ADDER FreeFlow Manual

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Configuring LED monitor indicators
When	the	optional	CCS-XB	LED	monitor	indicator	kit	is	used,	there	are	several	
configuration options available that allow you to customise behaviour \
and these 
are set using the Free-Flow configuration application.
Adjusting colour and brightness for all indicators
If necessary, you can impose default colour and brightness settings upon\
 all 
connected	LED	monitor	indicators.	Choose	the	Configure > LEDs... menu item 
to display the following popup:
4	 Choose	the	CCS-XB	LED	output	port	that	you	wish	to	associate	with	the	
currently selected video screen.
5 Optionally alter the colour, from the Colour:	list,	that	you	wish	the	LED	
indicator to display when the associated video screen is selected:
To impose a default colour on all connected indicators, choose the requi\
red 
Default colour and then tick the option Set all LEDs to this colour. 
Use the Default brightness option to determine the intensity of all indicators.
Click OK to exit and apply the required settings. 
Note: Once default settings have been made you can optionally change any\
 or 
all indicators individually as required using the steps outlined below. \
   
Adjusting individual indicators
For each installed video display screen, you have the opportunity to add\
 and 
configure	an	LED	monitor	indicator.
To adjust details for an individual indicator 
1	 Double-click on a screen representation (or right click on a screen 
representation and then choose Properties) to display the screen popup. 
2	 Click	the	LED Set-up tab to display the indicator details: 
3 For a newly added screen the LED: entry will show No LED. Click on the 
drop	down	handle	and	choose	the	LED	indicator	that	you	wish	to	associate	
with the currently selected video display screen:
www .adder .com
CCS-XB
Each entry within the LED: list relates to one of the ten output sockets on the CCS-XB module.
Note: It is possible to associate any LED indicator with more than one video screen.
6	 Click	OK	to	save	and	exit.	
7	 Repeat	steps	1	to	6	for	each	screen	that	requires	an	LED	monitor	indicator.
8 Choose Configure  > Send Layout to Switch to update the CCS4-USB switch.
9	IMPORTANT: Once the Free-Flow configuration application has 
downloaded the setup, remove and reconnect power to the CCS4-USB 
to allow the new settings to take effect. 
Note: Each LED indicator 
can only have one colour, 
so if you associate an 
indicator with more than 
one screen and then 
change the colour on a 
later screen assignment, it 
will be changed for all the 
screens in the list for that 
LED indicator.   
						

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Additional Free-Flow operations and settings
In addition to the core configuration functions, Free-Flow has a numbe\
r of 
additional settings that you can make.  
Mouse... (acceleration) setting 
Acceleration
Mouse	acceleration	allows	you	to	move	the	mouse	pointer	quickly	across	the	
large areas of the screen in response to small but sharp shifts in the m\
ouse 
position. The Configure > Mouse... option provides settings between 0 and 50, 
however,	a	value	of	12	to	15	will	give	a	typical	Windows-like	default	operation.	
Mouse parking... setting
Mouse	parking	allows	you	to	optionally	determine	where	the	mouse	pointer	
for	each	system	should	be	placed	when	the	focus	moves	to	a	different	system/
video screen. The Configure > Mouse parking... option displays vertical and 
horizontal scroll bars. Use the scroll bars to pinpoint the position tha\
t should be 
used to park the dormant mouse on each screen.
Switch... settings
Enable (Disable) Free-Flow
This option allows you to switch off the Free-Flow feature within the CC\
S4-USB 
switch. Located within Configure > Switch... menu item, untick the Enable 
Free-Flow checkbox and download the configuration the CCS4-USB switch to 
disable. 
Start-up Port
Located within Configure > Switch... menu item (see above image), this option 
allows you to determine which port should be enabled whenever the CCS4-U\
SB 
switch is first powered on.
Switch Mode
Located within Configure > Switch... menu item (see above image), these 
check boxes allow you to determine which peripherals should be switched \
whenever the channel is changed by the Free-Flow method. The switching o\
f 
peripherals via the other methods of channels selection (e.g. the front\
 panel, 
hotkeys, mouse buttons, etc.) remain unaffected by these settings. By d\
efault, 
the	Keyboard/Mouse	and	Audio	are	selected.	   
						

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Performing upgrades
The	CCS4-USB	switch	is	fully	upgradeable	via	flash	upgrade.	Such	upgrades	
require a Windows-based computer system to be linked via the OPTIONS port. 
Items required to perform an upgrade 
•	 The	supplied	flash	upgrade	cable	(VSC40).
•	 A	Windows-based	computer	with	an	RS232	serial	port.
•	 The	latest	version	of	the	KVM	Firmware	Uploader	and	firmware	files	for	the	
CCS4-USB switch - available from the Technical Support > Updates section 
of the Adder Technology website (www.adder.com). 
To use the KVM Firmware Uploader utility
1 - Obtain and run the KVM Firmware Uploader.
	 Download	the	latest	CCS4-USB	switch	KVM	Firmware	Uploader	from	the	
Adder Technology website and install it on a Windows-based upgrade 
computer that will be connected to the CCS4-USB switch. The files 
are supplied as a compressed ZIP file. Decompress the ZIP file with \
an 
appropriate tool such as WinZip (www.winzip.com) and copy all containe\
d 
files to the same folder on the upgrade computer. 
2 - Power off the CCS4-USB switch
 Remove the power supply plug from the rear panel of the switch. 
3 - Connect the upgrade computer to the CCS4-USB switch
	 Connect	the	supplied	flash	upgrade	cable	between	the	serial	port	of	the	
Windows-based computer and the OPTIONS port on the rear panel of the 
switch. 
4 - Invoke upgrade mode
  While powering on or when already powered: Press and hold the 
COMPUTER	and	MODE	buttons	(for	up	to	ten	seconds)	until	the	numeric	
indicator shows ‘’.  
5 - Run the KVM Firmware Uploader utility
	 From	that	folder,	select	the	KVMUploader	icon	to	run	the	upgrade	utility.	
The	KVM	Firmware	Uploader	dialog	will	be	displayed:
6 - Query the CCS4-USB switch
 Click the Query Unit button to confirm that communication is possible with 
the CCS4-USB switch and to establish its firmware details. If successf\
ul, the 
‘Unit connected’ field should show the name of the CCS4-USB swit\
ch and 
the current firmware will also be listed.
 If the application cannot contact the CCS4-USB switch, re-check the 
connection cable and click the Advanced... button to check that the correct 
serial port is being used. Change the serial port within the Advanced... 
section, if necessary.  
continued There is no need to adjust the computer’s serial port 
settings as the application will do this automatically.
5V
2 .5 A
IN D O O R
U S E
O N L Y
OPTIO NS
(Windows only)   
						

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Issues to consider when performing flash upgrades
The upgrade program rewrites the internal firmware code. If the upgrad\
e 
process is interrupted then the switch will have invalid code and will n\
ot be able 
to operate. It is therefore good practice to ensure that the upgrade pro\
cess 
is always fully completed. A partial or failed upgrade may be rectifie\
d by 
performing another upgrade.   
WARNING: Running faulty or partially upgraded code may have unpredictabl\
e 
results and may damage your CCS4-USB switch or computing equipment.
7 - Select the upgrade file to be used
	 From	the	main	KVM	Firmware	Uploader	dialog,	click	the	Browse... button 
and select the upgrade file:
 CCS4U_xxx.txt
 where xxx is the firmware version. 
 The upgrade file details will be displayed within the dialog.
 IMPORTANT: Check that the ‘Intended Target Units’ field matches \
the 
‘Unit Connected’ field. If these fields do not match then you \
may have an 
incorrect upgrade file, check with Adder Technology Ltd before proceeding. 
Check also that the ‘New firmware version’ is greater than the ‘\
Current 
firmware version’.
Check that the ‘Intended Target Units’ field matches the ‘Unit Connected’ field.
Check also that the ‘New firmware version’ is greater than the ‘Current firmware version’.
8 - Commence the upgrade
 To begin the upgrade process, click the Upload Now button and confirm 
when requested. The progress will be shown within the dialog. Should you\
 
decide not to continue with the upload at any stage, click the Abort button; 
response to this is usually immediate, however, during an erase command,\
 
the upload will not be aborted until the erase is complete (this may ta\
ke a 
few seconds).
9 - Cycle the power
 Disconnect the power and remove the upgrade cable. When the power is  
re-applied the CCS4-USB switch will operate using the new firmware.   
						

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SECT	4
Operation
Selecting a computer
There are five ways to switch the common peripherals to specific com\
puter 
channels:
•	 Using	the	innovative	Free-Flow	automatic	switching	utility	Þ 
•	Using the control panel   
•	Using hotkeys 
•	Using mouse button presses 
•	Using the optional RC4 remote control
To select a computer using the control panel
The control panel allows you to determine how the various peripherals ar\
e 
switched to one or more computer channels. 
1	 Optional:	If	you	need	to	selectively	switch	some	of	your	peripherals,	press	
the	MODE	button	repeatedly	to	change	the	switching	mode:
K/MSPKUSB1 USB2
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODEWill switch all peripherals together
Will switch keyboard, mouse and speakers
Will switch only the keyboard and mouse
Will switch only the speakers
Will switch only USB peripheral 1
Will switch only USB peripheral 2
 Notes: 
 If an indicator flashes, it signifies that the respective peripheral\
 is currently 
switched to another computer channel.
 The peripherals to be switched using the Free-Flow method are set 
independently    
2	 Press	the	COMPUTER	button	repeatedly	to	select	the	required	computer	
channel. 
To select a computer using the Free-Flow utility
Once configured, Free-Flow allows you to change channels merely by mov\
ing 
the mouse to edge of one screen towards the next screen. As the mouse po\
inter 
reaches the edge it will cause the channel to automatically change and w\
ill jump 
to the next screen.
Notes: 
Free-Flow cannot be enabled until a layout has been configured and 
downloaded to the CCS4-USB switch - see Free-Flow configuration.
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.
You can determine which peripherals will be switched by Free-Flow 
independently of those that would be switched with any other method. See\
 
Switch Mode within the Switch... settings section.  
You can continue to use any of the other channel switching methods while\
  
Free-Flow is enabled. 
The four upper indicators on the CCS4-USB display panel will scroll acro\
ss every 
few seconds to show that Free-Flow is enabled. See What is Free-Flow? for an 
introduction to the utility or Free-Flow configuration for more details about 
how to prepare it for operation.
You can temporarily disable (and re-enable) Free-Flow using hotkey pre\
sses:
•	 Simultaneously	press	and	hold	 and , then press     
COMPUTE RK /MSPKU SB1USB2 MODE
Use this button to choose which peripherals will be switched
The K/M, SPK, USB1, and USB2 indicators 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. 
Use this button to choose the next required computer
Indicates the number of the currently selected computer
The upper four indicators will intermittently scroll across whenever Free-Flow is enabled.    
						

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To select a computer using hotkeys
Using hotkey combinations, you can quickly switch the keyboard and mouse\
, 
speakers and USB peripherals to any computer channel.
There are two main ways to use hotkeys: Standard and Additional.
Standard hotkey press combinations
The standard hotkey press combinations allow you to change channels with\
 the 
minimum of keypresses: 
1	 Simultaneously	press	and	hold	 and  (or other hotkeys, if altered). 
2	 While	still	holding	 and , press the number key of the required 
channel address (or the TAB key), then release all of the keys. 
Note: The numbers on your keyboard’s numeric keypad are not valid, us\
e 
only the numeral keys above the QWERTY section.
	 The	ports	(K/M,	audio	and/or	USB)	that	are	switched	using	this	method	
depend upon the switching mode that is currently set using the control 
panel buttons.  
The range of standard hotkey combinations are as follows:
Note: If your hotkeys have been changed, substitute them for  and  in 
the examples given here. 
  	Selects	channel	1
  	Selects	channel	2
   Selects channel 3
   Selects channel 4
   Isolates the user console from all channels   
   Selects the next channel (see note )
What are hotkeys?
The  and  keys when pressed in combination are called ‘hotkeys’ and 
they signal to the CCS4-USB switch that you wish to control it, rather t\
han 
the computer. However, if these particular hotkeys clash with another de\
vice 
or program, you can change them to a different combination within the 
Configuration menu.
Additional hotkey press combinations
In addition to the standard hotkey press combinations (shown left), yo\
u can also 
add additional keypresses in order to determine which peripherals are sw\
itched: 
1	 Simultaneously	press	and	hold	 and .
2	 Press	and	release	a	command	key:
  to switch all peripherals
  to switch only the keyboard and mouse
  to switch only the speakers
  to switch only USB1 and USB2
3 Press and release the required channel number ( to  using only the keys 
above	the	QWERTY	section).
4 Release  and .
 The appropriate peripherals will change to the chosen channel. 
 Note: Regardless of which peripherals were switched, the front panel 
indicators will continue to show the switching mode that was last 
determined using the front panel controls.
Disabling/Enabling Free-Flow
Once Free-Flow is in operation, you can temporarily disable (and re-ena\
ble) it:
•	 Simultaneously	press	and	hold	 and , then press    
Choosing which computers are accessed when using hot keys + tab
The computer channels that are visited when you use the hot keys + tab (\
or 
mouse buttons) are determined by a setting within the Configuration m\
enu: 
1	 Enter	the	Configuration menu. 
2	 Press	 and then press either: 
  to choose Cycle all ports, or
  to choose Cycle only active ports
3 Press  to accept the setting and return to the main menu section.
4 Press  and then  to exit the menu and save changes.     
						

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To select a computer using the mouse buttons
Using the mouse buttons, you can quickly switch the keyboard and mouse, \
speakers	and/or	USB	peripherals	to	any	computer	channel.
Note: These procedures work only with three-button or IntelliMouse devic\
es and 
only if the ‘Mouse Switching’ option has been enabled. 
To select a computer using the mouse buttons
1	 Hold	down	the	middle	button	(or	scroll	wheel)	of	the	mouse.
2	 Click	the	left	mouse	button	to	increment	the	channel	number	or	click	the	
right mouse button to decrement the channel. When the correct channel is\
 
reached, release the middle button. 
 When using this method of switching:
•	 The	computer	channels	that	are	visited	depend	upon	the	configuration	
menu setting (see note ).
•	 The	ports	(K/M,	audio	and/or	USB)	that	are	switched	using	this	method	
depend upon the switching mode that is currently set using the control 
panel buttons. 
Choosing which computers are accessed when using mouse buttons
The computer channels that are visited when you use the mouse buttons (\
or 
hotkeys + tab) are determined by a setting within the Configuration m\
enu: 
1	 Enter	the	Configuration menu. 
2	 Press	 and then press either: 
  to choose Cycle all ports, or
  to choose Cycle only active ports
3 Press  to accept the setting and return to the main menu section.
4 Press  and then  to exit the menu and save changes.     
						

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To  lock access to the computers
When privacy is required, you can lock access to the connected computers\
 via 
the switch. 
To lock the switch
1	 Simultaneously	press	and	hold	 and  (or other hotkeys, if altered). 
2	 While	still	holding	 and , press .
 The display will show  (providing a valid password has been previously set). 
You will not be able to access any computers until the password is corre\
ctly 
entered.
To unlock the switch
•	 When	prompted,	enter	the	correct	password	and	press .
To set a new password
1	 Enter	the	Configuration menu. 
2	 Press	 and then . The display will show 
3	 Enter	a	new	password	and	then	.
 The password is not case sensitive and can be any combination of key 
strokes, including the function keys, but excluding the Num Lock, Caps L\
ock, 
Scroll Lock and  keys. If your keyboard has special media keys, these also 
cannot be used as part of the password. 
 When you have typed in your password, press  to store it. Don’t worry if 
you type the password incorrectly, you can always re-enter configure m\
ode 
and set the password again.
4 Press  and then  to exit the menu and save changes.
To cancel the password
1	 Enter	the	Configuration menu. 
2	 Press	 and then . The display will show 
3 Press  to remove the existing password.
4 Press  and then  to exit the menu and save changes.  
If you forget the password
To clear an existing password: Connect the OPTIONS port of the switch to\
 the 
serial port of a computer and transmit the text clrpwd to the switch.   
						

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SECT	5
Further information
This chapter contains a variety of information, including the following:\
•	 Getting	assistance	-	see	right
•	Appendix 1 – Cable pin-outs
•	Safety information
•	Warranty
•	Radio frequency energy statements
Getting assistance
If you are still experiencing problems after checking the information co\
ntained 
within this guide, then we provide a number of other solutions:
•	Online solutions and updates – www.adder.com/support
 Check the Support section of the adder.com website for the latest soluti\
ons 
and firmware updates.
•	Adder Forum – forum.adder.com
	 Use	our	forum	to	access	FAQs	and	discussions.
•	Technical support – www.adder.com/contact-support-form
 For technical support, use the contact form in the Support section of th\
e 
adder.com website - your regional office will then get in contact with\
 you.    
						

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Appendix 1 – Cable pin-outs
The OPTIONS	port	uses	a	10p10c	socket	which	can	accommodate	both	10p10c	
connectors as well as the much more common 8p8c connectors, which are us\
ed 
on	Ethernet	leads	and	patch	cables.	The	pin-outs	are	listed	in	this	section	for	
both types of connector. 
Serial remote control and flash upgrade cable (8p8c)
Serial remote control and flash upgrade cable (10p10c)
8p8c  connectorD-Type female 9 way 
62TXDRXD
3
23
5RXD
GND TXD
GND
10p10c  connectorD-Type female 9 way 
72TXD
RXD
4
33
5RXD
GND TXD
GND
Note: You can also use the supplied flash upgrade cable (part number \
VSC40).