ATEN CS18208, CS18216 User guide

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8/16-Port USB 3.0 4K HDMI KVM Switch

CS18208 / CS18216

8/16-Port USB 3.0 4K HDMI KVM Switch User Manual

CS18208 / CS18216

User Manual

www.aten.com

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Compliance Statements

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment ge nerates, u ses, and ca n rad iate radio frequen cy energy a nd, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Caution

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Warning

Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.

Achtung

Der Gebrauch dieses Geräts in Wohnumgebung kann Funkstörungen verursachen.

KCC Statement

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Industry Canada Statement

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

HDMI Trademark Statement

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

RoHS

This product is RoHS compliant.

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CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

User Information

Online Registration

Be sure to register your product at our online support center:

International http://eservice.aten.com

Telephone Support

For telephone support, call this number:

International 886-2-8692-6959

China 86-400-810-0-810

Japan 81-3-5615-5811

Korea 82-2-467-6789

North America 1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988

1-949-428-1111

User Notice

All information, documentation, and specifications contained in this manual are subject to change without prior notification by the manufacturer. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties as to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any of the manufacturer's software described in this manual is sold or licensed as is. Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not the manufacturer, its distributor, or its dealer), assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.

The manufacturer of this system is not responsible for any radio and/or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this device. It is the responsibility of the user to correct such interference.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage incurred in the operation of this system if the correct operational voltage setting was not selected prior to operation. PLEASE VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE SETTING IS CORRECT BEFORE USE.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Product Information

For information about all ATEN products and how they can help you connect without limits, visit ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers:

International http://www.aten.com

North America http://www.aten-usa.com

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Package Contents

Check to make sure that all the components are in working order. If you encounter any problem, please contact your dealer.

 1 CS18208 / CS18216 8/16-Port USB 3.0 4K HDMI KVM Switch with

Rack Mounting Kit

 2 HDMI cables

 2 USB 3.0 cables

 2 audio cables

 1 firmware upgrade cable

 1 foot pad set (4 pcs)

 1 power adapter

 1 user instructions

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Compliance Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Online Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Telephone Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

User Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii

1. Introduction

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Front View CS18208 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Front View CS18216 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Rear View CS18208 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Rear View CS18216 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

2. Hardware Setup

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Installation Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Stacking and Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Stacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Rack Mounting – Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Rack Mounting – Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Single Stage Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Single Stage Installation Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Two Stage Cascade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Two Stage Installation Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Three Stage Cascade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Three Stage Installation Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Multi-display Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Cable Connections for Multi-display Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Multi-display Installation Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Grouping Ports into “Vertical” Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

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CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Channels Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3. Basic Operation

Hot Plugging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Hot Plugging KVM Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Hot Plugging Console Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Port Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Manual Port Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Port ID Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Powering Off and Restarting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4. OSD Operation

OSD Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Manufacturing Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

OSD Login. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

OSD Hotkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

OSD Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

OSD Main Screen Headings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

OSD Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

OSD Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

F1: Go To . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

F2: List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

F3: Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

F4: Admin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

F5: SKP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

F6: BRC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

F7: SCAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

F8: Logout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

5. Hotkey Operation

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Providing KVM Focus via Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Supported Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Hotkey Setting Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Invoking HSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Selecting the Active Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Auto Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Invoking Auto Scan: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Skip Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Keyboard / Mouse Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Hotkey Beeper Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

HSM Hotkey Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

OSD Hotkey Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Port OS Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Restore Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Video DynaSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

EDID Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Mouse Emulation Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Switching Mode Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

HSM Summary Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

6. Keyboard Emulation

Mac Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Sun Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

7. RS-232 Operation

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Hardware Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

RS-232 Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Console Login - HyperTerminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

RS-232 Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Logout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Open / Close RS-232 Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Set Baud Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Switch Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Hotkey Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

OSD Hotkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

USB Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Restore Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

KVM Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

EDID Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Broadcast Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

8. The Firmware Management Utility

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Downloading the Firmware Upgrade Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Starting the Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Upgrade Succeeded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Upgrade Failed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Firmware Upgrade Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

OSD Configuration Backup/Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Appendix

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

CS18208 / CS18216 Connection Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Administrator Login Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Factory Default Hotkeys and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

About this Manual

This User Manual is provided to help you get the most from your CS18208 / CS18216 system. It covers all aspects of installation, configuration and operation. An overview of the information found in the manual is provided below.

Chapter 1, Introduction, introduces you to the CS18208 / CS18216 system. Its purpose, features and benefits are presented, and its front and back panel components are described.

Chapter 2, Hardware Setup, describes how to set up your installation. The necessary steps for a basic single stage hookup, three-stage cascade, and multidisplay installation are provided.

Chapter 3, Basic Operation, explains the fundamental concepts involved in operating the CS18208 / CS18216.

Chapter 4, OSD Operation, provides a complete description of the CS18208 / CS18216's OSD (On Screen Display), and how to work with it.

Chapter 5, Hotkey Operation, details all of the concepts and procedures involved in the Hotkey operation of your CS18208 / CS18216 installation.

Chapter 6, Keyboard Emulation, provides tables that list the PC to Mac and PC to Sun keyboard emulation mappings.

Chapter 7, RS-232 Operation, provides details on the functions and RS232 commands that you can use to control the CS18208 / CS18216 using a serial controller.

Chapter 8, The Firmware Management Utility, explains how to use this utility to upgrade the CS18208 / CS18216's firmware with the latest available versions and perform an OSD configuration backup/restore.

Appendix, provides specifications and other technical information regarding the CS18208 / CS18216.

Note:

 Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and operation

procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit or connected devices.

 The product may be updated, with features and functions added, improved

or removed since the release of this manual. For an up-to-date user manual, visit

http://www.aten.com/global/en/

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions:

Monospaced Indicates text that you should key in.

[ ] Indicates keys you should press. For example, [Enter] means to

1. Numbered lists represent procedures with sequential steps.

♦ Bullet lists provide information, but do not involve sequential steps.

press the Enter key. If keys need to be chorded, they appear together in the same bracket with a plus sign between them: [Ctrl+Alt].

Indicates selecting the option (on a menu or dialog box, for

example), that comes next. For example, Start open the Start menu, and then select Run.

Indicates critical information.

Run means to

xii

Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The ATEN CS18208 / CS18216 8/16-Port USB 3.0 4K HDMI KVM Switch can effectively access and control up to 8/16 HDMI computers from a single USB keyboard, USB mouse, and HDMI monitor console. The CS18208 / CS18216 supports high video quality up to 4K DCI (4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz), presenting crystal-clear visuals.

To meet the needs of easy expansion and flexibility, the CS18208 / CS18216 can control up to 512/256 computers by cascading to three/two levels for a single console. Furthermore, the CS18208 / CS18216 supports multi-display function by stacking up to eight CS18208 / CS18216 units to compare and analyze information on 8 monitors at most, which substantially streamlines the working environment.

With two patented ATEN technology – Video DynaSync™ and EDID Expert™, the CS18208 / CS18216 can optimize display resolution, accelerate switching between ports and power up smoothly while eliminating boot-up display problems.

Besides, the CS18208 / CS18216 comes with a built-in USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub delivering data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps, allowing users to speed up operations and share USB peripherals instantly. For user-friendly port selection methods, the CS18208 / CS18216 offers pushbuttons, hotkeys, RS232 commands, and OSD with newly-designed UI, bringing effortless and intuitive operations.

To eliminate security concern, a two-level password authorization is available to enhance security protection for accessing and controlling computers. Consolidating these advantageous functionalities, the CS18208 / CS18216 is ideal for server room/computer room management applied in industries with requirements for high-quality images and multitasking, such as enterprise, government, production, telecom, finance, media, content provider, video surveillance, etc.

Note:

 The CS18208 / CS18216 offers two types of installation – 1) standalone/

cascade; and 2) multi-display – that require different cabling setups. Therefore, the functions of both types are not available in one installation.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

 For PC compatible computers. Mac and Sun computers must use the USB

cable connections (see Cables, page 5).

Features

 One USB console controls up to eight (CS18208) or sixteen (CS18216)

HDMI interface computers and two additional USB 3.0 peripheral devices

 Cascadable to three levels – controls up to 512 computers (CS18208)

to two levels – up to 256 computers (CS18216)

 Multi-Display feature – stack up to eight CS18208 / CS18216 units and

display video from up to 8 monitors (dual display / triple display / quad display / multi-display)

 Video DynaSync™ – an exclusive ATEN technology that eliminates boot-

up display problems and optimizes the resolution when switching among different sources

 EDID Expert™ – selects optimum EDID mode for smooth power-up and

highest quality display

 Superior video quality – up to 4K DCI (4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz)

; or

 Built-in 2-port USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub with SuperSpeed 5 Gbps data transfer

rates

 Audio enabled – full bass response provides a rich experience for 2.1

channel stereo sound

 Supports HD audio

 Computer selection via pushbuttons, hotkeys, OSD, and RS-232

commands

 Independent switching of KVM and USB peripheral focus

 Two-level (administrator/user) password authorization for enhanced

security protection

 Broadcast mode – operations can be simultaneously performed on all

selected computers, such as software installation and upgrading, systemwide shutdown, etc.

 Auto Scan Mode for monitoring all computers

 Console mouse port emulation/bypass feature supports most mouse

drivers and multifunction mice

1. Introduction

 Multilingual keyboard mapping – supports English (US), English (UK),

German (GER.), German (SWISS), French, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese

 Mac/Sun keyboard support and emulation

 Supports hot-plugging

 HDMI compliant; HDCP 2.2 compliant

 Multiplatform support – Windows, Linux, Mac, and Sun

 Firmware upgradable

 Supports multimedia, wireless keyboards and mouse

Note: 1. CS18208 can only be cascaded with another CS18208 units.

2. HD audio through HDMI and DisplayPort channel cannot be switched independently.

3. Independent switching is only supported under mouse emulation mode.

4. PC keyboard combinations emulate Mac/Sun keyboards; Mac/Sun keyboards work only with their own computers.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Requirements

Console

 An HDMI compatible monitor capable of the highest possible resolution

that you will be using on any computer in the installation

Note: For multi-display installations, multiple monitors are required. See

Multi-display Installation, page 24, for details.

 A USB mouse

 A USB keyboard

 Speakers (optional)

Computers

The following equipment must be available on each computer:

 A HDMI card

Note:

 The quality of the display is affected by the quality of the HDMI

display card. For best results, we recommend you purchase a high quality product.

 For multi-display installations, the computers require multiple HDMI

cards. See Multi-display Installation Diagram, page 25, for details.

 A USB Type-A port

 Audio ports (optional)

1. Introduction

Cables

 Only custom USB HDMI KVM cable s ets, which are specifically designed

to work with this switch, may be used to link to the computers. Two cable sets are provided with this package.

Note: The quality of the display is affected by the quality and length of the

cables. If you need additional cable sets, please contact your dealer to purchase the appropriate ones for your switch.

Typ e Length Part Number

USB HDMI KVM Cable Kit 1.8 m 2L-7D02UHX3

 For multi-display installations, standard USB Type-A to USB Type-B

cables and standard HDMI cables are also required.

Note: The CS18208 / CS18216 supports speaker ports only. Do not

connect the microphone connector from the KVM cable sets.

Operating Systems

OS Vers ion

Windows Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019 / Windows 7 SP1 /

Linux CentOS 7 and higher

OpenSUSE Leap 15.1 Snapshot8

Ubuntu 16.0.4 and higher

NeoKylin v7.0

SUN Sun Soloaris 11.3 and higher

Mac 10.6 and higher

Windows 8 / Windows 8.1 / Windows 10

10.26 and higher

Note:

 Supports Linux Kernel 2.6 and higher.  The CS18208 / CS18216 has a built-in USB3.1 hub, and does not support

PCs or operating systems that do not support USB3.1.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

2 6 81 4

3 5 7

2 6 81 4

3 5 7

Components

Front View CS18208

Front View CS18216

1. Introduction

No. Component Description

1 port selection

pushbuttons

2 port LEDs The Port LEDs are built into the Port Selection Switches. The

3 firmware

upgrade recovery switch

4 audio jack The cables from your main speakers plug in here.

5 firmware

upgrade port

For manual port selection (see Port Selection, page 28, also):



Press a port selection pushbutton for less than two seconds to bring the KVM, USB hub, and audio focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port.



Press a pushbutton for longer than two seconds to bring the KVM and audio focus* to the computer attached to its corresponding port.



Press pushbuttons 1 and 2 simultaneously for 2 seconds to perform a keyboard and mouse reset start. See Keyboard / Mouse Reset, page 52, for details.



Press pushbuttons 7 and 8 simultaneously for 2 seconds to start Auto Scan Mode*. See Auto Scan Mode, page 50, also

Note: Enable mouse emulation for independent switching (see page 42).

left ones are the KVM Port LEDs; the right ones are the USB LEDs:

KVM



Lights DIM ORANGE to indicate that the computer attached to the corresponding port is up and running (On Line).



Flashes to indicate that Firmware Upgrade mode is in effect.



Changes to BRIGHT ORANGE to indicate that the computer attached to its corresponding port is the one that has the KVM focus (Selected).



Flashes to indicate that the computer attached to its corresponding port is being accessed under Auto Scan mode.

USB



Lights GREEN to indicate that the computer attached to its corresponding port is the one that has access to the USB peripherals.

During normal operation and while performing a firmware upgrade, this switch should be in the NORMAL position. If a firmware upgrade operation does not complete successfully, this switch is used to perform a firmware upgrade recovery. See Firmware Upgrade Recovery, page 85, for details.

Note: The speakers plugged in here have priority over those in the rear panel.

The firmware upgrade cable that transfers the firmware upgrade data from the administrator's computer to the CS18208 / CS18216 plugs into this RJ-11 connector.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

No. Component Description

6 USB 3.1 Gen

1 peripheral hub section

USB 3.1 peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) can plug into this port (this may require an extra power adapter).

Note: The USB 3.1 hub cannot be accessed through the switch by computers on the second level of a cascaded installation.

7 reset button Pressing this switch performs a system reset. When the

system is reset, the switch beeps, and the port LEDs flash in succession until the reset is complete. After the reset is complete you can login again.

Note: This switch is recessed and must be pushed with a small object, such as the end of a paper clip or a ballpoint pen.

8 power LED Lights to indicate that the switch is powered up and ready to

operate.

Rear View CS18208

213

4 5

Rear View CS18216

1. Introduction

No. Component Description

1 grounding terminal The grounding wire used to ground the switch attaches

2 power jack The power adapter cable plugs in here.

3 audio jack The cables from your main speakers plug in here.

4 console port section The cables from your console HDMI monitor, USB

5 KVM port sections The cables that link the switch to your computers plug

here.

Note: The speakers plugged into the front panel have priority over those plugged here.

keyboard, USB mouse, and speakers plug in here. Each connector is marked with an appropriate icon to indicate itself.

in here. Each KVM port section is comprised of a speaker jack, a USB type B socket, and HDMI connector.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

Chapter 2

1. Important safety information regarding the placement of this device is provided on page 89. Please review it before proceeding.

2. To prevent damage to your installation from power surges or static electricity. It is important that all connected devices are properly grounded.

3. Make sure that power to all devices that you will be installing has been turned off. You must unplug the power cords of any computers that have the Keyboard Power On function.

4. Please operate the device with caution when under high environmental temperatures, as the surface of the device may become overheated under such conditions. For instance, the surface temperature of the device may reach 70 ºC (158 ºF) or higher when the environmental temperature reaches close to 50 ºC (122 ºF).

Hardware Setup

Overview

For convenience and flexibility that allows mixing multiple platforms, the CS18208 / CS18216 design utilizes custom USB HDMI KVM cables that serve as intermediaries between the switch and the connected computers (refer to the installation diagram on page 18).

A separate custom USB HDMI KVM cable is required for each computer connection. The custom KVM cables are listed under Cables, on page 5. Consult your dealer to find out which custom KVM cables best fit your needs.

Installation Types

The CS18208 / CS18216 offers two types of installation – 1) standalone/ cascade; and 2) multi-display – that require different cabling setups. Therefore, the functions of both types are not available in one installation. See the following sections in this chapter for details about the different cabling requirements.

Before You Begin

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Stacking and Rack Mounting

The CS18208 / CS18216 can be stacked on the desktop or rack mounted at the front or rear of the rack. The following sections take you through the procedures for each method.

Note:

 Allow at least 5.1 cm on each side for adequate ventilation and

12.7 cm at the rear for power cord and cable clearance.

 The standard rack mounting kit does not include screws or cage nuts. If

you need additional screws or cage nuts, contact your rack dealer.

Stacking

The CS18208 / CS18216 can be placed on any level surface that can safely support its weight and the weight of the attached cables. Make sure that the surface is clean and free of any materials that can block the exhaust vents or otherwise interfere with normal operation of the switch.

To place the CS18208 / CS18216, or to stack units if you are cascading them, remove the backing material from the bottom of the rubber feet that came with this package, and stick them onto the bottom panel at the corners, as shown in the diagram, below:

2. Hardware Setup

Rack Mounting – Front

1. Remove the screws, one each from the left and right sides near the front of the unit.

2. Use the M3 x 6 Phillips hex head screws supplied with the rack mounting kit to screw the rack mounting brackets into the sides near the front of the unit.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

3. Place the KVM switch in the rack. Position it so that the holes in the mounting brackets line up with the holes in the rack. Secure the mounting brackets to the front of the rack.

2. Hardware Setup

Rack Mounting – Rear

1. Remove the screws, one each from the left and right sides of the switch

near the rear of the unit.

2. Use the M3 x 6 Phillips hex head screws supplied with the rack mounting kit

to screw the rack mounting brackets into the sides near the rear of the unit.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

3. Place the KVM switch in the rack. Position it so that the holes in the mounting brackets line up with the holes in the rack. Secure the mounting brackets to the rear of the rack.

2. Hardware Setup

Single Stage Installation

To set up your single stage CS18208 / CS18216 installation, refer to the installation diagram on page 18 (the numbers in the diagrams correspond to the steps, below), and do the following:

1. Ground the CS18208 / CS18216 by connecting one end of a grounding

wire to the Grounding Terminal and the other end to a suitable grounded object.

Note: Do not omit this step. Proper grounding helps to prevent damage to

the unit from power surges or static electricity.

2. Plug your USB keyboard and USB mouse into the USB console ports from

the Console Ports Section located on the unit’s rear panel.

3. Plug your HDMI monitor into the HDMI console port from the Console

Ports Section located on the unit’s rear panel and power on the monitor.

4. Plug your speakers into the Audio Jacks located on the unit’s front and rear

panel. The speakers plugged into the front panel have priority over those plugged into the rear panel.

5. Use the provided cable sets (HDMI cable, USB 3.0 cable, and audio cable)

with this package. Plug the HDMI connector into any available HDMI port in the KVM Ports Section of the switch (CPU 1, CPU 2, etc.), and then plug the USB 3.0 cable and audio cable into their corresponding ports.

Note:

 Verify that all the connectors are in the same KVM Ports Section (all

in CPU 1, all in CPU 2.).

 The CS18208 / CS18216 only supports speaker ports. Do not connect a

KVM cable's microphone connector to the speaker ports.

6. At the other end of the cables from step 5, plug the HDMI cable, USB 3.0

cable, and audio cables into their respective ports on the computer. Repeat steps 5, and 6 for other PC systems you are installing.

7. (Optional) Plug your USB peripherals into the USB Type-A ports in the

USB 3.1 Gen1 Peripheral Hub Section located on the unit’s front panel.

8. Plug the power adapter that came with your switch into an AC power

source, then plug power adapter cable into the switch’s Power Jack. Now the CS18208 / CS18216 is turned on.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

CS18216 (Front)

CS18216 (Rear)

812

IENJ!Dbcmf

9. Power on the computers.

Note: Make sure the computers and devices that the CS18208 / CS18216

connects to are also properly grounded.

Single Stage Installation Diagram

2. Hardware Setup

Two Stage Cascade

To control even more computers, additional CS18208 / CS18216 units can be cascaded from the KVM ports of the First Stage unit. The cascaded CS18208 / CS18216s that connect back to the First Stage unit are considered Second Stage units. As many as 64 (CS18208) or 256 (CS18216) computers can be controlled in a complete two stage installation. A table showing the relation between the number of computers and the number of units needed to control them is provided on page 93.

To set up a two stage installation, refer to the Two Stage Installation diagram on the next page as you do the following:

1. Make sure that power to all the devices you will be connecting up,

including all preexisting devices on the installation, have been turned off.

2. Use the provided cable sets (HDMI cable, USB 3.0 cable, and audio cable)

with this package to connect any available KVM Port on the First Stage unit to the Console ports of the Second Stage unit.

Note: Plug the USB Type-A connector into the lower USB (keyboard) port

in the Console section (they are both marked with a similar icon to remind you of the correct USB port).

3. Using another provided cable sets (HDMI cable, USB 3.0 cable, and audio

cable) with this package, plug the HDMI connector into any available HDMI port in the KVM Ports Section of the second stage switch, then plug the accompanying USB Type-B, and audio cable into their corresponding USB, and audio jack.

Note:

 Verify that all the connectors are in the same KVM Ports Section (all in

CPU 1, all in CPU 2, etc.), and that each socket is marked with an appropriate icon to indicate itself.

 The CS18208 / CS18216 only supports speaker ports. Do not connect a

KVM cable's microphone connector to the speaker ports.

4. At the other end of the cables from step 3, plug the HDMI cable, USB 3.0

cable, and audio cables into their respective ports on the computer.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any other PC systems you are installing.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

6. For each Second Stage unit, plug the power adapter cable into its Power Jack, then plug the power adapter into an AC source.

7. Plug the First Stage unit's power adapter cable into its Power Jack, then plug the power adapter into an AC source.

8. Power on the computers.

Note:

 The Power On sequence requires that all Second Stage units be

powered on first. After they are all on, the First Stage units must be powered on next. Only after all the switches have been powered on in this sequence, can the computers be powered on.

 The USB 3.1 hub cannot be accessed through the switch by computers

on the second level of a cascaded installation.

 Make sure the computers and devices that the CS18208 / CS18216

connects to are also properly grounded.

Two Stage Installation Diagram

USB HDMI KVM Cable Set

2. Hardware Setup

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Three Stage Cascade

The procedures for setting up a three stage installation are essentially the same as for a two stage installation. Using the CS18208 in a three stage setup, as many as 512 computers can be controlled in a complete installation. A table showing the relation between the number of computers and the number of switches needed to control them is provided on page 73.

Note: 1. The CS18208 cannot cascaded beyond the third level and the

CS18216 cannot cascaded beyond the second level.

2. The CS18208 can only be cascaded with another CS18208 units. The CS18216 can be cascaded with another CS18216 units.

Once you have finished cabling up (see Two Stage Cascade, page 19 if necessary), power up according to the following sequence:

1. For each Third Stage unit, plug the power adapter cable into the switch's Power Jack; plug the power adapter into an AC source.

2. For each Second Stage unit, plug the power adapter cable into the switch's Power Jack; plug the power adapter into an AC source.

3. Plug the First Stage unit's power adapter cable into its Power Jack, then plug the power adapter into an AC source.

4. Power on the computers.

Note: The Power On sequence requires that all Third Stage units be

powered on first. After they are all on, the Second Stage units must be powered on next. After the Second Stage units are on, the First Stage units must be powered on last. Only after all the switches have been powered on in this sequence, can the computers be powered on.

 The USB 3.0 hub cannot be accessed through the switch by

computers on the second or third level of a cascaded installation.

 Make sure the computers and devices that the CS18208 /

CS18216 connects to are also properly grounded.

Three Stage Installation Diagram

USB HDMI KVM Cable Set

2. Hardware Setup

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Multi-display Installation

The CS18208 / CS18216’s multi-display feature allows you to stack two, three, four, or up to 8 units in a dual/triple/quad-display/multi-display installation to control up to seven (CS18208) or fifteen (CS18216) computers at once. This installation requires slightly different cabling than the standard cascade and offers an extra level of switching flexibility for multiple-monitor installations where each computer is fitted with multiple video cards.

Note: In a Multi-display installation, the CS18208 can only be connected to

CS18208 units, and the CS18216 can only be connected to CS18216 units.

Cable Connections for Multi-display Installation

To set up your multi-display installation, refer to the installation diagram on the next page (the numbers in the diagrams correspond to the steps, below), and do the following:

1. Use a standard USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable to connect the Port 8 USB Type-B port on the first stage unit to the USB Type-A port in the Console section of the second switch.

Note:

 Port 8 is reserved to connect the units in a multi-display installation, so

up to seven (CS18208) or fifteen (CS18216) computers can be attached, using KVM ports 1–7 (CS18208) or ports 1–7/9–16 (CS18216).

 Plug the USB Type-A connector into the lower USB (keybaord) Port in

the Console Port Section (both USB Ports are marked with a similar icon to remind you of the correct USB port).

2. Use HDMI cables to connect the HDMI KVM port on the second CS18208 / CS18216 unit to the second video-in port on the computers.

Note: Only HDMI video cables are necessary – the other ports in the KVM

section are not required in this installation.

3. Connect a display to the console section of the second switch.

4. Repeat steps 1–3 for any additional units, up to a total of 8 switches.

2. Hardware Setup

Computers with 2/3/4 video inputs

First Switch

HDMI cables

USB Type B to Type A cable

Second Switch

Third / Fourth Stage Units

5. Connect the cables for the first switch. See Single Stage Installation,

page 17 for full details. All video, audio and peripheral devices must be connected to the first switch.

6. Power up the CS18208 / CS18216 units, starting with the first switch, and

then power on the computers.

Note: Make sure the computers and devices that the CS18208 / CS18216

connects to are also properly grounded.

Multi-display Installation Diagram

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Ch1

Ch7 Ch6

First Switch

Second Switch

Third Switch

Fourth Switch

Grouping Ports into “Vertical” Channels

Once the cables have been connected and multi-display mode has been selected in the OSD, the CS18208 / CS18216 auto-detects the channels and displaying modes.Users can then assign them a channel number as the port name (the channels are represented by the vertical columns in the diagram belo w). So, all the Port 1s become Channel 1, all the Port 2s become Channel 2, ... , and all the Port 7s become Channel 7. The ports will all be switched at the same time, channel by channel.

Depending on the number of stages in your stack, a CS18208 / CS18216 installation offers dual display (two stages), triple display (three stages), quad display (four stages) or multi-display (up to 8 stages) scenarios. For reference purposes, the example shows a four-stage installation with quad display functionality.

Note: Only one HDMI video signal can be displayed at a time, depending on

the configuration of the CS18208 / CS18216 unit on the first switch.

Channels Diagram

Chapter 3

Basic Operation

Hot Plugging

The CS18208 / CS18216 supports hot plugging – components can be removed and added back into the installation by unplugging their cables from the ports without the need to shut the unit down. In order for hot plugging to work properly, the procedures described below must be followed:

Hot Plugging KVM Ports

In order for the OSD menus to correspond to KVM port changes, you must manually reconfigure the OSD to reflect the new port information. See the F3 SET (page 37) and F4 ADM (page 39), functions for details.

Note: If the computer's operating system does not support hot plugging, this

function may not work properly.

Hot Plugging Console Ports

The keyboard, monitor, and mouse can all be hot plugged. When hot plugging the mouse:

 You may unplug and replug the mouse (to reset the mouse, for example),

as long as you use the same mouse.

 If you plug in a different mouse, all the computers on the installation must

be shut down for 10 seconds, then restarted following the power up sequence described under Steps 6, 7, and 8 under Two Stage Cascade, page 19

Note: If, after hot plugging there is no response to keyboard and/or mouse

input, perform a Keyboard and Mouse Reset by simultaneously pressing the 1 and 2 (CS18208 / CS18216) front panel pushbuttons.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Port Selection

The CS18208 / CS18216 provides four port selection methods to access the computers on the installation: Manual, an OSD (on-screen display) menu system, Hotkeys, and RS-232 commands.

 For OSD (on-screen display), see Chapter 4 OSD Operation, page 31 for

more information.

 For Hotkeys operation, see Chapter 5 Hotkey Operation, page 47 for more

information.

 For RS-23 commands, see Chapter 7 RS-232 Operation, page 61 for more

information.

Manual Port Switching

Use the front panel pushbutton switches to manually switch to a port.

Port ID Numbering

Each port on a CS18208 / CS18216 installation is assigned a unique Port ID. You can directly access any computer on any level of the installation by specifying the Port ID that the computer is connected to – either with the OSD (see OSD Operation, page 31), or with the Hotkey port selection method (see Hotkey Operation, page 47).

 A computer attached to a primary unit has a two digit Port ID (from 01–08

for the CS18208, or 01–16 for the CS18216) that corresponds to the KVM port number that it is connected to.

 A computer attached to a secondary unit has a four digit Port ID.

The first two digits represent the KVM port number on the primary unit and the second two digits represent the KVM port number on the secondary unit that the computer is connected to. For example, a Port ID of 02–08 would refer to a computer that is connected to KVM port 8 of a secondary unit that links back to KVM port 2 of the primary unit.

3. Basic Operation

Powering Off and Restarting

If it becomes necessary to power off a CS18208 / CS18216, do the following before restarting it:

1. Unplug the CS18208 / CS18216 from its power source.

2. Shut down all the computers that are attached to it.

Note: Unplug the power cords of any computers that have the Keyboard

Power On function. Otherwise, the CS18208 / CS18216 will still

receive power from the computers.

3. Wait 10 seconds, then plug the CS18208 / CS18216 back in.

4. Power on the computers.

Note: If there are stations cascaded down from the primary CS18208 /

CS18216, all the cascaded stations and the computers attached to them must be shut down as well.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

Chapter 4

OSD Operation

OSD Overview

The on-screen display (OSD) is a mouse and keyboard enabled, menu driven method to handle computer control and switching operations. All procedures start from the OSD main screen.

Manufacturing Number

The “MFG Number” (Manufacturing Number) is an internal serial number used by ATEN’s factory and technical support staff to identify products. This number does not affect products’ warranty. If your product requires after-sales services, you may provide the MFG Number to ATEN’s sales or technical support staff to identify the product and model number.

OSD Login

The OSD incorporates a two level (administrator / user) password system. Before the OSD main screen displays, a login screen appears requiring a password. If this is the first time that the OSD is used, or if the password function has not been set, please use default username and password: administrator / password to log in. After you have logged in for the first time, you will be asked to change the password for security purpose, please follow the on-screen instructions to setup your new password. The OSD main screen will display in administrator mode. In this mode, you have administrator privileges, with full access to all functions, and can set up operations (including password authorization) as you like.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

OSD Hotkey

You can display the OSD on the console monitor while also viewing the display of any port on the CS18208 / CS18216 by pressing the [Scroll Lock] key twice.

Note: You can optionally change the OSD hotkey to the Ctrl key, in which

case you would press [Ctrl] twice (see OSD HOTKEY, page 37). With this method, you must press the same [Ctrl] key.

OSD Main Screen

When you invoke the OSD, a screen similar to the one below appears:

Note:

 The diagram depicts the administrator's main screen. The user main screen

does not show the F4 and F6 functions, since these are reserved for the administrator and can't be accessed by users.

 The OSD always starts in list view, with the highlight bar at the same

position it was in the last time it was closed.

 Only the ports that have been set accessible by the administrator for the

current logged in user are visible (see SET ACCESSIBLE PORTS, page 40).

 Enable Mouse Emulation to operate the OSD using mouse. When the

Mouse Emulation is disabled, you can only operate the OSD using keyboard.

a) To enable the Mouse Emulation via OSD, see Mouse Emulation,

page 42.

4. OSD Operation

b) To enable the Mouse Emulation via hotkeys, see Mouse Emulation

Control, page 55.

 If the port list is collapsed, click on a switch number, or move the highlight

bar to it then press the Enter key to expand the list. Similarly, to collapse a switch’s port list, click on the switch number, or move the highlight bar to it then press the right Enter key to collapse the list.

OSD Main Screen Headings

PN This column lists the port ID numbers for all the KVM ports on the

QV If a port has selected for quick view scanning (see SET QUICK VIEW

PW The computers that are powered on and are online have a sun symbol

NAME If a port has been given a name (see EDIT PORT NAMES, page 41), its

installation. The simplest method to access a particular computer is move the highlight bar to it, then press Enter.

PORTS, page 41), a check mark

in this column .

name appears in this column.

( √ )

displays in this column.

OSD Navigation

 To dismiss the menu, and deactivate OSD, click at the upper right

corner of the OSD window; or press [Esc].

 To log out, click

[F8].

 To move up or down through the list one screen at a time, click the up and

down arrow symbols ( there are more list entries than what can appear on the main screen, the screen will scroll.

 To activate a port, click it, or move the highlight bar to it then press

[Enter].

 After executing any action, you automatically go back to the menu one

level above.

at the left of the main screen, or press

), or use the [Pg Up] and [Pg Dn] keys. If

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

OSD Functions

OSD functions are used to configure and control the OSD. For example, you can rapidly switch to any port, scan selected ports, limit the list you wish to view, designate a port as a quick view port, create or edit a port name, or make OSD setting adjustments.

To access an OSD function:

1. Either click on the function key field on the left of the main screen, or press a function key on the keyboard.

2. In the submenus that appear make your choice either by clicking it, or moving the highlight bar to it, then pressing [Enter].

3. Press [Esc] to return to the previous menu level.

F1: Go To

4. OSD Operation

Clicking

or pressing [F1] activates the Go To function. Go To allows you to switch directly to a port by keying in the port's ID. Enable mouse emulation for independent switching (see page 42), for this function to work.

 To use the search method, key in the Port ID; then press [Enter] to switch

KVM, Audio and USB focus; or [Spacebar] to switch KVM and Audio only.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

F2: List

Clicking

or pressing [F2] activates the List function. This function lets you broaden or narrow the scope of which ports the OSD displays on the main screen. The submenu choices and their meanings are given in the table below.

Choice Meaning

ALL Lists all of the ports on the installation that have been set accessible

Quick View Lists only the ports that have been selected as quick view ports (see

Powered On Lists only the ports that have their attached computers powered on.

Quick View + Powered On

by the administrator for the current logged in user.

SET QUICK VIEW PORTS, page 41).

Lists only the ports that have been selected as quick view ports (see SET QUICK VIEW PORTS, page 41), and that have their attached computers powered on.

Move the highlight bar to the choice you want, then press [Enter]. A check mark (

√

) appears before the choice to indicate that it is the currently selected

one.

F3: Set

4. OSD Operation

Clicking

or pressing [F3] activates the Set function. This function allows the administrator and each user to set up his own working environment. A separate profile for each is stored by the OSD and is activated according to the username that was provided during login.

To change a setting:

1. Click it; or move the highlight bar to it, then press [Enter].

2. After you select an item, a submenu with further choices appears. To make

a selection, either click it; or move the highlight bar to it, then press [Enter]. A check mark (

√

) appears before the selected choice to indicate

which one it is. The settings are explained in the following table:

Setting Function

OSD Hotkey Selects which hotkey activates the OSD function:

Port ID Display Position

[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] or [Ctrl] [Ctrl].

Since the [Ctrl] key combination may conflict with programs running on the computers, the default is the [Scroll Lock] combination.

Allows each user to customize the position where the port ID appears on the screen. The default is the upper left corner, but users can choose to have it appear anywhere on the screen.

Use the mouse or the arrow keys plus Pg Up, Pg Dn, Home, and End (on the numeric keypad with Num Lock off). Arrow keys move the position one space at a time. Pg Up and Pg Dn brings position to the top or bottom. Home and End brings the position to the rightmost and leftmost of the screen.To position the port ID display, then single-click or press [Enter] to lock the position and return to the Set submenu.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Port ID Display Duration

Determines how long a port ID displays on the monitor after a port change has taken place. The choices are: 3 Seconds (default) and Always Off.

Port ID Display Mode

Selects how the port ID is displayed: the port number plus the port name (Port Number + Port Name) (default); the port number alone (Port Number); or the port name alone (Port Name).

Scan Duration Determines how long the focus dwells on each port as it cycles

through the selected ports in Auto Scan mode (see F7 SCAN, page 45). Key in a value from 1–255 seconds, then press [Enter]. Default is 5 seconds; a setting of 0 disables the SCAN function.

Scan-Skip Mode Selects which computers will be accessed under skip mode

(see F5: SKP, page 43), and Auto Scan mode (see F7: SCAN, page 45. Choices are:

ALL - All the ports which have been set accessible (see SET ACCESSIBLE PORTS, page 40);

QUICK VIEW - Only those ports which have been set accessible and have been selected as quick view ports (see SET QUICK VIEW PORTS, page 41);

POWERED ON - Only those ports which have been set accessible and are powered on;

QUICK VIEW + POWERED ON - Only those ports which have been set accessible and have been selected as quick view ports and are powered on. The default is ALL.

Note: The quick view choices only show up on the administrator's screen, since only he has Quick View setting rights (see SET QUICK VIEW PORTS, page 41).

Screen Blanker If there is no input from the console for the amount of time set with

this function, the screen is blanked. Key in a value from 1–30 minutes, then press [Enter]. The default setting of 0 disables this function. The screen will be blanked in the amount of time set (count from the moment when OSD is closed)

Hotkey Command Mode

Enables / disables the hotkey command function in case a conflict with programs running on the computers occurs.

Hotkey Sets the keyboard shortcut for invoking Hotkey Mode (see Hotkey

Setting Mode, page 48). Choices are: [NUM LOCK] + [-] (minus) (default), and [CTRL] + [F12].

OSD Language Sets the language used in the OSD. Choices are: English (Default),

German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian.

F4: Admin

4. OSD Operation

Clicking

or pressing [F4] activates Admin function. F4 is an administrator only function. It allows the administrator to configure and control the overall operation of the OSD. To change a setting, click on the settings item you want to configure, or use the up and down arrow ke ys to move the highlight bar to it then press [Enter].

After you select an item, a submenu with further choices appears. Click an item, or move the highlight bar to it then press [Enter]. A check mark (

√

) appears before the selected item so that you know which one it is. The settings are explained in the following table:

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Setting Function

Set User Login This function is used to set usernames and passwords for the

Set Accessible Ports

Set Logout Timeout

administrator and users:

1. Usernames and passwords for one administrator and four users can be set.

2. After you select the administrator field or one of the user fields, a field that allows you to key in the username and password appears. Usernames and passwords can be from 1 to 16 characters long and can consist of any combination of letters and numbers (A–Z, 0–9) and some additional keys (* ( ) + : - , ? . / space).

3. For each individual, key in the username and password, confirm the password, choose SAVE, then press [Enter].

4. To modify or delete a previous username and/or password, use the backspace key to erase individual letters or numbers. Press

[Enter] when done.

Note: Usernames and passwords are not case sensitive.

Usernames are displayed in capital letters in the OSD.

This function allows the administrator to define user access to the computers on the installation on a port-by-port basis.

For each user, select the target port; then press the [Spacebar] to cycle through the choices: F (full access), V (view only), or blank. Repeat until all access rights have been set, then press [Enter]. The default is F for all users on all ports.

Note:



A blank setting means that no access rights are granted. The port will not show up on the user's LIST on the main screen.



The administrator always has full access to all ports.

If there is no input from the console for the amount of time set with this function, the user is automatically logged out. A login is necessary before the console can be used again.

This enables other users to gain access to the computers when the original user is no longer accessing them, but has forgotten to log out. To set the timeout value, key in a number from 1–180 minutes, then press [Enter]. The default setting of 0 disables this function.

Note: This feature does not function if Set Login Mode is disabled. See Set Login Mode, page 42.

4. OSD Operation

Edit Port Names To help remember which computer is attached to a particular port,

Restore Default Values

Clear The Name List

Activate Beeper Choices are Y (on), or N (off). When activated, the beeper sounds

Set Quick View Ports

every port can be given a name. This function allows the administrator to create, modify, or delete port names.

To edit a port name:

1. Click the port, or use the navigation keys to move the highlight bar to it.

2. Key in the new port name, or modify/delete the old one. The maximum number of characters allowed for the port name is 12. Legal characters include:



All alpha characters: A–Z



All numeric characters: 0–9



* ( ) + : - , ? . /

Case does not matter; the OSD displays the port name in all capitals no matter how they were keyed in.

3. When you have finished editing, press [Enter] to have the change take effect. To abort the change, press [Esc].

This function is used to undo all changes and return the setup to the original factory default settings (See Factory Default Hotkeys and Settings, page 97) except for the port name list, username and password information, which are saved.

This function clears the port name list.

whenever a port is changed; when activating the Auto Scan function (see F7 SCAN, page 45); or an invalid entry is made on an OSD menu. The default is Y.

This function lets the administrator select which ports to include as quick view ports.



To select/deselect a port as a quick view port, use the navigation keys to move the highlight bar to it, then press [Spacebar].



When a port has been selected as a quick view port, A check

( √ )

mark

screen. When a port is deselected, the check mark pears.



If one of the quick view options is chosen for the LIST view (see F2 LIST, page 36), only a port that has been selected here will display on the list.



If one of the quick view options is chosen for auto-scanning (See Scan-Skip Mode, page 38), only a port that has been selected here will be auto-scanned.

The default has no ports selected for quick view.

displays in the QV column of the LIST on the main

( √ )

disap-

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Set Operating System

This function allows the administrator to define the operating system for the computer connected to each KVM port. The default setting is Win (PC compatible).

To set the port operating system:

1. From the list, select the port for which you wish to set the com-

puter's operating system.

2. Set the operating system by pressing [Spacebar] to cycle through Win, MAC, SUN, or Other.

3. Press [Esc] to exit. The operating system you selected is assigned to the KVM port.

Firmware Upgrade

In order to upgrade the CS18208 / CS18216 firmware (see page 79), you must first enable Firmware Upgrade mode with this setting.

When you bring up this menu, the current firmware version levels are displayed. Select Y to enable Firmware Upgrade mode, or select [Esc] to leave this menu without enabling it.

Keyboard Language

Sets the language for the computer keyboard attached to the KVM port. To select a keyboard language, single-click it, or use the navigation keys to move the highlight bar to it, then press [Enter].

Choices are: Auto (default), (US) English, (UK) English, German (Deutch), German (SWISS), French, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

Mouse Emulation Enables / disable mouse emulation function.

Note: Supported in the first level of an installation only. Enable mouse emulation to perform any independent switching of a port and for Auto Scan Mode or Skip Mode to work.

Activate MultiDisplay

Enables multi-display mode for dual, triple, quad, or multi display mode in multiple-monitor installations where each computer is fitted with multiple video cards. See Multi-display Installation, page 24, for full details.

Note: multi-display mode must be enabled on the OSD before the cables are connected.

OSD Config Back / Restore

Enters OSD Configuration Backup / Restore mode. The Firmware Management Utility lets you backup the current OSD configuration of the CS18208 / CS18216, and restore it when necessary. Storing the OSD configuration settings is useful when deploying more than one installation that uses the same settings. See OSD Configuration Backup/Restore, page 86, for full details.

Set Login Mode This function allows the administrator to request users to login or

not. When the login dialog box is disabled, the system disables the login/logout function. If the system is re-started, the login/logout function remains disabled.

F5: SKP

4. OSD Operation

Clicking enables you to easily skip backward or forward – switching the console focus from the currently active computer port to the previous or next accessible one. Enable mouse emulation for Skip mode to work (see page 42).

 The selection of computers available for skip mode switching is made with

the Scan–Skip mode setting under the F3: SET function (see page 37).

 When you are in skip mode:

press [

←

] to skip to the previous accessible port on the list

press [

→ ] ↑

press [ port has cascaded a switch, then it skips to the last accessible port of that switch

press [ cascaded a switch, then it skips to the first accessible port of that switch

Note: When you skip, you only skip to the previous or next accessible

 If a port has been selected for Scan–Skip mode, when the focus switches to

that port, a set of [ ID displays.

 While skip mode is in effect, the console will not function normally. You

must exit skip mode in order to regain control of the console.

 To exit skip mode, press [Spacebar] or [Esc].

] to skip to the previous accessible port. If the previous accessible

↓

] to skip to the next accessible port. If the next accessible port has

computer that is in the Scan–Skip mode selection (see page 38).

or pressing [F5] invokes Skip (SKP) mode. This function

to skip to the next accessible port on the list

↑

], [ ↓ ], [ ← ], [

→ ]

symbol appears before its port

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

F6: BRC

F6 is an administrator only function. Clicking or pressing [F6], invokes Broadcast (BRC) mode. When this function is in effect, commands sent from the console are broadcast to all available computers on the installation.

This function is particularly useful for operations that need to be performed on multiple computers, such as performing a system wide shutdown, installing or upgrading software, etc.

 While BRC mode is in effect, a speaker symbol appears before the port ID

display of the port that currently has the console focus. When the port ID with the speaker symbol displays.

 While BRC mode is in effect, the mouse will not function normally. You

must exit BRC mode in order to regain control of the mouse.

 To exit BRC mode, invoke the OSD (with the OSD hotkey), then click the

F6 field, or press [F6], to turn BRC mode off.

 When BRC mode is in effect, the Scroll Lock LED flashes. It stops

flashing and reverts to normal status when you exit BRC.

F7: SCAN

4. OSD Operation

Clicking

or pressing [F7] invokes Auto Scan mode. This function allows you to automatically switch among the available computers at regular intervals so that you can monitor their activity without having to take the trouble of switching yourself. Enable mouse emulation for Auto Scan to work (see page 42).

 The selection of computers to be included for auto-scanning is made with

the Scan–Skip mode setting under the F3: SET function (see page 38).

 The amount of time that each port displays for is set with the Scan

Duration setting under the F3: SET function (see page 38). When you

want to stop at a particular location, press the [Spacebar] to stop scanning.

 If the scanning stops on an empty port, or one where the computer is

attached but is powered Off, the monitor screen will be blank, and the mouse and keyboard will have no effect. After the Scan Duration time is up, the scan function will move on to the next port.

 As each computer is accessed, an S appears in front of the port ID display

to indicate that it is being accessed under Auto Scan mode. When the port ID with the symbol displays, the background screen is blank.

 While Auto Scan mode is in effect, the console will not function normally.

You must exit Auto Scan mode in order to regain control of the console.

 While you are in Auto Scan mode, you can pause the scanning in order to

keep the focus on a particular computer either by pressing P, or with a leftclick of the mouse. See Invoking Auto Scan, page 50, for details.

 To ex it Auto Scan mode, press the [Spacebar] or [Esc].

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

F8: Logout

Clicking , or pressing [F8] logs you out of OSD control of the computers, and blanks the console screen. This is different from simply pressing [Esc] when you are at the main screen to deactivate the OSD. With this function you must log in all over again to regain access to the OSD, whereas with [Esc], all you have to do to reenter the OSD is tap the OSD hotkey.

Note: 1. When you reenter the OSD after logging out, the screen stays blank

except for the OSD main screen. You must input your username and password before you can continue.

2. If you reenter the OSD after logging out, and immediately use [Esc] to deactivate the OSD without having selected a port from the OSD menu, a NULL PORT message displays on the screen. The OSD hotkey will bring up the main OSD screen.

Chapter 5

Hotkey Operation

Overview

Use hotkeys to operate and control the CS18208 / CS18216 KVM Switch from a keyboard.

Providing KVM Focus via Hotkeys

You can use hotkeys to provide KVM focus to a particular computer by:

 Selecting the active port  Enabling the auto scan mode  Enabling the skip mode  Resetting keyboard / mouse  Enabling / disabling mouse emulation

Supported Hotkeys

The CS18208 / CS18216 supports the following operation via hotkeys. For a summary of the supported hotekys, see HSM Summary Table, page 57.

 Enabling / disabling the beeper  Setting the hotkey for invoking the Hotkey Setting Mode  Setting the OSD hotkey between [Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] and [Ctrl]

[Ctrl]

 Setting the port operating system for a specified port  Restoring the default value for the unit  Setting the EDID mode for the unit  Setting the switching mode selection for the unit

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Hotkey Setting Mode

Hotkey Setting Mode is used to set up your CS18208 / CS18216 switch configuration. All operations begin with invoking Hotkey Setting Mode (HSM).

Invoking HSM

To invoke HSM do the following:

1. Press and hold down [Num Lock].

2. Press and release [-].

3. Release [Num Lock].

1. Hold down the [Ctrl] key;

2. Press and release the [F12] key;

3. Release the [Ctrl] key:

When HSM is active:

 A command line appears on the monitor screen. The command line prompt

is the word HOTKEY: in white text on a blue background, and displays the subsequent hotkey information that you key in.

 Ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended – only hotkey

compliant keystrokes (described in the sections that follow), can be input.

Pressing [Esc] exits HSM.

5. Hotkey Operation

Selecting the Active Port

Each KVM port is assigned a port ID (see Port ID Numbering, page 28). You can directly access any computer on the installation with a hotkey combination that specifies the port ID of the KVM port that a computer is connected to. To access a computer using hotkeys:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Key in the port ID.

The port ID numbers display on the command line as you key them in. If you make a mistake, use [Backspace] to erase the wrong number.

3. Press [Enter].

After you press [Enter], the KVM focus switches to the designated computer and you automatically exit HSM.

Note: In HSM, KVM focus will not switch to a port if an invalid switch or

port number is entered. The hotkey command line will continue to display on the screen until you enter a valid switch and port number combination, or exit HSM.

Hotkey Action

[PN] [Enter] Brings the KVM, USB hub, and audio focus to the

computer attached to the port corresponding to the specified Port ID.

[PN] [K] [Enter] Brings only the KVM and audio focus to the computer

[PN] [U] [Enter] Brings only the USB hub focus to the computer

attached to the specified port. The USB hub focus remain where they are.

attached to the specified port. The KVM and audio focus remain where they are.

Note: The [PN] stands for the computer’s Port ID number (1, 2, 3, or 4). See

Port ID Numbering, page 28 for details. Replace the [PN] with the appropriate Port ID when entering Hotkey combinations.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Auto Scan Mode

Auto Scan automatically switches, at regular intervals, among all the KVM ports that have been set as accessible under Scan–Skip Mode, so that their activity can be monitored automatically. See Scan–Skip Mode on page 38 for more information.

Invoking Auto Scan:

To start Auto Scan, key in the following Hotkey combination:

1. Enable mouse emulation (see page 55).

2. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

3. Press [A]. After you press A, then [Enter], you automatically exit HSM, and enter Auto Scan mode.

 While you are in Auto Scan mode, you can pause the scanning in order

to keep the focus on a particular computer either by pressing P or with a left click of the mouse. During the time that auto-scanning is paused, the command line displays: AUTO SCAN: PAUSED.

Pausing when you want to keep the focus on a particular computer is more convenient than exiting Auto Scan mode because when you resume scanning, you start from where you left off. If, on the other hand, you exited and restarted, scanning would start over from the very first computer on the installation.

To resume Auto Scanning, press any key or left-click. Scanning continues from where it left off.

 While Auto Scan mode is in effect, ordinary keyboard and mouse

functions are suspended – only Auto Scan mode compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can be input. You must exit Auto Scan mode in order to regain normal control of the console.

4. To exit Auto Scan mode press [Esc] or [Spacebar]. Auto-scanning stops when you exit Auto Scan mode.

Note: Enable mouse emulation to perform any independent switching of a

port and for Auto Scan Mode or Skip Mode to work (see page 55)

5. Hotkey Operation

Skip Mode

This feature allows you to switch between computers in order to monitor them manually. You can dwell on a particular port for as long as you like – as opposed to auto-scanning, which automatically switches after a fixed interval. To invoke Skip mode, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Enable mouse emulation (see page 55).

2. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

3. Key in [

↑

], [ ↓ ], [ ← ], or [

→ ].

 After you press an arrow key, you automatically exit HSM and enter

Skip mode where you can switch ports as follows:

← Skips to the previous accessible port. (See Scan/Skip Mode,

page 38, for information regarding accessible ports.)

→ Skips to the next accessible port.

Skips to the previous accessible port. If the previous accessible

↑

port has cascaded a switch, then it skips to the last accessible port of that switch.

Skips to the next accessible port. If the next accessible port has

↓

cascaded a switch, then it skips to the first accessible port of that switch.

 Once you are in Skip mode, you can keep on skipping by pressing the

arrow keys. You don't have to use the [Num Lock] + [-] combination again.

 While Skip mode is in effect, ordinary keyboard and mouse functions

are suspended – only Skip mode compliant keystrokes can be input. You must exit Skip mode in order to regain normal control of the console.

4. To exit Skip mode, press [Esc] or [Spacebar].

Note: Enable mouse emulation to perform any independent switching of a port and for Auto Scan Mode or Skip Mode to work (see page 55).

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Keyboard / Mouse Reset

If the keyboard or mouse cease to function on the computer connected to the currently selected port, you can perform a keyboard / mouse reset on the computer. This function is essentially the same as unplugging and replugging the keyboard and mouse on the target computer. To perform a computer keyboard / mouse reset, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [F5].

After you press [F5] you automatically exit HSM and regain keyboard and mouse control on the computer connected to the KVM port. If you fail to regain keyboard / mouse control on the computer after pressing [F5], perform a console keyboard and mouse reset.

Hotkey Beeper Control

The beeper (see Activate Beeper, page 41) can be hotkey toggled on and off. The default setting is enabled. To toggle the beeper, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [B].

After you press [B], the beeper toggles on or off. The command line displays BEEPER ON or BEEPER OFF for one second; then the message disappears and you automatically exit HSM.

HSM Hotkey Control

The HSM Hotkey (see Hotkey, page 38) can be toggled between [Num Lock] + [-], and [Ctrl] + [F12]. To toggle the HSM Hotkey:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [H].

After you press [H], the command line displays HOTKEY HAS BEEN CHANGED for one second; then the message disappears and you automatically exit HSM.

5. Hotkey Operation

OSD Hotkey Control

The OSD Hotkey (see OSD Hotkey, page 37) can be toggled between [Scroll Lock], [Scroll Lock] and [Ctrl], [Ctrl]. To toggle the OSD Hotkey, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [T].

After you press [T], the command line displays HOTKEY HAS BEEN CHANGED for one second; then the message disappears and you automatically exit HSM.

Port OS Control

A port’s operating system can be changed to match that of the computer attached to the port. To change a port’s operating system, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Key in [F1], [F2], or [F3], the Function of [F1], [F2], and [F3] keys is

listed in the following table:

Key Description

F1 Sets the Port OS to Windows

F2 Sets the Port OS to Mac

F3 Sets the Port OS to Sun

After pressing a function key you automatically exit HSM.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Restore Default Values

This administrator-only hotkey restores the CS18208 / CS18216 default values. see Factory Default Hotkeys and Settings, page 97. To restore the default values, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [R].

3. Press [Enter].

After you press [Enter], the command line displays RESET TO DEFAULT SETTING for one second; then the message disappears and you automatically exit HSM.

Video DynaSync

Video DynaSync is ATEN’s exclusive technology that eliminates boot-up display problems and optimizes resolution when switching between ports. The default setting is enabled. To invoke Video DynaSync, do the following:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [D].

Note: If the monitor is disconnected and reconnected, the CS18208 /

CS18216 re-executes Video DynaSync.

5. Hotkey Operation

EDID Mode

To configure an EDID mode for the CS18208 / CS18216, do the following:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [V].

3. Key in [1], or [2], the Function of [1], and [2] keys is listed in the

following table:

Key Description

1 Sets the switch to read HDMI

monitor’s EDID (Default)

2 Sets the switch to ATEN default

EDID mode

4. Press [Enter]. After pressing [Enter] you automatically exit HSM.

Mouse Emulation Control

The default setting is enabled. To disable, do the following:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [M].

This procedure is a toggle. Repeat to enable.

Note: Enable mouse emulation to perform any independent switching of a port and for Auto Scan Mode or Skip Mode to work.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Switching Mode Selection

This administrator-only hotkey allows you to select an appropriate switching mode between Normal Switching Mode and Fast Switching Mode.

Note: This hotkey is only supported by CS18208 / CS18216 using firmware

version v1.1.102 or later.

To change the switching mode, key in the following hotkey combination:

1. Invoke HSM with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.

2. Press [P].

3. Key in [1] or [2], the Function of [1] and [2] keys is listed in the following table:

Key Description

1 Sets the KVM to Normal

Switching Mode (Default)

2 Sets the KVM to Fast Switching

Mode

4. Press [Enter]. The command line indicates the current switching mode for one second and the system automatically exits HSM.

Note: The configuration of Fast Switching Mode might not work with some

monitors. If your video output does not display successfully or work properly, please use the default Normal Switching Mode instead.

5. Hotkey Operation

HSM Summary Table

After invoking HSM (see page 48), key in one of the following keys to perform the corresponding function:

Key Function

[PN] [Enter] Switches KVM, Audio, and USB focus directly to the

[PN] [K] [Enter] Switches KVM and Audio focus directly to the computer

[PN] [U] [Enter] Switches USB focus only directly to the computer that

[A] [Enter] Starts Auto Scan. The KVM focus cycles from port to port

[A] [n] [Enter] Starts Auto Scan at n-second intervals (n = 0–255

[H] Toggles between the default ([Num Lock] [-]) and alternate

[T] Toggles between the default ([Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock])

[F1] Sets the port OS to Windows.

