rackit Paradigm Installer/user Manual

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Page 1

Installer/User Guide

274 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10016 • USA

212-679-0050 (Fax) 212-679-0040

www.RackitTechnology.com

Page 2

Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Page 3

Installer/User Guide

274 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10016 • USA

212-679-0050 (Fax) 212-679-0040

www.RackitTechnology.com

IBM, PC, PC/AT and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Microsoft and Kensington are registered trademarks of their respective companies. Logitech, Mouseman and

Trackman are trademarks of Logitech, Inc. IntelliMouse is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

FCC Notification

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

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Canadian Notification

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

Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Product Overview

Feature Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 1

Compatibility ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Chapter 2 - Installation

Basic Install ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Advanced Install ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 3 - Basic Operations

Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

Keyboard Control .................................................................................................................................. 10

Keyboard Switching ............................................................................................................................. 11

System Control & Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 12

Chapter 4 - On-Screen Display Operations

Activating OSD ...................................................................................................................................... 13

The OSD Window .................................................................................................................................. 14

The Command Menu ........................................................................................................................... 15

Basic Channel Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 16

The ID Window ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Administrator Functions ..................................................................................................................... 20

Chapter 5 - Channel Scanning

Choosing a Scanning Method .......................................................................................................... 23

Setting the Scanning Order ............................................................................................................... 24

Turning Scanning On and Off........................................................................................................... 24

Setting the Scanning Dwell Time .................................................................................................... 25

Scanning and Security ......................................................................................................................... 26

Chapter 6 - Appendices

A: Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 27

B: Pairing .................................................................................................................................................. 28

C: Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................ 34

D: Problem Report................................................................................................................................. 39

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

INSTRUCTIONS: The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE: The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

PROTECTIVE GROUNDING TERMINAL: A terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to making any other connections to the equipment.

POWER ON: This symbol indicates the principle on/off switch is in the on position.

POWER OFF: This symbol indicates the principle on/off switch is in the off position.

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Feature Overview

The Paradigm allows you to control up to 64 PCs with one keyboard, monitor and mouse. Each computer can be up to 30 feet away from the Paradigm. The Paradigm works with IBM PC/AT and PS/2 systems, and 100% compatible machines with support for VGA, SVGA, XGA and XGA-II video. PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse peripherals are supported through the rear of the unit.

Product Overview

Expansion for up to 64 computers

AutoBoot technology

On-screen display capability

Advanced security for total control over system access

IntelliMouse support

A Paradigm unit will support from one to eight attached PCs, or channels. If more than eight channels are needed, multiple units can be cascaded together for expansion. Up to 2 tiers of units can be connected for a total of 64 attached computers in one system.

The AutoBoot feature boots all attached servers during initial power-up or after a power failure. PCs are booted transparently without operator intervention, and may be powered-up one-at-a-time or all at once. When the power stabilizes, a channel may be selected. The first available channel is automatically selected upon power-up of the base Paradigm.

Configure and control your Paradigm with on-screen menuing! Name your computer channels anything you wish, then select the desired computer from an easy-to-use menu. Secondary menus let you configure and initiate channel scanning and other system features.

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

The Paradigm offers full support for the Microsoft IntelliMouse.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Push-button & keyboard switching

“Keep Alive” feature

Built-in scanning capabilities

Status indicator LEDs

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

Paradigm’s “Keep Alive” feature allows attached servers to power the unit in the event of a Paradigm power failure. This prevents attached PCs from locking up and keeps you from losing time and data.

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

A typical Paradigm configuration is shown below.

S U T

A C S

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Compatibility

Product Overview

PS/2 peripherals

XGA/XGA-II support

The Paradigm requires a PS/2 mouse and keyboard. The following mice are known to be compatible:

IBM PS/2-style Logitech Trackman Kensington Logitech Mouseman (PS/2) Microsoft IntelliMouse

Other manufacturers' mice may operate with the Paradigm. If you experience problems using an untested mouse, contact Rackit Technical Support with the manufacturer and model number of the mouse.

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

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

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Basic Install

Installation

1. Power-down all computers that will be part of your Para-

digm system.

Connecting your Peripherals

2. Locate your PS/2 keyboard, VGA video monitor and PS/2 mouse.

3. Plug your VGA monitor cable into the port on the back of your Paradigm in the user console section. Plug your PS/2 keyboard cable

into the

port and your PS/2 mouse cable into the port.

SETUP

PS/2 KEYBOARD CABLE

USER

VGA MONITOR CABLE

PS/2 MOUSE CABLE

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Connecting Computers to the Paradigm

4. Locate your first computer interface cable. It will have a 25-pin “D” connector at one end. Plug this cable into any lettered channel port on the rear of the Paradigm. The other end of the input cable will have five connectors: a 15-pin “HDD” connector for your video, a 5-pin DIN/ 6-pin miniDIN connector for an AT or PS/2 keyboard connection, and a 9-pin serial/6-pin miniDIN connector for a serial or PS/2 mouse connection. The PS/2 mouse connector is designated by a yellow band or mouse icon.

Use only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are appropriate for your PC, and leave the others unconnected.

Plug these connectors into the matching ports on your computer.

