Chapter 1 Setting Up the Silicon Graphics MultiLink

This chapter explains how to attach the Silicon Graphics MultiLink to the flat panel display. See the following sections:

For information regarding the flat panel display or your video card, see the instructions that accompanied those devices.

About the Silicon Graphics MultiLink

Figure 1-1 shows all of the connectors, switches, and buttons on the Silicon Graphics MultiLink.

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Figure 1-1 Silicon Graphics MultiLink

The names of the parts shown in Figure 1-1 are used throughout this manual.

Before Connecting the MultiLink

If your computer is attached to another display, before detaching it make sure the refresh frequency of your video card is set to 60 Hz (except in special situations for legacy BIOS mode compatibility). If your video card is set to a different frequency, the flat panel display will be black and the error message, "Unsupported Mode" will appear.

To check or change the refresh frequency of your video card, consult the manual for your video card.

Connecting the Cables

To connect the flat panel display and the Silicon Graphics MultiLink, use the following steps:

  1. Turn off your computer.

    For your computer to recognize the flat panel display, you must connect the MultiLink and the display before turning on your computer.

  2. Select the correct position for the analog or digital (A/D) input switch, shown in Figure 1-1.

    The correct position is determined by the output of your video card: either analog or digital.

  3. Using Figure A-1 as a guide, select the appropriate interface cable from the cables supplied. Connect one end of the cable to the video card in the computer and the other end to the DVI connector on the MultiLink, as shown in Figure 1-2.


    Note: In some cases, the cables are not reversible and the cable endings can not be interchanged. See your video card documentation for more information.

  4. Attach the flat panel display's interface cable to the flat panel connector on the MultiLink, and tuck the display cable behind the clip on the base of the flat panel display, also shown in Figure 1-2.

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Figure 1-2 Attaching Interface Cables

  1. Connect the DC power cable from the provided MultiLink AC adapter to the DC input power (DC power in) connector on the back of the Silicon Graphics MultiLink, as shown in Figure 1-3. Attach the flat panel DC power cable and AC adapter as described in the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Owner's Guide.


    Note: The MultiLink and 1600SW flat panel use the same AC adapter.

  2. Connect one end of the AC power cord to the MultiLink AC adapter and the other end of the AC power cord to a grounded electrical wall outlet or power strip. (The illustration shows the AC adapter and cord for the U.S.A. The power cord for your country may look different.) Repeat this procedure for the flat panel AC adapter connected to your flat panel display.


    Note: The AC adapter is auto-ranging, which means that it automatically adjusts for different AC voltages from almost any power source (50-60 Hz, 110-220 VAC) without using an additional transformer.

    1-3.con.pwr.cabl.and.AC.gif

    Figure 1-3 Connecting Power

Turning On the Silicon Graphics MultiLink

Once you plug in the AC adapter, the MultiLink is turned on; there is no separate power switch. The Status LED on top of the MultiLink should light.

If the Status LED does not light, check to insure that your power cable is connected securely. For an explanation of all Status LEDs, see Table 3-1 for instructions.

If you are still having trouble with your MultiLink, see Chapter 3, "Troubleshooting".


Note: You must also turn on the flat panel display using its power button. If the LED on the flat panel display does not light, please consult the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Owner's Guide.

Once the MultiLink supplies video signals to the flat panel display, the LED on the bottom left of the flat panel display turns green. If the flat panel display does not light up, or if the LED on the flat panel display is blinking yellow, check that its cables are firmly attached to their correct connectors. For additional information about the meaning of the flat panel display's LED colors, See the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Owner's Guide.

Turning Off the Silicon Graphics MultiLink

The Silicon Graphics MultiLink is designed to remain on indefinitely; it does not have a power switch.


Note: The MultiLink is capable of "power saving" the flat panel display so powering off the panel is not necessary. However, this power saving feature must be enabled using the host computer's screen saver/power saver software.