StarTechcom Switch SV1631D User Manual

Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor

SharingSwitch

User's Manual

SV431

SV831

SV431D

SV831D

SV1631D

SV832DS

SV1632DS

Table of Contents

Introduction

Overview

Features

Configurations

Installation

Device Connection

Initial Power-Up

Optional Rack Mount Accessories

Operation

Front Panel Push Buttons

OSD (On-Screen-Display) Operation

Hot Key Commands

Cascade Configuration

Connection

Change Configuration while Running

Multi-access StarView

Overview

Connection

Operation

Configuration

Appendices

Specifications

Trouble Shooting

Introduction

Overview

One-Console StarView Switches

The StarView allows you to access multiple computers from one

keyboard, mouse and monitor. There is no interface card or software

to configure. Installation is as easy as connecting cables between

the StarView and your computers. Operation is as simple as

pressing push button, entering hot-key command and navigating

through the user-friendly on-screen menu (available on models with

OSD support). Depending on the model you have, it switches up to 4

(SV431, SV431D), 8 (SV831, SV831D) or 16 (SV1631D) IBM-

compatible computers. The StarView is independent of the computer

operating system.

Two-Console StarView Switches

The advanced multi-access StarView Switches enable you to control

multiple computers from two different locations, remote and local with

two keyboards, mice and monitors. SV832DS controls 8 computers

and SV1632DS controls 16 computers.

On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

For SV431D, SV831D, SV1631D, SV832DS, SV1632DS

For StarViews with built-in OSD control, you can name your

computers, switch to a computer from a list, configure settings with

easy-to-use menus, and view the name of the selected computer

on-screen with programmable time interval. The OSD displays the

system status throughout operation.

Automatic Mouse Conversion

The StarView Switch enable you to connect computers with PS/2 or

serial mouse ports (using adapters supplied with each StarView

Switch) and control the computers from one PS/2 mouse.

The StarView automatically identifies the mouse and switches to

proper mouse protocol.

High Video Quality

StarView supports VGA resolution up to 1600x1200 @85Hz without

any degradation. Advanced VGA circuit design guarantees smooth

and flicker-free switching from one computer to the other with

distance up to 100ft (30M)* at both Console and PC sides.

NOTE: This User's Manual is written for the following models.

StarView Switch Models

No. of console

supported

No. of PC supported 4

No OSD

OSD

SV431

SV431D

SV831

SV831D SV1631D SV832DS SV1632DS

Tested with high-quality UL2919-rated, low-loss and shielded

cables.

Features

ꢀSupports both PS/2 and serial mouse

ꢀCascade configuration expands system capability

ꢀAuto-scan automatically selects computers sequentially

ꢀSupports Microsoft IntelliMouse (Pro)

ꢀHot-key functions allow easy computer access

ꢀKeyboard states automatically saved and restored when switching

computers

ꢀOperating system independent, transparent to all applications

ꢀPlug and play system configuration

ꢀKeyboard and mouse can be hot plugged at any time

ꢀHigh VGA resolution 1600x1200

ꢀDDC2B compatible

ꢀOptional standard 19 inch rack mounting kit available

ꢀSupports optional multimedia module for microphones and stereo

speakers

Extra features for On-Screen Display model

ꢀAssign computers with unique and meaningful names

ꢀIdentify and select computers by the names

ꢀProgrammable scan filters unused computers

ꢀStore system settings and name entries to non-volatile memory

ꢀPassword security locks computer from unauthorized access

ꢀGain complete control with easy-to-use OSD interface

More features for multi-access models

ꢀManage multiple computers from two locations

ꢀDifferent Console may have different type mouse i.e. generic PS/2

mouse and scroll button

ꢀSelectable User Timeout

Configurations

StarView has several models each supporting a different number of

computers. For applications with a large number of computers,

StarViews can be cascaded in a master/slave configuration to

support even more computers.

Single StarView Configuration

Connect a PS/2 keyboard, a PS/2 mouse and a VGA multi-sync

monitor directly to the Master’s CONSOLE port. Then, connect

multiple sets of keyboard, mouse and monitor cables to the “PC x”

ports of the StarView, as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: A single StarView configuration

Cascade (Master/Slave) Configuration

You can connect a second level of one or more StarViews to “PC

1”~”PC 4” (SV431) or "PC 1"~”PC 8” ports (SV831 & SV1631) of a

Master unit. Cascade configuration expands system ability allowing

you to select computers connected to the Master or Slaves. There

is only one Master, which has a mouse, a keyboard and a monitor

connected to its CONSOLE port directly operated by a user.

Once connected, StarViews automatically configure themselves to

either Master or Slave. Slaves of different StarView models can be

mixed in cascade configuration. [NOTE: Master must have equal or

more PC ports than that of Slaves, i.e., if SV831 is a master, SV831

and SV431 can be Slaves, but SV1631 can not.]

Figure 2: A cascade StarView configuration

Throughout this manual, Master is the StarView that has a

physical keyboard, mouse and monitor connected to its

CONSOLE port. Slave is a StarView that has its CONSOLE port

connected to a Master's “PC x” port. Slave only exists in

cascade configuration.

Installation

Device Connection

The monitor connected to the HD-DB-15 VGA port of a Master

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. Connect a PS/2 mouse and a

keyboard to the CONSOLE port marked with a mouse and a

keyboard respectively as shown in figure 3. [NOTE: Only a PS/2

mouse can be connected to the CONSOLE mouse port. The

StarView's automatic mouse conversion system allows you to

connect computers using serial mouse and control the computers

from one PS/2 mouse.]

Figure 3: Master console connection

Determine the channel address of each computer. For computers

using PS/2 mouse, connect the computer's mouse and keyboard

cables to the StarView’s connectors marked with a mouse and

keyboard respectively, as shown in figure 4.

Figure 4: Master computer connection

For computers using serial mouse, connect the DB-9 to mini-DIN-6

adapter (supplied with the StarView) to the computer mouse port,

then use PS/2 cables to connect the mouse to StarView, see figure 5.

Connect the computer's monitor cable to the HD-DB-15 VGA

connector. Repeat above steps for all remaining computers to be

connected to the StarView.

Figure 5: Adapter and serial mouse connection

Initial Power-Up

Make sure all computers and StarViews are powered down

during installation. You must power up the Master StarView

before turning on any other devices.

ꢀ For single StarView: 1) Apply a power adapter to the Master.

2) Turn on computers.

ꢀ For cascade: 1) Apply a power adapter to the Master.

2) Apply power adapters to all Slaves. 3) Turn on computers.

Note: You may hot plug additional powered-down computer and

Slave without turning any existing StarView or computer off after

initial power up.

Replace Master Console Devices

You can replace a faulty keyboard or mouse of the Master

CONSOLE port at any time without powering down the Master, as

long as your computers are booted with proper device driver for the

new device. Should you encounter any difficulty, just activate K/M

RESET by holding both front-panel ‘1’ and ‘2’ push buttons down for

2 seconds.

Adhesive Rubber Foot

For desktop operation, you may stick the four round rubber feet

(supplied with the unit) to the bottom of the StarView. NOTE: Do not

use the rubber feet for rack mount operation.

Optional Rack Mount Accessories

Figure 6 shows how to attach optional mounting brackets to the

StarView unit for standard 19-inch rack cabinet.

Figure 6: Attaching rack mount bracket

Figure 7 shows how to assemble rack cable support then screw it to

the back and inside the rack cabinet vertical post.

Figure 7: Assembling rack cable support

Then, keyboard/mouse/monitor cables can be routed over the cable

support. You can use plastic cable ties to bundle and label the

cables through the rack cable support holes for easy identification.

Operation

Front Panel Push Buttons

You may select a computer by pressing the front panel push button

directly, by issuing hot-key commands or by activating the OSD

window (for models with OSD support). The front panel indicator

changes to reflect the computer port selected (red) and whether the

port is connected to a powered computer (green). The indicator

flashes red when it is in either Auto Scan or Manual Scan mode.

Figure 8: Front panel indictor

Some computers support 'keyboard/mouse power up' function, i.e.,

press certain keys or mouse buttons to startup the computers.

Their corresponding green front indicators lit all the time even if the

computers are 'off'.

ꢁ K/M RESET

K/M RESET solves most problems developed by keyboard, mouse,

device replacement or change of configuration. Press down both the

front-panel number 1 and 2 push buttons for 2 seconds to

re-configure the whole system without turning either the StarView

Switch or any computer off.

ꢁ AUTO SCAN

StarView provides an easy to use feature to start Auto Scanning.

You can press down both the front-panel number 7 and 8 buttons for

2 seconds to start Auto Scanning.

OSD (On-Screen-Display) Operation

SV431D, SV831D, SV1631D, SV832DS, SV1632DS

Figure 9: OSD screen illustration

By hitting the left <CTRL> key twice within two seconds, you may see

the 'Hotkey Menu' if it is enabled (an OSD option). Or, by hitting the

left <CTRL> key three times within two seconds, you will see a 'KVM

MENU' screen showing a list of the computers with corresponding

channel addresses, names and status, see figure 9.

