Minimum Firmware Revisions

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

 

Switch:	02.00.05
PS2 Interface Adapter:	03.00.01

 

Support Information

Supported Video Modes

Maximum cable length	Maximum video resolution and monitor frequency supported for the given length of cable
	1600x1200 @ 75Hz	1280 x 1024 @ 85Hz	1024 x 768 @ 85Hz	800 x 600 @ 85Hz
10ft cable length	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
50ft cable length			Supported	Supported
100 ft cable length				Supported

Systems Supported

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

 

Tru64 UNIX:

AlphaServer DS10x, DS15, DS20E, DS25, ES40, ES45, GS80, GS160, GS320

 

OpenVMS:

AlphaServer DS10x, DS15, DS20e, DS25, ES40 and ES45

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:

·        ELSA Gloria Synergy (SN-PBXGK-BB)

·        3Dlabs Oxygen VX1 (SN-PBXGF-AB)

·        ATI Radeon 7500 (3X-PBXGG-AA)

Monitors Supported

CRT and flat-panel monitors including, but not limited to, HP P1130, HP TFT5600, and TFT7210R are supported.

Keyboard and Mouse Support

Standard PS2 keyboards and mice as supplied with AlphaServer systems, as well as the TFT5600 and 1U Integrated Keyboard and Drawer are supported. For information on supported devices, see the supported options for the system(s) in question at http://h18002.www1.hp.com/alphaserver/products/options.html. Note: OpenVMS keyboards are not supported.

Restrictions

OpenVMS Keyboard Support

The 3X-LK463-xx family of OpenVMS keyboards is not supported - certain unique OpenVMS keys will not function fully.

Middle Mouse Button Not Supported with Minimum Firmware Revision

With the minimum supported version of the HP Server Console Switch firmware (see above), the middle mouse button (button 2) on a three-button mouse does not function and is not supported on Alpha systems. To use the middle mouse button with Alpha systems, update the HP Server Console Switch firmware to the following versions:

 

Switch:	02.00.06
PS2 Interface Adapter:	03.00.03

 

Firmware updates for the HP Server Console Switch may downloaded from http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/rack-options/scs/soft-firmware.html

 

Note that both the Switch and the Interface Adapter must be updated. The procedure to do so is contained in the User's Guide for the HP Server Console Switch.

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.

Hot-Plugging the Interface Adapter into the Server

While the HP Server Console Switch user guide allows hot-plugging the keyboard and mouse connectors of the PS2 interface adapter into the server system, for Alpha systems it is recommended that the system be powered down while the PS2 keyboard and mouse are being connected or disconnected.

Updating Interface Adapter firmware

After updating the Interface Adapter firmware (from the KVM), the system to which the adapter is connected must be restarted to ensure correct keyboard operation.

SRM BIOS emulator ("run bios" command) not supported

Use of the SRM "run bios" command from the graphics console when connected through the KVM is not supported, and will result in unexpected behavior. As a workaround, use the SRM "run bios" command from the serial console via a serial port connection.

Configuration Notes

Cabling

On AlphaServer GS80, GS160, and GS320 systems it may be necessary to use an extension cable 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. If the menu delay is set to a value greater than zero (the default setting is "0", or no delay), and the screen saver activates while the on-screen-display menu is active, 'waking up' the switch will not display the on-screen-display menu. However, the menu is still active and the switch will intercept all keystrokes and mouse activity, preventing the selected system from 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.