LINDY CPU Switch USB
Installation and Use
Part
Model
32 341
LINDY CPU Switch USB PC
Part
Model
32 342
LINDY CPU Switch USB Mac
LINDY CPU Switch USB Installation and Use
First edition (January 2000)© 2000 LINDY Electronics Ltd.
Warranty
LINDY Electronics Ltd warrants that this product shall be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of original
purchase. If the product should fail to operate correctly in normal use during the
warranty period, LINDY will replace or repair it free of charge. No liability can be
accepted for damage due to misuse or circumstances outside LINDY’s control. Also
LINDY will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury arising directly or
indirectly from the use of this product. LINDY’s total liability under the terms of this
warranty shall in all circumstances be limited to the replacement value of this
product.
If any difficulty is experienced in the installation or use of this product that you are
unable to resolve, please contact your supplier.
Trademarks
All trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
respective trademark owners.
Compaq is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000 and ThinkPad are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation.
Logitech, MouseMan+ and Pilot Mouse+ are trademarks of Logitech Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks, and IntelliMouse is a trademark
of Microsoft Corporation.
Velcro is a trademark of Velcro USA Inc.
LINDY CPU Switch USB
Installation and Use
Page 3
Radio Frequency Energy
Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with radio
frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity
to electromagnetic disturbances.
European EMC directive 89/336/EEC
FCC Compliance Statement (United States)
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used properly, that is, in strict accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause
interference to radio communication. It has been
tested and found to comply with the limits for a
class A computing device in accordance with
the specifications in Subpart J of part 15 of FCC
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area may cause interference, in
which case the user at his own expense will be
required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference. Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a class B computing
device in accordance with the specifications in
the European standard EN55022. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions may cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception. However, there is no guarantee that
harmful interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the
equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to
correct the interference with one or more of the
following measures: (a) Reorient or relocate the
receiving antenna. (b) Increase the separation
between the equipment and the receiver. (c)
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected. (d) Consult the supplier or an
experienced radio / TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications
RFI statement
This equipment does not exceed the class A
limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de
bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la
classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectriques publié par le
ministère des Communications du Canada.
LINDY CPU Switch USB
Installation and Use
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Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................... 6
1.1 Key features........................................................................................... 6
1.2 Package contents (models 32 341 and 32 342) .................................... 7
1.3 Remote controller contents (part code: 32 255) .................................... 7
1.4 Product information ............................................................................... 8
2. Installation ...................................................................................... 10
2.1 What you will need ............................................................................... 10
2.2 Mounting the LINDY CPU Switch USB ................................................. 11
2.3 Connecting your devices ...................................................................... 11
2.4 Configuring the LINDY CPU Switch USB............................................... 14
2.4.1 Setting the USB enumeration guard time ..................................... 15
2.4.2 Setting the autoscan dwell time .................................................... 15
2.4.3 Setting the LINDY CPU Switch USB to scan all ports or just the
active ports ................................................................................... 16
2.4.4 Setting the keyboard hotkey combination ..................................... 16
2.4.5 Enabling and disabling mouse channel switching ........................ 16
2.5 Powering on the LINDY CPU Switch USB ............................................ 17
2.6 Configuring your computers .................................................................. 17
2.7 Re-enabling a disconnected PS/2 mouse ............................................. 17
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3. Using the LINDY CPU Switch USB ............................................... 18
3.1 Power on status ..................................................................................... 18
3.2 Front panel key ..................................................................................... 18
3.3 Switching between computers using the LINDY CPU Switch USB ....... 19
3.4 Status display ........................................................................................ 19
3.5 Keyboard hotkey control........................................................................ 20
3.6 Mouse control ........................................................................................ 22
3.7 Autoscan mode ..................................................................................... 22
3.8 The optional remote controller .............................................................. 22
3.9 Querying the LINDY CPU Switch USB’s firmware version .................... 23
3.10 PC and Macintosh keyboard equivalent key mappings ....................... 23
Appendices
A - Cable specifications..................................................................................... 24
A1 USB cables............................................................................................. 24
A2 Video cables .......................................................................................... 24
A3 PS/2 style keyboard and mouse extension cables ................................ 25
A4 Remote controller extension cables ....................................................... 25
B – Problem Solving........................................................................................... 26
LINDY CPU Switch USB
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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the LINDY CPU Switch USB. Your LINDY CPU Switch
USB is a high performance keyboard, monitor, mouse and peripheral sharing device
which supports a wide range of hardware and software platforms and connects to
your computers via their USB ports.
