IOGEAR GUB231/GUB431 User Manual

Package Contents

GUB231

• 1 x GUB231 - 2-port USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch
• 1 x 6ft USB Type A to Type B Cable
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Warranty/Registration Card

GUB431

• 1 x GUB431 - 4-port USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch
• 1 x 6ft USB Type A to Type B Cable
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Warranty/Registration Card

Overview

• Enables two (GUB231) or four (GUB431) computers to share one USB peripheral device.
• Automatically switches from one computer to another when connecting to a USB printer or multi-function printer (requires software installation).
• Simple button press to switch USB devices between computers – no software installation required for manual switching.
• Active-port LED indicators show which computer has USB access.
• Switch lock function ensures data access consistency.
• Supports USB 2.0 with data transfer rates up to 480Mbps and is USB 1.1 backward compatible.
• Eliminates cable clutter and requires no external power supply.

*Automatic switch function requires installation of the included software. Refer to page 18 for Windows OS operation and page 26 for Mac OS operation.

System Requirements

Hardware Requirement

• Computer with a USB-A port

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows: Windows 7/8.1/10
• Mac OS X: 10.6 and above

Device Overview

GUB231

The GUB231 features the following:

• 1. Sound effect on/off
• 2. Console port 2
• 3. USB device port
• 4. Console port 1
• 5. Port Selection button

[Diagram Description: A top-down view of the GUB231 switch, highlighting ports and buttons with corresponding numbers.]

GUB431

The GUB431 features the following:

• 1. Port Selection button 4
• 2. Port Selection button 3
• 3. Port Selection button 2
• 4. Port Selection button 1
• 5. Console port 1
• 6. Console port 2
• 7. USB device port
• 8. Console port 3
• 9. Console port 4
• 10. Sound effect on/off

[Diagram Description: A top-down view of the GUB431 switch, highlighting ports and buttons with corresponding numbers.]

Hardware Installation

Note: Make sure that the power to any device that you are connecting to is turned off.

1. Use the included USB cable. Connect the Type A connector to any available Type A port on the GUB231 or GUB431. Connect the other end of the cable to any available USB port on your computer.[Diagram Description: Shows a USB cable connecting the sharing switch to a computer.]
2. If you want to connect more than one computer to the GUB231 or GUB431, you will need to purchase additional USB Type A to Type B cables and repeat Step 1 for each additional computer.
3. Connect the USB Type A connector of the USB cable from your USB device (e.g., printer) to the Type A port on the GUB231 or GUB431.[Diagram Description: Shows the GUB231 and GUB431 switches connected to multiple computers and USB peripherals like printers.]

Lock / Unlock Connection

You can lock or unlock the USB device connection to a specific computer.

1. To Lock: Press and hold the port selection button for two seconds, or until the orange LED lights up. This locks the USB device connection to the current computer.[Diagram Description: Shows a hand pressing the port selection button on the switch, indicating the lock/unlock function.]
2. To Unlock: Press and hold the port selection button for one second, or until the orange LED turns off. This allows other computers to connect to the USB device.[Diagram Description: Shows a hand pressing the port selection button on the switch, indicating the lock/unlock function.]

Operation – Manual Switch

Note: Software installation is not mandatory for the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch to function. The device supports manual operation. Manual operation and software-based operation operate independently; commands from one will not override the other.

For GUB231:

To switch the connection to the USB device between the two computers, press the port selection button located on the top center of the Sharing Switch. The selected port LED will flash and the Sharing Switch will beep. After four seconds, the flashing will stop and the LED will become steady, indicating the port switch is completed successfully.

For GUB431:

To switch the connection to the USB device between the four computers, press the corresponding port button located on the top of the Sharing Switch. The selected port button LED will flash and the Sharing Switch will beep. After four seconds, the flashing will stop and the LED will become steady, indicating the port switch is completed successfully.

[Diagram Description: Shows diagrams illustrating the manual switch operation for GUB231 and GUB431.]

