StarTech.com DuraView RACKCONS1708 User manual

Folding Rackmount Console
with KVM Switch
17” LCD Rackmount Console with 8/16 Port KVM
19” LCD Rackmount Console with 8/16 Port KVM
RACKCONS1708
RACKCONS1716
RACKCONS1908
RACKCONS1916
Instruction Manual
RKCONS1908GB
RKCONS1916GB
RKCONS1916EU
RKCONS1708GB
RKCONS1708EU
RKCONS1716GB

FCC Compliance Statement
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. 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.
Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols
This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other
protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to
StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only
and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an
endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company
in question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of
this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered
trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this
manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.

i
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................... 1
Packaging Contents..................................................................... 1
Installation....................................................................... 1
Hardware Installation................................................................... 2
Connecting the console/module .................................................. 4
Connecting computers to the module.......................................... 6
Cascade Configuration ................................................................ 6
Turning on the console ................................................................ 7
Configuring display settings......................................................... 7
Testing the console...................................................................... 8
Panel controls and OSD functions............................................... 9
Module operation ............................................................ 12
OSD Selection............................................................................. 12
Hot-key commands...................................................................... 16
Specifications.................................................................. 19
Technical Support........................................................... 21
Warranty Information ...................................................... 21
Screen Quality & Pixel Policy ...................................................... 21

1
Introduction
Packaging Contents
• 1 x 1U LCD Rack Console Drawer
• 1 x 1U Multi-Platform KVM Module
• 1 x Mounting Brackets
• 1 x Mounting Rails - Set
• 1 x Power Adapter
Installation
Hardware Kit Contents
Please note: These LCD Rack Consoles are comprised of two distinct
components - a Rack-mountable Console and a Rack-mountable
KVM Module, as illustrated below. The two devices are attached via a
Centronics connector on the Rear panel of the Console and similarly
the front panel of the Module.
Multi-Port KVM Module
Front Panel
Side Rails with front and rear brackets (2)
Keys (2)
Screw kit
Mounting Brackets

2
Rear Panel
* 16-port module shown
Console
Front View, Open
Hardware Installation
Mounting the console
1. Loosen the rear screws (pre-installed in side rails) and adjust the
length of the rear bracket to fit the depth of your cabinet:

3
2. Install the rails into the cabinet:
3. Tighten the screws that were loosened in Step 1:
4. Install the remaining rail, repeating Steps 1-3.
5. Slide the Module onto the Console side rails, connecting the Module
and Console using the male Centronics connector provided by the
Console, and the female Centronics connector provided by the
Module. Ensure the connection is secure, and that the module is
firmly seated within the Console side rails.
6. Gently, but firmly insert the Console (with Module attached) into the
left and right rails:

4
7. Unlock the console, and pull the left and right rail-lock switches
towards you simultaneously, and hold them in this position while
pushing the console into the cabinet:
8. Install three screws on each side of the console:
9. Installation is now complete.
Connecting the console/module
To connect the KVM Console/Module to a computer, perform the
following steps:

5
1. Remove the four screws from both sides of the KVM console. Be
sure to retain these screws for the next installation step.
2. Attach the mounting brackets to both sides of the KVM console,
using the screws removed in step 1.
3. From the rear of the cabinet, slide the KVM console onto the
mounting rails.
4. Install one screw on each side of the console (as depicted below).

6
Connecting computers to the module
Attach each of your managed computers to the KVM modules PC ports
using ultra-thin KVM cables. The Module is capable of using either
2-in-1 USB or 3-in-1 PS/2 cables. Use the cables to connect one of the
PC ports on the back of the switch to the computer’s keyboard, mouse,
and video ports. Note: These instructions are for a single KVM switch
only.
Following this, plug the 12V DC power adapter into the power port on
the KVM module, and turn on the computers that will be controlled by
the console.
* Note: After the initial power up, you can hot-plug additional
computers or slave KVM switches without having to power down
your KVM.
Cascade Conguration
You can connect a second level of KVMs to one or more of your Master
KVM console’s PC ports. The KVM switches connected to the Master
console are known as Slaves. Once connected, the KVM switches
will automatically configure themselves as either Masters or Slaves.
You can only connect an equal or “smaller” KVM to the Master KVM.
For example, a 16-port Master KVM switch can have both 16-port and
8-port slaves. An 8-port Master KVM switch can only have 8-port (or
fewer) KVM slaves.
The 8-port KVM can support 64 PCs, with 8 x 8-port Slave KVMs, each
connected to 8 PCs. The 16-port KVM can support 136 computers,
with 8 16-port Slave KVMs, each connected to 16 computers. The
Slave KVM’s must be connected to the 1~8 ports, not the A~H ports.
To cascade your KVMs, use a 3-in-1 PS/2 KVM cable to connect one
of your Master switch’s PC ports to the Slave switch’s console ports.
When turning on your cascaded switches, turn on the Master switch
before turning on any of the others.

