IOGear GCS1758 User Manual

MiniView

®

Ultra+

8-Port Multi Platform KVM Switch

User Manual (GCS1758)

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the Miniview® Ultra+ KVM switch, one of the most versatile KVM switches
on the market. The New Miniview® Ultra+ is much more than a simple eight-port KVM switch. The dual
interface support allows you to connect both PS/2 and USB computers on the same switch. The multi­platform support allows you to control Windows-based computers, Sun Solaris systems, Linux, or
even Macs by a single KVM switch. IOGEAR extended the multi-platform support by supporting the
special keys on both Sun and Mac keyboards.

©2004 IOGEAR. All Rights Reserved. PKG-M0114
IOGEAR, the IOGEAR logo, MiniView®, VSE are trademarks or registered trademarks of IOGEAR, Inc. Microsoft and Windows

are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.
Macintosh, G3/G4 and iMac are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. 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.

T able of Contents

Package Content
Overview
Features
System Requirements
Introduction
Installation
Operation
Hotkey Port Control
Alternate Hotkey Invocation Key
Keyboard Emulation
OSD Operation
Firmware Update Utility
Appendix
T roub leshooting
Specification
T echnical Support
Radio and TV Interference Statement
Limited Warranty

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Package Contents

This package consists of:
1 Miniview

1 Firmware Upgrade Cable
1 Power Adapter
1 Rack Mount Kit
1 User Manual
1 Quick Start Guide
1 Warranty / Registration Card

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

®

Ultra+ KVM

2

Overview

IOGEAR’s new eight-port Miniview® Ultra+ KVM switch is the ideal tool to help reduce redundant hardware.
Eight monitors, mice and keyboards are simply too expensive, bulky and inconvenient for most system
administrators. Why bother when you can control all eight, or even up to 512 computers with a single
keyboard, monitor and mouse? The added audio support allows you to enjoy music while working. Just think
of the time, space and money you’ll save, and added fun.

The New Miniview® Ultra+ is much more than a simple eight-port KVM switch. The dual interface support
allows you to connect both PS/2 and USB computers on the same switch. The multi-platform support allows
you to control Windows-based computers, Sun Solaris systems, Linux, or even Macs by a single KVM
switch. IOGEAR extended the multi-platform support by supporting the special keys on both Sun and Mac
keyboards. This KVM switch also comes with the IOGEAR VSE technology, which provides excellent video
resolution - up to 2048 x 1536. Built-in AutoScan mode lets you conveniently monitor every attached
computer for a specified amount of time, while our On Screen Display (OSD) technology allows you to assign
a unique name to each computer and access it via a smooth menu-driven interface. With its 1U, 19” rack­mountable casing and status-monitoring LEDs, the Miniview® Ultra+ is the perfect switch for your server
room or any other multi-computer environment.

3

Features

• Dual interface support – supports computers with either PS/2 or USB Keyboard and mouse.

• Multi platform support – Windows, Mac, and Sun Solaris

• Easy to install – just plug the cables in

• Audio support allows sharing multimedia speakers and microphone

• Easy to operate – computer selection via front panel switches, intuitive OSD (on screen display), and Hot
Keys

• Security – 2 level password protection for OSD

• Hot Pluggable – both console side and computer side are hot swappable and auto-detect device changes

• LED Display for easy status monitoring

• Auto Scan Mode for monitoring all computers

• Complete keyboard emulation for error free booting

• Superior video quality; 2048 x 1536; support DDC2B.

• Total capacity expandable to support 512 computers via 3 levels of cascading

• Supports special keys on Sun and Mac keyboards

• Firmware upgradeable through flash ROM

• Designed for both desktop and rack mount

4

System Requirements

Console:

VGA, SVGA, or Multisync monitor capable of the highest resolution that you will be using on any computer in
the installation
USB mouse
USB keyboard

Computers:

VGA, SVGA or Multisync card;
Either a Type-A USB port, or PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports.

Cables:

For PS/2 computers, use IOGEAR part number G2L530XP*;
For USB computers, use IOGEAR part number G2L530XU*.

*”X” stands for the length of the cable: “1” is 3', “2” is 6', “3” is 10'.)

