ATEN CS-82A, CS-84A User Manual

CS-82A / CS-84A

USER MANUAL

PS/2 KVM Switch

FCC Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna;
 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver;
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from

that which the receiver is connected;

 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician

for help.

RoHS

This product is RoHS compliant.

SJ/T 11364-2006

The following contains information that relates to China.

CS-82A / CS-84A User
Manual

Online Registration

You can register your product at our online support center:

International http://support.aten.com

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

Online Support

International

Email Support [e-mail]

Online
Support

Telephone Support 886-2-8692-6959

North America

Email Support ATEN TECH [e-mail]

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Technical Support http://support.aten.com

Troubleshooting
Documentation
Software Updates

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Support

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Documentation
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ATEN NJ 1-732-356-1703

http://www.aten.com

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Packa ge C ontents

The CS-82A / CS-84A KVM Switch package contains the
following items:

 1 CS-82A or CS-84A KVM Switch
 2 Custom KVM Cable Sets (CS-82AC package only)
 4 Custom KVM Cable Sets (CS-84AC package only)
 1 User Manual*

Check to make sure that all the components are present and that
nothing got damaged in shipping. If you encounter a problem,
contact your dealer.

Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and
operation procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit,
and/or any of the devices connected to it.

* Features may have been added to the CS-82A / CS-84A since

this manual was printed. Please visit our website to download
the most up-to-date version of the manual.

Copyright © 2008–2009 ATEN® International Co., Ltd.

Manual Part No. PAPE-1217-4ATG

ATEN and the ATEN logo are trademarks of ATEN International Co., Ltd. All rights

reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Printing Date: 2009-03-26

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Overview

The CS-82A / CS-84A 2/4-Port PS/2 KVM (Keyboard, Video,
Mouse) Switch is a control unit that allows access to two/four
computers from a single PS/2 console (keyboard, monitor and
mouse). Before the development of the Master View, the only
way to control multiple computer configurations from a single
console was through a complex and costly network system. Now,
with the CS-82A / CS-84A, you can easily access two/four
computers in a cost effective manner.

Setup is fast and easy; plugging cables into their appropriate
ports is all that is entailed. There is no software to configure; there
are no installation routines, and no incompatibility problems.
Since the CS-82A / CS-84A intercepts keyboard input directly, it
works on any hardware platform and with all operating systems.*

The CS-82A / CS-84A provides two convenient methods to
access the computers connected to the system: 1) Port selection
pushbuttons located on the unit's front panel; and 2) Hotkey
combinations entered from the keyboard.

There is no better way to save time and money than with a CS­82A / CS-84A installation. Since a single console manages all of
the computers, the CS-82A / CS-84A setup: 1) eliminates the
expense of having to purchase a separate keyboard, monitor,
and mouse for each computer; 2) saves all the space those extra
components would take up; 3) saves on energy costs; and 4)
eliminates the inconvenience and wasted effort involved in
constantly moving around from one computer to another.

Note: Mac and Sun systems may require an additional adapter.

Please see www.aten.com or contact your dealer for
details.

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Features

 One PS/2 console controls two (CS-82A) or four (CS-84A)

computers

 Easy to install – no software required – connecting cables is

all it takes

 Computer selection via front panel pushbuttons and hotkeys
 Multiplatform support – Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Linux,

FreeBSD, Mac*, and Sun*.

 Superior video quality – up to 1920 x 1440; DDC2B
 Compact, sturdy, durable metal housing
 Keyboard and mouse emulation for error-free booting
 Supports Microsoft Intellimouse and the scrolling wheel on

most mice

 Auto Scan function to monitor computer operation
 Non-powered*

Note: 1. Mac and Sun systems may require an additional

adapter. Please see www.aten.com or contact your
dealer for details.

2. The CS-82A / CS-84A can get its power from the
computer. Therefore, use of a power adapter is optional
and requires a separate purchase. A power adapter is
only required if your installation exceeds 10 m.

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System Requirements

Console

 A VGA, SVGA, or multisync monitor capable of the highest

resolution you will be using on any computer on the
installation.

 A PS/2 keyboard
 A PS/2 mouse

Computers

The following equipment must be installed on each computer that
is to be connected to the system:

 A VGA, SVGA, or multisync port
 A PS/2 keyboard port
 A PS/2 mouse port

Cables

Two or four custom KVM cable sets are provided with the CS­82AC or CS-84AC packages only, as follows:

 CS82AC includes 2 x 1.2 m cables
 CS84AC includes 2 x 1.2 m and 2 x 1.8 m cables.

