Avocent AutoView 1415 Installation and maintenance instructions

590-644-616A
For Technical Support:
Avocent Corporation
4991 Corporate Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35805-6201 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Avocent International Ltd.
Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone
Shannon, County Clare, Ireland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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Singapore Branch Office
100 Tras Street, #15-01
Amara Corporate Tower
Singapore 079027
Tel: [phone]
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Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 2-4
D-33803 Steinhagen
Germany
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Avocent Canada
20 Mural Street, Unit 5
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1K3 Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.avocent.com/support
Installer/User Guide
For models: 1415, 1515 and 2015
AutoView® Switch

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, pursuant 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
Korean Approvals
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
UL, FCC Class A, cUL, ICES Class A, CE, GS, IRAM, GOST, VCCI Class A, MIC Class A, C-Tick

AutoView®Switch
1415/1515/2015
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, AutoView,
OutLook and OSCAR are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation
or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
©2007 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-644-616C

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 .................................................................................................................. v
List of Tables..................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1
Features and Benefits ........................................................................................................................1
Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2: Installation ..................................................................................................... 5
Getting Started...................................................................................................................................5
Supplied with the AutoView switch.............................................................................................5
Rack Mounting Your AutoView Switch..............................................................................................5
Installing the AutoView Switch..........................................................................................................6
Connecting Users...............................................................................................................................8
Cascading AutoView Switches...........................................................................................................8
Adding Legacy Switches ..................................................................................................................10
Setting Up Your AutoView Switching System..................................................................................13
Chapter 3: Basic Operations......................................................................................... 15
Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports..................................................................................15
Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers........................................................................................15
Navigating the OSCAR Interface.....................................................................................................17
Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus .............................................................................................19
Assigning server names ............................................................................................................20
Assigning device types..............................................................................................................22
Changing the display behavior.................................................................................................23
Setting the keyboard country code............................................................................................24
Selecting a language.................................................................................................................25
Controlling the status flag........................................................................................................26
Setting console security ............................................................................................................27
Displaying Version Information ......................................................................................................31
Scanning Your System......................................................................................................................33
Running System Diagnostics............................................................................................................35
Broadcasting to Servers...................................................................................................................37
Changing Your Switch Mode...........................................................................................................39
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
Chapter 4: Advanced Operations ................................................................................. 41
Using Administrator Privileges .......................................................................................................41
Appendices..................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix A: Flash Upgrades...........................................................................................................45
Appendix B: Technical Specifications .............................................................................................48
Appendix C: Sun Advanced Key Emulation.....................................................................................50
Appendix D: Technical Support.......................................................................................................52

v
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Example of an AutoView Switch Configuration .............................................................3
Figure 2.1: AutoView Switch Horizontal Installation.......................................................................6
Figure 2.2: Basic AutoView Switch Configuration ...........................................................................7
Figure 2.3: AutoView 2015 Switch Configuration with a Cascaded Switch...................................10
Figure 2.4: AutoView 2015 Switch Configuration with Legacy KVM Switches .............................11
Figure 2.5: AutoView Switch Configuration with AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switches.................12
Figure 3.1: Example of Configured Main Dialog Box....................................................................15
Figure 3.2: Setup Dialog Box (User)...............................................................................................20
Figure 3.3: Setup Dialog Box (Admin)............................................................................................20
Figure 3.4: Names Dialog Box........................................................................................................21
Figure 3.5: Name Modify Dialog Box .............................................................................................21
Figure 3.6: Devices Dialog Box ......................................................................................................22
Figure 3.7: Device Modify Dialog Box ...........................................................................................23
Figure 3.8: Menu Dialog Box..........................................................................................................23
Figure 3.9: Keyboard Box ...............................................................................................................25
Figure 3.10: Keyboard Warning Dialog Box..................................................................................25
Figure 3.11: Language Dialog Box.................................................................................................26
Figure 3.12: Flag Dialog Box .........................................................................................................27
Figure 3.13: Set Position Flag ........................................................................................................27
Figure 3.14: Security Dialog Box....................................................................................................28
Figure 3.15: Version Dialog Box ....................................................................................................31
Figure 3.16: Target Selection Dialog Box (Admin) ........................................................................32
Figure 3.17: Target Version Dialog Box.........................................................................................32
Figure 3.18: Firmware Warning Dialog Box..................................................................................33
Figure 3.19: Scan Dialog Box.........................................................................................................34
Figure 3.20: Commands Dialog Box...............................................................................................35
Figure 3.21: Diagnostics Dialog Box..............................................................................................36
Figure 3.22: Diagnostics Warning Dialog Box...............................................................................37
Figure 3.23: Broadcast Dialog Box ................................................................................................38
Figure 3.24: Broadcast Enable Confirm/Deny Dialog Box ............................................................39
Figure 3.25: Switch Dialog Box ......................................................................................................40
Figure 4.1: Security Menu...............................................................................................................41
LIST OF FIGURES

vi AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
Figure 4.2: User Setup Menu (Administrator Only)........................................................................42
Figure 4.3: User Edit Menu (Administrator Only)..........................................................................43
Figure 4.4: User Access Menu (Administrator Only)......................................................................43
Figure A.1: AVRIQ Status Dialog Box............................................................................................46
Figure A.2: AVRIQ Upgrade Dialog Box........................................................................................47

vii
List of Tables
Table 2.1: Legacy Switch Support...................................................................................................10
Table 3.1: OSCAR Interface Status Symbols...................................................................................16
Table 3.2: OSCAR Interface Navigation Basics..............................................................................17
Table 3.3: Setup Features to Manage Routine Tasks for Your Servers...........................................19
Table 3.4: OSCAR Interface Status Flags .......................................................................................26
Table 3.5: Diagnostic Test Details ..................................................................................................36
Table B.1: Product Specifications ...................................................................................................48
Table C.1: Sun Key Emulation ........................................................................................................50
Table C.2: PS/2-to-USB Keyboard Mappings.................................................................................51
LIST OF TABLES

viii AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide

1
CHAPTER
1
Product Overview
Features and Benefits
The AutoView® 1415/1515/2015 switches integrate Avocent field-proven analog keyboard, video
and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, flexible access for two
simultaneous users, USB support and a patented, easy-to-use interface. This AutoView series of
KVM switches conveniently supports all major server platforms and features powerful on-screen
management for easy system configuration and server selection. The AutoView 1415/1515/2015
switches also feature user peripheral ports for PS/2 and USB keyboards and mice.
NOTE: With the exception of USB capability, all references to AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches are applicable
to AutoView 1400/1500/2000 switches respectively.
AVRIQ Intelligent Module
A benefit of the AutoView switch is the AVRIQ intelligent module. The AVRIQ module with
CAT 5 design dramatically reduces cable clutter, while providing optimal resolution and video
settings. The built-in memory of the AVRIQ module simplifies configuration by assigning and
retaining unique server names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each attached server. The
AVRIQ module is powered directly from the server and provides Keep Alive functionality even if
the AutoView switch is not powered.
Each AutoView 2015 switch has 16 Avocent Rack Interface (ARI) ports for connecting AVRIQ
modules. AutoView 1415 and 1515 switches provide eight ARI ports. Utilizing an AVRIQ module,
you can attach additional switches to expand your AutoView switching system. This flexibility
allows you to add capacity as your data center grows.
Multiplatform support
The AVRIQ modules available with the AutoView switch support PS/2, Sun™, USB and serial
server environments. Using the OSCAR®graphical user interface in conjunction with these
modules allows you to switch easily across platforms.
Two-User Share Mode
The AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches feature a Share Mode function that allows two users to
gain access to a primary server. The user configurable time-out feature allows you to determine the
amount of time (up to 600 seconds) for the target to remain idle before the other user can take
control of the target.

2AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
OSCAR graphical user interface
AutoView switches use the OSCAR interface, which features intuitive menus to configure your
switching system and select servers. servers can be identified by unique name, EID or port number,
allowing you to assign unique server names.
Security
The OSCAR interface allows you to protect your system with a screen saver password. After a
user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and access is prohibited until the appropriate
password is entered to reactivate the system.
Operation modes
The OSCAR user interface provides convenient operation modes for easy system administration of
the AutoView switch. These modes (Broadcast, Scan, Switch and Share) allow you to manage your
switching activities. Chapter 3 explains these modes in detail.
Video
The AutoView switch provides optimal resolution for analog VGA, SVGA and XGA video.
Achieve resolutions of up to 1280 x 1024 with a 100 foot (30 meters) cable and up to 800 x 600
with a 50 foot (15 meter) cable. Resolutions will vary depending upon the length of cable
separating your switch and servers.
NOTE: Distances up to 100 feet (30 meters) are subject to cable quality and environmental factors.
Plug and Play
The AutoView switch also supports Display Data Channel (DDC) Plug and Play, which automates
configuration of the monitor and is compliant with the VESA DDC2B standard.
Flash upgradable
Upgrade your firmware at any time through a simple update utility to ensure that your AutoView
switching system is always running the most current version available. Both the AutoView switch
and the AVRIQ modules are Flash upgradable. See Appendix A for more information.
NOTE: Firmware available for the AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switch is also compatible with the AutoView 1400/
1500/2000 switch, but it is not compatible the AutoView 2020/2030 switch.
Cascading expansion
Each AutoView switch supports up to 16 directly attached servers and can conveniently scale to
support more. You can expand your system using cascadable Avocent products such as other
AutoView or OutLook®switches. This extra “cascade” of units allows you to attach up to 256
servers in one system. See Chapter 2 for more information.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
Local user accounts
The AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches enable an administrator to configure up to four user
accounts for use with the switch. These user accounts allow the administrator to restrict what ports
a class of user can access, as well as the name of the user account and password. See Chapter 4 for
more information.
Integrated Access Cables
The AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches also feature Integrated Access Cable (IAC) modules
designed to provide the same ease of use as the AVRIQ module. Available in three different
lengths, IAC modules are RJ-45 style cables that provide a reduced cost alternative to AVRIQ
modules. IAC modules support PS/2 and USB connectivity. Contact your Avocent representative
for more information.
NOTE: IAC modules are not upgradable.
Figure 1.1: Example of an AutoView Switch Configuration
AVRIQ
or IAC
Module
Legacy Switch
(Cascaded)
AutoView Switch
(Cascaded)
Rack of Servers
Analog
Connection
Critical Server
AutoView Switch
(Main)
Analog
Connection

4AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
Safety Precautions
To avoid potential video and/or keyboard problems when using Avocent products:
•Ιf the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computers and monitors are on the same
phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.
• Use only Avocent-supplied cable to connect computers and KVM switches. Avocent
warranties do not apply to damage resulting from user-supplied cable.
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 computer and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.
• Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When using a backup
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power the computer, the monitor and the AutoView
switch off the supply.
NOTE: The AC inlet is the main disconnect.
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).

5
CHAPTER
2
Installation
Getting Started
Before installing your AutoView switch, refer to the following list to ensure you have all items that
shipped with the AutoView switch, as well as other items necessary for proper installation.
Supplied with the AutoView switch
• Power cord
• One null modem serial cable
• Rack mounting kit
• AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Installer/User Guide
• AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Quick Installation Guide
Additional items needed
One IAC or AVRIQ module and CAT 5 cabling per attached server or switch
Rack Mounting Your AutoView Switch
Your AutoView switch may be rack mounted using the brackets supplied in your rack mounting
kit. Before installing the switch and other components in the rack cabinet (if not already installed),
stabilize the rack in a permanent location. Install your equipment starting at the bottom of the rack
cabinet, then work to the top.

6AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
Figure 2.1: AutoView Switch Horizontal Installation
CAUTION: Rack Loading - Overloading or uneven loading of racks may result in shelf or rack failure, causing
damage to equipment and possible personal injury. Do not exceed your rack load rating.
To install the 1U switch mounting bracket:
1. Remove the first two screws on each side of the switch.
2. Line up the holes in the “long side” of the kit’s side brackets with the screw holes in the switch.
3. With a Phillips screwdriver, fasten the mounting brackets to the switch using two screws on
each side.
4. Attach four cage nuts or clip nuts to the rack mounting flange of the rack cabinet so that the nut
is positioned on the inside of the rack.
NOTE: Nuts are not included with the rack mount kit.
5. Mount the switch assembly to the rack cabinet by matching the holes in the “short side” of
each bracket to an appropriate set of matching holes on your rack cabinet.
6. Next, insert the combination hex head screws through the slots in the bracket and the holes in
the mounting rail, then into the cage nuts or clip nuts.
Installing the AutoView Switch
Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the appliance and then into an appropriate power
source. Figure 2.2 illustrates one possible configuration for your AutoView switch. See the
following detailed set of procedures to successfully install your appliance.

Chapter 2: Installation 7
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment -
- Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.
- Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
- Disconnect the power from the unit by unplugging the power cord from either the electrical outlet or the unit.
Figure 2.2: Basic AutoView Switch Configuration
NOTE: Only the AutoView 1515 and the AutoView 2015 switches support two simultaneous users.
Analog User B
Configuration Port
(for updating firmware)
AutoView Switch
Servers 2-16
AVRIQ Module
Analog User A
Server 1
IAC Module

8AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
To connect a server using an AVRIQ module:
1. Locate the AVRIQ modules for your AutoView switch.
2. Attach the appropriately color-coded cable ends to the keyboard, monitor and mouse ports on
the first server you will be connecting to the appliance.
3. Attach one end of a CAT 5 cable to the RJ-45 connector on the AVRIQ module.
4. Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired ARI port on the back of your
AutoView switch.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each server you wish to attach.
NOTE: When connecting a Sun AVRIQ module, you must use a multi-sync monitor to accommodate Sun
computers that support both VGA and sync-on-green or composite sync.
To connect a server using an IAC module:
1. Locate an IAC module for the server you wish to connect.
2. Attach the appropriately color-coded cable ends of the IAC module to the keyboard, monitor
and mouse ports on the server you will be connecting to the switch.
3. Attach the other end of the IAC module to an open ARI port.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each server you wish to attach.
Connecting Users
To connect local peripherals:
1. Select the keyboard, monitor and mouse to be connected to local analog user A.
2. Locate the port set labeled A on the back of the appliance. Connect these peripherals to their
respective ports.
3. Bundle and label the cables for easy identification.
4. Repeat these steps for user B, if desired.
Cascading AutoView Switches
You can cascade multiple AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches to enable one or two users to
connect to as many as 256 servers. In a cascaded system, each ARI (Avocent Rack Interface) port on
the main AutoView switch will connect to the ACI (Avocent Console Interface) port on each
cascaded AutoView switch. Each cascaded switch can then be connected to a server with an AVRIQ
module or IAC. The example shown in Figure 2.3 shows one AutoView switch cascaded under the
main switch, enabling the connection of up to 15 primary servers and 16 secondary servers. Using
this configuration, you could cascade 16 AutoView switches under the main switch, enabling the
connection of up to 256 servers. Only one level of tiering is supported in this type of configuration,
which means you cannot cascade any additional legacy switches or another AutoView switch.
In this configuration, the local port OSCAR interface is disabled in switches cascaded below the
main AutoView switch.

Chapter 2: Installation 9
To cascade multiple AutoView switches:
1. Connect the cascaded AutoView switch to each server as described in the previous Installing
the AutoView Switch section.
2. Connect the local peripherals to analog user A and/or B of the main switch as described in To
connect local peripherals.
3. Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling that will run between your main and cascaded AutoView
switch to the RJ-45 ACI port on the cascaded AutoView switch.
4. Attach the other end of the CAT 5 cable to one of the RJ-45 ARI ports on the main
AutoView switch.
NOTE: The system will automatically “merge” the two switches together as one. All servers connected to the
cascaded AutoView switch will display on the main AutoView switch server list in the OSCAR interface.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all additional (secondary) cascaded AutoView switches you wish
to attach.

10 AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
Figure 2.3: AutoView 2015 Switch Configuration with a Cascaded Switch
Adding Legacy Switches
You can add legacy switches to the AutoView switching system for easy integration into your
existing configuration. In a cascaded system, each ARI port will accommodate up to 24 servers.
See the following table for legacy switches compatible with the AutoView switching system.
Analog User A Analog User B
AutoView 2015 Switch
ARI Ports
15 Primary
Servers
AutoView 2015 Switch (cascaded)
ACI Port
16 Secondary
Servers
Table 2.1: Legacy Switch Support
Legacy Product Model Numbers
OutLook ES switch 140ES, 180ES, 280ES, 1160ES, 2160ES, 4160ES
AutoView switch AV200-4, AV200-8, AV400-4, AV400-8, AV416, AV424, AV1415, AV1515, AV2015