IOGear GCE250 User Manual

Installation

Installation Guide

Installation

PS/2 Console Extender

GCE250

1

PKG NO. M0519

Overview

The GCE250 KVM Extender allows access to a computer system from a remote console (keyboard,
monitor, and mouse). It is perfect for factory and construction sites, or any type of installation where the
console needs to be in a conveniently accessible location, but you want the system equipment to reside
in a safe place - away from dust, dirt, and harsh environmental infl uences.

The GCE250 is also useful for control and security purposes, since you can store the system unit in a
secure area at the same time that you put the console in a location that offers convenient access.

The GCE250 KVM Extender provides the ideal means to access the remote system box, since it
improves on previous designs by using compact, inexpensive Cat 5 cable – the kind commonly used in
Ethernet networks – instead of bulkier, more expensive, standard cables. Cat 5 makes for a much neater,
more convenient, more reliable data transfer connection.

A key feature of the GCE250 is built-in 8KV ESD protection and 2KV surge protection. It also features a
custom ASIC that ensures the utmost in reliability and compatibility. It senses the distance to the system
and automatically adjusts the gain to compensate.

Setup is as easy as can be – simply connect the computer system box and local console to the Local
GCE250 module, run the Cat 5 cable to the Remote GCE250 module (up to 490 ft away); and plug the
remote console into the Remote Module.

Note: You can control numerous remote systems from a single console by combining the GCE250 with a
KVM switch.

3

Table of Contents

Overview 3

Features 6

System Requirements 7

Operating Systems 9

OS Languages 10

Safety Instructions 11

GCE250L (Local Unit) Front View 16

GCE250R (Remote Unit) Front View 17

GCE250L / CE250R Rear View 18

Grounding 19

Connecting 23

Operating Modes 26

Mode Selection 27

LED Display 28

Rack mount 30

Specifi cations 32

Trcubleshooting 34

Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) Statement

CE Statement 37

Technical Support 38

Limited Warranty 39

Contact 40

4

35

Package Contents

This package contains:

• 1 GCE250L KVM Extender (Local Unit)

• 1 GCE250 R KVM Extender (Remote Unit)

• 1 Custom KVM Cable (6 ft)

• 1 Power Adapter

• 1 Rack Mount Kit

• 2 Grounding Wires (4 ft)

• 1 Quick Start Guide

• 1 Grounding Information Card

Check to make sure that all the components are present and that nothing was 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.

5

Features

• Cat 5 (or higher) cable to connect the Local and Remote Units – up to 490 feet apart

• Dual console operation - control your system from either the local or remote consoles

• Pushbutton selection to lock / release a console

• High resolution video – up to 1280 x 1024 @ 60 Hz

• Supports VGA, SVGA, and Multi-sync monitors – local monitor supports DDC; DDC2; DDC2B

• Supports the scroll wheel on most mice.

• Automatic gain control – automatically adjusts signal strength to compensate for distance

• Built-in 8KV ESD protection and 2KV surge protection

• Local unit takes its power from the computer – external power is optional not required

• Rack mountable (Kit included)

6

System Requirements

Consoles (one per unit)

• A VGA, SVGA, or Multi-sync monitor capable of the highest resolution that you will be using on any computer
in the installation

• A PS/2 style keyboard

• A PS/2 style mouse

Note:

1. If you connect a DDC type monitor to the Local Unit, the monitor that connects to the Remote Unit must be
able to support the highest video resolution that the DDC monitor can provide.

2. You must use the same brand and model of mouse on both the local and remote units.

Computers or KVM

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

• A VGA, SVGA, or Multi-sync card ( Computers only)

• A PS/2 mouse port

• A PS/2 Keyboard port

7

Cables

For optimum signal integrity we strongly recommend that you use the high-quality Custom KVM cable provided
with this package. The shape and function of the KVM connectors on the switch and the cable have been
modifi ed so that only KVM cables designed to work with this extender can be used. Cat 5 cable is the minimum
required to connect the local and remote GCE250 units.

