IOGear MiniView II GCS124U User manual

MiniView™ II
4 Port USB KVM Swtich (GCS124U Installation Manual)

©2001 IOGEAR. All Rights Reserved.
IOGEAR,theIOGEARlogo,MiniView,VSEaretrademarksorregisteredtrademarksofIOGEAR,Inc. MicrosoftandWindowsareregisteredtrademarksof
MicrosoftCorporation. IBMisaregisteredtrademarkofInternationalBusinessMachines,Inc. Macintosh,G3/G4andiMac are registered trademarks of
AppleComputer,Inc. IOGEAR makes no warranty ofanykind with regards to theinformationpresented in this document. All informationfurnishedhere is
forinformationalpurposesonlyandis subject to change without notice. IOGEAR, Inc. assumesnoresponsibilityforanyinaccuraciesor errors that may
appearinthisdocument.

Thank you for purchasing one of the most feature-rich keyboard, video, and mouse switches on the market.
IOGEAR’s USB KVM switches are first-rate connectivity accessories designed to help reduce the frustration
of managing multiple computer systems. Wtih the MiniView™ II USB KVM series by IOGEAR, you can
access multiple computers from a single console(keyboard, mouse and monitor). The MiniView™ II USB
KVM provides two convenient methods to access connected computers. Change ports easily via the push
button selection switches located on the unit’s front panel, or by entering Hot Key combinations from the
keyboard or OSD (On Screen Display). Setup is fast and easy; plugging cables into their appropriate ports
is all that is entailed.
We hope you enjoy using your MiniView™ II USB KVM switch, yet another first-rate connectivity solution
from IOGEAR.

TableofContents:
Table of Contents
Package Contents
Overview
Features
Requirements
Introduction
Installation
Operation
Appendix (HotKey)
Specification
Radio & TV Interference Statement
Limited Warranty
02
03
04
06
07
10
13
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24
26
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PackageContents
This package contains:
1 MiniViewTM II USB KVM Switch (GCS124U)
1 User Manual
1 Registration Card
4 Premium Bonded USB KVM cables (2-4ft & 2-6ft)
1 Power Adapter
1 Quick Start Guide
If any items are damaged or missing please contact your dealer.

3
Overview
Overview
The MiniView™ II USB KVM Switch (GCS124U) is a control unit that allows access to four computers from a
single console (keyboard, mouse and monitor). Before the development of the MiniView II, the only way to
control multiple computer configurations from a single console was through a complex and costly network
system.
Setup is fast and easy, plugging cables into their appropriate posts is all that is entailed. There is no software
to configure, so there is no need to get involved in complex installation routines or be concerned with
incompatibility problems. Since the MiniView™ II intercepts USB keyboard input directly, it works on any
hardware platform and with all operating systems.
The MiniViewTM II USB KVM provides convenient methods to access the computers connected to the USB
KVM system. The MiniViewTM II USB KVM offers push button selection switches located on the units front
panel, Hot Key controls from the USB keyboard, and an On Screen Display (OSD).
There is no better way to save time and money than with a MiniView™ II USB KVM. By allowing a single
console to manage the attached computers, the MiniView™ II USB KVM eliminate the expense of purchasing
a separate keyboard, monitor and mouse. Additionally, it saves space taken up by the additional hardware
and eliminates the inconvenience of switching from the different computer systems.

4
Features
Features
- Premium Bonded USB KVM Cables Included
- Patented VSE (Video Signal Enhancement) Technology for Superior Video Quality
- Patented USB Sniffing Technology
- USB Compatible Mouse Support - Microsoft® Intellimouse Pro & Logitech FirstMouse Support
- Keyboard and Mouse Emulation for Error Free Switching and Booting
- No Delay Between Switching
- Daisy Chainable (control upto 64 USB computers)
- Easy to install - No Software Required
- Computer Selection Via Push Button Switches, Keyboard HotKeys or OSD (On-Screen-Display)
- Auto Scan Function for Monitoring Computer Operation
- Supports up to 1920 x 1440
- LED Display For Easy Status Monitoring
- Easy to Operate

5
Features
Features Continues...
- Unit Can Operate without Power Adapter
- DC Input for External Power Supply
- Hot Swappable
- Rackmountable with optional Rack Mount Kit
- 3 Year Warranty

6
Requirements
-USB Enabled Computer
- VGA (or compatible) Type Video Port
MACs: OS 8.6 or greater with latest USB updates
PCs: WIN 98 or greater with USB support
Accessories:
- IOGEAR USB Hub (GUH7144) Expand your USB set up with one of our USB hubs.
-10’ Bonded USB KVM Cable (G2L1203U), 6’ BondedUSB KVM Cables (G2L1201U)
- Rack Mount Kit for the GCS124U - (G2X007)
•Agreataddonforrackmountedcomputersetup
• Size 1U,fits all rack systemsetups- 19” Racks
-IOGEARhas a full lineofKVM, FireWire, USB, USB2.0,and ShareView products. Please visit ourwebsite at www.iogear.com for furtherinformation.
Requirements

7
Introduction
Introduction on MiniViewTM II USB KVM
The MiniViewTM II GCS124U is a USB KVM switch that controls access to multiple computers from a single console
(keyboard, monitor, and mouse). Before the development of the MiniViewTM II USB KVM, the only way to control multiple
computer configurations from a single console was through a complex and costly network system. Now, with the MiniViewTM II
USB KVM, you can easily access multiple computers in a simple and cost effectively manner.
One MiniViewTM II USB KVM can control up to four PCs. Units can be cascaded to three levels, which means that as many as
21 MiniViewTM II USB KVM units can control up to 64 PCs - all from a single console.
Setup is fast and easy; just plug the cables into their appropriate ports. There is no software to configure so there is no
need to get involved in complex installation routines or be concerned with incompatibility problems. Since the MiniViewTM II
USB KVM accepts keyboard input directly, it works virtually any hardware platform with all operating systems.
The MiniViewTM II USB KVM provides three convenient methods to access any PC connected to the system: (1) using the
port selection buttons on the front panel of each unit; (2) entering Hotkey combinations from the keyboard; and (3) selecting
from on-screen menus through the On Screen Display (OSD) feature. In addition, a powerful Quick View Scan feature allows
you to auto scan and monitor the activities of all operating PCs on the installation one by one.
There is no better way to save time and money than with a MiniViewTM II USB KVM. By allowing the MiniViewTM II USB KVM to
manage all the attached PCs, there is no need to purchase a separate keyboard, monitor, and mouse for each PC, saving an
enormous amount of space. It also eliminates the inconvenience and wasted effort involved in constantly moving around
from one PC to another.

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Front View
1. On-Line LEDs
These LEDs indicate that a computer is properly connected to the switch, powered on and operational.
2. Selected LEDs
These LEDs indicate the currently selected port.
3. Port Selection Switches
The Port Selection Switches are located on the front panel. Just below the Selected LEDs. Press the
puch buttons to select the computer of your choice.
4.Auto Scan Switch
This push button toggles Auto Scan Mode for the MiniViewTM II USB KVM.
Introduction
2
14
3

9
Introduction
Back View
1. Power Jack
Port for power adapter
2.Console Port Section
VGA console port for your monitor / USB ports for keyboard, and mouse
3. Console Port Section (USB Port)
USB ports to connect your computer via our premium bonded USB KVM cable
4. Console Port Section (VGA Port)
VGA ports to connect to your computer via our premium bonded USB KVM cables
21
2
2

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Setup and Installation
Step.1(PowerAdapter /Console Connection)
*Before you begin, pleasemake sure that thepower to all deviceshas been turnedoff.
1. Plug your USB Mouse, USB Keyboard, and Monitor into the console area on the KVM switch
2. Plug the power adapter into the power adapter port.
Installation

11
Installation
Setup and Installation
Step. 2 (ConsoleConnection)
1. Connect the cables that came with the MiniView™ II USB KVM switch to the KVM switch's CPU ports.

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Installation
Setup and Installation
Step.3 (CableConnection)
1. Connect the other end of the cables that came with the MiniView™ II USB KVM switch to your computer.
2. Once complete, turn the USB KVM switch on.
3. Then turn on the power to the connected computers.

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Operation
Operation
Controlling the computers on your MiniViewTM II USB KVM (GCS124U) from a single console could not be easier. The switch
has three port selection methods providing you with instant access to your computers.
-Manual Port Selection
-HotKey Port Selection
-Daisy Chain Port Selection
Selecting the Active Port
EachCPUport is assigned a numeric ID(1-4). Youcan directly access any computer connectedtothe KVM with a hotkey combinationthatspecifies the
IDof the CPU port.
Pressandreleaseeachofthefollowingkeys,in order, until complete
•[control] Pressthecontrolkey once
•[1,2,3, 4] Enter the numberoftheport you wish to switch to.
•[ENTER] Pressing enter completes theportselectionprocess
Forward/Back mode
Thisfeatureallowsyoutoswitchbetweencomputersinorderto monitor them manually. You can dwell on a particular post for as long or aslittleasyou
likeasopposed to Auto Scan Mode,whichswitchesafter a fixed interval. To invokeLast/NextMode, press the following keys.
1.Pressandrelease [F1] twice to move BackthroughtheUSB KVM Ports
2.Pressand release [F4] twice tomoveFORWARD through the USB KVMPorts

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Operation
Operation cont.
Once scanning begins it will continue until you press the spacebar or the round button on the front of the USB KVM. The
port last seen during the scan will become the active port.
NOTE: WhileAuto Scan Mode is ineffectnoneofthebasickeyboardkeys will function until youendtheautoscan.
OSD Overview
OnScreenDisplay(OSD) provides a menu driveninterfacetohandle PC switching Procedures. All operationsstartfromthe OSD Main Screen. To
activatetheOSD,Tap the CTRL key twice,[ctrl][ctrl].
NOTE: Ifusingthe control key conflictswithapplications running on anyofthe Computers, you canchangethe OSD Activation Hotkey to[Scroll Lock]
[Scroll Lock].
TheOSDalways starts in LIST viewwiththe Highlight bar at thesameposition it was in thelasttimeit was closed.
ThePortNumber(PN)for each computer is shown in the leftmostcolumnonthelist. You can directly access any port by usingNavigationkeystomove
theHighlightbar to the desired port andpress[ENTER].
Thecomputersportnumber is derived from the CPUport(1-4)on the GCS124U back panel thatthecomputeris connected to. For example to accessa
computerconnectedto port 3 you wouldmoveup or down thelistwith the arrow keys and pressenteronce port 3 is highlighted. Remember:Theport
numberforacomputerconnected to a daisy chained GCS124U isa2digitnumber. The first digit represents the CPU Portnumberoftheprimary USB
KVMandtheseconddigitrepresentsthe CPU Port number of the secondary USB KVMthatthecomputerisconnectedto. For example to access a
computerconnectedtoCPUPort3ofthesecondaryUSBKVM,scrolldownthelistandpressenteron2-3.

15
Operation
Navigation:
To exit from the OSD menu at any thime press [ESC]
Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move through the list one line at a time
Use [PG UP] and [PG DOWN] to move up or down through the list, one screen at a time
To activate a port move the Highlight Bar to the desired port and press [ENTER]
FunctionKeys:
With the OSD activated, pressing a function key (F1-F6) brings up a related sub menu that is used to configure and control
the OSD.
F1 GOTO: AfterpressingF1 select the desired portnumberor port name and press[ENTER]. Yourmonitorwill now display the selectedcomputer.

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OSDOperation
Operation
F2 SCAN:
PressingF2initiatestheScan Mode in which the KVM cycles through all the ports that have been selected for scanning within theListsettings(F3). When
youwanttostopataparticularlocationorstopthescanningprocesssimplypressthe[spacebar] or the round button on the from of the USB KVM.
NOTE:
1. If the scanning stops on an empty port or one where the computer is powered off the monitor screeen will be blank and the
mouse and keyboard will have no effect. To recover activate the OSD and choose any powered on or Functioning computer.
2. As the OSD cycles through the selected ports an S Appears in front of the Port ID display as each comptuer is accessed to
indicate that the computer is being accesed under QUICK VIEW scanning
3. If a particular port has not been selected in the list menu (See F3 List) the scan will not display that computer
F3 LIST:
Thisfunctionbrings up a submenuthatlets you broaden ornarrowthe scope of whichportsthe OSD lists. Thiswillbe different for each consoledepending
onthechoicesmadeforthatconsole. ThechoicesandtheirmeaningsaregivenintheTablebelow:
Tomakea choice, move thehighlihgtbar to the desiredselectionand press [ENTER]. An iconwillappear before the selectedlineto indicate that itis
currentlyselected.
NOTE:
1.You can accessanyportonanylist by usingtheNavigationKeysthen Pressing [ENTER].
2.Ifyouselectaportthatdoesnothaveacomputerattachedtoit,oriftheattachedcomputerispoweredoff,theOSDwillstillswitchtoitshowing a blank
scren.