ADDERView 4 PRO VGA MultiScreen Manual

							AV4PRO-VGA
User Guide

COMPUTERKVMSPKUSB1 USB2 MODE
www.adder .com
AV4PRO-VGA
AV4PRO-VGA-DUAL
AV4PRO-VGA-TRIPLE
AV4PRO-VGA-QUAD
{ 
						

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Contents
Introduction
What is True Emulation? .............................................................3
AV4PRO-VGA features - front and rear .....................................4
What’s in the box ........................................................................\
5
What you may additionally need ...............................................5
Installation
Mounting ........................................................................\
.............6
Connections ........................................................................\
.........7
User console ........................................................................\
....7
Computer systems ...................................................................8
Power in connection ...............................................................9
Optional RC4 remote control .................................................9
Channel switching by external control ....................................10
Synchronising multiple units .....................................................11
Managing EDID video display information ..............................12
Configuration
Using the configuration menu .................................................13
General configuration ...............................................................14
Changing hotkeys .................................................................14
Mouse switching ...................................................................14
OPTIONS port speed .............................................................14
OPTIONS port channel control behaviour ...........................14
Switching mode ....................................................................15
Miscellaneous functions .......................................................15
Performing upgrades ................................................................16
Operation
Selecting a computer.................................................................18
To select a computer using the front panel ........................18
To select a computer using hotkeys ....................................19
To select a computer using the mouse buttons ..................20
To lock access to the computers ..........................................21
Autoscanning ........................................................................\
.....22
Further information
Getting assistance ......................................................................23
Appendix 1 – Default EDID video modes .................................24
Appendix 2 – Cable pin-outs .....................................................25
Warranty ........................................................................\
............26
Safety information ....................................................................26
Radio Frequency Energy............................................................27
Index  
						

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2
12SPK
KVM
COMPUTER KVMSPKUSB1 USB2 MODE
www.adder .com
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a member of the AdderView 
PRO (AV4PRO) family of professional switches from 
Adder Technology. There are four versions of the 
four-way AV4PRO-VGA, each of which allows a single 
operator to control up to four computer systems 
and share peripherals among them in a very flexible 
manner. The AV4PRO-VGA can support one video head 
per channel, whereas the slightly larger AV4PRO-VGA-
DUAL, AV4PRO-VGA-TRIPLE and AV4PRO-VGA-QUAD 
units support two, three and four video heads per 
channel, respectively. 
In addition to impressive VGA video performance, these 
units offer more than just straight switching between 
four systems. The KVM, speakers and two separate USB 
devices attached to the AV4PRO-VGA units can either  
be switched in unison, as normal, or you can mix your 
peripherals between any of the systems to suit your 
current tasks. For instance, you could be creating emails 
on one system, listening to a soundtrack from another 
while a third is sending documents to your printer 
and a fourth performing another task with a different 
USB peripheral. The AV4PRO-VGA front panels make 
it straightforward to control which peripherals should 
connect to each system. 
The AV4PRO-VGA units feature True Emulation which 
ensures that the full characteristics of the connected 
keyboard and mouse are passed to every system. 
Multiple switchingThe attached peripheral devices can be switched collectively to any computer system, or can be linked to separate systems to achieve multiple tasks in parallel. Multiple switching can be controlled from the on-screen menu or using the front panel buttons.        
True EmulationEarlier USB KVM switches relied upon standard keyboard and mouse templates to inform each computer system how to deal with the connected peripherals. The AV4PRO-VGA range succeeds in harvesting the true identities of the connected keyboard and mouse and presents those ‘real’ profiles concurrently to every system. Thus, specialist keyboards and mice can be fully supported.  
Multiscreen versionsThe AV4PRO-VGA range includes separate models to support one, two, three  or  four  video  heads  per  channel.          
USB Remote wakeupThe USB Remote Wakeup feature is fully supported. Any connected computer can go into sleep mode and be awakened (when its channel is selected) as soon as you press a key or move the mouse. The computer and peripherals must support the USB Remote Wakeup feature.         
Intelligent display informationThe AV4PRO-VGA units use our EDID Emulation feature to ensure that all computers are supplied with the correct information about each connected video display.   
						