The channel address of the currently selected computer is displayed

in red, same as the front indicator, to the right of the OSD title 'KVM

MENU'. The color of a device name is green if it has power and is

ready for selection (its corresponding front panel indicator is green),

or the color is white as it has no power. OSD menu updates the color

when it is activated. Use the <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys to

highlight a computer and the <ENTER> key to select it. Or, you may

press <ESCAPE> to exit 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. 8ꢀfor SV831D.

<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 indicating 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 <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 name entry of a computer or a Slave.

First, use the <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys to highlight a channel

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 a letter one at a

time. Non-volatile memory stores all name entries until you change,

even if the unit is powered down.

ꢀFunction key <F2>: To switch the eye mark (ꢀ) of a computer on

or off. First, use the <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys to highlight it,

then press <F2> to switch its eye mark on or off. If Scan Type is

'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 <UP>

and <DOWN> 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 (ꢂ)

following its channel 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 ask you for the password.

After entering 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.

If you forget the password, the only way to permanently

disable the security function is to remove all possible

power sources from the master StarView. You 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 <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys,

select the functions and press <ENTER>.

Available options will be shown in the middle of the screen.

Again, using the <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys to view options

then press <ENTER> to select it. You can press <ESCAPE> to exit

at any time.

ꢁ Auto Scan

In this mode, the StarView automatically switches from one power-on

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 till activity stops; it then resumes with the next computer

in sequence. To abort the 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 up arrow key

(ꢀ) to select the previous computer and the down arrow key (ꢁ) to

select the next computer. Press any other key to abort the Manual

Scan mode.

ꢁ Audio Stick

An optional multimedia module can be LINKed to the back of each

StarView 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.

ꢁ Keyboard Speed

StarView offers keyboard typematic setting that overrides the similar

settings in 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 channel address and

name of the computer will appear on the screen for 3 seconds then

disappear automatically.

Always On: The channel address and name of a selected computer

and/or OSD status 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 non-volatile memory stores the

Position setting.

UL as Upper Left, UR as Upper Right,

LL as Lower Left, LR as Lower Right.

MI as MIddle,

ꢀESC: To exit the OSD, press the <ESCAPE> key

Hot-key commands

Hot-key command is a short keyboard sequence to select a

computer, to activate computer scan, etc. 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 and the bad key

sequence will not be forwarded to the selected computer.

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.

ꢃ To select a computer by hot-key command, you must know its

channel address, which is determined by the StarView connection.

For a computer connected to a Master, its address is represented by

the PC port label (1~8 or A~H). For a computer connected to a

Slave, two characters represent its address. The first character is the

channel address of the Master unit (1~8) and the second one is the

channel address 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.

ꢃ To start Auto Scan, automatically scan power-on computers one

by one at a fixed interval:

left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F 1

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: For OSD models, Scan Type determines whether eye mark

is necessary during Auto Scan.

ꢃ Manual Scan enables you to manually switch back and forth

between power-on computers.

left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F2

Press ꢀor ꢁto select the previous or the next computer in sequence.

And, press any other key to abort the Manual Scan.

Note: For OSD models, Scan Type determines whether eye mark is

necessary during Manual Scan.

ꢃ To adjust Scan Rate which sets the duration before switching to

the next computer in Auto Scan:

left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F3

The StarView sends one to four beeps indicating scan interval of 3, 8,

15 and 30 seconds respectively.

ꢃ 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.

ꢃ Audio Stick

An optional multimedia module can be LINKed to the back of each

StarView 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.

left Ctrl + left Ctrl + F5

The StarView generates 1 or 2 beeps corresponding to On and

Off respectively.

Cascade Configuration

Connection

Before connecting a device (a computer or a Slave) to the Master

under power, you must turn off the device. The Master must have

equal or more 'PC x' ports than that of the Slave, i.e., if SV831

is the master, SV831 and SV431 can be Slaves, but SV1631 can not.

The ports labeled "PC 1"~”PC 8” can be connected to either a

computer or a Slave's CONSOLE port, as shown in figure 10.

The ports “PC A"~”PC H” can only be connected to a computer.

A power adapter with DC 9V/500mA output rating must be connected

to the Master.

Figure 10: Slave console connection

The maximum number of computers controlled by a master/slave

configuration with all SV431s is 16 with 4 Slaves and each Slave

connects to 4 computers, see figure 11. For an all SV831s

configuration, the number is 64 with 8 Slaves and each Slave

connects to 8 computers, see figure 12. For an all SV1631

configuration, the number is 136, see figure 13. The Master SV1631

connects to 8 Slaves and 8 computers, and each Slave connects

to 16 computers.

Figure 11: Cascaded 4-port StarViews

Figure 12: Cascaded 8-port StarViews

For OSD model:

After connection completes, you should re-activate the

OSD menu to check if the Master recognizes the Slaves.

A triangle mark (ꢀ) is placed to the right of the channel

name indicating the port is connected to a Slave not a

computer. A number to the left of the triangle mark

indicates the Slave model, i.e. 8ꢀ for SV831 or SV831D.

Change Configuration while Running

Devices at any 'PC x' port can be changed at any time after initial

power-up. If you change any one of the “PC 1” to “PC 8” ports

connection from a computer to a Slave or vice versa, or replace the

devices of a port; the OSD will update this change the next time it is

activated. [NOTE: Any new device, a computer or a Slave, must be

turned off before it is connected to the Master.

Multi-access StarView

Overview

The advanced multi-access SV832DS and SV1632DS have all the

features of SV831D and SV1632D respectively. Both models have

two console ports facilitate you to access multiple computers from

two different locations, local and remote. Thanks to the high-drive

circuit design, you may connect high quality cables at Console and

PC sides for up to 100ft (30m), a definite plus for server room

applications. Now you can access all computers either in the server

room when you have to physically access the computers such as

software upgrade, or away from the server room for everyday use.

Connections

Connect two keyboards, mice and monitors to two CONSOLE ports.

The built-in PS/2 mouse signal translation enables you to connect

PS/2 mice of different type to the CONSOLE ports, i.e., a generic

PS/2 mouse for one CONSOLE and a scroll mouse for another.

Operation

On power up, the SV832DS and SV1632DS are in isle mode

broadcasting VGA signal from the selected computer and detecting

for keyboard and mouse activity. User LEDs (marked A and B) are

both red indicating the StarView is not in use.

When keyboard or mouse activity is detected at one CONSOLE, the

StarView immediately disables the other CONSOLE from accessing

the computer. Only one User LED, at the front panel, remains lit

indicating the StarView is under user operation. In the mean time,

keyboard LEDs (Num/Caps/Scroll Lock) of the other CONSOLE start

to flash as its access is denied and the monitor is blocked from VGA

signal for security reason. After the user has finished his operation for

a period of time (i.e., USER Timeout), the multi-access StarView

Switch returns to idle mode. User Timeout has four options, 5 sec, 30

sec, 60 sec, and HOLD. Select HOLD when you plan to access the

StarView for a long time. Pressing the <Scroll Lock> twice forces the

StarView return to idle mode immediately regardless of the User

Timeout setting.

The User Timeout is available in the OSD menu by pressing the

Function key <F4>, under the sub-menu More. Note: Keyboard

Speed option is not available for multi-access models.

Configuration

To expand the number of computers under control, you may connect

CONSOLE port of another StarView to “PC1”~”PC8” port. Refer to

the chapter Cascade Configuration for more detail. There are rules to

apply for Master/Slave configuration. When SV832DS is a Master, its

slave includes SV431, SV431D, SV831 and SV831D. When

SV1632DS is a Master, its slave includes all the above and

SV1631D. These multi-access StarView switches already come with

OSD menu, their slaves do not have to be OSD equipped.

Appendices

Specifications:

Specifications

SV431 SV831

SV431D SV831D

SV1631D SV832DS SV1632DS

User port number

Computer port number

Cascade control PC number Up to 16* Up to 64* Up to 136* Up to 64* Up to 136*

On-screen display (OSD)

Front panel button control

Hot plug-and-play

SV431D SV831

Yes

Hot-key control

Rack-mount kit

Not

Shipped

With unit

With Unit

Automatic scan interval

Programmable scan

pattern

3, 8, 15, 30 seconds

SV431D

SV831D

Yes

Cable length (Max)

30M (100ft) at CONSOLE

30M (100ft) at PC ports

1600 x 1200, DDC2B

PS/2

VGA

keyboard

Computer mouse

connector

PS/2, serial (with adapter)

HD-DB-15 male

monitor

keyboard

PS/2

Console mouse connector

monitor

HD-DB-15 female

44x436x180 3.5x17.2x8.7 44x436x180

H x W x D (mm)

(in.)

44x220x130

1.7x8.7x5.1

Compact

88x436x220

1.7x17.2x7.0 3.5x17.2x8.7 1.7x17.2x7.0 3.5x17.2x8.7

size

Power supply (min)

9V DC, 500mA

Cascaded with StarView Switches supporting the same number of PC ports.

You can mix different models in cascade applications.

Troubleshooting:

Ensure that all cables are well seated. Check that keyboard/mouse

cables are not swapped. Label and bundle the cables for each

computer to avoid confusion when connected to the StarView.

Symptom Possible causes