IOGear MiniView GCS1772, MiniView GCS1774 User Manual

MiniView™

2/4-Port Multi-Function USB 2.0 KVM Switch

User Manual (GCS1772 / GCS1774)

®

Thank you for purchasing one of the most feature-rich KVM with USB peripheral sharing, audio, and built-in
Ethernet switch. You can save money and space by eliminating the need for multiple monitors, keyboards, mice,
and USB peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and more. Up to 127 USB devices can be daisy
chained from this KVMP switch. Sharing speakers and a microphone also offers extra value and convenience
for the users. To top it off, the built-in Ethernet switch allows you to easily network and share Internet with your
computers.

USB and KVM technology together makes cross-platform management easy. A single USB console can control
a PC and a MAC workstation, and share peripherals and audio between the computers.

We hope you enjoy using your new IOGEAR USB KVMP switch, yet another first-rate connectivity solution from
IOGEAR!

©2005 IOGEAR. All Rights Reserved. M0314

IOGEAR, the IOGEAR logo, 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. 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.

Welcome

Table of Contents

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Package Contents

Overview

Features

System Requirements

Introduction

Installation

Basic Operation

Hotkey Operation

Keyboard Emulation

Ethernet Switch

Firmware Upgrade

Appendix – Troubleshooting

Specification

Technical Support

Radio & TV Interference Statement

Limited Warranty

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2

Package Contents

This package contains:

1 x GCS1772 or GCS1774 KVM Switch
2 x Custom 6’ KVM cables (for GCS1772)
4 x Custom 6’ KVM cables (for GCS1774)
1 x Firmware upgrade cable
1 x Power adapter
1 x User manual
1 x Quick start guide

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 that connect to it.

3

Overview

IOGEAR’s Symphony multi-function KVM Switch represents the new wave in KVM technology. The GCS1774
allows you to control four computers using a single VGA monitor, USB keyboard and mouse. In addition, it has
a built-in USB 2.0 hub, Ethernet 10/100 switch, and Audio sharing capabilities.

With its built-in USB 2.0 High Speed hub, slow transfer rates are a thing of the past. Fully compatible with USB

2.0 standards, this KVM allows you to share your USB peripherals and transfer data at up to 480 Mbps. In
addition, the audio ports allow you to connect one set of speakers and microphone, and share them among your
computers.

To complement your KVM setup, IOGEAR’s Symphony KVM sports a full-featured Ethernet 10/100 switch. This
built-in Ethernet switch allows you to easily add the computers in your KVM setup to your Ethernet network.
Among its many features, it supports auto-sensing, 10/100 Mbps speed, and is fully compliant with 802.3
networking standard.

4

Features

• Multi-function USB KVM switch integrates a USB 2.0 hub, Ethernet switch, and Audio

• Controls multiple computers with a single VGA monitor, USB keyboard and mouse

• Built-in USB 2.0 peripheral sharing to share printers, scanners, hard drives, etc., with data transfer rates
of up to 480 Mbps.

• Built-in Ethernet switch to expand your existing broadband network

• Share one set of speakers with all your computers

• Independent switching of KVM, USB peripherals, and audio focus

• Port selection via Hotkeys and front push-buttons

• Auto scan mode for monitoring all computers

• Power on detection – automatically switches to the first powered on port

• Superior video quality - up to 2048 x 1536

• Firmware upgradeable

• Easy installation – no software required

• Keyboard and mouse emulation for error-free boot up

• Hot pluggable – add or remove computers without powering down the switch

• Compatible with multiple operating platforms (PC, Mac, and Sun)

• All cables included

5

System Requirements

Console

• VGA or SVGA monitor

• USB mouse

• USB keyboard

Computer

• VGA or SVGA port

• USB port for keyboard/mouse cable

• USB 2.0 port for USB hub cable

• Supports Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP; Mac OS 8.6 or higher; Solaris; Linux

Audio

• Requires powered speaker system

Front View

2. Ports LEDs

The Ports LEDs are built into the port selection
switches. The upper ones are the KVM port LEDs; the
lower ones are the USB LEDs.

