruction #7). Setting to 2 returns the
vertical sync frequency (0 for no input sync, 50 for PAL, 60 for NTSC, 127 for error).
NOTE 8 - The reply is as in TYPE 3 above, except that here the OUTPUT is assigned with the value 0 if the setup is not defined
/ no valid input is detected; or 1 if it is defined / valid input is detected.
NOTE 9 - An error code is returned to the PC if an invalid instruction code was sent to the switcher, or if a parameter associated
with the instruction is out of range (e.g. trying to save to a setup greater than the highest one, or trying to switch an input or
output greater than the highest one defined). This code is also returned to the PC if an RS-232 instruction is sent while the
machine is being programmed via the front panel. Reception of this code by the switcher is not valid.
NOTE 10 – This code is reserved for internal use.
NOTE 11 – For machines where the video and / or audio parameter is programmable.
NOTE 12 - Under normal conditions, the machine's present status is saved each time a change is made. The "power-down" save
(auto-save) may be disabled using this code. Note that whenever the machine is turned on, the auto-save function is set.
NOTE 13 - This is a request to identify the switcher/s in the system. If the OUTPUT is set as 0, and the INPUT is set as 1, 2, 5
or 7, the machine will send its name. The reply is the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT. For example, for a 2216, the
reply to the request to send the audio machine name would be (HEX codes):
7D
96
90
81 (i.e. 22dec for 2nd byte, and 16dec for 3rd byte).
If the request for identification is sent with the INPUT set as 3 or 4, the appropriate machine will send its software version
number. Again, the reply would be the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT - the INPUT representing the number in front
of the decimal point, and the OUTPUT representing the number after it. For example, for version 3.5, the reply to the request to
send the version number would be (HEX codes):
7D
83
85
81 (i.e. 3dec for 2nd byte, 5dec for 3rd byte).
If the OUTPUT is set as 1, then the ASCII coding of the lettering following the machine’ s name is sent. For example, for the
VS-7588YC, the reply to the request to send the first suffix would be (HEX codes):
7D
D9
C3
81 (i.e. ASCII for “ Y” ; ASCII for “ C” ).
NOTE 14 - The number of inputs and outputs refers to the specific machine which is being addressed, not to the system. For
example, if six 16X16 matrices are configured to make a 48X32 system (48 inputs, 32 outputs), the reply to the HEX code
3E
82
81
82 (ie. request the number of outputs)
would be HEX codes
7E
82
90
82
ie. 16 outputs
NOTE 15 – When the OVR bit (4th byte) is set, then the “ video” commands have universal meaning. For example, instruction 1
(SWITCH VIDEO) will cause all units (including audio, data, etc.) to switch. Similarly, if a machine is in “ FOLLOW” mode, it
will perform any “ video” instruction.
NOTE 16 - The reply to the “ REQUEST WHETHER PANEL IS LOCKED” is as in NOTE 4 above, except that here the
OUTPUT is assigned with the value 0 if the panel is unlocked, or 1 if it is locked.
NOTE 17 – For clean switching of RGBHV video, the “ seamless switching” option may be used. The blanking period for the
transition of the RGB sources may be set in this case, in steps of 25 milliseconds.
For example, to set for 350ms blanking time (14 steps), send HEX codes
07
8E
A0
81
