Review: Connect With AdderView CATx 1000 KVM
Unlike many basic KVM switches, AdderView CATx 1000 is not limited to transferring just keyboard, mouse, and video signals; it also provides full audio output. The CATx 1000 also has DDC support, using information transferred from the display to ensure correct video is maintained with host machines. The KVM switch also uses 'keep alive' technology which fools the computer in thinking the keyboard and mouse are plugged in, even if they are not.
The AdderView KVM switch supported resolutions, of up to 1600 x 1200 at 85 Hertz.
AdderView CATx 1000 can use category 5, 5e, or 6 structured cables. These KVM switches come in two sizes, with eight ports and 16 ports. However, the CATx 1000 can be cascaded to connect a larger number of computers, up to three levels. CATx 1000 units are connected by plugging a standard cat-5 cable from a unit's output port (located on the rear) to the other unit's KVM-only port (located on the front). The maximum number of computers that can be controlled is 256.
Measuring 1.75 inches high by 7.75 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep, the AdderView switch can be stacked with other boxes, such as the wireless router, and be entirely out of the way. The switch has a RJ-45 port in front for cascading switches and remote users, a sound port, VGA port, and two USB ports for speakers, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. There are 16 RJ-45 ports, or computer connections, in the back. The Options port is a RS232 serial port that allows power switching, remote control, synchronization, upgrades, and transferring settings. With power switching, the user can remotely perform a hard reset of any system connected to the KVM. The options port can be connected to a power control unit to regulate power being supplied to connected computers. Additional power control switches are attached daisy-chain style to the first power switch. A remote control device can also be connected to the options port, provided it is sending data with the right settings (19200 bps). Two or more units can be connected together to synchronize screen output. The connected computers should have multiple video cards or video cards with multiple video heads.
The front face has a small panel with six LED indicators showing keyboard and mouse status from local and remote users, power status, and on-screen status. There is an LED for a firmware upgrade in progress, as well as security status.
The AdderView CATx1000 came with four CATX-USB computer access modules. These modules are dongles with plugs for the VGA and USB ports on one end and an RJ-45 port on the other end. The VGA and USB ends are plugged into the computer and a standard CAT-5 cable is plugged into the RJ-45 end and into the one of the ports on the switch. As soon as the dongle is connected to the machine, a green light lights up to indicate that it is connected to the machine. As soon as the dongle is connected to the switch, an amber light starts flashing to indicate a network connection. The cables connecting the CAM dongles and the switch can be up to 32 feet long.
There are three ways to connect machines -- from the unit's network port directly to the AdderView Catx 1000's output ports, using the CAM units for machines up to 32 feet away, and Adder X100 or X200 extenders for machines up to 980 feet away. The extenders are available for PS/2 and USB units. The x200 extender has stereo audio capabilities and supports resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.
The entire process of connecting the computers is quick. Instead of having an extra keyboard-mouse-monitor combo for each piece of equipment -- PC, Mac, Sun, etc. -- the KVM just requires an additional Ethernet cable. Each switch has various keyboard maps loaded, so regardless of what type of keyboard is plugged in, the switch can make the appropriate conversions when sending information to the connected computer.
The AdderView CATx 1000 organizes its menu options under the configuration menu. General security options, such as setting (or changing) the admin password, creating access rights, and allowed computers for each machine, are available. The access rights and user access lists defines which user can access which connected computer, and what can be done -- which is a useful level of security. Up to 16 profiles can be created.
Each controlled computer can also be assigned a standard name, so users don't have to remember port addresses or the order the computer's have been connected. This was very convenient, since the names can be descriptive, describing the computer's location or model. It's easier to find the desired machine from a menu listing a HP workstation, a Mac Mini, a Fujitsu notebook, and a white-box tablet, rather than one listing Computer 1, Computer 2, etc. The menu listing connected computers automatically detected all the systems, displaying a green circle next to ports which are connected, and red circles next to unconnected ports. The desired computer is selected by highlighting the name and pressing enter.
Pricing for the 8-port model is $495.00. The 16-port AdderView CATx 1000 is $645.
For its size and price, the AdderView CATx 1000 delivers high resolution, easy access to all connected computers, and impressive level of granularity in user access control.