MOUSE PORT

KEYBOARD PORT

VIDEO PORT

1 0

2 4

0 V

~ ,

. 1

a ,

0 /

8 0

H z

T 2A, 250 V

POWER

P A

T E

E N

D I

N G

M A

D E

I N

S A

5. Locate your next computer interface cable. Repeat step 4 until all computers are properly attached to the Paradigm.

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Installation

6. Locate the power cord that came with your Paradigm unit. Plug it into the IEC power connector on the Paradigm. Make sure that the power switch is off, then plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriate AC wall outlet. This outlet must be near the equipment and easily accessible to allow for unplugging prior to any servicing of the unit.

100-240V , .1A, 50/60 Hz

7. Power-up your Paradigm unit first, then all attached computers.

The Paradigm and all attached computers should be powered-down before servicing the unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Advanced InstallAdvanced Install

Attaching Multiple Paradigm Units

1. Follow steps 1-6 of the Basic Install section.

2. Plug the 25-pin “D” connector of your computer interface cable into any available channel port on the rear of your base Paradigm unit.

3. Plug the 15-pin video connector on the other end of the cable into the port labeled on your first cascading Paradigm unit. Plug the PS/2 mouse connector, designated by a yellow band or mouse icon, into

the into the used for cascading.

port. Plug the remaining 6-pin miniDIN keyboard connector

port. The 9-pin serial and 5-pin DIN connectors are not

CASCADING UNIT

MADE IN USA

PS/2 MOUSE

CONNECTOR

ETU

, 50/60 H

, .1A

PATENT PENDING

100-240V

, 50/60 H

, .1A

PATENT PENDING

100-240V

PS/2 KEYBOARD CONNECTOR

BASE UNIT

MADE IN USA

VGA VIDEO

CONNECTOR

4. Repeat steps 2-3 for every cascaded Paradigm unit in your system.

5. Power-up your Paradigm unit(s) first, then all attached computers.

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Overview

Basic Operations

Your Paradigm may be operated in a non secure (no password required) or secure (password required) mode. All units ship defaulted to the nonsecure mode. For information on implementing password security see the “Administrator Functions” section of chapter 4.

PCs may be powered-up one-at-a-time or all at once. No operator intervention is required during booting. When the system stabilizes, a PC may be selected via the on-screen display menu or keyboard hot-key sequence.

SELECTED

ON-LINE

DEF

STEP/

SCAN STATUS

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Keyboard Control

The following conventions appear throughout this chapter to illustrate commands for operating the Paradigm. Whenever you see one of the symbols listed on the left side of the table, substitute the corresponding steps or values listed on the right side of the table.

Convention Key Sequence or Value

<CM> 1. Press and hold down the ‘Num Lock’ key.

<Enter> Press the ‘Enter’ or ‘Return’ key. The <Enter> command is used to

Enter Command Mode:

2. Press and release the minus (-) key on the numeric keypad.

3. Release the ‘Num Lock’ key. Note: For alternate hot-key sequences, see ‘System Control & Maintenance’ later in this chapter.

execute an instruction and exit from Command Mode.

Addr

<ESC> Press the ‘Escape’ key. The <ESC> command is used to exit

The letters over the push-buttons on your Paradigm are your PCs' addresses. Enter the letter, A-H, for the PC you're selecting. For cascaded systems, enter the address of the base unit first.

Example

your base unit. To access the PC at channel C of this second (cascaded) unit, enter BC.

Command Mode without executing an instruction.

: You have a Paradigm unit cascaded from channel B of

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Keyboard Switching

Basic Operations

One of the ways to change the active channel in a non-secured Paradigm system is by entering a short sequence of keystrokes on the keyboard. This is called keyboard, or hot-key, switching.

Note: Hot-key switching is only available in the default non-secure state.

For more information on secure versus non-secure operation, see the ‘Administrator Functions’ section of Chapter 4.

The first set of keystrokes places your system in Command Mode. As long as you are operating in Command Mode, whatever you type will be interpreted as channel switch commands until the Enter or the Escape key is pressed to terminate Command Mode. None of the keystrokes entered will be forwarded to the attached computer until you exit Command Mode.

Next, enter the address

(Addr)

for the channel you wish to select.

Press Enter to accept the new channel. The following command line shows the proper format used to switch your active channel via keyboard.

Key Sequence Action

<CM>Addr<Enter> Selects an active channel via keyboard.

Below is a sample of a keyboard switching session, with an accompanying explanation for each step.

Key Sequence Action

1.<CM>E<Enter> Selects Channel E on the base unit as the active channel.

2.<CM>CF<Enter> Selects the Paradigm attached to channel C on the base unit,

then selects channel F on the cascaded unit.

3.<CM>G<Enter> Selects Channel G on the base unit as the active channel.

4. <CM>BA<ESC> Exit Command Mode. The instruction is not executed. Channel

G is still the active channel.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

System Control & Maintenance

The following commands are used for system control and maintenance. Enter the command sequences to perform the actions described in the table below.

Key Sequence Action

<CM>Kn<Enter> Sets the keyboard scan set where n is a scan set number 1-3.

