Raritan Computer EZswitch user manual

User’s Manual

Version 1.0

October 2010

EZswitch-0A-v1.0-E

Disclaimer

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer does not make any representations or warranties (implied or otherwise) regarding the accuracy and completeness of this document and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, conseq uential, or other damages.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or information recording and retrieval systems without the express written permission of the manufacturer.

All brand names and product names used in this document are trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

FCC Statement

This device generates and uses radio frequency and may cause interference to radio and televisio n reception if not installed and used properly. This has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These specifications are designed to provide re asonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television recept ion, which can be determined by plugging the device in and out, the user can try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  Increase the separation between the device and receiver.  Connect the computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................1

2. SPECIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................2

3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................................................3

4. INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................................3

4.1. FRONT VIEW........................................................................................................................................3

4.2. REAR VIEW..........................................................................................................................................4

4.3. INSTALL A KVM SWITCH (SINGLE-TIER INSTALLATION)....................................................................4

4.3.1. Installation Guidelines.........................................................................................................4

4.3.2. Console Connection.............................................................................................................4

4.3.3. System Connection ..............................................................................................................5

4.4. CASCADE KVM SWITCHES (MULTI-TIER INSTALLATION) ..................................................................7

4.5. FIRMWARE UPGRADE PORT................................................................................................................ 9

4.6. RACK-MOUNT THE KVM SWITCH.......................................................................................................9

5. OPERA TION...............................................................................................................................................9

6. HOT KEY OPERATION...........................................................................................................................10

6.1. TRIGGER THE OSD MENU ................................................................................................................10

6.2. SET THE LEADING HOT KEY .............................................................................................................10

6.3. CHANNEL SELECTION IN A SINGLE-TIER KVM SYSTEM..................................................................10

6.3.1. Select a Specific Channel .................................................................................................10

6.3.2. Channel Switching Using Arrow Keys...........................................................................11

6.3.3. Channel Switching Using the <ALT> Key .....................................................................11

6.4. CHANNEL SELECTION IN A MULTI-TIER KVM SYSTEM....................................................................12

6.5. DISABLE OR ENABLE THE BUZZER...................................................................................................13

6.6. AUTO-SCAN FUNCTION.....................................................................................................................13

6.6.1. Enable the Auto-Scan Function.......................................................................................13

6.6.2. Disable the Auto-Scan Function......................................................................................14

6.6.3. Different Auto-Scan Modes...............................................................................................14

6.6.4. Auto-Scan Time Interval....................................................................................................14

6.7. CONSOLE LOCK ................................................................................................................................15

7. OSD OPERATION ...................................................................................................................................15

7.1. OSD MAIN MENU..............................................................................................................................15

7.1.1. Tier Number..........................................................................................................................15

7.1.2. Channel Name......................................................................................................................15

7.1.3. Computer & KVM Switch Status......................................................................................16

7.1.4.

Currently Selected Channel Number..............................................................................16

7.1.5. Parent Channel Number....................................................................................................17

7.1.6. Page Down / Up Indicator..................................................................................................17

7.1.7. Function Keys Menu...........................................................................................................17

7.2. CHANNEL SELECTION USING THE OSD...........................................................................................17

7.2.1. Select a Channel..................................................................................................................17

7.2.2. Select a Second- or Third-Tier Channel........................................................................18

7.2.3. Return to the Upper-Tier OSD..........................................................................................18

7.3. SETUP MENU.....................................................................................................................................18

7.3.1. Scan Mode ............................................................................................................................19

7.3.2. Scan Time..............................................................................................................................19

7.3.3. Banner Time .........................................................................................................................19

7.3.4. Position..................................................................................................................................19

7.3.5. Hot Key ..................................................................................................................................20

7.3.6. Sound.....................................................................................................................................20

7.3.7. Language...............................................................................................................................20

7.4. AUTO-SCAN USING THE OSD ..........................................................................................................21

7.4.1. Enable the Auto-Scan Function.......................................................................................21

7.4.2. Disable the Auto-Scan Function......................................................................................21

7.4.3. Different Auto-Scan Modes...............................................................................................22

