Apex model 140DX - Manuals

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e C O N T E N T S 6 Safety ............................................................. 3 Getting Help ................................................... 5 1 OVERVIEW .................................................. 8 Produc...

1 A P E X O U T L O O K S W I T C H U S E R G U I D E OVERVIEW P RODUCT O VERVIEW The Apex OutLook Console Switch enables you to controllarge computer networks using a single keyboard, monitor,and mouse. On a single video screen, you can select fromas many as 64 computers running different operating...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 9 I n t r o d u c t i o n F E AT U R E S You can use the OutLook Console Switch in various configura-tions to connect from 4 to 64 servers. The features of the OutLook Console Switch include: ! OSCAR – Displays system-related ...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n There are many ways to configure the OutLook Console Switchto meet your specific organizational needs. Additional informa-tion on configuring multiple OutLook Console Switches can befound in Chapter 4...

11 6 Set up the Switch System To Set up an OutLook 4-Port Switch Before installing this product, read theSafety Information on the Apex UserGuide CD. Get up and running in a few easy steps. Follow the steps shown in the illustrations. Select the appropriate setup method for your switch. 2 QUICK STAR...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e Q U I C K S T A R T 12 6 To Setup an 8-Port Switch Connect consoles to switch OutLook 280ES Plug in power cord Connect the servers PS/2 keyboard, male PS/2 mouse, male HD15 video, male 50-pin, male User console A User console ...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e Q U I C K S T A R T 13 P OWER U P Y OUR S WITCH S YSTEM Primary switch Press to On positionto power up the switch Turn on the servers Turn on the monitors To Power Up Your Switch System

3 INSTALLATION A P E X O U T L O O K S W I T C H U S E R G U I D E R ACK I NSTALLATION Before installing this product, read the SafetyInformation on the Apex User Guide CD. Refer to the IBM installation instructions forinstallation of the console switch in a rackcabinet.

4 CABLING A P E X O U T L O O K S W I T C H U S E R G U I D E C ABLE L ENGTHS Cable length affects video quality as well as keyboard andmouse data timing. The maximum cable length is determined inpart by the computer and peripherals used. Not all systems givesatisfactory results at the maximum lengt...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 16 C A B L I N G D ISCONNECTING C ABLES 1 2 3 Attention Failure to follow proper disconnect procedures could result in damageto the cable or your unit. To properly disconnect the keyboard or mouse cable: 1 Grasp the housing. 2...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 17 C A B L I N G C ONNECTING C ABLES Connecting the Keyboard Cable in the ProperSequence When you are connecting the video, PS/2 mouse and keyboardcables from your servers to the OutLook switch, always connect the keyboard cab...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 18 C A B L I N G C ONNECTING C ABLES ( CONTINUED ) DANGER Electrical current from power, telephone, and communicationcables is hazardous. To avoid a shock hazard: – Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installati...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 19 C A B L I N G To connect cables: 1 Connect the mouse, keyboard, and video cables to theappropriate switch connectors. Note that all keyboard andmouse cables are 6-pin mini-DIN PS/2 style, and all the videocables are 15-pin ...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 20 C A B L I N G S TARTING THE S WITCH B OX It is important to turn on the switch box before turning on thecomputers because when the servers boot up, their drivers senddevice settings to the switch. P OWERING U P THE S YSTEM ...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 21 C A B L I N G S TARTING THE C OMPUTERS During startup, the computers send device settings to the switchbox. The unit then generates standard responses to thesecommands and allows the computers to boot successfullywithout be...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 22 C A B L I N G U NATTENDED R EBOOT After a power outage, each server connected to the switch boxreboots (if configured to do so) when power returns withoutoperator intervention. The switch generates responses to ensurethat t...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 23 C A B L I N G M AKING C ONNECTIONS U NDER P OWER You can connect additional computers to the switch while it ispowered up. When you power up the newly connected comput-ers, the switch recognizes them, and you can switch to ...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 24 C A B L I N G A LTERNATIVE C ONFIGURATIONS There are other ways to configure your system, such as thetiered switch configuration. Tiered Switch Configuration In tiered systems, you can connect additional switches to portson...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 25 C A B L I N G Connecting Tiers while the System is Powered Up If necessary, you can connect a primary unit to a secondary unitwhile the system is powered up. This technique can be used toisolate any problems with minimum di...

L AUNCHING OSCAR Press PRINT SCRN to access the keyboard/monitor/mouse OSCAR menus. OSCAR Selection Screen When you press the PRINT SCRN key to open OSCAR menus, the first screen that appears is called OSCAR Selection . Basic func- tions such as selecting computers and checking port/computerstatus a...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 27 U S I N G O S C A R To open OSCAR or to access OSCARSelection Screen on a primary switch 1 Press PRINT SCRN . To open OSCAR or to access OSCARSelection Screen on a secondary switch 1 Press PRINT SCRN to access OSCAR Selecti...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 28 U S I N G O S C A R OSCAR S TATUS P ORT S YMBOLS + I n d i c a t e s c o m p u t e r c o n n e c t e d a n d r u n n i n g X D e n o t e s S e c o n d a r y s w i t c h c o n n e c t e d a n d r u n n i n g A Identifies the...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 29 U S I N G O S C A R C OMMAND S UMMARY This section describes the key sequences that are used to activate OSCAR functions. Apex OutLook Console Switch OSCAR OSD Keyboard Sequences Print Scrn Pressing once activates OSCAR (ON...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 30 U S I N G O S C A R OSCAR A DVANCED M ENUS S CREEN All commands other than selecting computers are performedfrom OSCAR Advanced Menus . The Advanced Menus screen contains two menus. The Commands menu shows the commands that...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 31 U S I N G O S C A R S ELECTING C OMPUTERS Use OSCAR menus to switch computers, that is, to select whichcomputer receives commands from and displays output to theconsole. When you select a computer, the switch reconfiguresth...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 32 U S I N G O S C A R S WITCHING T IERED S YSTEMS To switch the Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse Switch Box to a com-puter that is connected to the primary through a secondary unit,proceed as follows: 1 Press PRINT SCRN . The OSCAR app...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 33 U S I N G O S C A R A SSIGNING U NIQUE N AMES TO C OMPUTERS You may find it easier to identify the computers in a system byname rather than by port number. For example, in a networkenvironment, you can assign the same names...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 35 U S I N G O S C A R C HANGING M ENU A TTRIBUTES On the OSCAR Attributes screen, you can change the display order of computer ports to port number or port name. Otherattributes of OSCAR screens, such as the position and colo...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 37 U S I N G O S C A R C HANGING S TATUS F LAG A TTRIBUTES The status flag indicates the name or port number of the cur-rently selected computer. You can choose to display the statusflag at all times, for a few seconds after s...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 39 U S I N G O S C A R S CANNING THE C OMPUTERS In scan mode, the switch automatically switches from port toport (computer to computer). You can scan the entire systemsequentially or designate a custom scan pattern by specifyi...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 40 U S I N G O S C A R Setting a custom scan pattern To set a custom scan pattern: 1 In the Advanced Menus screen, highlight the Setup menu. 2 Highlight Scan and press ENTER . The Scan Pattern Setup screen appears with the fir...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 41 U S I N G O S C A R Removing a computer from the scan list To remove a computer from the scan list: 1 On the Scan Pattern Setup screen, type the port number of the computer to be removed. — or — If your computers are listed...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 42 U S I N G O S C A R B ROADCASTING C OMMANDS Broadcasting enables you to simultaneously control more thanone computer in a system. This feature is useful when you wantto ensure that all selected computers receive identical i...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 43 U S I N G O S C A R To turn off the broadcast mode: 1 From the Commands menu in the Advanced Menus , highlight Broadcast and press ENTER . Broadcasting to Tiered Configurations In a tiered system you can broadcast to anycom...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 44 U S I N G O S C A R To broadcast to tiered configurations: 1 From the OSCAR Selection screen at the primary switch, highlight the port number of the secondary switch (forexample, Port 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, etc) to which you want t...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 46 U S I N G O S C A R S ECURING S ER VER A CCESS S ECURING S ERVER A CCESS Advanced server applications should be protected againstunauthorized users. The switch security feature enables you tolock the keyboard and monitor, r...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 47 U S I N G O S C A R 6 To enable the screen saver mode, press ENTER either in the Time Delay or Mode fields. — or — Highlight Test and press ENTER to start the screen saver mode immediately. See the Security Configuration Se...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 48 U S I N G O S C A R Turning off the Screen Saver To turn off the screen saver: 1 If you are in screen saver mode, press any key on yourkeyboard and then type your password if your console ispassword protected. 2 In the Adva...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 49 U S I N G O S C A R Blanking the Monitor without Locking the Console To blank the monitor without locking the console: 1 If you are in screen saver mode, press any key on yourkeyboard and then type your password if your con...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 50 U S I N G O S C A R D ISPLAYING V ERSION I NFORMATION To facilitate system troubleshooting and support, you can displaythe version number of the switch firmware as well as informationabout any auxiliary devices connected to...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 51 U S I N G O S C A R S AVING THE H ARDWARE S ETTINGS Whenever you add or remove computers to or from the system,or whenever you change the mouse or monitor, you should savethe hardware settings. If you do not save the settin...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 52 U S I N G O S C A R R ESETTING THE M OUSE AND K EYBOARD If the keyboard or mouse locks up, you may be able to recoverthe device settings by resetting the switch. Resetting the mouseand keyboard attempts to restore the corre...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 53 U S I N G O S C A R A SSIGNING S PECIFIC D EVICE T YPES If your system includes one or more secondary switches in atiered configuration, you must make the primary switch aware ofthe secondary switches by assigning a specifi...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 54 U S I N G O S C A R C APTURING THE S CREEN The OSCAR relies on the PRINT SCRN key for various operations.If you want to use the PRINT SCRN key to capture the screen,you will need to press the key various times in order to c...

6 UPDATING FIRMWARE A P E X O U T L O O K S W I T C H U S E R G U I D E U PDATING THE F IRMWARE The Apex Web site has information on this product as well as the latestdrivers and firmware update images. You can access the site at http://www.apex.com/support/outlook-sup.htm to find updates for yourOu...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 56 F i r m w a r e To update firmware: 1 Connect the standard serial cable to the serial connector on thePC computer and to the serial connector on the back panel of theswitch. 2 Navigate to the drive where you have saved the ...

7 TROUBLESHOOTING A P E X O U T L O O K S W I T C H U S E R G U I D E SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE RECOMMENDED SOLUTION No OSCAR orvideo atserver Video cableproblem Check for loose video cableconnection. Replace video cable. Incorrect settings inDevices, Names, orFlag dialog boxes Confirm settings in thes...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 58 T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE RECOMMENDED SOLUTION Consolekeyboard isnot working or Cannot startOSCAR menus OSCAR Delay Timein effect Defective keyboard Turn off Delay Time:Setup>MenuType 0 secs fo...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 59 T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE RECOMMENDED SOLUTION Keyboardsignal didwork on allservers, butthen stopped or Keyboardsignal neverdid work onall servers Console keyboard Check for loose console keyboard...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 60 T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE RECOMMENDED SOLUTION Mouse erroron start-up Mouse cableproblem Check for loose mouse cableconnection. Check for PS/2 keyboard and mousecable cross-connections. 1 Replace ...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 62 T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g Firmware Update S YMP TOM PROBA BL E CA US E REC OMME ND ED SOL UTI ON Fi rmware does notdownload Cable problems Check for loose c able connections. Replac e serial cable. Check that the serial...

APPENDIX A P E X O U T L O O K S W I T C H U S E R G U I D E A S PECIFICATIONS Apex OutLook Console Switch 4- and 8-Port Specifications D I M E N S I O N S H e i g h t 1.7 in (4.3 cm) D e p t h 8.0 in (20.3 cm) W i d t h 17 in (43.2 cm) Weight 5.25 lbs (2.38 kg) I N P U T P O W E R R E Q U I R E M E...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 64 A p p e n d i x Electronic emission notices Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Class A Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 1...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 65 A p p e n d i x Attention: This is a 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. Taiwan electrical emission statemen...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 66 A p p e n d i x C P OWER C ORD S ET R EQUIREMENTS The power cord set meets the requirements for use in thecountry where you purchased your equipment. The voltageselection switch allows you to select the appropriate line vol...

A p e x O u t L o o k 1 4 0 D X / 1 8 0 D X S w i t c h U s e r G u i d e 67 A p p e n d i x Country-Specific Requirements Use the following table to identify the appropriate accredited agency in your country. Power Cord Set Requirements – By Country A P P L I C A B L E COUNTRY A C C R E D I T I N G...