1.1 Key features
PC and MAC models
• Enables a keyboard, monitor, mouse and range of USB peripherals to be
switched between four USB-enabled computers.
• Uses new innovative technology that is Patent Pending in the U.K.
• Numeric status display and front panel pushbutton make computer selection
easy.
• Supports high quality video resolutions up to 1600 x 1280 pixels and screen
refresh rates up to 100 Hz.
• Each computer may be connected using just one standard USB cable and one
standard video cable.
• Robust metal chassis sits securely on your desktop.
• Internal USB hub function enables 3 USB peripherals to be connected. More USB
peripherals may be added by using additional USB hubs.
• LINDY CPU Switch USB has its own power supply and consequently will power
USB hubs attached to its peripheral ports. This enables keyboards with integral
hubs and other non-powered USB hubs to be supported.
• Available in attractive translucent blue to match with your computer equipment.
• Remote controller option enables the LINDY CPU Switch USB to be controlled
from a small neat remote control unit that may be attached to the top of a
keyboard or the side of a monitor.
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• Supports monitor display data channel signalling (DDC1 & DDC2) enabling your
computer to communicate with the monitor.
• Supports autoscan for easy monitoring of computer activity.
• Enables switching between all computer ports or just active computer ports for
maximum convenience.
PC models
• PS/2-style keyboard and mouse ports enable a traditional style PC keyboard and
mouse to be connected to the LINDY CPU Switch USB.
• LINDY CPU Switch USB’s channel can be changed using keyboard hotkeys or a
3-button mouse.
• Traditional style PS/2 keyboard and mouse signals automatically converted to
USB format within the LINDY CPU Switch USB.
• Keyboard and mouse activity indication.
• Video blanking feature.
1.2 Package contents (models 32 341 and 32 342)
• LINDY CPU Switch USB.
• Power adapter.
• This installation guide.
1.3 Remote controller contents (part code: 32 255)
• Remote control module.
• Velcro strip for mounting remote controller.
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1.4 Product information
Fig. 1 – LINDY CPU Switch USB model 32 341
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LINDY CPU Switch USB
Fig. 2 - Remote control pad / display (optional accessory) (Part: 32 255)
Fig. 3 – LINDY CPU Switch USB model 32 342
LINDY CPU Switch USB
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2. Installation
2.1 What you will need
•
A suitable USB-enabled operating system running on each of your computers.
Suitable operating systems are Windows 98 release 2 or later and Mac OS 8.6
or later. Earlier operating system versions are not recommended and may cause
occasional problems. Other operating systems such as Windows ® 2000, HP-
UX®, Linux®, SCO® UNIX®, and Novell® NetWare® have USB support or are likely
to add it soon. DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and Windows NT either do not
support USB or are not recommended for use with the LINDY CPU Switch USB.
• Cables to connect the LINDY CPU Switch USB to a USB and video port on each
of your computers. Cable specifications are given in appendix A.
• A monitor with a standard VGA/SVGA (15 pin) connector that will work when
connected directly to each of your computers. LINDY CPU Switch USB supports
low and high resolution monitors.
• Suitable USB drivers for all the USB peripherals that you wish to connect to the
LINDY CPU Switch USB. Common drivers, such as those for keyboards and
mice, are usually included with the operating system. If you are connecting to
both PC and Apple Macintosh computers then you should ensure that you have
drivers for both platforms.
• If you wish to connect more than three USB peripherals to the LINDY CPU
Switch USB then you will need additional USB hubs. These may be bus powered
or powered with their own independent power supplies. All USB hubs should be
at least USB 1.0 compliant and should preferably be USB 1.1 compliant.
• A suitable keyboard and mouse. If you have LINDY CPU Switch USB Mac model
32 342 then these must be USB devices. If you have the LINDY CPU Switch
USB PC model 32 341 then these may be USB style devices or traditional PS/2
style devices. If you are connecting to both PC and Macintosh machines then it
is recommended that you use a PC keyboard and mouse because the PC
keyboard and mouse has more keys and buttons than the Macintosh keyboard
and mouse. If you wish you may connect both types of keyboard or mouse for
convenience.
