16
®
USER PORTS
COMPUTER PORTS
2
1
COM
USER PORTS
COMPUTER PORTS
2
1
COM
Slave ServSwitch Duo IPC
Master ServSwitch Duo IPC
Master monitor
Slave monitor
Computers fitted
with dual video
heads
Serial
synchronisation
cable
Multiple video head connections
Two or more ServSwitch Duo IPC units can be connected together so that
they operate in a synchronised manner. Synchronised operation is useful for
applications that require multiple video signals to be switched together. This
type of operation is usually required where each computer is fitted with multiple
video cards or video cards with multiple video heads. Such configurations are
typically required in banking and engineering applications where greater video
‘real estate’ is required. Whenever the ServSwitch Duo IPC channel is switched
it sends an RS232 command out on its serial interface (marked COM on the
rear panel). The ServSwitch Duo IPC switches its channel if it receives the same
command on its serial interface. Consequently, by linking the serial interfaces,
a master unit may be made to automatically switch one or more slave units as
shown in the diagram.
It should be noted that the synchronisation cable deliberately does not have the
transmit pin of the Slave End connector linked to the receive pin of the Master
End connector. To do so would cause the Slave unit to be able to switch the
Master unit. This would setup an endless cyclical switching sequence that would
prevent the ServSwitch Duo IPC devices from operating correctly. For more
details about the serial synchronisation cables, see
Appendix 3
.
Ensuring that the serial port is available
The ServSwitch Duo IPC has a single RS232 COM port which is used to send/
receive configuration data, control power switches and synchronise multiple
video head switching. The port can only be used for one of these tasks at any
one time. To use the COM port for multiple video head switching, ensure that
the
power control option
is disabled.
