Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box User manual

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COMPAQ CONFIDENTIAL - NEED TO KNOW REQUIRED
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch
Box
User Guide
Part Number 242757-001

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NOTICE
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR
EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR
USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
This publication contains information protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be
photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Compaq Computer
Corporation.
The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure
agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
1996 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Compaq registered United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box User Guide
First Edition (October 1996)
Part Number 242757-001

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Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box Features........................................1-1
Configurations ........................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2
Installation
Attaching the Slide Rail Brackets............................................................................2-1
Preparing the Rack-Mount Brackets........................................................................2-2
Rack-mount Installation..........................................................................................2-2
Cover Panel Installation..........................................................................................2-3
Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box System Installation........................2-4
Initial Power-up ......................................................................................................2-5
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box Startup Behavior.........................................2-6
Computer Startup Behavior.....................................................................................2-6
Configuring the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box..........................................2-6
Switching Between Computers................................................................................2-7
Unattended Reboot..................................................................................................2-7
Chapter 3
Basic Switch Functions
Unit Operation........................................................................................................3-1
Switching Computers..............................................................................................3-1
Checking Port/Computer Status...............................................................................3-2
Advanced Switch Operations ..................................................................................3-2
Scanning System Computers...................................................................................3-3

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Displaying Version Information and Device Settings ..............................................3-4
Basic Switch Functions
continued
Saving the Hardware Configuration ........................................................................3-5
Resetting the Mouse and Keyboard.........................................................................3-5
Setting a Scanning Pattern.......................................................................................3-6
Assigning Names to Switch Ports............................................................................3-7
Changing the Menu Attributes.................................................................................3-7
Changing the Status Flag Attributes........................................................................3-9
Assigning Specific Device Types..........................................................................3-11
Changing the Security Password ...........................................................................3-12
Resetting the Unit .................................................................................................3-13
Making Connections Under Power........................................................................3-13
Chapter 4
Alternate Configurations
Paired Switch Configurations..................................................................................4-1
Tiered Switch Configurations..................................................................................4-2
Connecting Tiers while the System is Powered Up..................................................4-3
Switching Tiered Systems.......................................................................................4-3
Appendix A
Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box Specifications
Product Specifications............................................................................................A-1
Appendix B
Command Summary
Keyboard Sequences for CCR................................................................................B-1
Appendix C
Troubleshooting Tips

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Appendix D
Regulatory Notices
Appendix E
Power Cord Set Requirements
General Requirements............................................................................................E-1
Country-Specific Requirements..............................................................................E-2
Index

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1-1
Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box User Guide
Writer: Kristi Wishon Project: Introduction Comments:
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Chapter 1
Introduction
The Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box is a device that switches a
single keyboard, mouse, and monitor between multiple Compaq computers.
The Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box is a space-efficient 1 U height
(1.75-inch) device and is available in four- and eight-port models. This
chapter provides an overview of the product features, functionality, and
sample configurations.
Compaq
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box Features
The Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box products provide Compaq users
with a complete Compaq solution for their server computing needs. You can
use the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box in various configurations to
connect from 2 to 64 servers.
The features of the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box include:
■Console Configuration Reporting (CCR) - Console Configuration
Reporting displays system-related information on the monitor, such as
power-up test data and configuration menus.
■Programmable Scanning - You can evaluate 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 NVRAM - NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) makes it easy
to set configuration information using commands entered from the
keyboard. The NVRAM stores the resulting configuration until you
decide to change the information, even if the unit loses power.
■Hardware Reset Switch - If the keyboard or mouse communication is
disrupted, you can press this switch to reset the unit.

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1-2 Introduction
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■External Keypad Jack - The Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box
has an external keypad jack to support rack-mounted Compaq products.
In this configuration, the switch is mounted behind a door in a cabinet
and the optional keypad is mounted outside the cabinet for easy access.
■Password Protection - For protection against unauthorized users, the
Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box provides a password
option for security purposes.
Configurations
There are many ways to configure your Compaq Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box in order to meet your specific organizational needs. Additional
information on configuring multiple Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Boxes
can be found in Chapter 4.
■A single Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box is used to connect four
or eight servers. In this configuration, the keyboard, monitor, and
mouse are connected directly to the unit by their respective cables.
You can connect the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box to servers
located in the same or adjoining racks. See Figure 1-1.

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HYDR-001.EPS
Keyboard,
Mouse,
and
Video Cables
Master Switch
Figure 1-1. Single Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box
■You can pair two Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box units to
connect up to 16 computers. In this configuration, two eight-port
switches are placed one on top of another with a cable connecting
them. This requires only 2U (3.5 inches) of vertical space. For
additional information, see Chapter 4, “Paired Switch Configurations.”
■You can tier multiple Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box units to
connect up to 64 servers. This configuration is often referred to as a
“master/slave” system. It is illustrated in the example below, with the
slave unit’s device port connected to one of the computer ports on the
original or master unit. Multiple Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch
Box units can be tiered from the master unit. See Figure 1-2.

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1-4 Introduction
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HYDR-002.EPS
Slave Switch
Keyboard,
Mouse,
and
Video Cables
Master Switch
Figure 1-2. Tiered Configuration

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Chapter 2
Installation
This chapter provides installation information for the Compaq
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury or damage
to the equipment be sure that; the leveling feet are extended to
the floor and supporting the full weight of the rack. Each rack
should be level and stable. Racks that are not coupled to
g
ether
require the installation of stabilizing feet. This must be
accomplished before performing any work on the rack.
WARNING: Risk of personal injury. The rack may become
unstable if more than one component is extended for any
reason. Always ensure that the rack is adequately stabilized
before extending a component outside the rack. Extend only
one component at a time.
Attaching the Slide Rail
Brackets
The figure below shows how to attach the slide rail brackets to the
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box. Make sure that the front end of the
rack-mount brackets angle out away from the unit.

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2-2 Installation
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Figure 2-1. Attaching slide rail brackets
Preparing the Rack-Mount
Brackets
Prepare the rack-mount brackets for cable management in the rack by
attaching the plastic cable ties. The cable ties snap into place, with the tie on
the outside of the bracket. See Figure 2-2. After the cable ties are in place,
install the rack-mount brackets in the rack by sliding the two back tabs in the
back mounting rail. Secure the rack-mount brackets in the front mounting rail
with two 6mm screws each, making sure to use only the top and bottom holes.
The middle will be used for attaching the front cover panel after the unit is
fully installed. Also install the cable rod in the back of the unit in the two
keyhole-shaped holes. Push the rod down to lock it in place.

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Figure 2-2. Snapping cable ties into place
Rack-mount Installation
Slide the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box into the rack-mount brackets
until it snaps into place, as shown in Figure 2-3.
HYDR-007.EPS
Figure 2-3. Sliding the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box into
rack-mount brackets

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2-4 Installation
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Cover Panel Installation
After the unit is fully installed, secure the front cover panel using the middle
hole, as shown below.
HYDR-008.EPS
Figure 2-4. Securing the front cover panel
Compaq
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box System
Installation
Use the following procedure for system installation:
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage
to your equipment, make sure the power cord is disconnected
from the Switch Box.
1. Connect the keyboard, monitor, and mouse cables to the switch
monitor, keyboard, and mouse connectors as shown below. Note that
all keyboard and mouse cables are 6-pin mini-DIN PS/2 style, and all
the video cables are 15-pin VGA style.

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Monitor
Keyboard Mouse
Computer 3
Monitor
Computer 3
Keyboard Computer 3 Mouse
Power Cord
Connector
Power
Switch
HYDR-004.EPS
Figure 2-5. Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box Connectors
2. Decide which computer is to be connected to port 1. Connect the
computer’s keyboard and mouse to the jacks marked K and M,
respectively, beneath the port labeled One. 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
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box. Bundle the cables to the cable rod
with Velcro cable ties. Then route the cables out the slot in the rack-
mount bracket. Use the plastic cable ties to bundle the cables. See Figure
2-6.
HYDR-009.EPS
Cable Rod
Velcro Ties
Plastic
Cable Ties
Figure 2-6. Bundling cables with cable ties

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2-6 Installation
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WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to
your equipment, do not disable the power cord grounding
feature. This equipment is designed to be connected to a
grounded (earthed) power outlet that is easily accessible to the
operator. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.
4. Connect the power cord to the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box.
Initial Power-up
It is important that you power up the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box
first, then the computers. This is because when the servers boot up, their
drivers send device settings to the switch. These settings are then stored in the
switch NVRAM. Power-up the system as follows:
1. Power up the switch by pressing the power switch located on the rear
panel to the on (1) position.
2. Power up the computers.
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box Startup Behavior
Power up the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box first. During startup, the
unit does the following:
■Identifies the mouse and keyboard and puts them into default states.
■Switches to port number 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 number. If a status flag is not being
shown on the monitor, make sure that it is connected and powered up.

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Computer Startup Behavior
During startup the computers send device settings to the
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box. The unit then generates standard
responses to these commands and allows the computers to boot successfully
without actually being physically connected to the devices. Once you have
the switch installed you can save these settings to non-volatile RAM
(NVRAM). See Chapter 3 for additional information.
Configuring the
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box
When you first power up the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box, no
configuration is needed for normal switching operation. For tailoring the unit
to meet your specific needs, such as assigning unique names for the
computers, or displaying the computers by their assigned name or port
number, see Chapter 3.
Switching Between
Computers
Switching from one computer to another is a simple process with the
Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box. Switching disconnects the keyboard,
mouse, and monitor from one computer and connects them to another. The
steps are as follows:
1. Press Print Scrn.
2. Select the computer you want to switch to by using the Up and Down
arrow keys, or by pressing the numeric key that corresponds to the
computer’s port number.
3. Press Enter.
Since the Print Scrn key is used to start the switching process, you cannot use
it to print a screen in the normal way. To print the screen, simply press Print
Scrn twice. For more information on switching, see Chapter 3.

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Whenever you switch between two computers, the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box reconfigures the keyboard and mouse using the settings stored in
its memory. For example, if the current computer selected has Caps Lock
turned On, but the user is switching to a second computer that has Caps Lock
turned Off, then the unit turns Caps Lock Off to match the setting for the
second computer.
Unattended Reboot
After a power outage, each server connected to the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse
Switch Box reboots (if designed to do so), without operator intervention, when
power returns. The switch generates responses to ensure that the reboot is
successful and that the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box is ready to
switch between computers.

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Chapter 3
Basic Switch Functions
This chapter provides information on basic switch functions such as resetting
the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box, connecting the keyboard and
mouse while the system is powered up, and basic and advanced commands.
Unit Operation
Basic operation of the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box is achieved
through the keyboard and a series of windows and menus that appear on the
monitor. You can switch between computers and check port/computer status
by using these menus.
Console Configuration Reporting (CCR) is the interface used to communicate
with the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box. CCR is accessed by pressing
the Print Scrn key. The user then communicates directly with the switch
using the system keyboard and monitor. For more information on navigating
the menus or lists, refer to “Appendix B, Command Summary.”
Switching Computers
To switch the keyboard, monitor, and mouse from one computer in the system
and connect it to another, proceed as follows:
1. Press Print Scrn. The CCR Selection window appears on the monitor.
The computers are listed in order of port or computer name, as
determined by the Menu Attribute choice.
2. Select the computer you want to switch to by using the Up and Down
arrow keys, or by pressing the numeric key that corresponds to the
computer’s port number, and press Enter.
3. Press Esc to exit CCR and remove the CCR Selection window from the
monitor. The status flag window returns (if enabled) to the display to
indicate the currently connected computer.

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Checking Port/Computer
Status
You can confirm which ports are currently active and whether each port has a
computer or a slave switch connected by the following:
1. Press Print Scrn. The CCR Selection window appears on the monitor.
The symbols after the Port or Name columns show the status of the
port as follows:
Table 3-1
Port/Computer Status
Type of Symbol Symbol Meaning
Plus + Computer connected and running
Asterisk * Slave connected and running
2. Press Esc to exit the CCR selection window.
Advanced Switch Operations
Many switch functions are available that allow you to tailor your system to
meet your unique needs. Like the basic operation of the unit, system
configuration is achieved through the keyboard and the Console Configuration
Reporting. Some of the advanced operations include :
■Scanning the computers connected to the switch
■Displaying switch firmware version and settings
■Saving switch settings
■Resetting the mouse and keyboard

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■Setting up a special scan pattern
■Assigning unique names to the computers connected to the switch
■Displaying computers by name or port number in the windows
■Changing the position and color of the operation menus/windows
■Changing the attributes of the status flag
■Assigning a specific monitor type to a certain port/computer
■Assigning a password to protect against unauthorized users
For information on making specific entries and selections in the menus, refer
to “Appendix B, Command Summary.”
Scanning System Computers
When the unit is in scan mode, it automatically switches from port to port in a
sequential manner. You can modify the scan order so that specific computers
are included in a certain sequence and for a variable duration. For more
information, see “Setting a Scanning Pattern.”
To place the unit in scan mode, proceed as follows:
1. Press Print Scrn. The CCR Selection window appears.
2. Press F2 and the Advanced Menu screen appears. The highlight is in
the Commands menu.
3. Using the Up and Down arrow keys, move the highlight to Scan and
press Enter. At this point, the switch enters the scan mode and the
display returns to the status flag. You can press Esc at any time prior
to pressing Enter to cancel the operation.
4. To cancel the scan mode, press any key or move the mouse. The scan
stops at the currently connected computer.