Peracom Networks Avcast User manual

USER’S
GUIDE
WIRELESS
KEYBOARD

Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Follow all instructions.
3. Keep these instructions.
4. Heed all warnings.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth.
7. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, or the apparatus does not operate
normally or has been dropped.
ii

FCC Notice
NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications, However there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications
made to this device that are not expressly approved by Peracom Networks,
Inc. may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
iii

Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii
FCC Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
The Avcast Home Entertainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Introducing the Wireless Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Appendix A: Changing the RF Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Appendix B: Wireless Keyboard Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Appendix C: Support and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Appendix D: Accessories and Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
iv

The Avcast Home Entertainment System
The Avcast system uses the existing coaxial cable wiring in a house to create a home
entertainment network. The Avcast home entertainment network connects television sets
(TVs) and a personal computer (PC) together — allowing the user to their PC screen on
any television connected to the network. The following is an example of a basic Avcast
home entertainment network:
personal
computer
TV OUT card (not
included) required for
audio/video connection
CableCaster PC Caster
TV
TV
wireless
mouse
filter
audio/video
cable
ground
block
USB cable
wall
adapter
wireless
keyboard
TV
from cable
company
or local TV
antenna
TV
wall
adapter
IRCaster
(optional)
1

2
Introducing the Wireless Keyboard
The Avcast Wireless Keyboard is used in
conjunction with a PC Caster and a PC in
the Avcast home entertainment network.
The PC Caster allows you to view your
personal computer screen on any TV
connected to the Avcast network. The
keyboard uses radio frequency (RF) to
communicate with the PC via the PC
Caster, giving you control of the PC from
any room in the house.
The Wireless Keyboard with a built-in
mouse remotely performs all the same
functions of a standard keyboard and
mouse that are connected to your PC.
The Wireless Keyboard is an 88-key Windows keyboard with a built-in mouse that
consists of a mouse joystick and a pair of left/right mouse buttons. The keyboard functions
similarly to a full-sized keyboard; however there are some physical differences (see the
“Using Wireless Keyboard Functions” section for more information). For example, the
Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock keys have no LEDs to indicate whether they are
active or inactive. Also, the Wireless Keyboard does not have a 17-key numeric keypad on
the keyboard. Instead, a section of the keys in the main keypad become “extender” keys to
perform the numeric keypad functions when the special Function (FN) key is pressed to
activate them.
The Wireless Keyboard is powered by 3 AA batteries installed in the battery compartment
on the back of the keyboard (see Appendix A for Wireless Keyboard Specifications).
Other Items in the Kit
•AA Batteries (3)
•Warranty Card
Technical Information
The appendixes in the back of this guide provide technical specifications.
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
How to Use the Wireless Keyboard
left/right mouse buttons
red LED
mouse joystick
A
B
C
ABC

3
How to Use the Wireless Keyboard
Before you start:
•The original PC keyboard and mouse need to be connected to the PC for it
to boot up properly.
•The PC mouse and keyboard should not be used at the exact same time as
the Remote Mouse and Keyboard. Both are attached to the system and
function using the same application and using them simultaneously will
produce unexpected results.
Set Up the Wireless Keyboard
1. Remove the battery compartment
cover and insert 3 new AA Batteries
(supplied).
The Wireless Keyboard is powered by 3 AA
batteries located in the battery compartment
under a snap-on cover on the back of the
device. Insert the batteries as indicated by
the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside
the battery compartment.
2. Close the battery compartment cover.
3. Verify the Wireless Keyboard is working properly.
Press the left/right built-in mouse buttons at the same time — a red LED located on
the top front section of the keyboard should light up temporarily to confirm that the
Wireless Keyboard is working properly. The red LED also functions as a low battery
indicator. If the LED lights up when you press the keys on the Wireless Keyboard,
the batteries need to be replaced.
4. Calibrate the built-in mouse on the Wireless Keyboard.
The built-in mouse on the Wireless Keyboard needs to be calibrated each time
the batteries are replaced. To calibrate, press and release the mouse joystick
straight down once, then move the joystick completely in each direction (right, left,
forward, back).
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
How to Use the Wireless Keyboard

4
5. Verify the Wireless Keyboard is working properly.
Go to the personal computer connected to the Avcast entertainment system and make
sure that it is switched on. Position yourself in front of the PC and manipulate the
built-in mouse joystick to verify it is communicating with the computer properly.
You should be able to see the cursor moving around on the screen. Go to the
troubleshooting information in Appendix B if the Wireless Keyboard does not appear
to be communicating with the PC.
Next, go to a TV connected to the Avcast entertainment system and make sure that it
is switched on. Position yourself in front of the TV and manipulate the built-in mouse
joystick to verify it is communicating with the computer properly. You should be
able to see the cursor moving around on the TV screen the same way you did on the
PC screen. If the Wireless Keyboard does not appear to be communicating with the
PC at that location, you need to make some adjustments to the physical placement of
the PC Caster to improve the RF (remote) reception. Go to the RF Positioning of PC
Caster section of the PC Caster User’s Guide for more information.
Numeric Keypad Functions
Though the Wireless Keyboard provides all of the functions of a full-sized keyboard;
however, some functions such as the numeric keypad and the built-in mouse are handled
little differently.
The Wireless Keyboard does not have a separate 17-key numeric keypad, though the
keyboard does provide all of the function of a numeric keypad. Pressing the special
Function (FN) key activates a section of the keys in the main keypad to become
“extender” keys. The extender keys perform the numeric keypad functions.
To use numeric keypad functions:
1. Press the FN key to activate the extender keys.
2. Press the extender keys for the desired numeric keypad
functions.
Press the Num Lock key to set Num Lock on or off for the correct set of numeric
keypad functions (the keyboard does not have an LED to indicate whether the
Num Lock function is on or off).
3. Press the FN key again to deactivate the extender keys.
The figure on the following page illustrates the extender keys that are active
when the FN key is pressed, when the Num Lock is ON and when the Num
Lock is OFF.
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
How to Use the Wireless Keyboard

5
“Drag and Drop” Operation
The built-in left/right mouse buttons and joystick on the Wireless Keyboard provide the
same functions of a 2-button PC mouse. The further the mouse joystick is held in a
direction, the faster the cursor moves.
When you press straight down on the mouse joystick and release it quickly, it serves the
same function as the left mouse button “point and click” operation on a 2-button
PC mouse.
When you place the cursor on a object on the screen and press the mouse joystick straight
down for more than three seconds before releasing it, the “drag and drop” operation is
activated. You can move the object around on the screen by pushing the mouse joystick in
the desired direction. The “drag and drop” mode is indicated on the PC screen by a
“jiggling” of the selected object. The mouse on the Wireless Keyboard stays in the “drag
and drop” mode until you press and release the mouse joystick again, press one of the left/
right mouse buttons or press a key on the keyboard.
Main Keypad Keys used as
Extender Keys for Numeric Keypad Function with Num Lock ON
7890 7890
UIOP456-
JKL;123+
MEnter 0. / Enter
Main Keypad Keys used as
Extender Keys or Numeric Keypad Function with Num Lock OFF
7890 Home PgUp 0
UIOP-
JKL;End PgDn +
MEnter Ins Del Enter
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
How to Use the Wireless Keyboard

6
Power for Wireless Keyboard
When not in use, the Wireless Keyboard goes into a low current, powered down state.
When you press either button or move the mouse joystick, the circuitry in the Wireless
Keyboard causes its processor to “wake up”. When a motion or button push is no longer
detected, the Remote Mouse returns to a power down state.
To ensure that the batteries do not get drained in case the mouse joystick is constantly
pushed, the Wireless Keyboard will power down if the joystick is constantly active for
about a minute. The joystick must be moved or a button pressed for the Wireless
Keyboard to power on again.
The life of the batteries depends on the daily usage (see Appendix A, “Wireless Keyboard
Specifications” for information about typical battery life for the Wireless Keyboard).
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
How to Use the Wireless Keyboard

Appendix A: Changing the RF Address
What you need:
•A pointed tool such as a pen tip or tooth pick.
The Wireless Keyboard has a default radio frequency (RF) address of zero. The RF
address selection switch, located through a small window inside the battery compartment,
sets the radio frequency (RF) address for the Wireless Keyboard. Possible address values
are zero through 15.
The RF address set on the Wireless Keyboard must match the RF address set on the
PC Caster for the two devices to communicate. In most Avcast network installations, you
will not need to change the address of the PC Caster or the Wireless Keyboard unless you
have more than one PC Caster installed in your home entertainment system or if you live
in close proximity to a neighbor who has a PC Caster installed in their home.
1. Open the battery compartment
cover on the back of the
Wireless Keyboard to expose
the instrument to change the
RF address.
2. Find the desired RF address
setting in table on the next
page.
3. Use a pointed tool to move the
switches on the instrument to
change the RF address.
4. Close the battery compartment.
5. Set up the Wireless Keyboard.
Go to “Set Up the Wireless Keyboard” on
page 3 for verification and calibration
instructions.
The Wireless Keyboard is now ready to use.
7

8
RF Address Settings
Switch Positions
1 2 3 4 Address Switch Positions 1 2 3 4 Address
0 8
1 9
2 10
3 11
4 12
5 13
6 14
7 15
OFF
ON
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
Appendix A: Changing the RF Address

Appendix B: Wireless Keyboard Specifications
Power for the Wireless Keyboard
The Wireless Keyboard is powered by 3 AA batteries located in the battery compartment
under a snap-on cover on the back of the keyboard.
The life of the batteries depends on the daily usage. For 2850 mAh alkaline batteries, the
following table shows the projected battery life in months (worse case and typical). The
daily usage is the amount of time that the keys or mouse actuator have been used.
When not in use, the keyboard is in a low current power down state. When the user presses
a key or touches the mouse joystick, circuitry in the keyboard senses this and causes the
processor to wake up. The keys and activator are scanned and the information is sent
through RF to the receiving PC Caster. When a touch or button push is no longer detected,
the keyboard returns to a power down state.
To ensure that the batteries do not get drained in case the mouse actuator is constantly
pushed, the keyboard will power down if the actuator is constantly active for about a
minute. The actuator must be moved or a key pressed for the keyboard to power on again.
RF Transmission
The Wireless Keyboard uses radio frequency (RF) to communicate with the PC Caster.
The keyboard uses a simple on off keying (OOK) scheme at 916.5 MHz. The distance
covered is highly dependent upon environment factors where the keyboard is being used.
In most applications the range of the keyboard should be greater than 80 feet.
Daily Usage
(minutes) Battery Life (months)
Worst case Typical
10 19 51
20 11 25
30 7 14
9

Appendix C: Support and Troubleshooting
Support
If you encounter problems with any of the Avcast components, you can contact the Avcast
support staff by e-mail, by telephone, by mail or on the Internet.
Troubleshooting
Additional troubleshooting information for the Avcast Wireless Keyboard can be found on
the support website listed above.
Web Postings/FAQ: www.avcast.com/support
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone]
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST
FAX: [phone]
Mailing Address: Peracom
13000 Weston Parkway
Suite 105
Cary, North Carolina 27513
Problem Probable Cause/Correction
Red LED lights when
you press keys on the
keyboard
•The LED acts as a low battery indicator. If it
illuminates during the normal use of the keyboard, it
is time to replace the batteries.
Wireless Keyboard does
not communicate with the
PC locally
•Check the polarity of the batteries and make sure they
are inserted properly. Replace if necessary.
•Verify the USB cable is connected between the PC
and the PC Caster.
•Check the RF address of the keyboard (inside battery
compartment) to make sure it matches the RF address
for the PC Caster. The default address for the
keyboard and PC Caster is zero, but changing both to
another matching RF address may reduce
interference from elements such as phone lines, etc.
Wireless Keyboard
communicateswiththe PC
locally but not remotely
•Check the position of the PC Caster (see section on
RF Positioning of the PC Caster).
10

Appendix D: Accessories and Replacement Parts
The following accessories and replacement parts are available from Peracom Networks,
Inc. Ordering information is available on the Avcast website: www.avcast.com and from
retail suppliers. All kits and accessories include a User Guide and a Warranty Card.
Accessory Part Number
CableCaster
1 CableCaster
2 Screws
3 Terminators
1 Wall Adapter (15 VDC Power Supply)
CC-1016N
PC Caster
1 PC Caster
1 IR Emitter
1 6-foot Audio/Video cable
1 6-foot coaxial cable
1 Terminator
1 Wall Adapter (15 VDC Power Supply)
MC-1011N
IRCaster
1 IRCaster
1 IR Detector
1 6-foot coaxial cable
1 Terminator
1 Wall Adapter (15 VDC Power Supply)
(Each IRCaster after the first one in a network
requires an in-line 75 Ohm DC Block — Radio
Shack Part Number 15-1259)
IR-1018N
IR Detector
Requires a Handset Adapter (Radio Shack Part
Number 279-425) to connect the IR Detector and
the IR Emitter to the PC Caster at the same time.
ID-1022N
11

12
Accessory Part Number
Filters
To block channels 65-90
To block channels 65-69
To block channels 70-74
To block channels 75-80
To block channels 80+
FL-1029
FL-1030A
FL-1031A
FL-1032A
Weatherproof Case (for outdoor CableCaster
installation) WP-1033N
Wall Adapter (15 VDC Power Supply) PW-1024NF
IR Emitter IE-11023NF
IR Detector ID-1022NF
The Avcast Home Entertainment System
Appendix D: Accessories and Replacement Parts

Index
Index goes here.
13

© 2000 by Peracom Networks, Inc. All rights reserved Printed in Taiwan and USA
(Avcast®) is a Registered Trademark of Peracom Networks, Inc.
Avcast CableCaster™ is a Trademark of Peracom Networks, Inc.
Avcast PC Caster™ is a Trademark of Peracom Networks, Inc.
Avcast IRCaster™ is a Trademark of Peracom Networks, Inc.
Velcro®is a Registered Trademark of Velcro Industries B.V.
Phillips®is a Registered Trademark of Phillips Screw Company.
Patent Pending