Rose MultiStation User Manual

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATIONS MANUAL

10707 Stancliff Road Phone [phone]
Houston, Texas 77099 WWW.ROSE.COM

LIMITED WARRANTY

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital

at his own expense.

Rose Electronics warrants the MultiStation™ to be in good working order for one year from the date of
purchase from Rose Electronics or an authorized dealer. Should this product fail to be in good w ork i ng or de r at
any time during this one-year warranty period, Rose Electronics will, at its option, repair or replace the Unit as
set forth below. Repair parts and replacement units will be either reconditioned or new. All replaced parts
become the property of Rose Electronics. This limited warranty is valid only if repairs are performed by Rose
Electronics or a Rose qualified service technician. This limited warranty is void if repairs are not performed by
Rose Electronics or a Rose qualified service technician. This limited warranty does not include service to repair
damage to the Unit resulting from accident, disaster, abuse, or unauthorized modification of the Unit, including
static discharge and power surges.

Limited Warranty service may be obtained by delivering this Unit during the one-year warranty period to Rose
Electronics or an authorized repair center providing a proof of purchase date. If this Unit is delivered by mail,
you agree to insure the Unit or assume the risk of loss or damage in transit, to prepay shipping charges to the
warranty service location, and to use the original shipping container or its equivalent. You must call for a return
authorization number first. Under no circumstances will a Unit be accepted without a return authorization
number. Contact an authorized repair center or Rose Electronics for further information.

ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO A
PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, AND NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER THIS PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW
LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

IF THIS PRODUCT IS NOT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER AS WARRANTIED ABOVE, YOUR SOLE REMEDY
SHALL BE REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR AS PROVIDED ABOVE. IN NO EVENT WILL ROSE ELECTRONICS
BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO
USE SUCH PRODUCT, EVEN IF ROSE ELECTRONICS OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference

®

IBM

, AT, and PS/2 are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.

Microsoft
Apple, Macintosh, and ADB are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Sun is a registered trademark of Sun MicroSystems Inc.
Multisync is a trademark of NEW Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owner.

®

and Microsoft Windows™ and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Copyright Rose Electronics 1995 – 2002. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form
or any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without the prior
written permission of Rose Electronics.

Rose Electronics Part # MAN-ML – 1.2
Printed In the United States of America  Revision 1.2

FCC/IC STATEMENTS, EU DECL ARATION O F CONFORMITY

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and
if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to
take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interferenc e.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emission from a digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A
prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par
Industrie Canada.

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

ACCORDING TO COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/336EEC & 73/23EEC

This equipment is in conformity with the
protection requirements of the following
Council Directives:
The Declaration of Conformity is based upon
compliance of the product with the following
standards:
EN55022: 1998 EN50082-1: 1997
EN55024: 1998 EN61000-3-2: 2000
EN60950: 2000 EN61000-3-3: 1995+A1
EN50081-1: 1992

TABLE of CONTENTS

Content Page

Disclaimer ......................................................................................................... 1

About this manual ............................................................................................. 1

Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1

Features ........................................................................................................... 3

Front panel – model ML-2U .............................................................................. 4

Rear panel – model ML-2U .............................................................................. 5

Front panel – model ML-4U .............................................................................. 6

Rear panel – model ML-4U .............................................................................. 7

Front panel – model MLK-2U ........................................................................... 8

Rear panel – model MLK-2U ............................................................................ 9

Installation procedure ..................................................................................... 10

Step 1. Connecting the keyboards, monitors, and mice ............................. 10

Step 2. Connecting the computer .............................................................. 11

Step 3. Connecting the bus cable (model MLK-2U only) ........................... 12

Step 4. Powering up the system ................................................................ 13

Step 5. Testing the system ........................................................................ 13

Dip Switch Settings ......................................................................................... 14

Keyboard Command Detailed Descriptions ................................................... 16

Reset Command (Right Ctrl + R) ................................................................ 16

Identify Rom Version (Right Ctrl + I) ........................................................... 16

Keep Command (Right Ctrl + K) ................................................................. 16

Send Null to mouse (Right Ctrl + N) ........................................................... 16

Enable command (Right Ctrl + E) ............................................................... 16

Disable command (Right Ctrl + D) .............................................................. 16

Freeze command (Right Ctrl + F) ............................................................... 16

Mode command (Right Ctrl + M + 1, 2, or 3 + Enter) ................................. 17

Typematic value command (Right Ctrl + A + value + Enter) ...................... 17

RS232 mouse type (Right Ctrl + Q + value + Enter) .................................. 18

Keyboard timeout (Right Ctrl + H + value + Enter) ..................................... 18

Screen blanking time (Right Ctrl + V + value + Enter) ................................ 18

Power interruption .......................................................................................... 19

Video distance capability ................................................................................ 19

Rackmount kit ................................................................................................. 20

TroubleShooting ............................................................................................. 21

Safety.............................................................................................................. 23

Maintenance and Repair ................................................................................ 24

Technical Support ....................................................................................... 24

Figures_ Page

Figure 1. ML-2U Front Panel ............................................................................ 4

Figure 2. ML-2U Rear Panel ............................................................................. 5

Figure 3. ML-4U Front Panel ............................................................................ 6

Figure 4. ML-4U Rear Panel ............................................................................. 7

Figure 5, MLK-2U Front Panel .......................................................................... 8

Figure 6. MLK-2U Rear Panel .......................................................................... 9

Figure 7. Connecting the KVM ....................................................................... 10

Figure 8. Connecting the Computer ............................................................... 11

Figure 9. Connecting Bus Cable ..................................................................... 12

Figure 10. Rackmount .................................................................................... 20

Tables__ Page

Table 1. Front panel - model ML-2U ................................................................. 4

Table 2. Rear panel - model ML-2U ................................................................. 5

Table 3. Front panel - model ML-4U ................................................................. 6

Table 4. Rear panel - model ML-4U ................................................................. 7

Table 5. Front panels - model MLK-2U ............................................................ 8

Table 6. Rear panels - model MLK-2U ............................................................. 9

Table 7. Dip Switch Settings ........................................................................... 14

Table 8. Keyboard Commands ....................................................................... 15

Table 9. Typematic Value ............................................................................... 17

Table 10. Mouse translation ........................................................................... 18

Table 11. Video distance capability ................................................................ 19

Appendices Page

Appendix A. General Specifications ............................................................... 25

Appendix B. Default Settings .......................................................................... 25

Appendix C. Parts and Cables ....................................................................... 26

INTRODUCTION

Disclaimer

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the
manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does
the manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of
the information contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to
change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the product at any time
without notice.

The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damages due to misuse of the
product or other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control. The
manufacturer will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury arising
directly or indirectly from the use of this product.
(See limited warranty)

About this manual

This manual covers the installation, configuration, and the operation of the
MultiStation series switches. The installation consists of installing and
configuring the unit, connecting the computer, and connecting the KVM
stations.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Rose Electronics® MultiStation™ for your multi-user
application. Your new MultiStation is designed for a lifetime of trouble free

operation. It will streamline you computer access by allowing a single
computer to be accessed by multiple user workstations on a first come, first
serve basis.

The MultiStation sharing feature doesn't require any keyboard commands to
use, but access can be controlled and there are special command features for
special functions. The unit can also split the video signal allowing the same
screen to be displayed on all monitors at the same time, or the video can be
securely displayed on a single monitor.

MultiStation is easy to install. You simply connect your computer and KVM
stations to the appropriate MultiStation ports using the UltraCable. That’s
really all there is to it, sharing is automatic. The status LEDs on the front
panel flash once a second to indicate KVM to KVM communication is active.
Any activity of the keyboard and mouse will also cause the LEDs to flash.

MULTISTATION INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

1

This manual describes all three models of MultiStation units. The features
and commands are identical for the three models. Please disregard the
diagrams and text that do not apply to your model. To acquaint you with your
MultiStation unit, this manual first describes MultiStation’s front and rear
panels. Installation and operation instructions show easy to understand
diagrams that illustrates how to connect MultiStation to your computer,
keyboards, video monitors, and mice.
Package contents
The MultiStation package for models ML-2U and ML-4U includes the
MultiStation unit, a power transformer, and this installation and operation
manual.
The package for model MLK-2U includes the MultiStation local unit, a remote
unit, 2 power transformers, and this installation and operation manual.

Note: Cables are ordered separately. See Appendix C. Cables and rack
mounts.
Cable requirements
MultiStation connects to a computer with a computer (CPU) adapter cable
and to each keyboard, video monitor, and mouse with a Keyboard-Video­Mouse (KVM) adapter cable. These cables are most commonly purchased
with the MultiStation and will provide quick and trouble-free operation.
Appendix C lists the most common cables.

A distance of up to 100 feet from the CPU or KVM ports is supported with our
extended distance cabling. To reach even longer distances or for special
applications our ViewLink™ product can be used to reach a distance of up to
250 feet.

The MLK-2U distributed units can have a distance of as much as 250’
between them. You will need the proper cable to interconnect the units.

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MULTISTATION INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

Features

 Available in three models:

 ML-2U - standalone un it with 2 KVMs and 1 CPU
 ML-4U - standalone un it with 4 KVMs and 1 CPU
 MLK-2U – distributed units hav e local un it with 1 KVM and 1 CPU

and remote unit with 1 KVM up to 250’ apart

 Fully automatic KVM sharing on first-come first-serve basis
 Adjustable keyboard timeout on each station
 Instant keyboard LED synchronization
 Dip switches allow commands to be disabled on each KVM
 The video can be displayed on all KVMs simultaneously
 Enable, disable, and freeze commands to control access of stations
 Adjustable video blanking timeout on each station
 Adjustable keyboard Typematic rate and delay on each station
 Automatic enable of PS/2 mouse when cable is reconnecting
 Supports XGA, SVG A, a nd VG A vi deo
 Drives keyboard, video, and mouse signals up to 100 feet away
 Video resolution support up to 1280 x 1024 non-interlaced video
 Status LED on front panel flashes every second to show on-line status or

when activity from keyboard or mouse received

 Supports both PS/2 and serial mouse
 Can translate from PS/2 to serial or serial to PS/2 mouse
 Supports PC keyboard modes 1, 2, and 3
 Computer keyboard, video, and mouse use Rose universal DB25

connections

 Available in 117VAC or 230VAC m odels
 19”, 23”, and 24” rack mount kits available
 Compatible with other Rose switches and extenders
 One-year warranty
 Made in USA

MULTISTATION INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

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PANEL DESCRIPTION

Enables commands from keyboard at each KVM station. Up is

KVM2 – dip switch 2nd position from right

When lit indicates the unit is powered on. The power is controlled by
adapter supplied with the unit.

Flashes once a second to show unit is on-line. This model internally

keyboard or mouse activity occurs.

Remote Video
LED

When lit the CPU is sending video to KVM2

Keyboard-

connectors

Keyboard, video monitor, and mouse are connected at this port

Your computer is connected at this port using a computer adapter

* See Appendix C for further cable information.

Dip Switch Remote Video LED

Front panel – model ML-2U

Status LED s
Power LED KVM connectors Computer connector

Figure 1. ML-2U Front Panel

Table 1. Front panel - model ML-2U

Dip Switch
Configuration

Power LED

Status LEDs

video-mouse
(KVM)

Computer
connector

enable, down is disable.
KVM1 – dip switch on the right

a switch on the rear panel and an external power transformer

consists of two boards. The one-second flashing indicates the
boards are communicating with one another. Also flashes when

using a keyboard-video-mouse adapter cable. The cable has a
DB25 male at one end and appropriate connectors at the other end,
depending upon your keyboard, video, and mouse type

cable. The cable has a DB25 male at one end and appropriate
connectors at the other end, depending upon your keyboard, video,
and mouse type*

4

MULTISTATION INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

RS232

RS232 serial port for factory diagnostics only

Power
switch

Pressing the switch turns the unit on, provided supplied power

Power transformer included in package connects here. This is not a
international use. Input voltage is 17VAC with center tap.

Connector Switch Connector

Rear panel – model ML-2U

Figure 2. ML-2U Rear Panel

RS232 Power Power

Power
connector

Table 2. Rear panel - model ML-2U

transformer is properly connected.

keyboard input. Power transformers are available for U.S. or

MULTISTATION INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

5