ADDER FreeFlow Manual

							CCS4-USB
Four-port keyboard and mouse switch
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Now with Free-Flow switching technology 
						

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Contents
Welcome
Introduction ........................................................................\
.........2
What is Free-Flow? ......................................................................3
What is True Emulation? .............................................................4
CCS4-USB features - top and rear ...............................................5
What’s in the box ........................................................................\
6
What you may additionally need ...............................................6
Installation
Locations ........................................................................\
..............7
Mounting ........................................................................\
.............7
Connections ........................................................................\
.........8
User console ........................................................................\
....8
Computer systems ...................................................................8
Power connection ...................................................................9
Optional RC4 remote control ...............................................10
Using the RC4 with the CCS-XB module .........................10
Optional LED monitor indicator connections......................11
Checking the CCS4-USB firmware version ...........................12
Switching control by computer ............................................13
Configuration
Using the configuration menu .................................................14
General configuration ...............................................................15
Changing hotkeys .................................................................15
Mouse switching ...................................................................15
Miscellaneous functions .......................................................15
OPTIONS port speed .............................................................15
Free-Flow configuration ............................................................16
Installing the Free-Flow configuration application ............16
Configuring a standard Free-Flow system ...........................16
Multi-Monitor Free-Flow configuration ..............................18
Installing drivers and multi-monitor config app ............18
Configuring multiple monitors  .......................................19
Configuring LED monitor indicators ....................................20
Additional Free-Flow operations and settings ....................21
Performing upgrades ................................................................22
Operation
Selecting a computer.................................................................24
To select a computer using the Free-Flow utility ................24
To select a computer using the control panel.....................24
To select a computer using hotkeys ....................................25
To select a computer using the mouse buttons ..................26
To lock access to the computers ..........................................27
Further information
Getting assistance ......................................................................28
Appendix 1 – Cable pin-outs .....................................................29
Safety information ....................................................................30
Warranty ........................................................................\
............30
Radio Frequency Energy............................................................31  
						

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Welcome
Introduction
The CCS4-USB (Command and Control Switch, four port, USB) is a 
compact unit created to allow a single operator to access information 
and control operations across numerous systems and screens. With 
the CCS4-USB switch, you can use a single USB keyboard and USB 
mouse to fulfil functions that previously required four separate sets.\
 
This provides immediate savings in both desk space and also the time 
required to access and control up to four systems and screens. The 
CCS4-USB features our True Emulation technology, which ensures 
that the full characteristics of the connected USB keyboard and mouse 
are passed to every system. 
In addition to switching the keyboard and mouse, the CCS4-USB can 
also share a set of speakers and two separate USB peripherals between 
the four systems. This can be done either in concert with the keyboard 
and mouse (and each other) or totally independently.
The CCS4-USB switch can be used in combination with various Adder 
extender products (such as AdderLink Infinity, X50 and X-DVIPRO) 
to extend the distance between the user and the computers under 
control.  
Switching between the systems connected to the CCS4-USB can be 
achieved in five different ways:
•	 The	innovative	Free-Flow automatic switching utility, 
•	 The	COMPUTER	button	on	the	top	panel,
•	 Keyboard	hotkey	combinations,
•	 Mouse	button	combinations,
•	 The	optional	remote	control	selector.							
Where additional feedback is required as to which systems and screens 
are selected at any time, the optional CCS-XB kit provides discreet 
stick-on	LED	monitor	indicators.	When	a	system/screen	is	selected,	a	
corresponding	LED	monitor	indicator	illuminates	(in	a	choice	of	colours)	
to confirm the action. 
PC1PC2PC3PC4
4
3
2
1USB
1
USB 2
COMPUTER K/MSPKUSB1 USB2 MODE
www.adder .com
The optional remote control allows the CCS4-USB switch to be neatly concealed amongst the cabling.
The keyboard/mouse, the speakers and two individual USB channels can be collectively or separately switched through to each PC system. These are electronically switched to the required system using any of five methods: Free-Flow utility, CCS4-USB switch control panel, keyboard key-presses, mouse buttons or optional remote control.
CCS4-USB switch
The video displays are connected directly to their respective systems as\
 usual. A single USB link (plus an optional speaker connection) is made between each system and \
the CCS4-USB switch. 
SECT	1
Free-Flow  An innovative in-built utility that allows the unit to automatically switch between channels by monitoring the mouse pointer position.    
						

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What is Free-Flow?
The	Adder	Free-Flow	represents	true	innovation	in	KVM	switching.	For	the	first	
time, Free-Flow allows users to automatically switch between target comp\
uters 
simply by moving the mouse pointer from screen to screen. What makes thi\
s 
such a revolution is that you no longer need software to be installed on\
 your 
mission critical computers in order to do this. Adder Free-Flow resides \
on the 
switch itself, sensing screen boundaries and instantaneously switching k\
eyboard 
and mouse to the defined target computer. Free-Flow can be configure\
d for 
almost any combination of screens using the included application which a\
llows 
you to declare the individual screen sizes and visually position each on\
e relative 
to the others.
Free-Flow consists of special code within the CCS4-USB switch plus an in\
tuitive 
graphical configuration application. First you inform the Free-Flow co\
nfiguration 
application how many screens you have, their pixel resolutions and how t\
hey are 
physically arranged (e.g side-by-side, vertical stack, square formation\
, etc.). You 
then download this information to the CCS4-USB switch and this is used d\
uring 
operation	to	determine	the	precise	moment	to	switch	from	one	screen/system	to	
the next.
The beauty of Free-Flow is its simplicity of configuration and operati\
on. Once 
the initial configuration has taken place, all monitoring and switchin\
g is handled 
within the CCS4-USB without need for extra connections or software utili\
ties.
Issues when using Free-Flow
•	 The	CCS4-USB	switch	must	have	a	minimum	of	firmware	version	2.00	
installed to operate with Free-Flow. See Performing upgrades for details.
•	 When	computers	and	their	displays	are	not	currently	selected,	the	CCS4-
USB ‘parks’ their mouse pointers in the bottom right corner of the\
 screen. 
In most cases this will cause no issues, however, it may be noticeable i\
n 
circumstances such as the following: 
•	 If	the	task	bar	is	set	to	auto	hide	and	it	is	positioned	either	along	the	
bottom of the screen (as default) or along the right hand side, then t\
he 
task bar will automatically reappear when the mouse pointer is parked. 
•	 When	playing	full	screen	video,	the	on-screen	controls	(play,	pause,	seek	
etc.) will very likely be revealed when the mouse pointer is parked. 
•	 To	cure	the	either	of	the	above	issues,	it	is	possible	to	alter	the	mouse 
parking position.  
•	 The	mouse	will	not	flow	across	the	screens	while	any	mouse	buttons	are	
pressed down - this prevents undesired behaviour when dragging windows 
around or group-selecting items.
•	 By	default,	Linux	operating	systems	use	relative	mouse	data	which	Free-
Flow cannot use. A ‘udev rule’ is available that allows Linux to u\
se absolute 
mouse	positioning,	thus	enabling	standard	Free-Flow	(not	Multi-Monitor	
mode) to operate.
•	 Multi-Monitor	Free-Flow	is	for	use	with	the	Windows	operating	system	only	
and requires specialist driver to be installed on each PC. See Multi-Monitor 
Free-Flow configuration for details.     
More information
•	Free-Flow configuration
•	Multi-Monitor Free-Flow configuration
•	Operation: Selecting a computer
Free-Flow now also supports multiple monitors on each PC (drivers are required).    
						

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What is True Emulation?
True	Emulation	represents	a	significant	breakthrough	in	sharing	USB	devices	
between two or more computer systems. Until this point, the problem has \
been 
how to create a USB switch that provides all of the following:
•	 Quick,	transparent	and	reliable	switching,
•	 Accurate	representation	of	the	connected	USB	keyboard	and	mouse,	
•	 Switching	control	via	the	connected	USB	keyboard	and/or	mouse.
The difficulty in achieving all of the above requirements has been due\
 to the 
complexity of the USB standard. This has led to various problems that ha\
ve 
spawned a number of possible solutions.  
Enumerated USB switching
The earliest attempts to switch USB devices applied a relatively ‘han\
ds off’ 
approach.	Enumerated	USB	switches	are	the	electronic	equivalent	of	those	old	
mechanical	KVM	switches	with	a	large	knob	on	the	front.	
Enumerated	switches	are	so	called	because	a	connected	USB	device	will	be	
required to perform a full initiation (a process called Enumeration) every time it is 
switched; just as if you had pulled out the plug and then reconnected it\
. 
Enumerated	switches	simply	pass	all	signals	straight	through	between	the	USB	
device and the computer, they do not attempt to interpret any data. For \
most 
devices, this offers an advantage because the switch just leaves them to\
 get on 
with their jobs without any interference or any hit on performance. Howe\
ver, it 
means that a USB keyboard or mouse cannot be used to control the switchi\
ng 
process - a quick and simple control method expected by most users. Reli\
ability 
of switching is also an issue that has plagued enumerated switches, espe\
cially 
when used with certain USB devices and particular operating systems. 
Emulated USB switching
The issues with interpreting the complex USB data streams and recreating\
 (or 
Emulating) the identity of attached USB devices were eventually solved, leading \
to	the	creation	of	the	Emulated	USB	switch.	
A neat side effect of the technique used is that each computer can be fo\
oled 
into thinking that the USB device is permanently connected to it, even w\
hen 
the device is switched to another computer. This means that the enumerat\
ion 
process for the USB device takes place only once, during the first pow\
er 
on. After that, a computer merely sees a dormant version of the USB devi\
ce 
whenever the device is actually connected to a different computer.    
However, it remains a complex task to dynamically assume the identity of\
 a USB 
device, distribute it among the connected computers and maintain all of \
the 
necessary signals, states and processes. Therefore, manufacturers have previously 
relied upon a fixed keyboard and mouse profile that is declared to e\
ach 
computer, regardless of the actual connected devices. This precluded the\
 use of 
any special keyboard or mouse features over and above the standard layou\
ts. 
True Emulation 
Mindful	of	the	limitations	associated	with	the	
previous USB switching techniques, we set about 
creating a more effective and elegant solution. 
After a great deal of research and development, 
True Emulation is the result.
True	Emulation	allows	the	complete	identity	of	
the keyboard and mouse to be copied and then 
presented to all of the connected computers. 
This means that any keyboard offering specialist 
function keys or any mouse with extra features 
will be fully supported at each computer. As with 
the previous emulation method, the unselected 
computers will continue to see the identities 
of the keyboard and mouse, which means that 
no enumeration is necessary when their link 
becomes active once again. This not only helps 
to speed up the rate of reconnection, but also 
raises the reliability of switching because USB 
links are at their most vulnerable during the 
enumeration process.
True	Emulation	relies	upon	a	high	speed	circuit,	
called	an	Emulation	Engine,	to	fully	emulate	
the USB device identities and also interpret 
keyboard and mouse data streams. The result is 
full	support	for	KVM	switching	control	via	hotkey	
presses	or	the	third	button/scroll	wheel	of	a	
mouse.   
True	Emulation	is	not	necessarily	required	by	
other USB devices, which is why you will also 
find two enumerated circuits included (shown in 
green	within	the	block	diagram)	alongside	the	True	Emulation	feature	(shown	
in blue). This allows those other USB devices to operate at their highe\
st speeds, 
without any intervention. The enumerated circuits benefit greatly from\
 the 
USB	Hubs	that	are	jointly	used	with	the	True	Emulation	system.	Because	they	
interface directly and permanently with each computer, they help to stab\
ilise the 
dormant links, making errors during enumeration much less likely.
The	dual	switching	arrangement	provides	further	flexibility	because	the	True	
Emulation	and	enumerated	sections	can	be	switched	in	unison	or	independently	
of each other, as required. Thus, your various peripherals can operate w\
ith 
different computers at the same time. Please see software release notes \
for a list 
of supported products.  
HOST
CONTROLLER
USB
KEYBOARD OTHER USB
DEVICE
USB
MOUSE
USB
HUB
PC1 PC
2 PC
3 PC
4
USB
HUB USB
HUB USB
HUB
EMULA TION
ENGINE
The emulated section of 
the switch is shown in 
blue and handles only the 
keyboard and mouse. The 
green enumerated section 
of the switch handles other 
USB devices and also uses 
the USB hubs to link with 
the computers.    
						

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CCS4-USB features - top and rear
The CCS4-USB switch is housed within durable, metallic enclosure with al\
l connectors situated 
at the rear panel. The smart top panel features the control buttons and \
the operation indicators.
COMPUTERK /MSPK USB1 USB2 MODE
www.adder .com
IndicatorsThe upper four indicators scroll across in sequence when the Free-Flow utility is engaged.
The lower four indicators (K/M, SPK, USB1, USB2) show which peripherals are switched to	the	current	computer	channel	OR	(as	you	begin	pressing	the	MODE	button)	the	peripherals	that	will	be	switched	during	the	next	press(es)	of	the	COMPUTER	button.
The seven segment numeric display indicates the computer channel that is\
 currently active.
COMPUTER buttonPress to change to the next computer channel. 
MODE buttonPress to determine which peripherals should be switched to another computer channel (will occur when the COMPUTER	button	is	pressed.	
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OPTIONS
Options portThis	10p10c	port	can	separately	support the following functions:
•	Remote	control	-	allows	a	standard	Adder RC4 four button remote control unit to be used to switch channels (see Optional RC4 remote control for details).
•	LED	monitor	indicators	-	the	optional CCS-XB module links to here and provides multiple light up monitor indicators.  
•	Upgrades	-	used	to	update	the	internal firmware when necessary by connecting to a computer.
User consoleConnect a USB keyboard and mouse plus optional speakers to these connectors. 
Computer channelsEach	computer	connects	to	one	of these four channels via a USB B-type connector and an audio 3.5mm jack input.  
Power inputThe power supply connects here.
User consoleConnect up to two USB devices to these connectors. These ports are switched in an enumerated manner (see What is True Emulation?)   
						

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What’s in the box
Four self-adhesive rubber feet
What you may additionally need
CCS4-USB switch
Standard 3m CAT5 patch leadPart	number:	VSC23
Power adapter (12.5W) and country-specific power lead
Audio cable 2m (3.5mm stereo jacks)Part	number:	VSC22
www.adde r.com
4
3
2
1ADDER
RC4 remote control  plus standard 3m patch leadPart number: RC4-8P8C
USB cable 2m (type A to B)Part	number:	VSC24
Flash upgrade cablePart number: VSC40
w ww.adder .com
CC S-X B
CCS-XB controller
LED monitor indicator x 4Part	number	(each):	CCS-LED
Four self-adhesive rubber feet
CATx link cablePart number: VSC46
Optional CCS-XB LED monitor indicator kit   
						

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Installation
Locations
Please consider the following important points when planning the positio\
n of 
the CCS4-USB switch:
•	 Situate	the	CCS4-USB	switch	close	to	the	systems	to	which	it	will	be	
connected and near to a source of mains power.  
•	 Thanks	to	the	optional	remote	control	and/or	Free-Flow,	the	CCS4-USB	
switch can be situated out of sight within the cabling cradle of a desk \
or 
placed adjacent to the connected systems.    
•	 Consult	the	precautions	listed	within	the	Safety information section.
Mounting
Before you begin connecting to the keyboard, mouse and source systems, i\
t is 
advisable to mount the CCS4-USB switch in place, either:
•	 On	a	horizontal	surface	using	the	supplied	self	adhesive	feet,	or
•	 Amongst	the	cabling	at	the	rear	of	the	desk.
SECT	2   
						

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4 Audio: Where required, connect the lead from 
your speakers to the audio socket.  
3 USB devices: Where required, attach the leads from 
your USB peripherals to the USB sockets labelled 
USB1	and	USB2.
Connections
Connections do not need to be carried out in the order given within this\
 guide, 
however, where possible connect the power in as a final step
User console
The ports that make up the user console are where you attach the periphe\
rals 
which	will	be	shared	between	the	computer	systems.	Ensure	that	power	is	
disconnected from the switch. 
To connect peripherals to the user console
1	 Position	your	peripheral	devices	in	the	vicinity	of	the	switch	such	that	their	
cables will easily reach.
2	Keyboard and mouse: Attach the leads 
from your USB keyboard and mouse to 
the USB sockets specifically labelled with 
keyboard and mouse symbols. The keyboard 
and mouse will operate in any of the USB 
sockets, however, True Emulation is not 
available	on	sockets	labelled	USB1	
or	USB2.
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From speakers
From USB keyboard and mouse
From USB peripherals
Computer systems
Each	computer	system	is	connected	to	the	CCS4-USB	switch	using	(up	to)	two 	
cables.
To connect a computer system
1	 Ensure	that	power	is	disconnected	from	the	CCS4-USB	switch	and	the	
system to be connected. 
2	 Use	a	USB	cable	(type-A	to	type-B)	to	link	a	USB	
port on the computer system to the USB port of the 
required channel on the rear of the switch.
3 If required, use a stereo audio link cable (3.5mm 
jacks at either end) to link the speaker 
port on the computer system to the 
audio port of the required channel 
on the rear of the switch.
2 1
USB and audio links to a system   
						

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Power connection
The	CCS4-USB	switch	is	supplied	with	a	12.5W	power	adapter.	There	is	no	on/
off switch on the switch, so operation begins as soon as a power adapter\
 is 
connected. 
2	 Connect	the	IEC	connector	of	the	supplied	country-specific	power	lead	to	
the socket of the power adapter.
To connect the power supply
1	 Attach	the	output	lead	from	the	power	
adapter to the 5V socket on the rear panel 
of the switch.
3 Connect the power lead to a nearby main supply socket.
Note: Both the switch and its power supply generate heat when in operati\
on 
and will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in \
locations where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not opera\
te 
the equipment in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Centigrade. D\
o 
not place the products in contact with equipment whose surface temperatu\
re 
exceeds 40 degrees Centigrade. 
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