ADDERView CATx 1000 Manual

							
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Power switching configuration
Power switch configuration comprises two main steps:•  Configure the 
POWER CONTROL serial port to the same speed as used by the 
power switch box(es) via the configuration menu. 
•  Configure power ON and OFF strings for each relevant host computer.
For each power port there needs to be a valid ‘Power ON string’ and similarly an 
appropriate ‘Power OFF string’. In each case, the strings are a short sequence of 
characters that combine a port address and a power on or off value. 
If a particular computer has more than one power input (and thus requires an 
equivalent number of power ports to control them), collections of strings can be 
combined to switch all of the required ports together as a group.
To configure the power sequences for each host computer
1  Select the on-screen menu in one of two ways: 
•  By simultaneously pressing and then releasing 
  , or 
•  By pressing the middle and right buttons of a three button mouse.
Note: The mouse switching option is usable only if the ‘Mouse 
Switching’ option is enabled. See Global preferences for more details.
If the login screen is displayed, enter a valid password.
2  Press 
 to select ‘More menus’.
3  Highlight the ‘Functions’ option and press 
 to select.
4  Highlight the ‘Power Control’ option and press 
 to select.
5  As appropriate, highlight either the ‘Edit Power ON String’ or the ‘Edit Power 
OFF String’ options to display a screen similar to the one shown below: 
Power control sequences
Note: The settings given below are for the EPS-S8 power switch - other p\�ower 
switches may require different settings. Please refer to your power swit\�ch 
documentation for details about codes required by other power switches.
The structure of each power sequence (OFF and ON) is as follows:
Pxy=z\0D 
 Where: 
x is the switch box number,
y is the power port number,  
z is ‘0’ for OFF or ‘1’ for ON, and
\0D represents Enter (or Carriage return).
Example 1 
To switch ON port 5 of switch box 2, the code would be as follows:
•  Power sequence:   P25=1\0D
Example 2 
To switch OFF port 8 of switch box 3, the code would be as follows:
•  Power sequence:   P38=0\0D
For details about operating this feature, see Power switching (via 
configuration menu) within the Operation chapter.
To control two or more ports simultaneously
You can control up to four power ports using a single sequence. This is done 
using the same command structure as shown above, plus a delay command, 
for each port. Immediately following a port command, insert the characte\�rs 
‘\*’ before the next port command, and so on up to four ports. For instance, to 
switch on ports 1 and 2 in the first power switch, the command line wo\�uld be:
 P11=1\0D\*P12=1\0D
PowerString[ASCII]
EditPowerONString1
P12=1\0D
PowerString[HEX]
5031323D315C3044
Stringsapplyto
Computer:Computer8
Port: 08
Enter-SaveEsc-Quit
F2-NextString
F1-ASCII/HexToggle
6 Enter the required codes either within the upper ASCII section or the middle 
HEX section (use  to change between them). The required codes are 
explained in ‘Power control sequences’ opposite.
7  Press 
 to store the details and exit from the screen. 
						

							
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Performing upgrades
The AdderView CATx 1000 units are fully upgradeable via flash upgrades, 
as are the individual Computer Access Modules that are used to link all host 
computers. Such upgrades require a Windows-based computer system to be 
linked via the OPTIONS port. 
Upgrading AdderView CATx 1000 units and CAMs
The KVM Firmware Uploader utility is available from the Adder Technology 
website (www.adder.com) and allows you to check the current revision of the 
AdderView CATx 1000 unit firmware as well as every Computer Access Module 
connected to it.
Items required to use the upgrade utility •  Optional serial upgrade cable (see 
Appendix 2 for pin-out specifications).
•  A Windows-based upgrade computer with an RS232 serial port.
•  The latest version of the KVM Firmware Uploader and firmware files for the 
AdderView CATx 1000 - 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 AdderView CATx 1000 KVM Firmware Uploader from 
the Adder Technology website and install it on a Windows-based upgrade 
computer that will be connected to the AdderView CATx 1000 unit. 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 contained 
files to the same folder on the upgrade computer. 
2 - Power off the AdderView CATx 1000
  Remove the power supply plug from the rear panel of the unit. 
3 - Connect the upgrade computer to the AdderView CATx 1000
  Connect the upgrade computer to the 
OPTIONS port on the rear panel of the 
AdderView CATx 1000 unit using the supplied upgrade cable. 
  Set the configuration of the computer’s serial port to: 19200 baud, 8 data 
bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
4 - Power on the AdderView CATx 1000 and invoke upgrade mode
   Use a straightened out paper clip to press and hold the reset button (small 
hole adjacent to the front panel connector). Reconnect power and wait for 
three seconds before releasing. 
  The 
UPG indicator should illuminate to show that the AdderView CATx 1000 
is ready to be upgraded. 
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 AdderView CATx 1000 unit
  Click the 
Query Unit button to confirm that communication is possible with 
the AdderView CATx 1000 and to establish the firmware details of the main 
unit and all connected CAMs.
 Note: The computer to which each CAM is connected must be powered 
before the respective CAM can be accessed.
  Note: AdderView CATx 1000 units in lower levels of cascade links (and their 
respective CAMs) cannot be queried or upgraded while remaining in the 
cascade arrangement.  
 If the application cannot contact the AdderView CATx 1000, 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 
						

							
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9 - Commence the upgrade  To begin the upgrade process, click the 
Upload Now button. 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 take a few seconds).
10 - Cycle the power
  Disconnect the power. When the power is re-applied the AdderView CATx 
1000 will operate using the new firmware.
Issues to consider when performing flash upgrades
The upgrade program rewrites the AdderView CATx 1000 firmware code. If the 
upgrade process is interrupted then the AdderView CATx 1000 will have invalid 
code and will not be able to operate. It is therefore good practice to ensure 
that the upgrade process is always fully completed. A partial or failed upgrade 
may be rectified by performing another upgrade. If the upgrade process is 
interrupted accidentally then you should press and release the front panel reset 
button without re-powering the unit. Running faulty or partially upgraded code 
may have unpredictable results and may damage your AdderView CATx 1000 or 
computing equipment. 
WARNING: Running faulty or partially upgraded code may have unpredictable\� 
results and may damage your AdderView CATx 1000 or computing equipment.
 
The results of the unit query will be displayed in the Device/Dongle Selectio\�n 
dialog:  
 The type and firmware revision of each discovered CAM will be displayed 
alongside the port number to which it is connected.
7 - Select the items to be upgraded
  Using the Device/Dongle Selection dialog you can determine which items 
should receive a firmware upgrade:
•  Use the 
Program / Verify Main Unit option to include or exclude the 
AdderView CATx 1000 unit itself.
•  Use the 
Select All CAMs option to upgrade every discovered CAM.
•  Use the 
Select All USB / PS2 / Sun CAMs options to upgrade only CAMs 
of a certain type.
•  Use the individual port options to select particular CAM devices to 
upgrade.
  When the required options have been selected, click OK.
 Note: Approximate upgrade times are: AdderView CATx 1000 unit = 4½ 
minutes; each selected CAM = 20 seconds.
8 - Select the upgrade file to be used
  From the main KVM Firmware Uploader dialog, click the 
Browse... button 
and select the upgrade file:
  AV1000_x.xx.txt
 where x.xx 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’. 
						

							
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ADDERVIEWCATx1000
UserName:
Password:
Esc-ScrSave
ADDERVIEWCATx1000
ComputerPort
Computer1 01
Computer2 02
Computer3 03
Computer4 04
Computer5 05
Computer6 06
Computer7 07
Computer8 08
UserStatus
ADMINSHAREDUSE
F1-MoremenusF3-Find
Esc-QuitF4-Logout
This column shows the AdderView CATx 
000 address for 
each computer. If you wanted to select ports using the hotkey method, these are addresses that you would enter.
Default names for each computer port
Your Login nameLink status of your user port
Enter your Login name here
Selecting a computer
There are three main ways for local and remote users to select a specific 
computer channel:
•	Using hotkeys (as described below) – this is a good method if you continually 
access a small number of computers.
•	Using the on-screen menu – this is the best method when there are many 
connected computers.
•	Using mouse buttons – this is a good method for cycling between a small 
number of computers.
For all methods (if the confirmation box option is enabled), when the required 
port is selected, a pop up message will be displayed to confirm the co\�mputer 
name or number, and its status. Alternatively, an error message explaining why a 
connection is not possible (press  to cancel the latter type of message).
To select a computer using hotkeys
1  Simultaneously press and hold 
 and .
Note: The  and  keys when pressed in combination are called 
‘hotkeys’ and they signal to the AdderView CATx 1000 that you wish to 
control it, rather than the computer. However, if these particular hotkeys 
clash with another device or program, then your administrator may change\� 
them to a different combination. If the   combination fails to work, 
then please contact the system administrator for details.  
2  While still holding 
 and , press the first numeral of the required port 
address, then: 
•  If the port address is a single character, release all of the keys.
•  If the port address is two or more characters, release the first numeral 
key and press the second – repeat this procedure until all of the port 
address numerals have been entered, then release  and .  
Note: The numbers on your keyboard’s numeric keypad are not valid, use 
only the numeral keys above the QWERTY section.
Note: If your user port does not have authorisation to view the selected\� port 
then an ‘Insufficient user rights’ messages will be displayed.
continued
If the above login prompt is not displayed, you are either already logged in to the AdderView 
CATx 000 unit, or the security features have not 
been implemented. In such cases see ‘To view this menu at any time’ below.
Operation
Local and remote user access
Local users (directly connected) and remote users (via an Adder X100/X200 
extender) gain access to the AdderView CATx 1000 unit in exactly the same way. 
To gain access as a local or remote user:
1  From a local or remote keyboard, press any key to display the login prompt:
2  Enter your username and password. Providing you have the correct 
permissions, the screen will display the main menu, showing you a list of 
computers for which you have permission to access: 
To view this menu at any time: Press and hold the hotkeys (usually  and ), 
then press  and finally release all three keys.
Note: The  and  keys when pressed in combination are called ‘hotkeys’ 
and they signal to the AdderView CATx 1000 that you wish to control it, rather 
than the host computer. However, if these particular hotkeys clash with another 
device or program, then your administrator may change them to a differen\�t 
combination. If the    combination fails to work, then please contact 
your system administrator for details.
These indicators show which systems are currently accessible (green) or inaccessible (red).
HT 
						

							
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Standard hotkeys
The range of hotkey combinations are as follows:
Note: If your hotkeys have been changed, substitute them for  and  in 
the examples given here. 
   Selects port 1
   Selects port 2
•  •
•  •
   then  Selects port 10
 Note: When entering multiple digit addresses as 
above or for even longer cascaded computers, 
keep  and  pressed down until all other 
numbers have been entered.  
    Selects the next available port
    Selects autoscan mode where each (authorised) 
port is displayed for a period determined by 
the administrator. To cancel autoscan mode, 
simply select any fixed channel using any of the 
suggested methods.
   Switches off the video signal – this will cause 
a power saving monitor to enter its standby 
mode. To awaken the monitor, simply select 
any fixed channel using any of the suggested 
methods.
   Logs out the current user (if security is enabled) 
or selects port 0 to disable the video signal (if 
security is disabled).
  & , ,  or   Moves the currently displayed on-screen menu 
around the screen. 
To select a computer using the on-screen menu
1  Select the on-screen menu in one of two ways: 
•  By simultaneously pressing and then releasing 
  , or 
•  By pressing the middle and right buttons of a three button mouse.
Note: The mouse switching option is usable only if the ‘Mouse 
Switching’ option is enabled. See Global preferences for more details.
At this point, depending on the security settings and the current log in 
situation, one of two things will be displayed, either the login screen, or the 
Selection menu: 
2  Use the 
 and  keys (or the scroll wheel of an IntelliMouse) to highlight 
the required computer name. Alternatively (for large configurations), press 
 to perform an alphabetical search for a particular port name.
Note: If security has been enabled then only computers to which the curr\�ent 
user port has permission will be displayed.
3  Press 
 to select the highlighted port.
ADDERVIEWCATx1000
ComputerPort
Computer1 01
Computer2 02
Computer3 03
Computer4 04
Computer5 05
Computer6 06
Computer7 07
Computer8 08
UserStatus
ADMINSHAREDUSE
F1-MoremenusF3-Find
Esc-QuitF4-Logout
The Selection Menu – here you can 
select computers by name. 
						

							
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To select a computer using mouse buttons
Note: This procedure works only with three-button or IntelliMouse device\�s and 
only if the ‘Mouse Switching’ option has been enabled by your admi\�nistrator.  1  Hold down the middle button (or scroll wheel) of the mouse.
2  Click the left mouse button to select the next computer port. When the 
correct port is reached, release the middle button. 
Note: If security has been enabled then only computers to which you have\� 
permission will be displayed.
To select a computer using mouse buttons – Advanced method 
1  Select the on-screen menu by pressing the middle and right buttons of a 
three button mouse.
2  Use the scroll wheel to highlight the required computer port.
3  Then, select either:
• 
Shared Use - press the left mouse button - This standard method allows 
other users to view the same computer port. Control of the port is 
given to one user at a time, on a first-come, first-served basis and\� is 
relinquished after a certain period of inactivity.
• 
Escape without selecting a port – press the right mouse button.
User arbitration - simultaneous local and remote users
During operation, if both the local and remote user consoles are both connected 
and being used, the connected video monitors will both continuously receive the 
output from the selected host system. Control of the selected host system (and 
switching operations) is arbitrated by the AdderView CATx 1000 on a first come, 
first served basis. In the idle state, control is available to both users and their 
keyboard indicators both show 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 a period of inactivity 
(determined by the User 
Timeout option in Global Preferences) from the user currently in control, the 
modules return to their idle condition and re-instate the keyboard indicators of 
the locked-out user. 
						

							
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Selecting cascaded computers
The AdderView CATx 1000 is not limited to sharing just eight or sixteen 
computers. By joining numerous AdderView CATx 1000 products together in a 
tree-like or cascade arrangement, it is possible for each user port to view many 
more computers. Although you can use exactly the same selection methods 
to choose any computer, you are strongly recommended to use the on screen 
menu method for the following reasons:•  The 
on screen menu – this method displays the names of each computer in 
alphabetical order and also allows you to search for them by name, press 
– a useful feature in a long list. This really is the best way to access a large 
number of computers. 
•  The 
mouse method – this method is fine for small numbers of computers 
but can take too long to reach the required computer in an extensive 
configuration.
•  The 
hotkey method – depending on their position within the connection 
structure, each computer can have an address up to four digits long which 
can be difficult to remember and laborious to type.
Logging in and out
The AdderView CATx 1000 features a straightforward security system that helps 
to prevent unauthorised access to some, or all connected computers. 
If the security option has been selected by your administrator then you \�will be 
asked to enter a User Name and Password when you first access a user port. 
When you have finished using the computer, it is then good practice to logout, 
forcing any other users to authenticate themselves prior to use.
Note: If the security option has not been enabled then no login is requi\�red.
To log in to the AdderView CATx 000
1  If it is not already displayed, move the mouse or press any key to display the 
log in screen.
2  Enter your designated 
User Name and press .
3  Enter your designated 
Password and press . If both entries are correct 
then the selected port will be displayed.
Note: If either the User Name or Password are incorrect, the entries wil\�l be 
cleared to allow another attempt. 
To log out from the AdderView CATx 000
Either:
•  Press 
  and  at any time to log out.
or
1 Select the on-screen menu in one of two ways: 
•  By simultaneously pressing and then releasing 
  . 
Note: The  and  hotkeys may have been changed. If the 
combination fails to work, then please contact the system administrator \�
for details, or
•  By pressing the middle and right buttons of a three button mouse.
2  Press 
. You will be logged out and the login window will be re-displayed.  
						

							
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The reminder banner
As many computer screen layouts can appear very similar, the AdderView CATx 
1000 provides a reminder banner option that indicates which computer port you 
are currently viewing. The banner is usually displayed at the top of the screen, 
using white lettering and transparent background. You can:•  Move the banner
•  Change the banner colours, and/or
•  Disable the banner 
To move the reminder banner
1  While viewing a computer port, press and hold 
 and .
Note: The  and  hotkeys may have been changed. If the combination 
fails to work, then please contact the system administrator for details.\�
2  Press the 
, ,  and  keys to move the banner to the required 
position.
To change banner colours or disable the banner
1  Select the on-screen menu in one of two ways: 
•  By simultaneously pressing and then releasing 
  , or 
•  By pressing the middle and right buttons of a three button mouse. 
  If you are not already 
logged in, do so now.
2  Press 
 to select ‘More menus’.
3  Highlight the ‘User Preferences’ option and press 
 to select. 
4  Select the required option:
•  To disable the banner – highlight ‘Reminder Banner’ and press 
 
until ‘DISABLED’ is shown.
•  To change colours – highlight ‘Reminder Colour’ and press 
 until 
the desired colour combination is displayed.
5  Press 
 to save the settings. Press  twice more to return to the computer 
port and view your changes.
The confirmation box
The AdderView CATx 1000 provides the option of a confirmation box that 
is displayed on screen for three seconds after a computer is selected. The 
confirmation box indicates the current user port and your user name, the 
selected computer and the connection status. You can enable or disable the 
confirmation box, as required.
To enable/disable the confirmation box 
1  Select the on-screen menu in one of two ways: 
•  By simultaneously pressing and then releasing 
  , or 
•  By pressing the middle and right buttons of a three button mouse. 
If you are not already logged in, do so now.
2  Press 
 to select ‘More menus’.
3  Highlight the ‘User Preferences’ option and press 
 to select. 
4  Highlight the ‘Confirmation Box’ option and press 
 to select 
‘ENABLED’ or ‘DISABLED’, as required.
5  Press 
 to save the settings. Press  twice more to return to the computer 
port and view your changes. 
						

							
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User preferences and functions
In addition to customising the reminder banner as described earlier, you can 
also: •  Change the colour of the on screen menu, 
•  Select the screen saver style, 
•  Restore mouse operation, or 
•  Perform power control functions. 
All of these options are discussed within Appendix 1.
Power switching (via configuration menu)
When used in conjunction with optional power switch boxes, the AdderView 
CATx 1000 allows you complete remote control over the connected computers. 
The primary function of the power switching option is to remotely power down 
and reset computers that are failing to respond.
To switch a computer on or off
1  Select the on-screen menu in one of two ways: 
•  By simultaneously pressing and then releasing 
  , or 
•  By pressing the middle and right buttons of a three button mouse. 
  If you are not already 
logged in, do so now.
2  Switch to the computer port that needs to be switched on or off.
Note: If the computer is still responding, try to shut it down normally before 
attempting a power switch operation.
3  Display again the on screen menu and press 
 to select ‘More menus’.
4  The ‘Functions’ option should be highlighted, press 
.
5  Highlight ‘Power Control’ and press 
.
6  Highlight either ‘Switch Computer ON’ or ‘Switch Computer OFF’\� as 
necessary and press . A warning message with two options will be 
displayed.
7  Press 
 to confirm or  to confirm and exit. The latter option clears the 
menu so that, if required, you can be ready to enter any escape sequences 
that are needed by the computer (to access its BIOS setup area), during the 
bootup sequence. 
						

							
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Further information
This chapter contains a variety of information, including the following:\�•  Getting assistance - see right
•  Appendices
•  Appendix 1 - 
Configuration menus
• Appendix 2 - Cable specifications
• Safety information
• Warranty
• Radio frequency energy statements
Getting assistance
If you are still experiencing problems after checking the list of solutions in the 
Troubleshooting section then we provide a number of other solutions:
• 
Adder Technology website – www.adder.com
  Check the Support section of our website for the latest solutions and dr\�iver 
files.
• 
Email – [email protected]
• 
Fax   in the UK:  0 00
    in the US:  +   
• 
Phone  in the UK:  0 00
    in the US:  +    
HT