MC Pro Workstation&Video-switching

[EddieJones]

I think it should work but maybe you can get one from somewhere that allows returns ?

[niekbeem]

I requested that return-option to BlackBox as well as to Gefen, and neither of them want to do that unfortunately.........

I have asked BlackBox' support to take a close look at our conversation here @ the forum, and to double-check that their devices really respond to ASCII "1"thru "4", and then I'll take the risk......keep you informed.

Thanks, Niek.

[niekbeem]

Eddy,
the BlackBox only works with port speeds of 9600bps......
Does this comply with the MC Pro combined with the Keyspan USA 19HS?

Thanks!
Niek.

[Soundadventures]

I don't know if that helps but we use a Gefen 4 x 4 Port Switch and it works fine with the 5-MC and Keyspan Serial Adapter

[niekbeem]

Thanks so much Thomas,

can you please tell us the exact Gefen model ?

Thanks, Niek.

[Soundadventures]

Sure, we have the Gefen 4x4 Dual Link DVI Matrix

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/ext-dvi-444dl.jsp?prod_id=5310

[Soundadventures]

I don't know if that has been mentioned before (didn't read all 3 pages)
but when installing the Keyspan Serial Adapter you must make some changes on the MC Pro Computer Setup so it works properly, you find that in the manual.
Without that its not working right.

[Soundadventures]

To set up display switching:
1 Download the latest KeySpan drivers for Windows XP from
the KeySpan website onto your MC Pro.
2 Make sure the Keyspan device is connected to the back USB connector on the MC Pro or frame on S5-MC.
3 Open Device Manager on the MC Pro and locate the Keyspan USB Serial adapter.
4 Right-click the KeySpan USB Serial adapter and select Update Driver.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver that you downloaded to the system.
6 In Device Manager, Right-click on the KeySpan USB Serial device and select Properties > Port Settings.
7 Set the following values:
• Bits per second: 192000
• Data Bits: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop Bits: 1
• Flow Control: None
8 Click the Advanced button.
9 In the Advanced Settings, change the Com port to: Com 28
10 Click OK to close the Advanced Settings window.
11 Click OK to close the Keyspan device Properties window and reboot the MC Pro.
12 Connect the video outputs of your workstations to the KVM inputs.
13 Connect the KVM video output to your main display.
14 Connect the Keyspan USB-to-serial adapter to the KVM
serial port.

When a Workstation key is pressed, the MC sends a switch command to the KVM and changes your display to reflect that KVM input.
Since the MC does not know the order your workstations were connected to the KVM, we recommend assigning the workstation attached to KVM input 1 to Workstation key 1, the workstation attached to KVM input 2 to Workstation key 2, etc. Otherwise the MC will not control the desired workstation when the display is switched.

[Soundadventures]

BTW, on the side, when you get it running this is also helpful when needed:

Workstation Binding:
Workstation Binding is a feature that retains workstation assignments made in the Workstations Setup Touchscreen. If you reboot your workstation while connected to the MC, subsequently pressing the assigned Workstation button reconnects without having to re-assign the workstation. Pressing the previously assigned Workstation button on the MC reconnects to this workstation with- out needing to reassign. Allow time for MC Client to load as it usually takes about 15 seconds after the computer boots to the Desktop.

[niekbeem]

Thanks Thomas!
I think I set up the Keyspan correctly already although I have no video switcher yet connected (even purchased). When I press one of the 4 workstations-buttons on my MC Pro, the green LED blinks 1 time, very short. It looks like it's responding........

Since the Gefen 4:1 DisplayPort switcher has been discontinued I'm orientating on purchasing a BlackBox 4:1 DisplayPort switcher, the only thing is that that machine works with lower baud rates than the Gefens: 9600bps.......do you think that will work with an MC Pro?

Thanks, Niek