7
Turning on the console
Make sure all cables and the power cord are connected properly. Using
two hands, grasp the rear of the drawer, lift the tab and pull the panel
up and forward. This will disengage the momentary on/off switch and
the unit should power on.
The LED located to the left of the monitor panel should turn from
orange to green, verifying that the unit is operational.
Conguring display settings
After connecting the drawer and turning on your computer, you may
need to configure one or more of the following display settings to
allow the computer to display at the console’s native resolution. See
Specifications on page 9 for the correct resolution mode for your model.
• Display mode (also called desktop area or video resolution)
• Refresh rate (also called vertical scan rate or vertical sync)
• Color depth (also called color palette or number of colors)
Each video card has several controls that allow you to adjust the
display settings, however, the software and driver for each video card is
unique. In most cases, you can adjust these settings using a program
or utility provided by the manufacturer of the video card. Most video
cards use the Windows Display Properties control panel to configure
the display. To open the Windows Display Properties, click the right
mouse button in a blank area of the Windows desktop and then select
Properties. The Settings tab usually lets you change the Color Palette
and the Desktop Area (X by Y pixel resolution).
Some video cards integrate additional features into the Windows
Display Properties control panel giving you an extra setup options
that are flexible and easy to use. For example, the control panel
may include an Advanced Properties button, an Adjustment tab, or
a Refresh tab for changing other settings. Other video cards have a
separate utility for setting display properties.

8
Whenever you change the resolution, color, or refresh rate, the image
size, position, or shape may change. This behavior is normal. You can
readjust the image using the monitor on-screen controls. For more
information on the monitor on-screen controls, refer to Panel controls
and OSD functions. For more information on configuring the display
settings, please refer to the manual that accompanied your video card.
Testing the console
To test that the console is working properly, perform the following steps:
1. Power up the LCD Rack Drawer, and then turn on your computer.
2. Make sure the video image is centered within the screen area. Use
the OSD controls to adjust the image (see Panel controls and OSD
functions) or press the Auto button on the right hand side of the
monitor.
* Note: If the unit does not power up when the panel is pulled up, try
pushing the soft power on/off button on the left side of the monitor
panel to power up the unit.
* Note: You can adjust the horizontal and vertical position, contrast,
and brightness to better suit your video card and your personal
preference.
Before you begin, make sure that power to all of the devices you will
be connecting to the console have been turned off. To prevent damage
to your installation due to ground potential difference, make sure that
all of the devices being installed are properly grounded. Once all
peripherals have been connected, please power them on.

9
Panel controls and OSD functions
The following controls are located on the left side of the console
monitor:
Controls Descriptions
Soft power on/off. Adjacent LED is lit when on.
Auto Auto-synchronize and scale down display to any valid factory preset
timings.
Up Press to scroll to the function you want to adjust.
Down Press to scroll to the function you want to adjust.
Menu To access the main menu. This button also acts as the Enter button.
Auto tune
Press the “Auto tune” button. The panel will adjust the display size
automatically and also tune the panel to its optimized state.
Input Source
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll.
3. Press the Menu button to enter, and you will see: VGA/DVI.
4. Use the Down and Up buttons to select the input signal source.
5. Press the Menu button to save your selection.
Brightness
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll to Brightness.
3. Press the Menu button to enter.
4. Use the Down and Up buttons to adjust the brightness of the display.
5. Press the Menu button to save your selection.

10
Contrast
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll to Contrast.
3. Press the Menu button to enter.
4. Use the Down and Up buttons to adjust the contrast of the display.
5. Press the Menu button to save your selection.
Color
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up button to scroll.
3. Highlight Color, and press the Menu button to enter, which will
launch the following screen:
Icon Description
9300°K To set CIE coordinates at 9300°K color
7500°K To set CIE coordinates at 7500°K color
6500°K To set CIE coordinates at 6500°K color
User To set user defined CIE
Auto color To auto adjust color
Return To exit and return to the previous page
4. Use the Down and Up buttons to adjust the contrast of the display.
5. Press the Menu button to save your selection.
Position
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll.
3. Highlight Position and press the Menu button to enter, which will
launch the following screen:

11
Icon Description
Image Pos To adjust the position of the image
OSD Pos To adjust the position of the OSD
Return To exit and return to the previous page
4. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll.
5. Press the Menu button to save your selection.
Language
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll.
3. Highlight Language, and press the Menu button to select, which will
launch the following screen:
4. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll, and highlight the preferred
language.
5. Press the Menu button to save your selection.
Recall
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Down and Up buttons to scroll to Recall. Press the Menu
button to enter, where you will be able to select Yes/No using the
Down and Up buttons. Once you have done so, press the Menu but-
ton. Note: selecting Yes will return your settings to the factory default
state. Select No if you do not wish to make this change.
English
German
French
Italian
Spanish

12
Exit
To exit the menu, scroll to Exit and press the Menu button.
Power Indicator
Light Color Status
Green ON
RED Standby
RED Suspend
RED OFF
Module operation
OSD Selection
A computer may be selected by issuing hot-key commands or by
activating the OSD window. The Auto-Scan function automatically
scrolls through your connected computers.

13
By hitting the left <CTRL> key twice within two seconds, you may see
the Hotkey Menu (if it is enabled as an OSD option). Or, by hitting
the left <CTRL> key three times within two seconds, you will see
a KVM MENU screen (below) showing a list of the computers with
corresponding channel addresses, names and status.
The port number of the currently selected computer is displayed in red,
at the right corner of the OSD menu.
The color of a device name is green if it has power and is ready for
operation, or the color is white if it has no power. The OSD menu
updates the color when it is activated.
Use the < > and < > arrow keys to highlight a computer and the
<ENTER> key to select it. Or, you may press <ESCAPE> to exit the
OSD and remove the OSD menu from the display; the status window
returns to the display and indicates the currently selected computer or
operating status.
A triangle mark to the right of a name indicates the port is cascaded to
a Slave; the number at the left of the triangle mark shows the number
of ports the Slave has, i.e. 8 for an 8-port switch. The <ENTER> key
brings you one level down and another screen pops up listing the
names of the computers on that Slave. The name of the Slave will be
shown at the upper right corner of the OSD menu. It is useful to group
computers and still be able to see the group name.
An eye mark ( ) to the right of a name indicates the computer is
selected to be monitored in Scan mode. In OSD, this mark can be
switched on or off by function key <F2>. Press the <ESCAPE> key to
exit OSD and to return to the selected computer; the computer name is
also shown on the screen.
Function key <F1> - To edit the name entry of a computer or a Slave,
first use the < > and < > arrow keys to highlight a port then press
<F1> followed by name entry. Valid characters are ‘A’~’Z’, ‘0’~’9’ and
the dash (-) character. Lowercase letters are converted to uppercase
ones. Press <BACKSPACE> to delete one letter at a time. Non-vola-
tile memory stores all name entries until you change, even if the unit
is powered down.

14
Function key <F2> - Use this key to switch the eye mark ( ) of a
computer on or off. First, use the < > and < > arrow keys to high-
light it, then press <F2> to switch its eye mark on or off. If Scan Type
reads ‘Ready PC + ‘, only the power-on and eye mark selected
computers will be displayed sequentially in Scan mode.
Function key <F3> - To lock a device (a computer or a Slave) from
unauthorized access, use Security. Security is effective for only one
device (a computer or a Slave). To lock a device, use the < > and
< > arrow keys to highlight it, then press <F3>. Now, enter up to 4
characters (‘A’~’Z’, ‘0’~‘9’, ‘-‘) followed by <ENTER> as new password.
A Security enabled device is marked with a lock ( )following its port
number. To permanently disable the security function from a locked
device, highlight it, press <F3> then enter the password.
If you want to access the locked device temporarily, simply highlight
it and press <ENTER>. The OSD will prompt for the password. After
entering the correct password, you are allowed to use the device.
This device is automatically re-locked once you switch to another
one. During Scan mode, OSD skips the security-enabled device.
Note: Only one device (a computer or a Slave) can be locked by this
function at a time.
Please note: If you forget the password, the only way to permanently
disable the security function is to remove all possible power sources
from the Console.You will need to turn off all computers and unplug all
power adapters, then restart everything.
Function key <F4> - More functions are available by hitting <F4>. A
new screen pops up displaying more functions as described below.
Most of them are marked with a triangle (< >) indicating there are
options to choose from. Using the < > and < > arrow keys, select
the functions and press <ENTER>. Available options will be shown
in the middle of the screen. Again, using the < > and < > arrow
keys to view options, then press <ENTER> to select it. You can press
<ESCAPE> to exit at any time.

15
Auto Scan
In this mode, the Console automatically switches from one powered
computer to the next, sequentially in a fixed interval. During Auto Scan
mode, the OSD displays the name of the selected computer. When
Auto Scan detects any keyboard or mouse activity, it suspends the
scanning until activity stops; it then resumes with the next computer in
sequence. To abort Auto Scan mode, press the left <CTRL> twice, or,
press any front button. Scan Type and Scan Rate set the scan pattern.
Scan Type (<F4>:More\Scan Type) determines if scanned computers
must also be eye mark selected. Scan Rate (<F4>:More\Scan Rate)
sets the display interval when a computer is selected before selecting
the next one.
Manual Scan
Scan through power-on computers one by one by keyboard control.
Scan Type (<F4>:More\Scan Type) determines if scanned computers
must also be eye mark selected. Press the < > key to select the
previous computer and the down arrow key to select the next computer.
Press any other key to abort Manual Scan mode.
Audio Stick
An optional multimedia module can be linked to the back of each KVM
Module for selecting microphone and stereo speaker signals. There
are two options for Audio Stick: On and Off. When set to On, audio
selection follows computer selection. When set to Off, audio selection
stops following computer selection. It is useful if you want to listen to
a particular computer’s audio signal while operating other computers.
The non-volatile memory stores the Audio Stick setting.
Scan Type
Ready PC + : In Scan mode, scan through power-on and eye mark
selected computers. Ready PC: In Scan mode, scan through power-on
computers. The non-volatile memory stores the Scan Type setting.
Scan Rate
Sets the duration of a computer displayed in Auto Scan mode. The
options are 3 seconds, 8 seconds, 15 seconds and 30 seconds. The
non-volatile memory stores the Scan Rate setting.

16
Keyboard Speed
The Console offers keyboard typematic settings that override similar
settings in the BIOS and in Windows. Available speed options are
Low, Middle, Fast and Faster as 10, 15, 20 and 30 characters/sec
respectively. The non-volatile memory stores the Keyboard Speed
setting.
Hotkey Menu
When you hit the left <CTRL> key twice within two seconds, the Hotkey
Menu appears displaying a list of hot-key commands if the option is
On. The Hotkey Menu can be turned Off if you prefer not to see it when
the left <CTRL> key is hit twice. The non-volatile memory stores the
Hotkey Menu setting.
CH Display
Auto Off: After you select a computer, the port number and name of
the computer will appear on the screen for 3 seconds then disappear
automatically. Always On: The port number and name of a selected
computer and/or OSD status are displayed on the screen all the time.
The non-volatile memory stores the CH Display setting.
Position
The position of the selected computer name and/or OSD status
displayed on screen during operation. The actual display position shifts
due to different VGA resolution, the higher the resolution the higher the
display position. The nonvolatile memory stores the Position setting.
UL as Upper Left, UR as Upper Right, LL as Lower Left, LR as Lower
Right. MI as Middle.
Hot-key commands
A Hot-key command is a short keyboard sequence used to select a
computer, to activate computer scan, etc. The Console constantly
interprets keystrokes for hot-keys. A hot-key sequence starts with
two left <CTRL> keystrokes followed by one or two more keystrokes.
A built-in alarm generates a high-pitch beep for correct hot-key
command; otherwise, one low-pitch beep for error and the bad key
sequence will not be forwarded to the selected computer.

17
The short form hot-key menu can be turned on as an OSD function
(<F4>: more\Hotkey Menu) every time the left <CTRL> key is pressed
twice.
L-CTRL: is the <CTRL> key located at the left side of the keyboard.
1~8/A~H: are the number keys ‘1’ ~ ‘8’ at the upper row of the keyboard
and character keys ‘A’ ~ ‘H’ case insensitive. Do not use the keypad at
the right of the keyboard.
To select a computer by hot-key command, you must know its port
number, which is determined by the KVM Module connection. For a
computer connected to a Master, its port is represented by the PC
port label (1~8 or A~H). For a computer connected to a Slave, two
characters represent its port. The first character is the port number of
the Master unit (1~8) and the second one is the port number of the
Slave (1~8 or A~H). Please note that only Master’s ‘PC 1’ ~’PC 8’ ports
can be connected to a Slave.
Left Ctrl + left Ctrl + 7
Selects a computer connected to port 7 of the Master.
Left Ctrl + left Ctrl + 6 + C
Selects a computer connected to port C of a Slave connected to port 6
of the Master.
To start Auto Scan, automatically scan power-on computers one by
one at a fixed interval:
Left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F1
When Auto Scan detects any keyboard or mouse activity, it suspends
the scanning till activity stops; it then resumes with the next computer
in sequence. The length of the Auto Scan interval (Scan Rate) is
adjustable, see below. To abort the Auto Scan mode, press the left Ctrl
key twice.
* Note: Scan Type determines whether an eye-marked computer is to
be displayed during Auto Scan.