7.4.4. Auto-Scan Time Interval....................................................................................................22

7.5. CONSOLE LOCK USING THE OSD....................................................................................................22

7.6. RENAME A CHANNEL.........................................................................................................................23

7.7. SECURITY SETUP ..............................................................................................................................23

7.7.1. Security Mode Login ..........................................................................................................23

7.7.2. Security Mode......................................................................................................................24

7.7.3. Change the Administrator Password.............................................................................24

7.7.4. User Account Settings.......................................................................................................25

7.7.5. User Authorization Settings .............................................................................................25

7.8. PORT LOCK .......................................................................................................................................26

7.8.1. Lock a Channel Port...........................................................................................................26

7.8.2. Select a Locked Channel...................................................................................................27

7.8.3. Unlock a Channel Port.......................................................................................................27

7.9. EXIT OSD..........................................................................................................................................27

8. SPECIAL SUN KEY EMULATION ........................................................................................................28

9. TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................29

10. FIRMWARE UPG RA DE..........................................................................................................................30

11.

TIERING WITH DOMINION KX II..........................................................................................................35

11.1. CONNECT EZSWITCH TO DOMINION KX II........................................................................................35

11.2. CONFIGURE DOMINION KX II............................................................................................................35

11.3. REMOTE ACCESS TO AN EZSWITCH CHANNEL................................................................................37

12. KEYBOARD AND MOUSE COMPATIBILITY.....................................................................................38

12.1. MOUSE COMPATIBILITY TABLE.........................................................................................................38

12.2. KEYBOARD COMPATIBILITY TABLE ..................................................................................................43

iii

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing EZswitch, an 8-port or 16-port keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) switch. The product enables you to control 8 or 16 computers or servers from one console with PS/2 or USB input devices and a regular monitor.

 Features

 Supports the PS/2 and USB keyboard and mouse  Computer connection via PS/2 or USB interface  Fully compliant with the USB 1.1/ 2.0 specification  Multi-platform support, including Windows, Linux, Mac OS9/OSX, and Sun

Microsystems

 Supports VGA resolutions up to 2048 x 1536  Intuitive On-Screen-Display (OSD) interface for simple operation  Supports chain cascading function on the OSD  Expands to 4,096 computers via a 3-tier daisy chaining configuration (using

16-port KVM switches)

 No special configuration required for cascading KVM switches  Supports tiering with Raritan’s Dominion® KX II models (see the section “11.

Tiering with Dominion KX II”)

 Emulates a PS/2 or USB keyboard on each connected computer for normal boot

without any keyboard error

 Hot swappable components with no impact on the operation  Quick channel switching through:

- Push buttons on the KVM switch

- Hot keys using the keyboard

- OSD interface

 Auto-scan function for automatically cycling through all channels  An LED display for computer status monitoring  Provides a beeper for indication of channel switching  Rack-mountable in a 19” system rack (1U)  Firmware upgradeable

 Package Contents

The product package includes the following items:

 One 8-port or 16-port EZswitch  One user’s manual (with warranty card included)  One power adaptor  One rackmount bracket kit  Custom KVM cables

2. Specification

Specification

Maximum number of computers 8 or 16 Channel selection Push buttons, hot key or OSD interface

LEDs

Red ones for indicating the computer selection Green ones for indicating the computer accessibility

Video 8 or 16 HDB-15 female connectors

Channel ports:

(KB/MS) (PS/2 & USB signals combined) PS/2 keyboard One 6-pin mini-DIN female connector PS/2 mouse One 6-pin mini-DIN female connector

Console ports:

Video One HDB-15 female connector USB keyboard One USB A type female connector

USB mouse One USB A type female connector Auto-Scan interval Adjustable via the OSD DDC, DDC2 monitor resolution Up to 2048 x1536@65Hz Hot swappable Yes

Operating systems

Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7,

Linux, Mac OS9/OSX and Sun Microsystems Power supply External power adaptor Dimensions (L x W x H) 44 x 15.7 x 4.5 cm (17.3 x 6.1 x 1.5 inch) Weight 1750g / 1900g Housing material Metal Operating temperature 32~122°F (0~50°C) Humidity 0%~80%RH Firmware upgrade port Mini USB female

3. System Requirements

 Console Requirements:

 A VGA, SVGA or Multisync monitor with high resolution capability  PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse

 Computer (Server) Requirements:

 Equipped with a VGA, SVGA or Multisync video card  Equipped with USB A type ports or PS/2 6-pin mini-DIN connectors for keyboard

and mouse

 Cable Requirements:

 Custom KVM cables

Note: To purchase these cables, contact your dealer or Raritan.

