Network Technologies ST-2U Operation manual

ST-2U (2-Port Universal KVM Switch)
INSTALLATION / USER GUIDE
MAN042 Rev Date 4/22/2002
NTI NETWORK
TECHNOLOGIES
INCORPORATED
Tel:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
1275 Danner Dr
Aurora, OH 44202
www.nti1.com
R

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................1
Materials..........................................................................................................................................................................1
Installation .......................................................................................................................................................................3
Keyboard Dip-Switch Configuration................................................................................................................................3
Using the NTI ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM Switch .......................................................................................................7
Front Panel Control......................................................................................................................................................7
Keyboard Control.........................................................................................................................................................7
Command Mode..........................................................................................................................................................8
Scan Mode...................................................................................................................................................................8
Broadcast Mode...........................................................................................................................................................8
Normal Mode...............................................................................................................................................................9
ST-2U-U Option...............................................................................................................................................................9
Keyboard-To-CPU Translation......................................................................................................................................10
Mouse Click Equivalents...............................................................................................................................................10
Keyboard Features........................................................................................................................................................10
TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................................................................................11
WARRANTY INFORMATION........................................................................................................................................12
Introduction
The NTI ST-2U 2-PORT UNIVERSAL KVM Switch allows a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse to communicate directly with any two
PC, MAC or SUN CPUs connected to the switch. These CPUs can be file servers, network managers, etc. The microprocessor driven
circuitry in the NTI switch allows all CPUs to boot simultaneously without keyboard or mouse error.
Available Options
•Built-in 13W3 video port- for use with SUN multi-scan PC compatible monitors (ST-2U-13W3)
See our catalog, visit our website at http://www.nti1.com, or contact an NTI sales representative at 800-742-8324 (800-RGB-TECH)
or 330-562-7070 for more details.
Materials
Materials Supplied with this kit:
•NTI ST-2U 2-PORT UNIVERSAL KVM Switch
•AC Adapter
Materials Not Supplied, BUT REQUIRED:
NOTE: A VGA multi-scan monitor must be used with this product. Exception- If an ST-2U-13W3 with built-in SUN video port has been
purchased, then a PC compatible multi-scan SUN monitor can be used.
•A set of 2 cables for each CPU being connected to the switch must be used:
PS/2 CPU to switch •VEXT-xx-MM for video interface
•VKTINT-xx-MM for keyboard and mouse interface
SUN CPU to switch •VEXT-xx-MM for video interface
•13W3M-15HDF adapts 15HD (VGA) to 13W3 (SUN)
•SKTINT-xx-MM for keyboard/mouse interface
MAC CPU to switch •VEXT-xx-MM for video interface
•15DM-15HDF adapts 15HD (VGA) to 15D (MAC)
•MKTINT-xx-MM for keyboard/mouse interface
•One of the following cables may be required to connect the keyboard/mouse:
PS/2 keyboard and mouse •VKTINT-1
SUN keyboard/mouse •None – SUN keyboard connects directly to switch
MAC keyboard/mouse •MKTINT-1

2
Features and Functions
1. CPU Select Switch- push to manually toggle between CPUs
2. CPU LEDs- for visual indication of connection between the user and a specific CPU and to indicate mode status
3. Power ON/OFF switch
4. Dip-switches- for configuring user keyboard type
5. CPU-x - 15HD VGA connectors- for connecting video cables from CPUs
6. MONITOR- 15HD VGA connectors- for connection of the user monitor
7. DEVx- Device connectors- 8 pin miniDIN female connectors- for connecting CPU device cables (keyboard and mouse)
8. USER- 8 pin miniDIN female connector- for connecting user devices (keyboard and mouse)
9. 5VDC- connection jack for the AC adapter
Fig. 1

3
Installation
1. Turn OFF power to all CPUs that will be connected to the NTI ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM Switch before connecting or
disconnecting any cables to or from them.
Warning! Damage to the CPU may result if power is not turned OFF before connecting or disconnecting
cables.
2. Configure the ST-2U for the keyboard type being used as per Fig. 2 below (SUN, PS/2 or MAC). The dip-switches on the front panel
must be configured for the platform of the keyboard / mouse that will be used to operate the ST-2U. This action must be completed
prior to powering up the ST-2U. Should it be necessary to replace the keyboard of one platform with a keyboard of a different platform,
the dip-switches will need to be re-configured accordingly. To do this, first power down the ST-2U by following the proper Power-Down
Sequence (see page 5). When power has been turned OFF, replace the keyboard, re-configure the switches, and then power-up,
following the proper Power-Up Sequence (also on page 5). However, if replacing the keyboard with one from the SAME PLATFORM, it
can be hot-swapped without powering-down. Refer to Fig. 2 below for instruction on proper keyboard dip-switch configuration.
Keyboard Dip-Switch Configuration
3. Connect a VGA multi-scan monitor to the port labeled MONITOR on the rear of the NTI Switch (Fig. 3), or, a SUN multi-scan monitor
(if the switch model number is ST-2U-13W3 as shown in Fig. 4).
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

