Apex Digital OutLook 140DX User manual

Run Your Servers Smarter
OutLook Switch
User Guide
140DX
180DX

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
CONTENTS 2
Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Console
Switch User Guide
© 2000 Apex Inc. All rights reserved.
First Edition June 2000
Printed in the United States of America
Part Number 998-0011-00 Rev. B
The information contained in this guide is
subject to change without notice.
Apex Inc. shall not be liable for technical or
editorial errors or omissions contained herein;
nor is it liable for incidental or consequential
damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Product names mentioned herein may be
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their respective companies. PC/AT, PS/2 and
IBM are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation. Viewpoint,
Viewpoint 64, OutLook and OSCAR are
trademarks of Apex Inc.
Apex Inc.
9911 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
USA
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
Web Site http://www.apex.com

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
CONTENTS 3
SAFETY
Before installing this product, read the Safety Information book.
Antes de instalar este produto, leia o Manual de Informações sobre Segurança.
Læs hæftet med sikkerhedsforskrifter, før du installerer dette produkt.
Lue Safety Information -kirjanen, ennen kuin asennat tämän tuotteen.
Avant de procéder à l'installation de ce produit, lisez le manuel Safety Information.
Vor Beginn der Installation die Broschüre mit Sicherheitshinweisen lesen.
Prima di installare questo prodotto, leggere l'opuscolo contenente le informazioni
sulla sicurezza.
Pred instalací tohoto produktu si prectete prírucku bezpecnostních instrukcí.
Przed zainstalowaniem tego produktu należy przeczytać broszurę Informacje Dotyczące
Bezpiecze stwa.

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
CONTENTS 4
SAFETY (CONTINUED)
Lees voordat u dit product installeert eerst het boekje met veiligheidsvoorschriften.
Les heftet om sikkerhetsinformasjon (Safety Information) før du installerer dette
produktet.
Antes de instalar este produto, leia o folheto Informações sobre Segurança.
Antes de instalar este producto, lea la Información de Seguridad.
Läs säkerhetsinformationen innan du installerar den här produkten.
Перед установкой продукта прочтите брошюру по технике безопасности
(Safety Inf rmati n).
Pred inštaláciou tohto produktu si pre ítajte Informa núbrožúrku o bezpe nosti.
Preden namestite ta izdelek, preberite knjižico Varnostne informacije.
Installálás el tt olvassa el a Biztonsági el írások kézikönyvét !

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
CONTENTS 5
GETTING HELP, SERVICE, AND INFORMATION
Getting help, service, and information
If you need help, service, technical assistance, or just
want more information about IBM products, you will
find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to
assist you.
With the original purchase of an IBM hardware product,
you have access to extensive support coverage. During
the IBM hardware product warranty period, you may
call the IBM Personal Computer HelpCenter (1-800-
772-2227 in the U.S.) for hardware product assistance
covered under the terms of the IBM Statement of
Limited Warranty.
The following services are available during the warranty
period:
• Problem Determination - Trained personnel are
available to assist you with determining if you have
a hardware problem and deciding what action is
necessary to fix the problem.
• IBM Hardware Repair - If the problem is determined
to be caused by IBM hardware under warranty,
trained service personnel are available to provide
the applicable level of service.
• Engineering Change Management - Occasionally,
there might be changes that are required after a
product has been sold. IBM or your reseller, if
authorized by IBM, will make Engineering Changes
(ECs) available that apply to your hardware.
Be sure to retain your proof of purchase to obtain
warranty service. Refer to the IBM hardware warranty
for a full explanation of IBM’s warranty terms.
Please have the following information ready when you
call:
• Machine type and model
• Serial numbers of your IBM hardware products
• Description of the problem
• Exact wording of any error messages
• Hardware and software configuration information
On the World Wide Web, the IBM Personal Computing
Web site has up-to-date information about IBM
Personal Computer products and support.
Some helpful addresses are:
Table 1. IBM Personal Computing Web sites
World Wide Web site URL Description
http://www.ibm.com
Main IBM home page
http://www.ibm.com/pc
IBM Personal Computing
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support
IBM Personal Computing Support
http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/accessories
Options by IBM (U.S.)
http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/netfinity
IBM Netfinity Servers (U.S.)
http://www.ibm.com/pc/techconnect
IBM TechConnect
You can select a country-specific Web site from these
pages.
If you select Profile from the support page, you can
create a customized support page that is specific to
your hardware, complete with Frequently Asked
Questions, Parts Information, Technical Hints and Tips,
and Downloadable Files. You will have the information
you need, all in one place. In addition, you can choose
to receive e-mail notifications whenever new informa-
tion becomes available about your registered products.
You can also access online support forums, which are
community sites monitored by IBM support staff.

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
CONTENTS 6
Safety .............................................................3
Getting Help...................................................5
1OVERVIEW .................................................. 8
Product Overview ........................................... 8
Features...........................................................9
2QUICK START ............................................ 11
3RACK INSTALLATION .............................. 14
4CABLING .................................................. 15
Cable Lengths............................................... 15
Cable Locking Mechanism ............................ 15
Disconnecting Cables ................................... 16
Connecting Cables ....................................... 17
Starting the Switch Box ................................ 20
Powering Up the System............................... 20
Starting the Computers ................................ 21
Configuring the Switch Box .......................... 21
Unattended Reboot ...................................... 22
Resetting the Unit......................................... 22
Making Connections Under Power ............... 23
Alternative Configurations............................ 24
5USING OSCAR .......................................... 26
Launching OSCAR ........................................ 26
OSCAR Selection Screen ............................... 27
OSCAR Status Port Symbols.......................... 28
CONTENTS

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
CONTENTS 7
Command Summary......................................29
OSCAR Advanced Menus Screen .................. 30
Selecting Computers .................................... 31
Switching Tiered Systems ............................. 32
Assigning Unique Names to Computers........ 33
Changing Menu Attributes ........................... 35
Changing Status Flag Attributes ................... 37
Values and Effects of
Settings on Flag Appearance ........................ 38
Scanning the Computers .............................. 39
Broadcasting Commands .............................. 42
Securing Server Access ................................. 46
Displaying Version Information ..................... 50
Saving the Hardware Settings....................... 51
Resetting the Mouse and Keyboard .............. 52
Assigning Specific Device Types .................... 53
Capturing the Screen.....................................54
6UPDATING THE FIRMWARE ..................... 55
7TROUBLESHOOTING ................................. 57
APPENDICES ............................................ 63
A Specifications ............................................ 63
B Regulatory Compliance Notices ................. 65
C Power Cord Set Requirements................... 66
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)

1APEX OUTLOOK SWITCH USER GUIDE
OVERVIEW
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Apex OutLook Console Switch enables you to control
large computer networks using a single keyboard, monitor,
and mouse. On a single video screen, you can select from
as many as 64 computers running different operating
systems.
The 140DX supports 4 computers and one user, while the
180DX supports 8 computers and one user. Both 4 and 8
port switches use the OSCAR on-screen display (OSD)
interface, which has intuitive menus for accessing each
attached computer. Computers can be identified by name
or number, enabling you to view and select server names
that make sense to you.
A typical Apex OutLook Console Switch, also known as
keyboard/monitor mouse (KMM) or keyboard/video/mouse
(KVM) configuration, consists of the console (monitor,
keyboard, and mouse), the switch unit, and the attached
computers.
Additional OutLook Console Switches can be connected to
the primary switch, called tiering, to increase computer
access from 4 computers to as many as 64 computers.
Tiering allows you to modify your OutLook Console Switch
system as your network system needs change.
To switch between computers, type a command at the
keyboard. The selected computer receives typed characters
and displays its video output on the monitor. You can also
use the mouse to interact with the graphic interface of the
selected computer.
Product Overview
Features

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 9
Introduction
FEATURES
You can use the OutLook Console Switch in various configura-
tions to connect from 4 to 64 servers.
The features of the OutLook Console Switch include:
!OSCAR –Displays system-related information on the moni-
tor, such as power-up test data and configuration menus.
!Programmable scanning –Evaluates system performance by
sequentially scanning any or all of the computers in the
system. Programmable scanning allows you to determine
which computers to include as well as the duration of the
connection.
!Configuration non-volatile memory (NVM) –Makes it easy
to set configuration information using commands entered
from the keyboard. The NVM stores the resulting configura-
tion until you decide to change the information, even if the
unit loses power.
!PS/2 device reset switch –Resets the unit without interrupt-
ing power to the system if the keyboard or mouse communi-
cation is disrupted.
!Password protection –Protects against unauthorized users by
providing a password option for security purposes.
!Switch firmware update –Allows quick and easy update
since the application code of the switch resides in NVM. The
port communications settings are automatically configured to
allow direct downloading from the connected computer.
FEATURES

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 1
Introduction
There are many ways to configure the OutLook Console Switch
to meet your specific organizational needs. Additional informa-
tionon configuring multipleOutLook Console Switchescan be
found in Chapter 4, Cabling.
A single switch box is used to connect 4 or 8 servers. In this
configuration, the keyboard, monitor, and mouse are connected
directly to the unit by their respective cables. You can connect
the OutLook Console Switch to servers located in the same or
adjoining racks.
You can tier multiple OutLook Console Switch units to connect
up to 64 servers. This configuration is shown above, where the
secondary unit’s device port is connected to one of the com-
puterports on theoriginal orprimaryunit. MultipleOutLook
Console Switch units can be tiered from the primary unit.
Keyboard,
Mouse,
and
Video Cables
HYDR-002.EPS
Primary Switch
Secondary Switch
FEATURES (CONTINUED)

11
6
Set up the Switch System
To Set up an OutLook 4-Port Switch
Beforeinstallingthis product,readthe
Safety Information on the Apex User
Guide CD.
Get up and running in a few easy steps.
Follow the steps shown in the illustrations.
Select the appropriate setup method for your
switch.
2
QUICK START APEX OUTLOOK SWITCH USER GUIDE
Connect console to switch
Plug in power cord
Connect the servers
PS/2 keyboard, male PS/2 mouse, male HD15 video, male
DB9 serial port for updating firmware
PS/2 reset button
User console A OutLook 140DX

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
QUICK START 12
6
To Setup an 8-Port Switch
Connect consoles to switch
OutLook 280ES
Plug in power cord
Connect the servers
PS/2 keyboard, male
PS/2 mouse, male
HD15 video, male
50-pin, male
User console A
User console B
PS/2 reset button
SETUP THE SWITCH SYSTEM continued
Connects to the front
of the switch

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide
QUICK START 13
POWER UPYOUR SWITCH SYSTEM
Primary switch
Press to On position
to power up the switch
Turn on the servers
Turn on the monitors
To Power Up Your Switch System

3
INSTALLATION
APEX OUTLOOK SWITCH USER GUIDE
RACK INSTALLATION
Before installing this product, read the Safety
Information on the Apex User Guide CD.
Refer to the IBM installation instructions for
installation of the console switch in a rack
cabinet.

4
CABLING
APEX OUTLOOK SWITCH USER GUIDE
CABLE LENGTHS
Cable length affects video quality as well as keyboard and
mouse data timing. The maximum cable length is determined in
part by the computer and peripherals used. Not all systems give
satisfactory results at the maximum length.
USING LOCKING CABLE CONNECTORS
Keyboard and mouse connectors on the switch work with cables
that have a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism auto-
matically locks cable in place. The cable lock prevents cables
from becoming disconnected from the switch connectors due to
the weight of the cable bundles or accidental tension from
handling cables.
CablesLengths/LockingMechanism
ConnectingandDisconnecting Cables
Starting the Switch Box and the Computers
Unattended Reboot
Making Connections Under Power
AlternativeConfigurations