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Installation and Use
LINDY CPU Switch USB
You may connect standard 2 or 3 button PS/2 or IntelliMouse compatible mice to
the PS/2 mouse port on the LINDY CPU Switch USB PC model 32 341. The
LINDY CPU Switch USB supports ‘Internet Mice’ that are compatible with the
Microsoft IntelliMouse. These are fitted with a wheel or other scroll control and
sometimes have additional buttons.
Examples are:
All LINDY Mice
Microsoft IntelliMouse
Logitech Pilot Mouse +
Logitech MouseMan+
Genius NetMouse
Genius NetMouse Pro
If you are using an AT keyboard with a 5 pin connector you may connect this to
the LINDY CPU Switch USB using a standard AT to PS/2 keyboard adapter. If
you do not wish to use a keyboard and mouse then the LINDY Switch USB will
operate without these devices connected. If you wish to use the PS/2 style mouse
to switch the LINDY CPU Switch USB's channel then you will need a three button
mouse or a LINDY mouse.
2.2 Mounting the LINDY CPU Switch USB
The LINDY CPU Switch USB has been designed for use on a desktop or shelf in
close proximity to the user’s monitor and peripherals. The optional remote controller
may be used if you wish to locate the LINDY CPU Switch USB on a desk or shelf
that is some distance from the monitor and peripherals.
2.3 Connecting your devices
Ensure that the power adapter is disconnected from the LINDY CPU Switch USB
and that all the devices which are to be attached are switched off. Connect your
keyboard, mouse and monitor to the connectors at the rear of the LINDY CPU
Switch USB (see figs 1, 2 and 3). Your user and peripheral devices should plug
directly into the LINDY CPU Switch USB.
Next connect each computer system unit in turn with a USB and a video cable. The
LINDY CPU Switch USB
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USB cable has different connectors on each end. This ensures that it connects to
the correct ports. The type A connector (rectangular) plugs into the computer and
the type B connector (square) plugs into the LINDY CPU Switch USB. USB cables
should be no longer than 5 metres but this distance may be extended with the use of
USB hubs. You should use tri-coax video cables to achieve a good video picture
(the type of thick cable that you see on computer monitor connections). Lower
quality ‘data’ cables will function correctly but will generally give relatively poor
video pictures and are only suitable for screen resolutions of 640 x 480. Any unused
computer connections can be left unconnected.
If you are using an Apple Macintosh computer and you wish to use the on/off key
function on the keyboard then you must connect the keyboard directly to the LINDY
CPU Switch USB’s peripheral port A. If you are using this on/off key function then
you will also not be able to use an additional USB hub to extend the cable run
between the computer and the LINDY CPU Switch USB. This is because the
Macintosh on/off key function is not supported through a USB hub.
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Figure 4 - a typical LINDY CPU Switch USB installation whereby a range of
peripherals are shared between four computers
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2.4 Configuring the LINDY CPU Switch USB
The LINDY CPU Switch USB is supplied pre-configured with factory defaults which
are suitable for most applications. A row of option switches on the underside of the
LINDY CPU Switch USB may be used to select various other configuration options
as follows:
Swtches 1 to 4 are only
applicable to the
LINDY CPU Switch USB 32 341
ON
1
2 3 4 5 6 7
8
= ON
OFF
= OFF
Hotkeys
disabled
Hotkeys =
ALT + SHIFT
Scan all ports
Hotkeys =
CTRL + SHIFT
Scan active ports only
(default)
Hotkeys =
CTRL + ALT
(default)
Autoscan dwell time
= 5 seconds
Disable mouse
switching of channels
Autoscan dwell time
= 2 seconds (default)
Enable mouse switching
of channels (default)
Enumeration ’guard time’
= 16 seconds
Reserved - set OFF
Enumeration ’guard time’
= 8 seconds
Enumeration ’guard time’
= 4 seconds
Enumeration ’guard time’
= 2 seconds (default)
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LINDY CPU Switch USB
2.4.1 Setting the USB enumeration guard time
(option switches 5 and 6)
A USB-enabled computer detects and configures USB peripherals when they are
connected to or disconnected from its USB ports. This process is called
enumeration. You can often see when the enumeration process is in progress as the
computer will usually display a timer or hourglass for a few seconds after the
connection of a USB peripheral whilst the device is being enumerated.