5

Front View

Introduction

1

2

1. Port Selection Switches – Press a switch to access the computer attached to its corresponding port.

Pressing Buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously for 2 seconds performs a keyboard and mouse reset. Pressing
Buttons 7 and 8 simultaneously for 2 seconds starts

Auto Scan Mode

6

.

43

Introduciton

2. Port LEDs – The Port LEDs are built into the Port Selection Switches. The upper ones are the On Line

LEDs; the lower ones are the Selected Port LEDs.

On Line

The
and running. If the LED is flashing, it indicates that the port is being used for cascading to another
MiniView® Ultra+ (see

The
one that has the KVM focus. The LED is steady under normal conditions, but flashes when its port is
accessed under

3. Reset – Use a thin object (such as the end of a paper clip, or a ballpoint pen), to press this recessed

switch in to initiate a reset of the unit. Press this briefly for a warm reset. If the switch is kept in for longer
than three seconds, a cold reset takes place.

Warm Reset: Will rescan your ports for connections.
Cold Reset: Cycles the power off and clear the internal memory.

4. Power LED – Lights to indicate that the unit is receiving power.

LEDs light ORANGE to indicate that the computer attached to the corresponding port is up

T wo Stage Installation

Selected

LEDs light GREEN to indicate that the computer attached to the corresponding port is the

Auto Scan Mode

(see

, p. 12).

F7 SCAN

, p. 20).

7

Introduction

Rear View

1. Firmware Upgrade Section – Firmware Upgrade Switch : During normal operation and while performing a

fimware upgrade, this switch should be in the NORMAL position. See p. 44 for details about the use of this
switch.

Firmware Upgrade Port : The Firmware Upgrade Cable that transfers the firmware upgrade data from the
administrator’s computer to the GCS1758 plugs into this RJ-11 connector. See p. 44 for firmware
upgrading details.

2. Console Port Section – Ports to plug in your microphone, speakers, monitor, keyboard and mouse are

found here. Each port is marked with an appropriate icon to indicate itself.

1 23

45

8

Introduction

3. CPU Port Section – The cables that link the switch to your computers plug in here. Each CPU port is

comprised of a microphone jack, speaker jack, and KVM data connector.
Note: The shape of these 15-pin connectors has been specifically modified so that only KVM cables

designed to work with this switch can plug in. Do NOT attempt to use ordinary 15 pin VGA connector
cables to link these ports to the computers.

4. Cable Tie Slot – If you want to use a cable tie to gather the cables, you can run it through this

slot to attach it to the unit.

5. Power Jack – The power adapter cable plugs into this jack.

9

Installation

Before you Begin

1. You must unplug the power cords of any computers

that does not support hot-plugging feature.

2. To prevent damage to your installation make sure

that all devices on the installation are properly
grounded.

Single Stage Installation

To set up the single stage installation of GCS1758,
refer to the installation diagrams on the following
page, and do the steps as indicated:

1. Plug your USB keyboard, USB mouse, monitor,

microphone and speakers into the Console USB
Ports located on the unit’s rear panel.

2. Using a KVM cable set, plug the custom SPDB15
connector into any available CPU Port on the
switch and plug the accompanying microphone
and speaker cables into the CPU Port’s
microphone and speaker jacks.

Note: Be sure that all the plugs are in the same
CPU Port sockets (all in Port 1, all in Port 2,
etc.).

10

Installation

3. At the other end of the cable (the computer end):
a) For a computer with USB connections, plug the
USB, video, microphone and speaker cables into
their respective ports on the computer.

b) For a computer with PS/2 connections, plug the
keyboard, mouse, video, microphone and speaker
cables into their respective ports on the computer.

11

Installation

4. Repeat steps 2 - 3 for any other computers you
are connecting up.

5. Plug the power adapter cable into the switch’s
Power Jack, then plug the power adapter into an
AC power source. This completes the single stage
installation, and you can turn on the power to the
computers.

Two Stage Installation

To control even more computers, you can connect
up to eight additional GCS1758 units cascading to
the CPU ports of the first stage unit. As many as 64
computers can be controlled in a complete two
stage installation.

