ADDERLink X2 MultiScreen Manual

							



10
 


Twisted pair link connections
The links between the LOCAL and REMOTE modules are made using between 
one and four twisted pair cables, specified to Category 5 or higher. 
The various cable connections carry the following channel signals (if p\
articular 
channels are not used, then corresponding link cables are not required)\
: 
Link cable Channel signals carried
 
1  Keyboard, Mouse, Audio, Video 1, Serial 1
 
2  Video 2, Serial 2
 
3  Video 3, Serial 3  (not MS2 model)
 
4  Video 4, Serial 4  (not MS2 model) 
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the total twisted pair cable length (including p\
atch 
boxes) does not exceed 200 metres for any link cable. Ensure that the m\
ultiple 
link cables are all of the same length to avoid the risk of uneven delay\
s on video 
images. 
For each required link connection: 
1  Insert the connector from 
the twisted pair cable link 
into one of the sockets 
(labelled TO REMOTE 1 to 
TO REMOTE 4).
2 Ensure that the other 
end of the twisted pair 
link connects to the 
corresponding numbered 
socket on the REMOTE 
module (labelled TO LOCAL 
1 to TO LOCAL 4). 
Power connection (optional on MS2 model)
The MS2 and MS4 LOCAL modules both have power input sockets. However, 
only the MS4 model has a mandatory requirement for power input from a 
supplied adapter. The MS2 LOCAL module requires a separate power input o\
nly 
when the keyboard connection to the host system is not used. Separate po\
wer 
supply units are available from Adder Technology Limited direct (www.shop.
adder.com) or from your local supplier - part number: PSU-IEC-5VDC.
1 Attach the output connector of the 
power supply to the socket of the 
LOCAL module, labelled POWER.
2 Insert the IEC connector of the 
IEC power connector
SERIAL  4
SERIAL  3
SERIAL  2INDOOR
USE ONL Y
SERIAL  1PO
WE R
TO REM
OTE  4
TO REM OTE  3
TO  REM OTE  2
TO  REM OTE  1
twisted pair connections -  cables must be of equal lengthsLOCAL
LOCAL
SERIAL  2INDOOR
USE ON LY
SERIAL  1PO
WE R
E 
2
TO  REM OTE  1
Connection from power adapter: MS2 model - not required unless the host system keyboard connection is not used (secondary power adapter not supplied)MS4 model - required in all cases (secondary power adapter supplied)
supplied power lead into the corresponding socket of the power supply. 
Connect the other end of the power lead to a nearby mains socket.   
						

							



11
 


Audio connections
At the REMOTE module, audio connections are available from the two 3.5”\
 
jack sockets mounted on the side (same side as the switch bank). Note:\
 The 
microphone input (labelled ) has a dual function whereby it can either 
support a mono-channel microphone or alternatively receive stereo line i\
nput. 
Switch 3 on the LOCAL module controls the setting of this port: LOCAL sw\
itch 3 
OFF - microphone, LOCAL switch 3 ON - stereo line in. 
1 Connect the microphone (or stereo 
line input) plug to the REMOTE 
module socket labelled . 
Note: Ensure that the setting of 
switch 3 on the LOCAL module 
matches the input to this socket:  
 OFF-microphone;  
 ON-stereo line input). 
2 Connect the speaker plug to the 
socket labelled .
Connections at the REMOTE module
Keyboard and mouse connections
1 Connect the keyboard lead to the 
purple mini-DIN socket labelled  
on the REMOTE module. 
2 Connect the keyboard lead to the 
green mini-DIN socket labelled  on 
the REMOTE module.
Note: When the REMOTE module is rack mounted, the audio connections 
must be made after the module has been fixed in place. Access is requi\
red 
to the rear and above the rack. Remember to remove the audio connections\
 
before attempting to slide out the REMOTE module.    
REMOTE
Microphone  (or stereo line-in) connection
SpeakerConnection 
VIDEO OUT  1
REMOTE
Connection from keyboard
Connection from mouse
1ON423
PO WER
SERIAL 
1
SERIAL 2
SERIAL 3
SERIAL 
4
CA TX LINK 1
CA
TX LINK 2
CA
TX LINK 3
CA
TX LINK 4   
						

							



12
 


Serial cable connections
You can attach multiple serial 
devices (such as touch screen 
inputs) to the remote module (up 
to two on the MS2 model or up to 
four on MS4 model).   
Note: The links support software 
or hardware handshaking up to a 
maximum baud rate of 56Kb/s. 
For each required serial 
connection:
1 Connect the cable from the 
serial device to one of the 
9 pin ports on the LOCAL 
module (labelled SERIAL 1 to 
SERIAL 4).
2 Ensure that the corresponding 
serial connection at the 
LOCAL module matches this 
device and the necessary port 
on the host system.
Video outputs
You can connect multiple video monitors to the REMOTE module (up to two\
 on 
the MS2 model or up to four on the MS4 model).
1 Attach the signal 
leads from each 
video monitor to 
the output sockets 
(labelled VIDEO OUT 
1 to VIDEO OUT 4) on 
the REMOTE module.
VIDEO OUT  4
VIDEO OUT  3
VIDEO OUT  2
VIDEO OUT  1
REMOTEConnections from monitors (two outputs available on MS2 model)SERIAL 4
SERIAL  3
SERIAL  2
SERIAL  1PO
WE R
TO
4
LOCAL
TO 3
LOCAL
TO  LOCAL  2
TO  LOCAL  1
INDOOR
USE ON LY
REMOTE
twisted pair connections -  cables must be of equal lengths
SERIAL  4
SERIAL  3
SERIAL  2
SERIAL  1PO
WE R
TO
4
LOCAL
TO 3
LOCAL
TO  LOCAL  2
TO  LOCAL  1
INDOOR
USE ONL Y
REMOTE
Connections to serial devices (two outputs available on MS2 model)
Twisted pair link connections
The links between the LOCAL and REMOTE modules are made using between 
one and four twisted pair cables, specified to Category 5 or higher. 
The various cable connections carry the following channel signals (if p\
articular 
channels are not used, then corresponding link cables are not required)\
: 
Link cable  Channel signals carried
 1   Keyboard, Mouse, Audio, Video 1, Serial 1
 2   Video 2, Serial 2
 3   Video 3, Serial 3  (not MS2 model)
 4   Video 4, Serial 4  (not MS2 model) 
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the total twisted pair cable length (including p\
atch 
boxes) does not exceed 200 metres for any link cable. Ensure that the m\
ultiple 
link cables are all of the same length to avoid the risk of uneven delay\
s on video 
images. 
For each required link connection: 
1 Insert the connector 
from the twisted pair 
cable link into one of 
the sockets (labelled TO 
LOCAL 1 to TO LOCAL 4).
2 Ensure that the other 
end of the twisted 
pair link connects to 
the corresponding 
numbered socket on the 
LOCAL module (labelled 
TO REMOTE 1 to TO 
REMOTE 4).    
						

							



13
 


Power connection
1 Attach the output connector of the 
power supply to the socket of the 
REMOTE module, labelled POWER.
SERIAL  2
SERIAL  1PO
WE R
2
TO  LOCAL  1 INDOOR
USE ONL Y
Power supply connection
REMOTE
IEC power connector
2 Insert the IEC connector of the supplied power lead into the correspondi\
ng 
socket of the power supply. Connect the other end of the power lead to a\
 
nearby mains socket.   
						

							



14
 


Operation
Power and activity indicators
On the front panels of all 
modules are small recessed 
indicators which provide 
confirmation of power and 
activity for each channel, as 
follows:
•	 Constant	red	- power 
applied, no communication 
activity.
•	 Flickering	red	- power 
applied, mouse or keyboard 
activity occuring.
•	 Slow	flashing	red	- module is 
in flash upgrade mode. 
Note: All modules contain 
internal automatic cut-out fuses 
to protect against power surges. 
To reset, remove power (or, for 
the LOCAL module, the multi-
cable connection) from the 
module for one second and then 
reconnect. 
General use
In use, the X2 Multi Screen modules should be almost transparent - the s\
ystem 
and its peripherals should operate almost exactly as normal, the only di\
fference 
being that they are duplicated (see ‘User arbitration’ below) an\
d one set is now 
up to 200 metres away. 
User arbitration and keyboard indicators
During operation, both of the connected video monitors continuously rece\
ive 
the output from the host system. Control of the host system is arbitrate\
d by 
the X2 Multi Screen modules on a first come, first served basis. In \
the idle state, 
control is available to both users and their keyboard indicators both sh\
ow the 
current Num Lock, etc. conditions of the host system.
At the moment that a key is 
pressed or a mouse is moved, 
the keyboard and mouse of 
the other user are temporarily 
locked-out (the video images 
remain). The keyboard 
indicators of the locked-out 
user then begin to flash to 
confirm their status 
After two seconds of 
inactivity from the user 
currently in control, the modules return to their idle condition and re-\
instate the 
keyboard indicators of the locked-out user.
Visible image shadows
In some installations, you may see some ‘shadows’ to the right of \
high contrast 
screen characters. This can be caused by an incorrectly selected sharpness setting 
and it may be necessary to make adjustments to correct this. Please see \
‘Image 
controls - sharpness and brightness’ in the ‘Special configurati\
on’ section.
SERIAL 4
SERIAL  3
SERIAL  2
SERIAL  1PO
WE R
TO
4
LOCA L
TO 3
LOCA L
TO  LOCAL  2
TO  LOCAL  1
INDOOR
USE ONL Y
Activity/power indicators   
						

							



15
 


Locking and unlocking the system
In situations where the computer system (and the LOCAL module) can be \
locked away, the X2 Multi Screen modules offer a viable security system \
to deter 
unauthorised use. Once a password has been set, a simple key sequence al\
lows 
the system to be quickly and securely detached from its peripherals. Onl\
y the 
correct password will reconnect the remote and local modules. 
To lock the system
1 First set a password. For further details, please refer to the ‘Passw\
ord setting’ 
section in the ‘Special configuration’ chapter.
2 Simultaneously press the currently configured hotkeys (by default,  and 
) along with .
The screen will go blank and the three keyboard 
indicators will begin alternately flashing between the 
‘Num Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’, and ‘Caps Lock’. This 
sequence indicates that a password is required.
To unlock the system  
1 Enter the correct password and press .
Note: Passwords are NOT case sensitive.
Note: If an invalid password has been entered and the keyboard indicator\
s 
are not flashing as described above, press  to clear the incorrect attempt.
2 If the correct password is entered, the screen will be restored and norm\
al 
operation can continue.
To enable the video
Simultaneously press the currently configured hotkeys (by default,  and ) 
long with . This command will be required to restore the video if  and  
along with  is used when no password has been set.
To disable the video
Simultaneously, press the currently configured hotkeys (by default,  and ) 
along with .    
Num
Loc k Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc k   
						

							



16
 


SECT 4
Special configuration
Configuration
You can alter the way that the X2 Multi Screen modules operate to suit y\
our 
requirements. This is done using the Configuration mode and you can af\
fect the 
following settings: 
•	Password setting – allows you to lock the remote module to prevent 
unauthorised system access.
•	Mouse restoration and settings – allows you to restore mouse operation and 
also to change the mouse type.
•	Image controls - sharpness & brightness – allows you to manually adjust the 
video image to ensure that it is crisp and bright.
•	Skew adjustment – allows you to manually compensate for possible video 
errors introduced by long, uneven cable connections.
•	Miscellaneous functions – report firmware version and restore settings.
What are hotkeys?
Hotkeys are two normal keyboard keys that, when pressed simultaneously w\
ith a 
third key, signal to the X2 Multi Screen modules that you are sending a \
message 
specifically to them and not to the computer. The hotkeys are ordinari\
ly  and 
, while a third keypress determines what you want the modules to do.
If the standard  and  hotkeys are also needed for computer tasks, you 
can change them for another combination using switches 2 and 3 on the 
REMOTE module:
2 OFF
3 OFF  Hotkeys =  and  (default setting)
2 OFF
3 ON  Hotkeys =  and  
2 ON
3 OFF  Hotkeys =  and 
2 ON
3 ON  Hotkeys disabled 
Entering, using and exiting configuration mode
To enter and use configuration mode:
1 Simultaneously press the currently configured 
hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with . 
 The three keyboard indicators (‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps 
Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’) will now begin to flash in 
sequence to show that you are in configuration 
mode. 
2 Press the first letter of the required configuration 
option, for instance . 
All three keyboard indicators will illuminate 
continuously.
3 Press the number of the required configuration 
option, for instance .  
The ‘Scroll Lock’ indicator will extinguish, leaving 
the ‘Num Lock’ and ‘Caps Lock’ indicators lit.
4 Press  to confirm your option.
The three keyboard indicators (‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps 
Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’) will now begin to flash in 
sequence again.
To exit from configuration mode:
1 Within configuration mode, the three keyboard indicators should be fl\
ashing 
in sequence to show that the module is ready to receive a new command.
2 Press . 
The three indicators will return to their normal states. 
Num
Loc k Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc
k
Num
Lock Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc k   
						

							



17
 


Password setting
Password protection allows you restrict access to the system only to aut\
horised 
personnel. A password first needs to be set and then, using the keyboa\
rd 
attached to the REMOTE module, a simple key sequence allows the system t\
o be 
quickly and securely detached from its peripherals.
To set a password
1 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
2 Press  followed by .
3 Now enter your new password, within the following constraints:
•	 Passwords	are	NOT	case	sensitive,
•	 Passwords	may	be	any	length	from	one	character	to	a	maximum	of	forty	
characters,
•	 The	following	keys	may	NOT	be	used:	, , , or  
4 When you have entered the password, press  to signal its completion.
5 Press  once more to exit configuration mode.
For full details about how to lock and unlock the system using your pass\
word, 
please see the ‘Locking and unlocking the system’ section in the ‘\
Installation and 
operation’ chapter.
Password override
This mode allows you to override the password that has been set at the R\
EMOTE 
module and place it into configuration mode so that a new one may be s\
et. This 
feature is particularly useful when passwords have been lost or forgotte\
n.
To override the REMOTE password
1 Remove power from the REMOTE module. 
2 With power to the system and LOCAL module still applied, change LOCAL 
switch 1 to the ON position.
3 Re-apply power to the REMOTE module. The REMOTE module will go 
directly into configuration mode so that the old password can be clear\
ed 
and a new one set. 
•	To clear a password: (within configuration mode) Press  followed by 
 and followed by  again. 
•	 You	can	now	enter	a	new	password	using	the	procedure	outlined	
in steps 2 to 5 of the ‘Password setting’ section, or press  to exit 
configuration mode.   
4 Return LOCAL switch 1 to its OFF position. 
Note: If switch 1 remains ON, then the REMOTE module will enter 
configuration mode whenever it is repowered and will not operate norma\
lly.    
						

							



18
 


Hot plugging and mouse restoration
It is strongly recommended that you switch off the computer system befor\
e 
attempting to connect it via the X2 Multi Screen modules. However, if th\
is is not 
possible then you need to ‘hot plug’ the modules while power is st\
ill applied to 
the system. There is not normally a danger of damage to the system, howe\
ver, 
when mouse communications are interrupted, often they fail to reinitiali\
se when 
reconnected. The modules provide a feature to reinstate mouse communicat\
ions 
once the necessary connections have been made.
There are two main types of data formats used by current PC mice, these \
are 
the older ‘PS/2’ format and the more recent ‘IntelliMouse®’ format introduced 
by Microsoft. These use slightly different data arrangements and it is i\
mportant 
to know which type was being used before you hot-plugged the modules. Th\
e 
previous setting depends both on the type of mouse and the type of drive\
r as 
various combinations of PS/2 and Intellimouse are possible. Using the in\
correct 
restore function may produce unpredictable results and require the syste\
m to be 
rebooted.
Which restore setting do I use?
The general rule is that unless both the mouse and the driver are both 
Intellimouse compatible then you need to restore the mouse as ‘PS/2’\
. 
Recognising an Intellimouse-style mouse
The Intellimouse format was introduced to support, among other features,\
 the 
scroll wheel function. If your mouse has a scroll wheel, then it is like\
ly to support 
the Intellimouse format. If you have a Microsoft mouse, then it will usu\
ally state 
that it is an Intellimouse on its underside label. 
Recognising an Intellimouse driver
Before hot plugging the modules (or afterwards using only keyboard cont\
rol), 
access the Windows Control Panel and select either the Mouse option (on 
Windows NT, 2000 and XP) or the System option (on Windows 95, 98, ME). 
Look for the name of the driver, which will usually include the words PS/2 or 
Intellimouse. 
To restore mouse operation when hot plugging:
1 Carefully connect the modules to the system and its keyboard, mouse, 
monitor, audio and serial device.
2 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
3 Enter the appropriate restore function code:   
•	PS/2 – press     
•	IntelliMouse – press       
4 To exit configuration mode, press .
5 Move the mouse a short distance and check for appropriate on-screen 
cursor movement. If the mouse cursor darts erratically around the screen\
, 
then cease moving the mouse. This is an indication that the chosen resto\
re 
function is incorrect. Try again using the other restore function.
Note: The restore functions predict the likely mouse resolution settings\
 but 
may not restore the exact speed or sensitivity settings that were origin\
ally 
set. 
Microsoft and Logitech -specific mouse settings
In certain installations some Logitech mouse drivers may lose the action\
 of the 
mouse buttons when used with the standard ‘Microsoft compatible’ s\
ignalling 
protocol used between the modules. To solve this problem, select the ‘\
Logitech 
compatible’ mouse signalling protocol.
To change mouse signalling protocols
1 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
2 Enter the appropriate protocol code:   
•	Microsoft compatible – press     
•	Logitech compatible – press       
3 To exit configuration mode, press .     
						

							



19
 


Image controls - sharpness and brightness
The X2 Multi Screen modules incorporate special controls to compensate f\
or 
losses incurred within long cable links. Using these controls you can ad\
just the 
picture sharpness and brightness to improve your remote picture quality.\
 The 
controls allow you to either affect all of the video channels collective\
ly, or where 
losses are inconsistent, select and adjust channels individually.  
The need for image control adjustment is best discovered when viewing hi\
gh 
contrast images with vertical edges, such as black lines on a white back\
ground. 
When doing so, if you notice that the screen image is ‘fuzzy’ or ‘\
dark’ then the 
image controls may be able to solve this condition. 
Note: If the high contrast images exhibit shadows with separate colours,\
 then 
there may be a skew problem which requires a different image adjustment \
- see 
the ‘Skew adjustment’ section for details. 
High contrast black character on white background
Black or bright white shadow on the right indicates the need for sharpness adjustment
To display a suitable high contrast image
The best way to clearly view the effect of sharpness and brightness adju\
stments 
is to display a high contrast image, with vertical edges, on the screen.\
 
•	 Open	a	word	processor,	type	the	capital	letter	
‘H’, or ‘M’ and increase the point size to 72 or 
higher. For best results, the background should 
be white and the character should be black. 
•	 A	BLACK shadow on the right of the character 
indicates UNDER compensation.
•	 A	WHITE shadow on the right of the character 
indicates OVER compensation. 
continued on next page