Raritan SW2, SW4 User guide

SwitchMan

User’s Manual

SW2
SW4

User’s Manual

SW2
SW4

Copyright © 2001
Raritan Computer, Inc

SW-0A-E JULY 2001

Raritan Computer Inc.

400 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ08873
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Http://www.raritan.com

SwitchMan

Raritan Computer Europe, B.V.

Eglantierbaan 16
2908 LV Capelle aan den IJssel
The Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Http://www.raritan.com

Raritan Computer Japan, Inc.

Kuga Building 7F, 11-6
Kuramae 4-chome Taitoo-Ku
Tokyo 111-0051, Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Http://www.raritan.co.jp

Raritan Computer Taiwan, Inc.

5F, 121, Lane 235, Pao-Chiao Rd.,
Hsin-Tien City, Taipei Hsien
Taiwan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Http://www.raritan.com.tw

3

FCC NOTIFICATION

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential environment may cause
harmful interference.

Product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies. PS/2, PC/AT, and IBM are registered trademarks of the
International Business Machines Corporation.

CANADIAN NOTIFICATION

This Class B digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du reglement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.

4

TTAABBLLEE OOFF CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

Overview 1

Feature 2

Installtion Procedures 3

Installation Notes 4

Operation 5

Front Panel 5

Selection Channels 5
Scan Channels 5
Set Scan Rate 5

Hot Key Mode 6

Hot-key Activation 6
Select A Computer Channel by Number 6
Select A Computer Channel by Using Arrow Keys 6
Scanning Channels 7
Set Scan Rate 7
Change Hot-key Mode Activator 7
Exit Hot-key Mode 7
Hot-key Command Table 8

Troubleshooting 9

Appendix 11

Specification of SwitchMan 11
Specifications of Cables 11

5

Overview

SwitchMan is the desktop KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch for those
who run more than one computer at a desk. By having only one keyboard,
monitor, and mouse, you reclaim your desktop while saving time and
money. SwitchMan uses the same bulletproof design as Raritan's
professional-grade products and is available in two-channel and four­channel models.

Raritan's unique keyboard and mouse emulation technology dedicates
individual processors to each channel. Every computer continuously "sees"
its own keyboard and mouse to ensure flawless booting and switching. You
can select computers by touching individual channel buttons on the front
panel or by using simple hot-key commands.

SwitchMan's versatile design gives you the choice of either a horizontal or
a space-saving vertical installation. Standard features like Scan and LED
indicators make operation of SwitchMan simple and convenient. Connect
your computers to SwitchMan by using industry standard KVM cables. For
the highest resolution video, use Raritan's premium tangle-proof cables.
Plug your standard PS/2 keyboard, VGA monitor, and PS/2 mouse right
into SwitchMan.

Figure 1. SwitchMan (SW4 4-channel)

6

Feature

∗ Compatible with all PS/2-style or AT-style

computers

∗ Individual front panel selection buttons with LED

indicators

∗ Dedicated keyboard/mouse emulators for each

computer to provide flawless operation

∗ High-resolution video to1600X1200
∗ PS/2 IntelliMouse support
∗ Scan button to scan computers at a

programmable rate

∗ Places either horizontally or vertically to save

additional space

∗ Powered by connected compuers
∗ Use Raritan's premium, tangle-proof cables for

highest resolution video requirements

∗ Use inexpensive, industry standard KVM cables

for typical applications.

Figure 2. SW2 (back panel, vertical position)

Figure 3. SW4 (back panel, horizontal position)

7

Installation Procedures

Begin installation by connecting one computer to SwitchMan. Once the first
computer is operational, then connect additional computers.

SwitchMan can use industry standard keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM)
cables or can use Raritan's premium, tangle-proof KVM cables.

Caution: Make sure that each computer is powered OFF before it is

connected to SwitchMan.

1. Connect your keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the back panel of
SwitchMan. Use the black section marked USER PORTS for these
connections.

2. Using either end of the KVM cables, connect the keyboard, monitor, and
mouse connectors to the section marked PC 1 on the SwitchMan back
panel. (See figure 2 for SW2 or figure 3 for SW4)

Note: With Raritan's tangle-proof KVM cables, each connector is

marked with a symbol- keyboard,  monitor,  mouse-for
ease of connection

3. Plug the other ends of the KVM cable into the corresponding ports on
the first computer

4. Power ON the computer. The LED above the channel selection button
for the powered computer illuminates.

5. The video from the connected computer is displayed on the monitor. The
keyboard and mouse operate as if they were connected directly to the
computer.

Note: SwitchMan is automatically powered ON when at least one

connected computer is powered ON.

6. After the first computer is working, connect the remaining computers to
SwitchMan. Make sure each computer is powered OFF before it is
connected to SwitchMan.

8

Installation Notes

∗ Switchman computer ports are PS/2 style. You may also connect AT-

style computers. Use Raritan keyboard/mouse port adapter “APSAT” on
PS/2 cables to plug into a computer with “AT” keyboard port and serial
mouse port.

∗ Switchman converts keyboard and mouse signals to PS/2 and requires

either a PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard or an AT Extended keyboard
with adapter.

Figure 4. Cabling diagram

9

Operation

You can select a computer from the front panel of SwitchMan or through
the keyboard in hot-key mode. The LEDs on the front panel of SwitchMan
indicate which computer, or channel, is currently selected and ready for
use

SwitchMan automatically senses which channels are active-that is, those
that have computers that are connected and powered ON. In Scan mode,
SwitchMan cycles through these active channels. The video is displayed,
and the keyboard and mouse are active for each successive computer.

Front Panel

Select channels

To select a computer from the front panel, simply press the button
corresponding to the desired channel. The LED above the channel
illuminates and the video from that connected computer is displayed. The
keyboard and mouse become active for that computer.

The monitor will remain blank if you choose an inactive channel.

Scan channels

Scan is a feature that automatically steps through each active channel.
When Scan is active, SwitchMan allows you to view the video of each
active channel for a set interval (scan rate). SwitchMan then cycles to the
next active channel. The default scan rate is three seconds. You can set
the scan rate from the front panel or in hot-key mode

To activate Scan, press the scan button on the SwitchMan front panel.
To exit Scan, press the scan button (toggle ON/OFF) again.
Note: SwitchMan automatically skips inacti ve ch an n els in Sca n mo de.

Set Scan rate

The scan rate can be changed through front panel buttons to preset
intervals. Press the scan button followed by the channel selection button
that corresponds to the desired scan rate (see chart below). The light
above the button blinks twice to acknowledge the setting, and scanning
continues at the new rate.

10

Channel 1 = 1 second
Channel 2 = 3 seconds
Channel 3 = 8 seconds
Channel 4 = 16 seconds

To exit Scan, press the scan button (toggle ON/OFF).

Hot-Key Mode

When you activate hot-key mode, SwitchMan captures and interprets
keystrokes as front panel functions. No keystrokes pass through to the
computer(s).

Note: Hot-key mode operation requires a PS/2-style or an Extended AT­style keyboard.

Hot-key activation

To enter hot-key mode, press <Scroll Lock> twice rapidly. SwitchMan
enters hot-key mode, and the three keyboard LEDs-Num Lock, Caps Lock
and Scroll Lock-blink continuously. To exit hot-key mode, press the <Esc>
key.

Select a computer channel by number

You can select channels by using hot-key mode. The LED on the front
panel above the corresponding computer is turned ON.

1. Activate hot-key mode.

2. Press the <c> key.

3. Press number key corresponding to the computer.

4. Press <Enter>.

For example, to select channel two, enter hot-key mode and then press
<c> <2> <Enter>.

Select a computer channel by using arrow keys

In hot-key mode, you can step through the channels. Press the <á> or <à>
arrow to increment and press the <ß> or <â> arrow keys to decrement the
channel numbers.

11

Scanning channels

In hot-key mode, press the <s> key to activate Scan. The LED above the
scan button is illuminated, and SwitchMan begins scanning active
channels.

Set Scan rate

You can change the default Scan rate to an interval from 1 to 99 seconds.
The LED above the most recently selected channel buttons blinks twice to
acknowledge the change, and scanning starts at the new rate.

1. Enter hot-key mode.

2. Press the <s> key.

3. Press number key for the desired rate (1-99).

4. Press <Enter>.

For example, to set the rate to 30 seconds, enter hot-key mode and then press <s> <30>
<Enter>.

Change hot-key mode activator

While in hot-key mode, you can change the key that activates hot-key mode. The default
activation key is <Scroll Lock>. <Num Lock> or <Caps Lock> can be used instead.

To make a new hot-key mode activator, enter hot-key mode and then press <Scroll
Lock>, <Caps Lock>, or <Num Lock> followed by <Enter>. The new hot-key activator is
now set.

Exit hot-key mode

To exit hot-key mode at any time, press <Esc>. The LEDs on the keyboard stop blinking,
and the keyboard reverts to normal function

When in hot-key mode, if the keyboard is inactive for 30 seconds, SwitchMan
automatically exits hot-key mode.

12

N

Hot-key command table

TASKS KEY STROKES

Activate hot-key mode

Exit hot-key mode

Increment channel number

Decrement channel number

Select channel number

Toggle Scan ON/OFF

Set Scan rate

Make Num Lock the hot-key mode activator

Scr Scr

+

Esc

or

or

C

+ (n) +

Enter

S

S

um Lock

+ (n) +

+

Enter

Enter

Make Scroll Lock the hot-key mode activator

Make Caps Lock the hot-key mode activator

Scr Lock

Caps Lock

+

+

Enter

Enter

13

Troubleshooting

The following table lists probable solutions for problems that may be
encountered during SwitchMan installation or operation.

Trouble
Symptom

No front panel
LEDs

flashes
continuously

Probable Cause Solution

Bad connection(s) Check cable connection(s)
Computer not

powered ON
Notebook computer

or Guardian device
in use

Computer not
powered ON for that
channel

Keyboard or mouse
sending input
through SwitchMan

Power ON computer

Not enough power to run
SwitchMan. Install notebook
or Guardian after connecting
other PCs.

Otherwise, do not use
Notebook or Guardian.

Power ON the computer. Channel LED

Stop using the keyboard
and/or mouse during channel
selection.

for computer

Keyboard error
from computer

Loose video
connection(s)

Problems with the
monitor

Computer keyboard
cable connection

Check and reconnect cables No video display

Power OFF the computers.
Connect directly to the
computer the monitor that is
not functioning properly.

If the problem persists, it is
not due to SwitchMan.

If the display is correct when
directly connected, contact
SwitchMan dealer.

Check keyboard cable
connection of the computer
not operating properly.

14

Unit does not
activate hot-key
mode

Unable to select
Channel

Keyboard or
mouse does not
respond or does
not work properly

Keyboard Hot-key mode works only

with PS/2 or Extended AT­style keyboards.

Unit in Scan mode Exit Scan mode

Keyboard and
mouse cables are
loose or have been
crossed

Check connection(s) of the
keyboard and mouse to
SwitchMan and computer.

Be sure keyboard is full PS/2
or Extended AT style, and
mouse is PS/2 style.

Power OFF the computer.
Switch the keyboard and
mouse connectors, and
reboot the computer.

If the problem persists,
power OFF the computer.
Connect the keyboard
directly to the computer to
determine whether the
problem is with the computer
port.

For Raritan technical support, either go to:
www.raritanonline.com
Or call your local reseller or distributor

If the problem is not with the
computer port, connect the
computer to a different PC
channel in the back of
SwitchMan and restart the
computers.

If the problem persists,
contact dealer.

Appendix

Specifications of SwitchMan

SW2 (2-Channel SwitchMan)
SW4 (4-Channel SwitchMan)

Dimensions 10.00" (W) x 5.50" (D) x 2.13" (H)
256mm x 140mm x 53mm
Weight 1.7 lb. (0.77 kg)
DC Power Input 6V/1.4 amp. Adapter (optional)
P/N A10D1-06MP
User connection ports VGA monitor HD15 female video
PS/2 keyboard mini-DIN 6 pin female
PS/2 mouse mini-DIN 6 pin female

15

Computer connection ports VGA monitor HD15
Female video

PS/2 keyboard mini-DIN 6 pin female
PS/2 mouse mini-DIN 6 pin female
Serial mouse DB9 female
Agency approvals FCC Class B
CE
Warranty One year

Specifications of Cables

Use Raritan's premium, tangle-proof cables or Raritan's standard cables*
Raritan premium, tangle-proof cables: One cable required for each PC

CSW18 6' cable for PS/2 and VGA connections
CSW30 10' cable for PS/2 and VGA connections
APSAT AT/serial converter kit for above cables

Raritan standard cables: One cable kit required for each PC

CSK18 6' cable for PS/2 and VGA connections
CSK30 10' cable for PS/2 and VGA connections
APSAT AT/serial converter kit for above cables