U S E ADDER Link & L A L T A S N I T I O N The AdderLink contains fine video compensation amplifiers to maximise the video quality for any given length of twisted pair cable.To adjust the compensation and sharpen the video picture refer to section 2.8 www.addertec.
About this manual AdderLink - Installation and Use Third edition (May 2000) Part No. ADD0035/3 www.addertec.com (c) 2000 Adder Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. Whilst every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Adder Technology Ltd assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Warranty Adder Technology Ltd warrants that this product shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of original purchase. If the product should fail to operate correctly in normal use during the warranty period, Adder will replace or repair it free of charge. No liability can be accepted for damage due to misuse or circumstances outside Adder’s control.
Radio Frequency Energy A Category 5 (or better) twisted pair cable must be used to connect the AdderLink units in order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. All other interface cables used with this equipment must be shielded in order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.
Contents 1. Introduction..................................................................................... 6 1.1 AdderLink features..................................................................................6 1.2 Additional AdderLink Gold features .......................................................7 1.3 Product information.................................................................................8 1.4 Package contents ......................................................................
3. Using the AdderLink ...................................................................... 31 3.1 Power on status ......................................................................................31 3.2 AdderLink indicator lights........................................................................32 3.3 Keyboard NUM,CAPS and SCROLL lock indicators...............................34 3.4 Keyboard hotkey control .........................................................................35 3.
1. Introduction Thank you for purchasing the AdderLink extender. Your AdderLink is designed to transfer keyboard, video, mouse and RS232 signals up to 200 metres over Category 5 twisted pair cable. The AdderLink system consists of a transmitter (XL) and a receiver (XR) unit that are connected together by a twisted pair cable. The XR unit connects to your keyboard, monitor and mouse and the XL unit connects to the computer system that is to be controlled.
Power and activity indication confirm correct operation. Standard cable connections make installation easy and inexpensive. Robust metal case ensures good shielding and video quality. 19 inch rack mount kit available. Supports IBM PC compatibles and RS6000 computers. 1.2 Additional AdderLink Gold features Supports stereo audio and microphone signals.
1.
Figure 2 – AdderLink Gold XL transmitter and XR receiver AdderLink Installation and Use Page 9
Figure 3 – Mounting the AdderLink in the optional 19 inch rack mounting kit AdderLink Installation and Use Page 10
1.4 Package contents AdderLink package contents (part code: ALTX/ALRX) Quantity Description 1 1 1 1 AdderLink XL transmitter unit AdderLink XR receiver unit Instruction manual Power adapter for the XR receiver unit (Please note that the XL transmitter unit does not normally require a power adapter because it draws its power from the computer via the keyboard interface cable. A second power adapter is therefore NOT SUPPLIED but may be purchased separately for video only applications.
AdderLink cable pack (part code: VSCP5) This cable pack is suitable for connecting your computer to the AdderLink XL unit. It is also suitable for connecting your computer to the AdderLink Gold XL unit or the AdderLink Gold XR unit if you do not wish to use speakers or microphones. Your PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse and monitor may be plugged into the AdderLink directly.
AdderLink Gold cable pack (part code: VSCP6) This cable pack is suitable for connecting a computer to the AdderLink Gold XL unit and a second computer to the AdderLink Gold XR unit. Your PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, monitor, stereo speakers and microphone may be plugged into the AdderLink Gold directly.
2. Installation 2.1 What you will need A category 5 (or better) twisted pair cable of the required length to connect the AdderLink XL and XR units together. These cables contain 4 pairs of twisted wires. Specifications and recommended cable types are given in appendix A. AdderLink supports cable lengths up to 200 metres. Structured wiring within buildings may also be used together with suitable patch cables but the number of cable connections should be kept to a minimum to maximise signal quality.
A suitable mouse driver for your PC(s). Supported types are: - PS/2 or RS232 two button mouse driver (any manufacturer). - Microsoft mouse driver (including IntelliMouse). - Logitech mouse driver (including two button, three button and wheel mouse) If you have the AdderLink Gold then you may also require: An additional set of computer cables to connect your additional computer to the AdderLink Gold XR unit.