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What is True Emulation?
True Emulation represents a significant breakthrough in sharing USB de\
vices 
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 t\
hey 
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 th\
e True 
Emulation and enumerated sections can be switched in unison or independe\
ntly 
of each other, as required. Thus, your various peripherals can operate w\
ith 
different computers at the same time. 
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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AV4PRO-VGA features - front and rear
The AV4PRO-VGA single screen and multiscreen units are housed within 
durable, metallic enclosures with all connectors situated at the rear pa\
nel. The 
smart front face features the control buttons and the operation indicato\
rs.
Multiscreen versions
The Dual, Triple and Quad video screen versions use a larger 
casing and provide more connectors on the rear panel.
Options portThis 10p10c port can separately support the following functions:
•	Remote	control	-	external	switching	control	via	Adder	RC4	remote unit, RS-232 serial link or channel switching input lines (see Optional RC4 remote control or Channel switching by external control for details).
•	Upgrades	-	used	to	update	the	internal	firmware	when	necessary	by connecting to a computer.
User consoleConnect	VGA	video, USB keyboard and mouse plus optional speakers to these connectors. 
Computer channelsEach computer connects to one of these four channels via a VGA video connector, a USB B-type connector and an audio 3.5mm jack input.  
Power inputThe power supply connects here.
4321
USB2.0
SWITCHED USB 1
USB 2
5V
2.5A
INDOOR USE
ONL YUSER
CONSOLE
OPTIONS
User consoleConnect	up	to	two	USB devices to these connectors. These ports are switched in an enumerated manner (see What is True Emulation?)
COMPUTER KVMSPKUSB1 USB2 MODE
www.adder .com
IndicatorsThe four indicators (KVM, 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. 
1
2
3
4
USB2.0
SWITCHED USB 1
USB 2
V1 V2 V3 V4
5V
4A
INDOOR
USE
ONL Y
USER
CONSOLE
OPTIONS
COMPUTER KVM
V1 SPK
V2 USB1
V3 USB2
V4 MODE
www
.adder .com
MUL TISCREEN
Extra indicatorsAs well as the indicators shown on the single screen version, the multiscreen units also include four indicators, labelled V1 to V4, which show the video channels being switched.
Extra video channelsIn addition to all of the ports described (left) for the single screen version, the multiscreen versions provide additional VGA connectors to allow multiple video streams from each computer to be switched to (up to) four video monitors.    
						

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V 1 S
P K
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O DE
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PK
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ODE
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What’s in the box
CD-ROM
Four self-adhesive rubber feet
What you may additionally need
AV4PRO-VGA unit
Power adapter (12.5W or 20W) and country-specific power lead
Two 19” rack-mount brackets and four screwsPart number: RMK3
Audio cable 2m (3.5mm stereo jacks)Part	number:	VSC22
VGA analog video cable Part	number:	VSC18	(2m	length)
www .adder .com
4
3
2
1ADDER
RC4 remote control  plus standard 3m patch leadPart	number:	RC4-8P8C
AV4PRO-VGA Multiscreen unitsAV4PRO-VGA-DUAL, AV4PRO-VGA-TRIPLE  or AV4PRO-VGA-QUAD 
USB cable (type A to type B) Part	number:	VSC24	(2m	length)
Upgrade cablePart	number:	VSC40  
						

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1
USB2.0
SWITCHED USB 
1
USB  2
4 3
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2.5A
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CONSO LE
OPTIONS
Installation
Mounting
There are two main mounting methods:
•	 The	supplied	four	self-adhesive	rubber	feet
•	 Optional	rack	brackets	(not	Multiscreen	models)
ConnectionsRack brackets (not Multiscreen models)
The optional brackets (plus four screws), allow the 
unit to be secured within a standard rack slot. Note: Both the AV4PRO-VGA unit and 
its power supply generate heat when in 
operation 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 operate 
the equipment in ambient temperatures 
exceeding 40 degrees Centigrade. Do 
not place the products in contact with 
equipment whose surface temperature 
exceeds 40 degrees Centigrade.  
HT   
						

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INDOORUSE
ONL Y
USER
CONSOLE
OPTIONS1
2
3
4
5V
2.5A
IN DO OR
U SE
O NLY
USER
CONSOLE
O PTIONS
5V
2.5A
IN DO OR
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USER
CO NSOLE
OPTI ONS
1
USB2.0
SWITCHED USB 
1
USB  2
5V
2.5A
IND OOR
USE
O NLY
U SER
C ONSO LE
OPTI ONS
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 
that will be shared between the computer systems. Ensure that power is 
disconnected from the unit. 
To connect peripherals to the user console
1  Position your peripheral devices in the vicinity of the unit such that t\
heir 
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.
From speakers
4 Video monitor(s): VGA video ports are used 
throughout.   
From USB keyboard and mouse
5 Audio: Where required, connect the lead 
from your speakers to the audio socket.  
Note: The unit’s True Emulation 
feature will read the full 
characteristics of the keyboard 
and mouse and will present 
those to each connected 
computer concurrently. 
This ensures that 
specialist keyboards 
and mice are fully 
supported. 
From video monitor
3 USB devices: Where required, attach the 
leads from your USB peripherals to the USB 
sockets labelled USB1 and USB2.
Note: These sockets provide 
enumerated (transparent) 
switching.
From USB peripherals
 Single screen units: Attach the lead from 
the video monitor to the VGA connector 
of the user console area. 
 Multiscreen units: Attach 
the lead from each 
video monitor to a VGA 
connector of the user 
console area.
 Note: On the rear 
panel of the unit, the 
connectors at each 
horizontal level (V1 to V4) 
will be switched through 
to the user console VGA 
connector which is at the 
same level.    
From video monitors
 During initial power up, the AV4PRO-VGA 
unit will attempt to read the EDID information 
from the connected display(s). See Managing 
EDID video display information for details.   
						

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1
2
3
4
USB2.
0
SWITCHED USB 1
USB 2
V1 V2 V3 V4
5V
4A
INDOOR
USE
ONL Y
USER
CONSOLE
OPTIONS
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
1
2
U SB 2.0
S W ITCHED U
SB  1
U SB  2
V1 V2 V3 V4
1
2
3
4
2 1
USB2. 0
SWITCHED USB 
1
USB  2
2 1
USB2.0
SWITCHED USB 
1
USB  2
Computer systems
Each computer system is connected to the AV4PRO-VGA unit using up to thr\
ee 
cables.
To connect a computer system
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the AV4PRO-VGA unit 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 unit.
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 unit.
4 Single screen units: Link the video output of the computer’s graphic port to 
the VGA port of the required channel on the rear of the unit.
From the USB port on the computer
From the video port on the computer
From the speaker port on the computer
 Multiscreen units: Link the video outputs 
of each computer to the VGA ports on 
the rear of the unit (see note below).
Note: On the rear panel of the unit, connectors belonging to 
the same channel are stacked vertically. The connectors at each 
horizontal level (V1 to V4) will be switched through to the user 
console VGA connector which is at the same level:
 During initial power up, the AV4PRO-VGA 
unit will attempt to read the EDID information 
from the connected display(s). See Managing 
EDID video display information for details.   
						

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4
USER
CONSOLE
OPTIONS
4
5V
2.5A
IND OOR
U SE
O NLY
USE R
CO NSOLE
OPTIONS
Power in connection
The AV4PRO-VGA unit is supplied with either a 12.5W (single screen vers\
ion) or 
20W	 (Multiscreen	 versions)	power	adapter.	 There	is	no	 on/off	 switch	 on	the	 unit,	
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 unit.
3	 Connect	the	power	lead	to	a	nearby	main	supply	socket.
Note: Both the unit and its power supply generate heat when in operation\
 and 
will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in loca\
tions 
where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not operate the equ\
ipment 
in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Centigrade. Do not place th\
e 
products in contact with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds 40 \
degrees Centigrade. 
Optional RC4 remote control
The	optional	RC4	remote	control	unit	(full	part	number:	RC4-8P8C)	can	be	used	
to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop. T\
he 
RC4	remote	control	is	supplied	with	a	3	metre	cable	that	is	used	to	link	with	the	
OPTIONS port on the rear panel of the unit.       
To connect the remote control
1	 Connect	either	end	of	the	supplied	cable	to	the	socket	at	the	rear	of	the	
RC4	remote	control.	
2	 Connect	the	other	end	of	the	cable	to	the	OPTIONS port on the rear panel of 
the unit.