AMX™ Series Installer/User Guide
INSTRUCTIONS This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. DANGEROUS VOLTAGE This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. POWER ON This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
AMX™ Series Installer/User Guide Avocent, the Avocent logo, AMX, AMWorks, OSCAR and The Power of Being There are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2003 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.
USA Notification Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Note: 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 when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Product Overview Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Chapter 2: Installation Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Installing an AMX System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Installing a Tiered AMX System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Product Overview Contents Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3 Chapter 1: Product Overview Features and Benefits The Avocent AMX™ Series of products allows multiple users within the switching system to access and operate PC, USB or Sun servers and serial devices at the same time. A basic AMX system configuration connects users and servers to one or more AMX switches. Any user in the system can access any attached server or serial device by simply switching to it through an AMX switch.
4 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Sharing If two or more users need access to the same server or serial device, they can share access through the AMX Series units. Sharing enables multiple users to switch to the same server at the same time. All connected users can see the server’s video, but only one user can enter data at any given moment. Expansion capability The expansion capability of your AMX switch depends on the AMX product installed in your system.
Chapter 1: Product Overview • Avocent matrix intelligent module(s) (AMIQ or AMIQ-SRL) • UTP cables 5 The quantity and type of components you receive depends on the specific configuration you order. The AMX switch The AMX switch provides the framework for the AMX system. The AMX5000 allows eight users to connect to up to 32 computers and occupies only 1U of rack space. The AMX5010 allows 16 users to connect to up to 64 computers and occupies 2U of rack space.
6 AMX Series Installer/User Guide AMX5010 Switch UTP Cables 64 Servers AMIQ Module AMX5110 User Station 16 Users Figure 1.2: Typical AMX Configuration The AMX intelligent module The AMIQ provides the primary interface between an attached device (KVM switch or PS/2, Sun or USB server) and the AMX system. It provides all Keep Alive, keyboard emulation, DDC (Digital Data Channel) and AMX support in a server-powered convenient module format.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 7 identifies the attached server within the system. The connection between the AMX system and these modules is through industry standard UTP cabling. UTP cables The AMX system uses video technologies that compensate for the losses that occur in all UTP cables. These technologies make the AMX compatible with most UTP cable types and support AMX use in environments where there are combinations of UTP cable types and patch panels.
8 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Rack mount safety considerations • Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operation temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Use care not to exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature of the unit. • Reduced Air Flow: Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of airflow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
2 Installation Contents Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Installing an AMX System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Installing a Tiered AMX System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Configuring the AMX Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Configuring an AMX Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 FLASH Upgrading the AMX System . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2: Installation 11 Chapter 2: Installation The AMX system uses standard UTP cables to transmit keyboard, video and mouse information between users and attached servers. Getting Started Before installing your AMX system, refer to the following lists to ensure that you have all the items that shipped with the AMX system as well as other items necessary for proper installation.
12 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Optionally you may need: • AMWorks software available on the included CD and through download from Avocent Installing an AMX System Figure 2.1 illustrates one possible configuration for your AMX switch. Follow the detailed set of procedures following Figure 2.1 to install the AMX system. AMX5000 AMIQ-SRL Module AMIQ Module AMX5110/ AMX5120 Local PC Figure 2.
Chapter 2: Installation 13 Installing the AMX switch The AMX switch is the central hub of your AMX system. All users and computers are connected through it. Figure 2.2: AMX5000 Switch 33 62 34 63 35 64 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 61 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Figure 2.
14 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Figure 2.4: AMX5000 Rack Mounting Diagram Figure 2.5: AMX5010 Rack Mounting Diagram To install the rack mounting bracket: 1. Remove the two side screws closest to the front from each side of your AMX switch. 2. Line up the holes in the brackets with the holes on the sides of the AMX switch. 3. Using the screws supplied with the rack mounting bracket, thread one through each of the holes in the sides of the rack mount brackets and into the AMX switch.
Chapter 2: Installation 15 To install a new single AMX switch: 1. Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the AMX switch and then into an appropriate power source. 2. Connect a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software (such as HyperTerminal®) to the terminal port of the AMX using the supplied null modem cable. The terminal should be set to 9600 baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and no flow control. 3.
16 AMX Series Installer/User Guide To make a LAN connection: Using a UTP cable, connect the Network port on the back of the AMX to your LAN. NOTE: Both AMWorks and the AMX must be on the same subnet in class A, B or C to function properly. Connecting devices to the AMX Once the AMX switch is installed, you can begin attaching servers or serial devices to it. All are connected to the AMX through the use of AMIQ modules.
Chapter 2: Installation 17 3. Connect one end of a UTP cable into the RJ-45 port on your AMIQ module. Route the cable to your AMX switch and connect the other end to one of the available RJ-45 server ports. When the attached computer is powered and a valid UTP connection is made to an AMX switch, the green light on the AMIQ will illuminate. 4. Check the unique identifier (UID) on the back of the AMIQ. Log the UID and the target to which it is attached and keep this information for future reference.
18 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Connecting users to the AMX Once all servers are connected, you can begin to connect users. Users are connected to the AMX system through the AMX user station. AC Power Connection to AMX Switch KVM Access Figure 2.8: AMX5100 User Station Rear Panel AC Power Connections to AMX Switch / Local Server KVM Access Serial Port Figure 2.9: AMX5110/AMX5120 User Station Rear Panel To connect users to the AMX system: 1.
Chapter 2: Installation 4. 19 Locate the power cord that shipped with the user station. Plug it into the power socket on the rear of the unit. Plug the other end into an appropriate AC wall outlet. The two LEDs above the UTP port connectors on the AMX5110 and AMX5120 show the activity status of each port. When a valid connection is made, the green LED illuminates. The yellow LED will blink to indicate data transfer.
20 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Installing a Tiered AMX System Multiple KVM switches can be connected to provide access to additional servers. Figure 2.10 illustrates one possible configuration for your AMX. Follow the detailed set of procedures following Figure 2.10 to successfully install your tiered AMX system. Local Users AMX5010 AMX5110 AMX5000 AMX5000 AMX5000 Servers Servers Servers AMX5000 AMX5000 Servers Servers AMX5000 Servers Figure 2.
Chapter 2: Installation 21 NOTE: If required, additional user stations can be placed on other layers of the AMX system. User rights and user information do not propagate among tiers and can be changed only with AMWorks. The number of users that can access different servers on a tier is limited to the number of links connected to the switch. To tier other Avocent KVM switches from the AMX switch: 1. Place the switches at the desired location as described in the previous section.
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3 Basic Operations Contents Power Up and LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 User Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 OSCAR Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Selecting Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Keyboard Translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 25 Chapter 3: Basic Operations Power Up and LEDs AMX5000 or AMX5010 There are three groups of LEDs on the front panel of your AMX5000 or AMX5010 switch. Each green LED in the left group corresponds to a server port. Each LED illuminates when the system or tiered AMX switch is attached and powered up. Figure 3.1: AMX5000 Unit The green and amber LEDs in the center group indicate the status of your LAN connection.
26 AMX Series Installer/User Guide The rear panel of the AMX5110 and AMX5120 provides two LEDs, one green and one yellow, mounted on each UTP port connector. The green LEDs indicate the connection status of each port. The yellow LEDs indicate the activity status of each port. The rear panel UTP port LEDs are described in the following table.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 27 If you have not logged in successfully, the OSD displays Matrix System and the names of locally connected computers in the server list. Double-clicking Matrix System switches you to the login dialog box. Since the Matrix System label represents the Matrix System server, it cannot be used to name a local or remote computer, nor can rights be assigned to it. To access OSCAR: Launch OSCAR by pressing the left or right Ctrl twice.
28 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Dual port behavior After the AMX system is powered up, the connections made to the user station (AMX5110 and AMX5120) display the following OSCAR menus : • Local connection only: The OSCAR main menu displays the local PC names and/or UIDs. • Remote connection: The login menu is displayed. After login, the OSCAR main menu displays the server names on the AMX system. • One local connection and one remote connection: The login menu is displayed.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 29 a server channel at the same time, but only one can enter data through the keyboard or mouse at any given moment. When the active console stops all keyboard and mouse activity, another console can take control of the server. Private When you select your server after clicking the Private radio button, no other user station in the system can switch to your selected server. If another user initiates a channel change to your private channel, access will be denied.
30 AMX Series Installer/User Guide You may choose to select an alternative OSD hotkey sequence by selecting one of the options listed in the pull-down menu. You can use the default, Ctrl+Ctrl (L-R), as the OSD hotkey sequence and then access OSCAR by pressing either the left or right Ctrl key twice.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 31 Selecting Servers Use the Target tab in the OSCAR dialog box to connect to servers. When you connect to a server, the AMX reconfigures the keyboard and mouse to the appropriate settings for the selected server. To select a server: 1. Press Ctrl+Ctrl to launch OSCAR. 2. Click the Target tab and select the appropriate access mode: Shared, Private or Maintain. 3. Double-click the server name. -orClick the server name and then click the Connect button.
32 AMX Series Installer/User Guide To set the scan dwell time: 1. Press Ctrl+Ctrl to launch OSCAR. 2. Click the User tab. OSCAR Target User Username: Password Current Console 0123456789abcde New Confirm Apply Local Scan Dwell Time [3..99] Log out 5 Apply Cancel Figure 3.5: User Tab 3. In the box provided, enter the local scan dwell time in seconds. 4. Click Apply. Keyboard Translation The AMX user station allows you to use PS/2 or Sun keyboards to operate any type of attached computer.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 33 PS/2 Keyboard to Sun Computer Key Sun Key Sun F1 Stop F9 Find F2 Again F10 Cut F3 Props F11 Power F4 Undo F12 Command F5 Front keypad * Compose F6 Copy NUMLOCK Help F7 Open keyboard / Mute F8 Paste keyboard - Vol - keyboard + Vol + Sun keyboards have a Power key used to power the workstation. PS/2 keyboards may have a Sleep key to place the computer in a stand-by or power saving mode.
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4 Advanced Operations Contents User Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Server Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Console Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4: Advanced Operations 37 Chapter 4: Advanced Operations User Maintenance The AMX system can be configured to support up to 128 users. Each user is identified by a unique name and password and can be assigned full, view only or no rights to servers attached to the AMX. These actions, as well as deleting and editing users once they are configured, are performed through the Admin menu and require that the user be logged in under the Admin user.
38 AMX Series Installer/User Guide OSCAR Target User Console Figure 4.2: Editing a User 4. Click the username that you wish to edit, then click the Edit User button. Change the user’s name or password as needed. 5. When all changes are complete, click OK. To delete a user: 1. Press Ctrl+Ctrl to launch OSCAR. 2. Click the Admin tab. 3. Click the Users Admin button. 4. Click the user you wish to delete, then click the Delete User button. 5.
Chapter 4: Advanced Operations 39 NOTE: The default setting for a user’s access rights is none. 6. After configuring all servers, click the OK button. To enforce user login: As a security measure, the AMX can be configured to automatically force users to log in. 1. Press Ctrl+Ctrl to launch OSCAR. 2. Select the Admin tab and click the Users Admin button. 3. Select the Admin user from the list. 4. Select the Edit User button and enter your password. Click the Force User Login box and click OK.
40 AMX Series Installer/User Guide NOTE: It is only possible to edit servers that are attached to the AMX system and powered. 5. Enter the new name for the server. 6. If the selected AMIQ is attached to a USB computer, select the appropriate keyboard layout. This keyboard layout is stored in the AMIQ and will be reported to the attached Sun server each time the server reboots. 7. Click the Apply button.
Chapter 4: Advanced Operations 41 OSCAR Target User Console Keyboard Layout United Kingdom OSD Hotkey ALL Cmd Line Hotkey Numlock + / Quick switch hotkey Screen Saver Logout Inactivity Time 00 : 00 Apply (HH:MM) Cancel Ports Switch1 -Port 21 1 2 Figure 4.4: The Console Tab 3. The current keyboard layout will be displayed. Click the double arrow to the right of the keyboard layout listing to scroll through available options. 4. Select your new layout and click Apply.
42 AMX Series Installer/User Guide 4. Select your new sequence and click Apply. The selected sequence changes from blue to black text. To change the Command Line hotkey sequence: 1. Press Ctrl+Ctrl to launch OSCAR. 2. Click the Console tab. 3. The current Command Line hotkey sequence will be displayed. Click the double arrow to the right of the Command Line hotkey sequence to scroll through available options. 4. Select your new sequence and click Apply.
Chapter 4: Advanced Operations 43 Quick switch hotkey The quick switch hotkey enables you to connect to the next server on the list by selecting a quick switch hotkey sequence. To use the quick switch hotkey: 1. Press Ctrl+Ctrl to launch OSCAR. 2. Click the Console tab. 3. Click the Quick switch hotkey checkbox to activate. 4. Press the Esc key to exit OSCAR. 5. Press Ctrl+Up Arrow to move one server up on the list. -orPress Ctrl+Down Arrow to move one server down on the list.
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5 Terminal Operations Contents Accessing the Terminal Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5: Terminal Operations 47 Chapter 5: Terminal Operations Accessing the Terminal Menu Each AMX5000 or AMX5010 can be configured at the unit level through the TERMINAL port. All terminal commands are accessed through a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software. To access the Terminal Applications menu: 1.
48 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Set the IDs of all AMX configurations that will be connected to the same subnet as shown in the following table. Continue this numbering system for all other AMX configurations connected to the same subnet. AMX Configuration ID System Configuration ID system 1 000001 system 2 000002 system 3 000003 Set/Change Password You can set the AMX to a secure mode so that the Terminal Applications menu cannot be accessed without first entering a password.
Appendices Contents Appendix A: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Appendix B: Using AMIQ-SRL Modules . . . . . . . . . 56 Appendix C: Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendices 51 Appendices Appendix A: Technical Specifications AMX5000 Product Specifications Server Ports Number 32 Connectors RJ-45 AMX interconnect User Ports Number 8 Connectors RJ-45 AMX interconnect Network Connection Number 1 Type Ethernet, 10BaseT, 100BaseT Connector RJ-45 Terminal Port Number 1 Type RS-232 serial Connector DB9 male Dimensions Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.45 x 43.2 x 28.1 cm 1 U form factor (1.75 x 17 x 11 in) Weight 3.
52 AMX Series Installer/User Guide AMX5010 Product Specifications Server Ports Number 64 Connectors RJ-45 AMX interconnect User Ports Number 16 Connectors RJ-45 AMX interconnect Network Connection Number 1 Type Ethernet, 10BaseT, 100BaseT Connector RJ-45 Terminal Port Number 1 Type RS-232 serial Connector DB9 male Dimensions Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.45 x 43.2 x 28.1 cm 2 U form factor (1.75 x 17 x 11 in) Weight 7.
Appendices 53 AMX User Station (AMX5100, AMX5110, AMX5120) Product Specifications Server Ports Number 1: AMX5100; 2: AMX5110 and AMX5120 Connectors RJ-45 AMX interconnect User Ports Number 3 Type PS/2, Sun and VGA video Connectors 6-pin miniDIN, PS/2 keyboard and mouse; 8-pin miniDIN, Sun keyboard and mouse; 15HDD female Dimensions Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.45 x 27.9 x 29.2 cm 1U form factor (1.75 x 10.98 x 11.5 in) Weight 2 kg (4.
54 AMX Series Installer/User Guide AMIQ Module Product Specifications Server Ports Number AMIQ-PS/2: 4; AMIQ-VSN: 2; AMIQ-WSN: 2 AMIQ-USB: 2 Type AMIQ-PS/2, AMIQ-VSN, AMIQ-WSN, AMIQ-USB Connectors AMIQ-PS/2: 6-pin miniDIN, PS/2 keyboard and mouse; 15HDD male, VGA video; RJ-45 AMX interconnect AMIQ-VSN: 8-pin miniDIN, Sun keyboard and mouse; 15HDD male, VGA video AMIQ-WSN: 8-pin miniDIN, Sun keyboard and mouse; 13W3 male, VGA video AMIQ-USB: USB keyboard and mouse (supports Intel, Sun, Macintosh), 15H
Appendices 55 AMIQ-SRL Module Product Specifications Server Ports Number 1 Type DCE Connectors 9-pin D-sub female User Ports Number 1 Connectors RJ-45 AMX interconnect Serial Ports Type DCE Emulation VT100 Baud Rate 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600, 2400, 1200, 300 bits per second Parity Even, Odd, None Flow Control None, CTS/RTS or XOn/XOff Dimensions Dimensions (H x W x D) 2.0 x 4 x 21.5 (with serial connector) cm (.83 x 2.43 x 4.02 in) Weight .13 kg (.
56 AMX Series Installer/User Guide Appendix B: Using AMIQ-SRL Modules The AMIQ-SRL module is a serial-to-VGA converter which permits VT100capable devices to be viewed from the AMX local port. The actual serial data is not accessed, but is merely displayed. All serial data coming from the target device is displayed in a VT100 window, placed into a video buffer and sent to the AMX unit as though it came from a VGA server.
Appendices 57 mode, AMX and CD lines are turned off for one-half second and then turned on each time a module is selected or deselected. The default value is Always on. • Enter Sends: This option enables you to specify the keys that are transmitted when Enter is pressed. Available options are (Enter) or (Enter - Linefeed). • Received: This option enables you to specify how the module translates a received Enter character. Available options are (Enter) or (Enter - Linefeed).
58 AMX Series Installer/User Guide • Clear History Key Sequence: This option allows you to define the key combination that clears the history buffer while in History mode. The default key sequence is Ctrl-F11. • Break Key Sequence: This option allows you to configure the key combination that generates a break condition. The default key sequence is Alt-B. To configure an AMIQ-SRL: 1. Press Ctrl-F8. The Configuration Screen will appear. 2. Select a parameter to change.
Appendices 59 Using History mode History mode allows you to examine the contents of the history buffer, which contains the events that have occurred. The AMIQ-SRL maintains a buffer containing 24 x 18 lines of output. When the history buffer is full, it will add new lines at the bottom of the buffer and delete the oldest lines at the top of the buffer. NOTE: The Config Key Sequence, On-Line Key Sequence and Clear History Key Sequence used in the following procedure are the default values.
60 AMX Series Installer/User Guide AMIQ-SRL pinouts The AMIQ-SRL pinouts are provided in the following table.
Appendices 61 Appendix C: Technical Support Our Technical Support staff is ready to assist you with any installation or operating issues you encounter with your Avocent product. If an issue should develop, follow the steps below for the fastest possible service: 1. Check the pertinent section of this manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following the procedures outlined. 2. Check our web site at www.avocent.com/support to search the knowledge base or use the on-line service request. 3.
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Appendices 63
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LIMITED WARRANTY Avocent Corporation warrants to the original retail purchaser that this product is and will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase. Additionally, all Avocent products carry an unconditional thirty-day satisfaction guarantee. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with the performance of this product, you may return it to the point of purchase for a refund of the purchase price (excluding shipping charges).
For Technical Support: Email: support@avocent.com www.avocent.com Avocent Corporation 4991 Corporate Drive Huntsville, Alabama 35805-6201 USA Tel: +1 256 430 4000 Fax: +1 256 430 4031 Avocent International Ltd.
