ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual FCC Information This is an FCC Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual User Information Online Registration Be sure to register your product at our online support center: International http://support.aten.com North America ATEN TECH http://www.aten-usa.com/product_registration ATEN NJ http://support.aten.com Telephone Support For telephone support, call this number: International 886-2-8692-6959...
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual About this Manual This User Manual is provided to help you get the most from your ACS1208A / ACS1216A system. It covers all aspects of installation, configuration and operation. An overview of the information found in the manual is provided below.
For information about all ATEN products and how they can help you connect without limits, visit ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers: International http://www.aten.com...
Chapter 1 Introduction Overview The Master View ACS1208A / ACS1216A KVM Switches are control units that allow access to multiple computers from a single console (keyboard, mouse, and monitor). Before the development of the Master View, the only way to control multiple computer configurations from a single console was through a complex and costly network system.
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ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual There is no better way to save time and money than with a Master View ACS1208A / ACS1216A installation. By allowing a single console to manage all the attached computers, an ACS1208A / ACS1216A installation: (1) eliminates the expense of having to purchase a separate keyboard, monitor, and mouse for each computer;...
Chapter 1. Introduction Features A Single Console Controls Up To 8 (ACS1208A) or 16 (ACS1216A) Computers Daisy-chain Up To 31 Additional Units – Control Up to 512 computers From a Single Console No Software Required - Convenient Computer Selection via Hotkeys and Intuitive On Screen Display (OSD) Menus Auto Scan Feature for Monitoring User-Selected Computers Hot Pluggable –...
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Hardware Requirements Console A VGA, SVGA, or Multisync monitor capable of the highest resolution that you will be using on any computer in the installation. A PS/2 style mouse A PS/2 style keyboard Computers The following equipment must be installed on each computer: A VGA, SVGA or Multisync card.
Chapter 1. Introduction Front View POWER Component Description Port LEDs An orange LED indicates that a computer is connected to the corresponding port. A green LED indicates that the computer connected to the corresponding port has focus. Reset Button Pressing in this button performs a system reset. When the system is reset, the ACS1208A / ACS1216A beeps, and then the KVM port LEDs flash in succession until the reset is completed.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Rear View Component Description Daisy-chain Ports When daisy-chaining units, the cables plug in here. The port on the right is the Chain Out port; the one on the left is the Chain In port. KVM Ports The cables that link to the computers plug in here.
Chapter 2 Hardware Setup Overview For convenience and flexibility using a PS/2 interface, the ACS1208A / ACS1216A's design utilizes KVM adapter cables that serve as intermediaries between the KVM switch and the connected computers. A separate KVM adapter cable is required for each computer connection. The KVM adapter cables are listed in the Cables section on page 4.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Rack Mounting The ACS1208A / ACS1216A can be mounted in a 1U system rack. For convenience and flexibility, the mounting brackets can screw into either the front or the back of the unit so that it can attach to the front or the back of the rack.
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup Single Stage Installation In a single stage installation, there are no additional switches daisy-chained down from the first unit. To set up a single stage installation do the following: 1. Plug your keyboard, mouse, and monitor into the unit's console ports. 2.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Daisy-chained Installation To control even more computers, up to 31 additional switches can be daisy- chained down from the first unit. As many as 512 computers can be controlled from a single console in a complete installation. Tables showing the relation between the number of computers and the number of Master View ACS1208A / ACS1216A units needed to control them are provided on page 46 in the Appendix.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Hot Plugging The ACS1208A / ACS1216A supports hot plugging - components can be removed and added back into the installation by unplugging their cables from the ports without the need to shut the unit down. In order for hot plugging to work properly, however, the procedures described below must be followed: Switching Station Positions You can switch station positions by simply unplugging from the old parent and...
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup Port ID Numbering Each KVM port on a ACS1208A / ACS1216A installation is assigned a unique Port ID. The Port ID is made up of two parts: a Station Number, and a Port Number: The Station Number - is a two digit number which reflects the switch's position in the daisy-chain sequence.
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Chapter 3 Hotkey Operation Hotkey Port Control Hotkey Port Control allows you to provide KVM focus to a particular computer directly from the keyboard. The Master View ACS1208A / ACS1216A provides the following Hotkey Port Control features: Selecting the Active Port Auto Scanning Skip Mode Switching Invoking Hotkey Mode...
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual When Hotkey Mode is active: The Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock LEDs flash in succession to indicate so. They stop flashing and revert to normal status when you exit Hotkey Mode. A Command Line appears on the monitor screen. The command line prompt is the word Hotkey: in yellow text on a blue background, and displays the subsequent Hotkey information that you key in.
Chapter 3. Hotkey Operation Auto Scanning Auto Scan automatically switches among all the active KVM ports that are accessible to the currently logged on user at regular intervals, so that he can monitor their activity automatically. (See Scan/Skip Mode of the OSD F3 SET function, page 27 for information regarding accessible ports).
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ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual To resume Auto Scanning, press any key or Left Click. Scanning continues from where it left off. While Auto Scan mode is in effect, ordinary keyboard and mouse functions are suspended - only Auto Scan mode compliant keystrokes and mouse clicks can be input.
Chapter 3. Hotkey Operation Skip Mode This feature allows you to switch between computers in order to monitor them manually. You can dwell on a particular port for as long or as little as you like – as opposed to Auto Scanning, which automatically switches after a fixed interval.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Hotkey Beeper Control The Beeper (see Activate Beeper, page 29) can be Hotkey toggled On and Off. To toggle the Beeper, key in the following Hotkey combination: 1. Invoke Hotkey Mode with the [NumLock] + [*] or [NumLock] + [-] combination 2.
Chapter 4 OSD Operation OSD Overview The On Screen Display (OSD) is a menu driven method to handle computer control and switching operations. All procedures start from the OSD Main Screen. To pop up the Main Screen, tap the [Scroll Lock] key twice. Note: You can optionally change the Hotkey to the Ctrl key, in which case you would tap [Ctrl] twice (see OSD Hotkey, page 26).
F2:LIST F4:ADM F6:BRC F8:LOUT ADMINISTRATOR LIST:ALL SN PN NAME ATEN INTL.CO. 1 ATEN INTL.CO. 2 ATEN INTL.CO. 3 FAX SERVER 1 FAX SERVER 2 WEB SERVER 1 WEB SERVER 2 MAIL SERVER 1 Note: 1. The diagram depicts the Administrator's Main Screen. The User Main...
Chapter 4. OSD Operation OSD Navigation To dismiss the menu, and deactivate OSD, Click the X at the upper right corner of the OSD Window; or press [Esc]. To Logout, Click F8 at the top of the Main Screen, or press [F8]. To move up or down through the list one line at a time, Click the Up and Down Triangle symbols ( ) or use the Up and Down Arrow Keys.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual OSD Functions OSD functions are used to configure and control the OSD. For example, you can: rapidly switch to any port; scan selected ports only; limit the list you wish to view; designate a port as a Quick View Port; create or edit a port name; or make OSD setting adjustments.
Chapter 4. OSD Operation F2 LIST: This function lets you broaden or narrow the scope of which ports the OSD displays (lists) on the Main Screen. Many of the OSD functions only operate on the computers currently selected for Listing on the Main Screen with this function.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual F3 SET: This function allows the Administrator and each User to set up his own working environment. A separate profile for each is stored by the OSD and is activated according to the Username that was provided during Login. To change a setting: 1.
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Chapter 4. OSD Operation (Continued from previous page.) Setting Function PORT ID Selects how the Port ID is displayed: the Port Number alone DISPLAY (PORT NUMBER); the Port Name alone (PORT NAME); or the MODE Port Number plus the Port Name (PORT NUMBER + PORT NAME).
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual F4 ADM: F4 is an Administrator only function. It allows the Administrator to configure and control the overall operation of the OSD. To change a setting Double Click it; or use the Up and Down Arrow Keys to move the highlight bar to it then press [Enter].
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Chapter 4. OSD Operation (Continued from previous page.) Setting Function EDIT PORT To help remember which computer is attached to a particular port, NAMES every port can be given a name. This function allows the Administrator to create, modify, or delete port names. To Edit a port name: 1.
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ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual (Continued from previous page.) Setting Function SET QUICK This function lets the Administrator select which Ports to include as VIEW PORTS Quick View ports. To select/deselect a port as a Quick View Port, Double Click the port you want, or use the Navigation Keys to move the highlight bar to it, then press [Enter].
Chapter 4. OSD Operation F5 SKP: Clicking the F5 field or pressing [F5] invokes Skip (SKP) mode. This function enables you to easily skip backward or forward – switching the console focus from the currently active computer port to the previous or next available one. The selection of computers to be available for Skip mode switching is made with the Scan/Skip mode setting under the F3 SET function (see page 26).
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual F6 BRC: F6 is an Administrator only function. Clicking the F6 field, or pressing [F6], invokes Broadcast (BRC) mode. When this function is in effect, commands sent from the console are broadcast to to all available computers on the installation.
Chapter 4. OSD Operation F7 SCAN: Clicking the F7 field or pressing [F7] invokes Auto Scan mode. This function allows you to automatically switch among the available computers at regular intervals so that you can monitor their activity without having to take the trouble of switching yourself.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual F8 LOUT: Clicking the F8 field, or pressing [F8] logs you out of OSD control of the computers, and blanks the Console screen. This is different from simply pressing [Esc] when you are at the Main Screen to deactivate the OSD. With this function you must log in all over again to regain access to the OSD, whereas with [Esc], all you have to do to reenter the OSD is tap the OSD Hotkey.
Chapter 5 The Firmware Upgrade Utility Preparation To prepare for the firmware upgrade, do the following: 1. From a computer that is not part of your KVM installation go to our Internet support site and choose the model name that relates to your device to get a list of available Firmware Upgrade Packages.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Starting the Upgrade To upgrade your firmware: 1. Run the downloaded Firmware Upgrade Package file, either by double clicking the file icon, or by opening a command line and entering the full path to it. The Firmware Upgrade Utility Welcome screen appears: Note: The screens shown in this section are for reference only.
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Chapter 5. The Firmware Upgrade Utility 4. After you have made your device selection(s), click Next to perform the upgrade. If you enabled Check Firmware Version, the Utility compares the device's firmware level with that of the upgrade files. If it finds that the device's version is higher than the upgrade version, it brings up a dialog box informing you of the situation and gives you the option to Continue or Cancel.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Upgrade Succeeded After the upgrade has completed, a screen appears to inform you that the procedure was successful: Click Finish to close the Firmware Upgrade Utility. Upgrade Failed If the Upgrade Succeeded screen doesn't appear, it means that the upgrade failed to complete successfully.
Chapter 5. The Firmware Upgrade Utility Firmware Upgrade Recovery There are basically three conditions that call for firmware upgrade recovery: When you invoke Firmware Upgrade Mode (see Preparation, page 35), but decide not to proceed with the upgrade. When the Mainboard firmware upgrade fails. When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.
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Appendix Safety Instructions General Read all of these instructions. Save them for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the device. Do not place the device on any unstable surface (cart, stand, table, etc.). If the device falls, serious damage will result. Do not use the device near water.
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ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual To help protect your system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or un-interruptible power supply (UPS). Position system cables and power cables carefully; Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.
Appendix Rack Mounting Before working on the rack, make sure that the stabilizers are secured to the rack, extended to the floor, and that the full weight of the rack rests on the floor. Install front and side stabilizers on a single rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple racks before working on the rack.
Appendix Specifications Function ACS1208A ACS1216A Computer Direct Connections 256 (via daisy-chain) 512 (via daisy-chain) Port Selection OSD (On Screen Display); Hotkeys LEDs On Line 8 (Orange) 16 (Orange) Selected 8 (Green) 16 (Green) Power 1 (Blue) 2 x 7 Segments Console Keyboard 1 x 6 pin mini DIN F...
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual ACS1208A / ACS1216A Connection Tables The following tables indicate the relationship between the number of Master View units and the number of computers that they control: ACS1208A Computers Computers Computers Computers 1 - 8 65 - 72 129 - 136 193 - 200 9 - 16...
Appendix OSD Factory Default Settings The factory default settings are as follows: Setting Default OSD Hotkey [Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] Port ID Display Position Upper Right Corner Port ID Display Duration 3 Seconds Port ID Display Mode The Port Number plus the Port Name Scan Duration 5 Seconds Scan/Skip Mode...
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual Restoring Original Factory Default Settings You can restore the original factory default settings for the ACS1208A / ACS1216A. The original password for the default administrator account is restored; all administrator and user accounts are removed from the system. Only the station name and date and time are retained.
Appendix Troubleshooting Overview Operation problems can be due to a variety of causes. The first step in solving them is to make sure that all cables are securely attached and seated completely in their sockets. In addition, updating the product’s firmware may solve problems that have been discovered and resolved since the prior version was released.
ACS1208A / ACS1216A User Manual About SPHD Connectors This product uses SPHD connectors for its KVM and/or Console ports. We have specifically modified the shape of these connectors so that only KVM cables that we have designed to work with this product can be connected. Limited Warranty IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR...
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