Amulet Hotkey K4u User manual

®
Revision 2.5
October 2014
K4u+MANUAL

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Amulet Hotkey K4u+Manual
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove any circuit
board or power supply covers. There are no user serviceable
parts inside; refer to qualified personnel.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
appliance to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing. Do not place
objects filled with liquid on or near the appliance.
Detailed safety instructions
Read and keep these instructions. Also:
1. Take notice of our warnings.
2. Follow the instructions.
3. Clean the product only with a dry cloth.
4. Keep the product away from liquids.
5. Install in accordance with these instructions.
6. Do not install near significant sources of heat.
7. Ensure the product is properly grounded.
8. Only use attachments and accessories approved
by Amulet Hotkey.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Shipment
YourK4u⁺andcableswerecarefullypackedpriortodespatchto
guarantee safe transit. However, we recommend that you
thoroughly examine all packaging and contents for signs of
physical damage before use.
If any damage has occurred, please notify the shipping company
and your supplier immediately otherwise claims for damage or
replacement may not be granted.
Retain the original packaging for use in the event that the
equipment has to be stored, shipped or returned for service.
If you choose to dispose of the packaging, please do so in an
environmentally friendly fashion.
Technical support
ThismanualincludesanoverviewoftheAmuletHotkeyK4u⁺
plus detailed explanations on how to install, configure and use it.
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact
technical support at Amulet Hotkey for expert assistance.
You can do this by phone or by email:
UK: [phone]
US: [phone]
European Tech. Support:
[email protected]
US Tech. Support:
[email protected]
Asia Tech. Support:
[email protected]
Thank you
Thank you from everyone at Amulet Hotkey for purchasing this
product. Much time and energy has gone into making this the
best and most reliable solution available.
With over 20 years’ experience working around the world in a
variety of installations, we are confident we have provided a
state-of-the-art unit that will provide you with long and reliable
service regardless of the application.
To get the best from this product, please take time to study this
manual carefully, even if you are familiar with other Amulet
Hotkey products.
©2014 Amulet Hotkey Ltd. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this document represents the current view of Amulet Hotkey® as of the date of publication. Because Amulet Hotkey must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Amulet Hotkey, and Amulet Hotkey cannot guarantee the accuracy of
any information presented after the date of publication. Sections of this document are reproduced with the kind permission of Teradici®Corp. This document is for
informational purposes only. Amulet Hotkey make no warranties, express, implied or statutory, as to the information in this document. Complying with all
applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or
introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose,
without express written permission from Amulet Hotkey. Amulet Hotkey may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual
property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Amulet Hotkey, the furnishing of this
document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property. Teradici, PC-over-IP, and PCoIP are registered
trademarks of Teradici Corporation. VMware and View are registered trademarks of VMware Corp. Amulet Hotkey and ‘solutions you can bank on’ are trademarks
of Amulet Hotkey Ltd. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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Amulet Hotkey K4u+Manual
Contents
1. Introduction................................................................4
1. 1 Terminology.........................................................4
1. 2 KVM switches must be secure.............................4
1. 3 TEMPEST versions of the K4u+............................4
2. Your K4u+at a glance..................................................5
2. 1 Front panel...........................................................5
2. 2 Rear panel............................................................6
3. DIP switches................................................................8
4. Hot Keys....................................................................10
4. 1 General hot keys................................................10
4. 2 Hot keys for legacy Sun computers ...................10
5. Installing Mouse Point...............................................11
5. 1 Requirements for host PC..................................11
5. 2 Run the Mouse Point installer ...........................11
5. 3 Command line installations with install.cfg.......12
5. 4 Mouse Point menu.............................................14
5. 5 Disable Mouse Point menu items .....................14
5. 6 Mouse Point registry values...............................15
6. Setting up the K4u+...................................................16
6. 1 Attach computers to the K4u+...........................16
6. 2 Set up channel changing by mouse pointer.......16
6. 3 Set up SaverSync™ and Remember Last Channel
...........................................................................17
6. 4 Set up a cascade of multiple switches...............18
6. 5 Set up channel sharing.......................................20
6. 6 Check the K4u+status........................................21
6. 7 Log files..............................................................22
7. Using the K4u+ ........................................................23
7. 1 How to change channels..................................23
7. 2 Hot plugging USB devices.................................24
7. 3 Audio switching and mixing.............................25
7. 4 Synchronize screen savers ..............................25
7. 5 Support for smart cards...................................26
7. 6 Control extra computers by cascading multiple
K4u+switches ..................................................27
7. 7 Share a computer between two K4u+ switches
.........................................................................27
8. Updating the firmware ...........................................28
8. 1 Firmware updates over a USB connection.......28
8. 2 Local manual updates (USB).............................28
8. 3 Remote manual updates (USB)........................29
8. 4 Remote scheduled firmware updates (USB)....30
8. 5 Firmware updates over a serial connection.....31
8. 6 Firmware update failures.................................32
9. Using the K4u+with trading keyboards....................33
9. 1 Amulet Hotkey AHK3000D keyboard...............33
9. 2 Bloomberg keyboards......................................35
10. Specifications........................................................36

