How to set up a KVM switch in a small server room

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If you’ve got a small server room with a handful to 20 servers, the chances are that you will need a KVM switch. KVM switches are popular devices and so there are a huge range of options available from very simple low cost personal switches to sophisticated devices with integrated KVM-over-IP and matrix switching capabilities.

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ADDER DVA

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ADDER DVA

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VGA to DVI-D, USB powered, video converter

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Product description

ADDER® DVA is a high performance VGA to DVI-D video converter that transforms analog signals to digital. Placed in-line and USB powered this solution fits well with the AdderLink Infinity range of products.  It converts VGA signals, up to 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz, into a DVI standard equivalent.

• Analog to digital video conversion up to 1920 x 1200 (165MHz max. pixel frequency)
• EDID management to ensure clean operation
• Adjustment control for alignment, tone, sharpness and brightness
• USB powered with USB feed through

Product specifications part 1

Hardware compatibility

All computers with VGA output

VGA input

The system supports resolutions to a maximum of 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz with pixel frequencies up to 165MHz

DVI Output

Conforms to the DVI 1.0 standard. Resolutions supported to a maximum of 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz with pixel frequencies up to 165MHz

Software compatibility for VCP app

Windows 7 and above with .NET v3.5

Computer connections 

VGA DB15 x 1, USB type B x 1

Peripheral connections

DVI-D x 1, USB type A x 1

Physical design 

Compact case, robust metal construction. 55mm/2.16” (w), 25mm/1.0” (h), 70mm/2.75” (d), 0.1kg/0.2lbs. 

Power

USB powered – less than 300mA (1.5W)

Operating temperature 

0 to 40ºC / 32 to 104ºF

Approvals 

CE, FCC

Product features part 1

High quality VGA to DVI-D conversion

Adder DVA is a high quality VGA to DVI-D converter supporting most resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz.

Auto calibration 

Adder DVA auto calibrates for horizontal and vertical position. Manual adjustment is also available through the Virtual Control Panel (VCP) app, if required.

EDID management

EDID management is a critical element in VGA/DVI-D conversion, to ensure the correct settings are passed to the computer’s graphics card.

USB powered with pass through 

Adder DVA requires no separate power adapter and instead draws less than 300mA in operation from a spare USB port on the computer. A USB pass-through port is made available on the Adder DVA to allow a low-powered USB device to be connected; thus, the same total number of USB ports remain available for other uses.

Flash upgradeable

Adder DVA is flash upgradeable, allowing custom EDID adjustment for non-standard operations. Upgrades are achieved via the USB port.

Virtual control panel app over DDC-CI

Adder DVA is supplied with a Virtual Control Panel (VCP) app which allows brightness, tone and sharpness to be adjusted. Vertical and horizontal video alignment can also be adjusted, where necessary. The VCP app contains a test pattern to accurately display the changes. EDID management options can also be changed and the EDID’s of the monitors can be displayed.

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DVA
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Adder DVA: VGA to DVI-D converter

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Product benefits

• Analog to digital video conversion up to 1920 x 1200 (165MHz max. pixel frequency)
• EDID management to ensure clean operation
• Adjustment control for alignment, tone, sharpness and brightness
• Adjustment control for alignment, tone, sharpness and brightness
• USB powered with USB feed through

Firmware updates
Product datasheets

ADDER Remote Control Unit RC8

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ADDER Remote Control Unit RC8

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RC8 remote control unit can be used to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop.

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The optional RC8 remote control unit can be used to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop. The RC8 remote control is supplied with a serial cable.

Product specifications part 1

Adder products which currently support the RC8 are:

  • AV8PRO-DVI
  • ADDER CCS-PRO8
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RC8
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ADDER Remote Control Unit RC4

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ADDER Remote Control Unit RC4

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RC4 remote control unit can be used to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop.

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The optional RC4 remote control unit can be used to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop. The RC4 remote control is supplied with a serial cable.

Product specifications part 1

Adder products which currently support the RC4 are:

  • AdderView Gem
  • Adder Trader Switch (TS4)
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RC4
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ADDER Remote Control Unit RC4- 8P8C

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ADDER Remote Control Unit RC4- 8P8C

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RC4-8P8C remote control unit can be used to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop.

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The optional RC4-8P8C remote control unit can be used to provide direct push button access to any channel from your desktop. The RC4-8P8C remote control is supplied with a 10 foot cable that is used to link with the OPTIONS port on the rear panel of the unit.