This enumeration process will take place each time that the LINDY CPU Switch USB
locks on to a new computer port. Unfortunately computer software is not generally
robust enough to cope with the connection between the computer and peripherals
being broken during this enumeration process. If the connection is lost part of the
way through the enumeration process then the computer software or the peripherals
can hang.
To overcome this problem the LINDY CPU Switch USB is fitted with an enumeration
guard timeout system. Once the LINDY CPU Switch USB has locked on to a channel
it will remain connected to that channel for at least the enumeration guard time. This
ensures that the enumeration process is complete before further channel changes
are allowed and consequently ensures robust and reliable operation.
The enumeration process takes longer if more peripherals are connected. Select an
enumeration time that is longer than the longest observed enumeration time. The
enumeration time can be judged by the length of time that the hourglass or timer
remains on the computer screen after a channel change (normally a few seconds).
Alternatively you may select the shortest enumeration guard time (2 seconds) and
remember not to change the channel whilst the hourglass or timer is displayed.
2.4.2 Setting the autoscan dwell time
The LINDY CPU Switch USB may be made to autoscan the connected computers.
During autoscan the LINDY CPU Switch USB displays the video signal from each
computer in turn for a selected time period. This time period is known as the dwell
time and may be selected to be 2 or 5 seconds using option switch 7. Ports are
scanned in ascending numerical sequence and all the ports or just the active ports
will be scanned according to the setting of option switch 8.
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2.4.3 Setting the LINDY CPU Switch USB to scan all ports or just the
active ports
The LINDY CPU Switch USB’s front panel button may be used to select the required
computer. To avoid the need to press the key more times than necessary the LINDY
CPU Switch USB may be set to scan just the ports that have powered computers
attached. When the LINDY CPU Switch USB has been set to scan these ‘active’
ports, only these ports may be selected using the front panel button. If you wish to
be able to select all the ports, regardless of whether the connected computers are
powered on or not, then the LINDY CPU Switch USB may be set to scan all ports.
The scan strategy is selected using option switch 8. This setting also controls the
ports that are scanned during autoscan and the ports that may be selected using the
keyboard hotkeys+TAB or a 3-button mouse (model 32 341 only).
The LINDY CPU Switch USB determines if a port is active by monitoring the
signals present on the USB interface cable. The LINDY CPU Switch USB is not
able to detect an active computer if a USB cable from that computer is not
connected to the LINDY CPU Switch USB.
2.4.4 Setting the keyboard hotkey combination
(model 32 341 only)
The LINDY CPU Switch USB’s channel may be selected by pressing keyboard
hotkey combinations on the keyboard attached to the PS/2 keyboard port. Keyboard
hotkey combinations consist of three keys that are pressed together to activate the
required function. For example, pressing CTRL and ALT and 2 together would select
channel 2 (assuming the default hotkeys). Certain hotkey combinations may
sometimes be used by other systems or software so various different hotkey
combinations may be selected. Options switches 1 and 2 are used to select the
required hotkey combination or disable the hotkeys.
2.4.5 Enabling and disabling mouse channel switching
(model 32 341 only)
A three button PS/2 mouse or an IntelliMouse can be used to switch channels on the
LINDY CPU Switch USB. To switch to the next channel, the user simply holds down
the central button or wheel button and presses the left hand button to change
channel. If the user does not wish to take advantage of this feature, it can be
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LINDY CPU Switch USB
disabled using option switch 3. If the third button is being used to switch the LINDY
CPU Switch USB then it is not available for use with PC software although the
function of an IntelliMouse wheel is not affected. If you wish to use the full function
of a 3 button mouse or IntelliMouse for your PC software then you should disable
mouse channel switching.
2.5 Powering on the LINDY CPU Switch USB
The LINDY CPU Switch USB is powered from the supplied mains power adapter.
There is no on/off switch on the LINDY CPU Switch USB so it will start to operate as
soon as the power adapter has been connected to the LINDY CPU Switch USB and
plugged into the mains supply.
2.6 Configuring your computers
We recommend that you configure each computer in turn for operation with your
USB devices without changing the LINDY CPU Switch USB’s channel. Configure
your computers as if the USB devices were connected directly to the computer.