<CM>MR<Enter> If you hot-plug your mouse cable, you may experience a loss of

<CM>MW<Enter> If you hot-plug your mouse cable, you may experience a loss of

<CM>AV<Enter> Displays the current firmware version of the processors inside

<CM>H1<Enter> Changes the hot-key sequence to the default:

<CM>H2<Enter> Changes the hot-key sequence to the 1st alternate:

<CM>H3<Enter> Changes the hot-key sequence to the 2nd alternate:

<CM>ZM

mouse signal. Use this command to restore the signal if you are using a PC with a standard PS/2 mouse driver.

mouse signal. Use this command to restore the signal if you are using a PC with a Microsoft IntelliMouse driver.

your Paradigm unit. You must be either at a DOS prompt or in a text editor/word processor to view this information.

1. Press and hold down the ‘Num Lock’ key.

2. Press and release the minus (-) key on the numeric keypad.

3. Release the ‘Num Lock’ key.

1. Press and hold down the ‘Num Lock’ key.

2. Press and release the asterisk (*) key on the numeric keypad.

3. Release the ‘Num Lock’ key.

1. Press and hold down the ‘Control’ key.

2. Press and release the tilde (~) key.

3. Release the ‘Control’ key.

<Enter> Use this command to resynchronize the mouse after a device or

computer hot-plug. Repeat, if necessary, until synchronization is re-established.

Note: Using this command while the mouse is operating correctly will cause the mouse to lose sync.

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On-Screen Display

Activating OSD

Operations

Activate on-screen display (OSD) by pressing either of the keyboard Control keys twice within one second. In nonsecure mode, this brings up the main OSD Window, “Administrator Channel List”.

In secure mode, activating OSD will bring up the “User Login” window. Type in your user name and press Enter. The system administrator should login as “Admin”, “Root” or “Administrator”. If the user name is valid, the password window will appear. Type your password and press Enter. This will bring up your “Channel List”. If there is no keyboard activity, the login window will timeout after 5 minutes and go to screen saver. Press any key to restore the login prompt.

Note: All Paradigm units ship in the default non-secure state. For more

information on secure versus non-secure operation, see the section ‘Administrator Functions’.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

The OSD Window

This window lists all named channels in your Paradigm system. They will be listed alphabetically with their channel addresses and access status beside them. When in secure mode, only the channels that are accessible to the logged in user will be listed. (See the section ‘Administrator Functions’ for more information.)

Use your up and down arrow keys, the page up and down keys, or your mouse to select a channel. Move immediately to the top or bottom of the list with the home and end keys. Press a letter while in the main OSD Window, and the Highlight Bar moves to the first channel name beginning with that letter. Press the letter repeatedly to scroll through all channels that begin with that letter from top to bottom. Press Enter to make the switch. To exit the OSD Window without changing channels, press Esc. To manually logout when in secure mode, press F10.

Program Manager

Rackit Control Panel

Administrator Channel List

Name Access

Accounting F

Engineering Jene's PC Mail Server Pam's PC Shop Floor

Address

E C A B D

K V K V K V K K

F10-Logout

THE MAIN OSD WINDOW

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The Command Menu

On-Screen Display Operations

Once you have activated the main OSD Window, you can open the Command Menu by either pressing the Control key twice or by typing ALT-M.

The Command Menu options are selected in the same manner as channels in the OSD Window. Scroll the Highlight Bar up and down and press Enter when your selection is highlighted.

Program Manager

Rackit Control Panel

Administrator Command Menu

Channel Maintenance

Administrator Functions Turn Scanning ON Scanning Order Sequential Scan Dwell Time Reset Standard Mouse/Keyboard Reset Wheel Mouse/Keyboard Version Information

ENTER-accept ESC-previous

THE COMMAND MENU

Games

If you are operating in non-secure mode or are the system administrator, you will have several options that do not appear in the User level Command Menu: Channel Maintenance, Administrator Functions and Sequential Scan Dwell Time. Channel Maintenance and Administrator Functions are both covered in separate sections in this chapter. Scanning is covered in Chapter 5.

If you experience a loss of mouse signal while using the Paradigm, select the ‘Reset Standard Mouse/Keyboard’ option from this menu for a PC with a standard mouse driver or ‘Reset Wheel Mouse/Keyboard’ if you are using a PC with a Microsoft IntelliMouse driver. This will reset and in most cases restore your mouse signal. These commands are equivalent to the <CM>MR<Enter> and <CM>MW<Enter> keyboard command listed in the ‘System Control & Maintenance’ section of this manual.

Choose the option ‘Version Information’ to display on your monitor the current version level of your OSD firmware. Press the Esc key to clear this information from your screen.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Basic Channel Maintenance

The Channel Maintenance Menu is accessed from the Administrator Command Menu, and is available if you are operating in non-secure mode or if you are the system administrator. Here you can add, delete or alter individual channels.

Adding New Channels (base unit only)

Program Manager

Rackit Control Panel

Configure Channel

Add Channel

Delete Channel Change Channel Name Change ChannelAddress Dwell Time For ID window Options For ID window Alpha Scan Dwell Time

Games

ENTER-accept ESC-previous

THE CHANNEL MAINTENANCE WINDOW

1. Select ‘Add channel’ from the Channel Maintenance Menu. Type in a new channel name, up to 14 characters long, and press Enter.

2. Type in the channel letter for the PC you are naming and press Enter.

3. When prompted for another cascade level, type N and press Enter.

Press Esc at any point to exit this operation without adding the channel.

Adding New Channels (with a cascaded unit)

1. Select ‘Add channel’ from the Channel Maintenance Menu. Type in a new channel name, up to 14 characters long, and press Enter.

2. Type in the Paradigm channel letter that corresponds to the port that the second cascaded Paradigm unit is attached to and press Enter.

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On-Screen Display Operations

3. When prompted for another cascade level, type Y and press Enter.

4. Enter the letter that corresponds to the computer port on the cascaded Paradigm you are adding and press Enter.

5. When you have finished adding levels (up to two total), type N when prompted for another cascade level and press Enter.

Press Esc at any point to exit this operation without adding the channel.

Deleting an Existing Channel

1. Highlight the channel you wish to delete in the main OSD Window.

2. Press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

3. Select ‘Channel maintenance’ from the Command Menu.

4. Choose the ‘Delete channel’ option.

5. Type Y or N at the prompt to confirm the deletion and press Enter.

Changing Channel Names and Addresses

1. Highlight the channel you wish to change in the main OSD Window.

2. Press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

3. Select ‘Channel maintenance’ from the Command Menu.

4. Choose the appropriate option.

5. Enter the new channel name or address and press Enter to accept.

Press Esc at any point to exit this operation without saving the changes.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

The ID Window

The ID Window appears when you change channels and displays the name of the selected channel. This window can be individually configured for each channel in your system. The characteristics of the ID Window can be changed from the Channel Maintenance Menu. This option is only available if you are operating in non-secure mode or if you are the system administrator.

Changing the Size, Color and Position of the ID Window

1. From the main OSD Window, press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

2. Select ‘Channel maintenance’ from the Command Menu.

3. Choose the option ‘Options for ID window’.

Follow the procedures outlined in the table below to change the size, color or position of your ID Window.

Operation Procedure

Move the ID Window Use the arrow keys or mouse to move the ID

Window's position on the monitor. If the window flickers but does not move, continue tapping the arrow keys until it moves back into range.

Change window background color Press the <PAGE UP> key to cycle through the

available window background colors.

Change text color Press the <PAGE DOWN> key to cycle through

the available text colors.

Change window size Use the (+) and (-) keys to change the length of

the ID Window.

4. Press Enter to accept the changes or press Esc to exit the menu without saving the changes.

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On-Screen Display Operations

Setting the ID Window Dwell Time

This menu selection lets you set the time that the ID Window remains on screen after a channel switch. Each channel can be configured independently. The default time is set for 5 seconds.

1. From the main OSD Window, press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

2. Select ‘Channel maintenance’ from the Command Menu.

3. Choose the option ‘Dwell time for ID window’.

4. Enter a number between 0-255 seconds. Entering 0 disables the ID Window. Entering 255 allows the ID Window to stay on screen the entire time the channel is active.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Administrator Functions

The Administrator Functions Menu is accessed from the Command Menu. Here, you can create an administrator password, set a system logout time and create individual user logins with specific access and privileges. This

menu is only used if you are running your system in secure mode. If you configure an administrator password from this menu, your

system will then be in secure mode. A lock symbol will appear to the right of the menu headings to indicate secure operation. If you wish to keep your system in the default non-secure mode, return to the Command Menu. For the differences between secure and non-secure modes, see below.

Differences between Secure and Non-Secure Operating Modes

Administrator Password

Entering an administrator password places your system in secure mode. Non-secure systems do not use passwords. To return your system to the default of non-secure mode, simply delete the administrator password. When the administrator password is enabled, user passwords must also be entered or the switch will not be completely secure. The default for users is no password. Simply hit the enter key at the prompt.

Logout Capability

You have the option of automatically logging out of the system after an administrator defined period of inactivity. Timeout values can be set from 0 to 60 minutes. A value of 0 keeps the user logged in continuously. When the timeout is reached, the current channel is deselected and the display goes to screen saver mode. Users must login again to access system computers. This option is only available in secure mode.

Multiple User Logins

You can create up to four user logins in addition to the system administrator. Use these logins to configure and control server access for every type of system user. The administrator has full access privileges; additional users can have viewing or viewing with keyboard and mouse control capability for each attached server. This option is only available in secure mode.

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On-Screen Display Operations

Hot-Key Channel Selection

While in secure mode, all hot-key channel selection methods are disabled. (This also includes use of the Rackit Remote Switch Panel (RSP)) All other hot-key commands remain operational to the administrator only. In nonsecure mode hot-key commands function normally.

Creating the Administrator Password

1. Press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

2. Select ‘Administrator Functions’ from the Command Menu.

3. Select ‘Administrator Password’ from the Administrator Menu.

4. Type your password and press Enter. (The password is not case sensitive.)

5. Repeat entry of the password for confirmation.

CAUTION: Security is enabled once the password has been

created. Store a copy of your password in a safe place.

You should now see the option ‘F10 - Logout’ at the bottom of your main OSD Window and a lock symbol to the right of the menu headings.

Setting the Administrator Logout Time

1. Press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

2. Select ‘Administrator Functions’ from the Command Menu.

3. Select ‘Administrator Logout Time’ from the Administrator Menu.

4. Enter the number of minutes you wish to pass without keyboard/ mouse activity before the administrator is automatically logged out of the system. The default of 0 keeps the administrator logged on continuously; 60 is the maximum setting.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Setting Up Additional Users

1. Press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

2. Select ‘Administrator Functions’ from the Command Menu.

3. Select ‘Setup User 1’ from the Administrator Menu.

4. Choose the ‘Name’ sub-menu and enter the name for this user.

5. Choose the ‘Password’ sub-menu and enter the password and confirm it for this user. (Passwords are not case sensitive.)

6. Choose the ‘Access’ sub-menu. Here, you will see a listing of all attached servers in the channel list. For each server, choose a level of access for this user by selecting one of the function keys listed on the screen: F5 for no access, F6 for video only or F7 for video and keyboard/mouse capability. The default is set for full access. All changes go into effect as soon as they are made. Press Enter when you have completed your configuration.

7. Choose the ‘Logout Time’ sub-menu. Enter a value in minutes for this user’s logout time. A value of 0 keeps the user logged on continuously; 60 is the maximum setting. The default is set for 5 minutes.

8. Press Enter to accept your selections and repeat steps 3-8 for each remaining user.

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Choosing a Scanning Method

Paradigm's scanning feature allows you to automatically monitor, or scan, your computer channels without intervention. When keyboard activity is detected, scanning is suspended until all keyboard activity stops. Scanning then resumes with the next channel in sequence. Mouse activity will not affect scanning in any way. The length of time each channel remains on the screen, or dwell time, is configurable and can be changed at any time.

There are two ways to scan through the channels in your Paradigm system, either sequentially or alphanumerically.

Scanning sequentially allows you to view each of your active channels in the order that they are attached to the Paradigm. The amount of time each channel remains on the screen, or dwell time, is configurable and is the same for all channels.

Channel Scanning

Scanning alphanumerically allows you to scan all your channels in alphanumeric order according to the channel list in the main OSD Window. With this scan method, you can adjust the dwell time for each channel or omit a channel from the scan sequence completely.

Choose whichever method is most appropriate for your configuration.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Setting the Scanning Order

1. From the main OSD Window, press the Control key twice or type

2. Choose ‘Scanning order’ from the menu.

3. Select either ‘Sequential order’ or ‘Alphanumeric order’.

4. Press Enter.

Turning Scanning On and Off

From the OSD menu.

1. From the main OSD Window, press the Control key twice or type

Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

2. Select ‘Turn scanning ON’ or ‘Turn scanning OFF’ from the menu.

This is a toggle option - only one scanning option will show on the menu at any one time.

3. Press Enter.

By keyboard hot-key sequence (System Administrator or non-secure mode only)

The following key sequences control scanning.

Key Sequence Action

<CM>SG<Enter> Enables the scan Go command.

<CM>SH<Enter> Enables the scan Halt command.

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Setting the Scanning Dwell Time

(System Administrators and non-secure mode users.)

Channel Scanning

For Sequential Scanning

1. From the main OSD Window, press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command menu.

2. Choose the option ‘Sequential Scan Dwell Time.’

3. Enter a number between 2-60 seconds. The value you enter will be the dwell time for each active channel in the system.

For Alphanumeric Scanning

1. Highlight the channel that you wish to configure in the main OSD Window.

2. Next, press the Control key twice or type Alt-M to access the Command Menu.

3. Select ‘Channel Maintenance’ from the Command Menu.

4. Choose the option ‘Alpha Scan Dwell Time’.

5. Enter a number between 0-255 seconds. Enter 0 to skip a channel during scanning.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Scanning and Security

In non-secure mode, you may scan your channels either alphanumerically according to your channel list or sequentially through all attached servers. Note that with sequential scanning, you will pause at every active channel, regardless of whether that channel has been added to the channel list or not.

In secure mode, you will only scan through channels that appear on the channel list, regardless of the scanning method chosen.

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A: Specifications

Appendices

Mechanical

Environmental/ Power

Supported Hardware

Agency Approvals

Height: 1.7" (4.5 cm) Width: 17.2" (43.7 cm) Depth: 6.5" (16.51 cm)

Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.91 kg)

Operating Temperature: 41° (5°C) to 104° (40°C) Storage Temperature: -4° (-20° C) to 122° (50°C)

Input Power: 8.0 W Operating Voltage: 100 - 240 VAC Power Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz

Computer: IBM PC/AT, PS/2 and 100% compatibles Video Modes: VGA, SVGA, (XGA, XGA-II with adaptor) Maximum Resolution: 1600 x 1200 @ 72 Hz Peripherals: PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, IntelliMouse (PS/2 only)

UL 1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950, EN60950

FCC part 15A, EN55022, EN50082

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

B: Pairing

Pairing connects two Paradigm units serially, allowing access to 16 computers with one keyboard, monitor and mouse without using a computer port. It is used in place of cascading two units. To pair your Paradigm units, use the instructions below instead of those given in the Installation chapter.

Initial Configurations

1. Select one of your two Paradigm units to be used as the slave unit.

2. Connect your VGA monitor cable to the port labeled this unit. Next, connect your keyboard to the port labeled

on the back of

on the

same unit.

USER

SETUP

3. Locate the power cord that came with your Paradigm unit. Plug it into the IEC power connector on the Paradigm. Make sure that the Paradigm power switch is off, then plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriate AC wall outlet. This outlet must be near the equipment and easily accessible to allow for unplugging prior to any servicing of the unit.

