HP Server Console Switch Support on AlphaServer ES47, ES80 and GS1280 Systems

HP Server Console Switch Support on AlphaServer ES47, ES80 and GS1280 Systems

Release Notes

Rev 1 December, 2004

This document contains the release notes for the HP server console switch as used on HP AlphaServer systems running the TRU64 UNIX and OpenVMS operating systems with a USB keyboard and mouse.

This guide is intended for anyone who has purchased an HP Server Console Switch (P/N 336044-B21) for use on HP ES47, ES80 and GS1280 Alpha server systems.

For more information or firmware updates please refer to the following URL:

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/rack-options/scs/index-kvm.html

Product Overview

The HP Server Console Switch, 1x8 (8-port) model (P/N 336044-B21), is supported for AlphaServer ES47, ES80 and GS1280 systems using USB mouse and keyboard with VGA video. This includes support for the USB Interface Adapter (P/N 336047-B21) required for operation.

Minimum Operating System Support

Support is given for systems using the HP Tru64 Unix operating system, version 5.1B with PK4 and the HP OpenVMS operating system, version 7.3-2 with TIMAs. Systems using the Linux operating systems have not been tested and are not supported.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. The following OpenVMS V7.3-2 TIMA kits are required:

VMS732_UPDATE-V0300

VMS732_SYS-V0600

VMS732_FIBRE_SCSI-V0400

VMS732_CPU270F-V0100

The following Tru64 UNIX V5.1B patch kits are required:

Tru64 UNIX V5.1B-2 Patch Kit 4: T64V51BB25AS0004-20040616.tar

USB ERB Patch: T64KIT0024364-V51BB25-E-20041202.tar

Tru64 UNIX Patch Kits and OpenVMS TIMA kits located at:

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/index.html

2. It is recommended that you always check for the most up-to-date patch information for both Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS at: http://www2.itrc.hp.com/service/index.html.

3. The V6.9-15 or greater firmware is required for V6.9-15 SRM console support on the ES47, ES80 and GS1280 systems with Tru64 UNIX and/or OpenVMS. Firmware is available from here.

Support for 1x8, 8-port Switch Only

Only the 1x8 (8-port) model (P/N 336044-B21) of the HP Server Console Switch has been tested and is supported for AlphaServer systems.

Minimum Firmware Revisions

The minimum firmware revisions supported (identified as “application” firmware in the on-screen display menu) are as follows:

Support Information

Supported Video Modes

Systems Supported

The following AlphaServer systems have been tested with and are supported for use with the HP Server Console Switch:

AlphaServer ES47, ES80, GS1280.

Graphic Cards Supported

The following graphic cards have been tested with and are supported for use on Alpha systems with the HP Server Console Switch:

• ATI Radeon 7500 3X-PBXGG-AA PCI card
• ATI Radeon 7500 3X-PBXGG-AB AGP card

Monitors Supported

CRT and flat-panel monitors including, but not limited to, HP P1130, HP TFT5600, and TFT5110R are supported.

Restrictions

Keyboard and Mouse Support

Note: The 336044-B21 KVM switch only supports PS/2 keyboard and mouse connections (the standard PS/2 mouse and Tru64 keyboard supplied with AlphaServer systems) and the TFT5600 and 1U Integrated Keyboard and Drawer. The OpenVMS keyboard is not supported; for more information, see the topic below. For information on supported devices, please check the supported options at http://h18002.www1.hp.com/alphaserver/products/options.html.

OpenVMS Keyboard Support

The 3X-LK463-xx family of OpenVMS keyboards is not supported – certain unique OVMS keys will not function. The TFT5600 or a PC 104/105 key keyboard is recommended.

Energy-Mode Screensaver and HP TFT5600, HP TFT5110R

Use of the energy-saving mode screensaver incorporated into the HP Server Console Switch is not supported when a TFT5600 or TFT5110R rack-mount display is connected to the HP Server Console Switch. The energy-saving mode of the screensaver causes undesirable behavior in these displays.

Cascade Configurations with Other KVMs and Expansion Module

While cascade (tiered) configurations are supported, the HP Server Console Switch may only be cascaded with another HP Server Console Switch for Alpha system applications. Cascaded configurations with any other model of HP or Compaq console switch are not supported.

Only one level of cascading is supported.

The HP Server Console Switch Expansion Module (P/N 262589-B21) is not supported.

Configuration Notes

Cabling

On AlphaServer ES47, ES80 or GS1280 systems it may be necessary to use a USB keyboard/mouse and video extension cable kit (CK-GSKVM-AA) to reach the video connector from the interface adapter because of the relative position of the keyboard/mouse and video connectors.

Screen Saver when Menu Delay > 0

The HP Server Console Switch incorporates a feature that can delay the appearance of the main on-screen-display menu when the user presses the [Prt Scrn] key (the default setting is “0”, or no delay). If the menu delay is set to a value greater than zero, and the screen saver activates while the on-screen-display menu is on the screen, ‘waking up’ the switch will not show the on-screen-display menu. However, the menu is still active and the switch is intercepting all keystrokes and mouse activity, so that the selected system will appear to not be responding. If this happens, press the [esc] key once to exit the on-screen-display menu and return control to the server. The switch will continue to operate normally.