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 16
CABLING
DISCONNECTING CABLES
1
2
3
Attention
Failure to follow proper disconnect procedures could result in damage
to the cable or your unit.
To properly disconnect the keyboard or mouse cable:
1Grasp the housing.
2Slide it back to release the locking mechanism.
3Remove the cable.
DISCONNECTING CABLES

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 17
CABLING
CONNECTING CABLES
Connecting the Keyboard Cable in the Proper
Sequence
When you are connecting the video, PS/2 mouse and keyboard
cables from your servers to the OutLook switch, always connect
the keyboard cable after the mouse cable. The switch
detects the system power of the secondary switch or server
through the keyboard cable. When the keyboard cable is con-
nected after the mouse cable, the switch initializes both the
keyboard and mouse interfaces to the system. When the recom-
mended sequence is followed, you can add a new switch or
replace a failed switch without having to restart the system.
Whenever you make changes to the switch system, you should
save the hardware configuration settings. If you do not save the
settings, they are lost when power is lost or turned off. To
reestablish keyboard and mouse communication to the switch,
you might have to reboot each computer. To save your hardware
settings, select the Snapshot command from the OSCAR Ad-
vanced menu. See Chapter 5 for additional information on using
OSCAR.
CONNECTING CABLES

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 18
CABLING
CONNECTING CABLES (CONTINUED)
DANGER
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication
cables is hazardous.
o avoid a shock hazard:
– Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform
installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product
during an electrical storm.
– Connect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded
electrical outlet.
– Connect to properly wired outlets any equipment that will be
attached to this product.
– When possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect
signal cables.
– Never turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire,
water, or structural damage.
– Disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications
systems, networks, and modems before you open the device
covers, unless instructed otherwise in the installation and
configuration procedures.
– Connect and disconnect cables as described in the following
table when installing, moving, or opening covers on this
product or attached devices.
o Connect:
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. First, attach all cables to devices.
3. Attach signal cables to connectors.
4. Attach power cords to outlet.
5. Turn device ON.
o Disconnect:
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. First, remove power cords from outlet.
3. Remove signal cables from connectors.
4. Remove all cables from devices.
STATEMENT 1

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 19
CABLING
To connect cables:
1 Connect the mouse, keyboard, and video cables to the
appropriate switch connectors. Note that all keyboard and
mouse cables are 6-pin mini-DIN PS/2 style, and all the video
cables are 15-pin VGA/SVGA style. (These connectors are
located on the left rear of each of the switch boxes.)
2 Decide which computer is to be connected to port 1. Connect
the computer’s mouse to the appropriate connector beneath
the port labeled 1. Connect the computer’s keyboard to the
appropriate connector. Connect the computer’s monitor to the
15-pin VGA connector. Bundle and label the cables for easy
identification.
3 Repeat step 2 for all remaining computers to be connected to
the switch box.
4 Connect the power cord to the switch box.
Connecting the Cables
Figures 1 and 2 show the location of the keyboard, monitor and
mouse ports for each of the switch boxes.
Figure 1. 4-Port connectors
Figure 2. 8-Port connectors
CONNECTING CABLES (CONTINUED)

Apex OutLook 140DX/180DX Switch User Guide 20
CABLING
STARTING THE SWITCH BOX
It is important to turn on the switch box before turning on the
computers because when the servers boot up, their drivers send
device settings to the switch.
POWERING UPTHE SYSTEM
To power up the system:
1Press the power switch located on the rear panel of the
switch box to the on (1) position.
2Power up the computers. During startup, the switch box unit
does the following:
!Identifies the mouse and keyboard and puts them into
default states
!Switches to port 1 by default, and displays the number “1”
in the status flag displayed on the monitor. If the status flag
default setting has been changed to Names mode, the
status flag displays the port name instead of the port num-
ber. If a status flag is not shown on the monitor, make sure
the computer is connected and powered up.
STARTING THE SWITCH BOX