™
MasterConsole
Z
User Manual
Copyright © 2006 Raritan Computer, Inc.
MCZ-0B-E
May 2006
255-33-1200
This page intentionally left blank.
D
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, MasterConsole, Paragon, 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. 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
1F61
US
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I.T.E.
For assistance in the North or South America, please contact the Raritan Technical Support Team
by telephone (732) 764-8886, by fax (732) 764-8887, or by e-mail
tech@raritan.com
Ask for Technical Support – Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm, Eastern.
For assistance around the world, please see the last page of this guide for
regional Raritan office 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
MasterConsole Z Overview.........................................................................................1
Product Photos............................................................................................................1
Product Features.........................................................................................................2
User Station (MZUST) Features .................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Installation.................................................................... 5
Pre-configuration Notes ..............................................................................................5
Hardware Installation ..................................................................................................5
Chapter 3: Operation ...................................................................... 9
OSD Functions............................................................................................................9
Help Menu.......................................................................................................................................10
Administration Menu........................................................................................................................12
Appendix A: Specifications .......................................................... 15
Appendix B: Troubleshooting ....................................................... 17
Appendix C: Glossary ................................................................... 19
Appendix D: FAQs ......................................................................... 21
UTP Cabling FAQs....................................................................................................25
ii FIGURES
Figures
Figure 1 MasterConsole Z User Station (MZUST)....................................................................................... 1
Figure 2 MasterConsole Z Computer Interface Module (MZCIM-PS2)........................................................1
Figure 3 MZCIM-USB ..................................................................................................................................2
Figure 4 MZCIM-SUN ..................................................................................................................................2
Figure 5 MZCIM Installation........................................................................................................................5
Figure 6 On-Screen Display (OSD)..............................................................................................................7
Figure 7 MZUST Selection Menu Screen ....................................................................................................9
Figure 8 F1 Help Menu ..............................................................................................................................10
Figure 9 Selection Menu by Name.............................................................................................................10
Figure 10 CIM Configuration Menu...........................................................................................................11
Figure 11 Administrative Menu ..................................................................................................................12
Figure 12 User Station Information Menu ..................................................................................................12
Figure 13 User Security Profile Menu........................................................................................................ 13
Figure 14 User Preferences Screen...........................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
MasterConsole Z Overview
The MasterConsole Z switchless access system consists of two components – a User Station
(MZUST) and an MZ-Computer Interface Module (MZCIM), connected with Enhanced Category
5e UTP cable. The MZCIMs are linked in a chain via Category 5e UTP cable, and servers are
connected to each of the MZCIMs. Please note that these MZCIMs are not compatible with
P2ZCIMs or ZU4200 CIMs.
With a MasterConsole Z system, you can:
• Add a computer anywhere in the chain at any time
• Hot connect a user console to any server
• Hot-swap components with no impact on server operation
• Select computers by name from on-screen menus
• Locate user up to 700 feet (213m) away with Category 5e UTP cable
Product Photos
Figure 1 MasterConsole Z User Station (MZUST)
Figure 2 MasterConsole Z Computer Interface Module (MZCIM-PS2)
2 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
Figure 3 MZCIM-USB
Figure 4 MZCIM-SUN
Product Features
• Innovative zero-U design supports up to 64 computers, any combination of PS/2, USB, and
SUN, on a single Cat5 chain
• Simple Plug and Play installation
• Keep-alive keyboard/mouse emulation for flawless operation
• Password authorization
• PC share/video share capability
• User Station supports PS/2 or USB keyboards and mice
• Automatic Video Tuning (AVT) adjusts video quality automatically
• Supports high-resolution video to 1024X768
• Admin Port for on-site flash firmware upgrade of the User Station and MZCIMs
• Long-cable MZCIMs for servers with cable management arms
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 3
User Station (MZUST) Features
Front Panel
• Status LED: Indicates power and operational status of MZUST User Station
Rear Panel
• AC Power:
− Connector: for AC power cable (100V – 240 VAC, 47 Hz – 63 Hz)
− On/Off Switch: for powering ON or OFF the MZUST User Station
• PS/2 Keyboard: Connect PS/2 keyboard to operate MZUST.
• PS/2 Mouse: Connect PS/2 Mouse to operate MZUST.
• VGA Monitor: Connect multisync VGA monitor to view connected computers.
• Cat5 Ports In: Connect up to 64 computers, using Cat5 UTP cable and a chain of MZCIMs.
• Cat5 PC Share OUT: Connect (pass through) a second MZUST User Station.
• USB K/M: Connect a USB keyboard/mouse to operate the MZUST User Station.
• Admin: Proprietary serial port used to upgrade MZUST and MZCIM firmware. When
available, new firmware will be posted on Raritan website http://www.raritan.com.
4 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION 5
Chapter 2: Installation
Pre-configuration Notes
MasterConsole Z installation requires that a Port Name is assigned to each computer as it is added
to the MZCIM chain during installation. Ports are organized alphabetically by assigned name or
by the default name (the MZCIM’s serial number), not by order of placement in the
MasterConsole Z chain. Raritan recommends that you assign port names as you connect
computers instead of connecting all computers first and then assign port names – it may be
difficult to locate the respective port for each computer.
Hardware Installation
Important: MZUST must be powered OFF prior to installation.
1. Install MasterConsole Z User Station (MZUST):
A. Connect one end of an AC power cable to the MZUST and plug the other end of the
power cord into an AC power source.
B. Connect a PS/2 (or USB) key board, VGA monitor, mouse to the appropriate ports on the
rear panel of the MZUST.
C. Plug in and power ON the VGA monitor.
D. Power ON the MZUST using the AC Power switch on the rear panel.
Figure 5 MZCIM Installation
2. Connect Computers to MZUST using MZCIMs
2.1 For MZCIM-PS2:
A. Attach an MZCIM-PS2 video (HD15) connector to the computer’s video port.
B. Connect the MZCIM-PS2 keyboard and mouse connectors to the computer’s keyboard
and mouse ports.
6 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
C. Connect one end of a Category 5e UTP cable to the O (Out) Cat5 port on the MZCIM-
PS2. Connect the other end of the cable to the In Cat 5 Port on the rear panel of the
MZUST.
D. If you are not adding more computers to the User Station, insert a TER-ZCIM terminator
in the MZCIM-PS2 I (In) port.
E. The MZCIM-PS2 factory name and serial number appears on the User Console attached
to the MZUST; this represents the connected computer.
F. To connect additional computers:
Remove the TER-ZCIM terminator from the (last) MZCIM-PS2 I (In) port and set it
aside.
Connect one end of a Category 5e UTP cable to the MZCIM-PS2 I (In) port from
which the terminator has been just removed.
Connect the other end of the Category 5e UTP cable to the O (Out) port on the next
MZCIM-PS2 being added.
If no additional computers are being added, insert the TER-ZCIM terminator into the
last MZCIM-PS2 I (In) port.
G. Press the default hot key (Scroll Lock) twice rapidly at the MZUST User Console to
activate the On-Screen Display (OSD).
H. Press F2 to activate the Selection Menu.
I. The computer you just connected appears as a new channel in the Selection Menu at the
MZUST User Console. The MZCIM-PS2 factory name and serial number appear.
2.2 For MZCIM-USB:
A. Attach an MZCIM-USB video (HD15) connector to the computer’s video port.
B. Connect the MZCIM-USB keyboard/mouse USB connector to the computer’s USB
keyboard/mouse port.
C. Connect one end of a Category 5e UTP cable to the O (OUT) Cat5 port on the MZCIM-
USB. Connect the other end to the Cat 5 Ports In on the User Station (MZUST).
D. If you are not adding more computers to the User Station, insert a TER-ZCIM terminator
in the MZCIM-USB I (IN) port.
E. The MZCIM-USB factory name and serial number appear in the Selection Menu of the
User Console attached to the MZUST. This represents the connected computer.
F. To connect additional computers:
Remove the TER-ZCIM terminator from the (last) MZCIM-USB I (IN) port and set
aside.
Connect one end of a Category 5e UTP cable to the MZCIM-USB I (IN) port from
which the terminator has been just removed.
Connect the other end of the Category 5e UTP cable to the O (OUT) port on the next
MZCIM-USB being added.
If no more computers are added, insert the TER-ZCIM terminator into the last
MZCIM-USB I (IN) port.
G. Press the default hot key (Scroll Lock
) twice rapidly at the MZUST User Console
activate the OSD.
H. Press the F2 key to activate the Selection Menu.
I. The computer you just connected appears as a new channel in the Selection Menu at the
User Console of the MZUST. The MZCIM-USB factory name and serial number appear.
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION 7
2.3. For MZCIM-SUN:
A. Attach the MZCIM-SUN video (HD15) connector to the computer’s video port.
B. Connect the MZCIM-SUN keyboard/mouse connector (8-pin mini-DIN) to the SUN
computer’s keyboard/mouse port.
C. Connect one end of a Category 5e UTP cable to the O (OUT) Cat5 port on the MZCIM-
SUN. Connect the other end to the Cat 5 Ports In on the User Station (MZUST).
