MiniView™ 2/4-Port Multi-Function USB 2.
Welcome Thank you for purchasing one of the most feature-rich KVM with USB peripheral sharing, audio, and built-in Ethernet switch. You can save money and space by eliminating the need for multiple monitors, keyboards, mice, and USB peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and more. Up to 127 USB devices can be daisy chained from this KVMP switch. Sharing speakers and a microphone also offers extra value and convenience for the users.
Table of Contents Package Contents Overview Features ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Installation ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Basic Operation ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Keyboard Emulation Ethernet Switch ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Technical Support ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Radio & TV Interference Statement Limited Warranty ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 02 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 03 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Package Contents This package contains: 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 x x x x x x x GCS1772 or GCS1774 KVM Switch Custom 6’ KVM cables (for GCS1772) Custom 6’ KVM cables (for GCS1774) Firmware upgrade cable Power adapter User manual Quick start guide Check to make sure that all the components are present and that nothing was damaged in shipping. If you encounter a problem, contact your dealer.
Overview IOGEAR’s Symphony multi-function KVM Switch represents the new wave in KVM technology. The GCS1774 allows you to control four computers using a single VGA monitor, USB keyboard and mouse. In addition, it has a built-in USB 2.0 hub, Ethernet 10/100 switch, and Audio sharing capabilities. With its built-in USB 2.0 High Speed hub, slow transfer rates are a thing of the past. Fully compatible with USB 2.0 standards, this KVM allows you to share your USB peripherals and transfer data at up to 480 Mbps.
Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Multi-function USB KVM switch integrates a USB 2.0 hub, Ethernet switch, and Audio Controls multiple computers with a single VGA monitor, USB keyboard and mouse Built-in USB 2.0 peripheral sharing to share printers, scanners, hard drives, etc., with data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps.
System Requirements Console • VGA or SVGA monitor • USB mouse • USB keyboard Computer • VGA or SVGA port • USB port for keyboard/mouse cable • USB 2.0 port for USB hub cable • Supports Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP; Mac OS 8.
Introduction Front View 1 3 2 1. Port selection buttons • Switch console only - Press selection button for less than two (2) seconds to bring only the KVM focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port • Switch everything - Press selection button for longer than four (4) seconds to bring KVM, Audio, and USB Hub focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port. • Press and hold port selection switches 1 and 2 for more than two seconds to start Auto Scan Mode. 4 2.
Introduction • • Lights BRIGHT ORANGE to indicate that the computer attached to its corresponding port is the one that has the KVM focus (Selected) Flashes to indicate that the computer attached to its corresponding port is being accessed under Auto Scan mode. 3.
Introduction Back View 1. Ethernet port Connect CAT 5 LAN cables to these ports. 3. Firmware upgrade port The included Firmware Upgrade cable that transfers the firmware upgrade data from the administrator’s computer to the KVM plugs into this connector. See Firmware Upgrade section for more details. to these ports. 2. Console Audio jack The cables from your microphone and speakers plug in here. Each jack is color coded and marked with an appropriate icon. 4.
Introduction 5. Console port Your USB keyboard, USB mouse, and VGA monitor plug here. Cable The USB KVM Cables are included in the package. 6. CPU The cables included with the KVM switch plug into here and the other end to your computers. Note: The 15-pin connectors on the KVM have been specifically modified to work with the included cables. DO NOT attempt to connect any other ordinary 15pin cables into this unit.
Installation Before you Begin Step 1 Plug your USB keyboard and USB mouse into their corresponding USB ports located on the KVM’s rear panel. 1. Make sure that power to all the devices you will be connecting up has been turned off. You must unplug the power cords of any computers that have the Keyboard Power On function. Otherwise, the switch will receive power from the computer. Step 2 Plug your VGA monitor, microphone, and speaker cables into the Console ports located on the unit’s rear panel. 2.
Installation Step 3 Plug one of the included KVM cables to the CPU port are connecting Step 6 Plug the USB peripherals that you want to be part of your KVM setup into the front USB hub ports Step 4 Plug the other end of the KVM cable to the respective ports on the computer that is part of your installation.
Installation of the Ethernet ports on the switch, and plug network cables to each of your computer’s Ethernet ports Step 8 Plug the power adapter cable into the switch’s power jack, then plug the power adapter into an AC power source Step 9 Turn on the power to the computers 12
Operation Each CPU port on the GCS1772/GCS1774 switch is assigned a port number (1 or 2 for GCS1772; 1 to 4 for GCS1774). The port numbers are marked on the rear panel of the switch. INTRODUCTION Hot Plugging The GCS1772/GCS1774 supports USB hot plugging – components can be removed and added back into the installation by unplugging their cables from the USB hub ports without the need to shut the unit down. The Port ID of a computer is derived from the CPU port number it is connected to.
Operation Tip: To stop Auto Scan mode, simply press any of the port selection switches on the KVM. Port Switching There are two ways to access the computers in your KVM setup: · Manual switching – pressing the push-buttons on the unit’s front panel · Hotkey switching – entering commands from the keyboard Manual Switching 1. Switch console only - Press selection button for less than two (2) seconds to bring only the KVM focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port 2.
Hotkey Operation Hotkey Operation The GCS1772/GCS1774 provides an extensive, easyto-use, hotkey function that makes it convenient to control and configure your KVM installation from the keyboard. NOTE: The table below assumes the use of a PCcompatible keyboard with the Scroll Lock key.
Hotkey Operation Port Switching Note: The n stands for the computer’s Port ID number (1, 2, 3, or 4). Replace the n with the appropriate Port ID when entering hotkey combinations.
Hotkey Operation Auto Scanning Note: • While Auto Scan is active, ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended – only Auto Scan mode compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can be entered. You must exit Auto Scan mode to regain normal console control. • Although the video focus switches from port to port, the keyboard, mouse, and USB focus doesn’t switch.
Hotkey Operation Invoking Hotkey Mode For all Hotkey operations, you must use the number keypad on the right side of your keyboard. 2. Press and release the Minus key 3. Release the Num Lock key within one half second after releasing Minus key; otherwise the KVM will not go into Hotkey mode. To Invoke Hotkey Mode: (PC-Compatible keyboard) 1.
Hotkey Operation To invoke Hotkey Mode (MAC keyboards): 1. Press and hold the Clear key 2. Press and release the Minus key 3. Release the Clear key within one half second after releasing Minus key; otherwise the KVM will not go into Hotkey mode.
Hotkey Operation Note: • If using the [Num Lock], [-] combination is not optimal, you may reprogram the KVM to use an alternate key combination (see next section) • When Hotkey mode is active, the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock LEDs flash in succession to indicate that Hotkey mode is in effect. They stop flashing and revert to normal status when you exit this mode. Ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended – only Hotkey compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can be input.
Hotkey Operation Change Hotkey Mode Invocation Keys In case the default Hotkey Mode invocation keys (Num Lock and Minus [-]) are not optimal in your setup, you may change them to Ctrl and F12 , respectively. Change Port Switching Keys To switch to an alternate Hotkey Mode invocation, do the following: To change the port switching activation keys, do the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode 2. Press and release H 3.
Hotkey Operation Set Keyboard Operating Platform *The first time that the Sun system runs from a port, you must configure its port for the Sun keyboard operating platform before you turn the system on, or else the Sun system will not start. The GCS1772/GCS1774 default port configuration is for a PC Compatible keyboard operating platform.
Hotkey Operation USB Reset If the USB loses focus and needs to be reset, do the following: Disable Port Switching Keys To disable the port switching keys (Scroll Lock or Ctrl), please do the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode 2. Press and release F5 function key 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode 2. Press [X] [Enter] Hotkey Beeper Control The beep sound the KVM makes when switching can be Toggled ON and OFF by doing the following: Note: This procedure is a toggle. To re-enable the keys, repeat the procedure above.
Hotkey Operation Restore Default Settings To reset the GCS1772/GCS1774 to its factory default settings, do the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode 2.
Hotkey Operation MAC Keyboard Emulation The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Mac keyboard. The emulation mappings are listed in the table below.
Hotkey Operation Sun Keyboard Emulation The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Sun keyboard. The emulation mappings are listed in the table below.
Ethernet Switch A typical network setup will look similar to the scenario shown below. Ethernet switch This section of the manual explains the capabilities of the built-in switch and where it fits in your Network. Essentially, the built-in switch allows you to connect the computers in your KVM setup to your existing Ethernet network. If you want to network and share Internet with the computers in the KVM setup, you will need a connection between your Cable/DSL router and the KVM switch.
Ethernet Switch As you can see from the picture, your Cable/DSL line connects to your router’s WAN port; network cable from any of the router’s LAN ports connect to any of the KVM’s Ethernet ports; and network cable from KVM’s Ethernet port connects to the Ethernet card on your computer. Connect Computers: 1. Connect CAT 5 cable coming from your Cable/ DSL router to any of the Ethernet ports on the KVM Tip: By doing this, the computers in your KVM setup will “join” your existing Ethernet network 2.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility The Windows-based Firmware Upgrade Utility (FWUpgrade.exe) provides a smooth, automated process for upgrading the KVM switch’s firmware. To run the firmware, you will need to use a windows based PC with an available serial port. The Utility comes as part of a Firmware Upgrade Package that is specific for each device. New firmware upgrade packages are posted on our web site as new firmware revisions become available.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility 4. Shut down the computers on your MiniView™ installation and make sure you have set the KVM in firmware upgrade mode as instructed under section Hotkey operation → Firmware upgrade mode 5. Make sure the power is plugged into the KVM. Once the power is plugged in and the switch is set to upgrade, all of the amber lights on the KVM will flash once per second. Now you are ready to run the firmware upgrade utility.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility Starting the Upgrade To upgrade your firmware: 1. Run the downloaded Firmware Upgrade Package file - either by double-clicking the file icon, or by opening a command line and entering the full path to it. 2. The Firmware Upgrade Utility Welcome screen appears: Read and Agree to the License Agreement (enable the I Agree radio button).
The Firmware Upgrade Utility 3. Click Next to continue. The Firmware Upgrade Utility main screen appears: The Utility inspects your installation. All the devices capable of being upgraded by the package are listed in the Device List panel.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility 4. As you select a device in the list, its description appears in the Device Description panel.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility 5. After you have made your device selection(s), Click Next to perform the upgrade. If you enabled Check Firmware Version, the Utility compares the device’s firmware level with that of the upgrade files. If it finds that the device’s version is higher than the upgrade version, it brings up a dialog box informing you of the situation and gives you the option to continue or cancel.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility As the Upgrade proceeds status messages appear in the Status Messages panel, and the progress toward completion is shown on the Progress bar. After the upgrade has completed, a screen appears to inform you that the procedure was successful: Click Finish to close the Firmware Upgrade Utility.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility If the upgrade failed to complete successfully a dialog box appears asking if you want to retry. Click Yes to retry. If you click No, the Upgrade Failed screen appears: Firmware Upgrade Recovery There are basically three conditions that call for firmware upgrade recovery: • When you begin a firmware upgrade, but decide not to proceed with it. • When the Mainboard firmware upgrade fails. • When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.
The Firmware Upgrade Utility If the upgrade failed to complete successfully a dialog box appears asking if you want to retry. Click Yes to retry. If you click No, the Upgrade Failed screen appears: Firmware Upgrade Recovery There are basically three conditions that call for firmware upgrade recovery: • When you begin a firmware upgrade, but decide not to proceed with it. • When the Mainboard firmware upgrade fails. • When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.
Specification Specification 38
Specification Specification 39
Technical Support If you need technical support, please check out our IOGEAR Tech Info Library (T.I.L.) at www.iogear.com/ support for the latest tips, tricks, and troubleshooting. The IOGEAR T.I.L. was designed to provide you with the latest technical information about our products. Most of the answers to your questions can be found here, so please try it out before contacting technical support.
Radio & TV Interference Statement WARNING!!! This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Limited Warranty IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR’S LIABILITY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, DISK, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT. The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to the contents or use of this documentation, and especially disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
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