MiniView™ Dual View USB KVMP Switch User Manual (GCS1742 / GCS1744) ® 1
Welcome Thank you for purchasing one of the industry’s most feature-rich dual display KVMs, with USB peripheral sharing and audio technology. You’ll save money and space by eliminating the need for multiple monitors, keyboards, mice, as well as 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 Hotkey Operation ○ ○ Specification ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Technical Support ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Package Contents This package contains: 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 x GCS1742 or GCS1744 USB KVM Switch x Custom 6’ Audio/Video Cables (4 for GCS1744) x Custom 6’ USB/Video Cables (4 for GCS1744) x Firmware Upgrade Cable x User Manual x Quick Start Guide x Warranty/Registration Card NOTE: The Power Adapter for the GCS1742/GCS1744 is optional, as the unit obtains its power from the USB port on your computers. If you would like to purchase the power adapter for the unit, please visit www.iogear.com.
Overview The GCS1742/GCS1744 USB KVM Switch brings dual head video functionality to IOGEAR’s USB KVM switch technology. Now, two (GCS1742) or four (GCS1744) dual head computers can be accessed and controlled from a single console that consists of a USB keyboard, USB mouse, and two VGA, SVGA, or Multisync monitors. In addition, the GCS1742/1744 incorporates a two port USB hub that allows each of the computers to share any USB peripherals connected to the hub on a one-computer-at a time basis.
Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Provides a second video channel to support computers with dual displays Two USB ports for USB peripheral sharing (such as printers, scanners, etc.) Audio jacks for audio sharing between computers Independent (asynchronous) switching of the KVM, USB, and audio focus Fully compliant with the USB 1.
System Requirements Console Two VGA monitors USB style mouse USB style keyboard Computer Two available VGA ports Type A USB port Audio Only two-piece, powered speakers system supported 8
Introduction Front View 1, 2 1. Port selection buttons • Press a switch to access the computer attached to its corresponding port. • Press buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously for 2 seconds to start Auto Scan Mode. 3 2. Port LEDs The Port LEDs are built into the Port Selection Switches. The upper ones are the KVM Port LEDs; the lower ones are the USB LEDs.
Introduction KVM: • Lights DIM ORANGE to indicate that the computer attached to the corresponding port is up and running (On Line). • Changes to 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. USB Port Connect one USB peripheral (printer, scanner, etc.) here to share with your computer in your KVM setup.
Introduction Back View 1 2 3 4 5 3 1. Power Jack If you choose to use external power, the power adapter cable plugs into this jack. 4 3. Console Port Section The cables from your console components (keyboard, mouse, monitors, speakers and microphone), plug in here. Each port is marked with an icon to indicate itself. Note: Use of a power adapter (DC 5V) is optional, and requires a separate purchase. Refer to IOGEAR Part#: 0AD8-0005-261 2.
Introduction • The upper connector carries the audio data (microphone and speakers) and the video data for monitor B; • The lower connector carries the USB data (keyboard, mouse, and peripherals) and the video data for monitor A. *Only cables specifically designed to work with this switch can be used. DO NOT attempt to use ordinary 15-pin VGA connector cables to link these ports to the computers. 5. USB Port Connect one USB peripheral (printer, scanner, etc.
Installation Before you Begin 1. Make sure that power to all the devices you will be connecting up have 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. 2. Make sure that all devices on the installation are properly grounded.
Installation Cable Connection 1. Plug your Console devices (USB keyboard, USB mouse, VGA monitors, microphone and speakers), into the switch’s Console Ports. Note: Only supports two-piece, powered speakers. 2. Use the Port A KVM cable (the one with the USB connector) to connect any available CPU A port to the first VGA port and the USB port of the computer you are installing. 3.
Installation (Connection for USB Computers) 15
Operation Hot Plugging The GCS1742/GCS1744 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. Powering Off and Restarting If it becomes necessary to Power Off the KVM unit, before starting it back up you must do the following: 1. Shut down all the computers that are attached to the switch. 2. Unplug power adapter cable from the switch 3.
Operation Port ID Numbering Each CPU port on the GCS1742/GCS1744 switch is assigned a port number (1 or 2 for GCS1742; 1 to 4 for GCS1744). The port numbers are marked on the rear panel of the switch. The Port ID of a computer is derived from the CPU port number it is connected to. For example, a computer connected to CPU port 2 has a Port ID of 2. The Port ID is used to specify which computer gets the KVM USB peripheral, and audio focus with the Hotkey port selection method.
Operation Manual Switching 1. Press and release a port selection switch to bring the KVM focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port. The USB and Audio focus does not change; they stay on the port that they’re already on. 2. Press and hold a port selection switch for more than 2 seconds to bring the KVM, USB, and Audio focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port 3. Press and hold port selection switches 1 and 2 for more than two seconds to start Auto Scan Mode.
Hotkey Operation Hotkey Operation The GCS1742/GCS1744 provides an extensive, easy-to-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 PC-compatible keyboard with the Scroll Lock key.
Hotkey Operation Port Switching All port switching functions begin by quickly tapping the Scroll Lock key twice: [Scroll Lock], [Scroll Lock], followed by any of the keys indicated on the table below. If using the Scroll Lock key is not feasible, you can configure the KVM to use the Control key instead. Refer to Page 26 for more details and MAC keyboard instructions.
Hotkey Operation Auto Scanning Hotkey Action OSD Operation [Scroll Lock] [ Scroll Lock] [A] [Enter] Starts Auto Scan. The KVM focus cycles from port to port at 5 second intervals. [Scroll Lock] [ Scroll Lock] [A] [n] [Enter] Starts Auto Scan. The KVM focus cycles from port to port at n second intervals. The value for n can be 1 to 99. 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.
Hotkey Operation Hotkey Setting Mode Invoking Hotkey Mode For all Hotkey operations, you must use the number keypad on the right side of your keyboard. To Invoke Hotkey Mode (PC-Compatible keyboard): 1. Press and hold Num Lock key for two seconds 2. Press and hold Minus key [ - ] for one second 3. Release Minus key [ - ] and within one second also release Num Lock key The KVM will now enter Hotkey mode; indicated by blinking of the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock LEDs on the top right-hand corner.
Hotkey Operation To invoke Hotkey Mode (Mac keyboards): 1. Press and hold Clear key for two seconds 2. Press and hold Minus key [ - ] for one second 3. Release Minus key [ - ] and within one second also release Clear key Clear The KVM will now enter Hotkey mode; indicated by blinking of the Caps Lock LED. On some MAC keyboards, this LED is located on the center of the Caps Lock key.
Hotkey Operation Note: • If using the Num Lock and Minus key to invoke Hotkey function is not optimal for your setup, refer to the next page to change the hotkey invocation keys. When Hotkey Mode is active, the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock LEDs flash in succession to indicate that HSM is in effect. They stop flashing and revert to normal status when you exit HSM. Ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended – only Hotkey compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can be input.
Hotkey Operation Alternate 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. To switch to an alternate Hotkey Mode invocation, do the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode (see page 22 for PC keyboard and page 23 for Mac keyboard) 2. Press and release H 3. This will change the Hotkey Mode invocation key to Ctrl and F12 (instead of Num Lock and Minus).
Hotkey Operation Alternate Port Switching Keys The port switching activation keys can be changed from tapping Scroll Lock key twice ([Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock]) to tapping Ctrl key twice ([Ctrl] [Ctrl]). If you have a Mac keyboard (or your keyboard does not have Scroll Lock), you can change the port switching activation keys by doing the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode (see page 22 for PC keyboard and page 23 for Mac keyboard) 2.
Hotkey Operation Keyboard Operating Platform The GCS1742/GCS1744 default port configuration is for a PC Compatible keyboard operating platform. If you have a Mac attached to a port, you can change a port’s keyboard operating platform configuration as follows: 1. Bring the KVM focus to the desired port 2. Invoke Hotkey mode (see page 22-23) 3. Press and release the appropriate Function key (see table).
Hotkey Operation List Hotkey Settings To 1. 2. 3. see a list of the current hotkey settings, do the following: Invoke Hotkey Mode (see page 22-23) Open a text editor (such as Notepad or Word) Press F4 on your keyboard to ‘paste’ this information USB Reset If the USB loses focus and needs to be reset, do the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode (see page 22-23) 2.
Hotkey Operation Firmware Upgrade Mode To set the GCS1742/GCS1744 in firmware upgrade mode: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode 2. Key in: upgrade 3. Press [Enter] Note: The front panel LEDs will flash to indicate that the KVM is in firmware upgrade mode. To exit firmware upgrade mode, you must power off the switch. Restore Default Settings To reset the GCS1742/GCS1744 to its factory default settings, do the following: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode 2.
Operation Sun Keyboard Emulation 30
Operation Sun Keyboard Emulation 31
Operation MAC Keyboard Emulation 32
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™ Extreme 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.
Fireware Upgrade 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. To perform a firmware upgrade recovery, do the following: 1.
Appendix Troubleshooting 41
Specification 42
Specification 43
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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