Operation – Automatic Switch Windows OS

1. Visit www.IOGEAR.com/support/dm/driver/GUB231 and download the latest driver.
2. Run the downloaded zip file to begin loading the software.
3. Double-click on 'Setup' to start the installation.
4. The software will begin loading; click 'Next' to continue.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the InstallShield Wizard welcome screen for USB 2.0 Peripheral Switch.]
5. Choose your destination location for the software installation, or use the default folder, and click 'Next' to continue.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the InstallShield Wizard 'Choose Destination Location' screen.]
6. Click 'Install' to proceed with the installation.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the InstallShield Wizard 'Ready to Install' screen.]
7. Click 'Finish' to restart your computer once the installation is completed.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the InstallShield Wizard final prompt for computer restart.]

Once software installation completes, you will find the utility icon located on your desktop.

This icon on your taskbar will display in four different colors to indicate the status of your GUB231/431. The table below defines the various colors:

Lock / Unlock Connection (Software)

1. Click on the utility icon on the taskbar. A menu will appear. If your computer is currently connected to the USB device, select 'Lock Connection' from the menu.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Lock Connection'.]
2. To unlock the connection so other computers can connect, click on the utility icon on the taskbar of the computer currently connected to the USB device and select 'Unlock Connection'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Unlock Connection'.]

Switch to Local Computer (Software)

Note: To switch the connection of the USB device to another computer, you must first unlock any active connection from the computer currently connected to the USB device.

If you want to switch the connection of the USB device from one computer to another, click on the utility icon on the taskbar and select 'Switch to Local Computer'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Switch to Local Computer'.]

Cancel Switch Request (Software)

If you have sent a request to switch the connection and the USB device appears to be busy, your request is queued. To cancel the request, click on the utility icon on the taskbar and select 'Cancel Switch Request'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Cancel Switch Request'.]

Auto Printer Sharing

Note: For the auto printer sharing function to work, you must unlock any connection currently locked by manual or software operation. Refer to P.12 for manual operation and P.16 for software operation.

1. Click on the utility icon located on the taskbar and select 'Settings'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Settings'.]
2. Check the box 'Print function only', and select the correct printer from the drop-down menu. Click 'OK' when finished.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the 'USB Switch Settings' window for configuring 'Print function only'.]

Note: If your printer does not appear in the drop-down menu, try reinstalling your printer driver. If your printer is a multifunction printer and you want to use its scan function, you must also enable 'Other devices / applications' and click 'Add'. For detailed information, please see the Trouble-Shooting Guide section of this user manual.

Other devices / applications (Software)

If you want to enable the auto switch function for your scanner or the scanning function on your multifunction printer, check the box for 'Other devices / applications' and then click 'Add'. You will need to browse through your computer's system files and find the applicable application program. Click 'OK' when finished.

Note: Be sure to search and select the full application path. A desktop shortcut will not work. Once a USB device and its application have been associated with the Auto Switch function, the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch will automatically take control of the attached USB device when the utility application is opened. The switch will release control when the utility application is closed.

[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the 'USB Switch Settings' window for configuring 'Other devices / applications'.]

Operation – Automatic Switch Mac OS X

1. Please go to www.IOGEAR.com/support/dm/driver/GUB231 and download the latest driver.
2. Run the downloaded zip drive to begin loading the software.
3. You will see two installation package files in the Mac folder: US221A_SETUP.mpkg (for GUB231) and US421A_SETUP.mpkg (for GUB431). Double-click the file for the product you purchased.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X Finder showing installation package files.]
4. Click 'Continue' to begin the installation.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X InstallShield Wizard welcome screen.]
5. Select your destination volume to install the driver and click 'Continue' to proceed with installation.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer 'Select a Destination' screen.]
6. Click 'Install' to continue.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer 'Easy Install' prompt.]
7. You will be prompted by the Authenticate window. Enter your administrator username and password, then click 'OK' to continue.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer 'Authenticate' window.]
8. Click 'Continue Installation' to proceed with the installation, which requires a restart.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer restart prompt.]
9. Click 'Restart' to restart your computer after the installation completes.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer final prompt for restart.]

Once the software installation is completed, you will find the utility icon on the top taskbar and in your application list.