If you have purchased the CS-82A or CS-84A package, note that
only custom KVM cable sets specifically designed to work with
this switch may be used. KVM cable sets are available in 1.2, 1.8,
3, 5, 10, and 20 meter lengths.

Please please www.aten.com or contact your dealer for further
details.

Optional Accessories

 USB-to-PS/2 Converter – to connect to computers that do not

have PS/2 ports.

 Sun Console Converter – to connect to Sun systems
 Power Adapter (DC9V, 300mA) – required if your installation

exceeds 10 m.

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Components

Front View

1 & 2

No. Component Description

1 Port Selection

Pushbuttons

2 Port LEDs The Port LEDs are built into the Port Selection

3Console

Keyboard and
Mouse ports

Press a pushbutton to access the computer attached
to the corresponding port.

Pushbuttons. The upper ones are the On Line LEDs;
the lower ones are the Selected LEDs:

On Line

Lights ORANGE to indicate that the computer
attached to the corresponding port is up and running.

Selected

Lights GREEN to indicate that the computer attached
to its corresponding port is the one that has the KVM
focus.

Note: Depending on the port’s status, the LED may
flash according to a specific pattern. See the table
under Troubleshooting, page 19.

The cables from your PS/2 keyboard and PS/2
mouse plug in here. Each port is color-coded and
identified with an appropriate icon.

3

Note: The component diagrams show the 4-port CS-84A. The

CS-82A has two ports.

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Rear View

1

2

No. Component Description

1 Console Video

Connector

2 KVM Port

Section

Note: Since the KVM cables come with PS/2 connectors,

certain hardware configurations (such as notebooks)
that don’t have two PS/2 ports may require the use of a
USB-to-PS/2 converter. Please see www.aten.com or
contact your dealer for details.

The cable from your monitor plugs in here.

The KVM cables that connect to the computer’s
monitor, keyboard, and mouse ports plug in here.
Each port is color-coded and identified by an
appropriate icon.*

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Installation

1. Make sure that the power to any device that you
connect to the installation has been turned off. You
must unplug the power cords of any computers that
have the Keyboard Power On function.

2. Make sure that all devices you will be installing are
properly grounded.

To set up your CS-82A / CS-84A installation, refer to the
installation diagram on the next page (the numbers in the
diagram corresponds to the steps, below), and do the following:

1. Plug your PS/2 keyboard, and PS/2 mouse into the Console
ports located on the unit’s front panel.

2. Plug your monitor into the Console port located on the unit’s
back panel.

3. Using the Custom KVM cable sets provided, plug the monitor,
keyboard, and mouse connectors into the KVM Port sections
of the CS-82A / CS-84A.

4. At the other end of the cable, plug the corresponding monitor,
keyboard, and mouse connectors into their respective ports
on the computers you are connecting.

Note: Verify that all plugs are in the same KVM Port sockets (all

in Port 1, a ll in Po r t 2, etc . ). Each s ocket i s marke d wi th an
appropriate icon.

5. If you choose to use external power (which is optional if your
installation does not exceed 10 m), plug the power adapter
into an AC power source, then plug the power adapter cable
into the CS-82A / CS-84A’s power jack.

6. Turn on the power to the computers.

Note: The CS-82A / CS-84A’s Power On default is to link to the

first computer you turn on.

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1

5

3

4

2

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Operation

Controlling all of the computers in your CS-82A / CS-84A
installation from a single PS/2 console could not be easier. Two
port selection methods that provide instant access are available:

 Manual Port Selection
 Hotkey Port Selection

Manual Port Selection

With Manual Port Selection you simply press the Port Selection
Pushbutton that corresponds to the computer you want to
access. The Selected LED lights to indicate which port is active.

Hotkey Port Selection.

Hotkey Port Selection allows you to select the active computer
directly from the keyboard.

Note: Hotkey operation is different for the CS-82A and the

CS-84A. See the following sections for details.

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CS-82A Hotkey Operation

The CS-82A provides the following Hotkey Port Selection
features:

 Selecting the active port
 Auto Scan Mode

Selecting the Active Port

The default method to toggle the KVM focus between the two
ports from the keyboard is to tap the left or right Ctrl key twice:

[Ctrl] [Ctrl]

Note: The combination must be on the same side (both left or

both right).

If the Ctrl key combination conflicts with programs running on
your computer, you can switch the hotkey to the Scroll Lock key
by pressing and holding both the CS-82A’s Port Selection
Pushbuttons for three seconds. After this, tap the Scroll Lock key
twice to toggle the KVM focus.

[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock]

Note: To switch back to the default hotkey, press and hold

both the Port Selection Pushbuttons for three seconds
again.

Auto Scan Mode

The CS-82A’s Auto Scan feature automatically cycles the KVM
focus through the two/four computers at regular five second
intervals so that you can monitor their activity without switching
from port to port manually. To invoke Auto Scan Mode, do the
following:

1. Press and release [Left Shift].

2. Press and release [Right Shift].

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Setting the CS-82A’s Scan Interval

The default amount of time that the CS-82A dwells on each port
is five seconds. You can change the scan interval at any time
while Auto Scan is in effect by keying in a number from 1 to 4 that
corresponds to the following scan intervals:

Number Scan Interval

1 3 seconds

2 5 seconds (default)

3 10 seconds

4 20 seconds

Once scanning begins, it continues until you press the
[Spacebar] to exit Auto Scan Mode. The port that has the KVM
focus at the time scanning stops remains active.

Note: While Auto Scan Mode is in effect, the console will not

function normally. You must exit Auto Scan Mode by
pressing the [Spacebar] in order to regain control of the
console.

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CS-84A Hotkey Operation

Hotkey operations for the CS-84A begin by pressing and
releasing the [Alt+Ctrl+Shift] combination.

Note: The combination must all be on the same side (i.e.,

[LeftAlt+LeftCtrl+LeftShift] or
[RightAlt+RightCtrl+RightShift]).

The CS-84A provides the following Hotkey Port Selection
features:

 Selecting the active port
 Auto Scan Mode
 Last/Next Mode

Selecting the Active Port

Each KVM port is assigned a numeric ID (1–4). You can directly
access any computer on the installation with a Hotkey
combination that specifies the ID of the KVM port that the
computer is connected to. The steps involved are:

1. Press and release [Alt+Ctrl+Shift].

2. Key in the appropriate Port ID number (1, 2, 3, or 4).

3. Press [Enter] to complete your selection.

Auto Scan Mode

The CS-84A’s Auto Scan feature automatically cycles the KVM
focus through the four computers at regular five second intervals
so that you can monitor their activity without switching from port
to port manually. To invoke Auto Scan Mode, do the following:

1. Press and release [Alt+Ctrl+Shift].

2. Press 0 (zero).

3. Press [Enter].

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Once scanning begins, it continues until you press the
[Spacebar] to exit Auto Scan Mode. The port that was currently
active at the time scanning stopped remains active.

Note: While Auto Scan Mode is in effect, the console will not

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

Last/Next Mode

This feature allows you to switch between computers in order to
monitor then manually. You can dwell on a particular port for as
long as you like – as opposed to Auto Scan Mode, which switches
after a fixed interval. To invoke Last/Next Mode, do the following:

1. Press and release [Alt+Ctrl+Shift].

2. Press and release 9.

3. Press [Enter].

Once Last/Next Mode is active, pressing the left Shift Key
[LShift] switches to the previous computer (from the currently
active one); pressing [RShift] switches to the next computer in the
installation.

Note: 1. There is another, shorter Hotkey combination to invoke

Last/Next Mode switching: Simply press the Left Ctrl
key twice in succession ([LCtrl] + [LCtrl]) to switch to
the previous computer; or press the Right Ctrl key twice
([RCtrl] + [RCtrl]) to switch to the next computer. This
method is available all the time – it does not have to be
invoked with [Alt+Ctrl+Shift].

2. While Last/Next Mode is in effect, none of the other
keyboard keys will function. You must exit Last/Next
Mode be pressing the [Spacebar] in order to use the
console for anything else.

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Hotkey Summary Table

Combination Action

CS-82A [LCtrl] [LCtrl] or [RCtrl]

CS-84A [Alt+Ctrl+Shift] [Port ID]

[RCtrl]

[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] Toggles access between the two

[LShift] [RShift] Starts Auto Scan Mode. Key in a

[Spacebar] Exits Auto Scan Mode.

[Enter]

[Alt+Ctrl+Shift] [0] [Enter] Starts Auto Scan Mode

[Alt+Ctrl+Shift] [9] [Enter] Invokes Last/Next Mode

[LCtrl] + [LCtrl] Brings the focus to the previous

[RCtrl] + [RCtrl] Brings the focus to the next computer.