12

Installation

Three Stage Installation

The procedures for setting up a three stage
installation are essentially the same as for a two
stage installation. With a three stage setup, as
many as 512 GCS1758 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 p. 45.

Switches cannot be cascaded beyond the third
level. Once you have finished cabling up (see Two/
Three Stage Installation for details, 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. Turn on the power to all 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 all the second stage units are on, the
first stage unit must be powered on. Only after all
the switches have been powered on in this
sequence, can the computers be powered on.

13

Installation

14

Operation

Hot Plugging

The Miniview® Ultra+ supports hot plugging.
Components can be removed and added back into
the installation by unplugging and replugging their
cables from their respective ports without the need
to shut the switch down. For hot plugging to work
properly, the following procedures must be
observed:

Hot Plugging CPU Ports:

When hot plugging cables from the CPU ports:

1. The cable must be plugged back into the

port

it was removed from.

2. After plugging the cable back in, you must
perform a KVM Reset on the First Stage unit (by
pressing the Reset switch In).

same

Hot Plugging Console Ports:

The unit supports hot plugging of the keyboard,
monitor, and mouse.

Note: If there is no response to mouse and/or PS/2
keyboard input after hot plugging (or at any other
time), simultaneously press and hold Port Select
buttons 1 and 2 on the First Stage unit for 3
seconds to perform a PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2
Mouse reset.

15

Operation

Powering Off:

If it becomes necessary to power off one of the
GCS1758 units, you must do the following:

Shut down all the computers that are attached to the
unit which do not support hot plugging feature, such
as PS/2 computers or computers with Novell OS, etc.

Port ID Numbering:

Each CPU Port on a GCS1758 installation is
assigned a unique
any computer on any level of the installation by
specifying the Port ID of the CPU port that the
computer is connected to - either with the Hotkey
port selection method (see p. 20), or with the OSD
(see p. 27).

The Port ID is a one, two, or three digit number. It is
determined by the Stage Level and CPU Port number
of the switch that a computer is connected to.

The first digit represents the CPU Port number of the
First Stage unit; the second digit represents the CPU
Port number of the Second Stage
unit; the third digit represents the CPU Port number
of the Third Stage unit.

16

Port I D

. You can directly access

Operation

´ A computer attached to a First Stage unit has a

one digit Port ID (from 1-4 for the CS-1754; from 1­8 for the CS-1758), that corresponds to the CPU
Port number that it is connected to.

´ A computer attached to a Second Stage unit has a

two digit Port ID. The first digit represents the CPU
Port number on the First Stage unit that the
Second Stage unit links back to; the second digit
represents the CPU Port number on the Second
Stage unit that the computer is connected to. For
example, a Port ID of 2 3 would refer to a computer
that is connected to CPU Port 3 of a Second Stage
unit that links back to CPU Port 2 of the First
Stage unit.

´ Likewise, a computer attached to a Third Stage

unit has a three digit Port ID. As in the previous
example, a Port ID of 2 4 1 would refer to a
computer that is connected to CPU Port 1 of a
Third Stage unit, that links back to CPU Port 4 of a

Second Stage unit, which, in turn, links back to CPU
Port 2 of the First Stage unit.

Port Selection:

The Miniview Ultra+ provides three methods to
obtain instant access to any computer in your
installation: Manual,

• Manual - Simply press the appropriate

Selection Switch

After you press the switch, the
lights to indicate that the port has the KVM
focus. The OSD (see p. 27) automatically
switches to highlight the computer that you
have selected.

Note:

1. On a cascaded installation, you must press
the Port Selection switch on the GCS1758

17

Hotkey

, and OSD.

on the GCS1758’s front panel.

Selected

Port

LED

Operation

Station that connects directly to the computer you
want to access.

2. Simultaneously pressing Port Selection buttons 7
and 8 on the First Stage unit initiates the

Scan

feature (see
the ports currently selected for
scanning (see
cycled through. The length of time spent on each
port is determined with the
under the OSD’s F3 SET function (see p. 31).

• Hotkeys - allow you to conveniently provide KVM
focus to a particular computer from the keyboard,
instead of having to manually select them by
pressing Port Selection switches. Hotkey operation
is discussed in detail beginning on p. 19.

• OSD - OSD (On Screen Display), provides a menu
driven interface to handle the computer switching
procedure to provide instant access to any computer

F7 SCAN

, p. 20), in which all

Quick View

Set Quick View Ports

Scan Duration

Auto

, p. 30), are

setting

on the installation. OSD operation is discussed in
detail beginning on p.27.

• Manual - Simply press the appropriate

Selection Switch

After you press the switch, the
to indicate that the port has the KVM focus. The
OSD (see p. 27) automatically switches to highlight
the computer that you have selected.

18

on the GCS1758’s front panel.

Port

Selected

LED lights

Operation

Hot Key Mode (HKM):

The GCS1758 provides an extensive, easy-to-use,
hotkey function that makes it convenient to control
and configure your KVM installation from the
keyboard. All hotkey operations begin by invoking
Hotkey Mode.

To invoke HKM, do the f ollo wing:

1. Press and hold down the Num Lock key

2. Press and release the Minus key

3. Release the Num Lock key

[Num Lock] + [-]

Note: 1. The minus key must be released within one
half second, otherwise Hotkey invocation is
canceled.

2. There is an alternative key combination to
invoke HKM. See p. 22 for details.

When HKM is active, the Caps Lock, and Scroll
Lock LEDs flash in succession to indicate
that HKM is in effect. They stop flashing and revert
to normal status when you exit HKM. A Command
Line appears on the monitor screen. The command
line prompt is the word
blue background. Ordinary keyboard and mouse
functions are suspended - only Hotkey compliant
keystrokes and mouse clicks (described in the
sections that follow), can be input.

At the conclusion of some hotkey operations, you
automatically exit hotkey mode. With some
operations, you must exit manually. To exit Hot Key
Mode manually, press the Esc key, or the
Spacebar.

19

Hotkey:

in yellow text on a

Hotkey Port Control

Hotkey Port Access:

Hotkey Port Access allows you to select which
computer has the KVM focus. The Miniview

®

Ultra+
provides the following Hotkey Port Access features:
Selecting the Active Port and Auto Scan Mode.

Selecting the Active Port:

You can bring the KVM focus to any computer with a
hotkey combination that specifies its Port ID (see p.
16 for Port ID Numbering details):

1. Invoke Hot Key Mode (HKM) (see p. 19).

2. Key in the computer’s Port ID number.

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]. The KVM focus switches to the
computer associated with the specified Port ID,
and you automatically exit Hotkey Mode.

Auto Scan Mode:

The GCS1758’s Auto Scan feature automatically
switches among all the active CPU Ports that are
accessible to the currently logged on User at regular
intervals (see

Scan Mode

of the OSD F3 SET
function, p. 31), so that he can monitor their activity
automatically.
To start Auto Scanning, key in the following Hotkey
combination:

1. Invoke HKM (see p. 19)

2. Key in [A]. After you press A, you automatically

exit Hotkey Mode, and enter Auto Scan Mode.
To exit Auto Scan Mode, press [Esc] or [Spacebar].

20

Hotkey Port Control

Note: 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.

While you are in Auto Scan Mode, you can pause
the scanning in order to keep the focus on a
particular computer by pressing P. 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.
After pausing, to resume Auto Scanning, press any
key. Scanning continues from where it left off.

Alternate Hotkey Invocation Keys:

An alternate set of Hotkey Invocation keys is
provided in case the default set conflicts with
programs running on the computers.
To switch to the alternate Hotkey Invocation set, do
the following:

1. Invoke HKM (see p. 19)

2. Press and release the H key. The Hotkey
Invocation keys become the Ctrl key (instead of
Num Lock) and the F12 key (instead of Minus).

Note: This procedure is a toggle between the two
methods. To revert back to the original [Num Lock]
[Minus] method, invoke HKM, then press and
release the H key again.

21

Hotkey Port Control

Alternate OSD Invocation Keys:

The OSD activation method can be changed from
tapping the Scroll Lock key twice to tapping the Ctrl
key twice ([Ctrl] [Ctrl]). To change the OSD
Invocation method, do the following:

1. Invoke HKM (see p. 19)

2. Press and release the T key

Note:

1. This procedure is a toggle between the two
methods. To revert back to the original [Scroll
Lock] [Scroll Lock] method, invoke HKM, then
press and release the T key again.