Product specifications part 1

Adder products which currently support the RC4-8P8C are:

  • AdderView® PRO 4 Port DVI
  • AdderView PRO 4 Port DVI Dual
  • AdderView PRO 4 Port DVI Triple
  • AdderView PRO 4 Port DVI Quad
  • Adder CCS-PRO4
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ADDER DDC Ghost

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ADDER DDC Ghost

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The ADDER® DDC Ghost has been developed to allow you to extend the life of your existing systems by adding full EDID data to your VGA signals.

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Product description

The ADDER® DDC Ghost is the most cost effective way to extend the life of your existing infrastructure. EDID data is a very important part of video extension and distribution, it allows the display drivers of the devices you attach (graphics cards for example) to match perfectly with the screen. The DDC (Display Data Channel) carries information about the physical characteristics of the screen, such as resolution or colour depth, back to the display adapter (graphics gard) to ensure the resulting picture is correct, every time.

What is DDC EDID?

DDC EDID is the data that describes the characteristics of the display device (monitor) to the display adapter (graphics card). This data is what enables plug and play connection with monitors. Characteristics included in the EDID data include: supported resolutions, manufacturer, phosphor/filter type, display size, luninance data and in the case of digital panels - pixel mapping.

The DDC EDID is stored in the monitor, and requested by the graphics card. When you put a device in between the two, you need to ensure the DDC EDID is still passed through. In cases where the DDC EDID is not passed, DDC Ghost sits inline and provides the data directly to the graphics card. Essentially, the monitor is no longer asked for DDC EDID.

Product specifications part 1

Video Resolution

Limited only by your selection of display device and display adapter

Connectors (local / remote)

Display Adapter Side: Standard VGA - HDD15 (Female - Blue)
Display Device Side: Standard VGA - HDD15 (Female - Black)

Physical

All metal case, 68mm/2.67" (w) x 36mm/1.41" (d) x 21mm/0.82" (h)

Weight: 56g/0.12 lb.

Power

Inline Power: 5V
External Supply (optonal): 5V

Operating temperature

0 - 40 deg C (32 to 104 deg F)

Approvals

CE, FCC

 

 

Product features part 1

True DDC Emulation

Unless an extender actively supports DDC, some high performance video cards cannot be used at high resolutions. The DDC Ghost supports dual page DDC ensuring compatible resolutions are supported.

Interface Powered

The DDC Ghost takes its power directly from VGA pin 9. This reduces clutter, and makes installation as simple as possible. In situations where no pin 9 power is available, DDC Ghost can be powered directly via the optional 5V power supply.

Full EDID Cloning

The DDC Ghost will clone a full dual page EDID (Extended Display Identification Data). This makes the DDC Ghost compatible with the latest ranges of display devices. The first page is the standard EDID data, and the second covers the extended data block.

Standard EDID Data

Our expertise with DDC EDID data has allowed us to put together an extended profile which is designed to cover most display devices. As such, the DDC Ghost may be used in connections where no data is otherwise available. You can choose whether to use this data or the original screen EDID attached.

Push and Go Setup

The DDC Ghost interface is secure and simple. Setting up the device is a single button process directed by the in built LED indicator. This makes changing display devices a fast and simple process.

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ADDER KMU2P

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ADDER KMU2P

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KMU2P converter adapts USB keyboard and mouse connections to traditional PS/2-style inputs for use with older PC systems and equipment.

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The KMU2P converter emulates the presence of a keyboard and mouse (via the PS/2 connectors) to the device at all times. This means that when used with a KVM switch, there will be no delay in response when switching to this channel.

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Firmware updates

ADDER CCP2U

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ADDER CCP2U

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CCP2U converter adapts traditional PS/2 keyboard and mouse connections to USB inputs for use with newer PC systems and equipment.

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Connect Sun, Mac, laptop or PC (USB) computers to your KVM switch or extender using these neat, intelligent interface cables.

To be used for connecting PS/2 KVM switches and extenders to computers which present a USB keyboard and mouse interface. The CCP2U cable converts PS/2 keyboard and mouse signals into USB and delivers high functionality, multi platform KM connectivity at low cost, and may be used with any PS/2 style KVM switches or extenders. Miniature 'keep alive' circuitry is moulded into the cables to ensure problem free computer operation even if the KVM switch or extender is powered off.

 

 

Product features part 1

Fully moulded robust construction with colour coded connectors

May be used with any quality PS/2 style switches

Keep alive™ circuitry provides increased system reliability

Keyboard country code reporting ensures Sun compatibility

Downloadable drivers for different keyboard layouts and future upgrades

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