Installation and Operation Guide MX48 MX416 MX432 Copyright ©2008 Raritan Computer, Inc. MX4-0E-E June 2008 255-23-0000 Raritan Computer Inc. Raritan Computer Europe, B.V. Raritan Computer Japan, Inc. Raritan Computer Taiwan, Inc. 400 Cottontail Lane Eglantierbaan 16 Kuga Building 7F 5F, 121, Lane 235, Somerset, NJ 08873 2908 LV Capelle aan den IJssel 11-6, Kuramae 4-chome Pao-Chiao Rd., Hsin Tien USA The Netherlands Taitoo-ku, Tokyo 111-0051, Japan Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, ROC Tel.
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FCC Information 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 in a commercial installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 1 MasterConsole MX4 Overview ............................................................................................................... 1 Product Features .................................................................................................................................... 1 Quick Installation and Test .......................
Connecting PC to MX4 .......................................................................................................................... 31 MCUpdate Operations.......................................................................................................................... 32 Running MCUpdate ..............................................................................................................................................................32 Loading Firmware File ....................
Table of Figures Figure 1 OSUI Menu Structure ..................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2 Log-In Menu.................................................................................................................................... 4 Figure 3 Selection Menu ............................................................................................................................... 5 Figure 4 Selection Menu By Name .....
Figure 49 MX4 Basic Configuration ............................................................................................................ 53 Figure 50 MX4 4X64 Configuration............................................................................................................. 54 Figure 51 MX4 4X256 Matrix Configuration................................................................................................
CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED 1 Chapter 1: Getting Started MasterConsole MX4 Overview Congratulations on your purchase of Raritan Computer’s MasterConsole MX4! MX4 is a matrix KVM switch that enables up to four simultaneous users to select and operate connected computers. Each user will have exclusive control of any selected computer. The MX4 can be configured to allow sharing of videos among users. Each user is provided with an on-screen user interface (OSUI) menu to facilitate operation.
2 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Quick Installation and Test Chapter 4 specifies a detailed installation procedure. For a quick installation and test of MX4, perform the following: 1. Plug the power cord into the MX4, and turn the power switch to ON. 2. Observe the LCD display on the front panel as the MX4 goes through a power-on self-test. When the LCD displays a circulating “Raritan MX48: Base MX48” message, the unit is ready. 3. Locate user console cable—CCPnnF.
CHAPTER 2: OPERATING MASTERCONSOLE MX4 3 Chapter 2: Operating MasterConsole MX4 This section describes how a user operates MX4 functions to access computers. Logging In You must first login to access the computers connected to the MX4. When the system is first turned on, the Log-in Menu is displayed on the monitor of each user console. (Figure 2).
4 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Selecting a Computer 1. 2. • • • • Activate the on-screen user interface by pressing the twice rapidly. The Selection Menu will be displayed (See Figure 3 & Figure 4.) The Selection Menu lists channels sorted either by channel ID (Ch. ID) number or alphabetically by computer name. Default sorting is by channel ID number. Press to toggle between sorting by channel ID number and by computer name.
CHAPTER 2: OPERATING MASTERCONSOLE MX4 5 • • 4. Cyan—connected to a second-tier MX4. The highlight bar skips this channel. White—current status unknown − If the security class of a channel is shown in red, the channel cannot be selected due to security restrictions. − A small red triangle points to the name of the computer—if any—to which you are currently connected. To select a computer: • 5.
6 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Customizing User Profile The User Profile screen is for displaying your MX4 configuration and for setting / changing your preferred operating parameters (Figure 8). 1. Activate OSUI by pressing the hot-key key twice rapidly. 2. Press to access the User Profile screen. • • • • • The Connected field displays the name and the channel ID number of the currently selected computer. The User field displays the User Name entered at login.
CHAPTER 2: OPERATING MASTERCONSOLE MX4 4. 5. 7 viewed by any other user. If the administrator permits video sharing, the option is used for setting user preferences. Use the <Ç> and <È> keys to select the preferred mode: “Do Nothing”, “Follow User”, “Connect PC”, or “Notify”. (See Appendix A: Security Access and PublicView on page 26 for detailed explanations.) Changing Password: To add, delete, or change your password, press
.
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CHAPTER 3: ADMINISTRATOR FUNCTIONS 9 Chapter 3: Administrator Functions This section describes the functions that enable the administrator to configure the MX4 system so the user can access the computers connected to the MX4. The functions are performed from a set of administration menus. Administration Menu The Administration Menu is used for setting security classes, maintaining user names and privileges, and managing the system configuration.
10 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE System Configuration The System Configuration menu is used for setting the global parameters that control operation of the system for all users (Figure 11). 1. The System Configuration screen displays the current settings of the parameters. 2. To select the field you want to edit, press the (forward) and (backward) keys to move to a desired field. Press to edit the field. The highlighted area will turn green.
CHAPTER 3: ADMINISTRATOR FUNCTIONS • • • 11 password unless the user or the administrator sets one. KB Language Type: KB Language Type: The OSUI supports English, French, or German keyboard mapping. Use the <Ç> and <È> keys to select your keyboard type. Login Blank: The Login Blank feature blanks the Login User name on the screen after the user console is idle for the specified amount of time in minutes. This acts as a screen saver to protect the monitor.
12 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE User Configuration The User Configuration Menu enables the administrator to add, delete, and edit user names and security rights (Figure 14). It also displays current connection status for each user. Figure 14 User Configuration Menu 1. 2. Use the <Ç>, <È>, <Å>, <Æ>, , , , , , and keys to move within the menu. Press to edit the field. The highlighted area will turn green.
CHAPTER 3: ADMINISTRATOR FUNCTIONS 13 Channel Configuration The Channel Configuration Menu enables the administrator to edit the computer names, security classes, and individual scan rates associated with each channel (Figure 15). Any device—such as a computer or any MasterConsole unit—can be connected to MX4 channels. To create a two-tier installation, MasterConsole units are cascaded from one or more of the MX4 channels. (See Two-Tier Installation on page 19.
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CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING MX4 15 Chapter 4: Installing MX4 Installation Configurations MasterConsole MX4 can be installed to control 8, 16, or 32 computers in a one-tier installation with 4 simultaneous users. To expand computer capacity, the MX4 can be cascaded with other MasterConsole units to create a two-tier installation that controls up to 256 computers. Figure 16 One-Tier Configuration One-Tier Installation In a one-tier installation, only computers are connected to a single MX4 unit (Figure 16).
16 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Figure 18 MX4 Back Panel 4. Connecting a computer to the MX4 • 5. Using a Universal Cable Kit (CCPnnU), plug the 25-pin connector into one of the numbered channels on the MX4 back panel. • Plug the cable's other connectors into the computer's keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports. Use supplied adapters for AT-style computers if needed (Figure 17 and Figure 19). • Power on the connected computer.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING MX4 17 Two-Tier Installation In a two-tier installation, it is assumed that the base or first-tier unit is a MasterConsole MX4. Any device such as a computer or MasterConsole unit— second- tier unit—can be connected to any MX4 channel. Only computers may be connected to the channels of a second-tier MasterConsole (Figure 20 and Figure 21). Install Base Unit—First-Tier—MasterConsole MX4 1.
18 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Connecting a MasterConsole II C, X or S Unit for Second-Tier Operation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. To program the MasterConsole II unit as a second tier, while powering on, presses the Channel #2 button on the front panel and hold for 3 seconds. This sets the local user port of the MasterConsole II unit to second-tier status. For X models, you may use the user port out for the second-tier connection instead—by pressing and holding the Channel #3 button.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING MX4 19 Connecting a MasterConsole P Model for Second-Tier Operation 1. 2. 3. Using a CCPnnU cable, plug the keyboard, monitor, and mouse connectors of the cable into the keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports of the second-tier MasterConsole P unit. Plug the DB25 connector (male) on the other end of the CCPnnU cable into the channel reserved on the base MX4 back panel.
20 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE 9. Press and confirm that the new MasterConsole device is displayed in purple on the proper channel in the Selection Menu (Figure 3). 10. Select the new MasterConsole device, and press . Figure 22 Device Configuration Menu 1 11. The Selection Menu of the new second-tier device will be displayed.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING MX4 21 19. Enter Y to save menu or N to re-edit.
APPENDIX A: SECURITY ACCESS AND PUBLICVIEW 23 Appendix A: Security Access and PublicView Security Access Mode The MX4 provides administrators with four modes of security access in addition to the login security. Depending on your business and security needs, choose the option best suited to manage your system. Users with admin privileges are always able to access any computers regardless of the mode. 1. 2. Free Access: All users have free access to all channels.
APPENDIX B: MX4 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 25 Appendix B: MX4 Front Panel Controls The front panel of the MX4 consists of an LCD and 7 buttons (Figure 25 and Figure 26). The front panel controls provide special systems management and technical support functions. Normally there is no need to use the front panel beyond viewing status. Typically, the front panel is used for the following tasks: Figure 25 MX4 Front Panel 1. 2. 3.
26 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Normal Display After the start-up test, the LCD panel displays 2 circulating messages: • • Top line: “RARITAN : ” Where, Model=”MX48”, “MX416”, or “MX432”, and Unit Name is the device name of the unit. The default unit names are “Base MX48”, “Base MX416”, or “Base MX432”. The base unit device name can be changed using the System Configuration option of the administration menu.
APPENDIX B: MX4 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 27 Set LCD Contrast The Set LCD Contrast function modifies the contrast level of the front panel LCD display. (See Figure 29.) To modify the LCD contrast: 1. Press the Ç and È buttons to increase and decrease the contrast. 2. Press ESC to return to the normal display. Important! The LCD contrast can also be adjusted by holding Åbutton and pressing the Ç or the È buttons anytime during normal display.
28 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE 2. The LCD display will prompt you to enter the button sequence a second time for confirmation. Entering the new 6-button password confirms it. Press ESC to return to the Normal Display. 3. If the front panel is password protected, you must enter your password to access any of the front panel functions.
APPENDIX B: MX4 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 29 Select Sync Type This function is disabled on models with Automatic Sync Setting feature. (See System Configuration page 12) The Select Sync Type function enables the MX4 to accommodate as many types of VGA monitors as possible, as some monitors may function erratically without continuous synchronization (Figure 34). The MX4 can generate either continuous sync signal or regular sync signal.
30 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Display Firmware Version (DSP Firmware Vsn) The Display Firmware Version function lets you review the version of control firmware running on your MX4 unit. See Figure 36. Perform steps 1-3 of Function Selection first. Ver: MXa2.10 Esc to Exit Figure 36 Display Firmware Version 1. 2. 3. Press the Ç or È buttons until “DSP Firmware Vsn” appears. Press the ENT button to display the serial number of the unit.
APPENDIX C: MCUPDATE PROGRAM 31 Appendix C: MCUpdate MCUpdate Overview MCUpdate is a Windows 95/98 based utility program designed to upload the MX4 firmware from a PC Windows environment into the MX4 unit. This section of the manual will guide you to install and run the MCUpdate program to update your MX4 with a new release of firmware. MCUpdate is designed to run on an industry standard PC, with a DB9 serial COM connector, running Windows 95 or Windows 98.
32 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE MCUpdate Operations Planning before running MCUpdate: Important! Please read this section carefully and plan ahead before you proceed. The MCUpdate program MUST RUN TO COMPLETION. If it fails to complete the update procedure, the MX4 unit may become totally non-functional. If you have any questions on this regard, please contact Raritan Tech Support for assistance. 1. 2. 3. 4. The MX4 unit must be running normally.
APPENDIX C: MCUPDATE PROGRAM 33 Loading Firmware File Load the MX4 firmware into the MCUpdate program memory. In the File Options section of the MCUpdate window click the button labeled Load Hex File. (Figure 39) In the pop up file Open dialog window, select MX4-nnn.hex, where nnn is a version number, then click the Open button. Figure 39 File Options Section After the firmware is loaded into memory, you can click the button labeled Test Hex File to verify the content. This is an optional step.
34 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Updating MasterConsole MX4 MCUpdate will upload the firmware into the MX4 unit, replacing the older version stored in a flash memory chip. In the Update Commands Section (Figure 41), as a test procedure, click the button labeled Set/Check MX4 Serial Number to validate that MCUpdate and the MX4 unit are communicating properly. This test will retrieve the serial number of your MX4 unit and display it. Click OK to end the communications test.
APPENDIX C: MCUPDATE PROGRAM 35
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APPENDIX D: OVERVIEW PROGRAM 37 Appendix D: OverView Program Introducing OverView OverView is the PC Windows 95/98 program that provides an interface with the MasterConsole MX4 enabling the administrator to perform the following functions: • Maintenance of MX4 configuration data in a Windows environment. • Uploading and downloading of MX4 configuration data to a PC • Real-time log of MX4 activity with reporting capabilities.
38 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE OverView Operations Running OverView From the Windows Start menu, select “MC OverView” from the Programs menu. Select “MC OverView” to begin the MX4 OverView program.
APPENDIX D: OVERVIEW PROGRAM 39 Activate PC Communication and Login OverView activates the PC serial port to communicate with the MX4 unit. From the Communication Control Panel select the COM port you installed the DB9 to RJ11 adapter—default COM1 (Figure 44). Click the button labeled Activate Port. OverView will initiate the communication with the MX4 unit. It retrieves the serial number from the MX4 unit and displays it in an information window. Click the OK button to continue.
40 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Figure 47 Edit User Profile
APPENDIX D: OVERVIEW PROGRAM 41 Edit Device Profile Use this feature to change computer names and profiles, either on a base or tier MX4, or second tier MasterConsole. To edit a computer, open the device list by clicking the square plus sign on the left of the MasterConsole name(s). Double click a computer or a MasterConsole from the list. An edit window will open to allow you to edit the device profile (Figure 48).
42 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE OverView FAQ’s After I began the OverView, I’m getting Make sure DB9 to RJ11 converter is plugged in to PC DB9 “MX4 device is not responding” after serial port properly, and the 4-wire telephone cable is clicking “Activate Port”. connected between the converter and MX4 RJ11 Admin port. Make sure a proper Comm port number is selected. You may need to re-cycle the MX4 AC power.
APPENDIX E: GLOSSARY 43 Appendix E: Glossary Administration Menu AutoScan AutoSkip Base Unit C Model Channel Active Inactive Channel Configuration Menu Channel ID Number Computer Name Configuration One-Tier Two-Tier Device Function Selection Screen Green Mode Hot-key ID Display Key Number LCD Display Local Console Logging In Login Screen Logout Menu Menu F Keys Normal Display MX4 OverView™ Program Password PowerSave For installing and configuring access to the MX4.
44 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE also Green Mode. PublicView Feature that controls the video sharing of a computer that is being selected and operated by another user. Remote KVM Module Optional unit that enables the MX4 to connect to computers or user consoles up to 325 feet away. Reserved Channels In a two-tier configuration, the channels on the base MX4 unit allocated to connect second-tier MasterConsole(s).
APPENDIX F: TROUBLESHOOTING 45 Appendix F: Troubleshooting No power. Check power cord and make sure power switch is turned on. Check cable connection from computer to MX4. MX4 power supply has built-in surge protection. If you cannot regain power during a power recycling process, power off the unit. Wait for 15–20 seconds, and then turn on again. No video display for one or all Check video cable's connection to the computer. computers. Check the monitor and computer.
46 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE After a period of trouble-free Try to identify whether the problem is originating from the computer by operation, the mouse attached to reconnecting the computer to a different channel with a different cable. Then the MX4 locks—unable to power up the computer. If the problem is not with the cable or with the specific control mouse functions—when channel, then connect the mouse directly to the computer.
APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS 47 Appendix G: Specifications MX4 Models MX48 MX416 MX432 (8-channel model) (16-channel model) (32-channel model) Dimensions 17.0"(W) x 10.5"(D) x 1.75"(H) 17.0"(W) x 10.5"(D) x 3.5"(H) 17.0"(W) x 10.5"(D) x 7.0"(H) Weight 2.8 kg (6.1 lb.) 3.8 kg (8.4 lb.) 6.6 kg (14.4 lb.) Power 115V/230V Sensing Model Operating Temperature Auto 115V/230V Sensing Auto 115V/230V Sensing Auto 60 Hz / 50 Hz 0.3/0.2A 60 Hz / 50 Hz 0.3/0.2A 60 Hz / 50 Hz 0.3/0.
48 MASTERCONSOLE MX4 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Console Cable: For connecting MX4 User Port to User Console PART NO. LENGTH CONNECTORS CCP06F 2' (0.6 M) DB25(F) to HD15(F), 2x mini-DIN6(F) CCP20F 6.5' (2 M) DB25(F) to HD15(F), 2x mini-DIN6(F) CCP40F 13' (3 M) DB25(F) to HD15(F), 2x mini-DIN6(F) CCP60F 20' (6 M) DB25(F) to HD15(F), 2x mini-DIN6(F) CCP90F 30' (9 M) DB25(F) to HD15(F), 2x mini-DIN6(F) Cascading Cable: For connecting MX4 to tier to another MX4 PART NO.
APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Accessories Cat5 Reach BRKT1U BRKT2U BRKT4U Cat5 Reach extends the keyboard, mouse and monitor, computers, and cascaded units up to 1000 feet apart by means of a Category 5 UTP cable. The product consists of a transmitter/receiver pair. Category 5 UTP cable not included.
APPENDIX H: CONFIGURATIONS 51 Appendix H: MX4 Configurations Basic: 4 Users and Up to 16 Computers Figure 49 MX4 Basic Configuration 4 Users and Up to 64 Computers Matrix Figure 50 MX4 4x64 Configuration MX4 4 Users and Up to 256 Computers Matrix Figure 51 MX4 4x256 Matrix Configuration This configuration allows 4 users to access 256 computers. In this configuration, all MX4 units must be Release 2 or greater.
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