Avocent 416 User Manual

®

AutoView 416/424

Installer/User Guide

INSTRUCTIONS

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

POWER ON

This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.

POWER OFF

This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.

PROTECTIVE GROUNDING TERMINAL

This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground
prior to making any other connections to the equipment.

®

AutoView 424

Installer/User Guide

Avocent, the Avocent logo and The Power of Being There are
trademarks of Avocent Corporation. AutoView and LongView are
registered trademarks of Cybex Computer Products Corporation.
All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

© 2002 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.

USA Notification

Canadian Notification

Japanese Notification

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: 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 generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, 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.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement
sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

Agency Approvals

UL 1950, CSA C22. 2 No. 950, EN60950, IEC 60950
FCC part 15A, EN55022, EN55024

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Product Overview

Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2: Installation

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rack Mounting your AutoView Unit . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installing an AutoView Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Attaching Multiple AutoView 424 Units . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 3: Basic Operations

Operating the AutoView 424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Activating OSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Setting Up the On-Screen Display (OSD) . . . . . . 21

Setting User Station Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Scanning your AutoView System . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Resetting your Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Displaying Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Keyboard Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Chapter 4: Advanced Operations

Multiuser Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Keyboard Translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Appendices

Appendix A: FLASH Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Appendix B: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 44

Appendix C: Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Appendix D: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

1

Product Overview

Contents

Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3

Chapter 1: Product Overview

Features and Benefits

The AutoView 424 KVM switch allows you to control up to 256 PC, Sun
or USB computers with one keyboard, monitor and mouse. It supports
Sun workstations, USB computers, IBM PC/AT and PS/2 systems and 100%
compatible machines with support for VGA, SVGA, XGA and XGA-II video.
Sun and PS/2 keyboard and mouse peripherals connect through the rear of
the unit.

Multiplatform

The AutoView 424 adds multiplatform capabilities to your switching system
by simultaneously supporting any combination of PS/2, Sun or USB computers
in the same system. Switch easily across platforms with the AutoView 424
on-screen menu system.

Multiuser/extended access capability

The AutoView 424 supports two simultaneous users in the system. This second
user may be placed up to 500 feet away from the AutoView 424 system.
Built-in extension lets you place your second keyboard, monitor and mouse
wherever you need them most. Within the base unit, AutoView 424 performs as
a complete 2 x 24 matrix switch with both users independently accessing any
of the 24 attached computers at the same time.

On-Screen Display capability

Configure and control your AutoView 424 switch with the On-Screen Display
(OSD). Name your computer channels anything you wish, then select the
desired computer from an easy-to-use menu. Secondary menus let you
configure and initiate channel scanning and other system features.

Advanced security for total control over system access

Use the advanced multilevel security feature to configure and control server
access for every type of user in the system. The administrator has full
access privileges, while individual users can have viewing or viewing/editing
capability for each attached server.

FLASH upgrade capability

The AutoView 424 switch is FLASH upgradable. This allows you to update
your firmware at any time through a simple serial connection to insure that
your AutoView 424 is always running the most current version available.

4 AutoView 424 Installer/User Guide

Mouse support

The AutoView 424 offers support for numerous PS/2 mice including: IBM
ScrollPoint, Logitech MouseMan Wheel, Logitech Trackman Marble Wheel,
Logitech Trackman Marble FX, Kensington 4 Button Mouse, Microsoft Explorer
Mouse and the Microsoft IntelliMouse family.

Plug and Play

The AutoView 424 supports Plug and Play video and is compliant with the
VESA DDC2B standard.

Mouse translation

For added compatibility with your current equipment, AutoView 424 features
mouse translation capability. Operated through the AutoView 424, your mouse
will work with any attached computer - regardless of whether the computer is
Sun, USB or PS/2 mouse compatible.

Expansion for up to 64 computers

An AutoView 424 unit will support from one to 24 attached computers, or
channels, depending on the model. If more than 24 channels are needed,
multiple units can be cascaded together for expansion. An extra tier of units can
be connected for a total of 256 attached computers in one system.

Keep Alive feature

The AutoView 424 Keep Alive feature allows attached servers to power the unit
in the event of an AutoView 424 power failure. This prevents attached computers
from locking up and keeps you from losing valuable time and data.

OSD Configuration Utility

The OSD Configuration Utility allows the administrator to easily configure and
download a channel list with defined users and access privileges to the entire system.
This utility will also read and save your current configuration for extra security.

AutoBoot technology

The AutoBoot feature boots all attached servers during initial power up or
after a power failure. Computers are booted transparently without operator
intervention, and may be powered up one at a time or all at once. When the
power stabilizes, a channel may be selected.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 5

Built-in scanning capability

A built-in scanning feature allows you to automatically monitor, or scan,
connected computers without intervention. When keyboard activity is detected,
scanning is suspended until all activity stops. Scanning then resumes with the
next channel in sequence.

Keyboard switching

In addition to using the on-screen menus, you can also switch computer
channels with a simple keyboard sequence.

16-port version

The AutoView 424 is also available in a 16-port version known as the AutoView

416. Aside from the number of ports, all information in this manual that applies
to the AutoView 424 is also applicable to the AutoView 416.

A typical AutoView 424 configuration is shown below.

AutoView 424

CAT5 Connection

KVM-Connection to Servers

KVM-Connection to Switch

Figure 1.1: AutoView 424 Configuration

LongView

Analog User

Extended
Access User

6 AutoView 424 Installer/User Guide

Compatibility

XGA/XGA-II support

If you wish to use XGA or XGA-II video, you will need to purchase an adaptor
available through Avocent.

Safety Precautions

To avoid potential video and/or keyboard problems when using Avocent products:

• If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor
are on the same phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.

• Use only Avocent-supplied cable to connect computers and KVM switches.
Avocent warranties do not apply to damage resulting from user-supplied cable.

To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to equipment,
please observe the following precautions:

• Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any Avocent product confi guration.

• Test AC outlets at the computer and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.

• Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When

using a backup power supply (UPS), power the computer, the monitor and
the AutoView 424 unit off the supply.

NOTE: The AC inlet is the main disconnect.

Rack mount safety considerations

• Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the
operation temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room
ambient. Use care not to exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature
of the unit.

• Reduced Air Flow: Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such
that the amount of airfl ow required for safe operation of the equipment is
not compromised.

• Mechanical Loading: Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such
that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.

• Circuit Overloading: Consideration should be given to the connection of
the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of
circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consider
equipment nameplate ratings for maximum current.

• Reliable Earthing: Reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment should
be maintained. Pay particular attention to supply connections other
than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of
power strips).

2

Installation

Contents

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rack Mounting your AutoView Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installing an AutoView Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Attaching Multiple AutoView 424 Units . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 2: Installation 9

Chapter 2: Installation

Getting Started

Before installing your AutoView 424 system, refer to the lists below to ensure
that you have all the items that shipped with the AutoView 424 as well as all
other items necessary for proper installation.

Supplied with the AutoView 424

Your AutoView 424 switch package contains the following items:

• AutoView 424 unit

• Local country power cord

• AutoView 424 Installer/User Guide

• AutoView 424 Quick Installation Guide

• Download Instructions

Optional items

• 19 inch Switch Mounting Bracket kit (available from Avocent)

• Serial cable, DB9 female

• Adaptors (available from Avocent)

Rack Mounting your AutoView Unit

You can either place your AutoView appliance on your desktop or rack mount
your unit into an EIA standard rack.

Obtain a Rack Mounting Bracket Kit (1U) from Avocent to rack mount your
AutoView. Before installing the switch and other components in the rack,
stabilize the rack in a permanent location. Start rack mounting your equipment
at the bottom of the rack, then work to the top.

CAUTION: Rack Loading - Overloading or uneven loading of racks may result in shelf or
rack failure, causing damage to equipment and possible personal injury. Stabilize racks in a
permanent location before loading begins. Mount components beginning at the bottom of the
rack, then work to the top. Do not exceed your rack load rating.

CAUTION: Power Considerations - Connect only to the power source specifi ed on the
unit. When multiple electrical components are installed in a rack, assure the total component
power ratings do not exceed circuit capabilities. Overloaded power sources and extension
cords present fi re and shock hazards.

10 AutoView 424 Installer/User Guide

To install the rack mounting bracket:

1. Remove the side screws that secure the cover on your AutoView unit.

2. Line up the holes in the side brackets with the screw holes in the sides

of the AutoView unit.

3. Using the previously removed screws, thread one through each of the

holes in the sides of the rack mount brackets and into the AutoView cover.
Tighten them securely.

4. Install a snap on nut (provided) onto one end of the cable support rod.

Insert the rod through both brackets as shown above. Install the remaining
acorn nut on the other end of the support rod.

5. Tie wraps can be used to secure cables to the support rod.

Figure 2.1: Rack Mounting Diagram

Chapter 2: Installation 11

Installing an AutoView Switch

Installing your AutoView 424

The diagram below illustrates one possible configuration for your AutoView
424 switch. Follow the step-by-step procedure To install an AutoView 424
switch to properly install your new switch.

Extended Access User
(Via LongView)

POWER

KVM

EXTENDER

TM

Local User

AutoView 424

DB9 Serial Port
for Updating
Firmware

Server 1

Servers 2-18

Figure 2.2: AutoView 424 Installation Example

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment -

- Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.

- Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times.

- Disconnect the power from the unit by unplugging the power cord from either the electrical
outlet or the unit.