2. For Mac systems we recommend using [Ctrl]
[Ctrl] as the OSD invocation keys since Scroll
Lock is used to emulate F14 in PC to Mac
keyboard emulation (see p. 26).

Keyboard Platform Setup:

The GCS1758’s default port settings are for a PC
Compatible operating platform, and the US English
keyboard language code. You can modify these for
each port by bringing the KVM focus to the port you
want to change and using the hotkey combinations
shown in the table below.

The Hotkey entry method is as follows:

1. Invoke HKM (see p. 19)

2. Press and release the appropriate Function key
(see table). After completing a setting, you
automatically exit HKM.

Note: The brackets indicate the keys you should
press. Simply press the indicated keys – do not
type the brackets.

22

Hotkey Port Control

Miscellaneous:
Hotkeys are also used to reset the USB, and toggle

the beeper On and Off. To perform any of these
operations, do the following:

1. Invoke HKM (see p. 19)

2. Press and release the appropriate action key
(see table). After completing a setting, you
automatically exit HKM.

23

Hotkey Summary T able:
Note: The brackets indicate the keys you should

press. Simply press the indicated keys - do not
type the brackets.

Alternate Hotkey Invocation Keys

24

Keyboard Emulation

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 on the right.

Note: When using [Ctrl] combinatons, press and
release the Ctrl key, then press and release the
activation key.
Make sure to set the Sun keyboard operating
platform. See

Hotkey Port Control

P.23.

25

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 on the
right.

Note: When using key combinatons, press and
release the first key (Ctrl or Alt), then press and
release the activation key.
Make sure to set the Mac keyboard operating
platform. See

Hotkey Port Control

P.23.

Keyboard Emulation

26

OSD Operation

OSD Overview

The On Screen Display (OSD) is used to handle all
computer control and switching procedures. All
procedures start from the OSD Main Menu. To pop up
the Main Menu, tap the [Scroll Lock] key twice.
Note: You can optionally change the Hotkey to the Ctrl
key (see

OSD Hotkey

tap [Ctrl] twice. With this method, the [Ctrl] keys must
be on the same side (both left, or both right).

The OSD incorporates a two level (Administrator /
User) authorization system. Before the OSD Main
Screen comes up, a dialog box appears that asks
you to provide your Username and Password. If the
Password Function has been set (see p. 33), you
must provide them in order to access the OSD Main
Screen. If this is the first time that the OSD is being
run, or if the password function has not been set,
simply press [Enter] when the authorization dialog

, p.32), in which case you would

box appears. The OSD Main Screen comes up in
Administrator Mode, with access to all functions.
When you invoke the OSD, a screen similar to the
one below appears:

27

OSD Operation

Note:

1. The diagram depicts the Administrator’s Main
Screen. The User Main Screen does not show the
F4 ADM function.

2. OSD always starts in List view, with the highlight
bar at the same position it was in the last time it
was closed.

3. Only the ports that have been set accessible by
the Administrator for the currently logged in User
are visible (see
details).

Set Accessible Ports

, p. 35, for

OSD Navigation:

• To dismiss the menu, and deactivate OSD, Click
the X at the upper right corner of the OSD Window;
or press [Esc].

• To Logout, Click F8 at the top of the Main Screen,
or press [F8].

• To move up or down through the list one line at a
time, Click the Up and Down Triangle symbols (
) or use the Up and Down Arrow Keys. If
there are more list entries than what can appear on
the Main Screen, the screen will scroll.

• To move up or down through the list one screen at
a time, Click the Up and Down Arrow symbols (
), or use the [Pg Up] and [Pg Dn] keys. If
there are more list entries than what can appear on
the Main Screen, the screen will scroll.

• To activate a port, Double 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.

28

OSD Operation

OSD Main Screen Headings:

OSD Functions:

OSD functions are used to configure and
control the OSD. For example, you can:
rapidly switch to any port; scan selected
ports only; 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 a Function Key field at the
top of the Main Screen, or press a
Function Key on the keyboard.

2. In the Submenus that appear make your
choice either by Double Clicking it, or
moving the Highlight Bar to it, then
pressing [Enter].

29

OSD Operation

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

• F1 GOTO:

GOTO allows you to switch directly to a port
either by keying in the port’s

- To use the Name method, key in 1; key in the

port’s Name; then press [Enter].

- To use the Port ID method, key in 2; key in the

Port ID

; then press [Enter].

Note: You can key in a partial Name or Port ID. In
that case, the screen will show all the computers
that the User has

Accessible Ports

Port ID pattern, regardless of the current
settings.T o return to the OSD Main Menu without
making a choice, press [Esc].

, p. 35), that match the Name or

View

rights to (see

Name

, or its

Set

Port ID

List

• F2 LIST:
The LIST function lets you broaden or narrow the
scope of which ports the OSD displays (lists) on the
Main Screen. Many of the OSD functions only operate
on the computers that have been selected for listing

.

on the Main Screen with this function. The choices and
their meanings are given in the table below:

30

OSD Operation

- These items only show up on the Administrator’s

screen, since only he has
rights (see p. 30, for details).

Move the Highlight Bar to the choice you want, then
press [Enter]. An icon appears before the choice to
indicate that it is the currently selected one.

After you make your choice and press [Enter], you
return to the OSD Main Screen with the newly
formulated List displayed.

• F3 SET:

This function allows the Administrator and each
User to set up their 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.

Quick View

setting

To change a setting:

1. Double 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
Double Click it; or move the Highlight Bar to it,
then press [Enter]. An icon appears before the
selected choice to indicate which one it is. The
settings are explained in the following table:

31

OSD Operation

32

OSD Operation

33

F4 ADM:

F4 is an Administrator only function. It
allows the Administrator to configure and
control the overall operation of the OSD. To
change a setting Double Click it; or use the
Up and Down Arrow Keys to move the
highlight bar to it then press [Enter].

After you select an item, a submenu with
further choices for you to select from
appears. Double Click the choice you want,
or move the Highlight Bar to it then press
[Enter]. An icon appears before the
selected choice so that you know which
one it is. The settings are explained in the
following table:

OSD Operation

34

OSD Operation

35

OSD Operation

• F7 SCAN:
The SCAN 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
manually.

- The selection of computers to be included for Auto
Scanning is made with the
under the F3 SET function (see p. 31).

- The amount of time that each Port displays for is
set with the
SET function. 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. Simply wait –
after the
function will move on to the next port.

Scan Duration

Scan Duration

Scan Mode

setting under the F3

time is up, the Scan

setting

- As each computer is accessed, an S appears in
front of the Port ID display to indicate that it is being
accessed under

- If you want to temporarily keep the focus on a
particular computer, you can pause the scanning
either by pressing P, or with a Left Click of the
mouse. See

- When you want to permanently stop scanning at a
particular location, press the [Spacebar] to stop
scanning and exit Auto Scan Mode.

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.

- To exit Auto Scan Mode, press the [Spacebar] or
[Esc].

36

Auto Scan Mode

Auto Scan Mode

.

, p. 20, for details.

OSD Operation

• F8 LOUT:
LOUT (Log out) logs you out of OSD control of the
computers, and blanks the Console screen. After using
this function you must log in all over again to regain
access to the OSD.
This is different from simply pressing [Esc] when you are
at the Main Screen to deactivate the OSD, where all y o u
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
Menu. You must input your 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.

37

Firmware Upgrade Utility

The Windows-based Firmware Upgrade Utility
(FWUpgrade.exe) provides a smooth, automated
process for upgrading the KVM switch’s firmware.
The Utility comes as part of a Firmware Upgrade
Package that is specific for each device. New
firmware upgrade packages are posted on our
web site as new firmware revisions become
available. Check the IOGEAR web site regularly to
find the latest packages and information relating
to them.

Before Y ou Begin

T o prepare f or the firmware upgr ade, do the
following:

1. From a computer that is not part of your KVM

installation go to our support site and choose
the model name that relates to your device
(GCS1758) to get a list of available Firmware
Upgrade packages.

2. Choose the Firmware Upgrade Package you want to
install (usually the most recent), and download it to
your computer.

3. Use the

38

Firmware Upgrade Cable

unit, to connect a COM port on your computer to
the

Firmware Upgrade Port

provided with this

of your switch.

Firmware Upgrade Utility

4. Shut down the non-hot-pluggable computers
(such as PS/2 computers) on your GCS1758
installation.

5. From your KVM switch console, bring up the OSD

(see p. 27) and select the F4ADM function.

6. Scroll down to FIRMWARE UPGRADE.

Press [Enter], then press [Y] to invoke Firmware
Upgrade Mode For your reference, the current
firmware upgrade version displays on the screen.

Starting the Upgrade:

T o upgrade y our 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
appears:

39

Welcome

screen

Firmware Upgrade Utility

2. Read and
the I Agree radio button).

3. Click Next to continue. The Firmware Upgrade
Utility main screen appears:

Agree

to the License Agreement (enable

The Utility inspects your installation. All the devices
capable of being upgraded by the package are
listed in the

4. As you select a device in the list, its description

40

Device List

appears in the

panel.

Device Description

panel.

Firmware Upgrade Utility

5. After you have made your device selection(s),
Click Next to perform the upgrade. If you enabled

Check Firmware Version

device’s firmware level with that of the upgrade
files. If it finds that the device’s version is higher
than the up grade version, it brings up a dialog box
informing you of the situation and gives you the
option to Continue or Cancel.

, the Utility compares the

If you didn’t enable
Utility installs the upgrade files without checking
whether they are a higher level, or not. As the
Upgrade proceeds status messages appear in

41

Check Firmware Version

, the

Upgrade Succeeded

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

Firmware Upgrade Utility

Click Finish to close the Firmware
Upgrade Utility .

42

Firmware Upgrade Utility

Upgrade Failed

If the upgrade failed to complete successfully a
dialog box appears asking if you want to retry.
Click Yes to retry. If you Click No, the

Failed

screen appears:

Upgrade

Click Cancel to close the Firmware Upgrade
Utility. See the next section,

Recovery

, for how to proceed.

43

Firmware Upgrade

Firmware Upgrade Utility

Firmware Upgrade Recovery

There are basically two conditions that call for
firmware upgrade recovery:

• When you begin a firmware upgrade, but decide
not to proceed with it.

• When the Mainboard firmware upgrade fails.

Note: If one of the cascaded switches fails to
upgrade successfully, unplug it from the installation
and perform the recovery and upgrade operation
independently. After it has been successfully
upgraded, plug it back into the installation.
T o perf orm a firmware upgrade recovery, do the
following:

1. Unplug the switch’s power adapter cable.

2. Slide the

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch

p. 8) to the Recover position.

3. Use the Firmware Upgrade Cable (provided with
this unit), to connect to a serial port on your
computer with the Firmware Upgrade Port of the
switch.

4. Plug the switch’s power adapter cable back in.

5. Follow the upgrade procedures that begin with the

Starting the Upgrade

6. After the upgrade completes successfully, unplug
the switch’s power adapter cable, once again.

7. Slide the

8. Plug the switch’s power adapter cable back in. This

(see

44

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch

to the Normal position.

completes the Firmware Upgrade Recovery
operation, and your switch is ready for use.

section (p. 39).

back

Appendix

Miniview® Ultra+ Connection Tables

The following tables indicate the relationship
between the number of GCS1758 Units and the
number of computers that they control:

45

T r oub leshooting

46

Specifications

47

Technical Support

If you are still experiencing problems after reading Product User Manual and the Troubleshooting section,
you may either contact our technical support by phone OR, simply visit our URL address
www.iogear.com to go to our company website and check the latest version and other information about
the product and/or software.

Technical support is available Monday through Frida y from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST and can be reached
at [phone].

48

Radio & TV Interference Statement

WARNING!!! 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. This
equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.

49

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 PR ODUCT , DISK OR ITS DOCUMEN­T A TION EXCEED THE PRICE P AID 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
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 updates. For further inquires please contact your
direct vendor.

50

Contact info.

23 Hubble • Irvine, CA 92618 • (P)949.453.8782 • (F)949.453.8785 • www.iogear.com