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1
1. Introduction
The K4u+is a four channel keyboard, mouse and stereo audio
switch. It enables up to four computers to be controlled from a
single keyboard and mouse. The stereo audio outputs of the
four hosted computers can also be switched or mixed through
to a single set of speakers.
Any combination of USB, legacy Sun™ or PS/2 compatible
computers can be connected and controlled from a USB or PS/2
compatible keyboard and a USB mouse.
In addition, the K4u+has a ‘hot-plug’ port for connecting
un-hosted USB devices. You can also connect a K4u+to other
K4u+switches to increase the number of channels available or
allow channel sharing. These features are described later in this
manual.
The K4u+is configured by two banks of DIP switches on the
underside of the case. For more information on DIP switches,
see section 3.
1. 1 Terminology
This manual uses ‘KVM switch’ as a generic term when referring
to keyboard and mouse switches, regardless of whether they
support video and audio switching.
This manual often refers to keyboard and mouse focus. When
several computers are attached to the channels on a K4u+
switch, the focus identifies the computer currently being used
by a user. Similarly, the terms active channel or selected channel
also refers to the currently selected computer.
1. 2 KVM switches must be secure
The Amulet Hotkey K4u+switch is designed for use in mission-
and business-critical environments such as trading floors,
command and control centres, and government. Security is
essential in these environments, especially when a KVM switch
is used with sensitive or secure workstations. In particular:
■It must not be possible for a password destined for one
hosted computer to be sent through the KVM switch to
another hosted computer.
■It must not be possible for data to be exchanged from
hosted computers using the KVM switch as a conduit.
■The switch must not log sensitive data such as passwords for
later unauthorised use.
■A switch must not stop working if someone inadvertently
pulls out the power.
■Key codes passing through a KVM switch must not be
corrupted or misread; the firmware must be completely
accurate and error free.
The Amulet Hotkey K4u+is designed to meet and exceed these
requirements.
1. 3 TEMPEST versions of the K4u+
TEMPEST level B versions of the K4u+are available by special
arrangement. These K4u+versions are TEMPEST modified and
tested by our partner, OSPL Nederland B.V., who operate and
maintain a NATO- and NSA-certified TEMPEST test and
production facility.
K4u+KVM Switch

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2
2. Your K4u+at a glance
The K4u+has various LEDs and connections on the front and
rear panels. These are described below.
2. 1 Front panel
1 Power LED
This LED illuminates when power is applied to the unit.
Power can be drawn from the supplied PSU or from any of
the connected computers. For best performance, especially
when using USB peripherals with a high power requirement,
or the Bloomberg Keyboard 4 (STB100), always use the
external PSU. It is also good practice to power a KVM switch
from a UPS.
2 Channel status LEDs
These are multi-coloured LEDs. If a channel LED is:
Blue The computer on this channel is connected using
the USB protocol.
Green The computer on this channel is connected using
the PS/2 protocol.
Red The computer on this channel is connected using
the legacy Sun™ protocol.
Pink The computer on this channel is powered off, or
No computer is attached to this channel, or
The computer on this channel is using an
unknown protocol, or
No protocol has been detected yet on this
channel.
Flashing The audio feed from this channel is muted.
3 Hot-plug port
Use this port to connect un-hosted USB devices (such as a
printer or memory stick) to an attached computer. This
connection passes through the K4u+to the rear panel USB
socket for the selected channel, where it is merged with any
keyboard and mouse data present. Support for the hot-
plugged device is provided directly by the attached
computer, which loads the appropriate drivers when the
device is detected and identified. You can configure the
hot-plug port for automatic or manual channel switching.
For example, you can set it up to automatically follow the
keyboard and mouse focus.
Note: The hot-plug port can only connect to one K4u
+
channel at a time.
4USB keyboard socket
Use this socket to connect a USB keyboard. Most types are
supported but be aware that some devices have unusual
special function keys that only work with custom drivers.
These devices are not fully supported. Always test the
keyboards you intend to use during the POC stage.
Note: This socket is switched to a selected channel. It can
never connect to more than one channel at a time.
5 USB mouse socket
Use this socket to connect a USB mouse. Most types are
supported but be aware that some devices have unusual
special buttons that only work with custom drivers. These
are not fully supported. Always test the mice you intend to
use during the POC stage.
Note: This socket is switched to a selected channel. It can
never connect to more than one channel at a time.
3
5
1
2
4
7
6
8
K4u+Front Panel

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Amulet Hotkey K4u+Manual
6 General purpose USB sockets
These two sockets can support other USB devices, such as
hubs or a DXR2. These sockets follow the keyboard and
mouse focus and can never connect to more than one
channel at a time.
7PS/2 keyboard and mouse sockets
Use the keyboard socket to connect a PS/2 keyboard. You
can use a PS/2 keyboard with a USB mouse.
The PS/2 mouse socket is inactive in the current version of
the K4u+, but it may be re-activated in future versions.
Note: If you connect both PS/2 and USB keyboards, the
K4u
+
only references the USB keyboard.
8Audio output
Use this socket to connect desktop speakers or headphones.
The K4u+can take the audio output of the attached
computers and either switch or mix it through to this socket.
When switched, only audio from the current channel is
routed to this socket. When mixed, audio inputs from all
channels are mixed and fed to this socket.
You specify audio switching or mixing by setting a DIP switch
A4; for details, see section 3. You can also mute a selected
audio feed by using a hot-key combination; for details, see
section 7. 3.
2. 2 Rear panel
1 Channel 4 connections
USB, legacy and audio connections for channel 4:
1a USB type B output: This socket connects a computer to
channel 4 on the K4u+. It carries USB keyboard and
mouse data sent to this channel. Data from the hot-plug
port is also merged if the port is switched to this channel.
1b PS/2 & legacy Sun®output: This socket is provided for
support of legacy systems, including PS/2 computers and
Sun computers.
For connection to PS/2 computers, a splitter cable is
available (CL-XX01-4021) that connects this port to the
PS/2 keyboard and mouse sockets of the computer.
For connection to legacy Sun computers, a cable is
available (CL-XX01-0011) to connect this port to the
keyboard and mouse socket of the Sun computer.
The K4u+automatically detects which protocol is present
and translates keyboard and mouse data accordingly.
1c Audio input: This 3.5mm stereo jack socket connects to
the audio output of the computer on channel 4.
2 Channel 3 connections
USB, legacy and audio connections for channel 3. For
descriptions, see Channel 4 connections above.
3 Channel 2 connections
USB, legacy and audio connections for channel 2. For
descriptions, see Channel 4 connections above.
4 Channel 1 connections
USB, legacy and audio connections for channel 1. For
descriptions, see Channel 4 connections above.
5 Serial Connection
This RS232 port provides a method for updating firmware on
the K4u+. Amulet Hotkey provide a utility to manage
firmware updates. You can run this utility on any Windows
computer with an appropriate serial port. See section 8. 5 for
details about serial updating.
Note: You can also update the K4u+ firmware using a USB
port connected to one of the attached computers. This
method is more suited to enterprises with a large number
of switches because the update process can be managed
centrally. See section 8. 1.
2
6
1
5
8
1a
3
4
7
1b
1c
K4u+Rear Panel