[F2] Sets the port OS to Mac.

[F3] Sets the port OS to Sun.

computer that corresponds to that port ID. (PN = port number)

that corresponds to that port ID. (PN = port number)

corresponds to that port ID. (PN = port number)

Note: This hotkey functions on the first level of an installation only.

at the default 5-second intervals

seconds)

Note: When n=0, the Auto Scan will not be activated.

([Ctrl] [F12]) HSM invocation keys.

and alternate ([Ctrl] [Ctrl]) OSD Hotkey.

[F5] Performs a keyboard / mouse reset on the target

computer.

[B] Enables/Disables the beeper.

[R] [Enter] Resets the hotkey settings to their default status. See

Factory Default Hotkeys and Settings, page 97.

[D] Invokes Video DynaSync, ATEN’s exclusive technology

that eliminates boot-up display problems and optimizes resolution when switching between ports.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Key Function

[V] [n] [Enter] Sets EDID Mode.



n = 1, read HDMI monitor’s EDID.



n = 2, ATEN default EDID mode (Full HD 1920 x 1080 @60Hz).

[P] [n] [Enter] Sets the KVM switching mode.



n = 1, sets the KVM to Normal Switching Mode.



n = 2, sets the KVM to Fast Switching Mode.

Note: This hotkey is only supported by CS18208 / CS18216 using firmware version v1.1.102 or later.

[M] Enables/Disables mouse emulation.

[ ← ] Skips to the previous computer on the list, in skip mode.

[ → ] Skips to the next computer on the list, in skip mode.

[ ↑ ] Skips to the previous accessible port. If the previous

accessible port has cascaded a switch, then it skips to the last accessible port of that switch.

[ ↓ ] Skips to the next accessible port. If the next accessible

[ESC] or

[Spacebar]

port has cascaded a switch, then it skips to the first accessible port of that switch.

Exits hotkey setting mode.

Note: Enable mouse emulation to perform any independent switching of a port and for Auto Scan Mode or Skip Mode to work (see page 55).

Chapter 6

Keyboard Emulation

Mac Keyboard

The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Mac keyboard. The emulation mappings are listed in the table below.

PC Keyboard Mac Keyboard

[Shift] Shift

[Ctrl] Ctrl

[Ctrl] [1]

[Ctrl] [2]

[Ctrl] [3]

[Ctrl] [4]

[Alt] Alt

[Print Screen] F13

[Scroll Lock] F14

[Enter] Return

[Backspace] Delete

[Insert] Help

[Ctrl]

F15

Note: When using key combinations, press and release the first key (Ctrl),

then press and release the activation key.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Sun Keyboard

The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Sun keyboard when the Control key [Ctrl] is used in conjunction with other keys. The corresponding functions are shown in the table below.

PC Keyboard Sun Keyboard

[Ctrl] [T] Stop

[Ctrl] [F2] Again

[Ctrl] [F3] Props

[Ctrl] [F4] Undo

[Ctrl] [F5] Front

[Ctrl] [F6] Copy

[Ctrl] [F7] Open

[Ctrl] [F8] Paste

[Ctrl] [F9] Find

[Ctrl] [F10] Cut

[Ctrl] [1]

[Ctrl] [2]

[Ctrl] [3]

[Ctrl] [4]

[Ctrl] [H] Help

Compose



Note: When using key combinations, press and release the first key (Ctrl),

then press and release the activation key.

Chapter 7

Firmware Upgrade Cable

RS-232 Operation

Overview

The CS18208 / CS18216’s built-in bi-directional RS-232 serial interface allows system control through a high-end controller or PC. RS-232 serial operations in a CS18208 / CS18216 installation are managed via HyperTerminal sessions on systems that are running Windows. In order to use this feature to send commands to the CS18208 / CS18216, you must first download and install a HyperTerminal application.

Setup

Install a HyperTerminal application on a computer that is not part of the installation, which will be used to control the switch via the RS-232 connection. HyperTerminal applications can be download from the Internet, and many operating systems are embedded with HyperTerminal applications.

Hardware Connection

Use a the Firmware Upgrade Cable provided with this unit to connect a computer’s serial port to the Firmware Upgrade Port on the CS18208 / CS18216’s front panel, as shown below:

Note: The unit used in the diagram below is CS18216, the procedure for

connecting CS18208 is identical with fewer KVM ports.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

RS-232 Pin Assignments

Pin assignments for the CS18208 / CS18216’s Firmware Upgrade Port that is used for connecting to a serial terminal are given in the table, below:

Pin Assignment

1 TXD: Transmit Data

2 RXD: Receive Data

3N/A

4 GND: Signal Ground

RJ-11 Female

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

Console Login - HyperTerminal

Once a physical connection from the computer to the CS18208 / CS18216 has been made, you can establish a HyperTerminal session using the instructions below.

1. Open the HyperTerminal application, and configure the port settings for

COM1 port, then click OK.

Bits per Second: 19200, Data Bits: 8, Parity: None, Stop bits: 1, Flow Control: None.

2. After configuring the port settings you must enable serial control on the

switch by typing the command: Open + [Enter].

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

RS-232 Commands

After you login via HyperTerminal (see Console Login - HyperTerminal) use the instructions below to send RS-232 commands to control the switch from the computer.

When RS-232 control is enabled via the Open + [Enter] command, the CS18208 / CS18216’s front panel pushbuttons, OSD, hotkeys, and remote control commands will be disabled - until the RS-232 control is disabled.

Verification

After entering a command, a verification message appears, as shown below, at the end of the command line, as follows:

Response Message Description

Command OK Command or parameter is correct.

Command incorrect Command or parameter is incorrect.

With all commands in the sections that follow:

 Each command string can be separated with a space.

 The [Enter] command can be replaced with the ASCII code: 0x0D0A

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

Login

The Login command allows you to login to the CS18208 / CS18216 and begin sending RS-232 commands. When you login the RS-232 link is “opened”, and the CS18208 / CS18216 will not respond to front panel pushbuttons, hotkeys, OSD, or remote control commands - until the RS-232 link is closed (see Switch Port, page 69).

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + Name + Number + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

Control Description

U Input user name + password

Name Description

xxxxxxxxxxxxx The login user name

Password Description

xxxxxxxxxxxxx The login user password

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

The available formula for the Login command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + Name + Number + [Enter]

For example, to login via username and password, type the following:

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Logout

The Logout commands allows you to logout of the CS18208 / CS18216 and close the RS-232 link.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

logout Logout command

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Logout Command

The available formula for the Logout command is as follows:

1. Command + [Enter]

For example, to logout of the CS18208 / CS18216, type the following:

logout [Enter]

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

Open / Close RS-232 Link

The Open and Close RS-232 Link commands allows you to open/close the link between the computer sending RS-232 commands and the CS18208 / CS18216. When the link is open, the CS18208 / CS18216 only accepts RS-232 commands and will not respond to front panel pushbuttons, OSD, hotkeys, and remote control commands - until the link is closed. The link opens when you login and closes after 2 minutes if no command is sent.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

open Open RS-232 Link command

close Close RS-232 Link command

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Open/Close RS-232 Link Commands

The available formulas for the Open/Close RS-232 Link commands are as follows:

1. Command + [Enter]

For example, to open the RS-232 link between the computer and CS18208 / CS18216, type the following:

open [Enter]

2. Command + [Enter]

For example, to close the RS-232 link between the computer and CS18208 / CS18216, type the following:

close [Enter]

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Set Baud Rate

The Set Baud Rate command allows you to configure the baud rate setting for the serial port connection. The default baud rate is 19200.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

baud Baud Rate Command

Control Description

19200 Set baud rate to 19200 (Default)

38400 Set baud rate to 38400

9600 Set baud rate to 9600

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Set Baud Rate Commands

The available formulas for the Set Baud Rate commands are as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to set the baud rate to 19200, type the following:

baud 19200 [Enter]

2. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to set the baud rate to 38400, type the following:

baud 38400 [Enter]

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

Switch Port

The Switch Port command allows you to switch ports. The default port is 01.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formula:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

sw Switch Port Command

Control Description

ixx Input Port Number

xx= 01~08 (CS18208); 01~16 (CS18216)

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Switch Port Commands

The available formula for the Switch Port command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to switch to port 2, type the following:

sw i02 [Enter]

Note: The Control command can be skipped and the default value will be

used.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Hotkey Setting

The Hotkey Setting command allows you to change the hotkey used to invoke the HSM (Hotkey Setting Mode). The default hotkey is [Num Lock] + [-].

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

hotkey Hotkey Setting Command

Control Description

num Change the HSM invoke key to:

[Num Lock] + [-] (Default)

f12 Change the HSM invoke key to:

[Ctrl] + [F12]

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Hotkey Setting Commands

The available formulas for Hotkey Setting commands are as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to change the HSM invoke key to [Num Lock] + [-], type the following:

hotkey num [Enter]

2. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to change the HSM invoke key to [Ctrl] + [F12], type the following:

hotkey f12 [Enter]

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

OSD Hotkey

The OSD Hotkey command allows you to change the hotkey used to invoke the OSD. The default hotkey is [Scroll][Scroll].

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

osdkey OSD Hotkey Command

Control Description

scroll Change OSD hotkey invoke key to:

[Scroll] [Scroll] (Default)

ctrl Change OSD hotkey invoke key to:

[Ctrl] [Ctrl]

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Hotkey Switching Commands

The available formulas for OSD Hotkey commands are as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to change the OSD hotkey invoke key to [Scroll] [Scroll], type the following:

osdkey scroll [Enter]

2. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to change the OSD hotkey invoke key to [Ctrl] [Ctrl], type the following:

osdkey ctrl [Enter]

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

USB Reset

The USB Reset command allows you to reset the USB connection. The default USB reset setting is off.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

usbreset USB Reset Command

Control Description

on Enable USB reset connection

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

USB Reset Command

The available formula for the USB Reset command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to reset the USB connection, type the following:

usbreset on [Enter]

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

Restore Default Settings

The Restore Default Settings command allows you to reset all of the CS18208 / CS18216’s settings back to the default. The default setting is off.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

reset Restore Default Settings Command

Control Description

on Enable restore default values

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Restore Default Value Command

The available formula for the Restore Default Settings command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to restore all CS18208 / CS18216’s settings back to the default, type the following:

reset on [Enter]

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Firmware Upgrade

The Firmware Upgrade command allows you to enable the firmware upgrade mode. The default setting is off.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control+ [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

upgrade Firmware Upgrade Command

Control Description

on Enable firmware upgrade mode

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

Firmware Upgrade Command

The available formula for the Firmware Upgrade command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to enable firmware upgrade mode, type the following:

upgrade on [Enter]

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

KVM Status

The KVM Status command allows you to display read-only information about the CS18208 / CS18216’ current configuration status. The default setting is off.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

status KVM Status Command

Control Description

on Enable KVM status

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

KVM Status Command

The available formula for the KVM Status command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to display the CS18208 / CS18216’s configuration status, type the following:

status on [Enter]

A message similar to the one below will then appear:

hotkey: [numlock]+[-] / [scrolllock],[scrolllock]

os setting: pc

keyboard emulation: enabled/disabled

keyboard layout: English

mouse emulation: enabled/disabled

monitor re-detection: enabled/disabled

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

EDID Mode

The EDID Mode command allows you to set EDID mode for the CS18208 / CS18216.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

edid Set EDID Mode Command

Control Description

port1 Set to display (HDMI monitor) EDID

default Set to ATEN default EDID

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

EDID Mode Command

The available formula for the KVM Status command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to set the CS18208 / CS18216’s EDID mode to ATEN default EDID, type the following:

edid default [Enter]

Chapter 7. RS-232 Operation

Broadcast Mode

The Broadcast Mode command allows you to set enable/disable broadcast mode for the CS18208 / CS18216. The default setting is off.

Use the Formula - to set Parameters - to create a Command.

Formulas:

Command + Control + [Enter]

Parameters:

Command Description

broadcast Set Broadcast Mode Command

Control Description

on Enable broadcast mode for CS18208 /

off Disable broadcast mode for CS18208 /

Enter Description

Enter Enter and send out command

CS18216

Broadcast Mode Command

The available formula for the KVM Status command is as follows:

1. Command + Control + [Enter]

For example, to enable the CS18208 / CS18216’s broadcast mode, type the following:

broadcast on [Enter]

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

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Chapter 8

The Firmware Management Utility

Introduction

The purpose of the Windows-based Firmware Management Utility is to provide an automated process for upgrading all CS18208 / CS18216 switches in an installation. The program comes as part of a Firmware Upgrade Package that is specific for each device.

As new firmware versions become available, new firmware upgrade packages are posted on our website. Check the website regularly to find the latest information and packages.

Downloading the Firmware Upgrade Package

To download the firmware upgrade package:

1. From a computer that is not part of your KVM installation go to our

website and choose the model name that relates to your device. A list of available firmware upgrade packages appears.

2. Choose the firmware upgrade package that you wish to install (usually the

most recent) and download it to your computer.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

Firmware Upgrade Cable

Preparation

To prepare for the firmware upgrade, do the following:

1. Use the Firmware Upgrade Cable provided with this unit to connect a COM port on your computer to the Firmware Upgrade Port of your switch.

2. Shut down all the computers on the KVM installation.

3. From your KVM switch console, login to the OSD as the administrator (see p. 31) and select the F4 Admin function.

4. Scroll down to Firmware Upgrades. Press [Enter], then press [Y] to invoke Firmware Upgrade mode (see p. 42).

Invoke the Firmware Upgrade mode using RS-232 command (see p. 74).

8. The Firmware Management Utility

Starting the Upgrade

To upgrade the firmware:

1. Run the downloaded firmware upgrade package file either by double-

clicking the file icon, or by opening a command line and entering the full path to it.

The Firmware Upgrade Utility welcome screen appears:

Note: The screens shown in this section are for reference only. The

wording and layout of the actual screens put up by the Firmware Upgrade Utility may vary slightly from these examples.

2. Read and Agree to the License Agreement (enable the I Agree radio button).

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN]..

3. Click Next to continue. The Firmware Upgrade Utility main screen appears. The devices capable of being upgraded are listed in the Device List panel:

CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN]..

4. As you select a device in the list, its description appears in the Device Description panel.

5. Click Next to perform the upgrade.

If you enabled Check Firmware Version, the Utility compares the device's firmware level with that of the upgrade files. If it finds that the device's version is higher than the upgrade version, it brings up a dialog box

8. The Firmware Management Utility

The firmware [Ver 1.0.] is not newer than the current firmware [Ver 1.0.090] in device CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN]: 000

Continue the upgrade? [Yes/No]

informing you of the situation and gives you the option to continue or cancel.

If you didn't enable Check Firmware Version, the Utility installs the upgrade files without checking whether they are a higher level, or not.

As the upgrade proceeds, status messages appear in the Status Messages panel, and the progress toward completion is shown on the Progress bar.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN]..

CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN] CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN]000:OK

CS18208/CS18216 [MAIN] :000

Upgrade Succeeded

After the upgrade has completed, a screen appears to inform you that the procedure was successful.

Click Finish to close the Firmware Upgrade Utility.

After a successful completion, the switches exit Firmware Upgrade Mode, and reset themselves.

Upgrade Failed

If the Upgrade Succeeded screen doesn't appear, it means that the upgrade failed to complete successfully. See the next section, Firmware Upgrade Recovery, for how to proceed.

8. The Firmware Management Utility

Firmware Upgrade Recovery

There are three conditions that call for firmware upgrade recovery:

 When a firmware upgrade is manually aborted.  When the mainboard firmware upgrade fails.  When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.

To perform a firmware upgrade recovery, do the following:

1. Power off the switch.

2. Connect the Firmware Upgrade Cable to its Firmware Upgrade Port.

3. Slide the Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch to the Recover position.

4. Power the switch back on and repeat the upgrade procedure.

5. After the switch has been successfully upgraded, power it off, and slide the

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch back to the Normal position.

6. If the switch is one of the cascaded switches, plug it back into the

installation.

7. Power the switch back on.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

OSD Configuration Backup/Restore

The Firmware Management Utility lets you backup the current OSD configuration of the CS18208 / CS18216, and restore it when necessary. Storing the OSD configuration settings is useful when deploying more than one installation that uses the same settings.

Backup

Follow these steps to store a backup file to a local computer:

1. Make sure your computer is connected to the CS18208 / CS18216. See Preparation, page 80, and follow steps 1–3.

2. When you have selected the F4 Admin function, scroll down to OSD Config Backup / Restore. Press [Enter], then select Enable to invoke OSD Config Backup / Restore mode.

3. Run the Firmware Management Utility. In the dialog box, choose OSD Configuration Backup/Restore, then click Next.

4. In the window that appears, click Connect Device.

5. In the Password field, key in a password for the file.

Note: Setting a password is optional. If you do not set one, the file can be

restored without specifying a password.

6. Click Backup.

7. When the browser asks what you want to do with the file, select Save to disk, then save it in a convenient location.

8. The Firmware Management Utility

Restore

Follow these steps to restore a backup file from a local computer:

1. Do steps 1 to 3 of the previous section. See Backup, page 86.

2. Click Restore to recover an OSD configuration stored in the local

computer. If you have previously set a password for this feature, enter the password in the provided field before clicking Restore. A confirmation window appears; click Ye s to proceed.

3. Browse for the OSD configuration file you want to use and click Restore.

Make sure the backup file is in the local computer.

4. A confirmation window appears when the restore process is done and

successful. Click OK to close it.

CS18208 / CS18216 User Manual

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ATEN CS18208, CS18216 User guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Compliance Statements

User Information

Online Registration

Telephone Support

User Notice

Product Information

Package Contents

Contents

About this Manual

Conventions

Overview

Features

Requirements

Console

Computers

Cables

Operating Systems

Components

Front View CS18208

Front View CS18216

Rear View CS18208

Rear View CS18216

Overview

Installation Types

Before You Begin

Stacking and Rack Mounting

Stacking

Rack Mounting – Front

Rack Mounting – Rear

Single Stage Installation

Single Stage Installation Diagram

Two Stage Cascade

Two Stage Installation Diagram

Three Stage Cascade

Three Stage Installation Diagram

Multi-display Installation

Cable Connections for Multi-display Installation

Multi-display Installation Diagram

Grouping Ports into “Vertical” Channels

Channels Diagram

Hot Plugging

Hot Plugging KVM Ports

Hot Plugging Console Ports

Port Selection

Manual Port Switching

Port ID Numbering

Powering Off and Restarting

OSD Overview

Manufacturing Number

OSD Login

OSD Hotkey

OSD Main Screen

OSD Main Screen Headings

OSD Navigation

OSD Functions

F1: Go To

F2: List

F3: Set

F4: Admin

F5: SKP

F6: BRC

F7: SCAN

F8: Logout

Overview

Providing KVM Focus via Hotkeys

Supported Hotkeys

Hotkey Setting Mode

Invoking HSM

Selecting the Active Port

Auto Scan Mode

Invoking Auto Scan:

Skip Mode

Keyboard / Mouse Reset

Hotkey Beeper Control

HSM Hotkey Control

OSD Hotkey Control