Avocent AMX Switch Series Installation and maintenance instructions

Installer/User Guide
For Technical Support:
Avocent Corporation
4991 Corporate Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35805-6201
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
590-222-501K
Avocent International Ltd.
Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone
Shannon, County Clare, Ireland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Avocent Asia Pacific
Singapore Branch Office
100 Tras Street, #15-01
Amara Corporate Tower
Singapore 079027
Tel: [phone]
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Avocent Germany
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D-33803 Steinhagen
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Avocent Canada
20 Mural Street, Unit 5
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1K3 Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.avocent.com/support
AMX®Switch Series

USA Notification
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursu-
ant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Notification
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out
in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
Japanese Approvals
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
EN55022 Class A, EN55024, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN60950, FCC 47CFR Part 15 Class A, CSA
C22.2 No. 60950, IEC 60950, FCC Class A, UL 60950 3rd Edition, VCCI Class A

AMX®Switch Series
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, AMX,
AMWorks, OSCAR, AutoView, DSR, OutLook, SwitchView and XP are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its
affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2006 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-222-501K

Instructions
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Dangerous Voltage
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Power On
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
Power Off
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
Protective Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to making any other
connections to the equipment.

iii
Table of Contents
List of Figures ................................................................................................................ vii
List of Tables................................................................................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1
Glossary.............................................................................................................................................3
Component Overview.........................................................................................................................4
The AMX switch..........................................................................................................................5
The AMX user station ................................................................................................................5
The AMX switch IQ modules ......................................................................................................5
UTP cables..................................................................................................................................5
Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................6
Chapter 2: Installation ..................................................................................................... 7
AMX Switching Systems ....................................................................................................................7
Getting Started...................................................................................................................................7
Rack Mounting an AMX Switch.......................................................................................................10
Installing an AMX Switch ................................................................................................................10
Connecting Target Devices to the AMX Switch...............................................................................12
Connecting Users to the AMX Switching System.............................................................................14
Connecting a Local Server to the AMX Switching System ..............................................................15
Connecting an AMIQDM Module for Dual Port Output.................................................................16
Installing a Cascaded AMX Switching System................................................................................17
Blocking and non-blocking configurations...............................................................................17
Installing AMWorks Software..........................................................................................................21
Configuring AMWorks software...............................................................................................22
AMX Switching Systems in Broadcast Environments......................................................................22
Using nVision routers...............................................................................................................23
Flash Upgrading the AMX Switching System..................................................................................24
Unit LEDs ........................................................................................................................................24
AMX switch...............................................................................................................................24
AMX user station ......................................................................................................................25
IQ module .................................................................................................................................26
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Chapter 3: Operations ................................................................................................... 27
OSCAR Interface Overview .............................................................................................................27
Accessing the OSCAR interface................................................................................................27
Changing the OSCAR hotkey sequence....................................................................................28
OSCAR interface tabs...............................................................................................................28
Target Devices.................................................................................................................................29
Connection modes.....................................................................................................................29
Accessing target devices...........................................................................................................29
Setting a target device hotkey...................................................................................................30
Setting a quick switch hotkey for target devices.......................................................................31
Setting a local switch hotkey.....................................................................................................32
Setting a target flag ..................................................................................................................33
Viewing MDM target device information.................................................................................34
Scanning the switching system..................................................................................................35
Users................................................................................................................................................37
Logging in as a user .................................................................................................................37
Logging out...............................................................................................................................38
Managing the user database.....................................................................................................38
Administering security settings.................................................................................................39
Configuring Keyboard Settings .......................................................................................................42
Keyboard layout........................................................................................................................42
Keyboard type...........................................................................................................................44
Keyboard translation ...............................................................................................................45
Using Audio and Serial Data Emulation.........................................................................................46
Viewing IQ Module Version Information ........................................................................................48
User Stations....................................................................................................................................49
Locking user station settings ....................................................................................................50
User station inactivity settings .................................................................................................51
Setting Device Properties ................................................................................................................51
OSD Command Line Operations.....................................................................................................54
Accessing the Command Line...................................................................................................55
Resetting the keyboard and mouse ...........................................................................................55
Disabling Auto User Login.......................................................................................................56

Table of Contents v
Equalization tuning...................................................................................................................56
Deskew tuning...........................................................................................................................57
Configuring the DDC table ......................................................................................................58
Persistent mode.........................................................................................................................58
Forcing a Connection to a Target Device .......................................................................................59
Forcing a connection using the OSD Command Line..............................................................60
Forcing a connection from the serial port to a target device...................................................60
Forcing a connection using SNMP...........................................................................................62
Chapter 4: Terminal Operations ................................................................................... 63
Accessing the Terminal Menu..........................................................................................................63
Terminal Applications menu commands...................................................................................63
Appendices..................................................................................................................... 67
Appendix A: Technical Specifications .............................................................................................67
Appendix B: Using AMIQ-SRL Modules .........................................................................................77
Appendix C: OSCAR Interface Edit Device Screen Settings...........................................................82
Appendix D: Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................85
Appendix E: Technical Support.......................................................................................................87
Index................................................................................................................................ 89

vi AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide

vii
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Typical AMX Switching System Configuration ..............................................................4
Figure 2.1: AMX Switching System Configuration with AMIQ and AMIQ-SRL Modules................8
Figure 2.2: AMX Switching System Configuration with AMIQDM Modules....................................9
Figure 2.3: AMX Switch Rack Mounting Diagram .........................................................................10
Figure 2.4: Example of an AMX Switch Back Panel (AMX5020 Switch Shown)............................11
Figure 2.5: Connecting Target Devices to an AMX Switch (AMX5000 Switch Shown) .................13
Figure 2.6: Example of an AMX User Station Back Panel (AMX5130 User Station Shown).........14
Figure 2.7: AMIQDM Module Dual Port Connectivity ..................................................................16
Figure 2.8: Cascaded AMX Switching System, Blocking Configuration ........................................18
Figure 2.9: Cascaded AMX Switching System, Combination of Configurations............................19
Figure 2.10: AMX Switching System in a Broadcast Environment.................................................23
Figure 2.11: AMX Switch LEDs (AMX5000 Switch Shown)...........................................................25
Figure 2.12: AMX User Station Front Panel (AMX5110 User Station Shown)..............................25
Figure 2.13: AMX User Station Back Panel (AMX5110 User Station Shown)...............................26
Figure 2.14: IQ Modules with LEDs (AMIQDM Module Shown) ..................................................26
Figure 3.1: Example of the OSCAR Interface .................................................................................27
Figure 3.2: Server Hotkey Screen....................................................................................................30
Figure 3.3: Change Hotkey Screen..................................................................................................31
Figure 3.4: Configure Screen..........................................................................................................32
Figure 3.5: Configure Screen..........................................................................................................32
Figure 3.6: Target Flag Screen.......................................................................................................33
Figure 3.7: Set Position Screen.......................................................................................................34
Figure 3.8: Information Screen.......................................................................................................35
Figure 3.9: Target Screen................................................................................................................35
Figure 3.10: User Screen.................................................................................................................36
Figure 3.11: User Screen.................................................................................................................37
Figure 3.12: User Admin Screen.....................................................................................................38
Figure 3.13: Add User Screen.........................................................................................................39
Figure 3.14: Edit User Screen - Normal User.................................................................................40
Figure 3.15: User Rights Screen .....................................................................................................40
Figure 3.16: Edit User Screen - Admin User ..................................................................................41
LIST OF FIGURES

viii AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Figure 3.17: Configure Screen........................................................................................................43
Figure 3.18: Console Screen...........................................................................................................44
Figure 3.19: Audio/Serial Screen (User Tab) .................................................................................47
Figure 3.20: Audio/Serial Screen (Admin Tab)...............................................................................48
Figure 3.21: Information Screen .....................................................................................................49
Figure 3.22: Status Screen...............................................................................................................49
Figure 3.23: Lockdown Screen (Settings for the AMX5130 User Station Shown)..........................50
Figure 3.24: Inactivity Screen .........................................................................................................51
Figure 3.25: Device Admin Screen..................................................................................................52
Figure 3.26: Edit Device Screen (Normal Configuration)..............................................................52
Figure 3.27: Edit Device Screen (Seamless Configuration)............................................................54
Figure 3.28: Command Line Screen................................................................................................54
Figure 3.29: Configure Screen........................................................................................................55
Figure 3.30: Equalization Tuning Screen........................................................................................56
Figure 3.31: Deskew Tuning Screen................................................................................................57

ix
List of Tables
Table 3.1: Available Keyboard Layouts on the AMX User Station.................................................42
Table 3.2: Available Keyboard Layouts on USB and Sun IQ Modules...........................................43
Table 3.3: PS/2 Keyboard to Sun Server ........................................................................................45
Table 3.4: Power/Sleep for USB Servers.........................................................................................46
Table 3.5: OSD Command Line Hotkey Sequences ........................................................................55
Table 3.6: Force Connect Confirmation Codes...............................................................................62
Table 3.7: Force Disconnect Confirmation Codes..........................................................................62
Table 4.1: AMX Switching System Configuration ID......................................................................64
Table 4.2: AMX System MIB Object Groups...................................................................................66
Table 4.3: AMX System MIB Trap Files..........................................................................................66
Table A.1: AMX5000 Switch Specifications ....................................................................................67
Table A.2: AMX5010 Switch Specifications ....................................................................................68
Table A.3: AMX5020 Switch Specifications ....................................................................................69
Table A.4: AMX5030 Switch Specifications ....................................................................................70
Table A.5: AMX5100, AMX5110 or AMX5120 User Station Specifications...................................71
Table A.6: AMX5130 User Station Specifications...........................................................................72
Table A.7: AMX5111 and AMX5121 User Station Specifications...................................................73
Table A.8: AMIQ Module Specifications.........................................................................................74
Table A.9: AMIQDM Module Specifications...................................................................................75
Table A.10: AMIQ-SRL Module Specifications...............................................................................76
Table B.1: History Mode Control Keys ..........................................................................................80
Table B.2: AMIQ-SRL Module Pinouts...........................................................................................80
Table C.1: AutoView KVM Switch ..................................................................................................82
Table C.2: AutoView 200, 400, 416 or 424 Switch..........................................................................82
Table C.3: SwitchView OSD Switch................................................................................................82
Table C.4: AV2000R, AV1000R, AV2000 or DSR Switch ...............................................................83
Table C.5: OutLook ES Switch........................................................................................................83
LIST OF TABLES

xAMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Table C.6: XP Switch.......................................................................................................................83
Table C.7: IBM C2T ........................................................................................................................84
Table C.8: KVM Switch ...................................................................................................................84

1
CHAPTER
1Product Overview
The Avocent AMX®switch is a KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switch that allows users to
access multiple system servers or serial devices from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse.
Multiple users in different locations can share access to PC, USB or Sun servers and serial devices.
A typical AMX switching system consists of one or more AMX switches, user stations and
Avocent matrix intelligent (IQ) modules. Up to three tiers of AMX switches can be cascaded to
provide seamless access to a large number of target devices. Other KVM switches, including
Avocent and non-Avocent branded, may also be attached in a cascaded system but do not provide
seamless cascading.
All AMX switches are rack mountable and are equipped with the Avocent patented OSCAR®
graphical user interface and the AMWorks®Java™-based system administration tool.
Features and Benefits
Multiplatform
With the AMX switching system, you can access any combination of PC, USB or Sun servers and
serial devices using a single keyboard and mouse.
Connection sharing
Two or more users can share access to the same target device simultaneously through the AMX
switch. When sharing a connection to a target device, all users see the video but only one user at a
time controls the keyboard and mouse.
Security
The AMX KVM switching system allows you to house valuable equipment in controlled areas.
IQ modules, compact devices that eliminate cable bulk, prevent unauthorized access to a target
device through cable manipulation. You can control user access by assigning rights to each
username for specific target devices. Administrative privileges, usernames and the serial port are
also password-protected.
LDAP user authentication
The AMX switch supports the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) user authentication
mode. LDAP provides the Active Directory for username and password authentication.

2AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Advanced video compensation
The AMX user stations and IQ modules provide advanced video compensation that automatically
maximizes video quality for long distance communications. You can also manually adjust video
quality for specific servers or user stations.
Scalable architecture
The AMX switching system scalable architecture can easily accommodate additional servers and
users. IQ modules, user stations and switches are pre-assigned unique identification numbers
(UIDs), allowing you to easily reconfigure the switching system. Name changes to IQ modules are
automatically sent to all attached user stations, even if the units are on different networks.
Audio and serial support
You can use the AMX switching system to access audio and serial data from connected target
devices. To access this feature, the AMX switching system must include multimedia-capable
devices and a user station and IQ module that support audio and serial emulation.
Extended keyboard and mouse support
You can use a variety of keyboards and mouse devices to access any target device in the AMX
switching system. Most user stations support PS/2, USB and Sun keyboard and mouse types. Some
user stations also support the Pinnacle FAK (Fast Action Keyboard) and Chyron Duet keyboard.
Broadcast configurations with nVision router control
In AMX switching system broadcast configurations, studio operators can use Pinnacle FAK or
Chryon keyboards and have access to Deko, Chyron CG and other machines used for delivery of
live content. Editing suites have access to Avid, SGI and storage machines with full media
provided from these machines through an AMX switch and nVision router combination. Broadcast
engineers have full access to all servers and equipment to provide maintenance and support. In
addition, all valuable equipment is secure and housed in a safe environment.
Connecting an nVision router to the AMX switching system provides video and audio routing
functionality to users. When a user in the AMX switching system connects to a target device, the
nVision router will automatically connect the audio and video signals from the target device to the
user’s workstation.
Seamless cascading
You can increase the number of target devices that users can access by creating a cascaded
switching system. You can connect target devices to up to three levels of AMX or non-Avocent
KVM switches. When cascading AMX switches, you can seamlessly connect to any target device
from a single list in the OSCAR interface, as if all the target devices were connected to one switch.
You can also cascade non-Avocent KVM switches, but to access the attached target devices you
must first select the non-Avocent switch from the OSCAR interface target list, and then connect to
the target device using the methods provided by the non-Avocent KVM switch.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
OSCAR graphical user interface
With the OSCAR graphical user interface, you can use your keyboard or mouse to select any
attached target device. This easy-to-use, menu-driven interface also enables you to administer
security settings, language and keyboard selection, hotkey sequences and other features.
Administration using the AMWorks software
The AMWorks Java-based system administration software tool is supplied with each AMX switch.
Use it to assign names to attached target devices and users, designate user access rights, monitor
switching system events, and upgrade firmware. You can also use
AMWorks software to
configure
AMX switching system installations remotely, eliminating the need to configure each
unit separately.
System monitoring using the SNMP interface
The AMX switch supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to remotely
monitor the switch via the ethernet port. Once SNMP is configured, you can use the SNMP
protocol to manage and control user stations and their connections in the switching system.
Glossary
The following terms are used throughout this documentation:
• Cascading – Connecting multiple KVM switches to an AMX switch, providing additional
connections for target devices. Cascading expands the number of target devices that can be
connected to the AMX switching system.
• Console – The user station and peripheral devices used by each local user.
• IQ module – T he primary interface between an attached device (KVM switch, serial device or
PS/2, Sun or USB server) and the
AMX switching system. IQ modules are server-powered and
provide keyboard emulation, DDC (Digital Data Channel) and
AMX switching system support.
• Peripheral devices – The set of communication devices connected to each user station. May
include keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and headphones.
• Switch – Equipment that provides KVM connectivity to attached target devices.
• Switching system – A set of switches and attached target devices, user stations, IQ modules
and peripheral devices.
• Target device – Equipment such as a server or serial device that is attached through an IQ
module to a switch or user station and can be accessed through the switching system.
• Unit – Includes switches, user stations and target devices; this term is used when the procedure
is referring to any or all.
• User station – The interface between the AMX switch and system users, storing local (console)
settings and providing connections for peripheral devices. The user station also provides the
OSCAR interface for target device selection and administration.

4AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Component Overview
An AMX switching system typically consists of four main components:
• One or more AMX switches.
• One or more Avocent AMX matrix user stations.
• One or more Avocent IQ modules, available in several different types including the AMIQ,
AMIQDM and AMIQ-SRL modules.
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables.
A typical AMX switching system configuration is illustrated in Figure 1.1.
64 Servers
AMX Switch
A
MX
User Station
UTP Cables
IQ
Module
16 Users
Figure 1.1: Typical AMX Switching System Configuration

Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
The AMX switch
The AMX switch provides the framework for the AMX switching system and is available in a
variety of matrix sizes. Each AMX switch can be cascaded to create larger system configurations.
The AMX switch stores a full database of user rights and server names and communicates with the
AMWorks software through an IP (Internet Protocol) port.
The AMX user station
The AMX user station, the interface between the AMX switch and system users, stores local
(console) settings and provides connections for peripheral devices. The user station also provides
the OSCAR interface for target device selection and administration.
The AMX switch IQ modules
The IQ module is the primary interface between an attached device (KVM switch, serial device or
PS/2, Sun or USB server) and the
AMX switching system. If the switch loses power, the target
devices will continue to power the IQ modules. This Keep Alive functionality ensures continued
keyboard and mouse operability and prevents data loss. Available in three types, IQ modules also
provide keyboard emulation, DDC (Digital Data Channel), and
AMX switching system support.
• AMIQ module – a standard IQ module that connects a target device to the switching system.
AMIQ modules are available for PS/2, USB and Sun VGA or 13W3 interfaces.
• AMIQDM module –a two-port IQ module that enables one server to be shared between two
AMX switches, increasing the number of users that can be added to the switching system. The
AMIQDM module also enables the multimedia feature (audio and serial data communication)
when it is connected to a user station that supports this feature. AMIQDM modules are
available as PS/2, USB and Sun VGA interface modules.
• AMIQ-SRL (serial) module – a DCE (Data Communication Equipment) device that is the
primary interface between a serial device and the AMX switching system. It supports VT100
terminal emulation, break suppression and port history. See Appendix B: Using AMIQ-SRL
Modules on page 77 for more information.
IQ modules are connected to the switching system with UTP cabling and eliminate the need for
additional cables or extra rack spaces. Each IQ module has a factory-assigned unique number that
identifies the attached target device within the system.
UTP cables
You may use any combination of CAT 5, CAT 5e and CAT 6 cables in the AMX switching system.
NOTE: Throughout this manual, UTP refers to any CAT cable used by the AMX switching system.

6AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Safety Precautions
To avoid potential video and/or keyboard problems when using Avocent products:
• If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the server and monitor are on the same phase.
For best results, they should be on the same circuit.
To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to equipment, please observe the
following precautions:
• Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any Avocent product configuration.
• Test AC outlets at the server and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.
• Use only with grounded outlets at both the server and monitor. When using a backup
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power the server, the monitor and the AMX switch off
the supply.
NOTE: The AC inlet is the main disconnect.
DC installation safety considerations
As a safety precaution, install this product in an area with limited or controlled access. A readily
accessible disconnect device that is suitably approved and rated shall be incorporated in the field
wiring. Connect field wiring from earth ground to the screw terminal marked with the ground symbol.
Terminals will accommodate wiring from 26 to 12 AWG (up to 2.5 mm2 maximum cross section).
Strip each wire, insert it in the square opening in the terminal block and tighten the screw above it to
a maximum of 70 ounce-inches (0.5 Nm) using either a flat or Phillips-head screwdriver.
Rack mount safety considerations
• Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operation
temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Use care not to exceed
the rated maximum ambient temperature of the unit.
• Reduced Air Flow: Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of
airflow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
• Mechanical Loading: Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous
condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
• Circuit Overloading: Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the
supply circuit and the effect that overloading of circuits might have on overcurrent protection
and supply wiring. Consider equipment nameplate ratings for maximum current.
• Reliable Earthing: Reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment should be maintained. Pay
particular attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit
(for example, use of power strips).

7
CHAPTER
2Installation
AMX Switching Systems
AMX switching systems consist of an AMX switch or switches, user stations, target devices, IQ
modules and peripheral devices. See Figure 2.1 on page 8 and Figure 2.2 on page 9 for examples of
switching system configurations.
Getting Started
Before installing your AMX switching system, make sure you have access to the following items:
• The AMX switch and all of the items supplied with it. These items may include a power cord,
rack mounting brackets, a null modem cable, installation CDs and help materials.
• UTP cables for each target device and user station you plan to attach to the switching system.
• One AMIQ or AMIQDM module for each server and one AMIQ-SRL module for each
serial device.
• AMWorks software, available by free download at www.avocent.com/support or on the instal-
lation CD included with the AMX switch.

8AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide
Figure 2.1 illustrates one possible switching system configuration using AMIQ and
AMIQ-SRL modules.
Figure 2.1: AMX Switching System Configuration with AMIQ and AMIQ-SRL Modules
AMX Switch (AMX5000 Switch Shown)
AMX User Station
(AMX5130 User Station Shown)
AMIQ-SRL
Module
Local PC
AMIQ
Module
(PS/2 Shown)
Server with
AMWorks Software
USB Keyboard
and Mouse
Serial Device
Stereo Speakers
and Microphone
Monitor
Target Devices
Serial Port