ADDERLink Manual

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 202. Video compensation / configuration mode (see section 2.8)
This mode is entered by typing the hotkey combination (selected using the option
switches) on the keyboard attached to the XR receiver. Once within video
compensation / configuration mode you can adjust the video compensation and
select other options using the keyboard. The selected options are saved and stored
in the XR unit when you exit compensation / configuration mode.
2.6 Setting the option switches
The option switches on the side of the AdderLink XR and XL units are used to select
operating options. The switches are continuously read by the AdderLink and may be
changed whilst the AdderLink is powered on. The default setting (all switches OFF)
is suitable for most installations. The switches are shown in figures 6 and 7 and
have the following functions.
XR unit - Switches 1 to 5
Reserved – set to OFF position
XR unit - Switches 6 to 8
These switches select the hotkey combinations that are recognised by the
AdderLink. The chosen hotkey combinations are used to enter compensation /
configuration mode, lock the AdderLink, disable the AdderLink’s video and select
between local and remote computers on the AdderLink Gold.
XL unit – Switch 1
This switch may be used to reset the XL unit without disconnecting the power. In the
OFF position the AdderLink will operate normally. In the ON position the AdderLink
will suspend all operation and reset itself to the power off condition. Cycling the
switch from the OFF position to the ON position and back to the OFF position again
will perform a reset without having to disconnect the keyboard lead and power lead.
XL unit - Switches 2 and 3
Reserved – set to OFF position
XL unit - Switch 4
This switch should normally be set in the OFF position and should only be set ON if
you are connecting a laptop computer using a Y cable or adapter. These Y cables
and adapters are used to connect a PS/2 mouse and keyboard to the single 6-way 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 21keyboard/mouse port commonly found on the back of laptops. The wiring scheme
used on a few of these Y cables confuses the AdderLink into thinking that it is being
connected to the computers serial port and consequently prevents correct
operation. When option switch 4 is set to the ON position, RS232 mouse detection is
disabled. This enables a computer connected via a Y cable or adapter to be used
with the AdderLink without problems.
XL unit – Switch 5
If this switch is set to the  ON position then the remote unit will go directly into
compensation / configuration mode at power on. This enables a password locked
XR unit to be reset. See section 3.10 for further details.
XL unit - Switch 6
This switch controls the video mode on the AdderLink Gold and has no function on
the AdderLink. The video picture from the computer connected to the XL unit may
be broadcast to the monitor connected to the XL unit and the monitor connected to
the XR unit. Alternatively the video picture may be displayed on only one of these
monitors at a time. The video picture is directed to the monitor whose keyboard and
mouse most recently had control of the computer that is connected to the XL unit. If
this switch is set to the OFF position then the video will be broadcast to both
monitors. When set to the ON position, video will be sent to the monitor whose
associated keyboard and mouse last had control of the XL ends computer.
XL unit - Switches 7 and 8
These switches have no function on the AdderLink. On the AdderLink Gold, the
switches select the timeout period for switchover of computer control between the
local (XL) and remote (XR) units. The timeout period is the duration of keyboard and
mouse inactivity that must be detected before the AdderLink Gold will switch control
between the local (XL) and remote (XR) user console. The AdderLink Gold allocates
control of the computer to the first keyboard / mouse set (local XL or remote XR)
that sends keyboard or mouse data. The other keyboard / mouse set is then
prevented from accessing the computer until no keyboard or mouse data has been
received for the timeout period. Once a timeout has occurred either keyboard /
mouse set may access the computer on a first come first served basis. 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 22Figure 6 – AdderLink XR option switches (normal and Gold models) 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 23Figure 7 – AdderLink XL option switches (normal and Gold models) 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 242.8 Setting the video compensation
The AdderLink incorporates fine video compensation amplifiers to maximise the
picture quality for any given length of twisted pair cable. When you first plug in your
AdderLink you will probably notice that the picture appears blurred or distorted or
does not appear at all. The picture quality is maximised by adjusting the video
compensation setting. To do this use the following procedure.
STEP 1
Enter video compensation mode by pressing the HOTKEYS together with f f  on
the keyboard connected to the XR receiver unit. The HOTKEYS are those that were
set using the option switches (CTRL + ALT by default).
For example, assuming the default hotkeys, press these keys together :
b a f b a f
STEP 2
The AdderLink will now be in compensation adjustment mode. This is indicated by
the NUM, CAPS and SCROLL lock lights on your keyboard. These will flash in
sequence at a rate that indicates the level of compensation: a slow rate of flash
indicates a compensation setting suitable for short lengths of twisted pair cable and
a fast rate of flash indicates a compensation setting that is suitable for long lengths
of twisted pair cable.
Press 
g g to select no video compensation. 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 25You should now see a ‘fuzzy’ video picture on your monitor connected to the XR
receiver unit.
STEP 3
You may now use the following keys to select the required video compensation.
g g
 Selects no video compensation.
{ {
 Increases the video compensation (coarse adjustment).
w w
 Increases the video compensation (fine adjustment).
} }
 Decreases the video compensation (coarse adjustment).
y y
 Decreases the video compensation (fine adjustment).
Various other keys may also be used to select operating options (see section 2.10)
As you change the video compensation setting you will see the sharpness of the
picture change. The AdderLink calculates the required brightness automatically. You
will need more video compensation for longer twisted pair cable distances. Adjust
the video compensation until you achieve the best picture. If you add too much
compensation then the picture may be lost. If this happens reduce the compensation
to restore the picture. 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 26The best compensation setting may be set using the following technique.
· Press  { {until you observe white trailing edges on the right hand side of
black text or graphics.
· Press and release y yseveral times until the white trailing edges just disappear.
STEP 4
Press 
f f
  to exit from compensation mode.
The AdderLink saves the selected video compensation setting when you exit from
compensation mode. This setting is retained within the AdderLink even when the
power is off and so unless you change the twisted pair cable you will not need to re-
adjust the compensation setting again.
2.9 Configuring user-selectable options
The AdderLink supports a number of user-configurable options that change the
detailed operation of the AdderLink to match the required application. These may be
selected whilst the AdderLink is in video compensation / configuration mode. Whilst
within configuration mode the version number of the AdderLink’s firmware may also
be queried.
To enter configuration mode press the HOTKEYS together with f f  on the
keyboard connected to the XR receiver unit. The HOTKEYS are those that were set
using the option switches (CTRL + ALT by default).
For example, assuming the default hotkeys, press these keys together :
b a f b a f 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 27Options are then set by pressing a letter key followed by a number key followed by
the RETURN key. For example to select an RS232 baud rate of 1200 use the
following:
Whilst within configuration mode pressB B1 1
f f
The num, caps and scroll lock lights will indicate correct acceptance of the command
as follows:
· In compensation / configuration the num, caps and scroll lock lights will flash in
sequence.
· After pressing the first key of a command sequence the num, caps and scroll
lock lights will all be illuminated.
· After pressing the second key of a command sequence the num and caps lock
lights will be on and the scroll lock light will be off.
· After pressing RETURN the command will have been accepted and the num,
caps and scroll lock lights will go back to flashing in sequence.
When you have finished selecting options, return to normal operation by pressing
f f
2.10 Summary of AdderLink configuration options
Full details of each of the configuration options and their uses are given in section 4.
B1 B1
 f f    - Set RS232 baud rate to 1200 (default) (see section 4.1)
B2 B2
 f f    - Set RS232 baud rate to 9600
F1 F1
 f f    - Query AdderLink firmware version (see section 3.11)
F8 F8
 f f    - Resets all user-configurable options to the default state (see 4.3) 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 28H1 H1
 f f    - Mouse compatible RS232 protocol (default) – overrides all other
      RS232 settings (see section 4.1)
H2 H2
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses hardware handshaking
H3 H3
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses no handshaking (1200 baud max.)
M1 M1
 f f    - AdderLink Gold channels are not switchable by a 3-button mouse
     or IntelliMouse (default) (see section 4.2)
M2 M2
 f f    - AdderLink Gold channels are switchable by a 3-button mouse or 
     IntelliMouse (see section 4.2)
M6 M6
 f f    - Reset mouse function (see section 2.12)
M7 M7
 f f    - Reset IntelliMouse function (see section 2.12)
Pf Pf
 {PASSWORD} f f – Sets a security password (see section 3.10)
Pf Pf
 f f – Clears the security password (see section 3.10)
S1 S1
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 1 stop bit (see section 4.1)
S2 S2
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 2 stop bits (default)
S3 S3
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses no parity (default) (see section 4.1)
S4 S4
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses even parity
S5 S5
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses odd parity
S7 S7
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 7 bits per character (default) (see 4.1)
S8 S8
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 8 bits per character 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 292.11 Other useful installation information
PC boot up sequence - When your PCs are powered on they communicate with
any attached keyboards and mice and setup parameters required by the particular
operating system. It is necessary for the AdderLink to be attached and powered on
during this sequence so that it can give the required responses and keep track of all
the modes and settings requested by each of the connected PCs.
Mouse characteristics - do not unplug a PS/2 mouse connection from a PC whilst
the PC is on. Due to the design of PS/2 mice communications the mouse function on
the PC will be lost and you will have to re-boot the PC to regain normal operation.
Unplugging the mouse from the AdderLink will also cause it to stop operating when it
is plugged back in. RS232 mice can usually be unplugged and plugged back in
provided that a mouse was connected when the operating system initially booted.
Keyboard and mouse mode switching - The AdderLink keeps a log of the
keyboard and mouse mode and resolution settings requested by the connected
PC(s). These settings are automatically communicated to the keyboard and mouse
as required to ensure maximum software compatibility. The keyboard num, caps
and scroll lock states are an obvious example of this process.
2.12 Hot plugging the AdderLink into running systems and re-
enabling disconnected CPU PS/2 mouse connections
It is adviseable to switch off the systems that are going to be connected to the
AdderLink before installation. However if this is not possible then most systems can
be hot plugged by using the AdderLink’s mouse restoration functions. The keyboard
connection will normally restore itself automatically.
On many PCs, mouse movement will be lost if the PS/2 mouse is unplugged and
plugged back in whilst the PC is running. Mouse movement can then only be
restored by rebooting the PC. This is because the mouse drivers only setup and
enable the mouse when the PC is initially booted.
If you have switched off your AdderLink or you are attempting to ‘hot plug’ it into a
system that is already running, you may be able to restore lost mouse movement
using the AdderLinks mouse restoration functions.