XKVM8

The XKVM8 is a fully cascadable 8-port KVM switch. It is designed on a tree form directory, cascadable principle and can therefore very quickly enable the viewing and control of multiple servers with just one keyboard, monitor and mouse, within a corporate environment. Due to the XKVM8's versatility and excellent expansion facility it will grow with your server cluster. The XKVM8 is a must for all those who want a professional and reliable solution.

Features

OSD

The On Screen Display is a menu driven system through which users can access their required computers. The OSD is also used to configure the user programmable features of the XKVM8, such as the naming of channels, management of virtual XKVM groups, customisation of selection policies and OSD options

Intelligent cascading

Many KVM switches require a dedicated expansion channels in order to join multiple units together. This only allows for the linear expansion of channels by connecting switches in a chain like structure. In contrast, the XKVM can be cascaded via any of its computer channels, thus allowing rapid expansion in a tree like structure. For example, it only requires 3 layers of XKVM8 units to gain access to 256 computers. The Intelligent nature of the cascade is that an XKVM8 can automatically detect the difference between a computer and another XKVM8 unit and provide an instant update of this information on the OSD. Thus, the user can arrange the most suitable topology of chained or tree like connections in a live environment without having to set a single dipswitch! Please note that computers (channels) and switches are recognised by their user assigned names and not by their physical Id settings or relative location.

Virtual XKVM

Navigating through a cascade of large computer clusters can be time consuming, if not confusing. The Virtual XKVM is a unique feature that resolves this issue by grouping up to 8 computers from anywhere within a cascade in a virtual pool. When operating in the Virtual XKVM mode, the selected group of computers appear as though they are connected to a local XKVM unit irrespective of their actual location

Video Quality

The XKVM8 is designed to maintain video quality, both for a stand alone XKVM8 or when multiple XKVM8 units are used in a cascade. The maximum distance between each XKVM8 unit in a cascade can be 40 Metres

Keyboard control

Using Hot Key combinations that avoid conflicts with both Operating systems and applications, changing from one computer to another is quick and easy. It also allows the XKVM unit to be placed in a location that does not require physical access in order to be used effectively

No mains power supply required

The XKVM is designed to consume the least amount of power possible. Thus, at 60mA the unit can safely take power from any of the PC Keyboard ports (with a standard output of 500mA) alongside a standard keyboard (consuming less than 300mA). Only if certain peripherals are used (e.g. Explorer mouse) will a mains adapter be required

Downloads

Product/ Technical Specifications
Product catalogue
(updated: 07 Apr 2005)

User Manuals
XKVM User Manual
(updated: 09 Feb 2005)

Fequently Asked Questions

General

What types of cable do I need to attach a PC Switch KVM Switch or Extender product to my computer?
All PC Switch products require a single proprietary cable to connect to the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and audio connectors of your computer. Currently there are two options, the CA240H (no audio support) and the CA240H (full audio support). Both cables only support PS/2 connections for keyboard and mouse. The proprietary cable specification has never changed since its devlopment for the orignal PC Switch CLM100 released in the early 1990's. Therefore any previous SY Electronics KVM cable purchased previously will work with any of the current PC Switch products. Please remember though that the the current PC Switch products do not support serial mouse connections, and using an older cable with such connectors will not add such support. NOTE: The KVM_IP and KVM_IP_Lite products use an alternative cable that is supplied in the box when these products are purchased.
(updated: 11 Feb 2005)

Can I use PC Switch products with any operating system?
All PC Switch products emulate PS/2 peripherals and VGA video, therefore any computer which has these connectors can use the products.
(updated: 10 Sep 2004)

Functionality

Can I boot up several computers at the same time?
All PC Switch products allow you to boot all attached computers simultaneously. This is because the PC Switch emulates a keyboard, mouse and video, even when that particular computer is not selected. The PC Switch will hold individual keyboard, mouse and video settings for each of the attached computers. However when using an XKVM8 without an additional power supply it is advisable to boot the server/PC attached to channel 1 first and thereafter the subsequent servers/PCs.
(updated: 05 Jan 2005)

Can any channel on the PC Switch be selected, even if there is no computer connected or powered?
Yes, all PC Switch products will allow you to select any channel regarding of its connection or power state, although in situations such as indexing through channels, where selecting 'dead' channels would not be appropriate they will be skipped.
(updated: 10 Sep 2004)

How far apart can a XKVM8 be from another XKVM8 in a cascade?
The standard cascade cable (CAS200) is 2 metres in length. The maximum length of a custom made cascade cable can be made up to 40 metres in length.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)

How do I control a XKVM from a different location?
A remote console can be attached to any XKVM unit using an appropriate CatX model. Using CatX it is possible to access the XKVM unit and, therefore any computers and child switches attached to the XKVM.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)

Why should I choose the XKVM8?
The XKVM8 has become the KVM switch of choice for administrators of large groups of servers. Servers only need to be accessed infrequently and using an XKVM8 eliminates the need to provide each server with its own keyboard, monitor and mouse. There is no need to purchase unnecessary hardware, that takes up valuable space. The savings in hardware alone will cover the purchase price plus the hidden savings in time and energy. You can access all your computers through your best monitor, keyboard and mouse; The XKVM8 makes life easier. The XKVM8 can easily be linked to additonal XKVM8 units, to control large and complex server environments.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)

Why can I not use a simple mechanical switch instead of paying extra for a PC Switch?
Mechanical switches are simpler and therefore cheaper, however they have a major drawback. Mechanical switches only make direct connections to each computer from a common keyboard, monitor, and mouse. There is NO capability to emulate the attached peripherals. This means you must select a computer when you want to power-up, or boot-up errors WILL occur. Even if shared computers are up and running, changing from one to another can cause the system to hang. Serious IT professionals no longer consider mechanical switches to be an option.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)

Do I need a power supply?
No KVM product in the PC Switch product range requires a power supply to be attached in order for them to operate. As soon as a single computer is connected and powered up these units will operate. Some optional extras do require a power supply, and in these cases it is mentioned in the individual product descriptions.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)

How-to

How many XKVM8's can I join together in a cascade?
The XKVM8 supports PC Switch cascade protocol (IPCP) version 1 which allows a practically infinite number of XKVM8's to be connected in a tree structure. Though adding more layers in a cascade introduces small quality reduction in video quality (negligible up to 5 or 6 layers).
(updated: 11 Feb 2005)

How do I get the On Screen Display (OSD) of the XKVM8 to appear?
The XKVM8 is operated and configured solely from the keyboard. Double tapping the left-shift key will make the OSD will appear.
(updated: 09 Feb 2005)

How do I join more than one XKVM8 together?
The XKVM8 supports PC Switch cascade protocol (IPCP) version 1 which allows multiple units to be connected using a special-purpose cable (CAS200).
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)

Sales

Where do I purchase PC Switch products?
PC Switch products can be purchased from SY Electronics Ltd online e-commerce website SYRetail.co.uk. Those products that are available here contain a direct link to there appropiate product page within SYRetail.co.uk. You may want to contact SY Electronics direct, see Contact Us page for details.
(updated: 11 Feb 2005)

Miscellaneous

If I need to un-plug the physical keyboard or mouse will the PC Switch be affected?
NO, un-plug you devices as required.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)