Gefen EXT-DVIKVM-841DL User manual

www.gefen.com
f
8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher
EXT-DVIKVM-841DL
User Manual

ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE
Rev A
Technical Support:
Telephone [phone]
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Technical Support Hours:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday.
Write To:
Gefen Inc.
c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St
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.
8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher is a trademark of Gefen Inc.
© 2008 Gefen Inc., All Rights Reserved
All trademarks are the property of their respective companies

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

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the 8 x1 DVI-DL KVM 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 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
The rack-mountable Gefen 8x1 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 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher shares one
DVI display with up to eight 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 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher’s output. Up
to eight DVI video sources connect to the switcher’s DVI inputs using included
high quality DVI 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-
8IR 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 8X1 DVI KVM DL/SL SWITCHER
• The 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher will take any of up to eight (8) 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 8x1 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, a
stored EDID, 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 eight DVI-SL or DVI-DL sources
• Switches USB 2.0, keyboard & mouse, and analog audio
• Maintains highest resolution dual link DVI
• Supports resolutions up through 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) 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
(1) RMT-8IR Remote Control
(1) 5V DC Power Supply
(8) 6-foot Dual Link DVI cables
(8) 6-foot USB cables
(8) 6-foot 3.5mm jack analog audio cables
(1) Set of rack ears
(1) User’s Manual

4
Back Panel
PANEL LAYOUT
Front Panel
5
4
2
13
68
9
7
10 1211

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 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher.
3 DVI Signal Status LEDs 1-8
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 1-8 in a forward sequence starting
again at 1.
5 Power Indicator LED
Indicates when the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher is receiving 5V DC power
from its includedAC power supply.
6 5V Locking Power Receptacle
Supplies power to the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher from the included external
5V DC power supply. The 5V power supply has a locking power tip which
screws into this receptacle.
7 DVI Input Ports 1-8
DVI video sources one through eight attach to the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher.
8 DVI Output Port
This DVI output port is connected to the display device (Monitor, Projector).
9 RS-232 Serial Communications Interface
Provided for external control of the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher.
10 3.5mm Analog Audio Jacks 1-8
Audio Sources one through eight connect to the switcher here.
11 USB Type B Ports 1-8
USB devices one through eight connect to the switcher here.
12 USB Type A Control Ports 1-2
The keyboard & mouse for controlling the selected remote computer or device
connects to the switcher here.

6
CONNECTING & OPERATING THE 8X1 DVI KVM DL/SL SWITCHER
How to Connect the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher to your devices:
1. Connect your computers’ DVI, USB, and Audio sources to the 8x1 DVI KVM
DL/SL Switcher inputs using the supplied cables.
2. Connect your DVI display to the DVI output of the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher using a user-supplied DVI cable.
3. Connect your USB and audio devices to the USB and audio outputs with user-
supplied cables.
4. Connect the included 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, a
stored EDID, 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 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher:
1. Use the RMT-8IR remote control to remotely switch between DVI video
sources.
2. Alternatively, use a RS-232 control system or the front panel selection
button.

7
8X1 DVI KVM DL/SL REMOTE DESCRIPTION
LED Indicator
Input Selection
Buttons
The RMT-8IR remote control will allow the user to choose which of 8 DVI sources
or computers will be selected. Please use the information below when selecting the
desired source:
RMT-8IR Button DVI Source
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88

8
8X1 DVI KVM DL/SL SWITCHER REMOTE INSTALLATION
To use the RMT-8IR 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-8IR REMOTEAND 8X1 KVM SWITCHER CONFIGURATION
How to Resolve IR Code Conflicts
In the event that IR commands from other remote controls conflict with the
supplied RMT-8IR remote control, changing the remote channel will alleviate this
issue. The RMT-8IR remote control and the 8x1 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-8IR is located underneath the battery cover.
DIP Switch banks for the 8x1 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
11). Switches 1 and 2 on the RMT-8IR directly correspond to DIP Switches 1 and
2 on the 8x1 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 RMT8-IR remote showing
the exposed DIP Switch bank between the
battery chambers.
8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher
Remote Channel 1:
Default
Remote Channel 4:
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Remote Channel 3:
1234
Remote Channel 2:
1234

10
EDID MODES
EDID. What is it and what is it used for?
Under normal circumstances, an source device (digital and analog) will require
information about a connected device/display to assess what resolutions
and features are available. The source can then cater its output to send
only resolutions and features that are compatible with the attached device/
display. This information is called EDID (Extended Display Information Data)
and a source device can only accept and read one EDID from a connected
device/display. Likewise, the source an only output one resolution for use by a
connected device/display.
Why is EDID so important with the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher?
The 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher is complex piece of technology that switches
between multiple inputs. Each connected source device will require one EDID to
read. EDID management is carefully handled by 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher to
provide a single EDID for each source to read.
What options do I have to manage the EDID in the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher?
The 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher has the ability to use 2 modes for routing
EDID. The default mode is the LOCAL mode which will route a stored EDID (one
for each input) in the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher. The EDID stored in each
LOCAL location can be loaded from various sources. This includes an external
EDID that can be uploaded to the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher via the RS-232
serial communications port. The 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher also includes a
EDID bank which has the ability to store up to 7 separate EDID’s which can then
be loaded to each of the LOCAL EDID locations. The second mode is the DS
(Down Stream) mode which functions as a simple EDID pass-through. In this
mode, the display connected to the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher will pass its
EDID directly to whichever DVI input source is currently selected.
How do I change EDID modes in the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher?
There is an bank of 4 DIP switches located on the main-baord on the underside
of the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL Switcher. 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 DIP switch bank. The 8 DIP switch bank
functions are outlined later on this page.
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.
LOCAL EDID Mode (Switch 3=OFF)
• EDID that is stored in the LOCAL memory location is passed to all inputs.
• By default, during each power on process the connected display’s
EDID will be automatically copied to each of the input’s LOCAL EDID
locations.*
• The EDID stored in the LOCAL locations, using the default process, can
be overwritten with another EDID from the following locations (These
options can only be initiated by using RS-232 serial communication
commands) :
• Built-in EDID bank (up to 7 can be stored)
• Directly from the input display
• Externally uploaded via the RS-232
*For the default EDID writing process to be successful the connected display
must be powered on.
DS (Down Stream) EDID Mode (Switch 3=ON) DEFAULT
• EDID is passed directly from the connected display to the currently active
input.
1234

12
DL (DUAL LINK) ONLY MODES
DL (Dual Link) Only Modes
The 8 DIP switch bank, located on the underside of the 8x1 DVI KVM DL/SL
Switcher cab 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 Input 5 Mode
2 Input 2 Mode 6 Input 6 Mode
3 Input 3 Mode 7 Input 7 Mode
4 Input 4 Mode 8 Input 8 Mode
Use DIP switch 3 to set the desired EDID mode.
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 8x1 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:
• Switching/routing of inputs to outputs without the RMT-8IR remote control.
• Switch EDID modes without operating the DIP switches on the underside of
the unit.
• Managing the EDID bank and EDID that is loaded into the LOCAL EDID.
• Upload new EDID’s to the EDID bank or directly to the LOCAL EDID
location.
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 the Hyperterminal program.
What pins are used for communication with the 8x1 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 product.
54321
9876
12345
6789
Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface
What are the communication port settings?
Bits per second ............................................................................................ 19200
Data bits ............................................................................................................... 8
Parity ............................................................................................................. None
Stop bits ................................................................................................................1
Flow Control .................................................................................................. None

14
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
1. ECHO PROTOCOL
Definition:
Semi echo mode – the product send echo every byte it received, except on
receiving EDID file.
Full echo mode – the product send echo every byte it received, even on receiving
EDID file.
The default of the system is Semi echo mode.
If working with hyper terminal, choose the semi echo mode.
2. REMOTE FUNCTION
The remote functions are used to modify the setting of the products, such as:
Input to output routing, EDID memories management etc.
These functions are available only by the serial port.
2.1 MODIFY BY SHORT-CUT CHARACTER
Switching command
The character indicates which input will route to the output.
ASCII Input Binary
1 1 0011 0001
2 2 0011 0010
3 3 0011 0011
4 4 0011 0100
5 5 0011 0101
6 6 0011 0110
7 7 0011 0111
8 8 0011 1000
Setting function menu
The ‘P’ or ‘p’ command will present the setting function menu.
2.2 MODIFY BY FUNCTION
The syntax for each function is always the same. The ‘#’ character is the start flag
followed by the function name in capital letter and a space. The space tells the
MCU that the function name is ending. Finally, the parameters required for each
function are separated by a space and ending by the ‘\r’ character or “Enter”
#FunctionName_param1_param2_param3_param4…\r

15
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
DS EDID store in Locals EDID
This function reads EDID file from DS and store it in all input Locals EDID
#EDIDDSTOLO
DS EDID store in EDID Bank
This function read EDID file from DS and store it in EDID bank
#EDIDDSTOBA_param1\r
Parameter Name Value
1 EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
EDID from Bank store in Locals EDID
This function read EDID file from EDID bank and store it in all Input Locals EDID
#EDIDBATOLO_param1\r
Parameter Name Value
1 EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Route Input DDC to DS EDID
This function route Input DDC to DS EDID (pass through mode).
#DDCTODS
Route Input DDC to Local EDID
This function route Input DDC to Local EDID.
Print DS EDID
This function read DS EDID file and send it to the serial port.
#PRDSEDID_param1\r
Parameter Name Value
1Send BIN file 0
Send TXT file 1
Print Local EDID
This function read Input Local EDID file and send it to the serial port.
#PRLOEDID_param1 \r
Parameter Name Value
1Send BIN file 0
Send TXT file 1

16
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
Print EDID bank
This function read EDID file from EDID bank and send 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 Locals EDID
These function loads EDID file through the serial port and store it in any Input
Locals EDID.
#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 load EDID through the serial port and store it in EDID bank.
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 setting
This function set the products with default setting
1. All the features with hardware switches according to them.
#DEF\r

17
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION - UPLOAD EDID
3. HOW TO LOAD FILE WITH HYPER TERMINAL
3.1 HYPER TERMINAL SETTING
File->Properties->Setting->ASCII Setup:
Unmark the check box of “Send line ends with Line feeds”
3.2 SEND THE FILE
Transfer->Send text file…
Change “Files of type:” to “All files (*.*)”
Open the file.BIN to send
Wait until “Function Done”