ATEN Technology ACS1216A manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    PS/2 KVM Switch ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual www.aten.com acs1208a-1216a.book Page i Th ur sday, January 20, 2011 5:08 PM[...]

  • Page 2

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual ii FCC Information This is an FCC Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which cas e the user may be required to tak e adequate measures. This equipment has been test ed and found to comply with the limit s for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC R[...]

  • Page 3

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual iii User Information Online Registration Be sure to register your product at our online support center: T elephone Suppo rt For telephone support, call this number: User Notice All information, docum entation, and specifications contained in this manual are subject to change without prior no tification by the manufac[...]

  • Page 4

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual iv Package Content s The ACS1208A / ACS1216A p ackage consists of:  1 ACS1208A / ACS1216A KVM Switch with Standard Rack Mounting Kit  2 Custom KVM Cable Sets  1 Firmware Upgrade Cable  1P o w e r C o r d  1 User Manual* Check to make sure that all the comp onents are present and that nothing got damage[...]

  • Page 5

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual v Content s FCC Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii RoHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii SJ/T 11364-2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

  • Page 6

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual vi Chapter 4. OSD Operation OSD Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 OSD Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 OSD Main Screen Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 7

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual vii About this Manual This User Manual is provided to he lp you get the most from your ACS1208 A / ACS1216A system. It covers all asp ects of installation, configuration and operation. An overv iew of the information found in the m anual is provided below. Chapter 1, Introductio n, introduces you to the ACS1208 A / A[...]

  • Page 8

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual viii Conventions This manual uses the following conven tio ns: Product Information For information abo ut all ATEN produ cts and how they can help you connect without limits, visi t ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized. Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a li st of locations and telepho ne numbers: Monospac[...]

  • Page 9

    1 Chapter 1 Introduction Overview The Master View ACS1208A / ACS12 16A KVM Switches are control units that allow access to multiple computer s from a single console (keyboard, mouse, and monitor). Before the development of the Master View, the only way to control multiple com puter co nf igurations from a single cons ole was through a complex and c[...]

  • Page 10

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 2 There is no better way to save time and money than with a Master View ACS1208A / A CS1216A installation. By allowing a single consol e to manage all the attached computers, an ACS 1208A / ACS1216A installation: (1) eliminates the expense of having to pur chase a separate keybo ard, monitor, and mouse for each compu[...]

  • Page 11

    Chapter 1. Introduction 3 Features  A Single Console Controls Up T o 8 (ACS12 08A ) or 16 (ACS1216A) Computers  Daisy chain Up T o 31 Additional Unit s – Control Up to 512 computers From a Single Console  No Software Required - Convenient Computer Selection via Hotkeys and Intuitive On Screen Display (OSD) Menus  Auto Scan Feature for[...]

  • Page 12

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 4 Hardware Requirement s Console  A VGA, SVGA, or Multisync monitor cap able of the highest resolution that you will be using on any co mputer in the installati on.  A PS/2 style mouse  A PS/2 style keyboard Computers The following equipmen t must be installed on each computer:  A VGA, SVGA or Multisync c[...]

  • Page 13

    Chapter 1. Introduction 5 Front V iew Note: The ACS1216A is pictured above. The ACS1208A front panel is the same as that of the ACS1216A, except that it has 8 KVM ports. No. Component Desc ription 1 Port LEDs  An orange LED indicates that a computer is connected to the corresponding port.  A green LED indicates that the computer connected to [...]

  • Page 14

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 6 Rear Vi ew Note: The ACS1216A is pictured above. The ACS1208A front panel is the same as that of the ACS1216A, except that it has 8 KVM ports. No. Component Description 1 Daisy Chain Ports W hen daisy chaining units, the cables plug in here. The port on the right is the Chain Out port; the one on the left is the Ch[...]

  • Page 15

    7 Chapter 2 Hardware Setup Overview For convenience and flex ibility using a PS/2 interface, the ACS1208A / ACS1216A's design utilizes KVM adapter cables that serve as intermediaries between the KVM switch an d the connected computers. A separate KVM adapter cable is requi red for each computer connection. The KVM adapter cables are listed in [...]

  • Page 16

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 8 Rack Mounting The ACS1208A / ACS12 16A can be mounted in a 1U system rack. For convenience and flexibility, the mounti ng brackets can screw into either the front or the back of the unit so that it can attach to the front or the back of the rack. To rack mount the unit do the following: 1. Screw the mounting bracke[...]

  • Page 17

    Chapter 2. Hardware Setup 9 Single St ag e Inst allation In a single stage installation, there ar e no additional switches daisy chained down from the first unit. To set up a single stage installation do th e following: 1. Plug your keyboard, mouse, and monitor int o the uni t's console ports. 2. Use KVM cable sets (as described in the Cables [...]

  • Page 18

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 10 Daisy Chained Inst allation To control even more computers, up to 31 additional switches can be daisy chained down from the first unit. As many as 512 computers can be controlled from a single console in a comp lete inst allati on. Tables showing the relation between the number of computers and the num ber of Mast[...]

  • Page 19

    Chapter 2. Hardware Setup 11 Daisy Chained Inst allation Diagram acs1208a-1216a.book Page 11 Th ursday, January 20, 2011 5:08 PM[...]

  • Page 20

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 12 Hot Plugging The ACS12 08A / ACS1216A supports hot pluggi ng - components can be removed and added back into the installatio n by unplugging their cables from the ports without the need to shut the unit down. In order for hot plug gin g to work properly, ho wever, th e procedures described below must be follo wed:[...]

  • Page 21

    Chapter 2. Hardware Setup 13 Port ID Numbering Each KVM port on a ACS1208A / ACS1216A installation is assigned a unique Port ID. The Port ID is made up of two parts: a Stati on Num ber , and a Port Number :  The S tation Number - is a two digit number whi ch refl ects the switch's position in the daisy chain sequence. This corresponds to th[...]

  • Page 22

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 14 This Page Intentionally Left Blank acs1208a-1216a.book Page 14 Th ursday, January 20, 2011 5:08 PM[...]

  • Page 23

    15 Chapter 3 Hotkey Operation Hotkey Port Control Hotkey Port Control allows you to provide KVM focus to a particular computer directly from the keyboard. The Master View ACS1 208A / ACS1216A provides the following Hot k ey Port Control features:  Selecting the Active Port  Auto Scanning  Skip Mode Switch in g Invoking Hotkey Mode All Hotk[...]

  • Page 24

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 16 When Hotkey Mode is active:  The Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scro ll Lock LEDs flash in succession to indicate so. They stop flashing and reve rt to normal status when you exit Hotkey Mode.  A Command Line appears on the m onitor screen. The command line prompt i s the word Hotkey: in yellow text on a blue back[...]

  • Page 25

    Chapter 3. Hotkey Operation 17 Auto Scanning Auto Scan automatically switches amo ng all the active KVM ports that are accessible to the currently logged on user at regular intervals, so that he can monitor their activity autom atically. (See Scan/Skip Mode of the OSD F3 SET function, page 27 for informa tion regarding accessible ports). Setting th[...]

  • Page 26

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 18 T o resume Auto Scanning, press any key or Left Click. Scanning continues from where it left off.  While Auto Scan mode is in effect, ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are su spended - only Au to Scan mode compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can b e input. Y ou mu st exit Auto Scan mode in order to regain[...]

  • Page 27

    Chapter 3. Hotkey Operation 19 Skip Mode This feature allows you to switch betw een computers in orde r to monitor th em manually. You can dwell on a partic ular port for as long or as little as you like – as opposed to Auto Scanning, which aut omat icall y sw itches after a fixed interval. To invoke Skip mo de, key in the following Hotkey comb i[...]

  • Page 28

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 20 Hotkey Beeper Control The Beeper (see Activate Beeper, page 29) can be Hotkey t oggled On and Off. To toggle the Beeper, key in th e following Hotkey combination: 1. Invoke Ho tkey Mode wit h the [NumLock] + [*] or [NumLock] + [-] combination 2. Press [B] After you press B , the Beeper toggles On or Of f. The Comm[...]

  • Page 29

    21 Chapter 4 OSD Operation OSD Overview The On Screen Display (OSD) is a menu d riven method to han dle computer control and switchi ng operations. All pr ocedures start from the OSD Main Screen. To pop up the Main Screen, tap the [Scroll Lock] key twice. Note: Y ou can optio nally change the Hotkey to the Ctrl key , in which case yo u would tap [C[...]

  • Page 30

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 22 OSD Main Screen When you invoke the OSD, a screen similar to the one below appears: Note: 1. The diagram depicts the Administra tor's Main Screen. The User Main Screen does not show the F4 and F6 functions, since these are reserved for the Administrator and can't be accessed by ordinary Users. 2. OSD alw[...]

  • Page 31

    Chapter 4. OSD Operation 23 OSD Navigation  T o dismiss the menu, and deactivate OSD, Click the X at the upper right corner of the OSD Wi ndow; or press [Esc] .  T o Logout, Click F8 at the top of the Main Screen, or press [F8] .  T o move up or down through the list one line at a time, Click the Up and Down T riangle symbols ( ST ) or use[...]

  • Page 32

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 24 OSD Functions OSD functions are used to configure an d control the OSD. For example, you can: rapidly switch to any port; scan selected ports only; limit the list you wish to view; designate a port as a Quick Vi ew Port; create or edit a port name; or make OSD setting adjustments. To access an OSD function: 1. Eit[...]

  • Page 33

    Chapter 4. OSD Operation 25 F2 LIST : This function le ts you broaden or narr ow the scope of which ports the OSD displays (lists) on the Main Screen. Many of the OSD function s only operate on the computers currently selected for Listing on the Main Screen with this function. The submenu choices and thei r meanings are given in the table below: * [...]

  • Page 34

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 26 F3 SET : This function allows the Administrato r and each User to set up his own working environment. A separate profile for each is stored by the OSD and is activated according to the Username that wa s provided during Login. To change a setting: 1. Double Click it; or move the highligh t bar to it, then press [E[...]

  • Page 35

    Chapter 4. OSD Operation 27 (Continued from previous page.) Setting Function PORT ID DISPLA Y MODE Selects how the Port ID is displayed: the Port Number alo ne ( PORT NUMBER ); the Port Name alone ( PORT NAME ); or the Port Number plus the Port Name ( PORT NUMB ER + PORT NAME ). The default is PORT NUMBER + PORT NAME). SCAN DURA TION Determines how[...]

  • Page 36

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 28 F4 ADM: F4 is an Administrator only fun ction. It allows the A dministrator to config ure and control the overall oper ation of the OSD. To change a setting Double Click it; or use the Up and Down Arrow Keys to m ove th e highlight bar to it then press [Enter] . After you select an item, a submenu with further cho[...]

  • Page 37

    Chapter 4. OSD Operation 29 (Continued from previous page.) (Continues on next page.) Setting Function EDIT PORT NAMES T o help rememb er which computer is attached to a particular port, every port can be given a name. This function allows the Administrator to create, modify , or delete port names. T o Edit a port name: 1. Click the port you want, [...]

  • Page 38

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 30 (Continued from previous page.) Setting Functio n SET QUICK VIEW PORTS This function lets the Administrator select which Ports to include as Quick View ports .  T o select/deselect a port as a Quick View Port, Double Click the port you want, or use the Navigation Keys to move the high light bar to it, then pres[...]

  • Page 39

    Chapter 4. OSD Operation 31 F5 SKP: Clicking the F5 field or pressi ng [F5] invokes Skip (SKP) mode. This function enables you to easily skip backward or forward – switching the console focus from the currently active computer port to the pr evious or next available one.  The selection of computers to be av ailable for Skip mode switching is m[...]

  • Page 40

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 32 F6 BRC: F6 is an Administrator only functio n. Clicking the F6 field, or pressing [F6] , invokes Broadcast (BRC) m ode. When this function is in effect, commands sent from the console are broadcast to to all available computers on the installation. This function is particu larly useful for operat ions that need to[...]

  • Page 41

    Chapter 4. OSD Operation 33 F7 SCAN: Clicking the F7 field or pressi ng [F7] invokes Auto Scan mode. This functi on allows you to automatically sw itch am ong the available computers at regular intervals so that you can monito r their activity without hav ing to take the trouble of switching yo ursel f.  The selection of computers to be included[...]

  • Page 42

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 34 F8 LOUT : Clicking the F8 field, or pressing [F8] logs you out of OSD con tro l of the computers, and blanks the Console scr een. This is different from simply pressing [Esc] when you are at the Main Scr een to deactivate the OSD. With this function you must log in all ove r again to regain access to the OSD, wher[...]

  • Page 43

    35 Chapter 5 The Firmware Upgrade Utility Prep aration To prepare for the firmware upgrade, do the follo win g: 1. From a computer that is not part of your KVM installation go to our Internet support si te and choose the model nam e that relates to your device to get a list of available Firmware Upgrade Packages. 2. Choose the Firmware Upgrade Pack[...]

  • Page 44

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 36 St arting the Upgrade To upgrade your firmware: 1. Run the downloaded Firmware Upgr ade Package file, either by double clicking the file icon, or by opening a command line and ente rin g the full path to it. The Firmware Upgrade Utility We l c o m e screen appears: Note: The screens shown in this section are for r[...]

  • Page 45

    Chapter 5. The Firmware Upgrade Utility 37 4. After you have made your device selection(s), click Next to perform the upgrade. If you enabled Check Firmwar e V ersion , the Utility comp ares the device's firmware level with that of the upgrade files. If it fin ds that th e device's version is higher than the upgrade version, it bring s up[...]

  • Page 46

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 38 Upgrade Succeeded After the upgrade has completed, a screen appears to info rm you that the procedure was successful: Click Finish to close the Firmwa re Upg rade Ut ili ty. Upgrade Failed If the Upgrade Succeeded screen doesn't appear, it means that the upgrade failed to complete successfully. See the next s[...]

  • Page 47

    Chapter 5. The Firmware Upgrade Utility 39 Firmware Upgrade Recovery There are basically three conditions that call for firmware upg rade reco very:  When you invoke Firmware Upgrade Mode (see Preparation , page 35), but decide not to proceed with the upgrade.  When the Mainboard fi rmware upgrade fails.  When the I/O firmware upgrade fail[...]

  • Page 48

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 40 This Page Intentionally Left Blank acs1208a-1216a.book Page 40 Th ursday, January 20, 2011 5:08 PM[...]

  • Page 49

    41 Appendix Safety Instructions General  Read all of these instructions. Save them for future reference.  Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the dev ice.  Do not place the device on any unstable su rf ace (cart, stand, table, etc.). If the device falls, serious damage wi ll resul t.  Do not use the device near water .  Do[...]

  • Page 50

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 42  T o help protect y our system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power , use a su rge suppressor , line conditioner , or un-interruptible power supply (U PS).  Position system cables and power cable s carefully; Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.  Never push objects of an[...]

  • Page 51

    Appendix 43 Rack Mounting  Before working on the rack, ma ke su re that the stabilizer s are secured to the rack, extended to the floor , and that the full w eight of the rack rests on the floor . Install front and side stabilizers on a single rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple ra cks before work ing on the rack.  Always load the r[...]

  • Page 52

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 44 T echnical Support International  For online technical support – includ ing troubleshooting, documentati on, and software updates: http://support.aten.com  For telephone support, see Telephone Suppo rt , page iii: North America When you contact u s, please have the followin g information ready beforeh and:[...]

  • Page 53

    Appendix 45 Specifications Function ACS1208A ACS1216A Computer Connections Direct 8 16 Max 256 (via daisy chain) 512 (via daisy chain) Port Selection OSD (On Screen Display); Hotkeys LEDs On Line 8 (Orange) 16 (Orange) Selected 8 (Green) 16 (Green) Power 1 (Blue) 2 x 7 Segments Console Connectors Keyboard 1 x 6 pin mini DIN F Mouse 1 x 6 pin mini D[...]

  • Page 54

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 46 ACS1208A / ACS1216A Connection T ables The following tables indicate the relatio nship between the number of Master View units and the number of computers that they control: ACS1208A ACS1216A MVs Computers MVs Comput ers MVs Computers MVs Compute rs 1 1 - 8 9 65 - 72 17 129 - 136 25 193 - 200 2 9 - 16 10 73 - 80 1[...]

  • Page 55

    Appendix 47 OSD Factory Default Settings The factory default se ttings are as follows: Setting Default OSD Hotkey [Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] Port ID Display Position Upper Right Corner Port ID Display Duration 3 Seconds Port ID Display Mode The Port Number plus the Port Name Scan Duration 5 Seconds Scan/Skip Mode All Screen Blanker 0 (Disabled) Lo[...]

  • Page 56

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 48 Restoring Original Fa ctory Default Settings You can restore the original factory default setting s for the ACS1 208A / ACS1216A. The original password for the default adm ini st rat or account is restored; all administrato r and user accounts are removed from the system. Only the station name an d date and time a[...]

  • Page 57

    Appendix 49 T roubleshooting Overview Operation problems can be due to a variety of causes. The first step in solving them is to make sure that all cables are securely attached an d seated completely in their sockets. In addition, updating the product’s firm ware may solve problems that have been discovered and resolv ed since the prior versi on [...]

  • Page 58

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 50 About SPHD Connectors This product uses SPHD connectors for its KVM and/or Console ports. We have specifica lly modified the shape of these connectors so that only KVM cable s that we have designed to work with this product can be connected. Limited W arranty IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILI TY E[...]

  • Page 59

    51 Index A ACS1208A / ACS1216A Computer Connection Table, 46 Front View, 5 Rear View, 6 Activate Beeper, 2 9 ADM, 28 Administrator functions, 28 Auto Scanning, 33 Invoking Auto Scan, 17 Pausing Auto Scan, 17 Scan Durati on, 27 Setting the Scan Interval, 17 Stopping, 18 B Beeper Activate, 29 Control, 20 BRC, 32 Broadcast Mode, 32 C Clear the Nam e L[...]

  • Page 60

    ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual 52 I Installation Daisy chaining, 10 overview, 7 Single Stage, 9 Invoking Hotkey Mode, 15 K KVM adapter cables, 7 L LIST, 25 Logout, 34 Logout Timeout, 28 LOUT, 34 O Online Registration, iii OSD Factory Default Settings, 47 Functions, 2 4 Hotkey, 21, 26 Logout, 34 Main Screen, 21, 22 Main Screen Headings, 22 Navigati[...]

  • Page 61

    53 T Technical Support, 44 Telephone support, iii Timeout, 28 U User Notice, iii Username, 28 acs1208a-1216a.book Page 53 Th ursday, January 20, 2011 5:08 PM[...]