GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual FCC, CE Information FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT: 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual User Information Online Registration Be sure to register your product at our online support center: International http://www.iogear.com/registration Telephone Support For telephone support, call this number: North America 1-866-946-4327 User Notice All information, documentation, and specifications contained in this manual are subject to change without prior notification by the manufacturer.
Note: Features may have been added to the GCL1908 / GCL1916 since this manual was published. Please visit our website to download the most up-to- date version of the manual.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Contents FCC, CE Information ................... ii RoHS ......................ii SJ/T 11364-2006 ..................ii User Information ..................iii Online Registration ................iii Telephone Support ................iii User Notice ..................iii Package Contents ..................iv About this Manual ..................viii Conventions....................
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual About this Manual This user manual is provided to help you get the most from your GCL1908 / GCL1916 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 IOGEAR products and how they can help you connect without limits, visit IOGEAR on the Web or contact an IOGEAR Authorized Reseller. Visit IOGEAR on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers: http://www.iogear.com...
Page 10
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual This Page Intentionally Left Blank...
Introduction Overview The GCL1908 / GCL1916 LCD KVM Switch features an integrated 19" LCD panel allowing access and control with up to 8 or 16 computers from a single console (keyboard, mouse, and monitor). As many as 8 (GCL1908) or 16...
A single console controls up to 128 (GCL1908) or 256 (GCL1916) computers Integrated KVM console with 19” LCD panel Cascade to 2 levels – connect up to 8 (GCL1908) or 16 (GCL1916) switches Dual Interface – supports computers with PS/2 or USB keyboards and mice ...
Chapter 1. Introduction Requirements Computers The following hardware components are required for each computer: A VGA, SVGA, or multisync video graphics card with an HDB-15 port. PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports (6-pin Mini-DIN), or at least one USB port.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Operating Systems Supported operating systems are shown in the table, below: Version Windows 2000 and higher Linux RedHat 7.1 and higher SuSE 8.2 and higher Mandriva (Mandrake) 9.0 and higher UNIX 4.3 and higher FreeBSD 4.2 and higher...
Chapter 1. Introduction Components Front View Note: The GCL1916 is pictured in the diagrams of this chapter. However, the GCL1908 is the same as the GCL1916, except that it has 8 KVM ports.
Page 16
Firmware Upgrade Port: The Firmware Upgrade Cable Upgrade that transfers the firmware upgrade data from the adminis- Section trator's computer to the GCL1908 / GCL1916 plugs into this RJ-11 connector. Firmware Upgrade Switch: During normal operation this switch should be in the NORMAL position. (See The Firm- ware Upgrade Utility, page 45 for firmware upgrading details.)
Chapter 1. Introduction Rear View Note: The GCL1916 is pictured above. The GCL1908 rear panel is the same as the GCL1916, except that it has 8 KVM ports instead of 16. Component Description Power Socket This is a standard 3-prong AC power socket. The power cord from an AC source plugs in here.
Page 18
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual This Page Intentionally Left Blank...
Hardware Setup Overview The GCL1908 / GCL1916 is a switch designed to work with USB and PS/2 interfaces. It utilizes custom KVM cables that serve as intermediaries between the switch and computers. A custom KVM cable is required for each computer.
Manual Standard Rack Mounting A standard rack mounting kit is provided with your GCL1908 / GCL1916 and can be mounted in 1U of rack space. The installation procedures are described in the following sections. Below is an image of the parts included with your package that will be needed for rack installation.
Page 21
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup To rack mount the GCL1908 / GCL1916, do the following: 1. While one person positions the switch in the rack and holds it in place, the second person loosely screws the front brackets to the rack.
Grounding To prevent damage to your installation it is important that all devices are properly grounded. Use a grounding wire to ground the GCL1908 / GCL1916 by connecting one end of the wire to the grounding terminal, and the other...
In a single level installation, there are no additional switches cascaded from the first unit. To set up a single level installation does the following: 1. Ground the GCL1908 / GCL1916 and make sure that power has been turned off to all the computers you will be connecting.
Note: The GCL1908 / GCL1916 can only be installed as the first switch in a two level installation as its LCD, keyboard and mouse are used as the console...
Page 26
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Two Level Installation Diagram GCL1916 GCS1716...
Basic Operation Opening the Console The GCL1908 / GCL1916's console is located under the top cover. To access the console, slide the console module out and raise the cover. Note: As a safety precaution, to keep the console from accidentally sliding out, the console is locked into the In position.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual 2. Slide the module all the way out. 3. Open the cover. Closing the Console To slide the console module back in, do the following: 1. Close the cover. 2. Push the module all the way in until it automatically locks in place.
Chapter 3. Basic Operation Operating Precautions The maximum load bearing capacity of the keyboard module is 30kg. Failure to heed the information below can result in damage to the keyboard module. Right! Rest your hands and arms lightly on the keyboard module as you work.
