X ADDER Link U S E SERIES & X-KVM extender pair X-KVM receiver only X-KVM transmitter only Skew compensation unit Rack mount chassis for X-Series products Rack mountable power distribution module Rack mount securing plate for receiver Rack mount securing plate for transmitter Rack securing plate for skew compensator Rack mount single slot blanking plate Rack mount quad slot blanking plate The AdderLink contains fine video compensation amplifiers to maximise the video quality for any given length of
About this manual AdderLink X-Series - Installation and Use First edition (May 2002) Part No. ADD0044/1 www.addertec.com (c) 2002 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 two years 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 X-KVM features..................................................................... 6 1.2 Product information................................................................................ 8 1.3 Package contents................................................................................... 11 2. Installation of the X-KVM extender ...............................................
4. Using the X-KVM extender ........................................................... 33 4.1 Power on status ..................................................................................... 33 4.2 AdderLink indicator lights ....................................................................... 33 4.3 Keyboard NUM,CAPS and SCROLL lock indicators.............................. 34 4.4 Keyboard hotkey control ........................................................................ 35 4.
1. Introduction Thank you for purchasing the AdderLink X-Series KVM extender. Your AdderLink is designed to transfer keyboard, video, and mouse signals up to 200 metres over Category 5 (or higher specification) twisted pair cable. The AdderLink X-Series KVM extender consists of a transmitter (local) and a receiver (remote) unit that are connected together by a twisted pair cable.
Fine user-adjustable video compensation enables the video quality to be maximised for any given length of cable. Supports automatic and manual video compensation (compensation mode selectable by option switch). In manual compensation mode, the video compensation only needs to be adjusted once during setup. The chosen compensation setting is retained in EEPROM memory even when the X-KVM is powered off.
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Figure 3 — AdderLink X-Series skew compensator (optional) Figure 4 — AdderLink X-Series rack mount chassis and securing plates (optional) AdderLink X-Series Installation and Use Page 9
Figure 5 — AdderLink X-Series power distribution module (part code X-PDM4) AdderLink X-Series Installation and Use Page 10
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AdderLink X-Series skew compensation unit package contents (part code: X-SC) Quantity 1 1 4 Description AdderLink skew compensator unit Instruction manual Self-adhesive rubber feet AdderLink X-Series rack mount chassis (part code X-RMK-CHASSIS) Quantity 1 1 Description Rack mount chassis Instruction manual AdderLink X-Series rack mount securing and blanking plates (Part codes starting: X-RMK- ) Quantity 1 2 1 Description Rack mount securing plate Counter-sunk screws for fixing the plate to the X-Series
2. Installation of the X-KVM extender 2.1 What you will need A category 5 (or better) twisted pair cable of the required length to connect the XKVM local and remote units together. These cables contain 4 pairs of twisted wires. Specifications and recommended cable types are given in appendix A. AdderLink X-KVM supports cable lengths up to 200 metres.
AdderLink to PCs support either a PS/2 or an RS232 mouse. X-KVM automatically converts from the PS/2 mouse commands to RS232 serial mouse commands. Serial mice types are selected by using an adapter as described in Appendix A. The XKVM will operate without a mouse connected if you do not wish to use one. 2.2 Mounting the X-KVM The X-KVM has been designed to be used either on a desktop or mounted in a 19 inch rack.
The X-KVM is now ready for use and will start to operate as soon the local and remote units are both powered on. There is no requirement to switch the X-KVM units on in any defined order. The X-KVM local unit draws its power from the connected computer via the keyboard cable. However, if you are connecting to a computer using cables that are longer than 5 metres or are connecting to a lower powered device, such as some types of keyboard/video/mouse switch, an optional power adapter may be required.
Figure 6 — A typical X-KVM extender application AdderLink X-Series Installation and Use Page 16
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: X-KVM 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 2.7) This mode is entered by typing the hotkey combination (selected using the option switches) on the keyboard attached to the remote 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 remote unit when you exit compensation / configuration mode. 2.
LOCAL unit — Switch 2 This switch sets “transparent mode” operation. This mode is useful if the X-KVM is to be used to link KVM switches that are not made by Adder Technology. Cascaded KVM switches often use undocumented data to signal special conditions. In transparent mode the X-KVM will enable this undocumented data to be transferred between devices. LOCAL unit — Switch 3 If this switch is set to the ON position then the remote unit will go directly into compensation / configuration mode at power on.
Figure 7 — X-KVM remote module option switches AdderLink X-Series Installation and Use Page 20
Figure 8 — X-KVM local module option switches AdderLink X-Series Installation and Use Page 21
2.7 Setting the video compensation manually The X-KVM incorporates fine video compensation amplifiers to maximise the picture quality for any given length of twisted pair cable. The X-KVM can be set to automatically adjust the compensation amplifiers to match the cable or you can adjust the amplifiers manually. Automatic compensation is enabled by setting option switch 4 on the remote unit to the OFF position. Manual compensation is selected if switch 4 is in the ON position.
Press g to select no video compensation. You should now see a ‘fuzzy’ video picture on your monitor connected to the remote 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 video compensation to sharpen picture (coarse adjustment). Increases video compensation to sharpen picture (fine adjustment). Decreases the video compensation (coarse adjustment).
The best compensation setting may be set using the following technique. w • Press until you observe white trailing edges on the right hand side of black text or graphics. • Press and release y until the white trailing edges just disappear. STEP 4 Press f to exit from compensation mode. The X-KVM saves the selected video compensation setting when you exit from compensation mode.
For example, assuming the default hotkeys, press these keys together : b j f Functions and options are accessed by pressing a letter key followed by a number key followed by the RETURN key.
F2 f F3 F4 F8 f - Force the X-KVM to calculate and apply the automatic video compensation setting. - For users with QWERTY keyboard layouts - reports the length difference (skew) between the twisted pairs that are carrying the video colour signals between the local and remote units. Also reports the best settings for a skew compensation unit (if needed). The connected computer must be running an application that displays typed keys as screen characters — e.g. a word processor or command prompt.
Pf f — Clears the security password (see section 4.6) 2.10 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 X-KVM 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.
If you have switched off your X-KVM or you are attempting to ‘hot plug’ it into a system that is already running, you may be able to restore lost mouse movement using the X-KVM's mouse restoration functions. 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.
4) Exit from configure mode by typing f 5) Test the mouse movement by moving the mouse a short distance. 2.12 Using the X-KVM/R with Adder SmartView XPro KVM switches The X-KVM remote receiver is compatible with the extender ports fitted to Adder SmartView XPro KVM switches. A typical installation using an X-KVM remote receiver and Adder SmartView XPro is shown in figure 9. Fig.
3. Rack mounting X-Series products in the 19 inch rack mount chassis 3.1 Mounting X-Series modules into the rack mount chassis X-Series products may be rack mounted in the X-Series 19 inch rack mounting chassis (part code X-RMK-CHASSIS). Up to 16 X-Series modules may be mounted in each 2U chassis. You will need to purchase a rack securing plate for each module that you wish to mount in the chassis.
Figure 10 — Rack mounting X-Series modules 3.2 Installing and using the rack mountable power distribution module If you are rack mounting multiple X-KVM/R units then it is undesirable to use separate power supplies for each of these modules. The X-Series power distribution module (part code X-PDM4) may be used to power these units and create a neater installation.
Short patch cables are provided with the power distribution module to connect its four power outlets to the rack mounted X-KVM/R modules. A power indicator on the power distribution module confirm that power is available. The power distribution module’s power outlets are designed to provide 500mA of current at 5 volts. Patch cables are available to enable the local transmitter to be connected to the power distribution module — Please contact your supplier. 3.
4. Using the X-KVM extender This section explains the general operation of the X-KVM. We recommend that you read this section before starting to use the product. 4.1 Power on status The X-KVM is ready for use as soon as the remote receiver and local transmitter have been powered on. Remember that the local transmitter draws its power from the computer via the keyboard cable and the remote unit draws its power from the supplied power adapter.
4.3 Keyboard NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock indicators The X-KVM 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 X-KVM flashes the NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock lights in sequence on the keyboard connected to the remote unit to indicate that the X-KVM is in video compensation / configuration mode. The NUM lock light comes on first with CAPS and SCROLL off.
4.4 Keyboard hotkey control The X-KVM remote unit may be set to respond to various keyboard hotkey combinations. These keyboard hotkeys are selected using the option switches on the side of the X-KVM remote unit (see section 2.6). Keyboard hotkeys may be used to switch off the video, lock the X-KVM and enter video compensation / configuration mode. All of the hotkey control commands are invoked by holding down the two hotkeys and then pressing a command key.
‘HOTKEYs’ and RETURN — Enters video compensation / configuration mode Examples of common hotkey sequences (assuming CTRL + SHIFT hotkey option): To lock the X-KVM: press bjL release Lbj To disable the video signal and blank the monitor: press bj 0 release 0bj 4.5 Entering and exiting video compensation / configuration mode The X-KVM’s video compensation and user selectable options and functions are accessed in compensation / configuration mode.
4.6 Setting and using the security password There are many situations where unrestricted access to computers or sensitive information needs to be controlled. In such circumstances, the X-KVM local unit may be locked away in a room or secure cabinet and the computer may be controlled remotely from the remote unit. The X-KVM incorporates a security password system that enables the remote unit to be locked so that the secure computer cannot be controlled.
characters. The password is not case sensitive and can be any combination of key strokes, including the function keys, but excluding the CTRL, ALT, SHIFT and RETURN keys. When you have typed in your password type RETURN to register it in the stored memory. Do not worry if you type the password incorrectly, you can always re-enter configure mode and set the password again.
The version number will be reported on the computer screen as the letter V followed by three numbers. For example, if the X-KVM reports V118 then the firmware version is 1.18.
5. X-KVM configuration options All the options described in this section are entered in X-KVM’s configuration mode see section 4.5 for instructions on entering configuration mode. 5.1 Resetting all configuration options to their default state To reset all the X-KVM’s configuration options to the default state press the following whilst within configuration mode.
6. Configuring and using the skew compensator 6.1 What is the skew compensator and why is it needed? The skew compensator corrects the video colour split that is sometimes introduced when a video picture is transmitted over twisted pair cables. Twisted pair cables are typically constructed using four pairs of twisted wires. Each of the pairs of wires are normally twisted at slightly different rates to reduce the crosstalk between the pairs.
example, an installation running a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 over 50 metres of Cat 5 cable will probably exhibit minimal colour split whereas an installation running a screen resolution of 1600 x 1200 over 100 metres of Cat 6 cable will probably exhibit some noticeable colour split. 6.3 Correcting colour split If you have a noticeable problem with colour split then you have several choices. You could use a shorter length of twisted pair cable or a different type of twisted pair cable.
Figure 11 — Installing the skew compensator AdderLink X-Series Installation and Use Page 43
6.4 Reporting the cable skew and configuring the skew compensator The skew compensator is specifically designed for use with X-Series KVM extenders but may also be used with most analogue KVM extenders. The X-Series KVM extenders report the required skew compensator settings making setup and configuration easy. For other extender systems the skew compensator may be setup manually.
STEP 5 If you have a QWERTY keyboard layout (English, German etc.) then press: F3 If you have an AZERTY keyboard layout (French) then press: F4 The screen will go blank for a few seconds whilst the X-KVM applies measurement signals to the cable to measure the length differences between the twisted pairs. When the picture is restored a report similar to that shown below will be generated: SKEW REPORT RED +0.5M GREEN +1.0M BLUE +0.
shown in figure 11. You will need a short patch lead to do this. The settings that are reported represent the compensation required to remove the skew that is introduced by the twisted pair cable. There is sometimes some colour skew present on video signals being generated by the computer. Consequently the video picture can sometimes be slightly improved by using skew compensator settings that are slightly different to those reported (see section 6.5).
controls which of the colours (on all AdderLink products, switch bank A is BLUE, B is RED and C is GREEN). To determine which switch bank controls the delay of which colour you must first install the skew compensator as shown in figure 11. Set all the switches to the OFF position. Now set all the switches in one bank (e.g. A1 to A4) to the ON position and observe the change to the video picture.
7. Upgrading the X-KVM’s flash memory The X-KVM uses flash memory technology which enables the firmware code to be upgraded by the user. Upgrades are performed by using a PC program to download the new firmware via the keyboard connection. The local transmitter and remote receiver both contain microprocessors with flash rewritable program memory. They may be independently upgraded but we highly recommend that you always upgrade both the local and remote units when performing an upgrade.
Power down your computer. Disconnect the twisted pair cable from the local transmitter and connect the local transmitter to your computer as shown below. You only need to connect the keyboard cable between the local transmitter and the computer. Plug the monitor directly into the back of the computer. STEP 4 (upgrading the local transmitter) Set the X-KVM’s option switch 1 to the ON position. Insert the DOS disk into your computer’s floppy drive and power on your computer.
directly into the back of the computer. This configuration might seem strange to you because the keyboard port on the XKVM remote receiver would normally be connected to a keyboard and not to a computer keyboard port. The product is designed to reverse the operation of the keyboard port during the flash upgrade process. STEP 6 (upgrading the remote receiver) Set the X-KVM’s option switch 1 to the ON position. Power the X-KVM remote receiver by connecting the power adapter.
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 and mouse connections All of these devices plug directly into the relevant ports of the X-KVM.
Part code VADD-PS2-2M VADD-PS2-5M Description Cable for connection to PCs Cable for connection to PCs Length 2 metres 5 metres Adapters: VSA2 keyboard adapter - If your PC has a 5-pin DIN AT style keyboard connector you will need a PS/2 to AT keyboard adapter 6-pin mini-DIN female to 5-pin DIN male.
VSA1 mouse adapter - This is required if you wish to connect a computer that has a 9-pin serial mouse connection: Cables should be no longer than 30 metres. NOTE - There are several common wiring specifications for 6-pin mini-DIN to 9-pin serial adapters.
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 X-KVM. 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.
X ADDER Link SERIES 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 ALX-11.