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4. Connect the user device(s) to the port labeled USER on the rear of the NTI Switch using one of the methods detailed below.
•PS/2- Attach the 8-pin miniDIN male end of a VKTINT-1 to the Universal KVM switch at the USER port. The keyboard will plug into the
purple female connector with the keyboard symbol on it (see Fig. 5), and the mouse will plug into the green female connector with the mouse
symbol on it (see Fig. 6).
•MAC- Attach the 8-pin miniDIN male end of a MKTINT-1 to the NTI switch at the USER port. Attach the keyboard/mouse assembly to the 4-
pin miniDIN female end of the MKTINT-1.
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Keyboard Symbol Mouse Symbol
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 4

5
•SUN- Plug the SUN keyboard directly into the USER port.
5. For each CPU connect the appropriate NTI input device and video cables to the proper ports on the ST-2U switch using the methods
detailed below.
NOTE: Make sure the cables from a single CPU are connected to the NTI ST-2U at a keyboard port and a video port with the same
number. Otherwise, the commands typed to one CPU may show up on the monitor intended for another CPU.
•PS/2- Attach a VKTINT-xx-MM cable between the keyboard and mouse ports of the CPU and a DEVx port on the ST-2U switch.
(See Fig. 10.) (Ensure that the green 6 pin miniDIN mouse connector is in the mouse port on the CPU and that the purple 6 pin miniDIN
keyboard connector is in the keyboard port on the CPU.)
Attach a VEXT-xx-MM cable between the video port on the CPU and a CPUx port on the ST-2U switch.
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

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•MAC- Attach a MKTINT-xx-MM cable between the keyboard port of the CPU and a DEVx port on the ST-2U switch. Using a 15DM-15HDF
adapter, attach a VEXT-xx-MM cable between the video port on the CPU and a CPUx port on the ST-2U switch. (See Fig. 11.)
•SUN- Attach an SKTINT-xx-MM cable between the keyboard port of the CPU and a DEVx port on the ST-2U switch. Using a 13W3M-
15HDF adapter, attach a VEXT-xx-MM cable between the video port on the CPU and a CPUx port on the ST-2U switch. (See Fig. 12.)
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

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WARNING! If a serial mouse port is being used on a PC to connect a serial CPU to an NTI switch, do not use a generic 9D-to-6mD
adapter (Fig. 12) to make connection to the PS/2 cable-- use a VOPEX-IM9D (Fig. 13) to convert the signal from the serial port to PS/2.
POWER-UP SEQUENCE
1. Plug the jack at the cable end of the AC adapter into the ST-2U.
2. Plug the transformer end of the AC adapter into a power outlet.
3. Turn on the ST-2U.
4. Turn ON power to the monitor attached to the ST-2U.
5. Turn ON power to either or both CPUs attached to the ST-2U.
POWER-DOWN SEQUENCE
1. Turn OFF power to either or both CPUs attached to the ST-2U.
2. Turn OFF power to the monitor attached to the ST-2U.
3. Turn OFF power to the ST-2U 2-Port KVM Switch.
Using the NTI ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM Switch
Control over the CPUs attached to the NTI ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch is achieved through operation of the ST-2U 2-Port
Universal KVM switch. Once the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch is properly connected, the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch will
enable a connection to be made between the CPUs attached to its CPUx and DEVx ports and the keyboard, monitor, and mouse
attached to the MONITOR and USER ports. The lights on the control panel of the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch will illuminate
depending on which port (and subsequent associated CPU) is being connected to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse. The ST-2U 2-Port
Universal KVM switch can be operated by the front control panel or by keyboard control.
Front Panel Control
Pressing momentarily the “CPU SELECT” button on the front panel will toggle between CPU 1 and CPU 2 and connect the selected
CPU to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
Pressing and holding in the "CPU SELECT" button on the front panel for more than 2 seconds will cause the switch to cycle through
all modes of operation: COMMAND, SCAN, BROADCAST, and NORMAL modes. Release the button when the desired mode has been
selected. All three LEDs above the numeric keypad of your keyboard will illuminate to indicate that Command Mode is enabled. When the
LEDs resume their previous state of operation (LEDs illuminated only because CapsLock, NumLock, and/or ScrollLock are ON), the user
is in Normal Mode controlling directly the CPU to which the user is connected through the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch.
Keyboard Control
Keyboard control of the ST-2U 2 Port Universal KVM switch can be achieved through Command Mode. Command Mode is
operated by using keyboard commands as instructed under “Command Mode” on page 8. By pressing <Ctrl> + <`> (accent key), the
user can enter Command Mode. Once in Command Mode, typing a series of commands will cause the 2-Port Universal KVM switch to
connect the user to any one CPU connected to the switch. Pressing the <Esc> key will exit Command Mode.
Fig. 13 Fig. 14
Do not use
with NTI
products
Generic
9D-to 6mD adapter
9D Male
6 Pin miniDIN
Male
9D Male
6 Pin miniDIN
Male
VOPEX-IM9D

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Command Mode
In order to control the ST-2U switch with the keyboard, Command Mode must be enabled. To enter Command Mode from the keyboard:
Press
When the COMMAND LED is illuminated, all 3 LEDs on the numeric keypad of the keyboard will illuminate (if they aren't already due to
CapsLock, NumLock, and ScrollLock) to indicate Command Mode is enabled and the following functions are available: (NOTE: The user
must exit Command Mode in order to type to a CPU. To exit Command Mode, press the <ESC> key. )
Function: Keystroke:
To change port
Switch to a specific port
Enable/disable “Broadcast” mode
Toggle “Scan” mode ON and OFF
Sets scan time-out period for each port
Exit “Command” mode
Scan Mode
Scan Mode is indicated by a flashing CPU port LED on the front panel of the ST-2U. The ST-2U 2-port Universal switch scans to either
port with a CPU powered-ON. That port remains active while in use until it becomes idle for the configured dwell time (default time-out
period is 5 seconds) before switching to the other powered-ON CPU port. See Command Mode section above for configuring the scan
time-out period.
NOTE: The keyboard and mouse must remain idle for the full scan dwell time before the switch selects the other port.
Broadcast Mode
(use with extreme caution)
Broadcast Mode is indicated when both CPU LEDs are illuminated. Broadcast Mode is enabled through the Command Mode menu and
allows the user to send keystrokes to both active CPUs simultaneously. NOTE: Broadcast Mode must be OFF when booting any
attached CPU.
S
`
+
Ctrl ~(ACCENT
KEY)
`
P--(P0x would be P01 or P02)
x
0
CPU 1 CPU 2 A flashing CPU LED
means that CPU is
being scanned and active.
CPU 1 CPU 2 Two illuminated CPU LED's
means that the switch is
in BROADCAST mode.
CHORDED SEQUENCE- PRESS CONSECUTIVELY
AND KEEP KEYS PRESSED UNTIL ALL ARE PRESSED.
+
-PRESS CONSECUTIVELY
or PRESS EITHER KEY
KEY SYMBOLS LEGEND:
B
Ior Dor
or
Esc
T--(xxx from 002 to 255. ie. t002
would set the time-out period
for 2 seconds)
-
(0-2)
x (0-9) x (0-9) x

9
Normal Mode
When only one CPU LED on the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch is illuminated the user is in Normal Mode, controlling the CPU to
which the user is connected through the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch. The illuminated CPU LED indicates which CPU the user is
connected to.
ST-2U-U Option
Introduction
The NTI ST-2U-U UNIVERSAL KVM Switch has 2 additional female USB type B ports that allow USB compatible CPUs (SUN, MAC, or
WINxx) to be connected to the switch.
General Notes
The ST-2U-U should have all cables attached before powering up. If no cable is plugged into either of the 8 pin miniDIN CPU ports
labeled DEV 1 or DEV 2 (see Fig. 15) on the ST-2U-U, then their respective USB ports labeled for DEV1 USB and DEV 2 USB on the ST-
2U-U will become the default active CPU port(s).
The USB ports on the ST-2U-U are HOT PLUGGABLE.
The 8 pin miniDIN cables are not HOT PLUGGABLE. They must be plugged in at power up to operate correctly.
Keyboard translation
The chart below shows the capabilities of devices controlling certain CPU types through the ST-2U-U KVM switch.
CPUSKEYBOARDS PS/2 (WINxx) SUN MAC USB (SUN) USB (MAC) USB (WINxx)
PS/2 Normal See charts
on pg. 10 See charts on pg. 10 See charts on pg. 10 See charts on pg. 10 Normal
SUN 5C Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal
MAC ADB Normal No SUN
translation Normal No SUN translation Normal Normal
Normal= No translation necessary- keyboard functions normally
Cables
Connect the USB CPU to the NTI ST-2U-U KVM switch using a USB-AB-xx cable (not supplied).
LED Operation
The LEDs do not operate as described earlier in this manual for the ST-2U for SCAN and BROADCAST.
•For SCAN- the LED does not flash. The LED stays on continuously while the indicated port is active.
•For BROADCAST- both LEDs might not illuminate, depending on the type of CPU connected.
Fig. 15

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PLEASE NOTE: It is necessary to configure a Sun CPU such that the Sleep Mode is not enabled. If a Sun CPU goes into sleep mode
either automatically or manually, the user must reboot the Sun CPU in order to resume use of the Sun CPU.
To disable the Sleep Mode, perform the following steps:
1. Select "Power Manager"
2. Look for "Device Idle Time Before Power Saving Starts"
3. Select "Always ON"
4. Look for "Override Device Idle Time For:"
5. Make sure neither "Monitors" nor "Disks" are selected
Keyboard-To-CPU Translation
The NTI ST-2U Universal KVM switch enables the connection of otherwise incompatible peripheral computer components to each other.
This is accomplished by performing keyboard-to-CPU translations automatically (i.e. connect a MAC keyboard and mouse to a PS/2 type
CPU). The charts below show the key commands that will be recognized and translated for the different types of CPUs. Following the
charts below, find the desired key character, then follow the row across for the key or series of keys to press to achieve that equivalent
function on the keyboard currently in use.
Key Equivalences
PS/2 101 WIN95 Apple Extended SUN Keyboard
L-Ctrl L-Ctrl L-Ctrl L-Ctrl
L-Alt L-Alt L-Opt L-Alt
R-Ctrl R-Ctrl R-Ctrl Compose
R+Alt R+Alt/Aplcn R-Opt Alt-Graph
SB+Alt Logo Cmnd Meta
SB+RT Arrow SB+RT Arrow Power Power
SB = Space Bar
L and R = Left and Right keys when two keys are marked the same on a keyboard.
SB = Space Bar
Mouse Click Equivalents
To emulate the right-button click using an Apple 1-button mouse, hold down the CMND key ( ) while pressing the mouse button.
Keyboard Features
The keyboard configuration of each CPU is saved in the NTI ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM Switch. For example, if the CPU attached to
Port 2 had CAPS LOCK and NUM LOCK selected the last time that CPU was accessed, then they will automatically be set when that
CPU is accessed again.
SUN TRANSLATION
PS/2 Keyboards SUN Extras
SB + F1 Stop (L1)
SB + F2 Again (L2)
SB + F3 Props (L3)
SB + F4 Undo (L4)
SB + F5 Front (L5)
SB + F6 Copy (L6)
SB + F7 Open (L7)
SB + F8 Paste (L8)
SB + F9 Find (L9)
SB + F10 Cut (L10)
SB + F11 Help
SB + UP Arrow Vol +
SB + DN Arrow Vol -
SB + LF Arrow Mute
SB + RT Arrow POWER
With a SUN keyboard attached to the switch, the following emergency
startup keys are supported:
Key Function
Stop Bypass POST
Stop-A Abort
Stop-D Enter diagnostic mode
Stop-F Enter Forth on TTYA instead of probing
Stop-N Reset NVRAM contents to default values
(
See Fi
g
. 16 for reference.
)

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TROUBLESHOOTING
If the ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch is not working properly, consider the suggestions below to see if a solution can be found.
•Verify that all cables are securely connected.
•Verify that the CPU is connected to a Keyboard port and Video port with the same CPU port number.
•If a CPU seems to be locked up, press the “CPU SELECT” button a couple of times.
•If the problem persists, unplug the keyboard and mouse cables (not the CPU keyboard and mouse) from the ST-2U and reconnect
them.
•Power-up the NTI switch first, then the CPUs.
NOTE: ALWAYS FOLLOW THE POWER-UP SEQUENCE (SEE PAGE 6).
•If a Compaq Proliant 2000 or non-Intel architecture Unix machine with PS/2 ports (such as HP9000) does not detect a keyboard or
mouse attached when booting, booster cables (VKTINT-1K-1) may be needed for both the keyboard and mouse CPU ports. If
booster cables are used, they must first be connected to both PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors on the VKTINT-1 adapter cable
that is then connected to the CPU port on the switch.
If the suggestions above have been tried and the NTI ST-2U 2-Port Universal KVM switch is still not functioning properly, a solution to the
problem may be found on our website at http://www.nti1.com in our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, or, please call us directly
at [phone] (800-RGB-TECH) in the US & Canada or [phone] (Worldwide) and we’ll be happy to assist in any way we can.
Fig. 16

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WARRANTY INFORMATION
The warranty period on this product (parts and labor) is one (1) year from the date of purchase. Please contact Network Technologies Inc
at [phone] (800-RGB-TECH) or [phone] for information regarding repairs and/or returns. A return authorization number is
required for all repairs/returns.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2002 by Network Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written consent of Network Technologies Inc, 1275 Danner Drive, Aurora, Ohio 44202.
CHANGES
The material in this guide is for information only and is subject to change without notice. Network Technologies Inc reserves the right to
make changes in the product design without reservation and without notification to its users.
SERIAL NO.: ST-2U
ST-2U-13W3
DATE: ST-2U-U
INSPECTED BY: