Summary of Contents for Ihse Draco vario 481 Series
Page 1
USER MANUAL Draco vario HDMI KVM Extender Series 481/491 Document: 2025-05-13_K481-K491-HDMI_en Edition: 13/5/2025...
Page 2
The model and serial number of your products are indicated on the bottom of our products. Always refer to this information when you need to contact your distributor or the support of IHSE GmbH (see chapter 13.1, page 64). Trademarks and Trade Names All trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the property of their respective owners.
Draco vario KVM Extender Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ................................3 Important Information ............................6 Firmware and Software ..........................6 Symbols for Warnings and Helpful Information ................... 6 Terms and Spellings............................ 6 Intended Use ............................... 7 Certificates/Directives..........................
Page 4
Important Information Draco vario 5.2.3 Matrix Installation ........................28 5.2.4 CPU Units with Local Feed-Through ..................28 Access Options ..............................29 Command Mode ............................29 Configuration ............................... 31 Transmission Parameters ......................... 31 7.1.1 Classic Series ..........................31 7.1.2 Ultra Series ..........................31 Configuration Options via Mini-USB Service Port ..................
Page 5
Draco vario Important Information Technical Data ..............................54 12.1 Interfaces ..............................54 12.1.1 HDMI Single-Link ........................54 12.1.2 HDMI 4K30 ..........................54 12.1.3 USB-HID ............................ 54 12.1.4 USB 2.0 ............................55 12.1.5 Mini-USB ............................ 55 12.1.6 RJ45 (Interconnection) ......................55 12.1.7 Fiber SFP Type LC (Interconnection) ..................
Important Information Draco vario Important Information Firmware and Software The information in this manual refers to the latest extender firmware available at the date of manual release. Symbols for Warnings and Helpful Information The meaning of the symbols used for warnings and helpful information in this manual is described below: WARNING WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Cat X cables or fiber optic cables. Chassis: The chassis are designed and intended for mounting or sliding-in IHSE KVM extender modules, IHSE add-on modules, or IHSE devices with extended function therein. The intended use includes the restrictions and safety instructions according to this manual.
EU Declaration of Conformity Please find the EU Declaration of Conformity for the device under: www.ihse.com/eu-declaration-of-conformity A copy of the original, product-specific EU Declaration of Conformity can be provided upon request. For contact details, see page 2 of this manual.
Draco vario Important Information 1.5.4 WEEE The device label carries a symbol (crossed-out dustbin) for marking electrical and electronic equipment. The manufacturer complies with the EU Directive 2012/19/EU on the prevention of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The manufacturer is a WEEE registered company (registration number DE39900275).
Safety Instructions Draco vario Safety Instructions English To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation of your device, please note the following guidelines: Read this user manual carefully. Read the chassis user manual in which the extender modules are installed. The instructions, safety instructions and warnings contained therein must also be observed.
Draco vario Safety Instructions Ensure that the ground connection is maintained from the outlet socket through to the power supply unit's AC power input. Only connect the device to KVM devices using the interconnecting cable - not to other devices, particularly not to telecommunications or network devices.
Page 12
Safety Instructions Draco vario Emplacement de l'installation Pendant le fonctionnement, le périphérique et les unités d'alimentation peuvent chauffer. Le périphérique peut être endommagé dans un environnement humide. N'utilisez le périphérique que dans un environnement sec et intérieur. N'utilisez le périphérique dans un lieu correctement ventilée. ...
Draco vario Description Description System Overview 3.1.1 KVM System in General This is an example for a point-to-point connection of KVM extender modules. The CPU Unit is connected directly to the source using the supplied cables. The CON Unit is connected to the sink (display, keyboard, mouse).
Therefore, please first select a chassis, then select one or more extender module(s), then select one or more add-on module(s) if required. The Draco System Designer, available on the IHSE website at https://dsd.ihse.com, will help you with system configuration. For more information, please...
Draco vario Description 3.1.4 Embedded Signals If optional add-on modules are used, signals such as, e.g., audio (analog, serial, digital or symmetrical) or USB 2.0 are transferred to the underlying extender module and embedded as well as transmitted via the link connection to the CON Unit.
Description Draco vario System Compatibility 3.2.1 Video Compatibility Extender modules are operated with a different firmware and technology and are not completely compatible with each other. The following table lists video compatibility (X) and non-video compatibility (-) (see footnotes). L474 L477 L481 L482...
Draco vario Description 3.2.2 Audio Compatibility The audio compatibility depends on the combination of extender modules and add-on modules, see following figure. HDMI 1.3: 5.1-Channel LPCM digital audio, embedded/ HDMI 2.0: 2-Channel LPCM digital audio, embedded DP 1.1: 5.1-Channel LPCM digital audio, embedded/ DP 1.2: 2-Channel LPCM digital audio, embedded 5.1-Channel PCM digital audio Balanced audio...
Description Draco vario 3.2.3 Interconnection Compatibility Extender modules are available in the following connection versions. The type of interconnection of extenders can be recognized by the article number: Interconnection (1.25 Gbit/s = "1G") via Cat X cable ("C") • Interconnection (1.25 Gbit/s = "1G") via single-mode fiber cable ("S") •...
Draco vario Produkt Types Produkt Types KVM Extender HDMI Series 481 USB- Local Redun- Part number Module type Codec Max. resolution Link video port dancy L481-BHHC CPU, HDMI Classic 1920x1200 Cat X 1G R481-BHHC CON, HDMI Classic 1920x1200 Cat X 1G L481-BHHCL CPU, HDMI Classic...
Produkt Types Draco vario KVM Extender HDMI Series 491 USB- Local Redun- Part number Module type Codec Max. resolution Link video port dancy L491-BUHCL CPU, HDMI 4K30 Ultra 4K 30Hz Cat X 1G R491-BUHCL CON, HDMI 4K30 Ultra 4K 30Hz Cat X 1G L491-BUHCLR CPU, HDMI 4K30...
Draco vario Produkt Types Product Views (exemplary) L/R481-BHHC Source side (CPU module) Sink side (CON module) Fig. 7 Interface side extender modules HDMI series 481 Mini-USB, service interface Mini-USB, service interface RJ45, interconnection RJ45, interconnection USB type B, USB-HID USB type A, USB-HID device 1 HDMI input USB type A, USB-HID device 2 HDMI output...
Produkt Types Draco vario L491-BUHCLR R491-BUHCLR Source side (CPU module) Sink side (CON module) Fig. 9 Interface side extender modules HDMI series 491 Mini-USB, service interface Mini-USB, service interface Cat X, primary interconnection Cat X, primary interconnection Cat X, secondary interconnection (redundancy) Cat X, secondary interconnection (redundancy) USB type B, USB-HID USB type A, USB-HID device 1...
Draco vario Produkt Types Status LEDs KVM Extender Module LED on the PCB The extender modules have a multicolor LED for status indication on the PCB that is visible on the front side of the following chassis: 474-BODY2, 474-BODY2R, 474-BODY2N, 474-BODY4, 474-BODY4R und 474-BODY6R-R1. Fig.
Produkt Types Draco vario 4.6.1 KVM Connection via Cat X Pos. 1/3 Pos. 2/4 Description Green KVM connection available. Flashing No KVM connection available. green Flashing Green KVM connection failure (flashing for approx. 20 s following each occurring connection failure). greeb 4.6.2 KVM Connection via Fiber...
Draco vario Produkt Types 4.6.4 LEDs at Upgrade Module for CON Unit for local Computer Sink (CON module with add-on module for USB data transfer from a local computer, R481-BUHSL) L474-BXH R481-BUHSL 1 2 3 Fig. 12 Interface side – Status LEDs of CPU USB-HID upgrade module Pos.
Installation Draco vario Installation NOTICE Please verify that interconnection cables, interfaces, and handling of the devices comply with the requirements (see chapter 12, page 54). We recommend that first-time users set up the system in a test environment that is limited to a single room. This simplifies identifying and solving cabling problems and you can comfortably experiment with your system.
Draco vario Installation Installation Examples This section illustrates typical installations of KVM extender modules. 5.2.1 Single Head Point-to-Point Installation with Audio Add-on Module Fig. 13 Installation example (point-to-point connection, single head audio add-on module) Source Sink (monitor, keyboard, mouse) CPU Unit Audio sink (optional, only with devices with add-on module analog audio/Serial option, digital audio, or Interconnect cable...
Installation Draco vario 5.2.3 Matrix Installation Fig. 15 Installation example (matrix connection Sources CON Units CPU Units Sinks (monitor, keyboard, mouse) Interconnect cable Matrix 5.2.4 CPU Modules with Local Feed-Through R474-BXH e.g. L481-BHHSLR Fig. 16 CPU unit with local feed-through combined with USB-HID CON upgrade module It is possible to combine a CPU module with local feed-through with a USB-HID CON upgrade module to achieve full local KVM control.
Tera Tool is available in the form of a single executable program file. For extender modules connected to a matrix, additional functions are available in the Tera Tool software. For more information, please refer to the manual of the respective IHSE Draco tera matrix.
Page 30
Access Options Draco vario Hot Key Code The Hot Key to start the command mode can be changed. The following table lists the Hot Key codes for the available Hot Keys. Hot Key Code Hot Key Freely selectable, except Esc, Del, Backspace and Enter 2x Scroll 2x Left Shift (default) 2x Left Ctrl...
Draco vario Configuration Configuration Transmission Parameters 7.1.1 Classic Series The device operates with a proprietary compression method. In default configuration, the device adapts dynamically to monitor resolution and image content. This configuration is suitable for almost all conditions and should only be modified if image quality is not fully satisfactory. NOTICE In exceptional cases, the displayed video image may exhibit "frame dropping"...
Configuration Draco vario EDID Settings By default, the CPU Unit provides the EDID for the sources by default. This information is suitable in most cases. Loading the EDID from the console monitor can be performed during normal operation (see chapter 8.1, page 38). For specific requirements, the EDID can be retrieved and uploaded as a binary file to the CPU Unit.
Draco vario Configuration USB-HID Ghosting This function allows specific keyboard and mouse descriptors (device descriptions) to be permanently stored in the CPU Unit. This permanent storage eliminates the need to register and deregister the keyboard and mouse on an operating system each time there is a shared use of a source by two or more consoles within a KVM matrix. The following table lists the keyboard commands for the configuration of USB-HID ghosting: Keyboard command Function...
Configuration Draco vario Configuration File Config.txt The extender module contains a configuration file ( ) to set specific parameters and to read out device and video information. The configuration file is located on the flash drive of the extender module. The flash drive can be opened by a Mini-USB connection to a computer.
Draco vario Configuration Parameters For information about parameters available for the usage with add-on modules, please refer to the 474-Add-on Module manual. 7.6.1 Parameters for CPU Units The following parameters can be written into the configuration file of a CPU Unit. EDID Management Parameter Function...
Configuration Draco vario 7.6.2 Parameter for CON Units The following parameters can be written into the configuration file of a CON Unit. Output Settings Parameter Function 1080p50Hz Always display 50 Hz when using 1920x1080. DISEXTOSD Deactivates extender module OSD. ENAFRAME Shows orange colored frame when losing extender module connection.
Draco vario Configuration Parallel Operation of Redundant CPU Units CPU Units with a redundant port for interconnection cables offer the possibility for competing control by two connected CON Units. Taking over control is performed using a keyboard and/or mouse. The release timer function determines the release time of the input devices at one of the CON Units after that control can be taken over from the second CON Unit.
Operation Draco vario Operation Downloading the EDID In the delivery state, the factory-set EDID in the CPU Unit is reported to the source. If these are not the optimal settings for the console monitor, the EDID can be loaded from the console monitor and stored in the internal memory of the CPU Unit.
Draco vario Operation Local KVM Switching CON Units with local input have the possibility to connect a local source (computer, CPU). This allows an active manual switching between the extender connection and the local source (computer, CPU). When using the local KVM switch function, the CPU upgrade module L474-BXH is necessary to get USB-HID access to the local CPU.
Summary of Keyboard Commands Draco vario Summary of Keyboard Commands In the following you find a summary of keyboard commands that can be used. Keyboard commands are fixed to the position of the keys on the keyboard. Keyboard mapping tables may vary for country-specific layouts.
Draco vario Summary of Keyboard Commands Managing of EDID and USB-HID Ghosting 9.2.1 EDID Keyboard command Function Hot Key, a Downloads the EDID of a monitor connected to the CON Unit into the CPU Unit. 9.2.2 USB-HID Ghosting Keyboard command Function Hot Key, h, w, Enter Writes the device descriptions of the input devices connected to the CON Unit into the...
Summary of Keyboard Commands Draco vario Operation Keyboard command Function 2x Left Shift Starts the command mode (Hot Key, factory setting). Exits the command mode. Hot Key, a Downloads the EDID of a monitor connected to the CON Unit into the CPU Unit. Hot Key, h, w, Enter Writes the device descriptions of the input devices connected to the CON Unit into the CPU Unit.
Draco vario Maintenance Maintenance 10.1 Cleaning of Modules NOTICE Damage to the mechanical and electronic components The modules as well as the accessories can be damaged by cleaning with damp or aggressive cleaning agents. If the modules are nevertheless cleaned with damp or aggressive cleaning agents and damaged in the cleaning process, the manufacturer's warranty will be voided.
Maintenance Draco vario 10.3.2 Updating Firmware NOTICE To process successful firmware updates and avoid failures: For firmware update of the extender module, only use stand-alone computers that are not integrated into the extender module setup. Ensure that the computer used for the firmware update is not set into standby mode or sleep mode during the update.
Draco vario Maintenance Fig. 22 Flash Update - Select Flash Drive 7. Select the flash drive of the extender module to be updated. 8. Click Next >. The identification of the extender module type starts automatically. After successful identification, the specific firmware of the extender module is displayed in the Status Log area. Fig.
Maintenance Draco vario Fig. 24 Flash Update - Update Extender Module - Select files 10. Click Browse… to go to the location where the update files are saved. 11. Select the update files and click Select in the selection dialog. The firmware available for the extender module is displayed.
Draco vario Maintenance Fig. 26 Flash Update - Update Extender Module - Firmware update completed 13. Click Next > to verify the update. 14. Manually power off the extender module by disconnecting the power cord. 15. Reestablish the power supply by plugging in the power cord. The extender module restarts, and validation begins automatically.
Maintenance Draco vario 10.4 Updating Firmware via Copy & Paste The extender modules can be updated via copy & paste using the Mini-USB service port of the extender modules. EXTMSD.pfw The firmware type is part of the file name, e.g., for the MSD firmware with the file extension *.pfw.
Page 49
Draco vario Maintenance Preserving the Parameters of the Config.txt File Config.txt To store the file before updating MSD firmware, if parameters have been set, proceed as follows: 1. Connect the extender module to any source using a Mini-USB cable. Config.txt The extender module opens a flash drive containing the file.
Maintenance Draco vario 10.5 Resetting an Extender Module to the Factory Settings NOTICE When a firmware update has been performed since the delivery, the latest installed firmware version is retained. To reset extender modules back to default, there are the following possibilities: Parameter 1.
Draco vario Troubleshooting Troubleshooting 11.1 General Failures Diagnosis Possible reason What to do Config.txt Config.txt Parameter not set or saved. Write the parameter into file and save Parameter without changes. function. Start command #CFG not set. Write the start command #CFG into first line of the Config.txt file.
Troubleshooting Draco vario 11.3 USB-HID Failure See also status indication of the extender modules in chapter 4.6, from side 23. In the following, diagnoses, causes and measures are described for the case that a video signal is present. Source side (CPU module) Sink side (CON module) Fig.
Draco vario Troubleshooting 11.4 Upgrade Module USB-HID (L/R474-BXH) Source side (CPU module) Sink side (CON module) 1 2 3 1 2 3 Fig. 30 Upgrade module USB-HID - Failure indication Diagnosis Possible reason What to do LED 1 / 2 off Device at higher / lower USB-HID port not ...
Technical Data Draco vario Technical Data 12.1 Interfaces 12.1.1 HDMI Single-Link Video The audio / video interface can transmit monitor resolutions such as 1920x1200@60Hz, Full HD (1080p) or 2K HD (up to 2048x1152). Data rate is limited to 165 MPixel/s and 8 bits. Audio Various audio formats can be transmitted through the interface.
Draco vario Technical Data Only two USB-HID devices are supported concurrently, such as keyboard and mouse or keyboard and touch screen. A hub is allowed, but it does not increase the number of devices allowed. To support other USB 'non-HID' devices, such as scanners, web cams or memory devices, use the USB 2.0 interfaces.
Technical Data Draco vario 12.2 Interconnection Cables 12.2.1 Cat X NOTICE Transmission problems Routing over an active network component, such as an ethernet hub, switch, or router is not allowed. Operation with several patch fields is possible. Establish a point-to-point connection. ...
Draco vario Technical Data 12.2.2 Fiber NOTICE Transmission problems Routing over an active network component, such as an ethernet hub, switch, or router is not allowed. Operation with several patch fields is possible. Establish a point-to-point connection. Type of Interconnection Cable* Type of cable Specification Single-mode 9 μm...
Technical Data Draco vario 12.3 Pinouts 12.3.1 HDMI Single-Link Connector Signal Signal T.M.D.S data 2+ T.M.D.S clock GND T.M.D.S data 2 GND T.M.D.S clock- T.M.D.S data 2- T.M.D.S data 1+ T.M.D.S data 1 GND DDC Input (SCL) T.M.D.S data 1- DDC Output (SDA) T.M.D.S data 0+ DDC/CEC/HEC GND...
Draco vario Technical Data 12.3.5 Mini-USB, Type B Connector Signal Color +5 V (DC) Data – White Data + Green Not connected Black 12.3.6 RJ45 (Interconnection) Connector Signal Signal 12.3.7 Fiber SFP Type LC (Interconnection) Connector Diode Signal Data OUT Data IN 12.4 Environmental Conditions and Emissions...
Do NOT exceed the recommended maximum current supply of the chassis. To optimize the chassis equipment considering the chassis limitations, please refer to the Draco System Designer at https://dsd.ihse.com. The table shows the power supply voltage 1 and 2 of the chassis and the recommended maximum power supply of the chassis.
Draco vario Technical Data 12.5.2 Current Draw and Power Consumption of Extender Modules CPU Unit CON Unit Max. current draw Max. power Max. current draw Max. power Product consumption consumption L/R481-BHHC 800 mA 870 mA L/R481-BHHCL/W 870 mA 1060 mA 5.3 W L/R481-BHHCL/WR 1170 mA...
Technical Data Draco vario 12.6 Dimensions 12.6.1 Chassis with Extender Dimension of the shipping box incl. Product Dimension (WxDxH) accessories (WxDxH) 474-BODY2/ 145 x 147 x 44 mm (5.7" x 5.8" x 1.7") 474-BODY2R 474-BODY2N 221 x 147 x 44 mm (8.7" x 5.8" x 1.7") CON Units: 270 x 219 x 67 mm 474-BODY2DC-12 (10.5"...
Draco vario Technical Data 12.7 Weight The following table contains the weight when the respective chassis is fully equipped with the maximum number of modules, and with redundant power supply units depending on the chassis, for both the CPU Unit and the CON Unit. Max.
Technical Support Draco vario Technical Support Prior to contacting our support, please ensure you have read this manual, and then installed and set-up your KVM extender as recommended. 13.1 Support Checklist To efficiently handle your request, it is necessary that you complete a support request checklist (Download). Please ensure that you have the following information available before you call: Company, name, phone number and email •...
Draco vario Glossary Glossary The following terms are commonly used in this manual or in video and KVM technology. Term Description Cat X Any Cat 5e (Cat 6, Cat 7) cable. CON Device Logical object that summarizes several EXT Units of physical extender modules (CON Units) to switch more complex sink systems via matrix.
Index Draco vario Index Access Options ............29 Maintenance .............. 43 Command Mode ........... 29 Cleaning ..............43 Accessories ............... 20 Firmware Update Chassis ..............20 via Copy & Paste ..........48 via Matrix ............43 Certificates ..............8 via Tera Tool Software ........44 Configuration.............
Page 67
Draco vario Index System Structure and Terms ........ 14 Technical Data Current Draw ............61 Environmental Conditions and Emissions .... 59 Interconnection cables Cat X ..............56 Fiber ..............57 MTBF ..............63 Power Consumption ..........61 Technical Support ............. 64 Shipping Checklist ..........
Table of Figures Draco vario Table of Figures Fig. 1 Installation example (point-to-point connection, single head) ..............13 Fig. 2 Installation example (matrix connection, single head) ................. 13 Fig. 3 KVM Extender pair with CPU Unit and CON Unit ..................14 Fig.
Draco vario Change Log Change Log This table offers an overview of the most important changes available, such as new functions, changed configuration or operation. Edition Date Firmware version Chapter New functions/modifications Rev 5 13/5/2025 Current versions Multiple chapters Description of new modules 481-BUHx added Complete manual New layout features adopted Complete manual...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Draco vario 481 Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers