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Power Safety Guidelines To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to Raritan equipment: • Do not use a 2‐wire power cord in any product configuration. • Test AC outlets at your computer and monitor for proper polarity and grounding. • Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When using a backup UPS, power the computer, monitor and appliance off the supply. Rack Mount Safety Guidelines In Raritan products which require Rack Mounting, please follow these precautions: • Operation temperature in a closed rack environment may be greater than room temperature. Do not exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature of the appliances. • Ensure sufficient airflow through the rack environment. • Mount equipment in the rack carefully to avoid uneven mechanical loading. • Connect equipment to the supply circuit carefully to avoid overloading circuits. • Ground all equipment properly, especially supply connections, such as power strips (other than direct connections), to the branch circuit. ...
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Product Overview ............................. 1 Product Photos............................1 Product Features............................2 Package Contents ............................3 Chapter 2 Quick Start A Glance at the Product..........................4 Front View............................4 Rear View ............................5 Connecting Computers..........................6 Selecting a Channel ........................... 9 Front Panel Operation ........................9 OSD Operation ..........................10 Changing Channel Names ........................11 Chapter 3 Introduction to the On-Screen Display (OSD) Activating the OSD ..........................
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STEP 1: Download the Latest Firmware and Upgrade Utility ............40 STEP 2: Connect the MCCAT Unit to the Computer Running the Upgrade Utility ...... 41 STEP 3: Launch the Upgrade Utility..................... 42 STEP 4: Power Cycle the Upgraded MCCAT Unit ................44 Appendix A Specifications Measurement ............................45 Supported Resolutions..........................45 Appendix B MCCAT Default Settings Appendix C Compatibility with Other Raritan Products Compatible CIMs............................. 47 Connecting a Serial Device via the Serial CIM................. 48 Compatibility with MasterConsole II ....................49 STEP 1: Programme a MasterConsole II Unit as a Second‐Tier Device........ 49...
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Contents STEP 2: Connect the Second‐Tier MasterConsole II Units............50 STEP 3: Specify the Type of the Connected Second‐Tier Device in the OSD....... 50 Appendix D Troubleshooting Index...
Chapter 1 Introduction Congratulations on purchasing a Raritan MasterConsole CAT KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switch. This User Guide explains how to use these KVM switches to access and control multiple computers (or servers). In This Chapter Product Overview....................1 Product Photos ....................1 Product Features ....................2 Package Contents....................3 Product Overview MasterConsole CAT (MCCAT) is a product that allows control of multiple computers from a single keyboard, mouse and monitor. All you need to do is simply connect the keyboard, mouse, monitor and multiple computers to an MCCAT unit, and you will be able to switch between various computers. The product features the use of the standard Category 5 (Cat5) unshielded twisted‐pair (UTP) cabling, and the number of the accessible computers can be expanded to a maximum of 256 computers with a two‐tier cascaded system. In terms of operation, the product provides front panel buttons for easy and fast access to the attached computers in addition to a friendly OSD interface for simple system configuration. Product Photos Model: MCCAT18 (Front and Rear View) ...
Product Features Model: MCCAT116 (Front and Rear View) Product Features • One user can control up to 16 computers per unit. The number of computers that can be controlled varies depending on the model purchased: MCCAT18: allows control of 8 computers MCCAT116: allows control of 16 computers ...
Chapter 1: Introduction • A maximum of 256 computers can be controlled in a two‐tier cascaded MCCAT system • The unit interconnects with each computer via the standard Cat5 UTP cables • The units can be cascaded to form a two‐tier KVM switch system • The OSD interface features simple system control and management • Support the video resolution up to 1600x1200 • The user can be located at a distance up to 100 feet (30.4 meters) from the attached computers • With the “keep‐alive” technology, users can add, remove and hot‐swap components without interruption to the computers. • LEDs in the front panel indicate the status of computers • Buttons in the front panel provides fast access to computers • Multi‐platform support, including MS‐DOS, Windows 2000/2003/NT/Me/XP/Vista, Linux (Red Hat, Novell Suse) and SCO Unix • Support IBM, Dell and HP servers • The Scan function allows the system to automatically cycle through all of the channels at the default or user‐customized rates • The Skip function allows the system to bypass inactive channels during the channel scanning • The Password Security function, providing one administrator and 5 user passwords, prevents unauthorized access to the attached computers ...
This chapter addresses only the basic connections for setting up an MCCAT system and basic operations for interacting with the computers being connected to the system. For advanced hardware installation or OSD operations, refer to Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration (on page 17) and Chapter 5: Two‐Tier System (on page 32) for details. In This Chapter A Glance at the Product ..................4 Connecting Computers ..................6 Selecting a Channel ...................9 Changing Channel Names................11 A Glance at the Product This section briefly introduces the components on the front and rear sides of the MCCAT unit and the initial OSD menu that you will see after the product starts to work. Front View The front panel provides the model number for identification and push buttons for convenient operation of frequently used functions. Component Description CAT18 indicates the unit is MCCAT18. Model name CAT116 indicates the unit is MCCAT116. SKIP button Toggles AutoSkip on/off. When the AutoSkip function is on, the system skips inactive channels and accesses active ones only. ...
Chapter 2: Quick Start SCAN button Toggles AutoScan on/off. When the AutoScan function is on, the system automatically cycles through all channels until the function is turned off. Channel buttons These buttons enable immediate access to the computer connected to the corresponding channel. In addition, each channel button can show each channelʹs status through its LED color change. • Off: Either no device is connected to the channel, or the connected device is NOT powered. • Orange: A device, which is powered, is connected to the channel. • Green: The channel is being selected and accessed. TIER LED Shows the unitʹs tier status. • Off: The MCCAT unit is programmed as the first‐tier device. This is the factory default. • On: The unit is programmed as the second‐tier device. For details about setting the unit as the second‐tier device, see Setting Up a Two‐Tier System (on page 33). Rear View The rear side comes with a number of connectors for attaching various devices or cables, such as the monitor. Component Description ...
Connecting Computers Admin port Connects to a computer via a serial cable for upgrading the MCCATʹs firmware. HD15 video port Connects to a monitor for displaying the MCCAT OSD and the video of the accessed computer. Channel ports Connect to computers via standard Cat5 UTP cables. The number of available channels varies depending on the model you purchased. Connecting Computers Prepare the following components or devices before connecting computers to the MCCAT unit: Cat5 UTP cables (one cable per computer) Computer Interface Modules (CIMs): MCIM‐PS2 or MCIM‐USB (one CIM per computer) A standard keyboard A standard 2‐wheel mouse A standard monitor Note: For better video quality, the use of “Belden” Cat5 UTP cable is strongly recommended. 1. Make sure the MCCAT unit and all devices are powered OFF, including the monitor and computer(s) that you want to connect. 2. Attach a PS/2 or USB CIM to the computer: If the CIM is a PS/2 CIM: Connect the PS/2 mouse connector of the CIM to the PS/2 mouse port of the computer. Connect the PS/2 keyboard connector of the CIM to the PS/2 keyboard port of the computer. ...
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Chapter 2: Quick Start Connect the HD15 video connector of the CIM to the HD15 video port of the computer. If the CIM is a USB CIM: Connect the USB connector of the CIM to one of the USB ports of the computer. Connect the HD15 video connector of the CIM to the HD15 video port of the computer. ...
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Connecting Computers 3. Use a Cat5 UTP cable to connect from one of the channels ports of the MCCAT to the RJ45 port of the CIM being connected to the computer. 4. Repeat Steps 2 to 3 if you want to connect more computers. 5. Connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the MCCAT unit. a. Connect the mouseʹs connector to the PS/2 mouse port of the MCCAT unit. b. Connect the keyboardʹs connector to the PS/2 keyboard port of the MCCAT unit. Connect the monitorʹs connector to the HD15 video port of the MCCAT unit. d. Connect the monitorʹs power cord to the appropriate power outlet. ...
Chapter 2: Quick Start 6. Connect one end of the MCCATʹs power cord to its power jack and the other end to the appropriate power outlet. 7. Power on the monitor, connected computer(s) and the MCCAT unit. Selecting a Channel After finishing the hardware installation, try to access one or more channels to verify the connections. Use one of the following to access channels: • Front panel buttons • OSD Note: If you establish a two‐tier MCCAT system, the only way to access the second‐tier channels is through the OSD. For more information, see Chapter 5: Two‐Tier System (on page 32). Front Panel Operation Press the channel button whose number corresponds to the channel you want to access. The video of the accessed channel appears on the screen and you can control the computer with the keyboard and mouse attached to the MCCAT unit. ...
Selecting a Channel Note: The front panel operation becomes invalid if the OSD remains displayed on the screen. Therefore, make sure the OSD is NOT onscreen when operating with the front panel buttons. OSD Operation 1. Press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate the OSD. 2. The Selection Menu similar to the following image appears, with eight channels shown on one page. Note that the default name PC<XXXX> (<XXXX> indicates the channel number) appears only when the MCCAT unit detects that a device is being connected to the channel. 3. (Optional) Press Page Down or Page Up to switch between pages if your MCCAT contains more than eight channels and the desired channel is not on the current page. 4. Press or to move the yellow highlight bar to the desired channel, or simply press the corresponding “Key” number of that channel to immediately access it. 5. Press Enter and the video of the accessed channel appears on the screen. ...
Chapter 2: Quick Start Now you can control the computer with the keyboard and mouse attached to the MCCAT unit. Warning!! MCCAT does not support real‐time channel detection when channel changes occur. Therefore, if you disconnect the computer from the channel you are accessing now and reconnect another computer to that channel, you must activate the OSD to select the same channel again. Otherwise, you may have mouse or keyboard input issues with the channel being accessed. Changing Channel Names By default, the connected device or computerʹs name is shown “PC<XXXX>,” and a second‐tier MCCAT unitʹs name is shown “/MCCAT<XX>” in the On‐Screen Display (OSD). <XXXX> or <XX> indicates the channel number but may not be meaningful for you to identify the connected device. Therefore, it is recommended to change the default channel name(s) for better identification. 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. The Selection Menu appears. ...
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Changing Channel Names 2. Press F3 to go to the Edit Names and Scan Rate menu. 3. Press the arrow keys ( , , , ), Tab or Shift+Tab to select the desired channel name. The selected character blinks, indicating where the selection is. 4. Type the new name up to eight characters and each blinking character is replaced. However, a second‐tier device does not allow you to change its first character “/” so you can only type up to seven characters for such a device name. 5. If there are more than one device or computerʹs name to modify, repeat Steps 3 to 4. 6. Press Esc to exit the current OSD menu. 7. The message “Save the changes: [Y/N]” appears on the message bar. Press Y to save the new name(s) or N to abort the name(s). The OSD returns to the Selection Menu. Verify if the names have been changed successfully. ...
Chapter 3 Introduction to the On-Screen Display (OSD) The product provides a simple OSD user interface for both of the channel selection and system configuration. In addition, the OSD shows information relevant to the MCCAT unit or the channel being accessed. In This Chapter Activating the OSD..................13 OSD Layout ......................13 Frequently Used Keys ..................14 OSD Menus.......................14 Introduction to the Selection Menu...............15 Activating the OSD To activate the OSD, press the systemʹs hot key twice QUICKLY. The default hot key is Scroll Lock. You can change it in the Configuration Menu. For more information, see System Configuration (on page 26). OSD Layout The OSD interface usually has a layout like this: Current menuʹs title The area of system data or configuration fields Function keys that can be used while the OSD is onscreen ...
Frequently Used Keys Message bar, which shows the options or keys that are applicable to the selected field, or shows prompt messages for the action being performed Frequently Used Keys The following keys are frequently used with the OSD operation. • Tab and Shift+Tab: These keys allow you to move between fields. • Arrow keys ( , , , ): These keys, usually the Up and Down arrow keys, are mainly used to change the numeric values or to switch between available options of the selected field. However, sometimes they can also be used to move between fields or alphanumeric characters, such as the Edit Names and Scan Rate menu. • Esc: Press this key when quitting the current OSD. OSD Menus The OSD interface provides five menus in total. You can go to any of them by pressing a specific function key when the OSD is onscreen. Function Menu Description F1 Help Menu Shows all available function keys and the productʹs firmware version F2 Selection Menu Lists all channels for channel selection and shows each channelʹs scan time for ʺIndividual scan modeʺ F3 Edit Names and Scan ...
Chapter 3: Introduction to the On-Screen Display (OSD) Introduction to the Selection Menu The Selection Menu, showing all channels of the system, allows you to access channels. Besides, it displays the scan time setting for ʺIndividual scan modeʺ of each channel . Every time when you activate the OSD, the system always displays the Selection Menu similar to the image below. Field Meaning Description MC Name of the MCCAT The default is the model name: MCCAT18 or MCCAT116. This unit name can be customized and it helps you identify the current MCCAT unit if more than one unit exist in the system. For more information, see System Configuration (on page 26). Page Page information Page information comprises two parts: ʺcurrent pageʺ and ʺtotal number of pages.ʺ Each page displays a maximum of eight channels. Key Selection number for Pressing this number in the keyboard allows you to access the the channel desired channel immediately. Ch. ID Channel port number This is the number of the channel where the computer or device ...
Introduction to the Selection Menu Field Meaning Description Name Name of the device or If there is any computer or device connected to the channel, the computer connected to default name is PC<XXXX>, where <XXXX> indicates the the channel channel number. For example, the computer connected to channel number 3 is shown PC0003. The name can be changed. For more information, see Changing Channel Names (on page 11). Status Channel status It is always shown +S<XX> and has two meanings: • The appearance of this channel status indicates the channel is active while its absence indicates the channel is inactive. • <XX> indicates the scan time setting of the single channel for “Individual” scan mode and the unit of the scan time is in seconds. Switching between Pages If there are more than one page of channels, use the following keys to change pages: • Press Page Up or Page Down to go to previous or next page. • Press Home or End to go to the first or the last page. ...
Chapter 4 Advanced Operation and System Configuration In this chapter, you will learn more about the OSD or front panel operations for advanced features, such as updating the channel status, setting up the security feature, etc. If your MCCAT is a two‐tier system, you must perform these operations on the first‐tier MCCAT unit. Make sure you have programmed all of the second‐tier MCCAT units as the second‐tier devices; otherwise, any operation or setting you have done will apply to the first‐tier MCCAT unit only instead of the whole system. For information on how to programme an MCCAT unit as a second‐tier device, see STEP 1: Programme an MCCAT Unit as a Second‐Tier Device (on page 33). Note: In a two‐tier system, SCAN, SKIP and channel buttons of all second‐tier devices are disabled. However, these buttons work properly on the first‐tier MCCAT unit. In This Chapter Toggling the Channel Sorting ................17 Cycling Through Channels................19 Returning to the Previous Channel ...............21 Refreshing the Channel Status ...............22 Accessing Active Channels Only..............22 The Security Feature..................23 Changing the Keyboard Layout Setting ............25 System Configuration ..................26 Accessing the Help Menu................30 Resetting the System ..................31 Toggling the Channel Sorting The OSD Selection Menu can sort channels by two ways: channel numbers ...
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Toggling the Channel Sorting 2. If the current OSD menu is not the Selection Menu, press F2 to have the Selection Menu displayed. 3. Press F12 to toggle the sorting. TIP: When the channels are sorted by channel name, you can type the first character of the name of the desired channel, the system will jump to the channel whose name begins with the same character. ...
Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration Cycling Through Channels Instead of manually selecting the desired channel to view its video, you can activate the AutoScan function to make the MCCAT system automatically display the video of all channels one after another. There are two types of AutoScan modes: Global and Individual. The default AutoScan mode is Global. Their differences are described below: • Global scan mode: The scan time for each channel is the same and it is based on the setting configured in the Configuration Menu. • Individual scan mode: The scan time for each channel can be different and it is based on the settings configured for each channel in the Edit Names and Scan Rate menu. For instructions on changing the scan mode and time, see System Configuration (on page 26) later in this chapter. You can activate the AutoScan function with one of the following ways: • Front panel buttons • OSD Front Panel Operation 1. (Optional) If the OSD remains displayed on the screen, quit it by pressing the Esc button. 2. Press the SCAN button on the front panel. The LED under the button is lit. ...
Cycling Through Channels Turn off AutoScan Press the SCAN button so the LED light is off. The system will stop at the last scanned channel. Cycling Through Active Channels Only When AutoScan is on, the system cycles through all channels, including ʹactiveʹ and ʹinactiveʹ ones. To shorten the scanning time, you can have the system skip inactive channels by activating the AutoSkip function. Activate the AutoSkip Function: Press the SKIP button on the front panel. The LED under the button is lit. Turn off AutoSkip Press the SKIP button and the LED light is off. OSD Operation 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. 2. Press F6 to activate the AutoScan function. 3. The OSD disappears, indicating the system enters the AutoScan mode. Starting from the currently selected channel, the system displays the video of each channel one after another. Each channelʹs number and name (if available) will pop up temporarily on the screen when the channel is accessed. ...
Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration Turn off AutoScan Activate the OSD again and press Alt+F6. Cycling Through Active Channels Only You can choose to skip inactive channels through the OSD after the AutoScan function is activated. Therefore, only active channels are scanned. 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. 2. Press F7 to activate the AutoSkip function. 3. The OSD disappears, indicating the system enters the AutoSkip mode. Turn off AutoSkip Activate the OSD again and press Alt+F7. Returning to the Previous Channel MCCAT allows you to quickly return to the previously selected channel, if any, by using a hot key without triggering the OSD or looking for the corresponding button on the front panel. Requisite for performing this function: You must have activated the “Previous Channel” function in the Configuration Menu. Otherwise, the hot key will not work. See System Configuration (on page 26) for details. Operation: 1.
Refreshing the Channel Status Refreshing the Channel Status From the OSD or LED status, you can tell which channel is connected to a powered device and which is not. However, MCCAT does not support real‐time channel detection. Besides, the OSD remembers and shows the last second‐tier channel status instead of re‐detecting the second‐tier channel status after the MCCAT unit is power cycled. Therefore, you need to refresh the channel status shown in the OSD or LED if you have made any changes to the hardware configuration, such as channel swapping or disconnection and reconnection of computers. MCCAT provides two methods to update the channel status: • Use the F8 function key • Use the AutoScan function Using the F8 Function Key 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. 2. Press F8 to upgrade the status. The system starts to check each channel one by one and displays “Upgrade PC Status..” on the screen. 3. Once the status checking is complete, both of the OSD and LED status is updated. Using the AutoScan Function The MCCAT unit checks all of the channels one by one and updates both ...
Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration The Security Feature You can prevent unauthorized access to the system and the attached computers by activating the security feature. When the security feature is ON, the system will enter the security mode after the mouse and keyboard activity is not detected for a preset period of time. Users have to enter a password in order to access the system in the security mode. Activating the Security Feature 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. 2. Press F5 and the prompt message “Admin. Password” appears on the screen. 3. Type the Admin password (default: raritan) and press Enter. Note that the password is case sensitive. The Administration Menu appears. 4. Make sure the Security field is already highlighted. If not, press Tab or Shift+Tab to highlight the field. 5. Press or to change the option to On. 6. Press Tab to highlight the Time Out field. This field determines the length of time for which keyboard and mouse activity can remain inactive before the system enters the security mode. 7. Type two numeric digits or press or to adjust the time. ...
The Security Feature Accessing the System in the Security Mode After the system or the MCCAT unit enters the security mode, a message “Security Mode Protected”appears on the screen. Do the following to access the system: 1. Press any key and the prompt message “Password:” appears. 2. Type either the administrator (Admin) or user password and press Enter. Unless changed, type one of the default passwords shown below. User Type Default Password (case sensitive) Administrator (Admin) raritan User1 111 User2 222 User3 333 User4 444 User5 555 Video of the currently selected channel appears on the screen if the password is entered correctly. Now you can activate the OSD or press the channel button to access any channel in the system. ...
Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration 3. Type raritan and press Enter. Note that the password is case sensitive. The Administration Menu appears. 4. Press Tab or Shift+Tab to highlight the field of which you want to change the password; for example, if you want to change the administrator password, highlight Admin. 5. Press Enter and the following fields appear. 6. Type the new password in the Enter New Passwd field and press Enter. The maximum length of the password is eight characters. 7. Type the same password in the Confirm New Passwd field and press Enter. Now the password has been changed. In case you will forget new passwords, it is suggested to note down new passwords and keep them in a safe place. Changing the Keyboard Layout Setting If you are using a non‐English keyboard, such as a French or German keyboard, change the keyboard language setting to match the one you are using. 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. 2. Press F5 and the text “Admin. Password” appears on the screen. ...
System Configuration 3. Type the Admin password (default: raritan) and press Enter. Note that the password is case sensitive. The Administration Menu appears. 4. Press Tab to highlight the Language Mode field. There are three options available: English, German and French. 5. Press or to select the appropriate option. 6. Press Esc to quit the OSD menu. System Configuration Many system settings are available in the Configuration Menu. Press F4 to go to this menu when the OSD is onscreen. Most of the settings can be adjusted by following this procedure: 1. Press Tab or Shift+Tab to move between fields. ...
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Model No options The field CANNOT be configured. It shows the model name of the MCCAT unit. Name No options Allows you to assign a name to the current MCCAT unit for identification. The default is its model name. Device x, y, z, . (dot) Specifies the type of the device connected to each channel of current MCCAT unit. If you connect a second‐tier KVM switch, it is a must to specify the type of this switch. The characters of this field represent channel numbers 1, 2, 3, and so on from left to right. The default value is ʺ.ʺ (dot). The following lists the characters representing different types of devices: . (dot) = computer x = MCC4 y = MCCAT18, MCC8 z = MCCAT116, MCC16 Scan Toggles the AutoScan mode on or off. On, Off If it is ON, after you exit the OSD, the system enters the scan mode (Global or Individual scan mode) and cycles through all channels. Set 05 ~ 99 (seconds) Determines the length of time for which the system scans each channel in the “Global”scan mode. ...
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System Configuration Mode Global, Individual Determines which scan mode is applied once the AutoScan function is activated. There are two scan modes: Global and Individual. • Global scan mode: The scan time for each channel is the same. • Individual scan mode: The scan time for each channel varies depending on the settings you have set for each channel in the Edit Names and Scan Rate menu. Skip On, Off Toggles the AutoSkip mode on or off. If it is ON, after you exit the OSD, only active channels can be accessed. ID Display 01 ~ 99 (seconds) Determines the length of time for which the accessed channelʹs number (ID) appears on the screen when the channel is selected. Hotkey ScrollLock, LftAlt (left Alt), Determines which hot key can activate the OSD. The default is Scroll Lock. LftSht (left Shift), CapsLock, NumLock Note that if you have set any hot key in the Previous Channel Key field, the same key will not be available in the Hotkey field. Display Position Menu, ID Determines the horizontal/vertical position where the Menu (OSD menu) and/or the ID (channel number) are displayed. To change the position, do the following: a.
Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration On, Off Toggles the power‐saving function on or off. If Green Mode setting the mode to On, the MCCAT unit will enter the power‐saving mode after no keyboard/mouse activity is detected for a period of time specified in the Minutes field. Minutes 01~99 (minutes) Determines the length of time for which no keyboard/mouse activity is detected before the MCCAT unit enters the power‐saving mode. Previous Channel None, LftAlt (left Alt), Determines which hot key is used for returning to Key LftSht (left Shift), Caplck the previously selected channel. The default is None. (CapsLock), Numlck (NumLock), Scrlck (Scroll Note that the hot key which you have set in the Lock) Hotkey field will not be available in the Previous Channel Key field. Setting the Scan Time for Individual Scan Mode The scan time setting in the Configuration Menu is for “Global” scan mode. ...
Accessing the Help Menu 4. Type numeric digits to change the scan time. The scan time is measured in seconds. 5. Press Esc to quit the current menu. 6. The message “Save the changes [Y/N]” appears on the message bar. Click Y to save the changes or N to abort them. Accessing the Help Menu While the OSD is onscreen, you can view the OSD help at any time by pressing F1. This displays the Help Menu, which lists all function keys available and the current version of the firmware. Functions Keys You can use any of the functions keys to go to any specific menu or perform certain functions as long as the OSD remains onscreen: Function Key Description F1 Displays the Help Menu. F2 Displays the Selection Menu. F3 Displays the Edit Names and Scan Rate menu. ...
Chapter 4: Advanced Operation and System Configuration Function Key Description F4 Displays the Configuration Menu. F5 Displays the Administration Menu. F6 Turns on the AutoScan function. Alt+F6 Turns off the AutoScan function. F7 Turns on the AutoSkip function. Alt+F7 Turns off the AutoSkip function. F8 Checks channels one by one and updates the channel status accordingly. F12 Toggles the channel sorting between sorting by “channel number” and sorting by “name” in the Selection Menu. Esc Quits the current menu or the OSD interface. Resetting the System To restore all MCCAT settings back to factory defaults, follow the procedure below. Note that this function should be performed on the first‐tier MCCAT unit alone f yours is a two‐tier system. 1. Power OFF the MCCAT unit. 2. Press the channel number 3 button on the front panel, and then power ON the MCCAT unit. 3.
Chapter 5 Two-Tier System You can cascade various MCCAT units to organize a two‐tier KVM switch system and expand the number of available channels accordingly. A mix of different MCCAT models is permitted. If the two‐tier system completely comprises the MCCAT116 models, the number of connected computers can even be expanded up to 256 computers. In This Chapter Overview......................32 Setting Up a Two‐Tier System ...............33 Accessing the Second‐Tier Channels ............38 Overview When one or multiple MCCAT units are connected to the channel ports of a single MCCAT unit, this KVM switch system is the so‐called ʺtwo‐tier system.ʺ The former MCCAT units belong to the second tier, and the latter is the first tier. You can connect computers to all channel ports available in such a system, including those of the first tier and those of the second tier. Computers with CIMs attached Cat5 UTP cables Second‐tier MCCAT units ...
Chapter 5: Two-Tier System First‐tier MCCAT unit Keyboard, mouse and monitor (attached to the first‐tier unit only) Setting Up a Two-Tier System Basically, there are five major steps to set up a two‐tier system: STEP 1: Programme an MCCAT unit as a second‐tier device STEP 2: Connect the second‐tier MCCAT unit to the first‐tier MCCAT unit STEP 3: Connect the keyboard, mouse and monitor to the first‐tier MCCAT unit STEP 4: Specify the type of the second‐tier device in the Configuration Menu STEP 5: Connect computers to any MCCAT unit in the system STEP 1: Programme an MCCAT Unit as a Second-Tier Device Each MCCAT unit is programmed as a first‐tier device when shipped out of the factory. To set up a two‐tier MCCAT system, you have to programme some MCCAT units as the second‐tier devices before proceeding with the hardware installation. 1. Turn OFF the MCCAT unit. 2. Press the channel number 2 button on the front panel, and then power ON the MCCAT unit. ...
Setting Up a Two-Tier System STEP 2: Connect the Second-Tier MCCAT Unit Now you need to connect the second‐tier MCCAT units to the first‐tier MCCAT unit. A mix of different MCCAT models is permitted in such a system. For example, you can connect the MCCAT18 to the MCCAT116 unit. Important: Use only MCIM‐PS2 to connect the second‐tier KVM switches. Do NOT use other CIMs for connecting the second‐tier switches. 1. Make sure all of the MCCAT units are turned OFF. 2. Attach an MCIM‐PS2 to an MCCAT unit that is programmed as a second‐tier device: a. Connect the PS/2 keyboard connector of the CIM to the PS/2 keyboard port of the MCCAT unit. b. Connect the PS/2 mouse connector of the CIM to the PS/2 mouse port of the MCCAT unit. Connect the HD15 video connector of the CIM to the HD15 video port of the MCCAT unit. ...
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Chapter 5: Two-Tier System 3. Connect one end of the Cat5 UTP cable to the RJ45 port of the CIM being attached to the second‐tier MCCAT unit; connect the other end of the cable to one of the channel ports of the first‐tier MCCAT unit. 4. Connect one end of the power cord to the power jack of the MCCAT unit and the other end to the appropriate power outlet. 5. If you want to connect more second‐tier MCCAT units to the first‐tier MCCAT unit, repeat Steps 1 to 4. 6. Power ON the second‐tier devices first. After hearing the beep sounds of the second‐tier devices, power ON the first‐tier device. Note: Make sure you follow the above power‐on sequence; otherwise, the first‐tier device may show incorrect channel status. ...
Setting Up a Two-Tier System STEP 3: Connect the Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor to the First-Tier Device Connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the first‐tier MCCAT unit. For details, refer to Step 5 in Connecting Computers (on page 6). STEP 4: Specify the Type of the Connected Second-Tier Device in the OSD MCCAT cannot detect which type of the second‐tier device is connected. Therefore, you must specify the type(s) by yourself. Otherwise, you cannot properly access the second‐tier channels. To specify the type: 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. 2. Press F4 and the Configuration Menu appears. ...
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Chapter 5: Two-Tier System 4. The characters or dots (see the figure below), from left to right, represent channel numbers 1, 2, 3, and so on of the first‐tier unit. If the first‐tier unit contains 16 channels, you will see 16 characters or 16 dots in the field. Press or to select the character representing the channel where the second‐tier device is connected. 5. Type the appropriate code that corresponds to the type of the connected second‐tier device. For example, if you connect an MCCAT18 unit to the channel number 3 of the first‐tier unit, type y in the third character. See the following table for all codes representing different types of devices. Code Type of device . computer (or server) x MCC4 y MCCAT18, MCC8 z MCCAT116, MCC16 Note: For detailed information on other types of MasterConsole products, please refer to MasterConsole II User Manual on the “User Manuals & Quick Setup Guides” CD or on Raritanʹs Product Documentation webpage (http://www.raritan.com/support/productdocumentation). Default Name of the Second-Tier Device The following default names of the second‐tier devices appear in the ...
Accessing the Second-Tier Channels STEP 5: Connect Computers to the MCCAT System You can connect computers to available channel ports of any MCCAT units in the two‐tier system, including those of the first‐tier and second‐tier MCCAT units. For details, see Steps 2 to 4 in Connecting Computers (on page 6). Accessing the Second-Tier Channels Unlike the first‐tier channels, there is only one way to access the second‐tier channels, that is, through the OSD. If you have properly followed the procedure described in Setting Up a Two‐Tier System (on page 33), the second‐tier channels will be displayed in the OSD, following the page(s) of the first‐tier channels. To access these channels, do the following: 1. (Optional) If the OSD is not onscreen, press the hot key twice QUICKLY (default: Scroll Lock) to activate it. The Selection Menu appears. Note that the names of all second‐tier devices start with “/” like channel number 3 and 6 illustrated below. 2. There are several methods to go to the second‐tier channels. Do one of the following: Press or to highlight the first‐tier channel where the desired second‐tier device connects, and press Enter. The channel list of the selected second‐tier device appears. Press the “Key” number of the first‐tier channel where the desired ...
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Chapter 5: Two-Tier System Press Page Down or Page Up until you see the page where the desired second‐tier channel is available. Note: A second‐tier channel is always shown with two channel numbers: the first one is the number of the first‐tier channel where the second‐tier device connects, and the second one is the number of the second‐tier channel where the computer connects. 3. Press or to highlight the desired channel among the second‐tier channels. 4. Press Enter to select the channel. Now you can control the accessed computer with the keyboard and mouse attached to the first‐tier MCCAT unit. Important: If you have made physical changes to channels, such as disconnection or swapping of connected computers, it is strongly recommended to refresh the channel status before accessing the channels through OSD. This is because MCCAT does not automatically update its channel status when the changes occur. For instructions on refreshing the channel status, see Refreshing the Channel Status (on page 22). ...
STEP 4: Power cycle the upgraded MCCAT unit Note: If your system consists of two or more MCCAT units, you should upgrade each of them, starting from the first tier to the second tier. In This Chapter STEP 1: Download the Latest Firmware and Upgrade Utility ....40 STEP 2: Connect the MCCAT Unit to the Computer Running the Upgrade Utility.........................41 STEP 3: Launch the Upgrade Utility .............42 STEP 4: Power Cycle the Upgraded MCCAT Unit ........44 STEP 1: Download the Latest Firmware and Upgrade Utility 1. Use your browser to visit Raritanʹs Firmware Upgrades webpage (http://www.raritan.com/support/sup_upgrades.aspx). 2. Click MasterConsole to locate the latest firmware version for MCCAT. 3. Click the firmware (*.hex). 4. Click Save and specify the location to save the file. 5. Wait until the download completes. The downloaded file contains the *.hex firmware file and the upgrade utility. 6. (Optional) If associated release notes are NOT included in the downloaded file, locate the release notes on the same Frimware Upgrades page, and double click it to either open or download it. ...
Chapter 6: Firmware Upgrade STEP 2: Connect the MCCAT Unit to the Computer Running the Upgrade Utility 1. Prepare one DB9 male‐to‐female serial (RS‐232) cable. Note: If you donʹt have this cable, contact Raritan technical support for details. 2. Connect one end of the serial cable to one of the serial ports of the computer; connect the other end to the Admin port of the MCCAT unit. ...
STEP 3: Launch the Upgrade Utility STEP 3: Launch the Upgrade Utility The upgrade utility for MCCAT is the same one for Raritanʹs Paragon products, that is, the ParagonUpdate utility. However, the ParagonUpdate utility which is implemented with the capability to upgrade the MCCAT units starts from version 2.4.3. To ensure the success of the upgrade, it is strongly recommended to use the upgrade utility downloaded along with the MCCAT firmware when upgrading MCCAT units. 1. Double click the downloaded upgrade utility ‐‐ ParagonUpdate_XXX.exe, where XXX represents the version number. The firmware upgrade utility appears. 2. If the MCCAT unit intended to upgrade is already listed in the dialog, go to Step 3. If not, do the following to specify the device that you want to upgrade: a. Click New to start adding the device information. b. Click the Name field and type the appropriate name for the MCCAT unit you want to upgrade. Ensure <Default Serial> is selected in the IP address/Serial field for the serial connection between the MCCAT unit and the computer you are operating. ...
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Chapter 6: Firmware Upgrade d. Click the Port field and type the appropriate number of the serial port. For example, if the MCCAT unit connects to the computer via COM 1, type 1. Ensure <Default No Encryption> is selected in the Encryption Key field. (Optional) Click Save to save the device information so next time you donʹt have to specify the same information again. 3. Select the checkbox next to the MCCAT unit. 4. Click Load Hex File . The Open dialog appears. 5. Navigate to where the desired firmware file (*.hex) is located, select it and click Open. 6. Click Raritan MasterConsole to perform the upgrade. Note: The “Check Device Information” button is disabled with the MCCAT unit. Therefore, never click it when the device intended to upgrade is MCCAT. ...
STEP 4: Power Cycle the Upgraded MCCAT Unit 7. Click Yes when the following message box appears. 8. A progress indicator is shown on the bottom of the dialog, displaying the upgrade status. The upgrade may last for several minutes. 9. The “Device Update Successful” message appears when the upgrade completes successfully. Click OK. For more information on the ParagonUpdate utility, see Paragon Manager User Guide on the “User Manuals & Quick Setup Guides” CD or on Raritanʹs Product Documentation webpage (http://www.raritan.com/support/productdocumentation). STEP 4: Power Cycle the Upgraded MCCAT Unit After completing the firmware upgrade, you must power OFF and then power ON the upgraded unit to ensure the upgrade success. ...
Appendix A Specifications In This Chapter Measurement....................45 Supported Resolutions..................45 Measurement MCCAT18 1U Dimension: Weight: (8‐channel model) rackmountable 17.32”(W) x 7.20”(D) x 1.73”(H) or 5.30 lb or 2.40 kg 44 cm (W) x 18.3 cm (D) x 4.4 cm (H) MCCAT116 1U Dimension: Weight: (16‐channel model) rackmountable 17.32”(W) x 7.20”(D) x 1.73”(H) or 5.35 lb or 2.42 kg 44 cm (W) x 18.3 cm (D) x 4.4 cm (H) Supported Resolutions Screen Resolution Refresh Rate (HZ) 640x350 70, 85 640x400 85 640x480 60, 67, 72 ...
Appendix B MCCAT Default Settings Field or Function Factory Default Setting Administration password raritan (note the password is case sensitive) AutoScan OFF AutoScan mode Global AutoSkip OFF Scan time per channel in the Individual scan 5 seconds mode Device “.” (a dot represents the device is a computer) Scan time per channel in the Global scan 5 seconds mode Hot Key Scroll Lock ID Display Interval 3 seconds MCCAT tier configuration First tier Power‐saving mode (Green Mode) OFF Power‐saving delay time 15 minutes Security OFF Security activation delay time ...
Appendix C Compatibility with Other Raritan Products You can connect other Raritan products to the MCCAT unit, such as MasterConsole II, which can work as the second tier, or P2CIM‐SER, which enables the connection of an ASCII serial device to the MCCAT unit. In This Chapter Compatible CIMs.....................47 Compatibility with MasterConsole II ............49 Compatible CIMs In addition to MCIM‐PS2 and MCIM‐USB, MCCAT is also compatible with other Raritan CIMs (see the table below). The procedure of connecting these CIMs is the same as that of connecting MCIM. For details, see Connecting Computers (on page 6). Connector Type P2CIM‐APS2 PS‐2 and HD15 (video) connectors P2CIM‐AUSB USB and HD15 (video) connectors P2CIM‐PS2 PS‐2 and HD15 (video) connectors P2CIM‐USB USB and HD15 (video) connectors DCIM‐APS2 PS‐2 and HD15 (video) connectors DCIM‐USB USB and HD15 (video) connectors DCIM‐USB G2 ** USB and HD15 (video) connectors P2CIM‐SER ...
Compatible CIMs Connecting a Serial Device via the Serial CIM To connect an ASCII serial device, LAN/WAN component or a computer through a serial port (RS‐232) to the MCCAT system, use one of Raritanʹs serial CIMs: P2CIM‐SER or P2CIM‐SER‐EU. These CIMs can emulate an ASCII terminal and convert the serial data from the ASCII device to VGA video (800x600x60) and PS/2 keyboard signals. This conversion allows users to access and operate any ASCII serial device connected to the MCCAT system. Here are some useful features of the serial CIMs: • Interoperates with an ASCII device in the On Line Mode as if the device were attached to a text terminal • Edits, copies, marks, and/or resends data to the ASCII serial device or computer in the Buffer Edit Mode • Maintains eight pages of data in a circular buffer • Provides 12 programmable keys for frequently‐used character strings or commands Note: The P2CIM‐SER and P2CIM‐SER‐EU are functionally identical. The only difference between the two is that the P2CIM‐SER‐EU supports a wider variety of non‐English language keyboards and character sets. DB9 connector USB connector RJ45 connector ...
Appendix C: Compatibility with Other Raritan Products Installing a Serial CIM Take these steps to attach a serial CIM to the serial port of a serial device or computer and to your MCCAT system. 1. Connect the CIM to a serial port on the serial device or computer, using its serial DB9 connector. 2. Connect the CIM to the MCCAT system using a standard Cat5 UTP cable. 3. Connect the CIMʹs USB connector to a powered USB port, or to a separately available Raritan PWR‐SER‐4 power adapter, to obtain power. For detailed information on the CIMs, see Paragon and Dominion KX Serial Device CIM User Guide (see Serial Device CIM User Guide ‐ http://www.raritan.com/_downloads/pdfs/products/P2CIM‐SER%20User %20Guide.pdf). This user guide can be downloaded from Raritanʹs website. Compatibility with MasterConsole II MCCAT is able to work in conjunction with MasterConsole II products, including MCC4, MCC8 and MCC16. These MasterConsole II units can function as the second‐tier devices of the MCCAT system. The procedure of connecting MasterConsole II products is the same as that of connecting MCCAT units. • STEP 1: Programme a MasterConsole II unit as a second‐tier device •...