1. Port selection buttons

• Switch console only - Press selection button for

less than two (2) seconds

to bring only the KVM
focus to the computer attached to its
corresponding port

• Switch everything - Press selection button for

longer than four (4) seconds

to bring KVM, Audio,
and USB Hub focus to the computer attached to
its corresponding port.

• Press and hold port selection switches 1 and 2
for more than two seconds to start Auto Scan
Mode.

1

2

3

4

KVM LEDs

• Lights DIM ORANGE to indicate that the
computer attached to the corresponding port is
up and running (On Line)

6

Introduction

• Lights BRIGHT ORANGE to indicate that the
computer attached to its corresponding port is
the one that has the KVM focus (Selected)

• Flashes to indicate that the computer attached to
its corresponding port is being accessed under
Auto Scan mode.

USB LED

• Lights DIM GREEN to indicate that there is a
USB cable connection to the computer attached
to its corresponding port. Does not light if there
is no USB connection to the computer

• Changes to BRIGHT GREEN to indicate that the
computer attached to its corresponding port is
the one that has access to the USB peripherals.

3. Ethernet LEDs

The Ethernet LEDs light to indicate data transmission
status of their corresponding ports on the built-in
Ethernet switch:

4. USB Hub

USB peripherals (printers, scanners, hard drives, etc.)
can plug into these ports

7

Introduction

Back View

1. Ethernet port

Connect CAT 5 LAN cables to these ports.

2. Console Audio jack

The cables from your microphone and speakers plug
in here. Each jack is color coded and marked with an
appropriate icon.

3. Firmware upgrade port

The included Firmware Upgrade cable that transfers
the firmware upgrade data from the administrator’s
computer to the KVM plugs into this connector. See
Firmware Upgrade section for more details.
to these ports.

4. Power Jack

The power adapters plugs into this jack.

8

Introduction

USB KVM Cable

5. Console port

Your USB keyboard, USB mouse, and VGA monitor
plug here.

6. CPU

The cables included with the KVM switch plug into
here and the other end to your computers.
Note: The 15-pin connectors on the KVM have
been specifically modified to work with the included
cables.

DO NOT attempt to connect any other ordinary 15­pin cables into this unit.

9

Introduction

Cable

The USB KVM Cables are included in the package.

Before you Begin

1. Make sure that power to all the devices you will be connecting

up has been turned off. You must unplug the power cords of any
computers that have the Keyboard Power On function. Other­wise, the switch will receive power from the computer.

2. To prevent damage to your installation, make sure that all

devices on the installation are properly grounded.

Step 1

Plug your USB keyboard and USB mouse into their
corresponding USB ports located on the KVM’s rear
panel.

Step 2

Plug your VGA monitor, microphone, and speaker
cables into the Console ports located on the unit’s
rear panel.

10

Installation

Step 3

Plug one of the included KVM cables to the CPU port

Step 4

Plug the other end of the KVM cable to the respective
ports on the computer that is part of your installation.

Step 5

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any other computers you

are connecting

Step 6

Plug the USB peripherals that you want to be part of
your KVM setup into the front USB hub ports

Step 7

Plug network cable coming from your router to any

11

Installation

of the Ethernet ports on the switch, and plug
network cables to each of your computer’s
Ethernet ports

Step 8

Plug the power adapter cable into the switch’s
power jack, then plug the power adapter into an
AC power source

Step 9

Turn on the power to the computers

12

Installation

INTRODUCTION

Hot Plugging

The GCS1772/GCS1774 supports USB hot plugging
– components can be removed and added back into
the installation by unplugging their cables from the
USB hub ports without the need to shut the unit down.