If it becomes necessary to power off the GCL1908 / GCL1916, do the following before restarting it: 1. Shut down all the computers that are attached to the GCL1908 / GCL1916. Note: Unplug the power cords of any computers that have the Keyboard Power On function.
Chapter 3. Basic Operation LCD OSD Configuration The LCD Buttons The LCD OSD allows you to set up and configure the LCD display. Four buttons are used to perform the configuration, as described in the table, below: Button Function MENU When you have not entered the LCD OSD Menu function, pressing this button invokes the Menu function, and brings up...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual LCD Adjustment Settings An explanation of the LCD OSD adjustment settings is given in the table below: Setting Explanation Brightness Adjusts the background black level of the screen image. Contrast Adjusts the foreground white level of the screen image.
Port Selection The GCL1908 / GCL1916 provide three port selection methods to access the computers on the installation: Manual, OSD (on-screen display), and Hotkeys. See Chapter 4, OSD Operation and Chapter 5, Keyboard Port Operation for more information.
Manual Port ID Numbering Each port on a GCL1908 / GCL1916 installation is assigned a unique Port ID. You can directly access any computer on any level of the installation by specifying the Port ID that the computer is connected to – either with the OSD (see OSD Operation, page 25), or with the Hotkey port selection method (see Keyboard Port Operation, page 37).
OSD Hotkey You can display the OSD on the console monitor while also viewing the display of any port on the GCL1908 / GCL1916 by pressing the [Scroll Lock] key twice. Note: You can optionally change the OSD hotkey to the Ctrl key, in which case you would press [Ctrl] twice (see OSD Hotkey, page 29).
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual OSD Main Screen When you invoke the OSD, a screen similar to the one below appears: Note: 1. The diagram depicts the administrator's main screen. The user main screen does not show the F4 and F6 functions, since these are reserved for the administrator and can't be accessed by users.
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 log out, click F8 at the top of the main screen, or press [F8]. ...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual F1: GOTO Clicking the F1 field or pressing [F1] activates the GOTO function. GOTO allows you to switch directly to a port either by keying in the port's Name, or its Port ID. To use the name method, key in 1; key in the port's Name; then press [Enter].
Chapter 4. OSD Operation 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.
Page 40
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual (Continued from previous page.) Setting Function SCAN–SKIP Selects which computers will be accessed under skip mode (see MODE F5 SKP, page 34), and Auto Scan mode (see F7 SCAN, page 35. Choices are: ALL - All the ports which have been set accessible (see SET ACCESSIBLE PORTS, page 31);...
Chapter 4. OSD Operation 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].
Page 42
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual (Continued from previous page.) Setting Function SET LOGOUT If there is no input from the console for the amount of time set with TIMEOUT this function, the user is automatically logged out. A login is necessary before the console can be used again.
Page 43
3. Press [Esc] to exit. The operating system you selected is assigned to the KVM port. FIRMWARE In order to upgrade the GCL1908 / GCL1916 firmware (see page UPGRADE 45), you must first enable Firmware Upgrade mode with this setting.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual 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.
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.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 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...
Chapter 5 Keyboard Port Operation Hotkey Port Control Hotkey port control allows you to provide KVM focus to a particular computer directly from the keyboard. The GCL1908 / GCL1916 provides the following hotkey port control features: Selecting the Active Port ...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Control and F12 Keys 1. Hold down the Ctrl key; 2. Press and release the F12 key; 3. Release the Ctrl key: [Ctrl] + [F12] When Hotkey mode is active: A command line appears on the monitor screen. The command line prompt is the word Hotkey: in white text on a blue background, and displays the subsequent hotkey information that you key in.
Chapter 5. Keyboard Port Operation Auto Scan Mode Auto Scan automatically switches, at regular intervals, among all the KVM ports that have been set as accessible under Scan–Skip Mode, so that their activity can be monitored automatically. See Scan–Skip Mode on page 29 for more information.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual 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 as you like – as opposed to auto-scanning, which automatically switches after a fixed interval.
Chapter 5. Keyboard Port Operation Computer Keyboard / Mouse Reset If the keyboard or mouse cease to function on the computer connected to the currently selected port, you can perform a keyboard / mouse reset on the computer. This function is essentially the same as unplugging and replugging the keyboard and mouse on the target computer.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Quick Hotkey Control The Quick Hotkey (see HOTKEY, page 30) can be toggled between [Num Lock] + [-], and [Ctrl] + [F12]. To toggle the Quick Hotkey: 1. Invoke hotkey mode with the [Num Lock] + [-] or [Ctrl] + [F12] combination.
After pressing a function key you automatically exit Hotkey mode. Restore Default Values This administrator only hotkey restores the GCL1908 / GCL1916 default values. See RESTORE DEFAULT VALUES, page 32. To restore the default values, key in the following hotkey combination: 1.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Hotkey Summary Table [Num Lock] + [-] [A] [Enter] Invokes Auto Scan mode. When Auto Scan mode is in effect, [P] or [Ctrl] + [F12] [Q] [Enter] left-click pauses auto-scanning. When auto-scanning is paused, pressing any key or another left-click resumes auto- scanning.