Compatibility with MasterConsole II 3. The rightmost LED on the front panel is lit, indicating the device is now programmed as a second‐tier device. 4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 if more MasterConsole II units are to be programmed as the second‐tier devices. STEP 2: Connect the Second-Tier MasterConsole II Units 1. Attach a PS/2 CIM to a MasterConsole II unit that is programmed as a second‐tier device. 2. Connect one end of the Cat5 UTP cable to the RJ45 port of the CIM being attached to the second‐tier MasterConsole II unit; connect the other end of the cable to one of the channel ports of the first‐tier MCCAT unit. 3. Connect one end of the power cord to the power jack of the MasterConsole II unit and the other end to the appropriate power outlet. 4. If you want to connect more second‐tier MasterConsole II units to the first‐tier MCCAT unit, repeat Steps 1 to 3. 5. Power ON the second‐tier devices first. Then power ON the first‐tier MCCAT unit. STEP 3: Specify the Type of the Connected Second-Tier Device in the OSD You must specify the type of the connected device in the Configuration ...
• The monitor probably does not match the video outputs. If the The monitor cannot monitor is a single mode type VGA, all computers must have the correctly display the same type of video output. video output from some of the computers • (Note: this problem occurs most often with some IBM PS/2s and IBM 63xx, 85xx, and 95xx monitors.) The intelligent type display card outputs video signals based on the monitor ID‐pin setting in the connector of the monitor cable. If the ID‐pin setting is incorrect, the monitor attached to the MCCAT may have no display, become monochrome instead of color, or become unstable. If this is the case, you will need to provide a proper ID‐pattern to the display card. Call Raritan technical support (see the last page) for help if necessary. • Make sure the keyboard is connected firmly to MCCAT. Disconnect All computers powered and reconnect the keyboard. up without keyboard error, but the keyboard • Replace the keyboard. (MCCAT allows hot re‐connection of the attached to MCCAT has keyboard at its Keyboard port.) no control (cannot input • In a two‐tier configuration, check that the MCCAT with the to any computer) keyboard connected is the first tier. • The keyboard cable from the CIM to the computer is loose. Secure Repeated “KB ERRORʺ ...
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• Check the keyboard connection. computers are selected • The mouse cable from the CIM to the computer is loose. Secure the Repeated ʺMOUSE connection and power on the computer again. INSTALLATION FAILUREʺ at power‐up • If the problem only occurs to new computers which are just added of computer. to the system, the firmware in the KVM (MCCAT internal mouse emulator) may need to be upgraded to a later version to be compatible with newer computers. Contact your dealer or Raritan for service. • Try to identify if the problem is originating from the computer by After a period of reconnecting the computer to a different channel with a different trouble‐free operation, cable. Then power on the computer. If the problem is not with the the mouse attached to cable or with a specific channel, connect the mouse directly to the MCCAT locks (unable to computer. If the problem persists, then the computerʹs mouse port is control mouse functions) out of order. Otherwise, contact your dealer or Raritan for service. when a particular computer is selected, but • If the problem occurs after MCCAT has been installed for a period works normally when of time, and occurs to computers that have previously worked with ...
OSD Operation • 10, 20 Accessing the Second‐Tier Channels • 38 Overview • 32 Accessing the System in the Security Mode • 24 Activating the OSD • 13 Package Contents • 3 Activating the Security Feature • 23 Product Features • 2 Advanced Operation and System Product Overview • 1 Configuration • 4, 17 Product Photos • 1 Changing Channel Names • 11, 16 Quick Start • 4 Changing Passwords • 24 Changing the Keyboard Layout Setting • 25 Compatibility with MasterConsole II • 49 Rear View • 5 Compatibility with Other Raritan Products • Refreshing the Channel Status • 22, 39 47 Resetting the System • 31 Compatible CIMs • 47 Returning to the Previous Channel • 21 Connecting a Serial Device via the Serial CIM • 48 Connecting Computers • 6, 36, 38, 47 Selecting a Channel • 9 Cycling Through Channels • 19, 22 Setting the Scan Time for Individual Scan Mode • 29 Setting Up a Two‐Tier System • 5, 33, 38 Firmware Upgrade • 40 Specifications • 45 Frequently Used Keys • 14 STEP 1 Front Panel Operation • 9, 19 Download the Latest Firmware and Front View • 4 ...
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Index Connect the Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor to the First-Tier Device • 36 Launch the Upgrade Utility • 42 Specify the Type of the Connected Second-Tier Device in the OSD • 50 STEP 4 Power Cycle the Upgraded MCCAT Unit • Specify the Type of the Connected Second-Tier Device in the OSD •...
U.S./Canada/Latin America Monday ‐ Friday 8 a.m. ‐ 8 p.m. ET Phone: 800‐724‐8090 or 732‐764‐8886 For CommandCenter NOC: Press 6, then Press 1 For CommandCenter Secure Gateway: Press 6, then Press 2 Fax: 732‐764‐8887 Email for CommandCenter NOC: tech‐ccnoc@raritan.com Email for all other products: tech@raritan.com China Europe Beijing, China Europe Monday ‐ Friday Monday ‐ Friday 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m. local time 8:30 a.m. ‐ 5 p.m. GMT+1 CET Phone: +86‐10‐88091890 Phone: +31‐10‐2844040 Email: tech.europe@raritan.com Shanghai, China United Kingdom Monday ‐ Friday 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m. local time Monday ‐ Friday Phone: +86‐21‐5425‐2499 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. GMT+1 CET Phone +44‐20‐7614‐77‐00 GuangZhou, China France Monday ‐ Friday 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m. local time Monday ‐ Friday Phone: +86‐20‐8755‐5561 ...