IOGear GCS1902 User manual

www.iogear.com
User Manual
2/4-Port DisplayPort KVMPTM Switch
with USB 3.0 Hub and Audio
GCS1902 / GCS1904
PART NO. M1434-a / M1435-a

©2017 IOGEAR. All Rights Reserved. Part No. M1434 / M1435. IOGEAR, the IOGEAR logo is trademarks of IOGEAR. Microsoft
and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IOGEAR makes no warranty of any kind with regards to the
information presented in this document. All information furnished here is for informational purposes only and is subject to change
without notice. IOGEAR. assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this document.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Package Contents 4
Features 5
Requirements 6
Operating Systems 6
Overview 7
Hardware Setup 10
Basic Operation 13
Hotkey Operation 14
Advance Conguration 16
Keyboard Operating Platform 19
Keyboard Emulation 20
Firmware Upgrade Utility 22
Specication 25
Troubleshooting 26
Compliance Information 27
Limited Warranty 28
Contact 29

4
IOGEAR’s GCS1902/1904 2/4-Port DisplayPort KVMP with USB 3.0 Hub and Audio takes a
giant leap forward in KVM switch functionality by combining KVM switch with a DisplayPort
video interface, and 2-Port USB 3.0 hub. DisplayPort technology provides up to 4K UHD -
3840 x 2160 @30Hz resolution that displays the most vivid high denition images available
while delivering premium sound for music, movies, and gaming.
GCS1902/1904 allows users to access two or four DisplayPort computers from a single
USB keyboard, USB mouse, and DisplayPort monitor console. In addition to the front panel
pushbuttons and hotkeys, IOGEAR’s GCS1902/1904 offers the latest mouse port-switching
functionality to change ports. Power ON detection feature also ensures that if one computer
is powered OFF, the GCS1902/1904 will automatically switch port to the next powered
ON computer.
With built-in USB 3.0 hub, each connected computer has SuperSpeed 5Gbps transfer
rate to all connected peripherals. GCS1902/1904’s independent (asynchronous) switching
feature allows it to focus on one computer with the USB peripheral focus on another
computer. This eliminates the need to purchase separate USB hub or stand-alone
peripheral sharing device – such as printer server, modem splitter, etc.
Featuring a revolutionary combination of 4K resolutions, the next generation USB 3.0
Hub, and enhanced user-friendly operation, IOGEAR’s GCS1902/1904 provides the latest
innovations in desktop KVM technology.
Introduction
GCS1902
1 x GCS1902
2 x DisplayPort Cables
2 x USB 3.0 Cables
2 x Audio Cables
1 x Power Adapter
1 x User Manual
GCS1904
1 x GCS1904
4 x DisplayPort Cables
4 x USB 3.0 Cables
4 x Audio Cables
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Use Manual
Package Contents

5
• 2 (GCS1902) or 4 (GCS1904)-Port DisplayPort KVMP Switch with USB 3.0 Hub
and audio
• One USB console controls two (GCS1902) or four (GCS1904) computers and two USB
3.0 peripherals
• Computer selection via front panel pushbuttons, hotkeys, and mouse1
• Independent switching of KVM, USB, and Audio focus
• Superior 4K video quality – 3840x2160 @30Hz
• 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub with SuperSpeed 5Gbps transfer rate
• DisplayPort 1.1 compliant, HDCP compliant
• Supports HD audio through DisplayPort2
• Full bass response for high quality 2.1 channel surround sound systems
• Power On Detection – if a computer is powered OFF, GCS1902/1904 automatically
switches to the next powered ON computer
• Dual-Mode DisplayPort (DP++) supports HDMI and DVI output with an adapter3
• Hot pluggable – add or remove computers without turning GCS1902/1904 power OFF
• Mouse emulation or bypass feature supports most mouse drivers and multifunction mice
• Multi-platform support –Windows®7, Windows®8.1, Windows®10, Mac®, and Linux®
• Multilingual keyboard mapping supports English, Japanese, French, and
German keyboards
• Mac®keyboard support and emulation4
• Auto Scan Mode feature to monitor all computers
• Firmware upgradeable
Note:
1. Mouse port switching supported by mouse emulation mode using a USB 3-button
mouse wheel.
2. HD audio through DisplayPort cannot be switched independently.
3. Dual-Mode DisplayPort technology (DP++) does not require an active adapter for most
single display setups. Active DisplayPort adapters are recommended if you are unsure
of the video source’s DP++ compatibility.
4. PC keyboard combinations emulate Mac® keyboards. Mac® keyboards only work using
their own Operating System.
Features

