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Description:
The VIP-808-B "SwitchCaster"™
8 port KVM Switch / Multicaster allows one PS/2 keyboard, PS/2
mouse and monitor to switch between or multicast to 8-64 PCs.
Besides being a full function 8 port KVM Switch, the rich multicasting
features of the SwitchCaster are tailor made for use in multiboxing
applications for on-line games such as World of Warcraft. The
multicasting features of the SwitchCaster greatly reduce the
amount of additional hardware devices typically required for
multiboxing applications. The VIP-808-B 8 port KVM Switch / Multicaster
supports all popular PS/2 keyboards and mice, including Microsoft
IntelliMouse™, and video resolution up to 1600 by 1200 at 75Hz.
The unique architecture of the VIP-808-B KVM Switch / Multicaster
provides a dedicated microprocessor for each PC. This feature
makes it possible to "hot-plug" keyboards and mice,
at any time, and power the connected PCs up and down, in any
order. At the heart of the SwitchCaster is Vetra's advanced keyboard
and mouse emulation technology which provides error free boot
up and mouse driver loading for each connected PC, and allows
the SwitchCaster to operate transparently with all IBM compatible PCs, PC operating systems, and
applications. All VIP-808-B KVM Switch / Multicaster models are
powered by the connected PCs so no external power supply is required.
Non-expandable SwitchCaster™ models can control up to eight PCs,
and the expandable models may be cascaded to a maximum of eight
units, for access to a total of 64 PCs. Expansion is accomplished
by assigning a unique sequential "bank" number to each
SwitchCaster in the chain via the bank select switch located
on the front panel of the KVM switch. A "bank" consists
of a SwitchCaster and its connected PCs. Connections between
banks are made using inexpensive "off the shelf" RJ45
and video cables connected to the rear of the units.
The VIP-808-B 8 port KVM Switch / Multicaster comes in a variety
of standard configurations, is rugged and compact in design and
easy to install and operate. For applications requiring rack
mounting, an optional 2U height rack mount tray is available
(see Accessories ). All Vetra KVM
products are designed and manufactured in the USA for enterprise
mission-critical applications for use around the world and are backed by a Limited 3-year
Warranty. For more information on this product or our complete
line of KVM solutions, please contact us at sales@vetra.com
OPERATION:
When in KVM Switch mode, all
VIP-808-B "SwitchCaster" models can select the active
PC via a keyboard "hot-key" sequence ( [scroll
lock] + [1] for PC1, or [scroll lock] + [5] for PC5, etc ) or
by a push button(s) located on the front panel of the KVM Switch.
Direct Entry models (as indicated by -DE in the model number) have an individual push button switch
for each PC channel. The non-DE
models have a single push button (NEXT PC) which provides manual
sequential switching through all PC channels. Each time the "NEXT
PC" button is depressed it switches to the next PC channel
in the cycle. All models have an "auto-scan"
mode ([scroll lock] +"A"). Auto-scan sequentially switches
through each connected and powered PC, pausing for 5 seconds
at each PC before automatically switching to the next PC. The
selection of any PC channel or ([scroll lock] +"S")
terminates the auto-scan mode. Keyboard hot-key selection or
direct entry switches will select all PC channels, powered or
not. Auto Scan and the next button will skip unpowered channels.
In all cases on either model,
when a PC channel is selected, an LED on the front panel illuminates
to indicate the selected PC while additional front panel LED's
indicate which PC channels are powered. Upon selection, the intelligence
in the SwitchCaster correctly sets the keyboard's status indicators,
CAPS, SCROLL, and NUM Lock, as these settings may be different
for each PC. The keyboard and/or mouse may be disconnected and
re-connected (hot-plugged), or exchanged at any time without
having to power down the connected PC's. This feature is useful
if a connected device fails during a critical application.
There are several useful settings for Multicast mode. Scroll
Lock+"B" selects multicasting mode. All PC channels
receive keyboard and mouse multicasted output. Scroll Lock+"K"
selects keyboard only multicasting. All PC channels receive keyboard
multicasted output. The mouse is connected only to one PC channel,
the one currently selected. Scroll Lock+"M"
selects mouse only multicasting. All PC channels receive mouse
multicasted output. The keyboard is connected only to one PC
channel, the one currently selected. Any valid Scroll Lock command
will override all previous commands. For example, Scroll Lock+"1"
will select PC channel 1 and cancel all multicasting. Pressing
the NEXT PC button or direct entry buttons, changes the selected
channel but does not cancel multicasting. Scroll Lock+"I"
enables inversion multicasting. The currently selected channel
is blocked from receiving multicasts. Works with keyboard, mouse,
and combined multicast. Inversion can only be cancelled by typing
Scroll Lock+"O" then all channels receive multicast
when multicasting is on. Typing Scroll Lock "I" or
"O" does not actually start or stop multicasting. It
only toggles the inversion on or off. Inversion can be turned
on or off at any time whether multicasting is on or off.
A useful example of inversion multicasting for multiboxing would
be having the currently selected channel blocked from receiving
multicasts. If selecting keyboard-only multicasting, for example,
the keyboard is locked out, but the mouse is not. The user can
use the mouse control the selected PC channel and simultaneously
use the keyboard to control the other multicast PC channels.
In effect, you can control your lead character with the mouse,
and your backup army with the keyboard, all at the same time! |
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