Vista Remote 2 SINGLE USER REMOTE KVM ACCESS OVER IP INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL 10707 Stancliff Road Houston, Texas 7709 Phone: (281) 933-7673 www.rose.
LIMITED WARRANTY Rose Electronics® warrants Vista Remote 2™ 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 working order 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.
FCC / IC STATEMENTS, EU DECLARATION OF 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.
TABLE of CONTENTS Contents Page # System Introduction ...................................................................................................................1 Features ................................................................................................................................2 Package contents ..................................................................................................................2 Rose Electronics web site .........................................
Figures Page # Figure 1. Vista Remote 2 Models .............................................................................................. 5 Figure 2. Connecting a KVM ..................................................................................................... 6 Figure 3. Connecting Computers .............................................................................................. 7 Figure 4. Connecting to the Network .......................................................................
INTRODUCTION System Introduction Thank you for choosing Vista Remote™ 2 from Rose Electronics for your network access solutions. This intelligent and innovative product is the result of Rose Electronics commitment to providing state of the art, economical switching solutions for today’s demanding workplace. Vista Remote 2, when installed and connected to your network, allows you full access and control of the connected computers from the built in viewer client or any web browser from almost anywhere.
Features Models available: 4-port model 8-port model Solid-state embedded unit, has no disk drive for maximum reliability Remote application (Real VNC or Java applet) can be installed directly from the unit Local KVM port for configuring and direct access to the connected computers Connect to the unit directly, from a network workstation, or over IP using any supported web browser.
Rose Electronics web site Visit our web site at www.rose.com for additional information on Vista Remote 2 and other products offered by Rose Electronics that are designed for data center applications, classroom environments, and many other access and switching applications. Product Registration Take advantage of the following when you register your Rose Electronics products online at http://www.rose.com/htm/online-registrationform.htm: Rose Standard Warranty Plus...
OVERVIEW System Overview Vista Remote 2 is a versatile and powerful product that can extend the range of access to your computers from anywhere in the world. It is designed to provide seamless and trouble-free access from any workstation on your network or any remote user to any connected computer. You can connect to and control any of the connected computers by simple keyboard commands or an on-screen list of computers. Each computer can be assigned a unique name that makes sense for your system.
Vista Remote 2 Models Connector Type Power Adapter CPU (4) DB25F KVM (1) DB25F RS232 RJ11F LINK RJ45F (Part Number KVL-1R4UA/OV/2) Connector Type Power Adapter CPU (8) DB25F KVM (1) DB25F RS232 RJ11F LINK RJ45F (Part Number KVL-1R8UA/OV/2) Figure 1.
INSTALLATION Vista Remote 2 Installation Installing the Vista Remote 2 is a very easy process and should be performed by a designated administrator. The administrator will install, configure, and set-up user access profiles. A network administrator will need to assign an IP address to the unit (if needed) and set-up firewall and network access to the unit. The following installation procedure is a guide to properly install and configure the Vista Remote 2.
Connecting the Computers Connect each computer to the Vista Remote 2 using the appropriate CPU adapter cable designed to interface to the type of computer being connected (PS/2, Unix, SUN, DEC, Apple, etc). Connect the DB25M end of the CPU adapter cable to the desired DB25F CPU port on the rear panel of the unit. Connect the other end of the cable to the corresponding ports on the computer (keyboard, monitor, and mouse). Refer to Figure 3. Remote computer connections CPU adapter cable(s) Figure 3.
UNIT CONFIGURATION Configuring the Vista Remote 2 IP Input module When you locally connect to Vista Remote 2 unit for the first time the Unit and Network must be configured. Follow the recommended procedure below to configure all models: Make all cable connections to the KVM station, network, and computers Apply power to all devices (Computers, Vista Remote 2, and Monitor). Make sure a computer is connected to CPU port #1 and that computer is powered on.
Hardware The hardware version level is displayed in this field. Firmware The Vista Remote 2 firmware version is displayed in this field Keyboard Layout Using the left and right arrow keys, select the keyboard type expected from the host computers. Admin password Enter an administrator password of at least six characters that has a mix of letters and numerals. The background color provides an indication of password suitability. It is initially red to indicate that the password is not sufficient.
NETWORK CONFIGURATION Configuring the Network Figure 7. Network Configuration MAC address Media Access Control Address – this is the unique and unchangeable code that was hard coded within your Vista Remote 2 unit when it was built. It consists of two 6-digit hexadecimal (base 16) numbers separated by colons.
Screen #3 is a secure keys screen that will display after the network information has been entered. Figure 8. Secure Key calculation This screen uses mouse movements and keyboard inputs to create random data. This unpredictable information is then combined with several other factors to develop the basis of the encryption keys that are used to establish secure remote links. With every mouse move and key press the single dash will move across the progression bar (unless the same key is pressed repeatedly).
To view the menu options press . (If the default hotkeys were altered on the Configure Unit screen, use the new hotkeys plus C) Figure 10. Control menu Logoff Select this option to close your current session and display the screensaver. Restore mouse functions Select this tab to revive a mouse that has ceased to function correctly. The Vista Remote 2 provides a feature to reinstate PS/2 mouse communications. (Does not apply if using a USB mouse.
Configuration Select the “Configuration” tab to gain access to the Unit and Network configuration menus. You can also reset the Vista Remote 2 to its initial state. Access mode Allows you to choose between the Shared mode (where all other logged on users can see your operations) and the Private mode (where the screens of all other users are blanked). Host Indicates the currently selected host computer and allows you to select others. This item will be blank unless host details have been set-up.
Remote Configuration Connect remotely to the Vista Remote 2 unit from any network workstation. When connected, click on the “Configure” tab in the upper right corner of the display. The below configuration menu will display. Some of the remote configuration menus are similar to the local configuration menus. Clicking on the Configure tab Displays the configuration window Figure 11. Remote Configuration Menu (Following describes each of the Configuration Tabs.
User Accounts Selecting user accounts will display the following menu. Figure 12. User Accounts The first of the sixteen accounts is the admin account and is the only account with access rights to the configuration menus. The user name and access rights are fixed for the admin account. The only change possible for this account is the password. There are fifteen user account positions.
Unit Configuration The ‘Unit Configuration “option tab will display the following menu. Hardware Version Indicates the version of the electronic circuitry within the Vista Remote 2 unit. Firmware Version Indicates the version of the hardwired software within the Vista Remote 2 flash memory. This may be updated using the flash upgrade procedure. Host Keyboard Layout Use the arrow buttons to match the keyboard layout expected by the host system.
Encryption Three encryption options are available; Always on, Prefer off, Prefer on. The one to choose depends on the specific details of your installation. The use of encryption imposes a slight performance overhead of roughly 10% but is highly secure against third party intrusion. Encryption settings The Unit configuration page offers three encryption settings: Always on - This setting will force all viewers to use encryption.
Mouse Latency Allowance This option is used during calibration to account for latency delays (caused as signals pass through a device) introduced by some KVM switches. During calibration, the Vista Remote 2 waits for 40ms after each mouse movement before sampling the next. If a KVM device adds a significant delay to the flow of data, the calibration process can be lengthened or may fail entirely. The value entered here is added to (or subtracted from) the default 40ms sampling time.
Time and Date Configuration Figure 14. Time and Date Configuration Use the left and right arrow keys to select the correct time and date. The time entry uses the 24 hour clock notation. The internal real time clock will continue to run for roughly one week without power to the Vista Remote 2, after that it will be lost and require resetting. Use the up and down arrow keys to move between each of the sections within the time and date entries.
Network Configuration This menu allows you to remotely configure various aspects of the IP port and its relationship with the local network. Figure 15. Configure Network MAC address Media Access Control Address – this is the unique and unchangeable code that was hard coded within Vista Remote 2 unit when it was built. It consists of two 6-digit hexadecimal (base 16) numbers separated by colons.
IP Gateway This is the address of the device that links the local network the Vista Remote 2 is connected to another network such as the wider Internet. Usually the actual gateway is a network switch or router and it will be used whenever a required address lies outside the current network. VNC Port This is the logical link through which communications with a remote VNC viewer will be channeled. The default setting is 5900 which is a widely recognized port number for use by VNC software.
It is recommended that the naming and hot key assignments for each Host Configuration entry match the CPU port configuration of the Vista Remote 2. Entry #1 - Name and hot key defined to switch to CPU port #1, Entry #2 for CPU port #2, etc. Examples of Hot key sequences for switching to a given port are shown below. Name Enter the name that will be displayed in the viewer window when you click the Host button. Users Select the users that will be permitted to connect to this host.
The first three (3) columns show the date the event occurred. The next column is the time the event occurred. The last column describes the type of event with the users name and the access method. The “Clear log” tab will clear all entries in the log The “Refresh” tab will refresh the log list The “Syslog Server IP Address field is an optional field where you can enter an IP address to send the status log.
KVM Switch Module Configuration Connect to the unit directly from the local KVM station and logon. A computer must be connected to CPU port #1 and powered on. Using the local keyboard, press and release the left Ctrl key, then within 2 seconds press the F12 key. The press and release of the left Ctrl key notifies the KVM Switch module that the next command issued within 2 seconds is a command for the KVM Switch, not a connected computer.
Change the computer names Selecting “Names” and pressing enter will display the below display. Figure 18. Change computer names Each computer is initially assigned a computer name, “computer x”, where “x” = 1-8. To change the computer name to one of your choosing, use the up/down arrow keys to select (highlight) the computers name to change. Once selected (highlighted), press enter to clear the present name. Enter the new computer name (up to 16 valid ASCII characters) and press .
Configure appearance The “Configure appearance” menu allows you to change the foreground and background colors, position the computer name on the screen, change the name fadeout time, font, and set up a screen saver type. Use the up/down arrow keys to select (highlight) the selection to change. Once selected, press the space bar to cycle through the list of available options or press enter for that selection. Figure 19.
Name fadeout time: This option sets the time when the computer label disappears after switching to a computer. To change this value, highlight Name fadeout time and press to clear the present value. Enter the new value (0-255) and press . A value of 0 (zero) inhibits the label from displaying. A value of 255 keeps the label displayed at all times. Name font: To change the name font, first select (highlight) the option and press the space bar to cycle through the list of available fonts.
Configure security Figure 20. Switch module security settings Configuration password: Assigning a “Configuration password” prevents unauthorized changes to the Vista Remote 2 switches’ configuration. To change the password, highlight the configuration password field and press to clear the existing password. Type in a new password (8 characters max / case sensitive) and press . An input box will then appear requesting confirmation of the password. Re-type the password and press .
If you forget your “Access password”, the person who knows the configure password can enter a new “Access password” for you. If you forget your “Configure password”, contact Rose Electronics Technical Support for instructions. Access time: Automatically log out (disconnects) of the Vista Remote 2 switch after a period of non-activity time. The access time is changeable from 1 to 999 minutes. Time starts when there is no keyboard or mouse activity.
Configure keyboard type The “Configure keyboard type” menu allows you to change the keyboard type. Figure 22. Configure Keyboard You should only have to change the keyboard type if you un-plug the keyboard or change the keyboard from the auto-detected type. To change the keyboard type, select (highlight) the port (Computer #) to change the keyboard type and press the space bar to cycle through the list of all the available keyboard types. Stop when the desired keyboard type is displayed.
Configure miscellaneous This menu allows you to change the maximum computer ports and scan time. Figure 23. Configure Misc Maximum ports: The “Maximum ports” configuration allows you to change the total number of computer ports that are in use. If your using an 8-port switch and only connecting 6 CPUs, changing the maximum ports from 8 to 6 will skip computer ports 7 and 8 during the scan function. To change the “Maximum Ports”, highlight the maximum ports and press to clear the field.
Save The “Save” function, saves all configuration changes that have been made to flash memory. Figure 24. Save Switch settings To save the configuration changes that have been made, select (highlight) save from the main menu and press . When you press , a message box will display. Press again to save your changes or press the escape key to return to the main menu. Exit Select Exit and press enter to return to normal operation.
OPERATION Remote System Operation Connecting using a web browser Connecting to the Vista Remote 2 from a network location or over the internet can be done two ways; using the Built-in Java VNC Viewer or Downloading Windows VNC Viewer from the unit and installing it on the remote computer. It is recommended that the Windows VNC viewer be downloaded from the unit and installed on the remote computer.
Viewer encryption settings The web browser viewers and VNC viewers offer four encryption settings: Always on - This setting will ensure that the link is encrypted, regardless of Vista Remote 2 encryption setting. Let server choose - This setting will follow the configuration of the Vista Remote 2. If the Vista Remote 2 has ‘Always on’ or ‘Prefer on’ set, then the link will be encrypted. If the ‘Prefer off’ setting is selected at the Vista Remote 2, then the link will not be encrypted.
Controls Tab When you click on the “Controls” tab, the below dropdown menu will display. Single Mouse Mode This mode is for fast network connections where the cursor response is sufficient to provide instant visual feedback on the remote screen. When enabled, the cursor is ‘captured’ within the viewer window until you use the ‘escape’ hot keys. To escape from the single mouse mode, press F8 and then P. The single mouse mode does not require calibration and available only when using the VNC viewer.
Video Settings This dialog provides access to all of the key video settings that determine image quality and link performance. Using automatic configurations • Every setting can be individually subjected to an automatic configuration (click the appropriate ‘Auto’ button) and most can also be manually adjusted. • Use the Calibrate All button to automatically determine the optimum settings for all items.
Host Tab The “Host” tab on the toolbar allows you to easily switch to any CPU port on the unit or system. Each of the Host locations can be set-up with the appropriate keyboard command to switch to that port. These keyboard commands are set-up from the “Configure, Host” tab. Using the Hosts tab method to switch between host computers assures that the screen calibration details for each host are reused.
commands to instruct the KVM Switch module to exercise an option must be configured to either the “Command, Keyboard Control” tab or the Hosts tab. The easiest way to switch to a CPU port is invoke the Computer select window. To do this connect using the VNC viewer, press and release the Ctrl key, then within 2 seconds, press the Esc key. The computer select window will display as shown below, listing the computers connected to the Vista Remote 2.
Keyboard Commands Keyboard commands can be used to further customize the KVM switch module. These commands can be invoked directly from a local or remote keyboard or from the “Command, Keyboard commands” tab on the VNC view toolbar.
Command Key Description Computer Select x +-ctrl+-x (x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) Connects your keyboard, video monitor, and mouse to the selected computer. Connect to next computer + (Plus) +-ctrl+-+ Selects the next sequential computer. Connect to previous computer - (Minus) +-ctrl+-- Selects the previous sequential computer. Computer disconnect. L +-ctrl+-l Disconnects from computer.
change the Scan Time to another interval press and release the left key, type “T” then enter the new scan time interval (1-16 seconds), and press . Reset To “Reset” the mouse and keyboard, press and release the left key, then type “R”. This command is used to reset the mouse and keyboard on the currently selected Vista Remote 2 port without removing power from the Vista Remote 2 switch. This is most useful to reset a PS/2 mouse that has been unplugged and plugged back in.
TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Remote network users are unable to contact the unit Check that the correct address is being used by the remote users. Check the network settings. Check that the user’ network address has not been excluded in the IP access control section. If Vista Remote-2 is situated behind a firewall, check that the relevant ports are being allowed through the firewall and are being correctly routed. Check the front panel indicators, the LNK indicator should be on.
Computer does not boot, keyboard or mouse error received. Cable is loose, reseat cable and on PC hit F1 to continue or reboot computer. Wrong cable or keyboard and mouse cables reversed. Cable is defective; try using cable from another computer. Port on the Vista Remote-2 is defective; try using another port on Vista Remote-2. If the problem goes away port is defective. Port on computer is defective, try plugging in keyboard or mouse directly if problem remains computer port is defective.
Video fuzzy Cable too long or wrong type. Verify that resolution and distance match. See Appendix G. Upgrade cable if necessary. Video not synchronized or wrong color Cable is loose, reseat cable. Monitor not capable of syncing to video selected, upgrade monitor. Cable is defective; try using cable from another computer if problem goes away cable is defective. Port on Vista Remote-2 is defective; try using another port on Vista Remote-2. If problem goes away port is defective.
SERVICE and SUPPORT Maintenance and Repair This Unit does not contain any internal user-serviceable parts. In the event a Unit needs repair or maintenance, you must first obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number from Rose Electronics or an authorized repair center. This Return Authorization number must appear on the outside of the shipping container. See Limited Warranty for more information.
SAFETY Safety This Unit has been tested for conformance to safety regulations and requirements, and has been certified for international use. Like all electronic equipment, the Unit should be used with care. To protect yourself from possible injury and to minimize the risk of damage to this Unit, read and follow these safety instructions. Caution! Risk of explosion can occur if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Safety and EMC Regulatory Statements Safety Information Documentation reference symbol. If the product is marked with this symbol, refer to the product documentation to get more information about the product. WARNING A WARNING in the manual denotes a hazard that can cause injury or death. CAUTION A CAUTION in the manual denotes a hazard that can damage equipment. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING or CAUTION notice until you have understood the hazardous conditions and have taken appropriate steps.
APPENDICES Appendix A – General specifications Dimensions 4 / 8 port Weight Width Depth Height 16.7” / 42.4cm 15.2” / 38.6cm 1.75” / 4.5cm 4-port units 8-port units 6.9 lbs / 3.1 kg 9.3 lbs / 4.
Appendix C – RackMount The rack mount kit includes the following items: Two black anodized mounting brackets Four 6 - 32 x 3/8” flat head mounting screws To rack mount Vista Remote 2 unit, attach the two rack mounting brackets to your Unit with the short flange against the Unit using the four screws provided. Secure the mounting brackets to the rack using the appropriate size bolts, nuts and lock washers.
Appendix D – IP Access Control Setting IP access control The golden rule with this feature is ‘Include before you exclude’ or to put it another way ‘Arrange allowed addresses in the list before the denied addresses’. This is because the positions of entries in the list are vitally important. Once a range of addresses is denied access, it is not possible to make exceptions for particular addresses within that range.
Address ranges Although you can define ranges of addresses, due to the way the mask operates, there are certain restrictions on the particular ranges that can be set. For any given address you can encompass neighboring addresses in blocks of either 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, etc. and these must fall on particular boundaries. For instance, if you wanted to define the local address range: 192.168.142.67 to 192.168.142.93 The closest single block to cover the range would be the 32 addresses from: 192.168.142.
Access Use the arrow buttons to select either ‘Allow’ or ‘Deny’ as appropriate. 1 Enter the base network address, the mask and select the appropriate access setting. 2 Click the OK button. To reorder access control entries IMPORTANT: When reordering, ensure that any specific allowed addresses are listed higher in the list than any denied addresses. Take care not to invoke any deny access settings that would exclude valid users. 1 In the access control list, click on the entry to be moved.