Powering Off and Restarting

If it becomes necessary to Power Off the KVM unit,
before starting it back up you must do the following:

1. Shut down all the computers that are attached to
the switch.

2. Unplug power adapter cable from the switch

3. Wait 10 seconds, then plug the switch’s power
adapter cable back in.

4. After the switch is up, Power On the computers.

Port ID Numbering

Each CPU port on the GCS1772/GCS1774 switch is
assigned a port number (1 or 2 for GCS1772; 1 to 4 for
GCS1774). The port numbers are marked on the rear
panel of the switch.

The Port ID of a computer is derived from the CPU
port number it is connected to. For example, a
computer connected to CPU port 2 has a Port ID of 2.

The Port ID is used to specify which computer gets
the KVM USB peripheral and audio focus with the
Hotkey port selection method.

13

Operation

Port Switching

There are two ways to access the computers in your
KVM setup:

· Manual switching – pressing the push-buttons

on the unit’s front panel

· Hotkey switching – entering commands from

the keyboard

Manual Switching

1. Switch console only - Press selection button
for

less than two (2) seconds

to bring only the
KVM focus to the computer attached to its
corresponding port

2. Switch everything - Press selection button for

longer than four (4) seconds

to bring KVM,
Audio, and USB Hub focus to the computer
attached to its corresponding port.

3. Press and hold port selection switches 1 and
2 for more than two seconds to start Auto Scan
Mode.

Tip: To stop Auto Scan mode, simply press any of the
port selection switches on the KVM.

14

Operation

Hotkey Operation

The GCS1772/GCS1774 provides an extensive, easy­to-use, hotkey function that makes it convenient to
control and configure your KVM installation from the
keyboard.

PC keyboard

Scroll Lock

NOTE: The table below assumes the use of a PC-

compatible keyboard with the

Scroll Lock

key. If you
are using a MAC keyboard (or a keyboard that does
not have Scroll Lock key), refer to the section in the
manual “

Change Port Switching Keys

” for information

on re-configuring the KVM’s hotkeys

15

Hotkey Operation

Port Switching

Note: The n stands for the computer’s Port ID number (1, 2, 3, or 4). Replace the n with the appropriate Port

ID when entering hotkey combinations.

16

Hotkey Operation

17

Hotkey Operation

Auto Scanning

Note:

• While Auto Scan is active, ordinary keyboard
and mouse functions are suspended – only
Auto Scan mode compliant keystrokes and
mouse clicks can be entered. You must exit
Auto Scan mode to regain normal console
control.

• Although the video focus switches from port to
port, the keyboard, mouse, and USB focus
doesn’t switch.

1918

Hotkey Operation

Invoking Hotkey Mode

For all Hotkey operations, you must use the

number

keypad

on the right side of your keyboard.

To Invoke Hotkey Mode:
(PC-Compatible keyboard)

1. Press and hold the Num Lock key

PC keyboard

Num Lock

Minus

2. Press and release the Minus key

3. Release the Num Lock key within one half
second after releasing

Minus

key; otherwise the

KVM will not go into Hotkey mode.

19

To invoke Hotkey Mode (MAC keyboards):

1. Press and hold the Clear key

2. Press and release the Minus key

3. Release the Clear key within one half second after
releasing

Minus

key; otherwise the KVM will not go

into Hotkey mode.

Mac keyboard

Hotkey Operation

Clear

Minus

20

Hotkey Operation

Note:

• If using the

[Num Lock], [-]

combination is not
optimal, you may reprogram the KVM to use an
alternate key combination (see next section)

• When Hotkey mode is active, the Caps Lock and
Scroll Lock LEDs flash in succession to indicate
that Hotkey mode is in effect. They stop flashing
and revert to normal status when you exit this
mode.

Ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are
suspended – only Hotkey compliant keystrokes and
mouse clicks can be input.

At the conclusion of some hotkey operations, you
automatically exit Hotkey mode. With some operations,
you must exit manually by pressing the Esc or
Spacebar on your keyboard.

