StarTech.com Starview SV231USBANGB User manual

USB KVM Switch
with Audio & Ethernet Hub

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 turn-
ing 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)
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acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowl-
edges 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.

Instruction Manual
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Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................... 1
Features ......................................................................................1
Package Contents .......................................................................1
Hardware Requirements..............................................................2
Hardware Guide ..........................................................................3
Installation...................................................................................... 6
Cable Connection ........................................................................7
Port Numbering ...........................................................................8
Powering Off and Restarting .......................................................8
Hot Plugging................................................................................8
Operation........................................................................................ 9
Manual Port Switching.................................................................9
Hotkey Port Switching .................................................................9
Cycling Through the Ports ..........................................................9
Hotkey .........................................................................................9
Action...........................................................................................9
Going Directly to a Port ...............................................................10
Hotkey Setting Mode (HSM).......................................................... 12
Invoking Hotkey Setting Mode .....................................................12
Alternate HSM Invocation Keys ...................................................13
Alternate Port Switching Keys .....................................................13
Keyboard Operating Platform ......................................................13
List Hotkey Settings.....................................................................14
USB Reset...................................................................................15
Hotkey Beeper Control ................................................................15

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Disable Port Switching Keys........................................................15
Restore Default Settings..............................................................15
Invoke Firmware Upgrade Mode .................................................16
HSM Summary Table...................................................................16
Keyboard Emulation...................................................................... 17
The Firmware Upgrade Utility....................................................... 19
Starting the Upgrade ...................................................................20
Upgrade Succeeded....................................................................22
Upgrade Failed ............................................................................23
Specifications ................................................................................ 23
Technical Support ......................................................................... 25
Warranty Information .................................................................... 25

Instruction Manual
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a StarTech.com USB KVM Switch with Audio
and Ethernet Hub. A unique multimedia switching solution, this multi-
function switch integrates a USB 2.0 hub, Ethernet Hub, and audio while
supporting high-resolution VGA video interfaces.
Plus, the switch provides a built-in, 3 or 5 port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Hub,
allowing you to easily network and share an Internet connection among
computers . All these features come in a rugged metal chassis with a
compact form factor that won’t waste your valuable desk space.
Features
Bi-directional switching and flexible interoperability; switch permits in•
dependent PC, independent peripheral, and independent audio
function, regardless of KVM switch focus
Built-in 3 or 5 port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch allows you to easily•
network and share Internet with your computers
Built-in USB 2.0 Hub allows peripheral sharing for printers, scanners,•
portable hard drives, etc., with data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps
Hot pluggable - add or remove computers without powering down the•
switch
Supports Windows® 98/SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista™, Linux, MacOS, etc•
Package Contents
1 x KVM Switch•
1 x Firmware Upgrade Cable•
1 x Power Adapter•
1 x User Manual•
2 x USB KVM Cables (SV231USBAN)•
4 x USB KVM Cables (SV431USBAN)

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Hardware Requirements
Console:
A VGA, SVGA, or Multisync monitor capable of the highest resolution•
that you will be using on any computer in the installation
A standard 101/104 key USB style keyboard•
A standard 3-button USB style mouse•
Computers:
The following equipment must be installed on each computer that is to be
connected to the KVM Switch:
A DE-15/VGA D-sub video port•
A Type A USB port for the keyboard/mouse combo USB cable•
A Type A USB port for the USB hub cable•
Cables:
Please note that only Custom KVM cable sets specifically designed
to work with this switch may be used. Two (SV231USBAN), or four
(SV431USBAN) 1.8m cable sets are provided with this package

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Hardware Guide
SV231USBAN/SV431USBAN**
Rear Panel
Please note that the SV431USBAN rear panel is identical to that of
SV231USBAN, with the exception of the number of the audio and slave
connection ports.
For an explanation of the functions corresponding to the numbered com-
ponents listed above, please see the charts on the following pages.
1&2 43
SV231USBAN
Front Panel
SV431USBAN
Front Panel
567
8910

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Component Description
1
Port
Selection
Switches
Pressing a switch brings the focus to the computer attached
to its corresponding port.
2Port LEDs
Upper:
KVM
DIM ORANGE indicates the computer attached
to its corresponding port is up and running (On
Line).
BRIGHT ORANGE indicates the computer
attached to the corresponding port is the one
that has the KVM focus (Selected).
Flashes to indicate that the computer attached
to the corresponding port is being accessed
under Auto Scan mode.
Lower:
USB
DIM GREEN indicates there is a USB cable
connection to the computer attached to the
corresponding port. Does not light if there is no
USB connection to the computer.
BRIGHT GREEN to indicate the computer
attached to the corresponding port has access
to the USB peripherals.
3Ethernet
LEDs
Indicate data transmission status of corresponding ports on
the Ethernet hub:
LAN
Link
Off: No data connection to the computer
attached to its corresponding port.
On: Data connection to the computer attached
to the corresponding port is detected.
Flashing: Data is being transmitted through
the port.
10/
100Mbps
Off: Data transmission speed is 10Mbps.
On: Data transmission speed is 100Mbps.
4USB Hub
Section USB peripherals can plug into either port.
Hardware Guide - Cont’d

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Hardware Guide - Cont’d
Component Description
5Ethernet Port
Section
The CAT5 LAN cable that connects to the
computer’s Ethernet port can plug into any
available port.
6Console Audio
Jacks
The cables from your microphone and speak-
ers plug in here. Each jack is color coded and
marked with an appropriate icon to indicate
itself.
7Firmware Upgrade
Port
The Firmware Upgrade Cable that transfers the
firmware upgrade data to the SV231USBAN /
SV431USBAN plugs in here.
8 Power Jack The power adapter cable plugs into this jack.
9Console Port
Section
Your USB keyboard, USB mouse, and monitor
plug in here.
10 CPU Port Section
The cables that link the switch to your comput-
ers plug in here. Each CPU port is comprised
of a microphone jack, speaker jack, and KVM
data connector.
Please note: The shape of these 15-pin connectors has been specifically
modified so that only KVM cables designed to work with this switch can
be connected). Do NOT attempt to use ordinary 15 pin VGA connector
cables to link these ports to the computers.

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Installation
To set up your SV231USBAN/SV431USBAN KVM Switch, refer to the
installation diagram on the following page, which corresponds with the
following steps:
Plug your keyboard, mouse and monitor into the Console Ports located1.
on the unit’s rear panel.
Plug your microphone and speakers into the Console microphone and2.
speaker jacks located on the unit’s rear panel.
Using a KVM cable set (included), plug the custom SPHD connector3.
into any available CPU Port on the KVM switch. Plug the
accompanying microphone and speaker connectors into the
corresponding audio ports for that CPU Port.
At the other end of the KVM cable, plug the USB keyboard/mouse,4.
USB hub, video, microphone and speaker cables into their respective
ports on the computer.
Use CAT5 cable to connect an available Ethernet port on the KVM5.
switch to the computer’s Ethernet port. Repeat steps 3-5 for any other
computer you are connecting to the KVM switch.
Plug the cable from your external LAN source into any available6.
Ethernet port on the switch.
Plug the power adapter that came with the KVM switch, into an AC7.
power source, then plug the power adapter’s DC plug into the KVM
switches DC jack.
Plug your USB peripherals into the USB hub section on the front8.
panel.
Warning! Make sure that power to all of the devices you will be con-
necting to the KVM switch, has been turned off.”
Please Note:
A. The audio connectors and jacks are color coded and marked with an
appropriate icon for easy installation.
B. Be sure that the audio connectors on the KVM cable set are plugged
into the same CPU Port number on the KVM switch.

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Cable Connection
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Instruction Manual
8
Port Numbering
Each CPU port on the SV231USBAN / SV431USBAN switch is assigned
a port number (1 or 2 for the SV231USBAN; 1 to 4 for the SV431USBAN).
The port numbers are marked on the rear panel of the switch.
The Port ID of a computer is derived from the CPU port number to which
it is connected. For example, a computer connected to CPU port 2 has a
Port ID of 2. The Port ID is used to specify which computer gets the KVM,
USB hub, and audio focus with the Hotkey port selection method.
Powering Off and Restarting
If it becomes necessary to Power Off the KVM Switch unit do the follow-
ing:
Power off the switch, then unplug the KVM cables from the switch’s1.
rear panel as well as the power adapter cable.
Wait 10 seconds, then reconnect the KVM cables.2.
Plug the switch’s power adapter cable back in.3.
Hot Plugging
The SV231USBAN / SV431USBAN supports USB hot plugging. As
such, computers can be removed and added back into the installation by
unplugging their cables from the CPU ports without the need to shut the
unit down.

Instruction Manual
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Operation
There are two convenient methods to switch the KVM, USB hub, and
audio focus among the ports: Manual - which involves pressing the
pushbutton port selection switches located on the unit’s front panel; and
Hotkey - which involves entering combinations from the keyboard.
Manual Port Switching
Press and release a switch (for less than three seconds) to bring only the
KVM focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port.
Press a switch for longer than three seconds to bring the KVM, USB hub,
and audio focus to the computer attached to its corresponding port.
Press switches 1 and 2 simultaneously for 2 seconds to start Auto Scan-
Mode.
Hotkey Port Switching
All hotkey commands begin with tapping the Scroll Lock key twice. The
tables on the following pages describe the actions that each combination
performs.
Cycling Through the Ports
Please Note: If using the Scroll Lock key conflicts with other programs
running on the computer, the Ctrl key can be used, instead. See Alter-
nate Port Switching Keys, p.13, for details.
Hotkey Action
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock]
[Enter]
Shifts the KVM, USB hub, and audio focus
to the next port on the installation (1 to 2;
2 to 1 for the SV231USBAN; 1 to 2; 2 to 3;
3 to 4; 4 to 1 for the SV431USBAN).
Note: The KVM, USB hub, and audio
focus all go to this port even if they were
on different ports originally..

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Cycling Through the Ports - Cont’d
Going Directly to a Port
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [K]
[Enter]
Brings only the KVM focus from the port
that currently has it to the next port on the
installation. The USB hub and audio focus
remain where they are.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [U]
[Enter]
Brings only the USB hub focus from the
port that currently has it to the next port
on the installation. The KVM and audio
focus remain where they are.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [S]
[Enter]
Brings only the audio focus from the port
that currently has it to the next port on the
installation. The KVM and USB hub focus
remain where they are.
Hotkey Action
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n]
[Enter]
Brings the KVM, USB hub, and audio
focus to the computer attached to the
port corresponding to the specified
Port ID.
Note: The KVM, USB hub, and audio
focus all go to this port even if they
were on different ports originally.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock]
[n],[K] [Enter]
Brings only the KVM focus to the com-
puter attached to the specified port.
The USB hub and audio focus remain
where they are.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n]
[U] [Enter]
Brings only the USB hub focus to the
computer attached to the specified
port. The KVM and audio focus remain
where they are.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n]
[S] [Enter]
Brings only the audio focus to the com-
puter attached to the specified port.
The KVM and USB hub focus remain
where they are.

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[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n]
[K] [U] [Enter]
Brings the KVM and USB hub focus to
the computer attached to the specified
port. The audio focus remains where
it is.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n]
[K] [S] [Enter]
Brings the KVM and audio focus to
the computer attached to the specified
port. The USB hub focus remains
where it is.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [n]
[U] [S] [Enter]
Brings the USB hub and audio focus to
the computer attached to the specified
port. The KVM focus remains where
it is.
Going Directly to a Port - Cont’d
Auto Scanning
The SV231USBAN / SV431USBAN’s Auto Scan feature automatically
cycles the KVM focus through the computer ports at regular intervals.
This allows you to monitor the computer activity without having to take
the trouble of switching from port to port manually. See the table below for
details.
Please note: The nstands for the computer’s Port ID number. Replace
the n with the appropriate Port ID when entering hotkey combinations.
Hotkey Action
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [A]
[Enter]
Starts Auto Scan. The KVM focus
cycles from port to port at 5 second
intervals.
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] [A]
[n]
[Enter]
Starts Auto Scan. The KVM focus
cycles from port to port at n second
intervals.

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To exit Auto Scan Mode, press the Esc key, the Spacebar, or any Port
Selection switch.
Hotkey Setting Mode (HSM)
Invoking Hotkey Setting Mode
Hotkey Setting Mode is used to set up your SV231USBAN / SV431US-
BAN switch configuration. All operations begin with invoking Hotkey Set-
ting Mode (HSM). To invoke HSM do the following:
Press and hold down the Num Lock key1.
Press and release the minus key2.
Release the Num Lock key3.
When HSM is active, the Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock LEDs flash in suc-
cession to indicate that HSM is in effect. They stop flashing and revert to
normal status when you exit HSM.
Ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended - only Hotkey-
compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks (described in the sections that
follow), can be input.
At the conclusion of some hotkey operations, you automatically exit HSM.
Please Note:
The n stands for the number of seconds that the SV231USBAN /
SV431USBAN should dwell on a port before moving on to the next.
Replace the n with a number between 1 and 99 when entering this hotkey
combination.
Although the video focus switches from port to port, the keyboard, mouse,
audio and USB focus doesn’t switch. They stay at the port they were on
when Auto Scanning started.
While Auto Scan Mode is in effect, ordinary keyboard functions are
suspended - only Auto Scan Mode compliant keystrokes can be input.
You must exit Auto Scan Mode in order to regain normal control of the
keyboard.

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With some operations, you must exit manually. To do so, press the Esc
key, or the Spacebar.
Alternate HSM Invocation Keys
An alternate set of HSM invocation keys is provided in case the default
set conflicts with programs running on the computers. To switch to the
alternate HSM invocation set, do the following:
Invoke HSM (see p.12)1.
Press and release the H key2.
The HSM invocation keys become the Ctrl key and F12 (instead of Num
Lock and minus).
Please Note: This procedure is a toggle between the two methods. To
revert back to the original HSM invocation keys, invoke HSM, then press
and release the H key again.
Alternate Port Switching Keys
The port switching activation keys can be changed from tapping the Scroll
Lock key twice ([Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock]) to tapping the Ctrl key twice. To
change the port switching activation keys, do the following:
Invoke HSM (see p.12)1.
Press and release the T key2.
Please Note: This procedure is a toggle between the two methods. To
revert back to the original [Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] method, invoke HSM,
then press and release the T key again.
Keyboard Operating Platform
The SV231USBAN / SV431USBAN’s default port configuration is for a PC
Compatible keyboard operating platform. If your requirements call for dif-
ferent port settings (you have a Mac or Sun attached to a port, e.g.), you

Instruction Manual
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can change a port’s keyboard operating platform configuration as follows:
Bring the KVM focus to the port you want to set.1.
Invoke HSM (see p. 12)2.
Press and release the appropriate Function key (see table). After3.
completing a setting, you automatically exit HSM.
Please Note: The first time that the Sun system runs from a port, you
must configure its port for the Sun keyboard operating platform before you
turn the system on, or else the Sun system will not start.
List Hotkey Settings
To see a listing of the current hotkey settings, do the following:
Invoke HSM (see p. 12).1.
Press and release the F4 function key.2.
Open a text editor or word processor and use its Paste function to3.
display the settings.
Function Key Operation
F2 Sets the Mac keyboard operating
platform.
[F3] Sets the Sun keyboard operating
platform.
[F10]
Auto detects the keyboard operating
platform (for PC compatible systems).
Activates Pass Through keyboard
mode (keystrokes are sent directly to
the computer instead of through the
Mac or Sun emulator).

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USB Reset
If the Console USB keyboard and/or mouse loses focus and needs to be
reset, do the following:
Invoke HSM (see p.12).1.
Press and release the F5 function key.2.
Hotkey Beeper Control
The Beeper can be hotkey toggled On and Off. To toggle the Beeper, do
the following:
Invoke HSM (see p.<xref>).1.
Press and release the B key.2.
The Beeper toggles On or Off. The Command Line displays Beeper On
or Beeper Off for one second, then the message disappears and you
automatically exit Hotkey Mode.
Disable Port Switching Keys
To disable the Port Switching Keys ([Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] / [Ctrl]
[Ctrl]), do the following:
Invoke HSM (see p. 12).1.
Press [X] [Enter].2.
Restore Default Settings
To reset the SV231USBAN / SV431USBAN to its default hotkey settings,
do the following:
Invoke HSM (see p.12).1.
Press [R] [Enter].2.

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Invoke Firmware Upgrade Mode
To set the SV231USBAN / SV431USBAN to Firmware Upgrade Mode, do
the following:
Invoke HSM (see p.12).1.
Key in: upgrade2.
Press [Enter].3.
The front panel port LEDs flash to indicate Firmware Upgrade Mode is in
effect.
HSM Summary Table
Please Note: To exit Firmware Upgrade Mode, you must power off the
switch.
Key Function
HToggles between the default and alternate HSM invocation keys.
TToggles between the default and alternate Port Switching keys.
F2 Sets the Mac keyboard operating platform
F3 Sets the Sun keyboard operating platform
F4 Lists the current hotkey settings via the Paste function of a text
editor or WP.
F5 Performs a USB reset.
F10
Auto detects keyboard operating platform (PC compatible sys-
tems). Activates Pass Through keyboard mode (keystrokes sent
directly to computer instead of through Mac or Sun emulator).
BToggles the beeper On and Off.
X [Enter] Enables/Disables the Port Switching keys.
R [Enter] Resets the hotkey settings to their default status.
upgrade
[Enter] Invokes Firmware Upgrade Mode.