IOGear GCE250 User Manual

Installation

Installation Guide

Installation

PS/2 Console Extender

GCE250

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.

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

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.

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)

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

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.

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

Keyboard Languages

OS Languages

• English – American – UK

• French

• German

• Japanese

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.

• 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:

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.

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.

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