21

Change Hotkey Mode Invocation Keys

In case the default Hotkey Mode invocation keys
(

Num Lock

and

Minus

[-]) are not optimal in your

setup, you may change them to

Ctrl

and

F12

,

respectively.

To switch to an alternate Hotkey Mode invocation, do
the following:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Press and release H

3. This will change the Hotkey Mode invocation
key to

Ctrl

and

F12

(instead of Num Lock and

Minus).

Note: This procedure is a toggle between the two
methods. To revert back to the original HSM invocation
keys, repeat the above procedure again.

Change Port Switching Keys

The port switching activation keys can be changed
from tapping Scroll Lock key twice ([Scroll Lock] [Scroll
Lock]) to tapping Ctrl twice [Ctrl] [Ctrl].

To change the port switching activation keys, do the
following:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Press and release T

3. The new port switching key will be [Ctrl], [Ctrl]

Note: This procedure is a toggle between the two
methods. To revert back to the original port switching
keys, repeat the above procedure.

Hotkey Operation

22

Hotkey Operation

Set Keyboard Operating Platform

The GCS1772/GCS1774 default port configuration is
for a PC Compatible keyboard operating platform. If
you have a MAC attached to a port, you can change
a port’s keyboard operating platform configuration as
follows:

1. Bring the KVM focus to the desired port

2. Invoke Hotkey Mode

3. Press and release the appropriate Function key
(see table below).

*The first time that the Sun system runs from a port,
you must configure its port for the Sun keyboard
operating platform before you turn the system on, or
else the Sun system will not start.

List Hotkey Settings

To see a list of the current hotkey settings, do the
following:

1. Open a text editor (such as Notepad or Word)

2. Invoke Hotkey Mode

3. Press F4 on your keyboard to ‘paste’ this
information

23

Hotkey Operation

USB Reset

If the USB loses focus and needs to be reset, do the
following:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Press and release F5 function key

Hotkey Beeper Control

The beep sound the KVM makes when switching
can be Toggled ON and OFF by doing the following:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Press and release B

Disable Port Switching Keys

To disable the port switching keys (Scroll Lock or Ctrl),
please do the following:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Press [X] [Enter]

Note: This procedure is a toggle. To re-enable the
keys, repeat the procedure above.

Firmware Upgrade Mode

To set the GCS1772/GCS1774 in firmware upgrade
mode:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Key in:

upgrade

3. Press [Enter]

Note: The front panel LEDs will flash to indicate that
the KVM is in firmware upgrade mode. To exit firmware
upgrade mode, you must power off the switch.

24

Hotkey Operation

Restore Default Settings

To reset the GCS1772/GCS1774 to its factory default
settings, do the following:

1. Invoke Hotkey Mode

2. Press [R] [Enter]

Hotkey Default Settings

25

Hotkey Operation

MAC Keyboard Emulation

The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can
emulate the functions of the Mac keyboard. The
emulation mappings are listed in the table below.

Please note the following:

• In order for these keys to work, you must
first set that port to the Mac keyboard
operating platform (see Page 22)

• When using the key combinations, press
and release the first key, then press and
release the second key

26

Hotkey Operation

Sun Keyboard Emulation

The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can
emulate the functions of the Sun keyboard. The
emulation mappings are listed in the table below.

Please note the following:

• In order for these keys to work, you must first
set that port to the Sun keyboard operating
platform (see Page 22)

• When using the key combinations, press and
release the first key, then press and release
the second key

Ethernet Switch

27

Ethernet switch

This section of the manual explains the capabilities of
the built-in switch and

where

it fits in your Network.
Essentially, the built-in switch allows you to connect
the computers in your KVM setup to your existing
Ethernet network. If you want to network and share
Internet with the computers in the KVM setup, you will
need a connection between your Cable/DSL router
and the KVM switch.

A typical network setup will look similar to the scenario
shown below.