2.2 Mounting the AdderLink The AdderLink has been designed to be used either on a desktop or mounted in a 19 inch rack. If the AdderLink is to be mounted in a 19 inch rack then you will need the optional rack mounting kit (part code: RMK-AL). The AdderLink may also be mounted on a suitable vertical surface, such as the side of a desk, with the use of strong Velcro strips. 2.
Figure 4 – A typical AdderLink installation AdderLink Installation and Use Page 17
Figure 5 – A typical AdderLink Gold installation AdderLink Installation and Use Page 18
2.4 Configuring your PC(s) Configure your PC in the same way that you would if your keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone and monitor were all connected directly to your PC, but bearing in mind the following points: AdderLink emulates Microsoft compatible serial, IntelliMouse and PS/2 mice, so ensure that your PC software is configured for a Microsoft mouse of the correct type. Refer to the list of supported drivers in section 2.1.
2. Video compensation / configuration mode (see section 2.8) This mode is entered by typing the hotkey combination (selected using the option switches) on the keyboard attached to the XR receiver. Once within video compensation / configuration mode you can adjust the video compensation and select other options using the keyboard. The selected options are saved and stored in the XR unit when you exit compensation / configuration mode. 2.
keyboard/mouse port commonly found on the back of laptops. The wiring scheme used on a few of these 'Y' cables confuses the AdderLink into thinking that it is being connected to the computer's serial port and consequently prevents correct operation. When option switch 4 is set to the ON position, RS232 mouse detection is disabled. This enables a computer connected via a 'Y' cable or adapter to be used with the AdderLink without problems.
Figure 6 – AdderLink XR option switches (normal and Gold models) AdderLink Installation and Use Page 22
Figure 7 – AdderLink XL option switches (normal and Gold models) AdderLink Installation and Use Page 23
2.8 Setting the video compensation The AdderLink incorporates fine video compensation amplifiers to maximise the picture quality for any given length of twisted pair cable. When you first plug in your AdderLink you will probably notice that the picture appears blurred or distorted or does not appear at all. The picture quality is maximised by adjusting the video compensation setting. To do this use the following procedure.
You should now see a ‘fuzzy’ video picture on your monitor connected to the XR receiver unit. STEP 3 You may now use the following keys to select the required video compensation. g { w } y Selects no video compensation. Increases the video compensation (coarse adjustment). Increases the video compensation (fine adjustment). Decreases the video compensation (coarse adjustment). Decreases the video compensation (fine adjustment).
The best compensation setting may be set using the following technique. { • Press until you observe white trailing edges on the right hand side of black text or graphics. • Press and release yseveral times until the white trailing edges just disappear. STEP 4 Press f to exit from compensation mode. The AdderLink saves the selected video compensation setting when you exit from compensation mode.
Options are then set by pressing a letter key followed by a number key followed by the RETURN key. For example to select an RS232 baud rate of 1200 use the following: Whilst within configuration mode press B1f The num, caps and scroll lock lights will indicate correct acceptance of the command as follows: • • • • In compensation / configuration the num, caps and scroll lock lights will flash in sequence.
H1 f - Mouse compatible RS232 protocol (default) – overrides all other RS232 settings (see section 4.1) H2 f - RS232 protocol uses hardware handshaking H3 f - RS232 protocol uses no handshaking (1200 baud max.) M1 f - AdderLink Gold channels are not switchable by a 3-button mouse or IntelliMouse (default) (see section 4.2) M2 f - AdderLink Gold channels are switchable by a 3-button mouse or IntelliMouse (see section 4.2) M6 f - Reset mouse function (see section 2.
2.11 Other useful installation information PC boot up sequence - When your PCs are powered on they communicate with any attached keyboards and mice and setup parameters required by the particular operating system. It is necessary for the AdderLink to be attached and powered on during this sequence so that it can give the required responses and keep track of all the modes and settings requested by each of the connected PCs.
Mouse restoration functions should be used with care as unpredictable results may occur if the wrong mouse type is selected. If in doubt restore the mouse by powering down the PC normally. Standard PS/2 mouse data uses a different data format to IntelliMouse data and so two reset functions are provided on the AdderLink. The type of data format expected by the PC depends upon the driver and the type of mouse that was connected when the driver was booted. The following table may be used as a guide.
3. Using the AdderLink This section explains the general operation of the AdderLink. We recommend that you read this section before starting to use the product. 3.1 Power on status The AdderLink is ready for use as soon as the XR receiver and XL transmitter have been powered on. Remember that the XL transmitter usually draws its power from the computer via the keyboard cable and the XR unit draws its power form the supplied power adapter.
3.
AdderLink Gold XL Indicator Colour Status POWER Green ON REMOTE A Red AdderLink is on and there is sufficient power available OFF AdderLink is off and sufficient power is not available FLASHING Insufficient power is available (marginal power) ON OFF LOCAL B Red Meaning ON OFF Keyboard or mouse data has been received from the XR unit and the keyboard and mouse attached to the XR unit have control of the PC The keyboard and mouse attached to the XR unit do not have control of the PC Keyboard or
3.3 Keyboard NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock indicators The AdderLink uses the keyboard NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock lights to indicate various operating conditions as follows: NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock lights flash in sequence The AdderLink flashes the NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock lights in sequence on the keyboard connected to the XR unit to indicate that the AdderLink is in video compensation / configuration mode. The NUM lock light comes on first with CAPS and SCROLL off.
NUM and SCROLL lock flash alternately with CAPS lock The AdderLink alternately flashes NUM and SCROLL lock and then CAPS lock on the keyboard attached to the XR unit to indicate that the AdderLink is currently locked and is awaiting a password to be entered by the user to unlock the AdderLink. 3.4 Keyboard hotkey control AdderLink XR unit may be set to respond to various keyboard hotkey combinations.
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘L’ - Disconnects the AdderLink XR’s keyboard and mouse from the computer that they are controlling and switches off all the red status lights. The video signal is switched off. If a password has not been set then the AdderLink can be re-enabled by selecting a computer using ‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘TAB’ or ‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘1’ (or ‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘2’ on the AdderLink Gold).
3.5 Contending for control of the XL unit's computer (AdderLink Gold) Timeout mode On the AdderLink Gold, the computer attached to the XL unit may be accessed by the control port (Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse/Speakers/Microphone) on the XL unit or the control port on the XR unit. Only one control port may be active at any one time. As soon as keyboard or mouse activity is detected on a control port then this becomes the active control port.
To enter compensation / configuration mode: press baf release fba release f To exit compensation / configuration mode: press f 3.7 Mouse control On the AdderLink Gold XR unit, the computers can conveniently be selected using a three button mouse or IntelliMouse. In order to switch to the other computer simply hold down the central mouse button or wheel button and click on the left hand mouse button. The other computer will then be selected.
audio with a higher peak-to-peak value than 5 volts this may affect the video picture causing temporary loss of the picture during peak audio output. If you are transferring such an audio signal then reduce the PC’s maximum output volume setting until the picture remains fully stable. 3.9 Microphone support on the AdderLink Gold You may connect a microphone to both the AdderLink Gold XL unit and the AdderLink Gold XR unit.
baL When the XR unit is locked the video is switched off and the keyboard and mouse are disconnected from the computer. Locking the XR unit does not affect the operation of the XL unit. To unlock the AdderLink XR unit enter the password followed by the RETURN key eg: [P] [A] [S] [S] [W] [O] [R] [D] [Enter] NOTE - The password consists of a combination of key strokes rather like the code to a safe.
What to do if your AdderLink is locked and you have lost or forgotten the password If your AdderLink is locked and you have lost or forgotten the password then you may clear the password if you have access to the XL unit. To clear the password power down the XR unit and switch option switch 5 on the XL unit to the on position (see section 2.7). When you next power on the XR unit it will go straight into configuration mode allowing you to clear or change the password.
4. AdderLink configuration options All the options described in this section are entered in AdderLink’s configuration mode - see section 3.6 for instructions on entering configuration mode. 4.1 RS232 protocol options RS232 serial ports are used for a wide variety of purposes and are typically operated in a number of different modes.
B1 f - Set RS232 baud rate to 1200 (default) B2 f - Set RS232 baud rate to 9600 S1 f - RS232 protocol uses 1 stop bit S2 f - RS232 protocol uses 2 stop bits (default) S3 f - RS232 protocol uses no parity (default) S4 f - RS232 protocol uses even parity S5 f - RS232 protocol uses odd parity S7 f - RS232 protocol uses 7 bits per character (default) S8 f - RS232 protocol uses 8 bits per character 4.
The AdderLink supports ‘Internet Mice’ that are compatible with the Microsoft IntelliMouse. These are fitted with a wheel or other scroll control and sometimes have additional buttons. Examples are: Microsoft IntelliMouse Logitech Pilot Mouse + Logitech MouseMan+ Genius NetMouse Genius NetMouse Pro Standard PS/2 and IntelliMouse compatible mice may be connected to the AdderLink. You may configure your CPUs using Microsoft PS/2 or IntelliMouse drivers in any combination as required.
Appendix A. Cable and connector specifications IMPORTANT NOTE The maximum cable lengths supported vary widely between devices and cables. It may be possible to use cables that are longer than those specified below with certain PCs and peripherals but this cannot be guaranteed. If you experience problems try using shorter cables. A1. Keyboard, monitor, mouse, microphone and speakers connections All of these devices plug directly into the relevant ports of the AdderLink.
constructed with coaxial cable cores. Cheaper ‘data’ cables are available but generally give rather poor quality. Avoid using 'data' cables longer than 2 metres unless the video quality is not important. Good quality coaxial video cables may be run at distances up to 20 metres with little loss of video quality. Keyboard and PS/2 mice - 6 pin mini-DIN male connector to 6 pin mini-DIN male connector with all lines connected straight through (1-1,2-2 etc.).
A3. Twisted pair cable Many types of twisted pair cables are available. You may use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or shielded twisted pair (STP) cable with the AdderLink. Ensure that the cable you use is of Category 5 or better specification. The AdderLink uses the following pairs on the twisted pair RJ45 jack connector. If your cable is terminated for networking use then it will probably be wired correctly for the AdderLink. All four twisted pairs within the cable are used by the AdderLink.
Maximising the video quality for long cable lengths All twisted pair cables are constructed so that each of the twisted pairs has a slightly different twist rate. This is to reduce the electrical cross-talk between signals travelling on adjacent pairs. This difference in twist frequency effectively means that the wire distance that an electrical signal has to traverse is different for the different pairs.
RS232 cables for mouse applications Computer to AdderLink RS232 cable for RS232 mouse applications Computer-end 9-pin female connector AdderLink-end 9-pin male connector 2 2 3 3 5 5 7 4 Mouse to AdderLink cable / adapter Mouse-end 9-pin male connector AdderLink-end 9-pin male connector 2 3 3 2 4 6 5 5 7 8 6 4 8 7 RS232 cables for printer applications Computer to AdderLink RS232 cable for RS232 printer applications Computer-end 9-pin female connector AdderLink-end 9-pin male connector All lines connected s
Appendix B. Problem Solving Problem: Video picture is lost during very high audio output.
Notes AdderLink Installation and Use Page 51
Notes AdderLink Installation and Use Page 52
ADDER Link I N S TA L L AT I O N & U S E ADDER Technology Limited Technology House Trafalgar Way Bar Hill Cambridge CB3 8SQ • England T: +44 (0) 1954 780044 F: +44 (0) 1954 780081 sales@addertec.com www.addertec.com AL-10.