Gefen EXT-DVIKVM-441DL User manual

www.gefen.com
®
www.
g
efen.com
4x1 DVIKVM DL/SL
Switcher
EXT-DVIKVM-441DL
User Manual

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Write To:
Gefen Inc.
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Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.gefen.com
[email protected]
Notice
Gefen Inc. reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging and
any accompanying documentation without prior written notice.
4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher is a trademark of Gefen Inc.
© 2009 Gefen Inc., All Rights Reserved
All trademarks are the property of their respective companies
Rev A3

CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features
4 Panel Layout
5 Panel Descriptions
6 Connecting & Operating The 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
7 RMT-4IR Remote Control Description
8 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher Remote Installation
9 RMT-4IR Remote And 4x1 KVM Switcher Configuration
10-11 EDID Modes
12 DL (Dual Link) Only Modes
13 RS-232 Serial Communication
14 RS-232 Serial Communication Commands
15 RS-232 Serial Communication - Upload EDID
18 Rack Mount Installation
19 Specifications
20 Warranty

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the 4x1 DVI-DL KVM DL/SL Switcher. Your
complete satisfaction is very important to us.
Gefen
Gefen delivers innovative, progressive computer and electronics add-on solutions
that harness integration, extension, distribution and conversion technologies.
Gefen’s reliable, plug-and-play products supplement cross-platform computer
systems, professional audio/video environments and HDTV systems of all sizes
with hard-working solutions that are easy to implement and simple to operate.
The Gefen 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
The rack-mountable Gefen 4x1 dual link/single link DVI KVM Switcher offers an
economical solution by eliminating the need to purchase many displays for each
computer in a studio or lab situation. A plug-and-play solution that supports both
Macintosh and IBM-PC computers, the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher shares one
DVI display with up to four computers or other DVI video sources. A single USB
2.0 port, keyboard & mouse ports, and an analog audio jack are also switched.
The switcher saves space on your desktop by eliminating a crowded workspace
full of DVI monitors, keyboards & mice, and USB and audio cables. Switching of
DVI sources is easy and reliable.
How It Works
The DVI monitor is connected to the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher’s output.
Up to four DVI video/USB/Audio sources connect to the switcher’s inputs using
included high quality DVI, USB and Audio cables. The included power supply is
connected to the switcher via the locking power plug and then to a power outlet.
The currently selected DVI video signal appears on the shared monitor. DVI
Video sources (and optionally keyboards & mice, USB and audio cables) are
selected/switched using the RMT-4IR remote control, RS-232 control, or the input
selector push button on the front panel of the switcher.

2
OPERATION NOTES
READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR
OPERATING THE GEFEN 4X1 DVI KVM DL/SL SWITCHER
• The 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher will take any of up to four (4) DVI dual-
link or single-link resolution inputs and switch them, one at a time, to a DVI
output device such as a display/monitor or projector. Resolutions can be up
to 3840x2400.
• The 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher is housed in a metal box for better RF
shielding.
• Computers must be turned on one at a time and the switcher must
be selected to the computer that is booting up. This is so that monitor
information (EDID) can be transmitted from the display to each computer.
After one computer completes the startup process, you can boot up the
second computer and repeat the process with the remaining computers.
This can be avoided with the use of the LOCAL EDID mode (page 11) that
will constantly supply each computer with an EDID. In this scenario, an
EDID stored in the local memory location, or user uploaded EDID, is
supplied to each input for use by the connected source device. Then, each
computer can boot up in any order and at anytime, regardless of which
computer the switch is selected to.

3
FEATURES
Features
• Switches easily between any four DVI-SL or DVI-DL sources with USB 2.0
and audio.
• Switches USB 2.0, keyboard & mouse, and analog audio
• Maintains highest resolution dual link and single link DVI
• Supports either PC or Mac USB keyboard/mouse
• Supports resolutions up through 1920x1200 and 3840x2400
• Extends the range of DVI video up to 50 feet
• Discrete IR remote control included
• Serial RS-232 remote port for switching via automated control or PC
• Supports DDWG standards for DVI monitors
• Rack ears included
Package Includes
(1) 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
(1) 5V DC / 2A Power Supply with locking power connector
(4) 6-foot Dual Link DVI cables
(4) 6-foot USB cables
(4) 6-foot 3.5mm jack analog audio cables
(1) RMT-4IR Remote Control
(1) Set of rack ears
(1) User’s Manual

4
Back Panel
PANEL LAYOUT
Front Panel
4 521
11 13
7 10
3
12
6 8 9

5
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
1 External IR Port
For connection of external IR extension device such as the Gefen IR Extender
(part # EXT-RMT-EXTIR).
2 IR Receiver
Receives IR signal from the handheld Infrared remote control unit included with
the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher.
3 DVI Signal Status LEDs 1-4
Provide visual confirmation of the currently selected DVI input signal being
output to the DVI display device.
4 DVI Input Selector
Push-button switch cycles the next DVI input 1-4 in a forward sequence starting
again at 1.
5 Power Indicator LED
Indicates when the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher is receiving 5V DC power
from its includedAC power supply.
6 3.5mm Analog Audio Inputs 1-4
Audio Sources 1-4 connect to the switcher here.
7 3.5mm Analog Audio Output
This audio output port connects to an external amplified audio device. The
selected audio input will be output through this port.
8 USB Type B Ports 1-4
USB devices (usually computers) one through four connect to the switcher here.
9 USB Type A Control Ports 1-2
The keyboard & mouse for controlling the selected remote computer or device
connects to the switcher here.
10 RS-232 Serial Communications Interface
Provided for external control of the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher.
11 5V Locking Power Receptacle
Supplies power to the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher from the included external
5V DC power supply. The 5V power supply has a locking power connector
which screws into this receptacle.
12 DVI Input Ports 1-4
DVI video sources 1-4 attach to the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher.
13 DVI Output Port
This DVI output port is connected to the display device (Monitor, Projector).

6
CONNECTING & OPERATING THE 4X1 DVI KVM DL/SL SWITCHER
How to Connect the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher to your devices:
1. Connect your computers’ DVI, USB, and Audio sources to the 4x1 DVI KVM
DL/SL Switcher inputs using user-supplied cables.
2. Connect your USB and audio devices to the USB and audio outputs using
user-supplied cables.
3. Connect your DVI display to the DVI output of the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher using a user-supplied DVI cable.
4. Connect the 5V DC power supply to the Switcher by by screwing its 5V DC
power supply tip into the receptacle in the rear of the unit, then plug it into the
wall.
5. Turn on the DVI display or projector first, then the DVI video sources/
computers.
Note: Computers must be turned on one at a time and the switcher must
be selected to the computer that is booting up. This is so that monitor
information (EDID) can be transmitted from the display to each computer.
After one computer completes the startup process, you can boot up the
second computer and repeat the process with the remaining computers. This
can be avoided with the use of the LOCAL EDID mode (page 11) that will
constantly supply each computer with an EDID. In this scenario, an
EDID stored in the local memory location, or user uploaded EDID, is
supplied to each input for use by the connected source device. Then, each
computer can boot up in any order and at anytime, regardless of which
computer the switch is selected to.
How to Operate the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher:
1. Use the RMT-4IR remote control to remotely switch between DVI video
sources.
2. Alternatively, use a RS-232 control system or the front panel selection
button.

7
RMT-4IR REMOTE CONTROL DESCRIPTION
LED Indicator
Input Selection
Buttons
The RMT-4IR remote control will allow the user to choose which of the 4 DVI sources
or computers will be selected. Please use the information below when selecting the
desired source:
RMT-4IR Button DVI Source
11
22
33
44

8
4X1 DVI KVM DL/SL SWITCHER REMOTE INSTALLATION
To use the RMT-4IR remote, remove the battery cover on the back of the remote
to reveal the battery compartment. Insert the included battery into the open battery
slot. The positive (+) side should be facing up. Ensure that both DIP (Dual Inline
Package) switches are in the OFF position. Replace the battery cover. The remote
ships with 2 batteries. One battery is needed for operation and the other battery is
complimentary.
IR Code Dip Switches
Empty Battery Slot

9
RMT-4IR REMOTE AND 4X1 KVM SWITCHER CONFIGURATION
How to Resolve IR Code Conflicts
In the event that IR commands from other remote controls conflict with the
supplied RMT-4IR remote control, changing the remote channel will alleviate this
issue. The RMT-4IR remote control and the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher both
have banks of DIP (Dual Inline Package) Switches for configuring the remote
channel that both units use to communicate. These settings must exactly match
each other for proper operation.
The DIP Switch bank on the RMT-4IR is located underneath the battery cover.
DIP Switch banks for the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher are located on the
underside of the unit beneath a black piece of metallic tape. One DIP switch
bank (4-switch) is for the adjustment of remote control frequencies and switch
behavior. The other DIP switch (8-switch) is reserved for DL Only mode (page
12). Switches 1 and 2 on the RMT-4IR directly correspond to DIP Switches 1
and 2 on the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher. Only switches 1 and 2 (of 4 in that
bank) are used for IR Code settings.
Remote Channel 1:
Default
1 2
Remote Channel 2:
1 2
Remote Channel 3:
1 2
Remote Channel 4:
1 2
Left: Picture of the opened rear battery
compartment of the RMT-4IR remote showing
the exposed DIP Switch bank between the
battery chambers.
4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
Remote Channel 1:
Default
Remote Channel 4:
1234
1234
Remote Channel 3:
1234
Remote Channel 2:
1234

10
EDID MODES
What is EDID and what is it used for?
Under normal circumstances, an audio/video source device (digital or analog)
will require information about a connected device/display to assess what
resolutions and features (capabilities) are possible. The source device can then
tailor its output to create resolutions and/or features that are compatible with the
attached device/display. This capability information is called EDID (Extended
Display Identification Data). A source device can only accept and read one
EDID data structure/record from a connected source device/display. Likewise,
the source device can output only one video resolution to a connected device/
display.
The importance of EDID with regards to the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
The 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher handles multiple sources/inputs. Each
connected source device must correctly read one EDID data structure in order
to address its display device correctly. EDID management is carefully handled
by the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher to insure that EDID is recorded and
retransmitted properly, otherwise display of the input sources might not occur
correctly (or at all).
Managing EDID with the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
The 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher uses 2 modes for routing EDID. They are:
1. When the LOCAL EDID Mode is ON, (factory default setting) the Switcher
copies the EDID of the connected display to the local memory location as
they are selected. Each device must fully “boot up” before you can select
the next input. The connected device derives EDID information from the
local memory location.
2. When the LOCAL EDID Mode is OFF, each time a new source device is
selected, the Switcher connects EDID from the attached display to the
currently selected input source, upon power-up, simultaneously.
Both modes are described in greater detail on the opposite page.
How do I change EDID modes in the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher?
There is a bank of 4 DIP (Dual Inline Package) switches located on the main
circuit board of the Switcher underneath a small piece of silver grey tape on the
underside of the Switcher. When the sticker is removed, there will be two DIP
switch banks visible, one with 4 switches and one with 8 switches. The 8-switch
DIP switch bank is not used here (it is used for the DL (dual link) feature covered
later on page 12.) DIP switch 3 can be used to set either the DS or LOCAL EDID
modes. The 8 bank of DIP switches are used for the DL (dual link) only feature.
TIP: Advanced EDID functions can also be managed via the RS-232 serial
communications port. See page 13 for more information on the RS-232 serial
communication features.

11
EDID MODES
EDID Modes
The diagram below illustrates the 4-position DIP switch bank (containing 4 small
white toggle switches as shown). The functions of the switches are as follows:
DIP SWITCH Function
1 IR Channel
2 IR Channel
3 EDID Mode
4 N/A
Use DIP switch 3 to set the desired EDID mode. (UP is On)
How to set the two EDID Modes:
1. LOCAL EDID Mode ON (Switch 3 = OFF, FACTORY DEFAULT SETTING)
• During power-on, the connected display’s EDID is copied to all four
LOCAL EDID storage locations at once. EDID stored in LOCAL memory
is then passed to all input sources.
• The EDID stored in the LOCAL locations can be overwritten with another
EDID from the following locations:
• Built-in EDID memory bank (up to 7 EDID records can be stored)
• EDID collected directly from the input display upon power-up*
Note: All changes to EDID in Local EDID Mode will be lost upon power loss.
2. Local EDID Mode OFF (Switch 3 = ON)
• The DDC signal of the connected display is routed directly to each input
source. Each time a new source device is selected, EDID is transmitted
from the attached display to the currently selected input source. (This
mode will successfully pass HDCP signals.)
*For EDID writing to be successful the Switcher must be powered on.
1234

12
DL (DUAL LINK) ONLY MODES
DL (Dual Link) Only Modes
The 8-position DIP switch bank located on the underside of the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/
SL Switcher can be used to set each individual input to work in a Dual Link Only
mode. These modes should only be enabled if issues occur when using Dual
Link sources and displays in the default mode.
DIP SWITCH Function DIP SWITCH Function
1 Input 1 Mode 5 N/A
2 Input 2 Mode 6 N/A
3 Input 3 Mode 7 N/A
4 Input 4 Mode 8 N/A
DL (Dual Link) and SL (Single Link) Mode (Switch=OFF) DEFAULT
• This setting can be set individually for each input. This mode will allow
the connection of both Dual Link and Single Link displays.
DL (Dual Link) Only Mode (Switch=ON)
• This setting can be set individually for each input. This mode should be
enabled if issues with the default occur with Dual Link displays.

13
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION
What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?
The 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher can accept commands through the RS-232
serial communications port located on the rear panel. The current RS-232 control
features are the ability to switch/route inputs to outputs without the RMT-4IR
remote control.
How do I use these features?
These features were initially intended for utilization by custom installers in
automated setups. However, these features can be tested by using any Windows
PC with a terminal emulation program such as Putty*. The next few pages will
show you how.
What pins are used for communication with the 4x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher?
Only pins 2 (Receive), 3 (Transmit), and 5 (Ground) are used for communication.
A null-modem adapter should not be used with this Switcher.
54321
9876
12345
6789
Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface
What are the RS-232 communications port settings?
Bits per second ............................................................................................ 19200
Data bits ............................................................................................................... 8
Parity ............................................................................................................. None
Stop bits ................................................................................................................1
Flow Control .................................................................................................. None
*Earlier versions of Microsoft Windowstm shipped with Hyperterminal.

14
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
1. REMOTE SWITCHING FUNCTION
The Switcher can be told to route one of 4 inputs to the Display by sending a
single ASCII character over RS-232 corresponding to the selected source. This
character is known as the short-cut character.
1.1 SWITCHING SOURCES BY SHORT-CUT CHARACTER
The ASCII character table below indicates which Switcher input will be routed to
the output Display when the corresponding ASCII (numeric) character is typed.
Technical details on the following page show how and where to type these short-
cut characters to create the desired switching within Microsoft Windowstm
ASCII Input Binary
1 1 0011 0001
2 2 0011 0010
3 3 0011 0011
4 4 0011 0100

15
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
Print EDID bank
This function reads the EDID file from the EDID bank and sends it to the serial
port.
#PRBAEDID_param1_param2\r
Parameter Name Value
1EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Send BIN file 0
2 Send TXT file 1
Load EDID to Local EDID
This function loads the EDID file through the serial port and stores it in a local
EDID memory location.
#LOEDIDTOLO_param1_param2\r
Parameter Name Value
1 Semi echo mode 0
Full echo mode 1
2 EDID.bin file(128 bytes) 1
EDID.bin file(256 bytes) 2
Load EDID to EDID bank
This function loads the EDID file through the serial port and stores it in all EDID
memory locations.
Parameter Name Value
1Semi echo mode 0
Full echo mode 1
2EDID.bin file(128 bytes) 1
EDID.bin file(256 bytes) 2
3 EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Set default settings
This function resets the product to hardware default settings.
(All the hardware switches have the features reset to the original factory
settings.)
#DEF\r

16
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
2. USING SHORT-CUT CHARACTERS TO CHANGE SETTINGS
2.1 HYPERTERMINALtm SETTINGS in Microsoft Windowstm
First, please set up the correct communication configuration by running these
commands (as shown on the screen shot immediately below):
File->Properties->Setting->ASCII Setup
Also, please be sure to unmark the check box that says “Send line ends with line
feeds.”
2.2 EXAMPLE -- CHANGE THE ROUTED SOURCE
Now you are ready to route Display input sources.
At the Hyperterminal cursor prompt, type the numeral key of the input to switch
to, followed by the ENTER key.
Wait until you see the message “Function Done” on the Display. At this point the
Display should show the correct Source corresponding to the numeral that was
typed.

17
NOTES