Xtensys CAT5 KVM SWITCH SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL 10707 Stancliff Road Houston, Texas 77099 Phone: (281) 933-7673 WWW.ROSE.
LIMITED WARRANTY Rose Electronics warrants Xtensys™ system 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.
TABLE of CONTENTS Contents Page # Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1 About this manual ............................................................................................................................................................ 1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................
Figures Page # Figure 1. Typical Application ........................................................................................................................................... 7 Figure 2. OSD Menu Structure...................................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 3. Main Menu ...........................................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION Disclaimer While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the product at any time without notice.
Features Security Unique configuration password for persons authorized to perform configuration maintenance.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW System Overview The Xtensys switch is designed with the latest in KVM switching technology. It has the capability and flexibility to configure to most keyboards, video monitors, mice, servers, computers, and serial devices. The Xtensys switch provides the framework for a complete switching system. Remote users, computers, servers, and serial devices all interface to the Xtensys switch over CATx cabling. The Xtensys design makes the unit easy to install, and maintain.
Site planning Organizing your site and planning the placement of the computers, the User stations, the Xtensys switches, and the routing of the cables is a key part in the installation and configuration process. Care should be taken when connecting the computers, user stations, and the Xtensys switches. Locate the Xtensys as close as possible to the computers so the cables are as short as possible but still give some freedom of movement.
MODELS Xtensys Models – Front View Description / Indicators Model User station XTR-11 XTR-12 XTR-14 XTR-18 Power / Status Indicators Switch 8, 16, or 32 CPU ports Power / Status Indicators Switch 48 or 64 CPU ports Power / Status Indicators CATx Transmitter PS/2 / USB CATx Transmitter PS2/USB / Dual USB XTENSYS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL 5
Rear View Models XTR-11 Description / Connectors User Station XTR-11 (1) RJ45 Link (2) USB (Kbd/Mouse) (2) PS/2 (Kbd/Mouse) (1) HD15F (Video out) (1) DB9M (Serial) (1) Power XTR-12 (2) RJ45 Link (2) USB (Kbd/Mouse) (2) PS/2 (Kbd/Mouse) (1) HD15F (Video out) (1) DB9M (Serial) (1) Power XTR-14 (4) RJ45 Link (2) USB (Kbd/Mouse) (2) PS/2 (Kbd/Mouse) (1) HD15F (Video out) (1) DB9M (Serial) (1) Power XTR-18 (8) RJ45 Link (2) USB (Kbd/Mouse) (2) PS/2 (Kbd/Mouse) (1) HD15F (Video out) (1) DB9M (Serial) (1) P
Typical Application Up to a total of 1,000’ of CATx cable The flexibility of the Xtensys system enables it to configure to almost any system environment. The User Station is available with one local KVM Station connectors and 1, 4, or 8 RJ45 link ports. Xtensys Switch Xtensys User Station The Switch is available with one local KVM station connectors, 0, 2, 4, 8, or 16 remote KVM connections, and 8, 16, 32, 48, or 64 RJ45 CPU ports.
INSTALLATION Xtensys System Installation User Station (See note below) Connecting the KVM station The KVM station connects directly to the Xtensys User Station. The KVM stations keyboard, monitor, and mouse cables connect directly to the corresponding connectors on the User station. The KVM keyboard and mouse can have PS/2 or USB connectors. The monitor should be equal or better in resolution and capability than any of the connected computers.
Powering up the system It is recommended that the system be powered up in the following sequence. This sequence will assure that all the connected equipment will boot properly. First – Turn on all monitors (Local KVM monitor and all remote monitors connected to user stations) Next – Turn on the Xtensys switch. Wait for all indicators to stabilize.
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION MENUS OSD Menu Structure Xtensys Menu Structure Main Menu System Computer System settings Configure password Global address Serial console protocol Keyboard settings Hotkey PC keyboard rate PC Keyboard delay Sun keyboard language Appearance Menu color scheme Screen saver Screen saver time Background color Text color Position Fadeout Status Computer name Type Save KVM name Resolution Start User User User name Password Profile Use only the numeric key above the keyboard for enter
Main Menu Figure 3. Main Menu Save all changes made. If not saved, changes will be lost when power is removed from a Unit. The Main configuration menu is the starting point for the configuration menus. From this menu, you can configure the System, Computers, KVMs, Users, Profiles, Groups, and Languages. The connection Status for all connected equipment can be displayed. The “Save” section saves any changes and “Exit” will quit the OSD system and return to normal operation.
Configure System Figure 4. Configure System Selecting “System” from the main menu displays the “Configure System” menu. This menu allows you to configure the System, KVM keyboard settings, and Appearance settings. Each “Configure system” section is explained below. “System settings” Configure password (Default: no password) The “Configure password” selection is used to add a new or change an existing configuration password. This password prevents unauthorized access to the configuration menus.
Sun keyboard language (Default: US) Determines the response to a Sun computer’s query for the keyboard language type used. To change the Sun keyboard language type, select it and press [Enter]. A selection box will display showing the supported Sun language choices. Use the up/down arrow keys to select the desired language and press [Enter].
Position (Default: X = 25, y = 45) This option adjusts the screen position of the connection status box. Once set, this position is maintained at all video resolutions. To change the connection status box position, select it from the menu and press [Enter]. Use the arrow keys to position the status box anywhere on the screen and press [Enter] when the desired position is reached. Do not set the screen position off the visible screen area. This could cause rainbows or bars of shaded video.
Configure KVM Figure 6. Configure KVM menu The “Configure KVM” menu allows you to change KVM name, resolution, start, and user parameters. KVM name (Default: KVM Local) To change the KVM name, select it from the menu and press [Enter]. An input box will display to enter a new KVM name. Type in a new name and press [Enter]. KVM names can be 16 characters in length, case sensitive.
Configure user Figure 7. Configure User The configure user menu is used to define a user name, assign an access password, and assign a specific profile to the user. Duplicate names are acceptable; however, all persons using the same user name will have the same access rights. User name (Default: User xx, where x = 1 to 64) To change a user name, select it and press [Enter]. An input box will display. Type in a new user name and press [Enter]. (8 characters max.
Configure Profile Figure 8. Configure Profile The configure profile menu is used to assign computer access levels, modes, share, scan and logout times. Name (Default: Profilxx, where xx = 01 to 64) The profile name can be changed to any name up to 8 characters in length. The name can be a specific user, a group of users within a department, a business department, or any name that defines the profile. To change the profile name, select the one to change and press [Enter]. An input box will display.
Scan (Default: 5 seconds) When a user invokes the scan function, this feature sets the time the video is displayed before switching to the next sequential computers video. To change the scan rate, select the profile, then the scan rate to change and press [Enter]. An input box will display. Type in a new scan time and press [Enter]. Valid scan times are 0 to 9999.
Configure Group Figure 9. Configure Group The configure group menu allows you to assign a computer to one or more groups. Users that are assigned a profile that contains a specific group name can only access the computers within that group. It they try to access a computer that is not within the assigned group, the error “Not in access group” will display in the connect box. The left computer column displays the computer names. To change a group name, select it and press [Enter].
Configure Language Figure 10. Configure language Selecting “Language” from the “Main” menu displays a choice box with 6 different language options. Select the language needed and press [Enter]. This changes all the menus and displayed information to that selected language.
System status The system status display is a very powerful and useful tool for monitoring, troubleshooting, and reporting the connection status, computer status, video status and device status. The status screens display reported information from all devices connected in the system.
Pressing the F4 key displays the video status of all connected computers. The video resolution, refresh rate, number of horizontal lines, and the CATx cable distance is reported for each connected computer. Figure 13. Video Status The Device status screen provides information concerning the Xtensys Switch. The Switch name, the global ID, and the uptime is also reported. Each Xtensys switch component will report the installed firmware revision (If applicable) to this screen.
Save configuration When changes are made to any configuration, they must be saved in flash memory to insure that the changes will be active after a power cycle. To save the settings, select save and press [Enter]. A YES/NO selection box will display. Choose “YES” to save the changes to flash memory on all powered-on Xtensys switches. Choose “NO” for temporary or incorrect changes. The temporary settings will only be in effect as long as power is applied to the Unit.
User Operating Instructions The following instructions apply to all Xtensys switches and user stations. This section explains the operating functions of the on-screen displays, the login procedure, connect procedure and other commands needed to easily use the Xtensys switch and its capabilities. To start using your Xtensys switch, you first need to become familiar with the keyboard commands. The available keyboard commands are shown in the table below.
Operating Instructions When you first start using a user station, it may require you to login. If the user station requires a login, a login box will display. The login box appears when a Unit is powered on, when a user logs off, or when a preset time interval passes with no keyboard or mouse activity. If a login is required, type in your User ID and press [Enter]. (User ID is the user name defined on the configure user menu) If the user ID is validated, you can then type in your password and press [Enter].
With this menu displayed, pressing the “M” key will toggle the temperature and distance units from Feet and Fahrenheit to Meters and Celsius. This change affects all menus. Once changed, press the ESC key to exit this menu. Next press the left Ctrl key plus the F12 and choose “Save” to save this change. NOTE: Making this change from a user station only changes the OSD units for that user station.
Status Commands The connection, computer, video, and device status can be checked by starting the computer select menu. Press the left control key, then the ESC key to display the menu. Function keys F2, F3, F4, and F5 display the status information as shown in Figure 18. Pressing the F2 key displays the connection status.
Pressing the F4 key will display the video status of the connected computers. The video status information will only be shown for computers that are connected and powered on. The status window shows: The port each computer is connected to List of computers by name The resolution detected Frequency Actual number of Lines CATx cable length from computer to Xtensys Figure 20. Video Status menu Pressing the F5 will display the Device status window.
SERIAL FEATURES Serial port usage (RS232) The serial port on both the Xtensys switch (RJ12) and the User station (DB9) are used to update the unit’s firmware. The following procedure for establishing a connection from your standalone computer or Notebook computer to the Xtensys switch’s serial port or a User station uses Windows HyperTerminal™. Refer to your user’s manual if a different communication program is being used.
Figure 22. Serial Options Option 1. Receive new main program from serial port (This card only) When a new main program is available, it can be obtained from Rose Electronics or downloaded from our web site at www.rose.com. The diagnostic screen that is displayed when the Xtensys switch is first turned on shows the main program version that is presently installed.
You may receive one of the following errors during the file transfer function: checksum error, record error, or data error. These messages are followed by: Receive failed Try again Y/N These error messages may be caused by any of the following items: Corrupted firmware upgrade file. Loose or defective RS232 cable. RS232 protocol not configured correctly. Bad transmit or receive levels. Hardware problem on transmit or receive side.
Option 5. Exit (Restart the Unit) Selecting option 5 exits the serial option menu. The Xtensys switch will reinitialize and the diagnostic check will run. After the diagnostic check finished, the Unit is ready to use with its new configurations. If there are more configurations needed, hit the space bar within 1 seconds and the serial menu will be brought back up to use.
The page up and page down keys allow you to scroll the incoming pages in the four page scroll buffer. The F12 key clears the screen. Serial switching commands Using an external computer, laptop, or terminal, you can issue commands to Xtensys to switch any KVM station to any CPU port. Connect the computer, laptop, or terminal to the Xtensys serial port using an RJ to DB9 cable (Rose Electronics part number: KIT-ATRX).
SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT Service Information 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 Xtensys switch has been tested for conformance to safety regulations and requirements, and has been certified for international use. Like all electronic equipment, the Xtensys switch 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. Follow all instructions and warnings marked on this Unit. Except where explained in this manual, do not attempt to service this Unit yourself.
TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Computer does not boot, keyboard or mouse error received CPU cable is loose. Re-seat cable and hit F1 to continue or reboot computer. Wrong cable plugged in. Keyboard and mouse cables on PS/2 transmitter reversed. CATx cable is defective. Try using a CATx cable from another computer. If problem goes away, cable is defective. Port on Xtensys is defective. Try using another port on the Xtensys. If problem goes away, port is defective. Port on computer is defective.
APPENDICES Appendix A.
Appendix B. General specifications Dimensions Weight Power Resolution Environmental Connectors Power: CPU: User Station: Local KVM: Keyboard / Mouse Chassis Scan Interval Indicators Switches 38 (1U model) 17.0 W x 10.0 D x 1.72 H (in) 43.2 W x 25.4 D x 4.40 H (cm) (2U model) 17.0 W x 10.0 D x 3.50 H (in) 43.2 W x 25.4 D x 8.89 H (cm) (User station) 8.75 W x 5.62 D x 1.72 H (in) 22.3 W x 14.4 D x 4.37 H (cm) (1U model) 4.95 – 6.15 lbs / 2.25 – 2.79 kg (2U model) 8.00 – 12.0 lbs / 3.60 – 5.
Appendix C.
Appendix D. Rack mounting The Xtensys unit can be mounted in a rack using the Rackmount kits from Rose Electronics. The optional 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 your Xtensys 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 E. Serial console protocol (Standard, Switch, Event configuration) The Serial Console Protocol feature allows you to configure the Xtensys switch to perform alternative functions. The default setting is “Standard”. In this mode all functions and features operate normally. Setting this protocol to “Switch” configures Xtensys to send port switching commands to the serial port. When a command is given to the main unit to switch to CPU port #5, this command is also sent to the serial port.
42 XTENSYS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
10707 Stancliff Road Houston, Texas 77099 Phone: (281) 933-7673 WWW.ROSE.