Some PC compatible computers may not recognise a USB keyboard or mouse until
a suitable driver has been loaded. It may only be possible to load these drivers if
you have keyboard and mouse control and so consequently you may need to
connect a traditional style PS/2 keyboard and mouse to load the USB drivers. Once
these USB drivers have been loaded the PS/2 keyboard and mouse may be
disconnected.
Remember that you must be using a suitable operating system such as
Windows 98 or Mac OS 8.6.
If you are using a version of Apple’s operating system earlier than 8.6 then you
must upgrade to a later version. This upgrade is available on Apple’s website.
If you use an earlier operating system then your peripherals will hang after
typically 25 channel changes.
2.7 Re-enabling a disconnected LINDY PS/2 mouse (32 341 only)
If you disconnect the LINDY PS/2-style mouse from the LINDY CPU Switch USB by
accident during operation then the mouse operation will be lost when the mouse is
plugged back in. To avoid having to reboot the entire system in this situation the
LINDY CPU Switch USB is fitted with an automatic mouse recovery system.
With the LINDY PS/2 mouse disconnected, change the channel using the front
panel key or keyboard hotkeys. The LINDY CPU Switch USB detects that the mouse
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has been disconnected and triggers the automatic recovery system. Plug in the
LINDY PS/2 mouse and the LINDY CPU Switch USB will re-initialise it.
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LINDY CPU Switch USB
3. Using the LINDY CPU Switch USB
This section explains the general operation of the LINDY CPU Switch USB. We
recommend that you read this section before starting to use the product.
3.1 Power on status
At power on the LINDY CPU Switch USB selects computer number 1 and displays
’1’ on the front panel numerical display.
3.2 Front panel key
The front panel key is used to select which channel (1 to 4) is currently connected to
the user ports (coloured green on the rear panel) and which is currently controlled
by the shared keyboard, mouse and monitor. Pressing the key during normal
operation will cause the next computer channel to be selected.
Depending on the position of option switch 8, pressing the front panel key will either
select the next active computer channel or the next computer channel in numerical
sequence (1,2,3,4,1,2,3 etc.).
Using the front panel key you may cycle through the available computer channels
until you find the required port. When the LINDY CPU Switch USB detects that no
new key presses have occurred for a second it will start the channel lock-on
process. During the lock-on process the display will flash to indicate that the LINDY
CPU Switch USB is currently waiting for the enumeration guard period (see section
2.4.1). The channel may not be changed again until this process is complete and
the display stops flashing.
The front panel key may be used to select autoscan mode. Autoscan mode is
activated by holding the key down for more than 5 seconds until the display starts to
show a rotating segment. Autoscan mode may be cancelled by pressing the front
panel key whilst within autoscan mode.
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3.3 Switching between computers using the LINDY CPU Switch USB
When you select a new computer using the LINDY CPU Switch USB, the
peripherals that were connected to the old computer will be disconnected and
allocated to the new computer regardless of whether they are currently servicing
jobs on the old computer. For example, if you are printing from the old computer and
you switch to a new computer before the print job is complete then only part of your
print job will actually be printed.
In particular you should avoid switching computers whilst a computer is
reading or writing data to a USB data storage device such as a ZIP drive.
Where practical it is advisable to eject removable disks on USB drives before
switching computers.
3.4 Status display
The status display usually shows the currently selected port. If autoscan mode is
selected, the segments will illuminate in sequence in a clockwise direction
interspersed with a display of the currently selected channel. If the LINDY CPU
Switch USB is waiting for the enumeration guard process to complete then the
display will flash. Data flow from the mouse or keyboard attached to the PS/2 style
keyboard and mouse ports (model 32 341 only) causes the dot in the lower right
hand corner of the display to flash.
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3.5 Keyboard hotkey control (model 32 341 only)
The LINDY CPU Switch USB may be conveniently controlled by pressing keyboard
hotkey combinations on the keyboard attached to the PS/2 style keyboard port (see
figure 4). All of the hotkey control commands are invoked by holding down the two
hotkeys and then pressing a command key. By default, the two hotkeys are ‘CTRL’
and ‘ALT’, although other combinations can be selected (see section 2.4.4). Once
the hotkey command has been activated you will need to release the hotkeys and
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the command key before a new hotkey command is accepted by the LINDY CPU
Switch USB. HOTKEYs + TAB is an exception and this allows you to ’tab through’
the ports by holding down the hotkeys and repeatedly pressing TAB.
The hotkey command are summarised below (note that the numbers on the numeric
keypad do not form part of a valid hotkey) :
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘1’ - selects channel 1
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘2’ - selects channel 2
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘3’ - selects channel 3
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘4’ - selects channel 4
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘TAB’ - selects the next channel. The next channel may be the next
active channel or the next channel in numerical sequence depending upon the
position of option switch 8 (see section 2.4.3).
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘A’ - selects autoscan mode where each channel’s video is
displayed for the selected time (see section 2.4.2). To cancel autoscan mode simply
select any fixed channel either by hotkey or by using the front panel button.
‘HOTKEYs’ and ‘0’ – switches off the video signal and displays 0. This will cause
some monitors to go into standby mode or switch off. The video signal can be re-
enabled by selecting a channel.
Examples of common hotkey sequences (assuming CTRL + ALT hotkey option):
To select channel 2:
Press ED
ED
ꢀ
ꢀ
release
To 'tab through' channels:
Press ED Yrelease Ypress Yꢁ
ꢁ
release Ypress Y release YED
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3.6 Mouse control (model 32 341 only)
The LINDY CPU Switch USB’s channels may be changed using a three button
mouse or IntelliMouse. In order to switch to the next channel simply hold down the
central mouse button or wheel button and click on the left hand mouse button. The
channel will then change to the next channel. The next channel may be the next
active channel or the next channel in numerical sequence depending on the setting
of option switch 8 (see section 2.4.3).
3.7 Autoscan mode
Autoscan mode may be selected by holding the front panel key down for 5 seconds
or by using the keyboard hotkeys. When autoscan mode has been activated the
front panel display will alternately show a rotating segment and the currently
selected channel. The video from each computer will be displayed for the time
period selected by option switch 7 (either 2 seconds or 5 seconds). During autoscan
all the USB peripherals remain disconnected and only the video signals are
switched through. Depending upon the position of option switch 8, the LINDY CPU
Switch USB will lock-on to all the computer ports or just the active computer ports.
Many modern monitors are fitted with automatic power save relays and will
switch off after a few seconds if connected to an inactive PC. If you are using
such a monitor you must not scan inactive ports. Constant switching on and
off of your monitor’s relay will eventually damage your monitor.
3.8 The optional remote controller
An optional remote controller is available which replicates the front panel key and
display, but can be located remotely from the LINDY CPU Switch USB. The remote
controller plugs into the options port on the back of the LINDY CPU Switch USB
(see figures 1 and 2). This remote controller is particularly useful in applications
where the LINDY CPU Switch USB is located away from the user’s desktop. The
remote controller can be conveniently attached to your keyboard with a couple of
Velcro strips to give instant channel information and key control. The key and
display on the remote controller perform exactly the same function as the key and
display on the front panel of the LINDY CPU Switch USB. The remote controller is
supplied with a 3 metre cable but this may be extended if necessary to 20 metres.
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3.9 Querying the LINDY CPU Switch USB’s firmware version
For technical support reasons it may sometimes be desirable to know the firmware
version of your LINDY CPU Switch USB. If the front panel key is held down whilst
the LINDY CPU Switch USB is powered on then the firmware version will be
displayed as a sequence of numbers and characters. The three digits of the
firmware version are shown in sequence on the 7-segment display, one at a time,
alternating with the letter F. When the firmware version has been displayed the
LINDY CPU Switch USB will display and equals sign and resume normal operation.
For example the following sequence would indicate firmware version 1.23.
)ꢁꢁꢂꢁꢁ)ꢁꢁꢀꢁꢁ)ꢁꢁꢃꢁꢁ ꢁ
3.10 PC and Macintosh keyboard equivalent key mappings
If you are connecting a mixture of IBM compatible PCs and Macintosh computers to
the LINDY CPU Switch USB then you have several possible keyboard configuration
options. You may decide to connect both a Macintosh and PC style keyboard to the
LINDY CPU Switch USB and use the appropriate keyboard for the appropriate
system. Alternatively you may wish to use the same keyboard to control both
systems. In this case we recommend that you use a PC 104/105-key keyboard. This
has more keys than the Macintosh keyboard and so is more suited to universal use.
