Raritan Computer SCS232 User Manual

User Manual

Copyright © 2002 Raritan
Computer, Inc.

SCS232-0D-E
February 2003
255-60-0010

SCS232

Raritan Computer Inc.

400 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
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: [e-mail]
http://www.raritan.co.jp

Raritan Computer France

120 Rue Jean Jaures
93200 Levallois-Perret
France
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
http://www.raritan.fr

Raritan Computer U.K. Ltd.

Unit 1 Cobbett Park, Moorfield Road
Guilford, Surrey, GU1 RU
United Kingdom
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
http://www.raritan.com

Raritan Computer Europe, B.V.

Eglantierbaan 16
2908 LV Capelle aan den IJssel

The Netherlands
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
http://www.raritan.com/

Raritan Computer Taiwan, Inc.

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

Raritan Computer Deutschland GmbH

Lichstraße 2
D-45127 Essen
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
http://www.raritan.de

Shanghai Representative Office of
Raritan Computer, Inc.

RM 19C-1 Shanghai Shiye Building
18 Caoxi North Road
Shanghai China 2000030
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
E-mail: mailto:[e-mail]
http://www.raritan.com.tw/

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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.

Product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies. Z-Series, Paragon, MasterConsole MX
MasterConsole SMX, and their respective logos are registered trademarks of Raritan Computer, Inc. PS/2,
RS/6000, and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Sun is a
registered trademark of Sun Microsystems. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

4

, MasterConsole MXU2, MasterConsole II,

Japanese Approvals

For assistance in the U.S., please contact the Raritan Technical Support Team

at [phone] or e-mail us at [e-mail]

Ask for Technical Support – Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm, EST.

For assistance internationally, please contact your regional Raritan office.

This page intentionally left blank.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Manual Notes................................................................ 1

Version Applicability...................................................................................................................1

Important Note: Power Recycling ..............................................................................................1

Chapter 2: Introduction .................................................................. 3

ConsoleSwitch SCS232 Features..............................................................................................3

Package Contents......................................................................................................................3

Product Photos...........................................................................................................................4

Related Products........................................................................................................................4

Device Adapters..................................................................................................................4

Paragon Multi-User, Multi-Platform Switch..........................................................................4

Chapter 3: Cabling Requirements .................................................. 5

ConsoleSwitch Cabling: Serial Over UTP..................................................................................5

Cat 5 Cable Requirements..................................................................................................5

Device Adapters..................................................................................................................5

Distance Limitations ............................................................................................................5

Paragon Cabling: KVM Over UTP .............................................................................................6

Certified Cable.....................................................................................................................6

Chapter 4: Installation.................................................................... 7

ConsoleSwitch Standalone Installation......................................................................................7

Preparation..........................................................................................................................7

Connecting User Consoles..................................................................................................8

Connecting Serial Devices ..................................................................................................8

Power On.............................................................................................................................9

Configuring Channel Names and Settings..........................................................................9

Configuring User Console Communications Settings .......................................................10

Completing Installation......................................................................................................10

ConsoleSwitch with Paragon Installation.................................................................................10

Confirm Firmware Version.................................................................................................10

Prepare Devices................................................................................................................11

Connecting Serial Devices ................................................................................................11

Connecting ConsoleSwitch to Paragon.............................................................................11

Power On...........................................................................................................................12

Administrative Setup..........................................................................................................12

Channel Naming................................................................................................................13

Completing Installation......................................................................................................13

Chapter 5: Operating ConsoleSwitch........................................... 15

Paragon Operation: Viewing Stored Data................................................................................15

HotKey Mode ...........................................................................................................................15

Accessing the Main Menu........................................................................................................15

Channel Navigation..................................................................................................................16

Display Channels...............................................................................................................16

Selecting a Channel ..........................................................................................................16

Releasing a Channel.........................................................................................................16

Channel Scanning....................................................................................................................17

S# — Scan All Channels...................................................................................................17

A# — Scan Active Channels Only.....................................................................................17

D — Display Scan List.......................................................................................................17

K# — Skip Channel in Scan List........................................................................................17

L# — Add Channel to Scan List ........................................................................................17

C — Clear Scan List..........................................................................................................17

R# — Resume Scanning...................................................................................................18

Viewing Stored Data ................................................................................................................18

L — Display Latest Data....................................................................................................18

O — Display Oldest Data ..................................................................................................18

P — Display Previous Page ..............................................................................................18

N — Display Next Page.....................................................................................................18

F# — Forward # Lines.......................................................................................................18

R# — Reverse # Lines ......................................................................................................18

P# — Set Page Length to # Lines.....................................................................................19

Y# — Clear Channel # Data..............................................................................................19

Appendices ................................................................................... 21

Appendix A: Specifications .....................................................................................................21

Appendix B: Pin-Out Diagrams...............................................................................................22

ConsoleSwitch RJ45 Serial Pin-Out..................................................................................22

SCSDB25F Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out.......................................................................22

SCSDB25M Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out......................................................................22

SCSDB9F Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out.........................................................................23

SCSDB9M Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out........................................................................23

Custom, Nulling RJ45 Cable (for most Sun and Cisco RJ45 devices).............................24

Appendix C: Updating Paragon Firmware..............................................................................25

Introduction........................................................................................................................25

Paragon Configuration Backup Instructions......................................................................25

Paragon Firmware Update Instructions.............................................................................26

Appendix D: Updating ConsoleSwitch SCS232 Firmware.......................................................28

Introduction ..............................................................................................................................28

Update Instructions............................................................................................................28

Appendix E: Paragon with ConsoleSwitch FAQ.....................................................................30

Appendix F: ConsoleSwitch FAQ............................................................................................31

CHAPTER 1: MANUAL NOTES 1

Chapter 1: Manual Notes

Version Applicability

Contents in this manual are applicable to ConsoleSwitch™ SCS232 firmware versions 0A2 and above.
Customers with 0A1 firmware should contact Raritan Technical Support for upgrade instructions.

Important Note: Power Recycling

ConsoleSwitch SCS232 contains special circuitry that prevents transmission of accidental “break” signals to
Sun Microsystems servers (and thereby causing them to go to bootprom mode) during ConsoleSwitch power­down. This circuitry requires approximately three seconds to fully discharge, and ensure “break safety”.

Therefore,

IMPORTANT: To recycle power, turn ConsoleSwitch SCS232 off for at least 5 seconds before
restarting.

This allows ConsoleSwitch’s spurious “break” protection circuitry to fully discharge prior to restarting.

2 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTION 3

Chapter 2: Introduction

ConsoleSwitch SCS232 Features

• Dual user, simultaneous matrixed access to 32 serial devices

• Compact 1U form factor

• 8kb data buffers for troubleshooting

®

• Seamless integration with Raritan’s Paragon

• Platform and software independent

• Channel-naming for convenient device access

Package Contents

SCS232-RK (ConsoleSwitch with Rack Mount Brackets)

1 SCS232 ConsoleSwitch Serial Switching Main matrix-switching unit

1 n/a AC Power Cord AC power supply line to main unit

1 n/a Set of 19” Rack Mount brackets For optional Rack Mounting of main unit

2 CAT5-30 30’ Straight-through Cat 5 cable Supplied for installation convenience; used for

2 ASCSDB25M RJ45(F) to DB25(M) nulling For connection of user consoles*

2 ASCSDB25F RJ45(F) to DB25(F) nulling adapter For connection of user consoles*

2 ASCSDB9M RJ45(F) to DB9(M) nulling adapter For connection of user consoles*

2 ASCSDB9F RJ45(F) to DB9(F) nulling adapter For connection of user consoles*, and for

4 n/a Self-adhesive plastic feet To be used in non-Rack Mounted

1 n/a Set of documentation Manual; Warrantee Information; etc.

data center management solution.

connection of user consoles to ConsoleSwitch

updating ConsoleSwitch firmware from a PC

*For your convenience, eight nulling adapters, two of each type, are provided for the purpose of connecting two
serial user consoles to ConsoleSwitch. Although you will need only two adapters to connect user consoles, save the
extras for convenience – these same adapters may be used to connect either consoles or devices to ConsoleSwitch.

SCS232-PKRK (ConsoleSwitch w/ Paragon-Ready Kit and Rack Mount Brackets)

1 SCS232 ConsoleSwitch Serial Switching Main matrix-switching unit

1 n/a Set 19” Rack Mount brackets For optional Rack Mounting of main unit

1 n/a AC Power Cord AC power supply line to main unit

2 CAT5-007 7’ Straight-through Cat5 cable Supplied for installation convenience; used for

connection of ConsoleSwitch to AUATC

2 AUATC Terminal emulator and KVM

converter

2 ASCSDB25M RJ45(F) to DB25(M) nulling For connection of ConsoleSwitch to AUATC

1 ASCSDB9F RJ45(F) to DB9(F) nulling adapter For updating ConsoleSwitch firmware from a

4 n/a Self-adhesive plastic feet To be used in non-Rack Mounted

1 n/a Set of documentation Manual; Warranty Information; etc.

Emulates dumb terminal functionality to send
KVM signals to Paragon; enables seamless
integration between Paragon and
ConsoleSwitch

4 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Product Photos

Figure 1. ConsoleSwitch SCS232 Front

Figure 2. ConsoleSwitch SCS232 Back

Related Products

Device Adapters

Each serial device connected to ConsoleSwitch will require an RJ45 to DB9, or RJ45 to DB25, adapter.
Unfortunately, standard adapters do not exist for this application (serial over RJ45). Raritan supplies the following
adapters to meet your needs. Contact your Raritan reseller to order.

ASCSDB25M RJ45(F) to DB25(M) nulling serial adapter

ASCSDB25F RJ45(F) to DB25(F) nulling serial adapter

ASCSDB9M RJ45(F) to DB9(M) nulling serial adapter

ASCSDB9F RJ45(F) to DB9(F) nulling serial adapter

Paragon Multi-User, Multi-Platform Switch

Raritan’s data center grade KVM switch provides network administrators with direct, out-of-band access to multiple
servers. ConsoleSwitch SCS232 integrates tightly with Paragon, allowing clustered access to serial devices through a
single, seamless interface.

UMT8 8-user; 32-device matrix switch

UST1 User console station

AUATC Terminal Emulator and Converter

CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS 5

Chapter 3: Cabling Requirements

ConsoleSwitch Cabling: Serial Over UTP

N

OTE

: The following information applies only to cables that attach directly to the ConsoleSwitch unit. Cables that attach to
Raritan’s Paragon switches must meet stricter requirements; if you are using ConsoleSwitch in tandem with Raritan’s Paragon
data center management system, be sure to see the following section, “Paragon Cabling: KVM Over UTP” for more information.

Cat 5 Cable Requirements

ConsoleSwitch allows easy, organized, and convenient connection to devices via standard UTP cable. Because
serial data requires relatively little bandwidth in comparison to Ethernet traffic, any standard, straight-through
UTP cable fastened with RJ45 modular plugs will suffice (Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6).

Device Adapters

Each serial device and user console connected to ConsoleSwitch will require a nulling serial adapter. These
Raritan-supplied adapters will null ConsoleSwitch’s serial RJ45 connection, and adapt the physical plug to
match standard EIA-232 serial connectors (DB9 or DB25).

• To connect user consoles to ConsoleSwitch, use the adapters provided with your ConsoleSwitch unit.

• To connect devices to ConsoleSwtich, customers should order adapters appropriate for each device to

be connected (available from your Raritan reseller).

• Expert users may refer to Appendix B for ConsoleSwitch’s exact RJ45 serial pin-outs.

Distance Limitations

While ConsoleSwitch does not itself impose cable distance limitations, all standard EIA-232 serial signals do.
Hence, devices connected to ConsoleSwitch should adhere to the following limitations specified in the EIA
standard. Longer cable lengths will result in signal degradation and therefore, cause functional errors to occur:

Data Rate

(baud)

2400 200 60

4800 100 30

9600-38400 50 15

Figure 3. EIA-232 Standard Speed / Distance Limitations

User consoles (dumb terminals, terminal emulators, etc.) connected to the user ports of ConsoleSwitch must
also adhere to the same distance limitations.

It is worth noting that the EIA created RS-232 cabling specifications many decades ago. In practice, using high
quality, shielded cable can yield much longer, successful cabling distances without data loss. However, Raritan
can only guarantee operation quality at the EIA specification.

Distance

(Feet)

Distance
(Meters)

6 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Paragon Cabling: KVM Over UTP

N

OTE

: The following information addresses the stricter cabling requirements of Raritan’s Paragon switches. These specifications
are more stringent than for ConsoleSwitch. If you are using ConsoleSwitch as a standalone serial access device, you may ignore this
section.

Certified Cable

Raritan certifies the following Category 5e UTP and Category 6 UTP cable products for use with Paragon:

Use of non-certified cabling can 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 1,000 feet at 1024x768 @75Hz; and up to 600 feet at
1600x1200 @75Hz.

For more information, please see your Paragon Manual.

CHAPTER 4: INSTALLATION 7

Chapter 4: Installation

ConsoleSwitch Standalone Installation

N

OTE

:

The following information applies to configurations in which ConsoleSwitch is used as a standalone serial access device.
Users intending to use ConsoleSwitch in a Paragon solution should skip to the section entitled “ConsoleSwitch with Paragon
Installation.”

Preparation

In order to operate ConsoleSwitch SCS232, you will need at least one dumb terminal (e.g., DEC VT100) or
terminal emulator (e.g., laptop, e.g., Raritan AUATC Terminal Emulator and Converter) to access and control
connected devices. In this manual, dumb terminals or terminal emulators used to operate ConsoleSwitch are
called “user consoles”.

By default, ConsoleSwitch expects each user console to be set at the following parameters. These settings may
be changed later; however, in order to perform initial setup, at least one user console must be set to these
parameters.

Enter/Return Key: CR (carriage return)

Baud Rate: 9600

Data Bits: 8

Stop Bits: 1

Parity: None

Software/Hardware Handshaking: None

By default, ConsoleSwitch expects attached devices to be set with the following communications parameters.
At this time, make a note of any devices that vary from these settings; their corresponding ConsoleSwitch
device ports will have to be configured later.

Baud Rate: 9600

Data Bits: 8

Stop Bits: 1

Parity: None

Last, ensure that all devices to be controlled via ConsoleSwitch are set to the same terminal emulation as that
of your user consoles.

8 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Connecting User Consoles

1. In your ConsoleSwitch shipment (see Chapter 2: Introduction - Package Contents), you will find an
assortment of nulling serial adapters (RJ45 to DB9 / DB-25).

2. Locate the RS232 (serial) port on each device that you wish to use as a user console. Select a nulling
serial adapter that fits the gender and form-factor of each device’s serial port, and attach them.

3. Using standard, straight-through UTP cable no longer than 50 feet in length (see Chapter 3: Cabling
Requirements - ConsoleSwitch Cabling), connect each user console to either of the User Ports on the
back of ConsoleSwitch.

Figure 4. User Console Cabling to ConsoleSwitch

Connecting Serial Devices

1. For each device that you wish to control via ConsoleSwitch, connect an appropriate Raritan-supplied
nulling serial adapter (See Chapter 2: Introduction - Related Products) that fits the gender and form
factor of the device’s serial console port – sometimes labeled “Admin”, “COM”, “Serial”, “RS232”,
or “AUX”.

2. Using standard, straight-through UTP cable of an appropriate length (see Chapter 3: Cabling
Requirements - ConsoleSwitch Cabling), connect each nulling serial adapter to a Device Port (labeled
1 through 32) on the back of ConsoleSwitch.

Figure 5. Device Cabling to ConsoleSwitch

CHAPTER 4: INSTALLATION 9

Power On

1. With your user consoles and devices attached, connect the supplied AC power cord to
ConsoleSwitch, and switch the power on. Note that terminals and devices may be attached or
disconnected at any time.

2. On the bottom-left of your user console, you will see a message directing you to type
the main help menu. (Note: if you attach a user console after

powered on, you will not see this message). Type

H ↵ to access the main menu, entitled “Raritan

ConsoleSwitch has already been

ConsoleSwitch Commands”.

3. The following menu will be displayed:

Raritan Console Switch Commands (SCS232 v0A2)
H Main Help Menu

V View Stored Data
U# Configure Communications for User 1 or 2
D# Configure Communications for Device 1 - 32
N# Name Device 1 - 32
C Select Channel
D Display All Channels
S Scan Menu
F Update Firmware

Press CTRL+G to Enter/Exit HotKey Mode

Figure 6. Main Menu

H ↵ to access

Configuring Channel Names and Settings

For each channel to which you have attached a device, perform the following actions:

1. Type

2. If the device is set to 9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit; then you are finished configuring

3. If the device is not set to 9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit; then type

N# ↵ (where # is the channel number of the attached device). Assign an appropriate name to

the device connected to that channel (e.g. “WWW1-NETRAT1”), and press ↵. Channel names may

be up to 12 characters in length; they are stored in non-volatile memory, and will therefore be
maintained even if ConsoleSwitch is powered off.

the channel; proceed to the next device.

D# ↵ (where # is

the channel number of the attached device) to enter the communications setting menu. Using the
menu, change any parameter that needs to be altered in order to match your device’s communication
settings.

Communication Setup:
B Set Baud Rate
W Set Word Length (No. of Data Bits)
P Set Parity
S Set No. of Stop Bits
F Set Flow Control
R Reset all Settings to Default Values
Defaults: 9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, No Parity, 1
Stop Bit.
H Exit to Main Menu

Figure 7. Communications Setup Menu

It is important to realize that configuring these communications settings affects ConsoleSwitch’s
device port only, not the external device. ConsoleSwitch communications settings should be changed
to match the settings of connected terminals and devices.

4. Type

After configuring each device channel port, proceed to the next section.

H ↵ to return to the main menu.

10 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Configuring User Console Communications Settings

This section only applies if you wish to operate ConsoleSwitch with a user console (dumb terminal or terminal
emulator) set to communications settings other

1. Type

2. Using the communications setup menu (see Figure 7 above), change any parameter that needs to be

3. Type

Repeat, if necessary, for the other user channel.

U# ↵ (where # is the user port number of the user console to be configured).

altered in order to match your device’s communication settings.

H ↵ to return to the main menu.

than 9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit.

Completing Installation

Congratulations! ConsoleSwitch is now ready for operation.

If you have any free channels in the back of the unit, consider attaching other devices to ConsoleSwitch, such
as networking equipment (switches and routers), network appliances (firewalls, load balancers, etc.), or servers.
While many of these devices may be managed via Telnet, Web, or SNMP; in the case of network failure, the
admin/console ports may be your only option for management and configuration, and ConsoleSwitch allows
you convenient access to those ports at a very low cost.

ConsoleSwitch with Paragon Installation

N

OTE

: The following information applies to configurations in which ConsoleSwitch is used as an add-on to a Pargaon™ data
center management solution, enabling seamlessly integrated, clustered access to serial devices from the familiar Paragon interface.
Users intending to use ConsoleSwitch in a standalone solution should skip this section and refer to the previous section
“ConsoleSwitch Standalone Installation”.

Confirm Firmware Version

ConsoleSwitch, Paragon, and the AUATC Terminal Emulator/Converter auto-negotiate and auto-configure
most of the settings necessary to work with each other; this allows you to simply connect the devices together
and perform all setup and operations through the familiar Paragon On-Screen User Interface.

However, in order for these features to function appropriately, your Paragon and AUATC firmware must be at
least the following versions (Paragon version numbers are in hexadecimal):

Paragon Matrix Switch: 2B0 or higher

Paragon UST1 user station: 2K0 or higher

AUATC terminal emulator: v2.54 or higher

To check the firmware version of your Paragon Matrix Switch (p/n UMTxx), press the [FUNC] button on the
front panel of the unit. The LCD display will read “Display Ver./SN”. Press the [ENT] button on the front
panel of the unit. Paragon will then display your firmware version on the LCD display.

To check the firmware version of your Paragon UST1 user stations, login to Paragon and press the <F8> key.
Your firmware version will be displayed. Be sure to check the firmware version of each UST1 connected to
Paragon.

To check the firmware version of your AUATC terminal emulator, simply power on your unit. If a monitor is
attached to the AUATC terminal emulator, a firmware version will appear on the top right-hand corner of the
screen.

The latest Paragon firmware can be downloaded from the Raritan website http://www.raritan.com. Please
be sure to read Appendix C: Updating Paragon Firmware before proceeding.

CHAPTER 4: INSTALLATION 11

Prepare Devices

Devices to be controlled by Paragon through ConsoleSwitch must be set at the following communications
settings. Before proceeding, check all devices that you wish to connect, and ensure that they have been set
correctly. Consult your device’s user manual to change the communications parameters if they do not match.

Terminal Emulation: VT100

Baud Rate: 9600

Data Bits: 8

Stop Bits: 1

Parity: None

Connecting Serial Devices

1. For each device that you wish to control via ConsoleSwitch, connect an appropriate Raritan-supplied
nulling serial adapter (See Chapter 2: Introduction - Related Products) that fits the gender and form
factor of the device’s serial console port – sometimes labeled “Admin”, “COM”, “Serial”, “RS232”,
or “AUX”.

2. Using standard, straight-through UTP cable of an appropriate length (see Chapter 3: Cabling
Requirements - ConsoleSwitch Cabling), connect each nulling serial adapter to a Device Port (labeled
1 through 32) on the back of ConsoleSwitch.

See Figure 5: Device Cabling to ConsoleSwitch (in previous section) for clarification.

Connecting ConsoleSwitch to Paragon

All cabling performed in the following steps must conform to the requirements specified in Chapter 3: Cabling
Requirements -Paragon Cabling – KVM over UTP.

1. In your ConsoleSwitch shipment (see Chapter 2: Introduction - Package Contents), you will find two
nulling serial adapters (RJ45 to DB-25), Raritan part number SCSDB25M; and two terminal emulator
/converters, Raritan part number AUATC. Connect each nulling serial adapter to the two AUATC
terminal emulators, in the port labeled “To ASCII Terminal Port.” Secure the adapter with the
thumbscrews.

2. Using the supplied 7’ straight-through Category 5e UTP cables (or any other straight-through UTP
cable shorter than 50 feet in length), connect each ConsoleSwitch user port to the two AUATC
emulators. One end of the UTP cable should be inserted into the ConsoleSwitch ports labeled “User
1” and “User 2”; the other end of the UTP cable should be inserted into the nulling serial adapter that
you attached to AUATC in the previous step. See Figure 8 for an illustration of the final connection.

12 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

3. Using Category 5e UTP cable, connect the AUATCs to two device ports of your Paragon switching
unit (P/N UMT8). No adapters are necessary; simply insert one end of the cable into an AUATC’s
“UTP Cable” port, and the other end into the Paragon device port. With the appropriate cable, the
combined cable distance from AUATC to any Paragon user station may total up to 1000 feet.

Figure 8. Paragon Cabling to ConsoleSwitch

Power On

1. Plug each supplied 6V DC power supply provided with the AUATCs into the two terminal emulators.

2. After first ensuring that the power switch is in the “off” position, connect the provided AC power
cord to ConsoleSwitch SCS232, and plug into an appropriate power source.

3. With your serial devices attached and powered on, toggle the power switch to turn on ConsoleSwitch
SCS232.

Administrative Setup

1. Immediately after ConsoleSwitch SCS232 is powered on, the Paragon On-Screen User Interface
should indicate that the Paragon database is updating.

2. When the update is complete, login as “admin” (default password is “raritan”). Channel numbers
corresponding to Paragon device ports connected to ConsoleSwitch SCS232 should appear in
burgundy (each is a “path” to the SCS232).

N

OTE

:

If channel numbers corresponding to device ports connected to ConsoleSwitch SCS232 appear green instead

of burgundy, press <F5> and select “Channel Configuration” from the On-Screen User Interface. Use the <↑> and

↓

> arrow keys to select a channel connected to ConsoleSwitch. Press <

<
corresponding to that channel, and press <

S

and then <
appear in burgundy.

> to save. Press <F2> to activate the Selection Menu. All paths to ConsoleSwitch SCS232 should now

ENTER

>. Use the arrow keys to find “SCS232”. Press <

TAB

> to move to the “Device” column

ENTER

>

3. Press <F5> to enter to the Administration Menu. Select “Channel Configuration”.

4. Move the cursor to one of the two channels to which ConsoleSwitch SCS232 is connected. Press
<G> to invoke a Channel Configuration menu for ConsoleSwitch SCS232-connected devices.
Proceed to the next section.

CHAPTER 4: INSTALLATION 13

Channel Naming

From the “Channel Configuration” menu for SCS232, you may now name all devices that are connected to
ConsoleSwitch, as follows:

1. Press <TAB> to move the cursor to the “Name” column of a ConsoleSwitch channel that you wish
to name, then press <ENTER> to highlight the parameter (cursor will turn blue).

2. Assign the device a meaningful name of your choice (e.g., “WWW1-NETRAT1”). Channel names
may be up to 12 characters in length.

3. Press <ENTER> to save the change. Channel names are stored in non-volatile memory, and will
therefore be maintained even if ConsoleSwitch or Paragon is powered off.

4. Press <S> to save the new channel configuration.

Repeat the steps to name all devices connected to ConsoleSwitch, and press <F2> to invoke Paragon’s channel
Selection Menu. All name changes should now appear in Paragon’s OSUI.

Completing Installation

Congratulations! ConsoleSwitch is now ready for operation via Paragon. All Paragon features such as security
groups, channel scanning, and remote access via TeleReach™ apply to – and work seamlessly – with the serial
devices you have connected to ConsoleSwitch. See your Paragon manual for more details.

N

OTE

:

Although up to eight users may be using Paragon simultaneously, no more than two users can have simultaneous access

to devices connected to your ConsoleSwitch unit.

If you have any free channels in the back of ConsoleSwitch, consider attaching other devices such as
networking equipment (switches and routers), network appliances (firewalls, load balancers, etc.), or servers for
true “lights-out” network operations. While many of these devices may be managed via Telnet, Web, or SNMP;
in the case of network failure, the admin/console ports may be your only option for management and
configuration, and Paragon enables you convenient access to those ports.

14 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

CHAPTER 5: OPERATING CONSOLESWITCH 15

Chapter 5: Operating ConsoleSwitch

Paragon Operation: Viewing Stored Data

When using ConsoleSwitch in tandem with Raritan’s Paragon server management solution, users access and
operate serial devices connected to ConsoleSwitch via Paragon’s menus and functions. Channel switching,
naming, security, and other operating procedures of Paragon all apply seamlessly to ConsoleSwitch.

However, ConsoleSwitch provides one additional powerful feature to your Paragon system: for each serial
device connected to Paragon via ConsoleSwitch, users may view a history (buffer) of that device’s most recent
activity. To do so, simply press

<CTRL+G> at any time while connected to a ConsoleSwitch serial device.

In the menu that appears, press
finished viewing stored data, press

For all other operating procedures when using ConsoleSwitch in a Paragon configuration, consult your Paragon
manual. Also be sure to see Appendix E: Paragon / ConsoleSwitch FAQ.

N

OTE

:

The remaining information in this section only applies to ConsoleSwitch in a standalone operation (not using Raritan’s
Paragon system). Users employing ConsoleSwitch in a Paragon solution may disregard the remainder of this section. Paragon users
access and operate serial devices connected to ConsoleSwitch via Paragon’s menus and functions. See the Paragon manual for
operating instructions.

V ↵ to access ConsoleSwitch’s “View Stored Data” feature. When you have

<CTRL+G> to resume normal operation (quit “View Stored Data” mode).

HotKey Mode

ConsoleSwitch enables users to directly access connected devices in a completely transparent way. Users may
interact with connected devices as if ConsoleSwitch were not involved in the signal path. However, users must
access ConsoleSwitch menus in order to perform actions such as switching channels, configuring
communication protocols, etc.

When users are interacting with ConsoleSwitch menus, this is called “HotKey Mode.” In contrast, when users
are interacting directly with connected devices (not the ConsoleSwitch menus), they are outside of “HotKey
mode”.

At any time while using ConsoleSwitch, users may press

<CTRL+G> to enter and exit HotKey mode.

Accessing the Main Menu

• At any time while in HotKey mode, you may invoke the main menu by pressing H ↵.

• When interacting directly with a connected device, press the <ESC> key twice to enter HotKey

mode, and the main menu will appear.

Raritan Console Switch Commands (SCS232 v0A2)
H Main Help Menu

V View Stored Data
U# Configure Communications for User 1 or 2
D# Configure Communications for Device 1 - 32
N# Name Device 1 - 32
C Select Channel
D Display All Channels
S Scan Menu
F Update Firmware

Press CTRL+G to Enter/Exit HotKey Mode

Figure 9. Main Menu

16 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Channel Navigation

Display Channels

From the main menu, simply enter the keystrokes D ↵ to display a list of device channels. A screen

resembling the following will appear:

CH NAME STATUS SCAN CH NAME STATUS SCAN
1 ROUTER-T3-1 * * 17 DB2-RS6000-1 * *

2 ROUTER-T3-2 1 * 18 DB2-RS6000-1 2 *
3 ROUTER-T3-3 * * 19 *
4 WWW1-NETRAT1 * * 20 *
5 WWW2-NETRAT2 * * 21 *
6 WWW3-NETRAT3 * 22 *
7 * 23 *
8 CRM-APPSVR1 * * 24 *
9 CRM-APPSVR2 * * 25 *
10 * 26 *
11 * 27 *
12 * 28 *
13 * 29 *
14 * 30 *
15 * 31 *
16 * 32 *

Press Enter to Refresh, H for Help Display

Figure 10. Channel Selection / Display

The status column indicates device status:

*
1 or 2

[blank] Device attached to this channel is not active

Device attached to this channel is active, and channel is available

Channel is occupied by User 1 (1); or User 2 (2);

Selecting a Channel

By Channel Number. To select a channel by number from the main menu, simply enter the keystrokes C# ↵,

where

# is a number between 1 and 32, indicating the ConsoleSwitch port to which the desired serial device is

connected. You will immediately exit HotKey mode and be directly connected to the selected channel.

From Channel Selection Menu.

To select a channel by name, simply enter the keystrokes C ↵. ConsoleSwitch

will display a list of all channels (see Figure 10), and prompt you to select a channel by number. When
prompted, enter the channel number of the device to which you would like to connect. You will immediately
exit HotKey mode and be directly connected to the selected channel.

Releasing a Channel

When one user accesses a device on ConsoleSwitch, that channel cannot be accessed by the other user port.
Therefore, when finished operating a device, be sure to release access to the channel as follows:

By Channel Number.

From the main menu, simply enter the keystrokes C0 ↵. Selecting channel zero releases

any channel access you may currently possess.

From Channel Selection Menu. From the Channel selection menu, select channel zero by entering the
keystrokes

0 ↵. Selecting channel zero releases any channel access you may currently possess.

CHAPTER 5: OPERATING CONSOLESWITCH 17

Channel Scanning

ConsoleSwitch allows users to monitor activity on all ConsoleSwitch channels through use of the Scan
commands, which perpetually switches through and displays every channel at a user-defined interval. To access

the list of channel scanning commands, press

Scan Command Menu
S#: Scan All Channels (# = 1 to 99 secs)

A#: Scan Active Channels (# = 1 to 99 secs)
K#: Skip Channel in Scan List (# = channel 1 thru 32)
L#: Add Channel to Scan List
C: Clear Scan List
R#: Resume Scanning (# = 1 to 99 secs)
D: Display Scan List
H: Quit Scan Mode/Restore Main Menu

ConsoleSwitch maintains a “Scan List” for each user, enabling you to only scan through those channels in
which you are interested. Use the following commands to invoke scanning and to manage your scan list.

S# — Scan All Channels

S ↵ from the main menu.

Figure 11. Channel Scanning Menu

Enter S# ↵ from the Channel Scanning menu to add all channels to your scan list, and immediately commence

scanning through channels at an interval of

# seconds per channel. During scanning, the number of the

channel being viewed will be displayed on the attached terminal. Press any key to stop the scan and return to
the Channel Scanning Menu.

A# — Scan Active Channels Only

Enter A# ↵ from the Channel Scanning to add all active channels to set your scan list to include only those

channels that are active, and immediately commence scanning through those channels at an interval of

#

seconds per channel. During scanning, the number of the channel being viewed will be displayed on the
attached terminal. Press any key to stop the scan and return to the Channel Scanning Menu.

D — Display Scan List

To see a list of all channels on your scan list, press D ↵. This screen is identical to the channel selection and

display screen referenced earlier in this manual (Figure 10). From this screen, you may still invoke any Channel
Scanning command, or press

S ↵ to redisplay the Channel Scanning menu.

K# — Skip Channel in Scan List

Press K# ↵ to remove channel number # from your scan list.

L# — Add Channel to Scan List

Press L# ↵ to add channel number # to your scan list.

C — Clear Scan List

Press C ↵ to clear all channels from your scan list.

18 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

R# — Resume Scanning

Press R# ↵ to resume scanning through your scan list at an interval of # seconds per channel. During

scanning, the number of the channel being viewed will be displayed on the attached terminal. Press any key to
stop the scan and return to the Channel Scanning Menu.

You may use the
previous (or default) rate.

R# ↵ command to alter your scan rate, or simply enter R ↵ to resume scanning at the

Viewing Stored Data

ConsoleSwitch allows users to troubleshoot problems with attached devices by storing and making available the
latest activity that occurred on each port connected to ConsoleSwitch. To view stored data, you must first
select a channel (see previous section, “Channel Navigation”), and the latest page of data will be displayed.

To see more data, press <CTRL+G> to enter HotKey mode. Then, from the main menu, press
additional scan commands.

View Commands Menu
L Display Latest Data

O Display Oldest Data
P Display Previous Page
N Display Next Page
F# Forward # Lines
R# Reverse # Lines
P# Set Page Length to # Lines
Y# Clear Channel # Data
H Exit to Main Menu

Figure 12. View Stored Data Menu

V ↵ to access

L — Display Latest Data

Moves the screen to the most recent full screen of stored data.

O — Display Oldest Data

Moves the screen to the oldest full screen of information stored.

P — Display Previous Page

Moves the display to the previous screen of information stored.

N — Display Next Page

Moves the display to the next screen of information stored.

F# — Forward # Lines

Moves the display cursor a user-determined number of lines forward to a new screen starting point, # number
of lines forward.

R# — Reverse # Lines

Moves the display cursor a user-determined number of lines backward to a new screen starting point, # number
of lines backward.

CHAPTER 5: OPERATING CONSOLESWITCH 19

P# — Set Page Length to # Lines

Determines the number of available lines in a display, where ## = number of lines to be displayed. To set the
page length, subtract one line from the total available number of lines on your display. The last line at the
bottom of the screen is reserved for the SCS command prompt. The default value is set at 23.

Y# — Clear Channel # Data

The Y command is used when the user wishes to clear the entire queue (memory) for a specified channel. This
command might be used when the user wishes to start the queue over if the attached devices were re­configured.

N

OTE

:

Memory is organized in such a way that once the 32K of memory is full, the new data is written over the oldest data.
This ensures that only the newest 32K of data is stored. Because of this feature, it is not necessary to clear the queue when it is full.

20 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

APPENDICES 21

Appendices

Appendix A: Specifications

DIMENSIONS 17.3” (W) X 6.4” (D) X 1.75” (H)
439
1U F

WEIGHT 5.5 LBS (2.5 KG)

POWER 100V/240V (AUTO-DETECT)
50/60 H

PORTS 32

PROTOCOL RS232

CONNECTORS RJ45

ATA BUFFER 10 MEGABIT (SHARED)

D

MM (W) X 163MM (D) X 44MM (H)

ORM FACTOR

Z 5VA

22 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Appendix B: Pin-Out Diagrams

In order to provide maximum port density and to enable simple UTP (Category 5) cabling, ConsoleSwitch
provides its 32 serial connections via compact RJ45 ports. However, no widely adopted industry-standard exists
for sending serial data over RJ45 connections. For your reference, the serial pin-out employed by
ConsoleSwitch is provided below.

ConsoleSwitch RJ45 Serial Pin-Out

RJ45 (Female) Function

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

RTS

DTR

TXD

GND

SG

RXD

DSR

CTS

SCSDB25F Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out

RJ45 (Female) DB25 (Female)

1 5

2 6, 8

3 3

4 1

5 7

6 2

7 20

8 4

SCSDB25M Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out

RJ45 (Female) DB25 (Male)

1 5

2 6, 8

3 3

4 1

5 7

6 2

7 20

8 4

APPENDICES 23

SCSDB9F Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out

RJ45 (Female) DB9 (Female)

1 8

2 1, 6

3 2

4 SHELL

5 5

6 3

7 4

8 7

SCSDB9M Nulling Serial Adapter Pin-Out

RJ45 (Female) DB9 (Male)

1 8

2 1, 6

3 2

4 SHELL

5 5

6 3

7 4

8 7

24 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Custom, Nulling RJ45 Cable (for most Sun and Cisco RJ45
devices)

Like ConsoleSwitch, many newer devices also provide serial ports in RJ45 form. However, as noted above,
each implementation is proprietary: not all serial ports using RJ45 connectors are alike!

Owners of hardware with RJ45 serial ports, who very familiar with network cabling, may be able to crimp their
own UTP/Cat 5 cable such that no adapters are necessary to connect their device to ConsoleSwitch; a single,
custom-made
ports.

To do so, reference the RJ45 pin-out diagram above, along with the serial RJ45 pin-out diagram of your device.
For your convenience, the following cable pin-out diagram can be used to make a UTP / Cat 5 cable that
connects ConsoleSwitch to most
T1 server.

RJ45 (Male) RJ45 (Male)

UTP/Cat 5 cable can connect the device’s RJ45 serial port to ConsoleSwitch’s RJ45 serial device

Sun and Cisco devices equipped with RJ45 serial ports, such as the Sun Netra

1 8

2 7

3 6

4 5

5 4

6 3

7 2

8 1

WARNING: Not all Sun and Cisco devices have been

tested with this cable; you must
of your device, to confirm its pin-out. If you are at all
unfamiliar with this procedure, you should not attempt to
make your own direct-connect cable – instead, use
Raritan’s standard DB9 and DB25 adapters.

refer to the user’s manual

APPENDICES 25

Appendix C: Updating Paragon Firmware

N

OTE

: This Appendix does not apply to users deploying ConsoleSwitch as a standalone serial switching device. This Appendix
applies only to users deploying ConsoleSwitch with Raritan’s Paragon™ data center management solution. Refer to Chapter 4:
Installation - ConsoleSwitch with Paragon Installation for instructions to determine whether you require a Paragon firmware
update.

Introduction

To take advantage of the latest features and ensure the best performance of your Paragon system, you may
upload the newest levels of firmware onto each component of your Paragon environment.

The Paragon Update Utility is a Win32-based program that facilitates the transfer of firmware to your Paragon
units. Both Paragon Update, as well as the latest versions of firmware, can be downloaded from Raritan’s web
site at http://www.raritan.com.

N

OTE

:

Before performing a firmware upgrade, be certain to read the release notes that are included with the firmware distribution

on Raritan’s website.

N

OTE

:

In order to perform a firmware update, you do not need to power down any of the servers and devices connected to

Paragon. Because of Paragon’s modular and redundant design these devices will not be affected at all during the update process.

Paragon Configuration Backup Instructions

Paragon Update is designed to execute the firmware uploading process without disturbing your Paragon
configuration data files. However, as a precaution, many users prefer to backup these configuration files –
which contain user profile and server name information – as an added precaution. This step is not a
requirement, but simply a precaution.

If you would like to backup your Paragon Configuration files, download the Paragon OverView program
available from Raritan’s web site, at http://www.raritan.com:

1. Download the Paragon OverView program available at the Raritan web site:
http://www.raritan.com.

2. On any active Paragon User Station (p/n UST1), log into Paragon, and press <F12 >to bring the on­screen user display to “Selection Menu by Name” (and not

3. With the Paragon User Station displaying “Selection Menu by Name”, connect one end of a straight­through serial cable to the port labeled “Admin” on the back of the User Station (DB9F). Connect
the other end of the cable to the serial port of any computer with Paragon OverView installed.

To ensure reliable communication, you should use as short a serial cable as is convenient. Do not use
a serial cable longer than 50 feet in length. Make sure you are using a straight-through serial cable, and
not a null modem cable.

4. On the attached computer, launch Paragon OverView by double-clicking on the icon.

5. Select the correct serial port (COM1 through COM4), and click “Activate Port” to initiate
communication with Paragon.

simply, “Selection Menu”).

6. After the Paragon database is downloaded, you will be prompted for an administrator’s username and
password.

7. Select Save from the File menu, and save the Paragon Configuration database to your hard disk.

26 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

8. Select Exit from the File menu to exit the Paragon OverView program.

Paragon Firmware Update Instructions

1. Download the Paragon Firmware distribution file (ParagonFirmware.zip), available at the Raritan web
site: http://www.raritan.com.

2. Unzip the downloaded file, and read the release notes for any additional or updated instructions.

Update User Stations

1. On any active Paragon User Station (p/n UST1), log into Paragon, and press <F12> to bring the on­screen user display to “Selection Menu by Name” (and not

2. With the Paragon User Station displaying “Selection Menu by Name”, connect one end of a straight­through serial cable to the port labeled “Admin” on the back of the User Station (DB9F). Connect
the other end of the cable to the serial port of any computer with Paragon Update installed.

To ensure reliable communication, you should use as short a serial cable as is convenient. Do not use
a serial cable longer than 50 feet in length. Make sure you are using a straight-through serial cable, and
not a null modem cable.

3. On the attached computer, launch Paragon Update by double-clicking on the icon.

simply, “Selection Menu”).

4. Select the correct serial port (COM1 through COM4), and click “Activate Port” to initiate
communication with Paragon.

5. Click “Load Hex File” and select the User Station firmware contained in the Paragon Firmware
distribution file (e.g. “UST1-####”, where #### is a hexadecimal version number). The first
button found in the “Upgrade Information” section of the window should change to “Paragon User
Station”.

6. Click “Test Hex File” to ensure file integrity.

7. Click “Check Device Information” to confirm successful communication with the Paragon User
Station, as well as to confirm that the firmware upgrade is applicable.

8. Click “Paragon User Station” to begin uploading the firmware.

Warning: During the firmware uploading process, it is absolutely essential that neither the User
Station nor the computer is turned off; and that the serial cable remains firmly connected.

9. Click “Disable Port”, and exit Paragon Update.

10. After successfully receiving the new firmware, the User Station should reset automatically, and you
will hear a beep to indicate the reset. If not, then reset power to the User Station manually. (Resetting
power to the user station will not cause any data loss).

11. Repeat steps 1 through 11 for each User Station. For the most reliable results, you should click
“Disable Port” and exit Paragon Update after updating each User Station.

Update Paragon Matrix Switch(es)

1. Connect one end of a straight-through serial cable to the port labeled “Admin” (DB9F) on the back
of your Paragon Matrix Switch (p/n UMT8) to be updated. Connect the other end of the cable to the
serial port of any computer with Paragon Update installed.
To ensure reliable communication, you should use as short a serial cable as is convenient. Do not use

APPENDICES 27

a serial cable longer than 50 feet in length. Make sure you are using a straight-through serial cable, and
not a null modem cable.

2. On the attached computer, launch Paragon Update by double-clicking the icon.

3. Select the correct serial port (COM1 through COM4), and click “Activate Port” to initiate
communication with Paragon.

4. Click “Load Hex File” and select the Matrix Switch firmware contained in the Paragon Firmware
distribution file (e.g., “UMT8-####”, where #### is a hexadecimal version number). The first
button found in the “Upgrade Information” section of the window should change to “Send to
Paragon.”

5. Click the “Test Hex File” button to ensure file integrity.

6. Click “Check Device Information” to confirm successful communication with the Paragon Matrix
Switch, as well as to confirm that the firmware upgrade is applicable.

7. Click “Send to Paragon” to begin uploading the firmware.

Warning: During the firmware uploading process, it is absolutely essential that neither the Matrix
Switch (UMT8) nor the computer is turned off; and that the serial cable remains firmly connected.

8. Click “Disable Port”, and exit Paragon Update.

9. Using the power switch located at the back of your unit, recycle power to your Paragon Matrix
Switch. Upon resetting, the front LCD screen should display the latest firmware version number.

10. Repeat steps 1 through 10 for each Matrix Switch in your system. For the most reliable results, you
should click on “Disable Port” and exit Paragon Update after updating each Matrix Switch (UMT8).

28 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Appendix D: Updating ConsoleSwitch SCS232 Firmware

Introduction

To take advantage of the latest features and ensure the best performance of your ConsoleSwitch SCS232 unit,
you may upload the newest levels of firmware – available on the Raritan web site – to ConsoleSwitch using any
standard Windows terminal emulator.

N

OTE

: Before performing a firmware upgrade, be certain to read the release notes that are included with the firmware distribution

on Raritan’s website!

Update Instructions

ConsoleSwitch SCS232 uses the XMODEM file transfer protocol to update its firmware via the User Port #1:

1. Using a web browser on a Win32 computer, access http://www.raritan.com, and download the latest
ConsoleSwitch firmware from Raritan’s technical support section, and uncompress the .zip file.

2. Power off ConsoleSwitch SCS232.

3. Disconnect any active devices from the channel ports of ConsoleSwitch SCS232.

4. Connect your computer to either User Port of ConsoleSwitch SCS232. For more details, see Chapter
4: Installation - Connecting User Consoles. In particular, see Figure 4 “User Console Cabling to
ConsoleSwitch”

5. Launch any standard windows terminal program, such as HyperTerminal - a standard accessory
program distributed with Microsoft Windows.

6. Use your terminal program to open a connection to the correct serial port, e.g. COM1.

7. Set the connection parameters to match the configuration of the ConsoleSwitch SCS232 user port to
which your computer is connected (by default, 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 Stop Bit, no flow
control).

8. In the terminal window, press

H ↵ to access the main menu.

Raritan Console Switch Commands (SCS232 v0A2)
H Main Help Menu

V View Stored Data
U# Configure Communications for User 1 or 2
D# Configure Communications for Device 1 - 32
N# Name Device 1 - 32
C Select Channel
D Display All Channels
S Scan Menu
F Update Firmware

Press CTRL+G to Enter/Exit HotKey Mode

Main Menu

9. At the main menu, press

F ↵ to invoke the main menu option to update the firmware.

10. ConsoleSwitch SCS232 will clear the screen and display the following:

Transmit the update file using the XMODEM protocol

now.

APPENDICES 29

N

OTE

:

Steps 9 & 10 describe the XMODEM file transfer procedures using the standard Windows terminal application,
HyperTerminal. Similar procedures can be followed with any Windows terminal application supporting the XMODEM protocol.
Please consult your terminal application’s documentation for more information.

11. In HyperTerminal, select the menu option, “Transfer”; and select the submenu option, “Send File”.

12. In the dialog box that appears, use the “Browse” button to locate the uncompressed ConsoleSwitch
SCS232 firmware file on your local computer; and select “XMODEM” in the Protocol drop-down
box below. Click “Send” to initiate the firmware transfer process.

13. Please wait as the file transfer takes place; after sending the file, you will see the following message:

Transmit the update file using the XMODEM protocol

now.

FILE TRANSFER SUCCESSFUL.

Saving Firmware ... DO NOT TURN OFF!

14. ConsoleSwitch SCS232 will proceed to save the firmware into its memory. This process takes
approximately ten minutes. It is extremely important

that you do not interrupt power to

ConsoleSwitch at this time.

• The LEDs on the front panel of ConsoleSwitch SCS232 will continue blinking, signaling that the

firmware saving procedure is occurring.

15. Upon completion of the firmware upload, ConsoleSwitch SCS232 will automatically restart.

The firmware upgrade is complete! Reconnect your serial devices to ConsoleSwitch SCS232.

30 CONSOLESWITCH SCS232 USER MANUAL

Appendix E: Paragon with ConsoleSwitch FAQ

This section addresses questions specific to operational issues when using ConsoleSwitch SCS232 with
Raritan’s Paragon KVM system.

Q: After configuring ConsoleSwitch to work with Paragon as per the instructions in this manual, all
the ConsoleSwitch channels appear in white, and/or I have problems switching to channels.

A: Ensure that you have AUATC version v2.54 or higher. Previous AUATC firmware versions (v2.51 and

lower) will not properly support all ConsoleSwitch commands.

Q: I am running the SMIT utility in AIX. When I switch to a channel running SMIT, the page is
unreadable.

A: When switching to a channel that is already running SMIT, you will need to refresh the screen.

To refresh your screen in SMIT, press the F2 key.

Note, however, that AUATC must be programmed to translate the F2 key to the appropriate SMIT command
string in order for the refresh command to execute. To program AUATC to translate the F2 key correctly,
follow the instructions below:

Program F1 to ^[OP (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-P>)

Program F2 to ^[OQ (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-Q>)

Program F3 to ^[OR (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-R>)

Program F4 to ^[OS (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-S>)

Program F5 to ^[OT (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-T>)

Program F6 to ^[OU (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-U>)

Program F7 to ^[OV (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-V>)

Program F8 to ^[OW (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-W>)

Program F9 to ^[OX (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-X>)

Program F10 to ^[OY (<CTRL-V>+<ESC>, <SHIFT-O>,<SHIFT-Y>)

Please consult your AUATC User Manual for detailed instructions regarding function key programming.

APPENDIX E: PARAGON WITH CONSOLESWITCH FAQ 31

Appendix F: ConsoleSwitch FAQ

Q: My device has a serial console port jack that is RJ45. Can I use a normal Cat5 network cable to
connect it to ConsoleSwitch’s device ports?

A: No. Please consult your device manual to determine its console port pin-out specification; and cross-

reference the pin-out diagram with Appendix B.

Q: When I connect my Hewlett-Packard (HP) 9000 server, ConsoleSwitch (or Paragon) does not
recognize the server as being “active”.

A: Unfortunately, the HP9000 server’s console port does not assert DSR. Therefore, it is impossible for

ConsoleSwitch to automatically detect if/when the server has been powered up and running.

255-60-0010