6
Console
• 1 DisplayPort monitor
• 1 USB mouse
• 1 USB keyboard
• Speakers (optional)
Computers
• DisplayPort port
• Type A USB port
• Audio ports (optional)
Cables
Use only the included IOGEAR DisplayPort KVM cable sets, designed specically to work
with the GCS1902/1904.
Note:
The quality of the display is affected by the quality and length of the cables. If you need
additional cable set, please contact your dealer or IOGEAR to purchase IOGEAR
approved cables.
Requirements
Operating Systems
OS Version
Windows 2000 / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
Linux RedHat 6.0 and higher
SuSE 8.2 and higher
Mandriva (Mandrake) 9.0 and higher
Novell Netware 5.0 and higher
Mac OS 9 and higher
DOS 6.2 and higher

2-Port DisplayPort KVMP Switch
GCS1902
1
234
7 4 6
5
7
GCS1902 Front View
GCS1902 Back View
Overview

8
4-Port DisplayPort KVMP Switch
GCS1904
1
234
47
6
5
GCS1904 Front View
GCS1904 Back View

9
No. Component Description
1 Port Selection
Pushbuttons
For manual port selection (see Manual Switching)
• Press a port selection pushbutton for longer than two seconds to
bring the KVM, USB hub, and audio focus to the computer connected
to its corresponding port.
• Press a port selection pushbutton twice to bring the audio focus to
the computer connected to its corresponding port.
• Press a switch for less than two second to bring only the KVM focus
to the computer connected to its corresponding port.
• Press Auto Scan switch to start Auto Scan Mode or press switches
• 1 and 2 simultaneously for two seconds.
2 Port LEDs The Port LEDs are built into the Port Selection Pushbuttons. The upper
LEDs are KVM Port LEDs, the lower LEDs are the USB LEDs:
KVM
• An ONLINE LED lights DIM ORANGE to indicate that the
computerconnected to the corresponding port is up and running.
• A selected LED lights BRIGHT ORANGE to indicate that the
computer connected to the corresponding port is the one that has the
KVM FOCUS.
• LED ashes to indicate that the computer connected to its
corresponding port is being accessed under Auto Scan Mode.
USB
A selected LED lights GREEN to indicate that the computer connected
to its corresponding port has the access to the USB Peripherals.
3 Audio Ports The cable from the main speakers is to be connected into this audio
port. Speaker connected into these audio ports have priority over those
connected in the rear side panel.
4 USB 3.0 hub USB peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) can be connected into
these ports, designated with USB 3.0 specications - up to 5 Gbps
transfer code.
5 Console Ports The cables from the DisplayPort monitor, USB keyboard, USB mouse,
and speakers are plugged into these ports.
Each connector is marked with an appropriate icon to indicate its use.
6 KVM Ports The KVM cables connecting the computers to the GCS1902/1904 are
plugged into these ports.
Each KVM port section is comprised of a speaker jack, USB type B
socket and a DisplayPort connector.
7 Power Jack The power adapter cable is plugged into this jack.

10
Hardware Setup
Please make sure that all devices including the GCS1902/1904, DisplayPort monitor, and
computers are powered OFF.
1. Connect the USB keyboard and the USB mouse to the GCS1902/1904 Console ports
located on the rear side panel.
2. Connect the DisplayPort monitor to the GCS1902/1904 Console DisplayPort port
located on the rear side panel. Then, turn DisplayPort monitor on.
3. Connect the main speakers into the GCS1902/1904 speaker jacks located on the
front side panel. The speakers connected into this front port have priority over those
connected on the rear port of GCS1902/1904.
4. Connect the secondary speakers into the GCS1902/1904 Console speaker jacks
located on the rear panel.
5. Using the provided cables from IOGEAR;
a. Connect the provided DisplayPort connector into DisplayPort ports in the KVM Port
section of the GCS1902/1904.
b. Connect the provided USB and speaker connector into their corresponding USB and
speaker ports on the GCS1902/1904.
c. Connect the other end of the KVM cables into their respective DisplayPort, USB and
speaker ports on the computers.
6. Connect up to two USB peripherals into the USB type A ports in the USB 3.0 hub
section (front and rear panel of the GCS1902/1904).
7. Connect the provided power adapter to an AC power source. Then, connect the power
adapter cable into the GCS1902/1904 power jack.
8. Turn all connected computers power to ON.
Note:
1. Verify that all connectors are on the same KVM Port sockets (all in Port 1, all in Port 2, etc.) and
that each socket is marked with an appropriate icon to indicate self.
2. By default the switch links to the rst computer that is powered on.
3. It is recommended that the total cable length from the PC to monitor is less than 3 meters.
4. Choosing high quality cables helps to ensure that 3840x2160 @30Hz resolutions can be reached.

2-Port DisplayPort KVMP Switch
GCS1902
HDD
12
3
4
6
5
56
7
11
GCS1902 Front View
GCS1902 Back View

4-Port DisplayPort KVMP Switch
GCS1904
HDD
36
12
4
5
6
7
5 5
5
12
GCS1904 Front View
GCS1904 Back View

13
Basic Operation
Manual Port Selection:
■ Press and release a port selection pushbutton to bring the focus of the KVM focus to the
computer attached to the corresponding port. USB and Audio focus do not change – they
stay with the port that they are already on.
■ Press a port selection pushbutton twice to bring the audio focus to the computer attached
to its corresponding port.
■ Press and hold a port selection pushbutton for more than 2 seconds to bring the KVM
focus, plus the USB and Audio focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port.
■ Press and hold port selection pushbutton 1 and 2 for more than 2 seconds to start Auto
Scan Mode (see Auto Scan Mode section for more details).
■ Press and release either port selection pushbutton to stop Auto Scan Mode. The KVM
focus goes to the computer attached to the corresponding port of the switch you pressed.
Hot Plugging
The GCS1902/1904 support USB hot plugging – components can be removed and added
back into the installation by unplugging their cables from the USB hub ports, without the
need to shut the unit down.
Powering OFF and Restarting
If it becomes necessary to Power OFF the GCS1902/1904, before switching it back ON, you
must follow below steps:
1. Shut down or Power OFF all computers that are attached to the GCS1902/1904.
2. Unplug the power adapter cable from GCS1902/1904.
3. Wait for 10 (ten) seconds, then connect the power adapter cable back into the
GCS1902/1904.
4. After the GCS1902/1904 turns ON, power ON all the attached computers.
Port ID Numbering
1. Each KVM port section on the GCS1902/1904 is assigned a port number
1 or 2 for the GCS1902
1, 2, 3, or 4 for the GCS1904
2. The port numbers are marked on the rear panel of the GCS1902/1904.
3. The Port ID of a computer is derived from the KVM port number it is connected to. For
example, a computer connected to KVM port 2 has a Port ID of 2.
4. The Port ID is used to specify which computer gets the KVM, USB peripheral, and
audio focus with the Hotkey port selection method (see Hotkey Operation for details).
There are three convenient methods to access the computer:
• Manual – involves pressing the port selection pushbuttons located on the
GCS1902/1904’s front panel.
• Hotkey – involves entering combinations from the keyboard (see Hotkey Operation
section for details).
• Mouse – involves pressing the mouse wheel button (clicking it twice) to switch between
ports (see Mouse Emulation and Mouse Port Switching section for more details).

14
IOGEAR’s GCS1902/1904 provides an extensive, easy-to-use, hotkey function for
convenience in controlling and conguring KVM installation from the keyboard. Hotkeys
provide asynchronous (independent) switching of the KVM, USB hub, and audio focus.
Therefore, users can give one computer the KVM focus, another the USB hub focus, while
a third has the audio focus.
Hotkey Operation
Port Switching
All port switching begins by clicking [Scroll Lock] twice. The tables below describe the
actions that each combination performs.
Note: If using the [Scroll Lock] key conicts with other programs running on the computer,
the [Ctrl] key can be used, instead. See Alternate Port Switching Key for details.
Cycling Through the Ports
Hotkey Function
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [Enter] Brings the KVM, USB hub, and Audio focus to the
next higher port (1 to 2; 2 to 3; 3 to 4; 4 to 1).
Note: The KVM, USB hub, and Audio focus all go
to this port even if they were on different ports to
begin with.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][K][Enter] Brings only the KVM to the next higher port.
The USB and audio focus remain where they are.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][U][Enter] Brings only the USB to the next higher port.
The KVM and audio focus remain where they are.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][S][Enter] Brings only the Audio to the next higher port
The KVM and USB hub remain where they are.

Going Directly to a Port
Auto Scan Mode
GCS1902/1904’s Auto Scan feature allows you to monitor computer activities without
switching from port to port manually. This feature automatically cycles the KVM focus
through the computer ports at regular intervals. See table below for details.
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Hotkey Function
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n][Enter] Brings the KVM, USB hub, and Audio focus to
computer attached to [n] port.
[n] stands for the computer’s Port ID number.
Replace [n] with the appropriate Port ID when
entering hotkey combinations.
Note: The KVM, USB hub, and Audio focus all
switch to this port even if they were on different
ports to begin with.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][n][K][Enter] Brings only the KVM to the computer on [n] port
The USB hub and audio focus remain where they
are.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][n][U][Enter] Brings only the USB hub focus to the computer on
[n] port. The KVM and audio focus remain where
they are.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][n][S][Enter] Brings only the Audio to the computer on [n] port
The KVM and USB hub focus remain where they
are.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][n][K][U][Enter] Brings the KVM and the USB hub focus to the
computer on [n] port. The audio focus remain where
it is.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][n][K][S][Enter] Brings the KVM and Audio focus to the computer on
[n] port. The USB hub focus remain where it is.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][n][U][S][Enter] Brings the USB hub and Audio focus to the
computer on [n] port. The KVM focus remain
where it is.
Hotkey Function
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][A][Enter] Invokes Auto Scan
The KVM focus cycles from port to port at 5
seconds (default) intervals.
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock][A][n][Enter] The KVM focus cycles from port to port at [n]
second intervals.

16
Note:
1. The [n] stands for the number of seconds that the GCS1902/1904 should dwell on a
port before moving on to the next port. Replace [n] with a number between 1 and 99
when entering this hotkey combination.
2. While Auto Scan Mode is in effect, ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are
suspended – only Auto Scan Mode compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can be input.
You must exit Auto Scan Mode in order to regain normal control of the console.
3. Although the video focus switches from port to port, the keyboard, mouse, and USB focus
do not switch. They stay at the port they were on when Auto Scanning started.
4. To exit Auto Scan Mode, press [Esc] or Spacebar.
Hotkey Setting Mode
Hotkey Setting Mode is used to set up your GCS1902/1904 switch conguration. All
operations begin with invoking Hotkey Setting Mode (HSM).
To invoke HSM (Default)
1. Press and hold down [Num Lock] (use [Clear] on Mac)
2. Press and release [-] minus key
3. Release [Num Lock] key (use [Clear] on Mac)
4. To exit HSM manually, press [Esc] or Spacebar
Note:
The [-] minus key must be released within one half second, otherwise Hotkey invocation
is cancelled.
When HSM is active, [Caps Lock] and [Scroll Lock] LEDs will ash in succession to
indicate that HSM is in effect. They will stop ashing and revert to normal status when you
exit HSM.
Only Hotkey compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks (described on Hotkey Settings Mode
Summary Table) function. Ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended while
on HSM.
At the conclusion of some hotkey operations, you can automatically exit hotkey mode. With
some operations, you must exit manually by pressing [Esc] or Spacebar.
Advance Conguration

17
Alternate HSM Invocation Keys
In some instances, the default hotkey settings conict with programs running on your computer
and in some instances the default hotkeys either do not exist on your keyboard (Mac keyboards
do not have [Scroll Lock]), or are inconvenient to use, Hotkey Setting Mode allows you to
select alternate congurations for the KVM’s hotkeys. An alternate set of HSM invocation keys is
provided in case the default set conicts with programs running on the computers.
To switch to the Alternate HSM invocation set:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press and release [H]
On Alternate HSM, the HSM invocation keys become the [Ctrl] key (instead of Num
Lock) and [F12] (instead of [-] minus key).
Note:
This procedure is a toggle between the two methods. To revert back to the default HSM
invocation keys, invoke HSM, then press and release [H] key again.
Alternate Port Switching Keys
The port switching activation keys can be changed from clicking [Scroll Lock] key twice
([Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock]) to clicking [Ctrl] key twice ([Ctrl][Ctrl]).
To change port switching activation keys:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press and release [T] key
Note:
This procedure is a toggle between the two methods. To revert back to the default
[Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock] method, invoke HSM, then press and release [T] key again.
List Switch Settings
To see a listing of the current switch settings:
1. Open a text editor or word processor and place the cursor in the page window
2. Invoke HSM
3. Press and release [F4] to display the settings
USB Reset
If the USB loses focus and needs to be reset:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press and release [F5]

18
Keyboard Language
To change the keyboard language:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [F6] [nn] [Enter]
Note: [nn] is a two-digit number that represents the keyboard language code
US English: 33
French: 08
Japanese: 15
German: 09
Hotkey Beeper
The Beeper can be hotkey toggled ON and OFF. To toggle the Beeper:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press and release [B]
The Beeper toggles ON or OFF
Port Switching Keys
To disable the Port Switching Keys ([Scroll Lock][Scroll Lock]) or ([Ctrl][Ctrl]):
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [X] [Enter]
Note: This procedure is a toggle. To enable the Port Switching keys, repeat Step 1 and 2
Restore Default Settings
To reset the GCS1902/1904 to its default hotkey settings:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [R][Enter]
Alternative Manual Port Selection
To toggle between the default and the alternative front panel pushbutton manual port
selection settings:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [S]
Mouse Emulation
To toggle between mouse emulation enabled and disabled:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [M]

19
GCS1902/1904 default port conguration is for PC compatible keyboard operating platform.
If your console uses a PC compatible keyboard and you have a Mac or Sun computer
attached to GCS1902/1904, you can change the port’s Keyboard Operating Platform
conguration so that the PC compatible keyboard emulates Mac keyboard, by:
1. Bring the KVM focus to the port you want to set
2. Invoke HSM
3. Press and release the appropriate Function keys listed on table below
Key Function
[F1] To set the keyboard/mouse to use SPC mode so that it can work under
special operating systems as a standard (104 keys) keyboard/mouse
[F2] Enables Mac keyboard emulation, see Mac Keyboard Emulation.
[F10] Disables keyboard emulation. Key presses are passed straight through.
You’re your console uses a Mac keyboard to access a Mac attached to a port,
for example. Automatically detects and sets the keyboard operating platform.
4. You will automatically exit HSM once this procedure is completed
Keyboard Operating Platform
Mouse Port Switching
Mouse Port Switching allows you to use the mouse wheel button (clicking it twice) to
switch between ports. Mouse Emulation (above) must be enabled in order for Mouse Port
Switching to work. To toggle between mouse port switching enabled and disabled:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [W]
This procedure is a toggle. Repeat Step 1 and 2 to disable Mouse Port Switching
Note: This feature is only supported by 3-key USB scroll wheel mice. The default setting is
OFF. This feature is only supported when mouse emulation is also enabled.
Power on Detection
With Power on Detection, if the focus computer is powered OFF, the GCS1902/1904 will
automatically switch to the next powered ON computer. Power on Detection can be enabled
or disabled. The default setting is enabled. To disable Power on Detection:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press and release [E]
This setting is a toggle. Repeat Step 1 and 2 to disable Power on Detection

20
Keyboard Emulation
Console keyboard port emulation/bypass feature supports most gaming/multimedia
keyboards. The default setting is enabled. To disable:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [N]
This procedure is a toggle. Repeat Step 1 and 2 to enable Keyboard Emulation
Note: When keyboard emulation is disabled, the [M], [W], [F2], [F3], [F4], [F5], [F6], and
[F10] are also disabled
SPC Mode
To set the keyboard/mouse to use SPC mode so that it can work under special operating
systems as a standard (104 key) keyboard/mouse:
1. Invoke HSM
2. Press [F1]
Hotkey Settings Mode Summary Table
Key Function
[B] Enables/Disables the buzzer.
[E] Enables/Disables Power ON Detection feature.
[F1] Allows the keyboard and mouse to work under special operating
systems as a standard (104 key) keyboard/mouse
[F2] Enables Mac keyboard emulation.
[F4] Lists current switch settings via Paste function of a text editor.
[F5] Performs a reset on all USB devices.
[F6][nn][Enter] Sets the keyboard language
Note: nn is a two-digit number that
represents one of the following keyboard
language code:
- US English:33
- French:08
- Japanese:15
- German: 09
[F10] Automatically detects and sets the keyboard operating platform.
[H] Toggles between the default ([Num Lock] [-]) and alternate ([Ctrl][F12])
combination
[M] Enables/Disables mouse emulation.
[N] Enables/Disables Keyboard emulation
[R][Enter] Resets the hotkey settings to their default statuses
[S] Toggles between the default and alternate manual port selection
pushbutton settings.
[T] Toggles between the default port switching keys ([Scroll Lock] [Scroll
Lock]) and alternate ([Ctrl][Ctrl]).