The equivalent key mappings on the IBM PC 104/105 –key keyboard and the Apple
keyboard are shown in the following table:
IBM 104/105-key
keyboard
Apple keyboard
Left Ctrl
Left Control
Left Win Start ( )
Left Alt
Left Command ( )
Left Option (alt)
Right Option (alt)
Right Command ( )
Right Control
Right Alt or Alt Graph
Right Win Start ( )
Right Ctrl
Windows Application ( )
No equivalent
No equivalent
On / off key
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Installation and Use
LINDY CPU Switch USB
Appendix A. Cable specifications
Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance
with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high
level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.
A1. USB cables
The construction and maximum length of USB cables is specified in the USB
standard. You should only use cables that conform to this USB standard. These
cables will be shielded and no longer than 5 metres in length. USB cables have
different types of connectors at each end to avoid incorrect connection.
USB peripherals that carry integral cables, such as some keyboards and mice may
be connected directly to the LINDY CPU Switch USB or may be connected to the
LINDY CPU Switch USB via a USB hub (see figure 4). USB hubs may be used to
extend the overall USB cable run beyond the 5 metre limit.
A2. Video cables
You will require a video cable for each computer that you wish to connect. The
LINDY CPU Switch USB uses standard video cables that are terminated at each end
with a standard 15-way high density D-type male video connector. All the pins on
the cable are connected straight through.
We strongly recommend that you use tri-coax 75 ohm video cables that are
specifically designed to carry video signals. Good quality 10 metre long tri-coax
video cables show little loss of video quality. Lengths up to 30 metres long will
usually give an acceptable video picture although the quality falls off as the length
increases. You should therefore generally use the minimum length possible.
Tri-coax video cables can easily be identified as they are roughly the same
thickness as a monitor’s video cable and are usually lightly fluted on the outside.
Cheaper and thinner ‘data’ cables are widely available but are only suitable for low
video resolutions. Where possible these cheaper cables should be avoided.
Your monitor will plug directly into the back of the LINDY CPU Switch USB, however
LINDY CPU Switch USB
Installation and Use
Page 27
if you wish to extend the distance between the LINDY CPU Switch USB and the
monitor then you may use a tri-coax video extension cable. This cable should
preferably be no longer than 10 metres although cable runs up to 20 metres long
may also give acceptable video quality.
A3. PS/2 style keyboard and mouse extension cables
PS/2 style keyboards and mice will plug directly into the LINDY CPU Switch USB
model 32 341. If required the keyboard and mouse may be located further away
from the LINDY CPU Switch USB with the aid of extension cables. Extension cables
should be terminated with 6 pin mini-DIN PS/2 style connectors, with a male
connector on one end and a female connector on the other end. All pins on the
extension cable should be wired straight through (1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3 etc.). Such
extension cables may be up to 10 metres long. Most keyboards and mice will also
work with a 20 metre extension cable.
A4. Remote controller extension cables
The remote controller is supplied as standard with a 3 metre long lead. This
distance may be extended with the use of suitable shielded extension cable. This
extension cable may be up to 20 metres long and should be wired so that all pins
are connected straight through (1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3 etc.). Remote controllers with
longer leads are also available from your supplier.
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Installation and Use
LINDY CPU Switch USB
Appendix B. Problem Solving
Problem:
Peripherals hang after the LINDY CPU Switch USB’s channel is changed.
Action:
Ensure that you are using a suitable operating system (see section 2.1). Operating
systems such as versions of Mac OS earlier than 8.6 are known to have associated
problems. Ensure that you are not reading from or writing to USB connected disk
drives whilst you are switching between computers. Ensure that the enumeration
guard time is longer than the longest observed enumeration delay (see section
2.4.1) or ensure that you are not switching between computers during the
enumeration process.
Problem:
Video is fuzzy or smudged.
Action:
Ensure that you are using high quality tri-coax video cables. These can be easily
identified as they are roughly the same thickness as a monitor’s video cable and
often are lightly fluted on the outside of the cable. Use the minimum possible length
of video cables.
Problem:
The on/off key on a Macintosh keyboard doesn’t work.
Action:
Ensure that you have plugged the keyboard into port A and that there are not any
USB hubs connected between the computer and the LINDY CPU Switch USB.
Problem:
The enumeration delay time seems too long.
Action:
Set the lowest enumeration guard time and remember not to switch away from a
selected computer until the timer or hourglass indicates the end of the enumeration
process.
LINDY CPU Switch USB
Installation and Use
Page 29
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