ADDERLink Manual

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 40baL baL
When the XR unit is locked the video is switched off and the keyboard and mouse
are disconnected from the computer. Locking the XR unit does not affect the
operation of the XL unit.
To unlock the AdderLink XR unit enter the password followed by the RETURN key
eg:
[P] [A] [S] [S] [W] [O] [R] [D] [Enter]
NOTE - The password consists of a combination of key strokes rather like the code
to a safe. The key strokes are not case sensitive and can include all the keys on the
keyboard (except ctrl, alt, shift and enter). Consequently the following password
would be valid:
[F4] [F] [R] [E] [D] [Home]
To set the password, enter configuration mode by typing ‘HOTKEYS’ and RETURN
on the keyboard attached to the XR unit (see section 3.6). When in configure mode
type ‘P’ then RETURN. Now enter the password which may be up to 40 characters.
The password is not case sensitive and can be any combination of key strokes,
including the function keys, but excluding the CTRL, ALT, SHIFT and RETURN
keys. When you have typed in your password type RETURN to register it in the
stored memory. Do not worry if you type the password incorrectly, you can always
re-enter configure mode and set the password again.
For example, to enter OPENUP as the password type the following whilst in
configuration mode:
[P] [Enter] [O] [P] [E] [N] [U] [P] [Enter] 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 41What to do if your AdderLink is locked and you have lost or forgotten the
password
If your AdderLink is locked and you have lost or forgotten the password then you
may clear the password if you have access to the XL unit. To clear the password
power down the XR unit and switch option switch 5 on the XL unit to the on position
(see section 2.7). When you next power on the XR unit it will go straight into
configuration mode allowing you to clear or change the password. You will then
need to set option switch 5 on the XL unit back to its default (off) position or the XR
unit will go into configuration mode every time that you switch it on.  
3.11 Querying the AdderLink’s firmware version
For technical support purposes it is sometimes useful to know the firmware version
of the AdderLink. The AdderLink can report its firmware version using a
configuration mode function.
To find the firmware version of your AdderLink, connect to a computer that is
showing the DOS prompt or is running a text editor or word processor package. On
the AdderLink this will be the computer connected to the XL unit. On the AdderLink
Gold this may be the computer connected to the XL unit or the computer connected
to the XR unit.
It doesn’t matter what package this is provided that the characters typed in at the
keyboard are displayed on the screen. Enter configuration mode by pressing
‘HOTKEYs’ and RETURN together (see section 3.6). Now type the following on the
keyboard connected to the XR unit:
F1 F1
 f f
The version number will be reported on the computer screen as the letter V followed
by three numbers. For example, if the AdderLink reports V118 then the firmware
version is 1.18. 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 424. AdderLink configuration optionsAll the options described in this section are entered in AdderLink’s configuration
mode - see section 3.6 for instructions on entering configuration mode.
4.1 RS232 protocol options
RS232 serial ports are used for a wide variety of purposes and are typically
operated in a number of different modes. A mode that is suitable for one type of
device may not be suitable for other devices and so the RS232 protocol supported
by the AdderLink may be changed to suit different applications.
Refer to appendix A for suitable cabling for various RS232 applications. Appendix A
also shows the signal pinouts for the RS232 ports.
If you are using an RS232 serial mouse connection to any of the CPUs that are
connected to the AdderLink then you will need to set the AdderLink into RS232
mouse compatible mode. Setting this mode overrides all other RS232 protocol
settings and forces 1200 baud, 8 bits per character, 1 stop bit and no handshaking.
The AdderLink performs an automatic conversion to convert PS/2 mouse signals to
RS232 mouse signals if you use a suitable wiring adapter. If you wish to use an
RS232 mouse connection to your PC then we recommend that you use a controlling
PS/2 mouse and the RS232 adapter rather than attempting to connect the mouse to
the serial ports on the AdderLink. The reason for this is that in the recommended
setup the XL unit will continuously emulate the presence of a serial mouse
regardless of whether the XR unit is connected and currently powered on . This
ensures that PC will reliably bootup regardless of the power and connection state of
the AdderLink.
The various RS232 protocol modes may be set using the following options within
configuration mode:
H1 H1
 f f    - Mouse compatible RS232 protocol (default) – overrides all other
      RS232 settings
H2 H2
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses hardware handshaking
H3 H3
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses no handshaking (1200 baud max.) 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 43B1 B1
 f f    - Set RS232 baud rate to 1200 (default)
B2 B2
 f f    - Set RS232 baud rate to 9600
S1 S1
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 1 stop bit
S2 S2
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 2 stop bits (default)
S3 S3
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses no parity (default)
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)
S8 S8
 f f    - RS232 protocol uses 8 bits per character
4.2 Mouse mode and mouse switching of channels
Mouse switching is only relevant on the AdderLink Gold product where the user
connected to the XR unit requires to switch between the remote computer (1)
connected to the XL unit and the local computer (2) connected to the XR unit. This
may be done by a keyboard hotkey combination or by using a three button PS/2
mouse or an IntelliMouse.
To switch between the remote (1) and local (2) computers, the user simply holds
down the central button or wheel button and presses the left hand button to change
channel. To use this feature it must first be enabled using the M2 option. To disable
this feature use the M1 option.
If the third button is being used to switch the AdderLink XR then it is not available for
use with PC software although the function of an IntelliMouse wheel is not affected.
Consequently in M2 mode the AdderLink reports to the PCs that a 2 button mouse is
connected. If you wish to use the full function of a 3 button mouse or IntelliMouse for
your PC software then you should select the M1 option. 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 44The AdderLink supports ‘Internet Mice’ that are compatible with the Microsoft
IntelliMouse. These are fitted with a wheel or other scroll control and sometimes
have additional buttons. Examples are:
Microsoft IntelliMouse
Logitech Pilot Mouse +
Logitech MouseMan+
Genius NetMouse
Genius NetMouse Pro
Standard PS/2 and IntelliMouse compatible mice may be connected to the
AdderLink. You may configure your CPUs using Microsoft PS/2 or IntelliMouse
drivers in any combination as required. The IntelliMouse features are supported on
both PS/2 and RS232 CPU connections. When using PS/2 CPU connections, the
AdderLink will automatically configure itself to the type of mouse requested by the
driver.
M1 M1
 f f    - AdderLink Gold XR channels are not switchable by a 3-button
     Mouse or IntelliMouse (default)
M2 M2
 f f    - AdderLink Gold XR channels are switchable by a 3-button mouse
     or IntelliMouse
4.3 Resetting all configuration options to their default state
To reset all the AdderLink’s configuration options to the default state and return all
the AdderLink settings to their default state press the following whilst within
configuration mode. By resetting all the configuration options to their default state
you will also clear the password but you will not change the video compensation
setting.
F8 F8
 f f 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 45Appendix A.  Cable and connector
specificationsIMPORTANT NOTEThe maximum cable lengths supported vary widely between devices andcables. It may be possible to use cables that are longer than those specifiedbelow with certain PCs and peripherals but this cannot be guaranteed. If youexperience problems try using shorter cables.A1. Keyboard, monitor, mouse, microphone and speakers
connections
All of these devices plug directly into the relevant ports of the AdderLink. If you use
an AT style keyboard you will need an AT (5 pin DIN female) to PS/2 (6 pin mini-DIN
male) converter.
Cable specification for connections to XL unit when used without the optional
power adapter
Keyboard, monitor, mouse, speaker and microphone cables should not be longer
than 2 metres.
Cable specification for connections to XR unit or to XL unit when used with
the optional power adapter
Keyboard, monitor, mouse, speaker and microphone extension cables can be used
to increase the distance from the AdderLink up to 10metres. Most keyboards and
mice will also operate at distances of 20 metres. If you are using a monitor extension
cable then you should ensure that this is a high quality tri-coax type.
A2. Computer connections
Cable specifications:
Video - 15 pin high density male D connector to 15 pin high density male D
connector wired as a standard VGA PC to monitor cable. There are two types
commonly available. The best type cables which will give excellent quality are 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 46constructed with coaxial cable cores. Cheaper ‘data’ cables are available but
generally give rather poor quality. Avoid using data cables longer than 2 metres
unless the video quality is not important. Good quality coaxial video cables may be
run at distances up to 20 metres with little loss of video quality.
Keyboard and PS/2 mice - 6 pin mini-DIN male connector to 6 pin mini-DIN male
connector with all lines connected straight through (1-1,2-2 etc.). If the PC has a 5-
pin DIN AT style keyboard connector you will need a PS/2 to AT keyboard adapter
6-pin mini-DIN female to 5-pin DIN male (readily available). For ‘self powered’
operation of the XL unit without the optional power adapter the cables should be no
longer than 3 metres. For operation with the power adapter, cables should be no
longer than 20 metres.
RS232 serial mice - these require a special converter to connect the RS232 lines
present on the AdderLink mouse ports to the RS232 port on a PC.Cables should be no longer than 20 metres.
Speaker and microphone cables – Screened audio cables with a stereo audio jack
on both ends should be used. Where possible keep the cable lengths to a minimum.
The maximum recommended length is 5 metres. 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 47A3. Twisted pair cable
Many types of twisted pair cables are available. You may use unshielded twisted
pair (UTP) or shielded twisted pair (STP) cable with the AdderLink. Ensure that the
cable you use is of Category 5 or better specification.
The AdderLink uses the following pairs on the twisted pair RJ45 jack connector. If
your cable is terminated for networking use then it will probably be wired correctly for
the AdderLink. All four twisted pairs within the cable are used by the AdderLink.
Electrically, the cables should be wired with pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, 3 to 3, 4 to
4, 5 to 5, 6 to 6, 7 to 7 and 8 to 8.
BICC Brand - Rex cables are particularly recommended for use with the AdderLink
The usage of the various twisted pairs is shown below: 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 48Maximising the video quality for long cable lengths
All twisted pair cables are constructed so that each of the twisted pairs has a slightly
different twist rate. This is to reduce the electrical cross-talk between signals
travelling on adjacent pairs. This difference in twist frequency effectively means that
the wire distance that an electrical signal has to traverse is different for the different
pairs. This does not normally cause a noticeable problem but for higher screen
resolutions at longer cable lengths a colour separation effect may start to be
observed.
In practice most networking cables have one pair of conductors that are significantly
more tightly twisted than the other three. Unfortunately this varies between cable
types and manufacturers. If you do observe a colour separation effect at high screen
resolutions and longer cable lengths then this may be improved by swapping the
twisted pairs that are used within the cable. To gain the best results the red, green
and blue AdderLink colour signals should be sent over the three pairs that have the
closest twist frequency. This normally means that the pair with the tightest twist
frequency should be avoided.
If you do not already have a cable and you wish to purchase a suitable cable then
this may be purchased from Adder Technology via your supplier. High quality cables
are also available that remove this colour separation effect completely.
A4. RS232 port pin assignments
View of AdderLink 9-way D-type female socket 
						

							AdderLinkInstallation and UsePage 49RS232 cables for mouse applications
Computer to AdderLink RS232 cable for RS232 mouse applicationsComputer-end 9-pin female connectorAdderLink-end 9-pin male connector22335574Mouse to AdderLink cable / adapterMouse-end 9-pin male connectorAdderLink-end 9-pin male connector23324655786487RS232 cables for printer applications
Computer to AdderLink RS232 cable for RS232 printer applicationsComputer-end 9-pin female connectorAdderLink-end 9-pin male connectorAll lines connected straight through 1-1,2-2,3-3 etc.AdderLink to printer with 25-way connectorAdderLink-end 9-pin male connectorPrinter-end 25-pin male connector2332420576685