8

Operating Systems

Supported operating systems are shown in the table, below:

OS Version

Windows 2000 and higher

RedHat 7.1 and higher

Linux

UNIX

Novell Novell 6.0 and higher

OS/2 Warp and higher

SuSE 9.0 and higher

Mandriva (Mandrake) 9.0 and higher

AIX 4.3, 5L (5.2, 5.3)

FreeBSD 4.2, 4.5

9

Keyboard Languages

OS Languages

• English – American – UK

• French

• German

• Japanese

10

Safety Instructions

General

Read all of these instructions. Save them for future reference.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the device.

• Do not place the device on any unstable surface (cart, stand, table, etc.). If the device falls, serious
damage will result and your warranty may be voided.

• Do not use the device near water.

• Do not place the device near, or over, radiators or heat registers.

• The device should never be placed in a built in enclosure unless adequate ventilation has been provided.

• Never spill liquid of any kind on the device.

• Unplug the device from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.

• The device should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

11

• The device may be equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not attempt to defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug. Always follow your local/national wiring
codes.

• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord or cables. Route the power cord and cables so that
they cannot be stepped on or tripped over.

• If an extension cord is used with this device make sure that the total of the ampere ratings of all prod­ucts used on this cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Make sure that the total of
all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

• To help protect your system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a
surge suppressor, line conditioner, or un-interruptible power supply (UPS).

• Position system cables and power cables carefully; Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.

• When connecting or disconnecting power to hot-pluggable power supplies, observe the following
guidelines:

12

Install the power supply before connecting the power cable to the power supply.

Unplug the power cable before removing the power supply.

If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system by unplugging all

power cables from the power supplies.

Never push objects of any kind into or through cabinet slots. They may touch dangerous voltage

points or short out parts resulting in a risk of fi re or electrical shock.

• Do not attempt to service the device yourself. If the following conditions occur, unplug the device from
the wall outlet and contact IOGear Customer Advocacy.

The power cord or plug has become damaged or frayed.

Liquid has been spilled into the device.

The device has been exposed to rain or water.

The device has been dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged.

The device exhibits a distinct change in performance

• Only adjust those controls that are covered in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage that will void your warranty.

13

Rack Mounting

• Before working on the rack, make sure that the stabilizers are secured to the rack, extended to the
fl oor, and that the full weight of the rack rests on the fl oor. Install front and side stabilizers on a single
rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple racks before working on the rack.

• Always load the rack from the bottom up, and load the heaviest item in the rack fi rst.

• Make sure that the rack is level and stable before extending a device from the rack.

• Do not overload the AC supply branch circuit that provides power to the rack. The total rack load
should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.

• Ensure that proper airfl ow is provided to devices in the rack.

• Do not step on or stand on any device when servicing other devices in a rack.

14

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 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].

1. Numbered lists represent procedures with sequential steps.

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

–> Indicates selecting the option (on a menu or dialog box, for example), that comes

next. For example, Start –> Run means to open the Start menu, and then select Run.

Indicates critical information.

15

Components GCE250 L (Local Unit) Front View

# Description Function

1 Grounding

Terminal

2 KVM port The KVM cable that links the GCE250L to

5

4

1

3

2

3 Remote LED The Local Unit has two LEDs to indicate

4 Local LED See GCE250L (Local Unit), page 28, for

5 Mode

Selection
Switch

16

The grounding wire (used to ground the
unit) attaches here.

your computer plugs in here. Only KVM
cables designed to work with this switch
can be used.*

the operating status of the Local and
Remote units.

operating status details.

Pressing this button toggles between the
Local and Remote operating modes. See
Operating Modes, page 26, for details.

GCE250 R (Remote Unit) Front View

# Description Function

1 Grounding

Terminal

2 On Line LED These LEDs indicate the

3

1

2

3 Power LED See page 29 for details.

17

The grounding wire (used to ground the
unit) attaches here.

operating status of the Local
and Remote units.

GCE250L / GCE250R Rear View

# Description Function

1 Power Jack The cable from the DC Power Adapter

2 Mouse Port The console mice plug into these ports.

3 Keyboard

Port

123 4 5

* The Local unit (GCE250L) can get its power from the computer. Therefore, use of a power adapter
with the GCE250L is optional, and requires a separate purchase.

If you choose to purchase a power adapter for use with the GCE250L, be sure to get one with the
same specifi cations as the one provided in this package for the GCE250R.

4 Link Port The Cat 5 cable that connects the

5 Video Port The console monitors plug into these

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plugs into this jack.*

The console keyboards plugs into these
ports.

Remote and Local units plugs into
this connector.

ports.

Grounding

To prevent damage to your installation it is important that all devices are properly grounded.

1. Use the two grounding wires supplied with this package to ground both units by connecting one end

of the wire to the grounding terminal, and the other end of the wire to a suitably grounded object.

19

2. Make sure the computer and monitor that the GCE250L connects to are properly grounded.

20

3. For increased grounding protection, use STP
(shielded twisted pair) cable to connect
the local and remote units. There are two
methods that can be used:

a) In addition to the eight paired wires, STP

cable also contains a grounding wire.
Solder this wire to the RJ-45 connector
as shown in the diagram:

b) The second method is to use the STP

cable shielding for grounding. In this
case, make sure that the shielding
makes tight contact with the top inside
of the RJ-45 connector as shown in the
diagram:

21

In either case, make sure that the sides of the RJ-45 connector make tight contact with the grounding
contacts on the sides of the RJ-45 socket as shown in the diagram below:

22

Connecting

Refer to the installation diagram on the following page as you perform these steps:

1. Plug the cables from the local console devices (keyboard, monitor, mouse), into their ports on the rear
panel of the Local Unit (GCE250L).

2. Plug the SPHD (yellow) end of the KVM cable supplied with this unit into the
KVM port on the front panel of the GCE250L.

3. Plug the connectors on the other end of the cable into the appropriate ports on the
computer (or Console section of the KVM switch - if you are using one). Each connector is marked
with an appropriate icon.

4. Plug one end of a Cat 5 or higher Ethernet cable into the GCE250L’s Remote I/O port. Plug the other
end of the cable into the GCE250R’s Remote I/O port.

Note: Ethernet cable is not supplied with this package. It requires a separate purchase. The cable can be
up to 150 m (500’) long.

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5. Plug the cables from the remote console devices (keyboard, monitor, and mouse),
into their ports on the Console side of the GCE250R.

6. Plug the power adapter (supplied with this package) into an AC source; plug the adapter’s power
cable into the Remote Unit’s (GCCE250R’s) Power Jack.

7. If you choose to use a power adapter with the CCE250L, plug the power adapter into an AC source;
plug the power cable into the GCE250L’s Power Jack.

Note: Use of a power adapter with the GCCE250L is optional.

24

GCE250L

7

4

1

GCE250L

GCE250R

6

24

5

3

25

Operation Modes

The GCE250A KVM Extender has two operating modes: Local and Remote, as described in the table below:

Mode Description

Local

Local / Remote Both the local and remote consoles can have KVM access.

Only the local console has KVM (keyboard, video, mouse)access. The
remote console’s monitor is blank, and the remote console’s keyboard
and mouse inputs are disabled.

However, they cannot both have access at the same time. The
console without access has to wait until the console with access
stops inputting data before it can gain access.

26

Mode Selection

The Operating Mode Selection Switch, located on the GCE250L’s front panel, controls the operating
mode of the GCE250 KVM Extender system. Pressing the switch toggles the system between Local and
Local / Remote operating modes.

27

LED Display

The GCE250 Local and Remote Units have front panel LEDs to indicate their operating status, as shown
in the tables, below:

GCE250L (Local Unit)

LED Operating Mode - Local Operating Mode Auto

Local

Remote The LED is Off 1. Lights when the remote console is active (the Local

Lights to indicate
that the local console
is active (the Remote
LED is out).

1. Lights when the local console is active (the Remote
LED is out).

2. Turns off when the remote console is active (the
Remote LED turns on).

3. Flashes on and off alternately with the Remote LED
when neither console is active.

LED is out).

2. Turns off when the local console is active (the Local
turns on).

3. Flashes on and off alternately with the Local LED When
neither console is active.

28

GCE250R (Remote Unit)

LED

Power

On Line 1. Lights when the remote console is active.

Indication

1. Lights steadily to indicate that the connection to the Local Unit is ok.

2. Flashes when there is a problem with the connection to the Local Unit.

2. Is Off when the local console is active.

3. Is Off when there is a problem with the connection to the Local Unit.

29

Rack Mounting

Before you start

1. Important safety information regarding the placement of this device is provided on page 19. Please
review it before proceeding.

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

Rack Mounting

For convenience and fl exibility, the GCE250L and GCE250R can be mounted on system racks. To rack
mount a unit do the following:

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1. Unscrew either the two front screws or two
rear screws from the bottom panel.

2. Use the screws you just removed to attach
the mounting bracket that came with your
package to the unit:

3. Screw the bracket into any convenient
location on the rack

Refer to grounding instructions
starting on page 19

31

Specifi cations

Function CE250L CE250R

Console Selection 1 X Pushbutton

KB 1 x 6-pin Mini-DIN F (Purple)

Connectors

LEDs

Console Ports

KVM Ports 1 x SPHD-15 F N/A

Power 1 x DC Jack

Unit to Unit 1 x RJ-45

Local 1 (Green) N/A

Remote 1 (Green) N/A

Power N/A 1 (Green)

On Line N/A 1 (Green)

Video 1 x HDB-15 F

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

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Function CE250L CE250R

Emulation Keyboard/Mouse PS/2

Video 1280 x 1024 @ 60Hz (150 m) DDC; DDC2; DDC2B

I/P Rating DC 5.0V; 2.6A

Power Consumption DC 5.0V; 1.25W (max.)

Operating Temp. 0–50o C

Environment

Physical Properties

* DDC, DDC2, and DDC2B support is for the Local monitor only.

Storage Temp. -20–60o C

Humidity -20–60o C

Housing Metal;

Weight 0.33 kg 0.32 kg

Dimensions (L x W x H) 12.50 x 8.15 x 2.50 cm

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Troubleshooting

Problem Action

No Video Make sure that all cables are securely plugged into their sockets.

Poor video quality The video quality can be improved by reducing the refresh rate.

Trails and smearing on the screen Unplug the Cat 5 cable from the remote unit, then reconnect it.

Remote Unit not working Make sure the power adapter that came with this package is properly

plugged into the remote unit’s power jack.

34

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

15.21

You are cautioned that changes or modifi cations not expressly approved by the part responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

15.105(b)

his 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 instructions, may cause harmful 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 to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

35

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOL­LOWING TWO CONDITIONS:

1. this device may not cause interference and

2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
End users must follow the specifi c operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

36

CE Statement

This device has been tested and found to comply with the requirements set up in the council directive on
the approximation of the law of member states relating to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC and R&TTE Directive 99/5/EC.

37

Technical Support

When you contact us, please have the following information ready beforehand:

• Product model number, serial number, and date of purchase.

• Your computer confi guration, including operating system, revision level, expansion cards, and software.

• Any error messages displayed at the time the error occurred.

• The sequence of operations that led up to the error.

• A full description of the problem, what is it doing or not doing? It Doesn’t work” is not a problem de­scription, and will only serve to delay the troubleshooting process.

• Any other information you feel may be of help

1. Contact your local dealer.

2. Contact IOGear Customer Advocacy (1-866-946-4327)

38

Limited Warranty

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

The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to
the contents or use of this documentation, and especially disclaims its quality, performance, merchant­ability, or fi tness 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 updates. For further inquiries please contact your
direct vendor.

39

Contact

IOGEAR, INC.

23 Hubble

Irvine, CA 92618

P 949.453.8782

F 949.453.8785

Visit us at: www.iogear.com

© 2007 IOGEAR. All Rights reserved. Part No. M0519

IOGEAR, the IOGEAR logo, are trademarks or registered trademarks of IOGEAR, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. IOGEAR makes
no warranty of any kind with regards to the information presented in this document. All information furnished here is for informational purposes
only and is subject to change without notice. IOGEAR, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this
document.

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