4. Installation

4.1. Front View

LED Indicators:



 “Selected” LE

A lit RED LED indicat channel is selected.

Figure 1: Front view of the 8-port switch

Figure 2: Front view of the 16-port switch

Ds:

es that the computer connected to the corresponding



“On-Line” LEDs: A lit GREEN LED ind

icates that a computer is physically connected to the

corresponding channel and is ready to access.

 Reset Switch:

Press the Reset switch when you want to reset the system. This switch must be pressed with a pointed object, such as a paper clip or a ball-point pen.

4.2. Rear View

Figure 3: Rear view of the 8-port switch

Figure 4: Rear view of the 16-port switch

4.3. Install a KVM Switch (Single-Tier Installation)

4.3.1. Installation Guidelines

 All computers and devices must be turned OFF prior to installation.  Disconnect power cords from the computers implemented with the Keyboard

Power On function prior to installation, or the KVM switch may not work properly.

 Computers running Windows 98 must be connected to a KVM switch via PS/2

ports because Windows 98 does not support initial installation through the USB HID driver.

 Old computers may require USB setting adjustment in the BIOS to enable the

USB interface.

 There is no guarantee that the EZswitch KVM switch can fully support a USB

keyboard via a USB hub.

4.3.2. Console Connection

Connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the console ports on the real panel of EZswitch (see Figure 5).

4.3.3. System Connection

You need a custom combo cable to connect a computer to the EZswitch KVM switch.

Figure 5: Console connection

Note: If needed, contact your dealer or Raritan to purchase the custom KVM cables.

Figure 6: Custom KVM cable

There are three different ways to connect a computer. See the instructions below:

A. Plug the combo cable’s USB, PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse and VGA

connectors into a computer (see Figure 7). This method is highly recommended for computer connection.

Figure 7: USB, PS/2 and VGA connections

B. Plug only the combo cable’s PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse and VGA

connectors into a computer (see Figure 8).

Figure 8: PS/2 and VGA connections

C. Plug only the combo cable’s USB and VGA connectors into a computer

(see Figure 9).

Figure 9: USB and VGA connections

4.4. Cascade KVM Switches (Multi-Tier Installation)

You can cascade either the 8-port or the 16-port EZswitch products up to 3 tiers, expanding the number of computers to 64, 256 or 4096 computers. No special configuration is required for the cascade.

After completing the installation, the system automatically configures the Master and Slave KVM switches. The Master KVM switch is the first-tier KVM switch and Slave KVM switches are second-tier or third-tier KVM switches. You can select the computers connected to the Master or Slave KVM switches at any time.

To cascade KVM switches, follow these instructions:

A. Turn OFF all computers and devices. B. Connect one or more Slave KVM switches to the channel ports on the Master

KVM switch using the custom combo cables (see Figure 6). The connection

between KVM switches must be done via the PS/2 interface (see Figure 7 &

Figure 8

C. Connect a USB or PS/2 keyboard and mouse to the console ports on the Master

KVM switch. D. Connect a power adaptor to the Master KVM switch. E. Connect computers to available channel ports on the Master KVM switch. F. Connect a power adaptor to each Slave KVM switch. G. Connect computers to available channel ports on the Slave KVM switch. H. Turn on each device in the folloiwng sequence:

1. Master KVM switch

2. Second-tier Slave KVM switches (connected to the Master KVM switch), if

any

3. Third-tier Slave KVM switches (connected to the second-tier Slave KVM switches), if any

4. All computers connected to KVM switches

I. Connect other devices such as a montior or new computers to the Master KVM

switch before turning on the additional devices.

J. Now you can hot swap or hot plug any devices into any KVM switches. Both of

8-port and 16-port KVM switches support hot plug and hot swap functions.

Figure 10: Cascaded configuration

4.5. Firmware Upgrade Port

The min-USB female connector on the rear of the EZswitch KVM switch is used for firmware upgrade. Contact your dealer or Raritan when you need to update the firmware.

4.6. Rack-Mount the KVM Switch

Figure 11: Rack mounting

This section describes how to attach mounting brackets to the KVM switch for rack-mounting it on a standard 19-inch rack.

A. Screw the mounting brackets to the sides of the KVM switch (see Figure 11). B. Mount the KVM switch on a rack.

5. Operation

You can control computers connected to the EZswitch KVM switch by using the push buttons, hot keys or OSD interface.

 Push button operation:

Press a front panel push button to select the corresponding computer and operate it.

 Hot Key operation:

See the section “6. Hot Key Operation.”

 OSD operation:

See the section “7. OSD Operation.”

6. Hot Key Operation

6.1. Trigger the OSD Menu

Press <Scroll Lock> twice and then press <Enter>. The OSD main menu will be displayed on the screen. All of the KVM settings can be configured through the OSD interface. Some KVM functions can also be performed using the OSD.

6.2. Set the Leading Hot Key

A hot key allows you to quickly perform a specific function. Its leading key is set to <Scroll Lock> by default. You can change this key if needed. To change the leading hot key, follow this procedure:

Press <CTRL> twice, then the new leading hot key, and finally press <Enter>. The leading hot key is changed then.

Available leading hot key options include <Scroll Lock>, <Num Lock> and <Caps

Lock>.

Examples:  To set the leading hot key to <Scroll Lock>:

 To set the leading hot key to <Num Lock>:

 To set the leading hot key to <Caps Lock>:

Tip: You can also change the leading hot key by pressing <F1> in the OSD main menu. See the section “7.3.5 Hot Key.”

6.3. Channel Selection in a Single-Tier KVM System

6.3.1. Select a Specific Channel

You can select a connected computer by using the hot key combination: first press <Scroll Lock> twice, then a number (1~16) corresponding to the channel number of the computer that you want to control, and finally press <Enter>.

Figure 12: Channel selection hot key

Examples:

…

T ip: You can also select a computer in the OSD menu. See the section “7.2 Channel Selection Using the OSD.”

6.3.2. Channel Switching Using Arrow Keys

To switch to the prior or next channel that is adjacent to the current channel, do this: first press <Scroll Lock> twice, and then the <Left arrow> or <Right arrow> key.

 To switch to the prior channel:

 To switch to the next channel:

6.3.3. Channel Switching Using the <ALT> Key

You can also switch to the prior or next channel using the <ALT> key combinations.

A. Enable the <ALT> channel switching function:

By default, the channel switching function using the <ALT> key is disabled. To enable it, press <Scroll Lock> twice, then <ALT> and finally <Enter>. To disable the function, press the same key combinations again.

B. Switch to the prior or next channel using the <ALT> key:

Press the <Left ALT> or <Right AL T> key twice, and the system will automatically switch to the prior or next channel.

 Enable/disable the <ALT> channel switching function:

 Switch to the prior channel:

 Switch to the next channel:

6.4. Channel Selection in a Multi-Tier KVM System

A cascaded KVM system allows you to select a channel at any tier directly. Use the following hot key combination to select a channel:

Press <Scroll Lock> twice, the <D> key, then the number of the channel (1~16) where the computer or the second or third tier is connected, and finally press <Enter>.

 Select a channel at the first tier:

 Select a channel at the second tier:

 Select a channel at the third tier:

For example, to select channel 7 at the last tier in a 3-tier configuration, you may press <Scroll Lock> twice, then D2D5D7, and finally <Enter>.

D2 means channel 2 of the first tier. D5 means channel 5 of the second tier. D7 means channel 7 of the third tier.

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Raritan Computer EZswitch user manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual