Hall Research Technologies KVM-U4 User manual

1
KVM-U4 & KVM-U8
Users Guide
Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: [e-mail]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
8 Port VGA
KVM Switch
4 Port VGA
KVM Switch

2

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
1
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Hall Research and its logo are trademarks of Hall Research.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
rules, which are intended to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference, in which case the user at there own expense will be required to
take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of the Canadian Department of Communications.
CE
This equipment complies with the requirements of regulation:
EN 55 022: CLASS B.

2
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
Contents
MODEL KVM-U4.............................................................................................................................3
1.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 FEATURES .................................................................................................................3
1.3 PACKAGE CONTENTS .................................................................................................3
1.4 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................3
1.5 HOTKEY..................................................................................................................... 3
2KVM-U8..................................................................................................................................4
2.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 FEATURES .................................................................................................................4
2.3 PACKAGE CONTENTS .................................................................................................4
2.4 FRONT PANEL............................................................................................................5
2.5 REAR PANEL..............................................................................................................5
2.6 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................5
2.7 DESKTOP OR RACK MOUNT ........................................................................................6
2.7.1 Desktop.......................................................................................................... 6
2.7.2 Rack Mounting .............................................................................................. 6
2.8 COMPUTER/SERVER INSTALLATION .............................................................................7
2.8.1 Daisy Chain Connections............................................................................. 8
2.8.2 KVM Over IP................................................................................................... 9
2.9 POWER ON SEQUENCE.............................................................................................10
2.10 HOTKEYS.................................................................................................................10
2.11 KEYBOARD MAPPING................................................................................................12
2.12 OSD (ON SCREEN DISPLAY) ....................................................................................13
2.13 LOGIN WINDOW........................................................................................................13
2.14 STATUS SCREEN......................................................................................................13
2.15 PORT NAME.............................................................................................................14
2.16 MAIN MENU .............................................................................................................15
2.16.1 Language ..................................................................................................... 15
2.16.2 Port Name Edit ............................................................................................ 15
2.16.3 Port Search.................................................................................................. 15
2.16.4 User Security............................................................................................... 16
2.16.5 Access List .................................................................................................. 16
2.16.6 Hotkey .......................................................................................................... 16
2.16.7 Time Settings............................................................................................... 16
2.16.8 OSD Mouse.................................................................................................. 17
3TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................................................................................17
3.1 NO LED DISPLAY ON KVM SWITCH ...........................................................................17
3.2 KEYBOARD OR MOUSE NOT WORKING ........................................................................17
3.3 NO VIDEO DISPLAYED ON THE MONITOR. ....................................................................17
3.4 COMPUTER RESOLUTION DOES NOT MATCH THE MONITOR’S........................................18
3.5 VIDEO IS FUZZY OR UNCLEAR ....................................................................................18
4TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................19
5FEATURES ..........................................................................................................................20

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
3
MODEL KVM-U4
1.1 General
The KVM-U4 is a compact KVM switch for controlling up to 4 computers from
a single keyboard, mouse and monitor. It is designed for desktop or rack
mounting.
1.2 Features
•Hot key control
•Push button and Auto Scan switching
•Optional ear brackets for rack mounting
•Supports USB or PS2 (with adapter)
•Auto Scan Mode for monitoring
•Audible alerts for confirmation
1.3 Package Contents
The KVM-U4 package contains the following contents:
•1x KVM-U4 Switch
•2x Rack Mount Brackets with mounting hardware
•1x 9V DC Power Adapter
•1x This Users Guide
1.4 Installation
1. Attach monitor to the monitor port on the back of the KVM-U4.
2. Connect mouse and keyboard directly to the USB ports on the front
of the KVM-U4.
3. Attach the HD15 end of a USB KVM cable (not included) to an
available Host port on the back of the KVM-U4.
4. Connect the other end of the USB KVM cable to the host computer
video and USB ports.
5. Power on the KVM-U4.
1.5 Hotkey
Hotkey Command Function
Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + [Up Arrow] Previous Channel
Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + [Down Arrow] Next Channel
Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + [1,2,3,4] Go to Port…
Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + S Toggle Auto Scan
Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + B Toggle Beep

4
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
2 KVM-U8
2.1 General
The KVM-U8 is a single rack unit 8-port VGA KVM switch to control multiple
hosts from a single console. Hosts connect to the switch via a convenient
Video/USB combo cable. The switch console natively accepts USB keyboard
and mouse but can use PS/2 with PS/2-USB adapters.
Up to 8 switches can be linked together to control up to 64 servers. The
switch may be accessed from any computer on the LAN with optional plug-in
module (KVM-U8-IP).
2.2 Features
•On Screen Display (OSD) Menu
•Two levels of password security
•Hot key control
•Push button and Auto Scan switching
•Full keyboard and mouse emulation
•Provides ACL (Access Control List) security with up to 8
independent ACLs of controllable computer lists
•Hot pluggable – add or remove connected computers without
powering off the KVM switch or computers
•Plug-n-Play monitor support
•Keyboard state restored when switching between computers
•Daisy chainable function with both Bus (8-layer) and Tree (2-layer)
topologies
•Video/USB combo cables available in 6, 10 and 15 ft lengths.
•Optional KVM Over IP interface (KVM-U8-IP) to allow remote access
to the switch from any PC on the LAN.
2.3 Package Contents
The KVM-U8 package contains the following contents:
•1x KVM-U8 Switch
•2x Rack Mount Brackets with mounting hardware
•4x Foot pads
•1x 12V DC Power Adapter
•1x This Users Guide

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
5
2.4 Front Panel
Figure 1 - Front Panel
•Online Status Indicator: The Red LED indicates when a computer
is connected and powered.
•Active Selection Indicator: The Green LED indicates which port is
selected. The LED will flash if no computer is connected to the port.
•Reset Combination: Press buttons 5 and 0 simultaneously to
restart the switch.
•LED Bank Indicator: This 7 segment LED indicates the selected
bank when multiple units are daisy-chained.
•Bank Selection: This button will cycle through daisy-chained banks.
•Port Selection: Press the 2 digit port number to immediately switch
to the port. For example, press “0” then “6” to switch to port 6. Press
the single digit port number and wait 2 seconds to switch to the port.
2.5 Rear Panel
Figure 2 - Rear Panel
2.6 Installation
Before installation, please make sure all peripherals and computers are
turned off.
Active Selection Indicator
Online Status Indicator
LED Bank Indicator
Reset Combination
Bank Selection
Port Selection
Console Keyboard/Mouse
Console Video/ Daisy Chain
Daisy Chain Host Port Connector
Flash Upgrade
DC Power Jack
O
p
tional KVM Over IP

6
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
2.7 Desktop or Rack Mount
The KVM-U8 can be mounted on a desktop surface or in a single RU of a
standard 19” rack.
2.7.1 Desktop
1. Apply the self-adhesive footpads supplied in the package contents to
the four corners of the bottom panel.
Figure 3 - Desktop Installation
2.7.2 Rack Mounting
1. Connect the mounting brackets to the sides of the unit as shown
below.
Figure 4 - Mounting Bracket Installation
2. Slide the unit into the rack and secure it to the posts.
Figure 5 - Rack Mount Installation

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
7
2.8 Computer/Server Installation
The figure below depicts overall system installation with a single Daisy-Chain
slave unit.
Figure 6 – Computer/Server Installation Diagram

8
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
2.8.1 Daisy Chain Connections
Up to 8 KVM-U8 switches can be daisy-chained together. Hall Research
Ultra-Thin cables are recommended for use in the daisy chain connection
but any VGA cable with 15 fully connected lines will work.
Connect the Daisy chain HD15 port of the previous switch to the Local
Console VGA port of the next switch in the series as shown below.
Figure 7 - Daisy Chain Connections
The console OSD menu will only show port information of the master KVM
switch. When the master switch starts up, it will query all daisy chained slave
units and automatically setup the Bank ID for each slave unit. The Master
unit Bank ID will display 1, Slave 1 will display 2, Slave 2 will display 3, and
so on. If the Bank IDs are displayed incorrectly then reset the Master unit to
update the Bank ID information.
Bank 1
(
Master
)
Bank 2 (Slave1)
Bank 3
(
Slave2
)

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
9
Other KVM switches can also be daisy chained to the KVM-U8 through the
host ports. Note that the slave KVM switch must not use the same Hotkey as
the KVM-U8.
Figure 8 - Daisy Chain Through Host Port
2.8.2 KVM Over IP
The KVM-U8-IP is a KVM over IP module that allows the KVM switch
console to be accessed through the browser of any PC on the network.
Figure 9 - KVM Over IP Console

10
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
Installation
1. First power off the KVM-U8 switch.
2. Remove the add-on slot cover.
3. Slide in the KVM over IP module. Make sure it is fully inserted into
the slot.
4. Tighten the locking screw to secure the module in place.
5. Connect the RJ45 port to your network. Refer to the KVM-U8-IP
User Guide for more information about configuring and using this
module.
2.9 Power On Sequence
Before turning anything on, verify all cables are properly connected in the
correct location.
The recommended power on sequence is as follows:
1. Monitors
2. KVM Switch
3. Computers
When the KVM-U8 is powered on the Port 1 Select LED will light up and you
should hear a beep sound. The Online Status LED's light up when the
connected host is powered on. If you encounter an error, check the cable
connections for that host and reboot. If the problem persists, please refer to
the Troubleshooting chapter of this Users Manual.
2.10 Hotkeys
The KVM-U8 has multiple hotkey commands for quick control of the switch
functions.
The default hotkey is Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock. Press the key twice within
2 seconds to invoke the hotkey mode. You then have 2 seconds to enter a
command before the mode times out.
You can quickly switch between hosts by performing the hotkey sequence
Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, [Bank ID], [2 digit host #]. For example, to
switch to Bank 1 Port 1 type the following sequence:
+ + + +
Scroll
Lock
Scroll
Lock 1 10

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
11
Command Function
Space bar Display the OSD Port Name screen
↑or↓Move Up or Down through host ports
[1,2,..,8] bank,
[01, 02,..,32] port
■The first digit is the bank number starting with “1”.
■The second & third digits are port number starting with
“01”.
PgUp Previous bank
PgDn Next bank
B Enable/disable beep sound
L Enable/disable Screen Saving and auto-logout function.
Default is OFF (Disable).
P Log out current user.
R Set OSD back to factory defaults (except User Security
settings). Only SUPERVISOR can perform this action.
S Enable/disable Auto-Scan. Only SUPERVISOR can perform
this action.
U Enable/disable Security function. Only SUPERVISOR can
perform this action.
Table 1 - Hotkey Commands
There are two ways to invoke the OSD menu with hotkeys.
A. Keyboard – Hit Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + Space
+ +
B. Mouse – Press and hold the left mouse button and hit Esc key to
show the Status screen. Press and hold the right mouse button and
hit the Esc key to bring up the OSD menu.
Scroll
Lock
Scroll
Lock Space Bar

12
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
2.11 Keyboard Mapping
Sun keyboard Windows PS/2 keyboard
Stop Caps Lock & L_Alt
Again Caps Lock & F4
Props Caps Lock & L_Ctrl
Undo Caps Lock & F5
Front Caps Lock & F1
Copy Caps Lock & F6
Open Caps Lock & F2
Paste Caps Lock & F7
Find Caps Lock & F3
Cut Caps Lock & F8
Mute Caps Lock & 1
Volume down Caps Lock & 2
Volume up Caps Lock & 3
Power Caps Lock & F12
Help Caps Lock & F11
Compose Caps Lock & L_Shift (Application)
Sun OS Windows key
Table 2 - SUN Keyboard Mapping
MAC OS Windows PS/2 keyboard
Shift Shift
Ctrl Ctrl
Windows key
L Alt/Option Alt
F13 PrtSc (Print Screen)
F14 ScrLk (Scroll Lock)
Return Enter
Delete Backspace
F15 Pause/Break
Table 3 - MAC Keyboard Mapping

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
13
2.12 OSD (On Screen Display)
The On Screen Display provides a graphical display and interface for
controlling the KVM-U8 switch. The OSD has 4 screens:
1. Login Window
2. Status Screen
3. Port Name
4. Main Menu
2.13 Login Window
If the security function is enabled (disabled by default), the Login window will
be displayed when the switch is powered up.
Figure 10 - Login Window
The default SUPERVISOR user name is “00000000” (8 zeros) and the
default password is “00000000” (8 zeros). Keep in mind that the username
and password are case-sensitive even though the OSD only displays in
upper case.
2.14 Status Screen
The Status Screen displays setting information after login, OSD menu or
anytime the host is switched. Pressing any key or button will clear the status
screen.
Figure 11 - Status Screen
Screen Saving – If this option is enabled, the switch will turn off the display
and auto-logout after 10 minutes of console inactivity.
Selected Bank ID. Selected Port Port Name
Hotkey Screen Saving Status

14
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
2.15 Port Name
The Port Name screen lists the port names and status of a particular bank.
Figure 12 - Port Name Screen
Command Description
F1 Go to Main Menu
F2 Log out
F3 Previous Menu
Enter Switch to the selected port
↑or ↓Move Up or Down
PgUp Previous Bank
PgDn Next Bank
Esc Exit
1 Show ports 01 ~ 08
2 Show ports 09 ~ 16
3 Show ports 17 ~ 24
4 Show ports 25 ~ 32
Table 4- Port Name Screen Commands
Selected Bank Selected Port
Hosts Online (Power on) Firmware Version

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
15
2.16 Main Menu
The Main Menu has eight options: Language, Port Name Edit, Port Search,
User Security, Access List, Hotkey, Time Settings and OSD Mouse.
Figure 13 - Main Menu Screen
2.16.1 Language
The OSD supports English (default), French, German, Italian, Spanish,
Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. Note that editing the settings
can only be done with English alphanumeric.
2.16.2 Port Name Edit
You can enter custom names for each host port on any connected bank.
Figure 14 - Port Name Edit Window
Use keyboard arrows or mouse to navigate the list. Use PgUp and PgDn to
toggle through available Banks. Select the port and press Enter once to edit
the name and press Enter again to exit edit mode. Press Esc at any time to
exit.
2.16.3 Port Search
Port Search allows you to search all port names for a particular string of
characters.

16
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
2.16.4 User Security
The KVM-U8 supports two user levels: SUPERVISOR and USER. There can
only be one SUPERVISOR and up to eight USERs.
Figure 15 - User Security Screen
The first name, S is the SUPERUSER account. The default username and
password is “00000000”.
2.16.5 Access List
The Access List allows the SUPERVISOR account to assign access
privileges to individual USER accounts.
Figure 16 - Access List Window
Use arrow keys to navigate the list. Left click mouse or press ‘Enter’ to
toggle each cell between O=grant and X=deny user access to the port.
2.16.6 Hotkey
Hotkey menu allows you to change the hotkey. Hotkey must be pressed
twice within two seconds to activate and will time out after two seconds if no
key is pressed.
2.16.7 Time Settings
When Auto-Scan function is enabled the switch will auto-scan through online
host ports based on the interval of the scan time setting. The interval range
is 5 – 99 seconds and the default interval time is 10 seconds.
Port #
Port name Users

Model KVM-U4 * KVM-U8
17
2.16.8 OSD Mouse
This setting allows you to change the speed of the cursor in the OSD. The
three available settings are SLOW, MIDDLE, and FAST.
3 Troubleshooting
3.1 No LED display on KVM Switch
•Make sure the KVM Switch has power. If the LED’s still won’t light,
perform a soft reset to KVM switch.
•Power cycle KVM switch.
3.2 Keyboard or mouse not working
•Make sure your keyboard and mouse work fine if directly plugged
into the computer.
oPS/2 computer --- keyboard and mouse are not hot
pluggable, please make sure PS/2 cables are well
connected then reboot the computer.
oUSB computer ---- unplug and plug in the USB connector,
wait a few seconds for USB bus emulations and start up
process to complete.
•Do not press any keys on the keyboard while the selected computer
is booting up. Otherwise it might cause a keyboard error or keyboard
to not be detected on the host side.
•Try a different keyboard. Use only 101/102/104-key keyboard.
•Power cycle the unit.
•Avoid moving the mouse or pressing the mouse buttons when
switching ports.
3.3 No video displayed on the monitor.
•Verify all connectors are connected properly.
•Connect your monitor directly to the server to verify that your monitor
is functioning properly.
•Bring up the OSD and confirm the port is selected and connected to
a host.
•Make sure the computer VGA output resolution is supported by the
monitor

18
4 Port VGA KVM & 8 Port VGA KVM Switches
3.4 Computer resolution does not match the monitor’s
•Verify if the monitor works fine if directly connected to the computer.
•Turn off the computer, wait few seconds then restart. During startup,
the computer will try to obtain EDID information about the monitor.
Make sure the monitor and KVM switch are ON and running before
restarting the computer.
•The switch will dynamically detect and copy the EDID information
from the monitor attached to the LOCAL console port. That
information will feed to the host computer during startup.
•The recommended Power ON sequence is as follows: monitor, KVM
Switch, finally the computers.
3.5 Video is fuzzy or unclear
•Verify if the VGA connector is firmly connected.
•If using the remote console extender, make sure to use high quality
cables free from defects.