D. If you are not adding more computers to the User Station, insert a TER-ZCIM terminator
in the MZCIM-SUN I (IN) port.
E. A MZCIM-SUN factory name and serial number appear in the Selection Menu of the
User Console attached to the MZUST. This represents the connected computer.
F. To connect additional computers:
Remove the TER-ZCIM terminator from the (last) MZCIM-SUN I (IN) port and set
it aside.
Connect one end of a Category 5e UTP cable to the MZCIM-SUN I (IN) port from
which the terminator has been just removed.
Connect the other end of the Category 5e UTP cable to the O (OUT) port on the next
MZCIM-SUN being added.
If no more computers are added, insert the TER-ZCIM terminator into the last
MZCIM-SUN I (IN) port.
G. Press the default hot key (Scroll Lock) twice rapidly at the MZUST User Console to
activate the OSD.
H. Press F2 to activate the Selection Menu.
I. The computer you just connected appears as a new channel in the Selection Menu at the
User Console of the MZUST. The MZCIM-SUN factory name and serial number appear.
Note: Installation requires basic operation of On-Screen Display (OSD) menus. Press the default
Hot Key activator (Scroll Lock) twice rapidly to activate the OSD. Function keys F1, F2, and F5
are used to switch OSD menus. PressF1 (while the OSD is on screen) to activate the Help Menu,
which lists all available menu options. When the OSD is onscreen, the user console keyboard’s
Scroll Lock LED indicator blinks. Please see Chapter 3: Operation for additional information on
OSD usage.
Figure 6 On-Screen Display (OSD)
8 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
CHAPTER 3: OPERATION 9
Chapter 3: Operation
The Selection Menu appears automatically upon boot-up. Press the F1 key to view the help menu,
or refer to the OSD Function table below for other commands.
Figure 7 MZUST Selection Menu Screen
OSD Functions
The OSD allows you to control, configure, and operate all facets of MasterConsole Z
functionality. Press the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard twice rapidly to activate the OSD.
PRESS WHEN YOU WANT TO
F1
F2
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
ESC
View the Help Menu listing all function keys.
View the Selection Menu listing available channels, serial numbers, and
scan rates. The Selection Menu is used to switch between selected
channels to access computers.
View the Administrative Menu.
Toggle Scan On/Off. The base of the OSD indicates that the Scan
function is ON when the word “Scan” is highlighted in yellow.
Toggle Skip On/Off.
View System Information.
Log Out.
Exit the OSD.
10 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
Help Menu
Press F1 to view the Help Menu, which lists all functions keys in a quick and easy reference.
Figure 8 F1 Help Menu
Selection Menu
Press F2 to view the Selection Menu, which lists all port names currently detected by the system,
sorted by computer name in alphabetical order.
Press the Ç, È, PageUp or PageDown keys on your keyboard to select a channel, and then press
ENTER to switch to the selected port and view that port’s Configuration Menu.
Figure 9 Selection Menu by Name
CHAPTER 3: OPERATION 11
Configuration Menu
When you select a port and press ENTER, that port’s Configuration Menu appears. Use this
menu to make changes to the computer channel name, scan rate, and the time interval (in seconds)
that a channel’s computer remains displayed on the monitor during scanning, as well as to
designate a channel as a Home computer.
1. Press the Ç, È, Å, or Æ keys to highlight the field to be edited in yellow.
2. Press ENTER to edit the field; the highlight turns green.
3. Edit name and/or scan time.
4. Press ENTER when finished; the highlight turns yellow again.
5. Press S to save changes and exit, or press ESC to exit without saving changes.
6. Press F2 to return to the Selection Menu.
7. Verify that new channel name appears in the Selection Menu in green.
Figure 10 CIM Configuration Menu
12 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
Administration Menu
Press F5 to view the Administrative Menu, where you can set User Station Information, Security
Profile, and Preferences.
Figure 11 Administrative Menu
User Station Information
On the Administration Menu, press the Ç or È key to highlight option 1 User Station
Information and press ENTER.
The User Station Information menu lists critical firmware and hardware data about the User
Station.
Figure 12 User Station Information Menu
CHAPTER 3: OPERATION 13
User Security Profile
On the Administration Menu, press the Ç or È key to highlight option 2 User Security Profile
and press ENTER.
Note: This feature is currently disabled.
Figure 13 User Security Profile Menu
User Preferences
On the Administration Menu, press the Ç or È key to highlight option 3 User Preferences and
press ENTER.
The User Preferences Menu lets you set your personal preferences for MasterConsole Z
operation.
Figure 14 User Preferences Screen
1. Navigate to fields you want to edit using the Ç, È, Å, or Æ keys.
2. When you reach the field you want to edit, it is highlighted in yellow. Press ENTER to begin
editing, and the highlight turns green. Use the Ç and È keys to select choices in each field,
or make entries as explained below.
3. Press ENTER when finished, and the highlight turns from green to yellow.
4. Press S to save changes, and press ESC to exit System Profile Menu.
5. To exit without saving changes, press ESC and then press N or press ESC again.
14 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
• Scan Mode: Press the F6 key to toggle ON scan mode. The user station can scan through all
attached computer channels at a specified time interval. Global or Individual scanning is
available; default scan setting is Global. When Scan Mode is activated, the word “Scan” at
the bottom of the OSUI is highlighted in yellow.
− Global: Scans each channel for the same amount of time, as indicated under Global Scan
Rate.
− Individual: Scans each channel for the specified time set per channel, as shown in
Selection Menu. Individual channel scan times can be set between 03 and 30 seconds.
Default is 03 seconds.
• Global Scan Rate: Sets the time duration for which each channel will be scanned. Use Ç and
È to set duration from 03 to 30 seconds. Default rate is 03 seconds.
• ID Display: The ID Display is a small window that shows the computer name when
switching or scanning between channels. Two fields control the display:
− On/Off: Use Ç and È to toggle between on and off.
− Time: Use Ç and È to increase or decrease the time period. A dashed line (- -) indicates
the ID window will be shown continuously. Default setting is On/03 seconds.
• Green Mode (PowerSave Mode): Blackens the screen if the user console is idle for a
specified time period. Two fields control Green Mode:
− On/Off: Use Ç and È to toggle between on and off.
− Time: Use Ç and È to increment or decrement. Default setting is Off/03 minutes.
• Display Position: Changes the position of the On-Screen Menu and ID Display Window.
Select Menu or ID and press Enter. Use Ç, È, Å, and Æ to change the position and press S
to save settings.
• Hot Key: Use Ç and È to select ScrollLock, CapsLock, NumLock or Left-ALT or Left-
SHIFT. Default setting is ScrollLock. Pressing the Hot Key twice activates MasterConsole’s
On-Screen User Interface (OSUI).
• Previous Channel Key: Use Ç and È to select ScrollLock, CapsLock, NumLock, Left-
ALT or Left-SHIFT. Default setting is NumLock. Rapidly pressing the selected Previous
Channel key twice enables user to go back to previously selected computer without going
through the OSUI.
Note: You cannot select the same key for Previous Channel Key and Hot Key.
• Scrolling Help: Use Ç and È to toggle between on and off. The message banner on your
screen can display in scroll (on) or non-scroll (off) mode. Default setting is On and Scrolling.
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS 15
Appendix A: Specifications
MODELS DESCRIPTION PRODUCT WEIGHT
(LBS; KG)
MZCIM-PS2 MZCIM for P/S2 .5 lbs; .22 kg 2"x 4"x 1"; 50 x 101 x 25mm
MZCIM-USB MZCIM for USB .5 lbs; .22 kg 2"x 4"x 1"; 50 x 101 x 25mm
MZCIM-SUN MZCIM for SUN .5 lbs; .22 kg 2"x 4"x 1"; 50 x 101 x 25mm
TER-ZCIM ZCIM Terminator .2 lbs; .12 kg 1"x 1"x .5"; 25 x 25 x 13mm
MODELS DESCRIPTION PRODUCT
WEIGHT
(LBS; KG)
MZUST MasterConsole Z
User Station
5 lbs; 2.2 kg 11.5"x 10.5"x 2"; 292 x
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
(WXDXH)
266 x 50mm
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
(WXDXH)
POWER
AC Power 100V240V 47Hz-63Hz
2.8A
16 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
APPENDIX B: TROUBLESHOOTING 17
Appendix B: Troubleshooting
PROBLEM SOLUTION
The MasterConsole Z chain is
installed, but there is no
indication of active computers
on the Selection Menu (no
green channels).
A MasterConsole Z chain is
directly connected to a
MZUST, however, there is no
indication of active computers
on the Selection Menu (no
green channels).
I have located the second port
on the Selection Menu, but it is
not connecting to the second
computer in the MZCIM chain.
The mouse and/or keyboard do
not respond properly.
The video quality that I see is
blurry, or exhibits color
separation and/or ghosting.
Be sure the computers are powered ON and that the MZUST is
plugged in.
Ensure that the MZCIM Terminator is in place in the last
MZCIM’s UTP I (IN) port.
Ensure that the MasterConsole Z chain has been constructed
properly with regard to the MZCIM’s I (IN) and O (OUT) UTP
ports.
Ensure that the MZCIM Terminator is in place in the last
MZCIM’s UTP I (IN) port.
Computer ports are organized alphabetically by assigned name,
rather than in the order of their placement within the
MasterConsole Z chain. The second port on the Selection Menu
represents the computer or port name that is second
alphabetically, not second physically in the chain.
Make sure all UTP cables throughout the MasterConsole Z
system are category 5e UTP cable produced by the same cable
manufacturer.
If you are using long cable runs (250 feet or more), or very high
refresh rates, be sure to use Raritan-certified UTP cabling.
18 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY 19
Appendix C: Glossary
Active Port A port is active when a connected device is powered on. See
also Port.
Port There are up to 64 “ports” in a MasterConsole Z
configuration. A port represents the path to a certain computer
on the Selection Menu. See also Active Port and Inactive Port.
Computer Name (Port Name) A label of up to 20 characters assigned by an administrator for
a device connected to a MasterConsole Z port.
Edit Menu For editing computer names and changing channel scan times
Global Scan Rate Scan rate used for all ports when Scan Mode field in System
Profile Menu is set to Global. See also Scan Rate.
Green Mode A field in System Profile Menu for toggling Video Monitor
PowerSave feature on and off.
Hot Key For activating On-Screen Display (OSD). To activate the
OSD, press the Hot Key twice rapidly -default ScrollLock.
ID Display A single-line display shown on monitor to identify a port that
has just been selected.
Individual Scan Rate Scan rate specified for each port when Scan Mode field in
System Profile Menu is set to Individual. Individual per port
scan rates are set in the Edit Menu. See also Scan Rate.
Menu A MasterConsole Z On-Screen Display (OSD).
Menu F Keys Function keys for On-Screen Display (OSD) menus. (F1,
F2, …)
PowerSave Allows a properly equipped monitor to operate in energy save
mode. See also Green Mode.
Scan Toggle Function key F6 for activating AutoScan.
Scan Mode Field in System Profile Menu. Can be set to either Global or
Individual.
Scan Rate Time interval –in seconds- that a port’s computer is to remain
displayed on monitor when AutoScan is activated F6. See also
Global Scan Rate and Port Specific (Individual) Scan Rate.
Selection Menu On-Screen User Display (OSD) Menu used for selecting and
accessing a computer or device.
Terminator RJ45 MZCIM terminating plug. To be inserted in the UTP I
(in) port on the last MZCIM in the MasterConsole Z chain.
User Console Keyboard, monitor, and mouse plugged into a user port on the
MZUST back panel.
20 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
APPENDIX D: FAQS 21
Appendix D: FAQs
QUESTION ANSWER
What is the MasterConsole Z?
How is the MasterConsole Z unique? Raritan’s innovative MasterConsole Z offers a switchless
What are the components of a
MasterConsole Z system?
MasterConsole Z, the next generation Z-Series, replaces
the traditional KVM switch box with an innovative chainlike server-to-server arrangement, significantly reducing
cable clutter. Small Computer Interface Modules
(MZCIMs) connected to the keyboard, video, and mouse
ports of each server are linked with standard Category 5e
UTP cable and transmit keyboard, video, and mouse
signals to a User Station. A keyboard, monitor, and
mouse plug into the User Station, enabling the user to
select and control up to 64 servers via simple on-screen
user interface menus.
solution that enables access and control of multipleplatform servers from a single user console (keyboard,
monitor, and mouse), without consuming precious rack
space. MasterConsole Z employs Raritan's unique
communication technology to control up to 64 servers
and eliminate the traditional KVM switch box and all
hard-to-manage server-to-switch cable. It is designed to
support the most challenging demands of server
management where space is at a premium or where
systems to be accessed are up to 700 feet away via
Category 5 UTP cable.
A MasterConsole Z system consists of two components:
the User Station (MZUST) and Computer Interface
Modules (MZCIMs). MZCIMs connect to the keyboard,
video, and mouse ports of each computer (PS2, USB, or
SUN) and provide failsafe computer access with
Raritan’s dedicated keyboard/mouse emulation. MZCIMs
are linked one to the next with a single Category 5e UTP
cable; the last MZCIM in the chain is linked to the User
Station (MZUST). User Station – enable a user console
(keyboard, mouse, and monitor) to select and control up
to 64 servers via a simple, on-screen user interface.
22 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
QUESTION: ANSWER:
How do MZCIMs work?
Using MZCIMs in conjunction with MZUST,
you can connect up to 64 MZCIMs in a
‘daisy-chain’ to your server's keyboard, video
and mouse ports. These signals are
compressed and sent securely over a UTP
Cat5 cable. Using the MasterConsole Z User
Station, an administrator has the ability to
grow the chain and select between target
server consoles.
How are MZCIMs designed to grow with a
business?
MZCIMs can be purchased as easy starter kits
as well as individually. A system
administrator can purchase only the required
amount of modules necessary for their
immediate needs.
How easy is it to add servers with MZCIMs? It's simply a matter of connecting additional
MZCIMs to the additional server's keyboard,
video and mouse port and connecting it into
the cable daisy chain.
What interfaces does the MZCIMs support? MZCIMs provide access to multiple
platforms including Sun, USB and PS2.
How can I find out the firmware version of my
MZCIM?
Open a text editor window such as word pad.
Hold the Left Ctrl key and press the Number
pad Delete key. The current firmware version
will be printed out. The MZCIM-USB will
also print out the current USB keyboard
settings. Press the ESC key to exit this mode.
I connected a powered-on MZCIM to another
chain and now the chain size is wrong. What
happened?
The MZCIM you added was a Master
MZCIM. When it was added to the new
chain, it became the Master of that chain as
well. The added MZCIM resets the chain to
use its’ last known chain size. The user
should momentarily power off an MZCIM
before adding it to a new chain to prevent this
problem. The user can resize the chain to
correct this issue.
Keyboard and Mouse is sometimes erratic
when powering up a computer. Why?
We suggest you do not communicate with the
MZCIMs when powering up computers. This
is because the powered-up MZCIM(s) are
trying to obtain communication addresses
from the Master MZCIM. This could increase
the chance of data collision. The potential for
missed keystrokes and erratic mouse behavior
increases as the rate of data collision
increases. Generally, you will see slow
keyboard/mouse performance instead of
dropped keyboard and mouse packets. If the
Master MZCIM loses power, the user may be
switched off from the MZCIM.
How do I configure the MZCIM USB to work
with either my Sun USB or PC USB machines?
There is a toggle switch on the MZCIM-USB.
This switch can be changed to support either
SUN USB machines or PC USB machines.
APPENDIX D: FAQS 23
QUESTION: ANSWER:
Can ZU42 CIMs work with MZCIMs? No. MZCIMs use a different protocol, which
is not compatible with ZU42.
Can MZCIMs be used with ZU42 USTS? No. MZCIMs use a different protocol, which
is not compatible with ZU42.
I don't want to use the Scroll Lock key as my
hot key. What are my options?
The hot key can be easily changed to the
Num Lock or Caps Lock, or other keys.
When in hot-key mode, touch the desired new
hot-key activator followed by the enter key.
Is there a way to find the Master MZCIM in a
chain?
Yes, the MZCIMs LED status can be used to
detect the MZCIMs states. If the LED is
blinking at a regulated, moderate speed (i.e.,
every half second), the MZCIM is acting as
Master of the chain. Please read the LED
Status section of the user manual for more
information.
My MZCIM chain disappeared when I turned
off a computer and it reappeared 20 seconds
later. What happened?
The Master MZCIM may have been turned
off. If this is the case then a new MZCIM
became the Master and the database had to be
rebuilt. This is normal operation.
I only see some of my MZCIMs. What is going
on?
This can happen for a variety of reasons.
Below are some common fixes for this issue.
1. Wait a couple of minutes. The Master
MZCIM may need some time to react
due to Resizing, Communication
Address conflicts, Multiple Masters,
etc...
2. Make sure that all the MZCIMs in the
chain have power.
3. Check all the cables.
4. Make sure the terminator is in place.
5. Are there any MZCIMs in the chain,
which do not have Communication
Addresses? MZCIMs without
Communication addresses will beep
once every minute. The LED will
flash on and off rapidly. If this is the
case, check the Chain Size. Resize if
necessary.
I can’t see all of the MZCIM names, but the
status seems correct. How can I fix this?
If you wait a few minutes, usually the chain
will fix itself.
It took a while for the MZCIM to be reported
as OFF. Why?
Due to the occurrence of Data Collision, a
MZCIM status must be checked 3 times to
determine whether or not it is off. The
detection can be quicker if the size of the
chain is roughly proportional to the number
of MZCIMs in the chain. Resize the chain to
optimize the performance.
24 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
QUESTION: ANSWER:
I disconnected a complete MZCIM chain from
the UMT and added it to the tail of another
MZCIM chain. I was finally able to see all the
MZCIMs but it took almost a minute. What
happened?
Prior to connecting the chains, you had one
Master per chain. There only can be one
Master per chain. When you connected the
chain, there were suddenly 2 Masters in the
chain. It took a while for this condition to
clear. This is normal operation.
I have a MZZCIM that is beeping every 30-40
seconds. Also, I noticed that the LED is
blinking very rapidly. Why is this happening?
A MZCIM will beep once every minute to
notify the user that it did not get a
Communication Address. The user should
check to make sure that the number of
MZCIMs has not exceeded the Chain size. If
the size is correct, the problem should
disappear after a couple of minutes. If not,
check again to make sure the chain size is
correct. The beeping MZCIM will increase
the Communication Address Request delay to
40-55 seconds. The data collision introduced
by continued Communication Address
requests should not affect keyboard and
mouse functionality, however if there are
many units which can not get Communication
Addresses it might cause slower keyboard
and mouse response. Beeping MZCIMs can
also occur if the 2 chains are connected
together to make one chain.
The MZCIM beeps when it first receives
power. Why?
This is normal operation. The beep notifies
the user that the MZCIM has powered up
correctly.
My mouse seems to be erratic and jumps
around opening windows. What's happening?
There is a possibility that the proper mouse
driver is not loaded or the mouse is not
recognized. Check to make sure the mouse
driver is correct for the mouse type you are
using.
APPENDIX D: FAQS 25
UTP Cabling FAQs
Cat5 / Cat5e / Cat6 Cabling FAQ
QUESTION: ANSWER:
What UTP cable does
Raritan recommend for use
with Paragon, Paragon
Ready, MasterConsole II,
and Cat5 Reach products?
Can I use plain Cat 5
cable, instead of Cat 5e?
Can I use standard
Ethernet (10BASE-T)
cable?
Can I use non-certified Cat
5e cable?
Can I use Cat 6 cable? Yes. Currently only one Category 6 UTP cable product is Raritan
What happens if I do not
use Raritan certified cable?
Raritan certifies the following Category 5e UTP and Category 6
UTP cable products for use with its family of industry-leading data
center solutions
Use of non-certified cabling can and will result in video and data
degradations that users may find unsatisfactory. Certified Raritan
cable products listed above are widely available and competitively
priced. When using certified cable, users can transmit video signals
at distances up to 700 feet at 1024x768 @75Hz; and up to 500 feet
at 1600x1200 @75Hz.
Yes, however, you may not get the same performance as you would
with Raritan certified Category 5e UTP or Category 6 UTP cables.
Standard Category 5 UTP cable may not have the necessary
characteristics for transmitting high-quality video over long
distances.
No. Standard Ethernet cable does not have the necessary bandwidth
characteristics for transmitting high-quality video over long
distances.
Yes, however, you may not get the same performance as you would
with Raritan certified Category 5e UTP or Category 6 UTP cables.
Using non-certified Category 5e UTP cable with Raritan products
results in degraded video performance ranging from mildly
irritating to severely unusable.
The only occasion when a non-certified cable may be used with
Raritan products without negative effects on system usability is
when the total cable distance between any user console and any
connected device is less than 300 feet.
Because cable products certified by Raritan do not cost more than
competing cable offerings, Raritan strongly recommends that users
utilize Raritan certified cables for maximum performance with
Raritan product applications.
certified for use with Raritan products. Raritan continues to test
new Category 6 UTP cabling products as they are released to the
market. However, at the present time, no Category 6 standard
currently exists; all products currently available in the marketplace
claiming to be Category 6 UTP cable actually conform to a
proposed standard, not an established one. As a result, great
variation in cable types and performance exist.
Cable products that are not specifically certified by Raritan will
likely cause your video to look blurry; in particular if the video
signal is of high-resolution, or if the video signal must be
transmitted over long distances. Furthermore, LCD monitors can
become unusable
26 MASTERCONSOLE Z USER GUIDE
QUESTION: ANSWER:
Cat 5e is standardized.
Why can’t I simply use
any Cat 5e cable with
Raritan products?
Because the intended application of UTP cabling is the transmission
of digital data, cable specifications are optimized for that
application. However, because video data is by its very nature
analog, Raritan’s exclusive technology – which enables such highbandwidth video information to be transmitted over relatively
thinly-shielded Category 5 UTP and Category 6 UTP cables –
requires even stricter tolerances for certain cable properties.
One particular UTP cable characteristic has a large impact on how
well your Raritan system performs: delay skew. UTP cabling
consists of four “twisted pairs” of wire, each carrying one set of
data. In order to minimize cross-interference between the pairs,
each pair must be twisted at slightly different rates (twists/foot).
Over long lengths of cable, however, slight differences in twist rates
results in measurably different rates of data transmission among
each twisted pair. The arrival time delta is called “delay skew.”
How does this affect your Raritan solution? Raritan products send
red, green, and blue video information each over a different twisted
pair; if that information does not arrive at the same time, observed
video will be blurry. Raritan’s unique algorithms correct for this
behavior, but physical limitations create upper limits to the success
of any algorithm.
The TIA/EIA specification for delay skew tolerance is 45
nanoseconds for Category 5 UTP and Category 5e UTP cable.
However, in analog video applications, a delay skew longer than 15
nanoseconds usually results in inadequate video performance at
high resolutions (XGA and higher).Raritan-certified cable products
happen to surpass the acceptable tolerances of the TIA/EIA’s
specification for delay skew, and hence are best suited for
connecting Raritan components.
Are there special pin out
Yes.
requirements that I must
use?
APPENDIX D: FAQS 27
255-33-1200
World Headquarters
Raritan Computer, Inc.
400 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
USA
Tel. (732) 764-8886
Fax. (732) 764-8887
Email:
sales@raritan.com
www.raritan.com
Raritan OEM Division
Peppercon USA, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Dr, Suite 2626
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel. (847) 466-1392
Fax. (312) 729-1375
Email:
info@peppercon.com
www.peppercon.com
Asia Pacific Headquarters
Raritan Computer Taiwan, Inc.
5F, 121 , Lane 235 , Pao-Chiao Road,
Hsin Tien
Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
Tel. (886) 2 8919-1333
Fax. (886) 2 8919-1338
Email:
sales.asia@raritan.com
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. (86) 21 5425-2499
Fax. (86) 21 5425-3992
Email:
sales.china@raritan.com
http://www.raritan.china.cn
Guangzhou Representative Office of
Raritan Computer, Inc.
1205/F, Metro Plaza
183 Tian He Bei Road
Guangzhou (510075), China Raritan
Tel. (86-20)8755 5581
Fax. (86-20)8755 5571
sales.china@raritan.com
Email:
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. (86) 10 8447-5706
Fax. (86) 10 8447-5700
Email:
sales.china@raritan.com
Web:
www.raritan.com.cn
Raritan Korea
Raritan Computer Korea Inc.
#3602, Trade Tower, World Trade Center
Samsung-dong, Kangnam-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel. (82) 2 557-8730
Fax. (82) 2 557-8733
Email:
sales.korea@raritan.com
http://www.raritan.co.ko
Raritan Computer Japan, Inc.
4th Floor, Shinkawa NS Building
1-26-2 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 1040033
Tel. (81) 03-3523-5991
Fax. (81) 03-3523-5992
Email:
sales@raritan.co.jp
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
http://www.raritan.co.jp
Raritan Australia
Level 2, 448 St Kilda Road,
Melbourne, VIC3004
Australia
Tel. (61) 3 9866-6887
Fax. (61) 3 9866-7706
Email:
sales.au@raritan.com
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. (91) 124 510 7881
Fax. (91) 124 510 7880
Email:
sales.india@raritan.com
Web:
www.raritan.co.in
European Headquarters
Raritan Computer Europe, B.V.
Eglantierbaan 16
2908 LV Capelle aan den IJssel
The Netherlands
Tel. (31) 10-284-4040
Fax. (31) 10-284-4049
Email:
sales.europe@raritan.com
http://www.raritan.fr
http://www.raritan.de
Raritan Computer France
120 Rue Jean Jaures
92300 Levallois-Perret, France
Tel. (33) 14-756-2039
Fax. (33) 14-756-2061
Email:
sales.france@raritan.com
http://www.raritan.fr
Web:
Raritan Computer Deutschland GmbH
Lichtstraße 2
D-45127 Essen, Germany
Tel. (49) 201-747-98-0
Fax. (49) 201-747-98-50
Email:
sales.germany@raritan.com
Web:
http://www.raritan.de
Raritan Computer Italia
Via dei Piatti 4
20123 Milan
Italy
Tel. (39) 02-454-76813
Fax. (39) 02-861-749
Email:
sales.italy@raritan.com
Web:
www.raritan.info
Raritan Canada
Raritan Computer Inc.
2085 Hurontario St., Suite 300
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada
L5A4G1
Tel. (905) 949-3650
Fax. (905) 949-3651
Email:
sales.canada@raritan.com
Web:
www.raritan.com
Raritan Computer U.K. Limited
36 Great St. Helen's
London EC3A 6AP, United Kingdom
Tel. (44) 20-7614-7700
Fax. (44) 20-7614-7701
Email:
sales.uk@raritan.com
Web:
www.raritan.com
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