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Amulet Hotkey K4u+Manual
7Power socket
Use this socket to connect power to the K4u+. This is a DC
inlet and relies on a supply from the PSU (CA-XX01-0002)
packaged with the product. This power supply is auto-
sensing and provided with an appropriate IEC lead for the
region.
Important! Use only this PSU with the K4u
+
.
8Power cable clip
A clip is provided to help secure the power supply cable to
the K4u+if necessary.
6Feature connector
This socket supports the following features:
●K4 Controller (CA-HKCT-0004)
The K4 Controller provides an alternative method for
changing channels. It comprises four illuminated
push-buttons in a compact case that can be placed next to
a keyboard. It allows you to locate the K4u+out of reach
under a desk while still being able to see which channel
has focus.
K4 Controller
●Focus indicator LEDs (CL-HK04-0001)
The K4u+is a keyboard and mouse switch; it does not
switch video. Screens for each attached computer remain
connected directly to the associated computer.
Focus indicator LEDs show which screen is currently the
focus of keyboard and mouse activity. The focus indicator
attaches to a screen and illuminates when the associated
computer is being used:
LEDs identify the computer and screen currently being
addressed by the keyboard and mouse.
Note: Focus indicator LEDs are only available to special
order. Four LEDs are combined in a single pack.
Minimum quantities apply.
●Sharing indicator LEDs
When a computer is shared between two K4u+ switches,
sharing LEDs can indicate to both users the status of the
shared channel. See section 7.7.2 for details.
Note: You cannot use sharing LEDs and focus LEDs
together. Because both LEDs plug into the Feature
Connector port, the K4u+ can only support one set of LEDs
at a time.

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3
3. DIP switches
The K4u+has a two sets of DIP switches fitted to the underside
of the case. A label alongside these switches indicates the
function of each switch. This section describes the individual
switches.
A1 and A2: Set Hot-key Combination
Factory default: A1=OFF, A2=OFF
These switches define the hot-key combination. This is two
pre-assigned keys which, when held down together with a
third key, activate a special feature of the K4u+switch. The
factory default hot-key combination is Alt + Space. Three
alternative combinations are listed on the configuration label
on the underside of the unit.
Hot keys are described in section 4.
A3: Mouse Channel Changing
Factory default: A3=ON
When A3 is ON, users can change channel focus by clicking
the mouse buttons.
To change channels, hold down the centre mouse button.
Then click the left or right mouse buttons to scroll around
the channels. See section 7.1.3.
A4: Audio Mix / Switch
Factory default: A4=ON
When A4 is ON, the K4u+mixes all four stereo audio inputs
through to the single output on the front of the unit,
regardless of the focused channel. When A4 is OFF, the audio
output follows the keyboard and mouse focus, switching
channels when the focus changes.
Audio switching and mixing are described in section 7. 3.
A5: Active Sensing
Factory default: A5=ON
When A5 is ON, the K4u+only switches to channels that have
an active computer attached (ie, connected and powered). It
will not switch to empty channels and skips them when a
user changes channels using the mouse.
A6: Confirmation Beeps
Factory default: A6=ON
When A6 is ON, the K4u+gives a confirmation beep
whenever there is a change of state (eg, a channel change or
some other hot-key function has been invoked).
Even when A6 is OFF and confirmation beeps are disabled,
the switch still gives warning beeps eg, when the unit resets
or when a new keyboard is plugged into the front of
the K4u+.
A7 and A8: Sun™ / USB Keyboard Country Layout
Factory default is country specific.
For users with a Sun workstation but a non-country layout
reporting keyboard (this includes PS/2 and most USB
keyboards), these switches inform the Sun workstation of
the layout of the attached keyboard.
B1 and B2: Shared Channel Selection
Factory default: B1=OFF, B2=OFF
If a computer is shared between two K4u+switches, use B1
and B2 to specify which channel is shared.
When a K4u+(with keyboard and mouse attached) detects
that a second K4u+has been connected to one of its front
panel USB ports (A to D), it automatically enables sharing
mode. This allows two users to share the computer on the
channel specified by B1 and B2.
Channel sharing is described in section 7. 7.
B3 and B4: Sharing Timeout
Factory default: B3=OFF, B4=ON
If a computer is shared between two K4u+switches, use B3
and B4 to specify the sharing timeout. The timeout can be
from zero to 10 seconds.
When a shared computer is being controlled by a user,
the other user is automatically blocked from accessing it.
If the shared computer is left unused, it remains locked to
the controlling user until the timeout expires. The shared
computer then becomes available to either user. See
section 7. 7 for details.