Ethernet Switch

28

As you can see from the picture, your Cable/DSL line
connects to your router’s WAN port; network cable
from

any

of the router’s LAN ports connect to

any

of
the KVM’s Ethernet ports; and network cable from
KVM’s Ethernet port connects to the Ethernet card
on your computer.

Connect Computers:

1. Connect CAT 5 cable coming from your Cable/

DSL router to

any

of the Ethernet ports on the
KVM
Tip: By doing this, the computers in your KVM
setup will “join” your existing Ethernet network

2. Connect network cable to Ethernet port on KVM
switch and the other end to the computer’s
Ethernet card

3. That’s all!

29

The Windows-based Firmware Upgrade Utility (FWUpgrade.exe) provides a smooth, automated process for
upgrading the KVM switch’s firmware. To run the firmware, you will need to use a windows based PC with an
available serial port.

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 web
site regularly to find the latest packages and information relating to them:

http://www.iogear.com

Before You Begin

To prepare for the firmware upgrade, do the following:

From a computer that is not part of your KVM installation, go to the IOGEAR support site and select
the product part number (GCS1772 or GCS1774) to get a list of available Firmware Upgrade
Packages.

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

Use the

Firmware Upgrade Cable

provided with this unit, to connect to a serial port on your

computer to the

Firmware Upgrade Port

of your switch.

1.

2.

3.

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

30

Shut down the computers on your MiniView™
installation and make sure you have set the KVM in
firmware upgrade mode as instructed under section
Hotkey operation

→ →

→ →

→ Firmware upgrade mode

Make sure the power is plugged into the KVM.

Once the power is plugged in and the switch is set
to upgrade, all of the amber lights on the KVM will
flash once per second. Now you are ready to run
the firmware upgrade utility.

4.

5.

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

31

To upgrade your firmware:

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

Welcome

screen

appears:

Read and

Agree

to the License Agreement

(enable the I Agree radio button).

1.

2.

Starting the Upgrade

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

3. Click Next to continue. The Firmware Upgrade

Utility main screen appears:

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

Device List

panel.

32

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

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

Device Description

panel.

33

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

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

If you enabled

Check Firmware Version

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

5.

If you didn’t enable

Check Firmware Version

, the Utility installs the upgrade files without checking whether

they are a higher level, or not.

34

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

As the Upgrade proceeds status messages
appear in the Status Messages panel, and the
progress toward completion is shown on the

Progress

bar.

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

Click Finish to close the Firmware Upgrade
Utility.

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

35

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

Upgrade Failed

screen appears:

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

Firmware Upgrade Recovery

,

for how to proceed.

Firmware Upgrade Recovery

There are basically three 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.

• When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.

To perform a firmware upgrade recovery, do the
following:

Slide the

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch

(see p. 8 drawing) to the Recover position.

Power off and restart the switch.

Slide the

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch

back to the Normal position.

Repeat Step 2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

36

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

Upgrade Failed

screen appears:

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

Firmware Upgrade Recovery

,

for how to proceed.

Firmware Upgrade Recovery

There are basically three 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.

• When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.

To perform a firmware upgrade recovery, do the
following:

Slide the

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch

(see p. 8 drawing) to the Recover position.

Power off and restart the switch.

Slide the

Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch

back to the Normal position.

Repeat Step 2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

The Firmware Upgrade Utility

36

38

Specification

Specification

Specification

39

Specification

Technical Support

If you need technical support, please check out our IOGEAR Tech Info Library (T.I.L.) at www.iogear.com/
support for the latest tips, tricks, and troubleshooting. The IOGEAR T.I.L. was designed to provide you with

the latest technical information about our products. Most of the answers to your questions can be found
here, so please try it out before contacting technical support.

Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST and can be reached at
[phone] or 866-946-4327

40

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.

41

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
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.

Limited Warranty

42

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

Contact info.

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