Color/Encoding Auto select When ticked, this option will examine the speed of your connection to the Vista Remote 2 unit and apply the most suitable encoding method. This option is suggested for the majority of installations. Preferred encoding There are three manually selectable encoding methods which are accessible when the Auto select option is un-ticked. • ZRLE – This is a highly compressed method that is best suited to slow modem connections.
Scaling No Scaling No attempt is made to make the screen image fit the viewer window. You may need to scroll horizontally and/or vertically to view all parts of the screen image. Scale to Window Size Adjusts the server screen image to suit the size of the viewer window. Custom Size Adjusts the server screen image according to the Width and Height settings in the adjacent fields. A drop box to the right of the fields allows you to define the image size by percentage or by pixels, as required.
Misc Shared connection (do not disconnect other viewers) This option does not apply to Vista Remote 2 unit. Full screen mode When ticked, the VNC viewer will launch in full screen mode. Use the menu key (usually F8) to exit from full screen mode. Full-screen mode matches server resolution This option does not apply to Vista Remote 2 unit. Full-screen mode uses all monitors This option does not apply to Vista Remote 2 unit Render cursor locally This option does not currently apply to Vista Remote 2 unit.
Identities This feature helps your VNC viewer to confirm that a revisited Vista Remote 2 unit is genuine and not another device masquerading as an Vista Remote 2. The list given will retain the identities of all visited units (that have full security enabled). When you first make a secure connection to the Vista Remote 2, the security information for that Vista Remote unit is cached within this Identities tab (i.e. the “identity” is known).
Load / Save Configuration File - Reload Allows you to load a configuration file saved from this, or another viewer. Configuration File - Save Allows you to save the current settings so that they can be copied from one viewer to another. Configuration File - Save As... Allows you to save the current settings under a new name so that they can be copied from one viewer to another. Defaults - Reload When clicked, all connection options are returned to the default settings that are currently saved.
Appendix E – VNC viewer window options Click the VNC icon in the top left corner of the viewer window (or press F8) to display the window options: Standard window control items Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, and Close control the VNC window as per any other application. Full screen Expands the VNC viewer window to fill the whole screen with no visible window edges or toolbar. Press F8 to redisplay this menu.
Appendix F – Browser viewer options When you are connecting to the Vista Remote 2 unit using a Web browser and the VNC applet, a number of options are available. Click the Options… button There are four options pages: Encoding and color level Auto select When ticked, this option will examine the speed of your connection to the Vista Remote 2 and apply the most suitable encoding method. This option is suggested for the majority of installations.
Inputs View only (ignore mouse & keyboard) When ticked, the viewer will not send keyboard or mouse information to the Vista Remote 2 unit or host system. Accept clipboard from server This feature is restricted to software server versions of VNC and has no effect on Vista Remote 2 unit installations. Send clipboard to server This feature is restricted to software server versions of VNC and has no effect on Vista Remote 2 unit installations.
Appendix G – Supported video modes The following video modes are supported and can be automatically configured by the Vista Remote 2. If a recognized video mode cannot be found, the Vista Remote 2 will gradually change some of the key parameters to discover whether a video lock can be achieved. Support for VESA GTF (Generalized Timing Formula) is available and can be enabled via the Advanced Unit Configuration screen. The half width video modes capture every other pixel.
Appendix H – Typematic Rate Typematic Command Press the left key, type “A”, enter the typematic value (1-3 digit) followed by . The typematic value is determined from the following tables using the equation: Typematic Value = Rate value + Delay Value. Pick the desired rate in keys/sec. and the delay in milliseconds from tables below. Add the Rate Value and the Delay Value. The sum of these values is the typematic value to enter. For example to use a Rate of 16.0 keys/sec.
Appendix I – Hot Key Codes These codes are used when defining hotkey switching sequences (macros) for host computers and allow you to include almost any of the special keys on the keyboard.
NOTES 64 Vista Remote 2 Installation and Operations Manual
10707 Stancliff Road Houston, Texas 77099 Phone: (281) 933-7673 WWW.ROSE.