Toggles access between the two
computers (default).

computers (alternate).

number from 1 to 4 to set the scan
interval.

Brings the KVM focus to the computer
attached to the port corresponding to
the specified Port ID.

computer.

Selected LED Display

Activity Meaning

Off Port is not selected.

On (Steady) Port is connected to an active computer.

Flashing (On and Off
equal)

Flashing (On long; Off
short)

Port is connected to an active computer and is being
accessed in Auto Scan Mode.

Port is connected to an active computer and is being
accessed in Last/Next Mode.

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Specifications

Function CS-82A CS-84A

Computer Connections 2 4

Port Selection Pushbuttons, Hotkeys

Console
Connectors

Computer
Connectors

Switches 2 x Pushbutton 4 x Pushbutton

LEDs On Line 2 (Orange) 4 (Orange)

Emulation Keyboard / Mouse PS/2

Video 1920 x 1440; DDC2B

Scan Interval 3, 5, 10, 20 seconds 5 seconds

Power Consumption DC9V, 1.08W DC9V, 1.17W

Environment Operating

Physical
Properties

Keyboard 1 x 6-pin Mini-DIN Female (Purple)

Video 1 x HDB-15 Female

Mouse 1 x 6-pin Mini-DIN Female (Green)

Keyboard 2 x 6-pin Mini-DIN

Video 2 x HDB-15 Male 4 x HDB-15 Male

Mouse 2 x 6-pin Mini-DIN

Selected 2 (Green) 4 (Green)

Temperature

Storage Temperature -20–60ºC

Humidity 0–80% RH, Non-condensing

Housing Metal

Weight 0.42 kg 0.64 kg

Dimensions
(L x W X H)

Female (Purple)

Female (Green)

14.00 x 8.70 x 5.50 cm 21.00 x 8.70 x 5.50 cm

4 x 6-pin Mini-DIN

Female (Purple)

4 x 6-pin Mini-DIN

Female (Green)

0–50ºC

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Action

Keyboard
not
responding

Pressing
Hotkeys
Gets No
Response.

Mouse
Problem

Video
Problems

Loose cables Check all keyboard cable connections to make sure

Keyboard needs
to be reset

Switch needs to
be reset

Switch is in Auto
Scan Mode or
Last/Next Mode

Selected port
connects to a
powered Off
computer.

Master View is in
Auto Scan or
Last/Next Mode.

Loose cables. Check all mouse cable connections to make sure

Use of Mouse
Port Adapters

Master View
needs to be
reset.

Incorrect Mouse
Driver.

Resolution and/or
Bandwidth set
too high.

Cable quality not
good enough.

they are completely seated in their sockets.

Unplug the keyboard from the Console Keyboard
Port, then plug it back in.

Turn off the computers. Unplug the KVM cables from
the unit. Wait five seconds; then plug the cables
back in and turn the computers on.

Press the [Spacebar] to exit Auto Scan or Last/Next
Mode.

Manually change to a connected port by pressing an
appropriate Port Selection switch.

Resend the Hotkey command selecting a port that
has a powered On computer attached.

Press the [Spacebar] to exit Auto Scan or Last/Next
Mode.

they are completely seated in their sockets.

This unit is designed to only work with PS/2 mice
and computers with PS/2 type mouse ports. PS/2
mouse signals and serial mouse signals are different
– adapters will not convert the signals – therefore,
the computer must be equipped with a PS/2 type
mouse port. Serial mouse ports with adapters
cannot be used.

Turn off the computers. Unplug the KVM cables from
the switch. Wait five seconds; then plug the cables
back in and turn the computers on.

Check your Device Manager to be sure that the
correct driver for your mouse (obtained from the
manufacturer, or supplied by the operating system),
has been installed. The CS-84A only supports all the
extra features of the Microsoft Intellimouse and the
scroll wheel function of most other mice.

This unit supports VGA, SVGA, Multisync, and XGA
(interlaced), with resolutions of up to 1920x1440.
The maximum bandwidth is 150 MHz.

Using high quality cables should eliminate possible
video problems.

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Limited Warranty

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE
PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM THE DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE
OF THE PRODUCT, DISK OR ITS DOCUMENTATION.

The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or
statutory with respect to the contents or use of this documentation, and specially
disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular
purpose.

The direct vendor also reserves the right to revise or update the device or
documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity of such revisions,
or update. For further inquires please contact your direct vendor.

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