StarTech.com StarView SV231 User manual

Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor
SharingSwitch
User'sManual
SV231

Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview 1
Features 1
Installation
Device Connection 2
Initial Power-Up 6
Operation
Front Panel Push Buttons 6
Hot Key Commands 6
Appendices
Specifications 8
Trouble Shooting 9
Other StarView Switches 11
Please read this manual thoroughly and
follow the Installation procedures to
prevent damage to the StarView or any
connecting devices.

1
Introduction
Overview
The StarView SV231 is a computer switch that allows
access to two IBM compatible computers from one
keyboard, mouse and monitor. Switching between
computers is as easy as pressing the push button or
entering hot-key commands from your keyboard.
There is no interface card and software to install and the
StarView is independent of the computer operating
system. The space-saving design enables you to
connect all the cables to the back of the SV231.
Automatic Mouse Conversion
The StarView Switch enables you to connect computers
with PS/2 or serial mouse ports (using adapters supplied
with each SV231), and control both computers from one
PS/2 mouse. The StarView automatically identifies the
mouse and switches to proper mouse protocol.
Features
nSupports both PS/2 and serial mouse
nCascade configuration expands system capability
nAuto scan automatically selects
computers sequentially
nSupports Microsoft IntelliMouse (Pro), IntelliTrackball
nHot-key functions allow easy computer access
nBuilt-in buzzer for hot-key command confirmation

2
nKeyboard states automatically saved and restored
when switching computers
nOperating system independent, transparent to all
applications
nTrue plug and play system configuration
nKeyboard and mouse can be hot plugged at any time
nHigh VGA resolution 1600x1200
nDDC2B compatible
nPower-free operation
Installation
Device Connection
Turn your computers off. Connect a PS/2 keyboard to
the mini-DIN-6 port with a KEYBOARD icon and a PS/2
mouse to the mini-DIN-6 port MOUSE icon . Then
connect your VGA monitor cable directly to the HD-DB-
15 port of CONSOLE as shown in figure 1.

3
Figure 1: CONSOLE Connection
The monitor connected to the HD-DB-15 VGA port of the
CONSOLE must be capable of synchronizing with the
computer's video signal. If you are uncertain about the
monitor type, please consult the monitor user's manual.
The StarView consumes negligible power and is
designed to run reliably without an external
power adapter.
Computers Connection
Now you have two computers to connect to the StarView.
Use a male-to-male Mini-DIN-6 cable to connect from the
first PC’s keyboard port to the corresponding
KEYBOARD port; and, use another male-to-male Mini-
DIN-6 cable from the PC’s mouse port to the
MOUSE port. Connect your computer’s VGA port to the
HD-DB-15 port of the StarView as shown in figure 2

4
using a VGA male-to-female cable. Follow the same
procedures for the second computer using the
KEYBOARD and MOUSE port.
Figure 2: COMPUTER Connection
If your computer incorporates a serial mouse, a mouse
adapter should be connected to the computer’s mouse
port as shown in figure 3.
(Note: use only the mouse adapter supplied with
the SV231)

5
Figure 3: Adapter and serial mouse connection
NOTE: 1. The StarView SV231's automatic mouse
conversion system allows you to connect
computers using serial mice.
2. The mouse adapter can only be used on the
PC side and will not work on the CONSOLE side.
3. If your PC uses an AT style keyboard, you will
need an "AT-to-PS/2 keyboard adapter" at the
PC side.

6
Initial Power-up
Make sure all computers and the StarView SV231s
are powered down during installation. After
connection, power up the computers. The StarView
can be powered from the computers. This procedure
ensures the StarView receive computer settings
correctly when computer boots.
NOTE: You may hot plug any additional powered-down
computer to the StarView SV231 at any time after the
initial power up.
Operations
Front Panel operation
You may switch to a different computer by pressing the
front panel push-button directly or by issuing hot-key
commands. The front-panel red indicator changes to
reflect the computer port selected. The indicator flashes
while in either Auto Scan or Manual Scan mode.
Hot-key commands
Hot-key command is a short keyboard sequence to
select a computer or to activate computer scan.
StarView interprets keystrokes for hot-keys all the time.
A hot-key sequence starts with two left Ctrl keystrokes
followed by one or two more keystrokes. A built-in
buzzer generates a high-pitch beep for correct hot-key
command; otherwise, one low-pitch beep for error is

7
generated and the bad key sequence will not be
forwarded to the selected computer.
=To select a computer: left Ctrl + left Ctrl + 1Selects
the computer at port 1. Left Ctrl + left Ctrl + 2Selects
the computer at port 2.
NOTE: Do not use the keypad at the right of
the keyboard.
=To start Auto Scan, automatically scan
powered-on computers one by one at a fixed interval:
left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F 1.
To abort the Auto Scan mode, press the left Ctrl key
twice. 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. The length of the Auto Scan interval (Scan
Rate) is adjustable, see below.
=Manual Scan enables you to manually switch back
and forth between powered-on computers.
left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F2.
Press éor êto select the previous or the next
computer in sequence. And, press any other key to
abort the Manual Scan.
=To adjust Scan Rate which sets the duration before
switching to the next computer in Auto Scan:
left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F3.
The StarView generates 1 to 4 beeps indicating scan
interval of 3, 8, 15 and 30 seconds respectively.

8
=To adjust keyboard typematic rate (characters/sec),
this setting over-rides that of BIOS and any operating
system: left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F4.
The StarView generates 1 to 4 beeps corresponding
to 10, 15, 20 and 30 characters/sec respectively.
Appendices
Specifications
SV231
No. of computers supported 2
Cascade control PC number Up to 4*
Front panel button control 1
Hot plug-and-play Yes
Hot-key control Yes
Automatic scan interval 3, 8, 15, 30 seconds
Cable Length (Max) 30M(100ft) at CONSOLE
30M(100ft) at PC
VGA 1600 x 1200, DDC2B
Computer keyboard connector
mouse
monitor
PS/2
PS/2, serial (with adapter)
HD-DB-15 male
Console keyboard connector
mouse
monitor
PS/2
PS/2
HD-DB-15 female
Weight 420g
H x W x D (mm)
(in.)
size
40x124x70
1.6x4.9x2.7
Micro