StarTech.com SV201, SV401 Instruction Manual

2/4 Port StarView KVM Switch

SV201
SV401

Instruction Guide

The Professionals’ Source For Hard-to-Find Computer Parts

KV M SW IT CH

Revised: February 28, 2003

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

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 residential 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Technical Support

The following technical resources are available for this StarTech.com product:

On-line help:

We are constantly adding new information to the Tech Support section of our web site. To
access this page, click the Tech support link on our homepage, www.startech.com. In the
tech support section there are a number of options that can provide assistance with this
card.

Knowledge Base - This tool allows you to search for answers to common issues using

key words that describe the product and your issue.

FAQ - This tool provides quick answers to the top questions asked by our customers.

Downloads - This selection takes you to our driver download page where you can

findthe latest drivers for this product.

Call StarTech.com tech support for help: 1-519-455-4931

Support hours: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST (except holidays)

Warranty Information

This product is backed by a one year warranty. In addition StarTech.com warrants its
products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted below,
following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be
returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The
warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products
from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and
tear.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the liability to StarTech.com Ltd. (or its officers, directors, employees or
agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive incidental,
consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss,
arising out of related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for
the product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement
may not apply to you.

7

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Using Your KVM Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Auto-Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Last/Next Mode (SV401 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Monitoring Your Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems, first make sure all cables are firmly seated at both ends
and connected to their proper ports.

Also note that the SV201/SV401 are designed to work with PS/2 and AT keyboards.
Older XT (84 key) keyboards will not work. As well, some notebook computers such as
the IBM Thinkpad and Toshiba Terca have trouble working with the SV201/SV401 when
their mouse and keyboard ports are used simultaneously. To avoid this problem, only
connect the mouse OR the keyboard port to the switch.

Problem: Keyboard is not responding.

1. Keyboard needs to be reset. Unplug keyboard from console, then plug it back in.

2. StarView needs to be reset. Turn off computers and StarView, wait five seconds, turn
StarView back on, turn computers back on.

Problem: Mouse does not respond correctly.

1. StarView is in AutoScan mode. Press space bar to exit.

2. Mouse needs to be reset. Unplug mouse from console, then plug it back in.

3. StarView needs to be reset. Turn off computers and StarView, wait five seconds, turn
StarView back on, turn computers back on.

Problem: Video problems.

1. Resolution/bandwidth is too high. StarView supports VGA, SVGA, Multisync and
XGA (interlaced, with resolution up to 1920 x 1440 @ 80MHz). The maximum
bandwidth is 180 MHz.

2. Cable quality too low. Use high quality co-axial cables. Contact StarTech.com for
details.

Problem: Pressing hot-keys gets no response.

1. Selected port connects to powered-down computer. Change to active port using push­button.

2. StarView is in Auto Scan/Last-Next mode. Press space bar to return to normal.

Technical Specifications

6

SV201 SV401

Connectors Keyboard 6-pin mini DIN female (PS/2)

Mouse 6-pin mini DIN female (PS/2)
Video HDB-15 female (std. VGA/SVGA)

LEDs 2 4

Operating Temp. 41~140ºF (5~40ºC)

Humidity 0~80% (Non-condensing)

Weight 0.42 lbs (190g) 0.55lbs (250g)

Dimensions 3.9 x 3.4 x 1.1 in. 6.7 x 3.4 x 1.1 in.

(100 x 87 x 28mm) (170 x 87 x 28mm)

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a StarTech.com StarView KVM switch. This space-efficient,
reliable, and cost-effective KVM switch provides an ideal solution for call centers, help
desks, and SOHO environments where the ability to use multiple PCs is necessary. You
can easily connect and operate two (SV201) or four (SV401) computers from one monitor,
keyboard, and mouse. And you can easily switch between computers by simply pushing
a button or entering a quick hot-key command.

Features

• Allows one console to control two or four computers

• Allows PCs to be quickly switched through push-buttons or hot-key commands

• Allows connection and removal of PCs without powering down

• 200 MHz bandwidth allows resolutions up to 1920x1440 @ 60Mhz

• Emulates keyboard and mouse while booting so PCs can boot unattended

• Backed by StarTech.com’s one year warranty

Before You Begin

To ensure a quick and easy switch installation, please read through this section carefully
before attempting to install the switch.

System Requirements

• IBM-compatible computers with VGA, SVGA, or Multisync card

• One monitor (must be capable of synchronizing with each computer's video signal.
Check your monitor's user manual for more information)

• One PS/2 keyboard and mouse

• Extender cables (not included)

NOTE: StarTech.com offers a variety of three-in-one KVM cables to optimize signal
integrity and simplify layout and connections. For product information, visit
www

.startech.com and click on the All Parts tab. Follow the StarView/KVM Cables link

that is available under the “Cables” heading and select the Universal KVM Switch

Cables.

Contents

This package should contain:

• 1 x KVM switch

2

Last/Next Mode (SV401 Only)

The Last/Next feature allows you to quickly switch back and forth manually between
computers. It differs from Auto Scan mode in that you are able to dwell on a particular
port for as long or as little as you like, as opposed to the fixed interval of Auto Scan
mode. Activate Last/Next mode by using the following hot-key combination:

• Press and release Alt+Ctrl+Shift, then press and release 9, then press Enter.

Once Last/Next mode is activated, you can scroll to the previous computer by pressing
the Left Shift, or to the next computer by pressing the Right shift. The switch will
remain in Last/Next mode until you press the Space Bar. The port that was active at that
time will remain active.

NOTE: While in Last/Next mode, no other keys will function. You will have to first exit
Last/Next mode by pressing the space bar.

Monitoring Your Switch

The LEDs on the switch are your best indication of the switch’s activity.

5

LED Activity Meaning

On (Steady) Corresponding PC is active

Off PC is not selected

Flashing (On/Off Equal) Corresponding PC is active and is being

accessed through Auto Scan mode

Flashing (On long, Corresponding PC is active and is being
Off short) accessed by Last/Next mode (SV401 only)

4 3

Connecting the computers

1. Connect one end of your connector cables into open CPU monitor, keyboard, and
mouse ports on the front or back of the switch.

2. Plug the other end of the cables into the monitor, keyboard, and mouse ports on the
back of the computer.

Repeat steps 1-2 for any other computers you want to connect to the switch. Your KVM
switch is now ready for use.

Using Your KVM Switch

Switching Computers

The LEDs on the front panel of the switch indicate which computer is active. To switch
between computers, use the Select push-button on the right side of the switch to scroll
through the computers, or enter one of the following hot-key combinations:

SV201

• Press and release the Left Control or Right Control key twice, followed by the
number that corresponds to the port letter (Port A=1, Port B=2, etc.).

SV401

• Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift, followed by the number that corresponds to the port letter
(Port A=1, Port B=2, etc.).

Auto Scan Mode

The StarView SV201 and SV401 allow you to automatically scan between PCs at regular
intervals so that you can monitor their activity without having to manually switch
between computers. To begin Auto Scan mode, use the following hot-key combinations:

SV201

• Press and release the Left Shift key, then press and release the Right Shift key.

SV401

• Press and release Ctrl+Alt+Shift, then press and release 0 (zero), then press Enter.

The switch will remain in Auto Scan mode until you press the Space Bar. The port that
was active at that time will remain active.

NOTE: While in Auto Scan mode, no other keys will function. You will have to first exit
Auto Scan mode by pressing the space bar.

Installation

This section will guide you through the installation of your StarView switch. Please read
through the instructions carefully and complete each step in the order listed.

NOTE: Make sure that all devices are turned off before beginning installation.

Connecting the console

1. Plug your monitor into the labeled monitor port on the left side of the switch.

2. Plug your PS/2 keyboard and mouse into the labeled ports on the left side of the
switch.

Select
push­button

Console

Ports

Power

Button

SV201 shown

CPU Ports