Raritan Computer CS-PENT User Manual

CS-PENT

CompuSwitch® PENT

User Guide

Release 1.0

Copyright © 2006 Raritan Computer, Inc.

CSP-0A-E

August 2006

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Copyright and Trademark Information

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language
without express prior written consent of Raritan Computer, Inc.

© Copyright 2006 Raritan, CompuSwitch, Paragon, MasterConsole, and the Raritan company
logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Raritan Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Java
is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Internet Explorer is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. Netscape and Netscape Navigator are registered trademarks of Netscape
Communication Corporation. PS/2, PC/AT, RS/6000, and PC/AT are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective
owners.

FCC Information

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 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.

Japanese Approvals

Raritan is not responsible for damage to this product resulting from accident, disaster, misuse,
abuse, non-Raritan modification of the product, or other events outside of Raritan’s reasonable
control or not arising under normal operating conditions.

U

C

LISTE

For assistance in the North or South America, please contact the Raritan Technical Support Team

by telephone [phone], by fax [phone], or by e-mail

Ask for Technical Support – Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern.

1F61

US

L

I.T.E.

[e-mail]

For assistance around the world, please see the back cover of this guide for

regional Raritan contact information.

Safety Guidelines

To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to Raritan equipment:

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

• Test AC outlets at your computer and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.

• Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When using a backup UPS,

power the computer, monitor and appliance off the supply.

Rack Mount Safety Guidelines

In Raritan products which require Rack Mounting, please follow these precautions:

• Operation temperature in a closed rack environment may be greater than room temperature.

Do not exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature of the appliances (see Appendix A:
Specifications).

• Ensure sufficient airflow through the rack environment.

• Mount equipment in the rack carefully to avoid uneven mechanical loading.

• Connect equipment to the supply circuit carefully to avoid overloading circuits.

• Ground all equipment properly, especially supply connections, such as power strips (other

than direct connections), to the branch circuit.

CONTENTS i

Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................. 1

Product Overview........................................................................................................1

Product Photos............................................................................................................1

Product Features.........................................................................................................2

Package Contents.......................................................................................................2

Chapter 2: Installation.................................................................... 3

Initial Configuration .....................................................................................................3

Installation Notes.........................................................................................................4

Chapter 3: Operation...................................................................... 5

Overview.....................................................................................................................5

Front Panels................................................................................................................5

Front Panel Operation.................................................................................................6

Select a Channel ...............................................................................................................................6

Scan Channels ..................................................................................................................................6

Set Scan Rate ...................................................................................................................................6

Skip....................................................................................................................................................6

Appendix A: Specifications ............................................................ 7

Desktop Models ..........................................................................................................7

Power..........................................................................................................................7

Cables.........................................................................................................................8

Accessories.................................................................................................................8

Important Information for CompuSwitch Installation....................................................8

Appendix B: Troubleshooting......................................................... 9

Appendix C: Cable Support Bracket Kits..................................... 11

RCS24 to CS-PENT 2/CS-PENT 4...........................................................................11

RCS8 to CS-PENT 8.................................................................................................12

ii FIGURES

Figures

Figure 1 CS-PENT 2 Unit.............................................................................................................................1

Figure 2 CS-PENT 4 Unit.............................................................................................................................1

Figure 3 CS-PENT 8 Unit.............................................................................................................................1

Figure 4 Rear Panel of CS-PENT 2 Unit......................................................................................................3

Figure 5 Rear Panel of CS-PENT 4 Unit......................................................................................................3

Figure 6 Rear Panel of CS-PENT 8 Unit......................................................................................................3

Figure 7 Cabling Details...............................................................................................................................4

Figure 8 Front panel of CS-PENT 2 Unit......................................................................................................5

Figure 9 Front Panel of CS-PENT 4 Unit ..................................................................................................... 5

Figure 10 Exploded View of Scan Rates from the CS-PENT 4 Front Panel ................................................5

Figure 11 Front Panel of CS-PENT 8 Unit ...................................................................................................5

Figure 12. RCS24 to CS-PENT 2/CS-PENT 4 Installation.........................................................................11

Figure 13. RCS8 to CS-PENT 8 Installation...............................................................................................12

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

Chapter 1: Introduction

Product Overview

Congratulations on your purchase of Raritan’s CompuSwitch-PENT, which enables efficient
control of multiple computers, any combination of PC/ATs, and PS/2s, from only one keyboard,
monitor, and mouse. The 8-channel model connects and controls up to 8 computers, the 4-channel
model connects and controls up to 4 computers, and the 2-channel model connects and controls 2
computers.

CompuSwitch-PENT is built with Raritan’s unique intelligent emulation technology, which
dedicates and individual processor to each connected computer so that each computer always sees
its own keyboard and mouse. This prevents keyboard and mouse lockups and ensures flawless
bootup and operation of any mix of computers running any operating system.

Product Photos

Figure 1 CS-PENT 2 Unit

Figure 2 CS-PENT 4 Unit

Figure 3 CS-PENT 8 Unit

2 CS-PENT USER GUIDE

Product Features

• Dedicated keyboard and mouse emulators to ensure automatic booting and proper operation

of each computer

• VGA, SVGA, and XGA high resolution video support

• Simple operation either from the CompuSwitch-PENT front panel

• SCAN function to automatically cycle through all channels at a selectable scan rate from 1 to

16 seconds by using push buttons on the front panel

• SKIP function to automatically bypass channels without a powered computer connected

• Easy-to-manage, tangle-proof, high-resolution PC cables

Package Contents

(1) CompuSwitch-PENT unit

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION 3

Chapter 2: Installation

Initial Configuration

Begin by connecting one computer, and once proper operation is confirmed, proceed to
connecting any additional computers.

Important: Make certain all computers are powered OFF before starting
installation.

1. Plug the monitor, keyboard, and PS/2 mouse into the ports marked VGA MONITOR, PS/2

or AT KEYBOARD, and PS/2 MOUSE on the CompuSwitch-PENT rear panel.

Figure 4 Rear Panel of CS-PENT 2 Unit

Figure 5 Rear Panel of CS-PENT 4 Unit

Figure 6 Rear Panel of CS-PENT 8 Unit

2. Using the appropriate CompuSwitch cable, connect one PC’s 25-pin connector to any channel

on the CompuSwitch rear panel.

3. Plug the cable’s video, keyboard, and mouse connectors into the computer ports.

4 CS-PENT USER GUIDE

4. Power ON the connected computer. On the CS-PENT front panel, the light above the [SKIP]

button will be ON, and the light above the connected channel button number will also be ON,
indicating that CS-PENT is powered ON.

Note: CS-PENT is automatically powered ON as soon as at least one connected computer is
manually powered ON.

5. The video from the connected computer will be displayed on the monitor. When boot-up is

complete, check keyboard and mouse operation. Operate the keyboard and mouse as if they
were connected directly to the computer.

6. After you have verified operation of one computer, connect the remaining PCs following

steps 2–4. You may now begin using the CS-PENT unit.

Figure 7 Cabling Details

Installation Notes

1. Connections are provided for either a 6-pin PS/2-style or a 5-pin Extended AT-style keyboard.
Do not connect both keyboards simultaneously.

2. You may simultaneously connect PS/2 and AT computers to CS-PENT with the appropriate
cables. However, only a PS/2 mouse can be used with CS-PENT to operate the computers.

CHAPTER 3: OPERATION 5

Chapter 3: Operation

Overview

You can operate CS-PENT using the buttons on its front panel. The lights on the front panel of
the unit indicate the status of operation.

Note: Numbered channel buttons have two functions.When the Scan light is OFF, the buttons are
used to select channels. When the Scan light is ON, the buttons are used to set scan rate.

Front Panels

On the front panels of the different CS-PENT units, you will find that CS-PENT 2 has buttons
marked 1 and 2, and a button marked [SCAN]. CS-PENT 4 has buttons marked 1 through 4, and
buttons marked [SCAN] and [SKIP]. CS-PENT 8 has buttons marked 1 through 8, and buttons
marked [SCAN] and [SKIP].

Figure 8 Front panel of CS-PENT 2 Unit

Figure 9 Front Panel of CS-PENT 4 Unit

Figure 10 Exploded View of Scan Rates from the CS-PENT 4 Front Panel

Figure 11 Front Panel of CS-PENT 8 Unit

6 CS-PENT USER GUIDE

Front Panel Operation

Select a Channel

To select a specific computer for viewing and operation:

1. Be sure the light above the [SCAN] button is OFF (toggle on/off).

2. Press the button (1, 2, …8) corresponding to the desired channel. The light above the button
will be ON, and the video from the computer connected to that channel will be displayed.

3. Operate the selected computer using the keyboard and mouse.

Scan Channels

CompuSwitch automatically cycles through the channels at a preset scan rate. The default scan
rate is three seconds per channel. To display each computer’s video:

1. Activate the scan function by pressing the [SCAN] button (toggle on/off).

2. The light above the [SCAN] button will illuminate, and the unit will begin scanning.

Set Scan Rate

To adjust the scan rate interval:

1. Activate the Scan function by pressing the [SCAN] button (the light above [SCAN] will
illuminate).

2. Press the channel button that corresponds to the number for your Scan rate. The light above
the button will blink twice to acknowledge the setting, and scanning will continue at the new
interval.

Skip

To restrict scanning to display only active channels, that is, channels connected to computers
powered ON:

1. Press the [SKIP] button (toggle on/off).

2. The light above the button will be ON, and only active channels will be selected.

APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS 7

Appendix A: Specifications

Desktop Models

CS-PENT 2
2-Channel Model 10.55”(W) x 7.87”(D) x 1.75”(H)
268mm(W) x 200mm(D) x 44mm(H)

3.6 lbs. (1.62kg)

CS-PENT 4
4-Channel Model 10.55”(W) x 7.87”(D) x 1.75”(H)
268mm(W) x 200mm(D) x 44mm(H)

3.6 lbs. (1.62kg)

CS-PENT 8
8-Channel Model 15.40”(W) x 7.87”(D) x 1.75”(H)
390mm(W) x 200mm(D) x 44mm(H)

4.9 lbs. (2.24kg )

Power

Powered by connected computer through the keyboard port:
DC Power Input = 6V/1.4 amp. Adapter (optional)
Operating Temperature = 0–50°C (32–122°F)

8 CS-PENT USER GUIDE

Cables

For each PS/2 Computer (VGA Video, PS/2 K/B, PS/2 Mouse)

PART NO. LENGTH CONNECTORS

CCP20 2M/6.5ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), 2 x mini-DIN6(M)
CCP40 4M/13ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), 2 x mini-DIN6(M)
CCP60 6M/20ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), 2 x mini-DIN6(M)
CCP90 9M/30ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), 2 x mini-DIN6(M)

For each AT Computer (VGA Video, AT K/B, Serial Mouse)

PART NO. LENGTH CONNECTORS

CCA20 2M/6.5ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), DIN5(M), DB9(F)
CCA40 4M/13ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), DIN5(M), DB9(F)
CCA60 6M/20ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), DIN5(M), DB9(F)
CCA90 9M/30ft DB25(M) to HD15(M), DIN5(M), DB9(F)

Accessories

DC Adapter 6V/1.4 amp. Adapter
A10D1-06MP X= U(USA), K(United Kingdom),
G(Germany, France & Netherlands),

A(Australia), J(Japan)

Rack Mount Kits
RCS24 19” rack mount kit for 2/4-channel unit
RCS8 19” rack mount kit for 8-channel unit

Important Information for CompuSwitch Installation

You will operate all computers connected to CompuSwitch using one keyboard and mouse
plugged into CompuSwitch. There are many brands of keyboards and mice on the market, and
there can be slight variations in their manufacture and operation. While most of these devices will
operated satisfactorily, if you do experience any problem with either the keyboard or mouse
operation, please replace it with one of the devices listed below and test again. If necessary,
please contact Raritan Technical Support [phone], M-F, 8:00-8:00 EST. We maintain a
list of devices and their operational characteristics with CompuSwitch, and can make
recommendations.

The following devices have been tested and operate with CompuSwitch:
Keyboard – Compaq, Gateway 2000, IBM
Mini Keyboard with Trackball – IBM Trackpoint, IBM M5-1, Microsoft IntelliMouse
Mouse – Compaq, IBM PS/2, Logitech, Microsoft V2.0A and V2.1A

APPENDIX B: TROUBLESHOOTING 9

Appendix B: Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE SOLUTION

No front panel lights

Channel light flashes
continuously

one or all computers

Keyboard error on one
machine

Unable to select
Channel

Keyboard does not
function, or mouse
locks up

Bad connection. Check cable connection.
Computer not powered ON Power ON the computer.
Notebook computer or

Guardian device

Computer not powered ON
for that channel

Loose video connection(s) Check and reconnect cables. No video display for
Monitor problems Turn off power to the computers. Connect

Keyboard connection Check K/B cable connection of the

Scan function is active Toggle the Scan button so that the light

Keyboard or mouse
connection loose

Use an external 6V 6V/1.4 amp. power
adapter to power CompuSwitch. Refer to
Page 11.