Introduction The purpose of the Windows-based Firmware Upgrade Utility is to provide an automated process for upgrading all GCL1908 / GCL1916 switches in an installation. The program comes as part of a Firmware Upgrade Package that is specific for each device.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Preparation To prepare for the firmware upgrade, do the following: 1. Use the Firmware Upgrade Cable provided with this unit to connect a COM port on your computer to the Firmware Upgrade Port of your switch.
Chapter 6. The Firmware Upgrade Utility Starting the Upgrade To upgrade the 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.
Page 58
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual 4. 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.
Chapter 6. The Firmware Upgrade Utility 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.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Firmware Upgrade Recovery There are three conditions that call for firmware upgrade recovery: When a firmware upgrade is manually aborted. When the mainboard firmware upgrade fails. When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.
Chapter 7 Keyboard Emulation Mac Keyboard The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Mac keyboard. The emulation mappings are listed in the table below. PC Keyboard Mac Keyboard [Shift] Shift [Ctrl] Ctrl [Ctrl] [1] [Ctrl] [2] [Ctrl] [3] [Ctrl] [4] [Alt]...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Sun Keyboard The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Sun keyboard when the control key [Ctrl] is used in conjunction with other keys. The corresponding functions are shown in the table below.
Appendix Safety Instructions General This product is for indoor use only. 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.
Page 64
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual If an extension cord is used with this device make sure that the total of the ampere ratings of all products used on this cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
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.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Consignes de sécurité Général Ce produit est destiné exclusivement à une utilisation à l’intérieur. Veuillez lire la totalité de ces instructions. Conservez-les afin de pouvoir vous y référer ultérieurement. Respectez l’ensemble des avertissements et instructions inscrits sur l’appareil.
Page 67
Appendix L’équipement doit être installé à proximité de la prise murale et le dispositif de déconnexion (prise de courant femelle) doit être facile d’accès. La prise murale doit être installée à proximité de l’équipement et doit être facile d’accès. ...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual L’unité a été exposée à la pluie ou à l’eau. L’unité est tombée ou le boîtier a été endommagé. Les performances de l’unité sont visiblement altérées, ce qui indique la nécessité d’une réparation.
Page 69
Appendix Assurez-vous que la température ambiante de fonctionnement de l’environnement du bâti ne dépasse pas la température ambiante maximale spécifiée pour l’équipement par le fabricant. Ne marchez sur aucun appareil lors de la maintenance d’autres appareils d’un bâti. ...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual Technical Support Email Support support@iogear.com http://iogear.custhelp.com Online Troubleshooting Technical Documentation Support Software Updates Telephone Support 1-866-946-4327 When you contact us, please have the following information ready beforehand: Product model number, serial number, and date of purchase.
Manual Connection Tables The following tables indicate the relationship between the number of switches and the maximum number of computers that they can control. GCL1908 to Compatible 8-Port Switches Switches Computers Switches Computers Switches Computers GCL1908 to Compatible 16-Port Switches...
Appendix Supported KVM Switches The table below lists KVM switches that are compatible with the GCL1908 / GCL1916 and the type of expansion that they use. (KVM switches listed below are sold separately. Contact your dealer for details.) Expansion Type...
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual OSD Factory Default Settings The factory default settings are as follows: Setting Default OSD Hotkey [Scroll Lock] [Scroll Lock] Port ID Display Position Upper Left Corner Port ID Display Duration 3 Seconds Port ID Display Mode...
Appendix Optional Rack Mounting For convenience and flexibility, three optional rack mounting kits are available: A long bracket standard rack mounting kit for 70.0–105.0 cm racks; A short bracket Easy-Installation rack mount kit for 57.0–70.0 cm racks; A long bracket Easy-Installation rack mount kit for 68.0–105.0 cm racks.
Page 76
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual 2. Attach the left and right easy-installation mounting rails to the inside of the rack. The flange that supports the switch will be to the inside. Rear Flang Slide bar Rear Attachment Sliding Bracket Front Flang...
Page 77
Appendix (Continued from previous page.) 3. Slide the switch onto the support flanges. Use the screws supplied with this package to loosely attach the front of the switch to the front of the rack (only tighten the screws part way). Phillips I Head M4L6 4.
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual 5. Slide the switch open and closed a couple of times to be sure that it is properly aligned and operating smoothly. (See p. 17 for opening and closing procedures.) 6. After determining that the switch is properly lined up and operating correctly, finish up by fully tightening down the partially tightened front attachment screws inserted in step 3.
Appendix Troubleshooting 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.
Page 80
GCL1908 / GCL1916 User Manual This Page Intentionally Left Blank...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the GCL1908 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers