StarTech.com USB421HS User manual

USB Sharing Switch
4-to-1 USB 2.0 Peripheral
Sharing Switch
USB421HS
Instruction Manual
Manual Revision:07/28/2010
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.startech.com

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
System Requirements ......................................................... 1
Installation................................................................ 2
Hardware Installation........................................................... 2
Driver Installation................................................................. 2
Software Installation ............................................................ 2
How to Use ............................................................... 3
Switching ............................................................................. 3
Specifications........................................................... 4
Technical Support.................................................... 5
Warranty Information............................................... 5

1
Introduction
The USB421HS 4-to-1 USB Switch Box allows for a USB 2.0 device to
be shared with up to 4 different computer systems, without having to
disconnect and reconnect the cabling every time. Push-button controls
makes switching between computers quick and easy, with additional
keyboard hot-key switching and Windows® based software also available.
With no external power adapter required, and with its compact design,
the USB 2.0 data switch takes up very little space and is easily portable.
Backed by a StarTech.com 1-year warranty and free lifetime technical
support.
Packaging Contents
• 1 x USB421HS switch
• 1 x Software Installation CD
• 1 x Instruction Manual
System Requirements
• USB enabled computer systems with an available USB port
• Microsoft®Windows®2000/XP/Vista/Server 2008 R2/7 (32/64-bit), or
Apple®Mac OS®10.4/10.5/10.6, or Linux®
NOTE: Switching AP software is only Windows compatible

2
Installation
Hardware Installation
1. Using standard USB A-to-B cables, connect each computer to the
numbered ports on the switch.
2. Connect the USB peripheral to share into the side USB port on the
switch.
Driver Installation
The USB Sharing Switch does not require special drivers to work. Drivers
for the USB peripheral device still need to be installed, if necessary.
Software Installation (Windows only)
The Switching AP software allows for switching the USB peripheral
between ports/computers without physical access to the switch.
1. Upon starting Windows, insert the included Software Installation CD into
the computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. AutoPlay should automatically launch the Software installation screen. If
not, open “My Computer” and right-click on the CD/DVD drive the disk is
inserted into and select “AutoPlay” or run the setup.exe file on the CD.

3
3. Proceed through the installation wizard until completed. Once
completed, there should be a small icon in the System Tray (next to
Clock) for the switching application.
How to Use
Switching
There are three methods to switching the USB peripheral between the
connected computer systems:
• Push Button: pushing the top buttons on the switch itself, directly
connects the USB peripheral to the selected port/computer.
• Hotkeys: pressing <CTRL> + <F11> switches the USB peripheral to the
current computer. Requires the Switching Software to be installed.
• Software: right-clicking the tray icon for the software and selecting
“Switch” will connect the USB peripheral to the current computer.
The Icon will either be green or yellow in color, to indicate the current
state of the switch. When green, the USB peripheral is connected
to the current computer system. When yellow, the USB peripheral is
connected to a different Port/computer.

4
Specications
Bus Interface USB 2.0
Number of Ports 4
Connectors 1 x USB type A female
4 x USB type B female
LEDs 4 x Port Selection
Maximum Data Transfer Rate USB 2.0: 480 Mbps
Switching Modes Push button, Software, Hotkey
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
Storage Temperature 0°C ~ 60°C (32°F ~ 140°F)
Humidity 0% ~ 90% RH
Dimensions 101.0mm x 50.0mm x 19.0mm
Weight 80 g
Compatible Operating
Systems
Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Server
2008 R2/7 (32/64-bit)*,
Mac OS 10.4/10.5/10.6, Linux
* Switching AP software is only Windows compatible

5
Technical Support
StarTech.com’s lifetime technical support is an integral part of our
commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need
help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access
our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and
downloads.
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a one year warranty.
In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in
materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial
date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned
for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion.
The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does
not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse,
abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.
com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for
any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental,
consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any
pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed
the actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such
laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement
may not apply to you.

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