Power ON the computer.
Activate Skip function.

the suspect monitor directly to the
computer, and check for proper display. If
no display, the problem is with the
computer or the monitor. If display is
correct, contact dealer for service.

computer not operating properly.

above the button is OFF.
Check keyboard or mouse connection.

Power down the problem computer first.
Connect the keyboard or mouse directly to
the computer to determine if the problem
is with the computer keyboard or mouse
port. Then connect the problem computer
to a different channel, and restart the
computers. If problems persist, contact
dealer.

10 CS-PENT USER GUIDE

APPENDIX C: CABLE SUPPORT BRACKET KITS 11

Appendix C: Cable Support Bracket Kits

RCS24 to CS-PENT 2/CS-PENT 4

CS-PENT 2 or CS-PENT 4

Side Frame (RCS24) 2 pieces

Round head screw, M3x8mm 4 pieces
Cable Support Bracket 2 pieces
Round head screw, M3x6mm 4 pieces

Figure 12. RCS24 to CS-PENT 2/CS-PENT 4 Installation

12 CS-PENT USER GUIDE

RCS8 to CS-PENT 8

CS-PENT 8

Side Frame (RCS8) 2 pieces

Round head screw, M3x8mm 4 pieces
Cable Support Bracket 2 pieces
Round head screw, M3x6mm 4 pieces

Figure 13. RCS8 to CS-PENT 8 Installation

World Headquarters

Raritan Computer, Inc.
400 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

www.raritan.com

Raritan OEM Division

Peppercon USA, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Dr, Suite 2626
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

www.peppercon.com

Asia Pacific Headquarters

Raritan Computer Taiwan, Inc.
5F, 121, Lane 235, Pao-Chiao Road
Hsin Tien Taipei
Taiwan, ROC
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.rcit.com.tw

Raritan China Offices

Shanghai Representative Office of
Raritan Computer, Inc.
Rm 17E Cross Region Plaza
899 Lingling Rd., Shanghai
China 200030
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.china.cn

Guangzhou Representative Office of
Raritan Computer, Inc.
1205/F, Metro Plaza
183 Tian He Bei Road
Guangzhou
China 510075
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com.cn

Beijing Representative Office of
Raritan Computer, Inc.
Unit 1310, Air China Plaza
No.36 XiaoYun Road, Chaoyang
District
Beijing
China 100027
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com.cn

Raritan Korea

Raritan Computer Korea Inc.
#3602, Trade Tower, World Trade Center
Samsung-dong, Kangnam-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.co.kr

Raritan Computer Japan, Inc.

4th Floor, Shinkawa NS Building
1-26-2 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku
Tokyo, Japan 104-0033
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.co.jp

Raritan Computer Japan Osaka Office
Honmachi Phoenix Bldg 8F
1-15-8 Nishihonmachi Nishi-ku
Osaka, Japan 550-0005
Tel. (81) (6) 4391-7752
Fax (81) (6) 4391-7761
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.co.jp

Raritan Australia

Level 2, 448 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, VIC3004
Australia
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com

Raritan Computer Taiwan Inc India
Liaison Office

210 2nd Floor Orchid Square
Sushant Lok 1, Block B, Mehrauli
Gurgaon Rd, Gurgaon 122 002
Haryana
India
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com

European Headquarters

Raritan Computer Europe, B.V.
Eglantierbaan 16
2908 LV Capelle aan den IJssel
The Netherlands
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com

Raritan Computer France

120 Rue Jean Jaurés
92300 Levallois-Perret
France
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.fr

Raritan Computer Deutschland
GmbH

Lichtstraße 2
D-45127 Essen
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.de

Raritan Computer Italia

Via dei Piatti 4
20123 Milan
Italy
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com

Raritan Canada

Raritan Computer Inc.
2085 Hurontario St., Suite 300
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada
L5A4G1
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com

Raritan Computer U.K. Limited

36 Great St. Helen's
London EC3A 6AP
United Kingdom
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email:

[e-mail]

http://www.raritan.com