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Amulet Hotkey K4u+Manual
B5: Focus or Sharing Indicator Selection
Factory default: B5=OFF
The K4u+can be fitted with two types of optional indicator.
These are fixed in position near the users’ monitors. The
choice of indicator depends on user preference and
operating mode.
●Focus Indicators give a visual indication of which channel
has the keyboard and mouse focus.
●Sharing Indicators show the current status of the shared
channel, regardless of the keyboard and mouse focus.
Contact your local Amulet Hotkey sales team for more
information about sharing indicators. See item 6 in section 2.
2 for details.
B6: Reserved for future use
B7: Hot-Plug Device Switching Mode
Factory default: B7=OFF
Ahot-plug device can be any un-hosted USB device (such as
a printer or memory stick) connected to the hot-plug port.
DIP switch B7 controls how the hot-plug device follows the
channel focus.
●When B7 is ON, the hot-plug device follows the keyboard
and mouse focus after a three second delay. (This delay
allows the K4u+to ignore quickly retracted changes to
the ‘wrong’ channel.)
●When B7 is OFF, the USB hot-plug device remains
switched to one channel, regardless of keyboard and
mouse focus, until the user explicitly switches the
hot-plug port to the active channel by pressing the
hot-keys + U.
Note: For a description of hot-key operations and options,
see section 4. Hot plugging is described in section 7. 2.
B8: Force In-System-Programming (ISP)
Factory default: B8=OFF
(Only needed in the unlikely event of a failed switch
firmware update.) The K4u+is fully flash programmable.
When B8 is ON, the K4u+is forced into programming mode.

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4
4. Hot Keys
The K4u+uses hot-key combinations to invoke various functions.
Typically, you hold down two predefined hot-keys and then
press a third key ie, you press all three keys together. For
example, you can switch channels on the K4u+by holding down
the two hot-keys, then pressing 1, 2, 3 or 4.
The default hot-key combination is Alt + Space. But you can
specify a different combination with DIP switches A1 and A2;
for details, see section 3.
4. 1 General hot keys
Press and hold down the hot keys. Then press:
1 (QWERTY only) Selects channel 1.
2 (QWERTY only) Selects channel 2.
3 (QWERTY only) Selects channel 3.
4 (QWERTY only) Selects channel 4.
4 (NUMPAD only) Switches down to the next channel.
6 (NUMPAD only) Switches up to the next channel.
C Emulates smart card removal and insertion on the active
channel.
U Switches the hot-plug port to the active channel.
* (NUMPAD only) Toggles exclusive mode when a computer is
shared between two K4u+switches.
0 (QWERTY only) Toggles ‘mute all audio’. Use this
combination to mute all audio output.
Backspace
Toggles mixed audio mode for the selected channel. Use this
combination to mute a single channel.
Scroll-Lock
Disables channel changing with the Scroll Lock key. (When
enabled, two quick key presses switches up to the next
channel.)
Esc
(Sun USB keyboards only) Disables channel changing with the
single ‘channel’ keys. See section 7.1.5.
Note: You must apply this hot-key combination every time
the switch is reset or power cycled.
S Re-reads DIP switch settings and reconfigures the K4u+.
I Initiates the serial port In System Programming mode. You
must press I twice; see the note below.
H (Available for USB and legacy Sun computers only)
Transmits ‘Stop-A’. Press H twice; see the note below.
R Resets the main processor and warm boots the switch. You
must press R twice; see the note below.
Note: For I, R and H hot-key combinations, press the third
hot-key twice. This means you must hold down the hot keys,
then press and release the third key twice while still holding
down the hot keys. Do not press any other keys during the
sequence. For example, to reset the main processor, the hot-
key combination is Alt+Space+R, R.
4. 2 Hot keys for legacy Sun computers
P Toggles the channel’s keyboard power line.
Q Transmits LH shift & keyboard power key.
N Emulates holding down ‘Stop-N’ as part of a Basic Assurance
Test (BAT) while the keyboard is booting up.
F Transmits ‘Front’ key.
T Transmits ‘Stop’ key.
G Transmits ‘Again’ key.