This icon on your taskbar will display in four different colors to indicate the status of your GUB231/431. The table below defines the various colors:

Lock / Unlock Connection (Mac Software)

1. Click on the utility icon on the taskbar. A menu will appear. If your computer is currently connected to the USB device, select 'Lock Connection' from the menu.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Lock Connection'.]
2. To unlock the connection so other computers can connect, click on the utility icon on the taskbar of the computer currently connected to the USB device and select 'Unlock Connection'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Unlock Connection'.]

Switch to Local Computer (Mac Software)

Note: To switch the connection of the USB device to another computer, you must first unlock any active connection from the computer currently connected to the USB device.

If you want to switch the connection of the USB device from one computer to another, click on the utility icon on the taskbar and select 'Switch to Local Computer'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Switch to Local Computer'.]

Cancel Switch Request (Mac Software)

If you have sent a request to switch the connection and the USB device appears to be busy, your request is queued. To cancel the request, click on the utility icon on the taskbar and select 'Cancel Switch Request'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Cancel Switch Request'.]

Auto Printer Sharing (Mac Software)

Note: For the auto printer sharing function to work, you must unlock any connection currently locked by manual or software operation. Refer to P.12 for manual operation and P.24 for software operation.

1. Click on the utility icon located on the taskbar and select 'Settings'.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the Mac taskbar utility icon context menu for 'Settings'.]
2. Check the box 'Print function only', and select the correct printer from the drop-down menu. Close window when finished.[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the 'USB Switch Setting' window for configuring 'Print function only'.]

Note: If your printer does not appear in the drop-down menu, try reinstalling your printer driver. If your printer is a multifunction printer and you want to use its scan function, you must also enable 'Other devices / applications' and click 'Add'. For detailed information, please see the Trouble-Shooting Guide section of this user manual.

Other devices / applications (Mac Software)

If you want to enable the auto switch function for your scanner or the scanning function on your multifunction printer, check the box for 'Other devices / applications' and then click 'Add'. You will need to browse through your computer's system files and find the applicable application program. Close window when finished.

Note: Be sure to search and select the full application path. A desktop shortcut will not work. Once a USB device and its application have been associated with the Auto Switch function, the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch will automatically take control of the attached USB device when the utility application is opened. The switch will release control when the utility application is closed.

[Diagram Description: Screenshot of the 'USB Switch Setting' window for configuring 'Other devices / applications'.]

Trouble-Shooting Guide

Q: The USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch behaves erratically, what can I do to correct this?

A: Disconnect all USB cables from the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch then reconnect them.

Q: My printer does not appear in the drop-down menu, what should I do?

A: If your printer does not show up in the drop-down menu after you install the software, try to reinstall your printer driver again following the procedures provided by your printer's user manual. After you finish reinstalling the printer driver, restart the software and your printer should be listed in the drop-down menu.

Q: My printer's print monitoring program does not load up or respond and there is an error message about the print job can not be completed. What should I do to complete the print job?

A: Disable the "Print function only" in the software, and operate the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch by pressing the buttons to switch between different computers.

Q: The Lock / Unlock function does not work. What should I do?

A: Try to disconnect all USB cables and reconnect them. This will reset the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch.

Q: The "Print function only" feature does not work. What should I do?

A: Try to restart your computer, disconnect all USB cables and reconnect them. If it still does not work, then try to reinstall the USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch utility software.

Q: The USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch does not release control of other devices that are configured in the Other devices / applications, what should I do?

A: Try to manually close the utility software by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Specifications

GUB231

GUB431

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

15.21 You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

15.105(b) This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CE Statements

This device has been tested and found to comply with the requirements set up in the council directive on the approximation of the law of member states relating to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and R&TTE Directive 99/5/EC.

The product has been approved for LVD and covered the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, U.K., Spain, Sweden.

Limited Warranty

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, DISK, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT.

The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to the contents or use of this documentation, and especially disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The direct vendor also reserves the right to revise or update the device or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity of such revisions, or updates. For further inquiries please contact IOGEAR.

Contact

IOGEAR

P: 949.453.8782

F: 949.453.8785

Visit us at: www.iogear.com