, 50/60 Hz

100-240V , .1A

Page 35

Appendices

4. Turn the Paradigm unit on and press the

Control Control

Control key twice to activate

Control Control the On-Screen Display system. The Administrator Channel list will appear in a pop-up menu.

5. Press the

ControlControl

Control key twice more to activate the Administrator

ControlControl

Command Menu.

Program Manager

Rackit Control Panel

Administrator Command Menu

Channel Maintenance

Administrator Functions

Turn Scanning ON Scanning Order Sequential Scan Dwell Time Reset Standard Mouse/Keyboard Reset Wheel Mouse/Keyboard Version Information

ENTER-accept ESC-previous

Games

6. Using the arrow keys, highlight ‘Administrator Functions’ and press EnterEnter

Enter. This will bring up the Administrator Menu.

EnterEnter

7. From here, highlight and select ‘Unit Configuration’.

8. Change the unit configuration selection to option 3, ‘Paired (Slave)’.

Program Manager

Rackit Control Panel

Administrator Menu

Select Unit Configuration 1: Tiered (Default) 2: Paired (Master)

3: Paired (Slave)

Games

ENTER-accept ESC-previous

9. Press

Enter Enter

Enter to save your selection. Next, press the

Enter Enter

Esc Esc

Esc key repeatedly to

Esc Esc

exit from the OSD menu.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

10. Power down the slave Paradigm unit and disconnect the keyboard and monitor.

11. Repeat Steps 2-7 with the remaining master Paradigm unit.

12. Now, choose option 2, ‘Paired (Master)’ for this unit. Press save the selection and then press

Esc Esc

Esc repeatedly to exit the OSD menu.

Esc Esc

Enter Enter

Enter to

Enter Enter

13. Power down the master unit and disconnect the monitor.

Pairing Connections

1. Locate the pairing cable kit. (CDUAL) It will contain a Y-video cable with two 15-pin male VGA connectors and one 15-pin female VGA connector. It also contains a 9 pin male serial cable.

2. Plug a male VGA connector into the port labeled Paradigm units.

R E

T E S

R E

P U T

E S

z H 0

6 / 0

5 , A

1 .

, V 0

4 2

PATENT PENDING

z H 0

6 / 0

5 , A

1 .

, V 0

4 2

PATENT PENDING

0 1

3. Connect the female VGA cable to the end of your monitor cable.

on each of the

MADE IN USA

4. Next, connect the serial cable between the ports labeled “SETUP” on the Paradigm units.

MADE IN USA

R E

SETUP

R E

SETUP

PATENT PENDING

100-240V , .1A, 50/60 Hz

PATENT PENDING

100-240V , .1A, 50/60 Hz

5. Connect a PS/2 mouse to the master Paradigm unit.

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Appendices

Connecting Computers to the Paradigm

1. Power down the computers that will be part of your Paradigm system. Make sure that both of your Paradigm units are turned off.

2. Locate your first computer interface cable. It will have a 25-pin “D” connector at one end. Plug this cable into any lettered channel port on the rear of the master Paradigm. The other end of the computer interface cable will have five connectors: a 15-pin “HDD” connector for your video, a 5-pin DIN/6-pin miniDIN connector for an AT or PS/ 2 keyboard connection, and a 9-pin serial/6-pin miniDIN connector for a serial or PS/2 mouse connection. The PS/2 mouse connector is designated by a yellow band or mouse icon.

Use only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are appropriate forUse only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are appropriate for

Use only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are appropriate for

Use only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are appropriate forUse only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are appropriate for your PC, and leave the others unconnected.your PC, and leave the others unconnected.

your PC, and leave the others unconnected.

your PC, and leave the others unconnected.your PC, and leave the others unconnected.

Plug these connectors into the appropriate ports on your computer.

MOUSE PORT

KEYBOARD PORT

VIDEO PORT

0 0

2 4

0 V

T 2

A ,

2 5

0 V

A C

S E R

I A L

POWER

I D

E O

P A T

P E

I N

M A

D E

I N U S

3. Locate your next computer interface cable. Repeat step 2 with all the computers that will be attached to your master Paradigm. Next, attach the remaining computers to the slave Paradigm.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

4. Locate the power cords that came with your Paradigm units. Plug each one into the IEC power connectors on the Paradigm units. Make sure that the power switches are off, then plug the other end of the power cords into appropriate AC wall outlets. This outlet must be near the equipment and easily accessible to allow for unplugging prior to any servicing of the unit.

5. Power-up your slave Paradigm first followed by your master Paradigm, then all attached computers.

The Paradigm and all attached computers should be powered down beforeThe Paradigm and all attached computers should be powered down before

The Paradigm and all attached computers should be powered down before

The Paradigm and all attached computers should be powered down beforeThe Paradigm and all attached computers should be powered down before servicing the unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.servicing the unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.

servicing the unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.

servicing the unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.servicing the unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.

100-240V , .1A, 50/60 Hz

Adding New Channels with Paired Units

1. Select ‘Add Channel’ from the Channel Maintenance Menu. Type in a new channel name, up to 14 characters long, and press

2. At the next prompt, type in the letter “A” if the PC is attached to the master unit or “B” if it is attached to the slave unit. Press

3. When prompted for another cascade level, type Y and press

4. Type the letter that corresponds to the computer port that the computer

is attached to on the Paradigm and press

nternter

nter.

nternter

5. Type N when prompted for another cascade level and press

Esc Esc

Press

Esc at any point to exit this operation without adding a channel.

Esc Esc

Note: Keyboard switching is not available on paired units. All other

keyboard controls function as described earlier in the manual.

EnterEnter

Enter.

EnterEnter

Enter.

EnterEnter

Enter.

EnterEnter

nternter

nter.

nternter

Page 39

Uninstalling Pairing

Appendices

1. Press either

Control Control

Control key twice to bring up the On-Screen Display

Control Control

Administrator Channel List menu.

2. Press

3. Select ‘Unit Configuration’ and press

Control Control

Control twice again, select ‘Administrator Functions’ and press

Control Control

EnterEnter

Enter.

EnterEnter

Enter.

EnterEnter

4. Change the unit configuration to ‘Option 1, Tiered’.

5. Press

Enter Enter

Enter to save your selection and

Enter Enter

EscEsc

Esc to exit OSD.

EscEsc

6. Disconnect the serial and video cables from both Paradigm units.

7. Attach a keyboard and monitor directly to the slave unit.

8. Repeat instructions 1-5 on the slave unit.

9. The units may now be cascaded together or used separately.

Note: Please note that the channel list will need to be modified according

to the Basic Channel Maintenance instructions in the manual after uninstalling pairing.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

C: Troubleshooting

Our Technical Support staff is ready to assist you with any installation or hardware problems you encounter with your Rackit product. If a problem should develop, follow the steps below for the fastest possible service:

1. Check the troubleshooting tables below to see if the problem can be resolved by following the procedures outlined.

2. If you are unable to find a resolution, recreate the problem when possible. Fill out the Problem Report in Appendix D completely.

3. Call Rackit Technical Support between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday at (212) 679-0050 for assistance. Have your Problem Report with you when you call or fax it to Technical Support at (212) 679-0040. To expedite assistance, have this manual with you when you call, along with a copy of your invoice giving the date purchased and other identifying data.

Symptom Action

No status light Verify unit is turned on. Check power cable. If status

light still does not light, turn off the unit and check the fuse located under the power cord connector. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

Red status LED lit Internal unit failure. Contact Rackit Technical Support.

Both amber and green If Scan button is depressed for longer than 3 Scan LEDs lit seconds, both LEDs will light momentarily and a reset is

sent to the unit. In order to initiate scanning, depress the Scan button for 1-2 seconds only. If both LEDs remain lit, call Rackit Technical Support.

Green channel LED not lit Verify that the computer is powered on. Check the

cabling between your computer and the Paradigm. Verify that a keyboard works when plugged directly into your PC. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

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Appendices

Symptom Action

Unable to hot-key switch to Verify that no OSD menuing windows are up on your a channel monitor. You must escape from all OSD menus to

enable hot-key switching.

Verify that you are not in secure mode. (No lock symbol on OSD screen.)

Verify that you are in hot-key mode by checking to see if the green status LED is blinking. If it is not, press escape and try going into command mode again. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

Unable to push-button switch Verify that the channel being selected is not serving as to a channel an expansion unit.

Verify that you are not in secure mode. (No lock symbol on OSD screen.)

Verify that a computer is attached to that channel. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

No video Verify that the video cable between the PC and the

Paradigm is correctly connected. Verify that the monitor cable is correctly connected to the Paradigm.

Power down the computer. Connect the monitor directly to the computer and power up again. If the monitor operates correctly direct to the computer, contact Rackit Technical Support. If it does not, try another monitor.

Mouse jumps or “hugs” screen If the mouse has been hot-plugged while running in

Windows, you may need to close and restart Windows.

If the mouse still does not function, try the mouse resynchronization command <ZM>. (For instructions on command mode, see 'Basic Operations'.) If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Symptom Action

Mouse is inoperable on one If the mouse is inoperable on a channel, try the mouse computer channel reset command <MR> or <MW> with that PC selected.

Mouse is inoperable on all Verify that the mouse is plugged into the correct PS/2 computer channel port on the back of the Paradigm.

(For instructions on command mode, see ‘Basic Operations’.)

Verify that the cables from the computer to the Paradigm are connected properly.

Make sure that you have keyboard/mouse privileges for that channel.

Verify that the mouse driver and application are configured properly for mouse support.

Verify that the computer works properly with a mouse connected directly to it. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

Verify that the mouse is PS/2 style and a supported brand. (See the ‘Product Overview’ chapter for more information.)

Try the mouse reset command <MR> or try the ‘Reset standard mouse/keyboard’ command from the OSD Command Menu for computers using PS/2 mice. Use <MW> or ‘Reset wheel mouse’ for computers using the Microsoft IntelliMouse. (For instructions on command mode, see the ‘Basic Operations’ chapter.)

Verify that the mouse works when connected directly to a computer.

Cycle power to the Paradigm unit. (You do not have to power down your computers for this.) If the mouse remains inoperable, power down all attached computers, cycle power on the Paradigm, then repower the computers. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

Page 43

Appendices

Symptom Action

Keyboard is inoperable on If keyboard does not function on one channel, verify one computer channel that the cables from the computer to the Paradigm

are connected properly.

If you are operating in secure mode, verify your keyboard and mouse privileges.

Verify that the keyboard works properly connected directly to the computer. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

Keyboard is inoperable on If keyboard does not work on any channel, try the all channels ‘Reset mouse/keyboard’ command from the OSD

Command Menu.

Try a different keyboard. If the keyboard still does not function, cycle the power on the Paradigm unit.

Cycle power on all attached computers and the Paradigm unit and try again. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

Keyboard is inoperable after Try changing the keyboard scan set for that channel switching channels by using the keyboard command sequence <Kn>. (For

more information, see the ‘Basic Operations’ chapter.)

If you are operating in secure mode, verify your keyboard and mouse privileges. If the problem persists, call Rackit Technical Support.

Characters on screen do not Try changing the keyboard scan set for that channel match keyboard input by using the keyboard command sequence <Kn>. (For

more information, see the ‘Basic Operations’ chapter.) If the problem persists, call Rackit Technical Support.

No keyboard, video or mouse Verify that the cable connecting the two units on expansion unit; base unit together is correctly connected on both ends. (For is functioning properly additional is information, see the ‘Installation’

chapter.) If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Symptom Action

OSD menu does not “pop-up” Verify that you are pressing the Control key twice

Unable to change channels Verify that the channel is powered. Check the using OSD address configured in OSD. If the computer is

Administrator password is Call Technical Support. forgotten

User password is forgotten Contact your system administrator.

General Keyboard/Video If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure

Problems that the computer, the Paradigm and the monitor

within one second. If the problem persists, contact Rackit Technical Support.

powered and the address is correct, call Rackit Technical Support.

are on the same phase. Best results are obtained when they are on the same circuit.

Use only Rackit supplied cable. apply to damage resulting from user supplied cable.

Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any product configuration.

Test AC outlets at computer, Paradigm and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.

Use only with grounded outlets at the computer, Paradigm and monitor. When using a backup power supply (UPS), power the computer, Paradigm and the monitor off the supply.

System lockup during If there is no keyboard channel selection function, paired operation try to bring up the OSD menu. If it activates,

reselect your channel and verify that the channel functions normally. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

If the OSD menu does not activate, verify that the serial cable and video cables are securely attached to both boxes. If not, reattach and try the OSD menu again. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Rackit warranties do not

Rackit

Page 45

D: Problem Report

For the best possible service, please fill out this form completely. Have your completed Problem Report with you when you call, or fax it to Technical Support at (212) 679-0040.

Company Name:

Contact Name:

Phone Number: Fax Number:

Service Call Number (if one has been issued):

Paradigm Part #: Serial #: Revision:

Name and Model of Monitor:

Name and Model of Keyboard:

Name and Model of Mouse:

Appendices

Firmware Summary (results from <AV> command - see manual for instructions on Command Mode):

Plus One =

N1= N2= N3= N4=

Version Information (Select from the OSD Command Menu):

List any non-PC equipment attached to the Paradigm. (Include other Rackit products, additional peripherals, adaptors, etc.):

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

Problem Description: (Include all affected ports, exact nature of problem, troubleshooting steps taken, etc.)

Fill out the chart below, including every computer attached to your Paradigm system.

Port

Computer

Manufacturer/

Model

BIOS

Manufacturer /

Revision

Operating

System

Graphics Card

Name/Model

Video

Resolution /

Scanrate

Page 47

Warranty

Rackit Technology Corporation warrants to the original retail purchaser that this product is and will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase.

Additionally, Rackit Paradigm carries an unconditional 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with the performance of this product, you may return it to the point of purchase for a refund of the purchase price (excluding shipping charges). This guarantee does not apply to special order products, and may not be available through all resellers. During the warranty period, purchaser must promptly call Rackit for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Make sure that the RMA number appears on the packing slip, proof of purchase, AND ON THE OUTSIDE OF EACH SHIPPING CARTON. Unauthorized returns or collect shipments will be refused.

Ship prepaid to:

274 Madison Avenue, Suite 1302 New York, NY 10016 • USA 212-679-0050 (Fax) 212-679-0040

The warranty is void under the following conditions:

1. If non-Rackit approved cabling is attached to the Paradigm. Poorly constructed and miswired cabling can diminish video quality and damage equipment. Rackit manufactured cabling is built to high quality standards utilizing overall braided shield to comply with FCC emission standards, and each cable is individually tested under

load.

2. If defect or malfunction was caused by abuse, mishandling, unauthorized repair, or use other than intended.

3. If unauthorized modifications were made to product.

4. If unreported damages occurred in any shipment of the product.

5. If damages were due to/caused by equipment or software not provided by Rackit.

6. If the Paradigm is used with non-grounded or incorrectly polarized AC power.

EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED ABOVE, RACKIT MAKES NO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE CONDITION OF THE PRODUCT, ITS MERCHANTABILITY, OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED ABOVE, RACKIT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF PROFIT, LOSS OF BUSINESS, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THE INADEQUACY OF THE PRODUCT FOR ANY PURPOSE OR USE THEREOF OR BY ANY DEFECT OR DEFICIENCY THEREIN EVEN IF RACKIT OR AN AUTHORIZED RACKIT DEALER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR LOSSES.

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Paradigm Installer/User Guide

590-077-001 REV. B