IOGear GCL1816 manual

1 GCL1808/GCL1816 P ART NO. M1123/M1124 Installation Installation Guide 8/16-Port 17” LCD Combo KVM Switch[...]

2 3 ©2009 IOGEAR. All Rights Reserved. Part No. M1123/M1124 IOGEAR, the IOGEAR logo, MiniView®, VSE are trademarks or register ed trademarks of IOGEAR. Microsoft and Windows are register ed trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Inc. Macintosh, G3/G4 and iMac are register ed trademar[...]

2 3 T able of Contents Package Contents 4 System Requirements 5 Overview 6 Rack Mounting 8 Grounding 11 Open/Close Console 12 Single Level Installation 14 2-Level Installation (Cascading) 17 External Console Port (Optional) 21 USB External Mouse Port (Optional) 22 USB Sharing Port 23 LCD Conguration 2 4 LCD Adjustment Setting 25 Reset Button 26 [...]

4 5 Package Contents - 1 x 8/16-Port LCD KVM - 1 x PS/2 KVM Cable - 1 x USB KVM Cable - 1 x Console Cable - 1 x Firmware Upgrade Cable - 1 x Rack Mount Kit (Long and Short L Brackets) - 1 x Grounding Wire - 1 x Power Cord - 1 x Installation Guide - 1 x W arranty Card[...]

4 5 System Requirements Computers VGA, SVGA, or MultiSync video graphics card with an HDB-15 port • PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports (6-pin mini DIN) or 1 USB port •[...]

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 3 6 7 Overview Slide Release 1. Handle Bar 2. LCD Display 3. LCD Power Button 4. LCD Controls 5. Port LEDs (8 for GCL1808 and 16 for 6. GCL1816) Keyboard 7. T ouchpad 8. External USB Mouse Port 9. Power LED 10. Master/Slave Port Switches 11. Num Lock/Caps Lock/Scroll Lock LED 12. Reset Button 13. Firmware Upgrad[...]

CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB CPU PS/2-USB CPU 1 2 5 4 3 6 7 Back view Grounding T erminal 1. Power Socket 2. Power Switch 3. External Console Port 4. CPU Ports (8 for GCL1808 and 16 for GCL1816) 5.[...]

The following diagram shows the requir ed components to mount the LCD KVM to the rack. Note: The Slide Mounting Brackets are pr e-installed onto the LCD KVM. 8 9 Rack Mounting Side Mounting Brackets L Bracket CAUTION: Slide/rail mounted equipment is not to be used as a shelf or a work space.[...]

Step 1 While one person holding the LCD KVM in the proper position in the rack, the second person can lock the screws loosely thr ough the front bracket onto the front of the rack. 8 9 M4 x 6 Phillips Head Screws[...]

Final Step After the rear brackets ar e completely secured, tighten the front brackets’ scr ews. Step 2 While the person continue holding the position of the LCD KVM, the second person can slide the L brackets from the back of the rack into the Slide Mounting Brackets. Then, you can lock the screws through the r ear bracket onto the back of the r[...]

T o prevent damaging your equipment, it is important that all devices ar e properly grounded. Use the included grounding wir e to ground the LCD KVM by connecting one end of the wire to the grounding terminal, and the other end of the wire to a suitable gr ounded object. CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB C PU PS/2-USB C PU 10 [...]

12 13 Open/Close Console Opening the Console Slide the 2 Slide Releases toward the center of the LCD KVM, then pull the console module out while holding the Slide Releases’ position. Then simply open the console by raising the handle bar .[...]

12 13 Closing the Console First, close the LCD module with the handle bar , then pull the safety catches on both sides of the console module towards yourself to r elease the safety lock. Then slide the 2 Slide Releases toward the center of the LCD KVM, then push the console module all the way in while holding the Slide Releases’ position. Then si[...]

CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB CPU PS/2-USB CPU 14 15 Single Level Installation Please make sure the computers ar e powered off before you start. Step 1 Connect the power cord to the power outlet and the power socket of the LCD KVM.[...]

or CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB C PU PS/2-USB C PU 14 15 USB KVM Cable Connection PS/2 KVM Cable Connection Step2 Connect a USB KVM Cable (with a green connector) or PS/2 KVM Cable (with a yellow connector) fr om the KVM switch to each of your computers[...]

CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB C PU PS/2-USB C PU 16 17 Step 3 T ur n on LCD KVM by using the power switch that’ s located in the back of the LCD KVM. Final Step T ur n on your computers.[...]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 PS/2-USB CPU CONSOLE CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB CPU PS/2-USB CPU GCL1816 GCS1716 16 17 2-Level Installation (Cascading) Step 1 Connect the power cord to the power outlet and the power socket of the LCD KVM. Then connect the power adapter to the power outlet and the DC jack of the [...]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 PS/2-USB CPU CONSOLE CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB CPU PS/2-USB CPU 18 19 Step 2 Connect the Cascade Cable between the back of the LCD KVM and a GCS1808/GCS1716. Connect the green connector to one of the CPU ports fr om the LCD KVM. Then, connect the yellow connector to the console p[...]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 PS/2-USB CPU CONSOLE 18 19 Step 3 Connect a USB KVM Cable (with a green connector) or PS/2 KVM Cable (with a yellow connector) fr om the KVM switch to each of your computers. 2nd Level[...]

USB KVM Cable Connection PS/2 KVM Cable Connection or 20 21 Final Step T ur n on your computers. Step 4 T ur n on LCD KVM by using the power switch that’ s located in the back of the LCD KVM.[...]

CONSOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PS/2-USB CPU PS/2-USB CPU VG A USB PS/2 20 21 If you wish to use external monitor , keyboard or mouse rather then the built-in LCD, keyboar d or touchpad, you can connect the console cable to the external console port in the back of the LCD KVM. Then, connect your external VGA monitor , USB or PS/2 key[...]

22 23 There is an external mouse port in the front of the LCD KVM next to the Power LED. Simply plug in any USB connection of the mouse to that USB port to use an external mouse instead of the touchpad. USB External Mouse Port (Optional)[...]

A USB printer or other USB devices such as a USB scanner , a USB ash drive, etc. 22 23 The USB sharing port is located below the LCD display and next to the rmware upgrade port. This USB port allows you to share a USB device ONL Y for the computers that are connected to the LCD KVM via USB KVM Cable (The green connector KVM cable). Also, the [...]

24 25 There ar e four buttons for LCD conguration, the functions are as follow: LCD Conguration Button Function Menu If you are curr ently not in the LCD OSD (On Screen Display) Menu, press this • Menu button will bring up the LCD OSD Menu. If you are curr ently in the LCD OSD Menu, this button acts as an Enter button. •  |  This bu[...]

24 25 There ar e ten functions in the LCD OSD Menu, and they are as follow: Setting Function Brightness This function adjusts the brightness of the LCD Contrast This function is to eliminate pixel jitters or horizontal line noise Phase This function is to eliminate vertical banding Clock If a port has been given a name, its name appears in this col[...]

RESET RESET 26 27 Use a paper clip or any kind of small object to press the r eset button, you will then hear a beep sound which indicates that it will perform a system reset on the LCD KVM. Reset Button[...]

26 27 LED Indication LED Description No LED No computer is connected to the specic port or the computer is connected to the specic port but it is not powered on Orange The specic port has a computer connected and it is powered on[...]

28 29 Keyboard Function Keys There ar e 6 sets of Keyboard Function Keys on the built-in keyboard and they are as follow . Simply Hold the [Fn] key then press the function key and r elease the [Fn] key to trigger the specic function. Function Description Mute key V olume Down key V olume Up key T rigger Computer Sleep Mode Home key End key Hom e[...]

28 29 Port Switching via Port Switches If you wish to switch to a port that’ s on the 1st level, simply press the up or down button to select the Master Port ID If you wish to switch to a port that is on the 2nd level, rst, press the up or down button to select Master port ID for the port on the 1st level that is connected to the desire 2nd le[...]

30 31 On-screen Display (OSD) Operation OSD Main Screen When you invoke the OSD, a screen similar to the one below appears: T rigger OSD Simply press [Scr oll Lock] [Scroll Lock] rapidly . Note: This hotkey sequence can be changed to [Ctrl] [Ctrl]. Please refer to Hotkey Setting Mode (HSM) section. or Press [KVM OSD] Button that is located on the l[...]

30 31 Notes: The diagram depicts the administrator’ s main 1. screen. The user main scr een does not show the F4 and F6 functions, since these are reserved for the administrator and can’ t be accessed by users. The OSD always starts in list view , with the 2. highlight bar at the same position it was in the last time it was closed. Only the por[...]

32 33 OSD Main Screen Headings Heading Description PN This column lists the port ID numbers for all the KVM ports on the installation. The simplest method to access a particular computer is move the highlight bar to it then press Enter . QV QV If a port is selected for quick view scanning an arrowhead shows in this column. ☼ The computers that ar[...]

32 33 OSD Navigation T o dismiss the menu, and deactivate OSD, • click the X in the upper right corner of the OSD window; or press [Esc]. T o log out, click F8 at the top of the main • screen, or pr ess [F8]. T o move up or down through the list one line at • a time, click the up and down triangle symbols (  ) or use the up and down arr[...]

34 35 F1: GOTO This function is to let you switch to a specic port via port ID or port’ s name. Enter [1] to choose from Port Name and [2] to choose from Port Number in the yellow box locating in the bottom of the pink bar . If [1] was chosen, then type in the port’ s name that you want to go to and then press [Enter]. Y ou can also move the[...]

34 35 If [2] was chosen then you can go to a specic port by entering the port ID. Y ou can also move the red highlight bar to the specic port that you want to go to and press [Enter]. F2: LIST This function allows you to choose a way that you wish to list the ports in the OSD display on the main screen. Simply move the r ed highlight bar to t[...]

36 37 Function Description All List out all ports that the administrator has set as accessible for the current logged in user Quick View List out only the ports that have been set as quick view ports Powered ON List out only the ports that have been powered on Quick View + Pow- ered ON List out only the ports that have been set as quick view ports [...]

36 37 F3: SET There ar e 11 different settings within the SET section, which they are as follow: OSD Hotkey Port ID Display Position Port ID Display Duration Port ID Display Mode Scan Duration Scan-Skip Mode Screen Blanker Hotkey Command Mode Hotkey OSD Language T ouchpad OSD Hotkey This function allows you to switch the way to trigger the hotkey b[...]

38 39 Port ID Display Position This function allows you to change the position of the port ID that’ s showing on the screen as the image below . Simply change the position by using the up, down, left and right arrows to adjust to the place that you want the port ID to show in the future and pr ess [Enter]. Port ID Display Duration This function a[...]

Port ID Display Mode This function allow you to choose the way you want to show the ports in the OSD main screen – port number only , port name only or both. Simply move the red highlight bar to the option that you like to use and press [Enter]. Then, pr ess [Esc] to exit from this function. Scan Duration This function allows you to set the autos[...]

40 41 Function Description All Scan all ports that the administrator has set as accessible for the current logged in user Quick View Scan only the ports that have been set as quick view ports (This option will only show up for administrator account) Powered ON Scan only the ports that have been powered on Quick View + Powered ON Scan only the ports[...]

40 41 Screen Blanker This function allows you to set the time interval to have the KVM goes to a black screen. Simply en- ter the number between 0 to 30 and press [Enter]; then, press [Esc] to exit fr om this function. Hotkey Command Mode This function allows you to enable or disable the hotkey commands. Simply press Y for yes and N for no. Then, p[...]

42 43 Hotkey This function allows you to set the hotkey sequence that you wish to use to trigger hotkeys commands. Simply move the red high light bar to choose the sequence that you wish to use and press [Enter]. Then, pr ess [Esc] to exit from this function. OSD Language This function allows you to choose the OSD language between English, Deutsch,[...]

42 43 T ouchpad This function allows you to enable/disable the touchpad. It will ask if you want to enable the touchpad or disable the touchpad depending on the current status of it. Simply pr ess Y for yes and N for no.[...]

44 45 F4: ADM This function will only be shown if you have login as Administrator . There are 12 differ ent functions within the ADM section, which they are as follow: Set User Login Set Accessible Ports Set Logout Timeout Edit Port Names Restore Default V alues Clear The Name List Activate Beeper Set Quick View Ports Set Operating System Firmware [...]

44 45 Then simply type in the user name and password. Then, enter the passwor d again for conrmation then press [Enter]. (W e have used the administrator account as an example.) Once the user name and password ar e set correctly , you will see the message in the bottom of the screen indicating the setup is ok. Then simply press [Esc] to exit fr [...]

46 47 Set Accessible Ports This function allows you to setup the access on each port for each user . Use [Spacebar] to cycle through all the entries and press [Enter] to complete the setup. Then, pr ess [Esc] to exit from the function. Function Description F (Full) User has full access on the specic port V (View) User can only view the port with[...]

46 47 Set Logout Timeout This function allows you to set a time that the KVM will automatically logout after being idle for a certain period of time. Move the red highlight bar to this function and press [Enter]. Then enter a number from 0-180 (in terms of minutes) as the time interval and press [Enter]. Edit Port Names This function allows you to [...]

48 49 Enter the port name that you wish to show in OSD for that specic port and press [Enter] to complete the editing. Then, press [Esc] to exit fr om this function. Restore Default V alues This function allows you to restor e all settings into factory default settings. Move the red highlight bar to Restore Default V alues and press [Enter]. The[...]

48 49 Clear The Name List This function allows you to clear up all the port names to blanks. Move the red highlight bar to Clear The Name List and press [Enter]. Then type Y to proceed clearing or N to keep the name list. Activate Beeper This function allows you to enable or disable the beeper sound while switching port. Move the red highlight bar [...]

50 51 Set Quick View Ports This function allows you to set the desire ports as Quick View Ports. If a port is selected as a Quick View Port, an icon will show in the QV column of the OSD main screen. Simply mor e the red highlight bar to the desir e port and press [Spacebar] to select the port as a Quick View Port.[...]

50 51 Set Operating System This function allows you to dene what kind of operating system is being used in each port. Simply move the red highlight bar to the desir e port and press [Spacebar] to cycle thr ough the options between WIN, MAC, SUN or OTHER. Note: The keyboard Operating platform will changed accordingly depending what you have chose[...]

52 53 Firmware Upgrade This function allows you to have the KVM activates the rmware upgrade mode so that you can perform a rmware upgrade to the KVM. If you would like to do a rmware upgrade, connect the rmware cable between the computer and KVM, then type Y to proceed with the rmwar e upgrade; otherwise, type N to cancel. After you[...]

52 53 Keyboard Language This function allows you to choose the keyboard language of your console keyboard. Auto is chosen by default; if you want to change the language, simply move the red highlight bar to the desir e keyboard language that you wish to change to and then press [Enter]. Set Console Mode This function allows you to selects which con[...]

54 55 F5: SKP This function allows you to trigger Skip Mode. Simply press [F5] to activate skip mode. When you see a left and right arrow next to the port number as the image below , you can press the arrow keys to skip to dif ferent ports. (Skip Mode’ s behavior depends on the setup that you chose in Scan-Skip Mode, please to F3 – SET for more[...]

54 55 F7: SCAN This function allows you to autoscan all the available ports. (This autoscan behavior depends on the Scan-Skip Mode and Scan Duration.) Please go to F3 – SET section for details. Simply press [F7] to trigger Autoscan Mode, then you will see a [S] next to the port ID number on the screen. When the Autoscan Mode is activated, the con[...]

56 57 F8: LOUT This function allows you to logout of the OSD. So, when another person is trying to access this from the console, he would have to login again. Simply Press Y to pr oceed the logout and N to cancel. F8: LOUT[...]

56 57 Hotkey Setting Mode (HSM) Function Description Press and hold [Num Lock] 1. Press and r elease [-] 2. Release [Num Lock] 3. or Press [KVM Hotkey] Button that is located on the left bottom corner of the built-in keyboard. Invoking hotkey setting mode Note: T o exit HSM manually , press Esc or spacebar . Invoke HSM, then press [h] Change the HS[...]

58 59 Invoke HSM, then press [F5] Perform keyboard / Mouse r eset on the port that has KVM focus. Note: Y ou can also press and hold Port 1 and Port 2 front panel push button to perform keyboard / mouse r eset. Invoke HSM, then press [ ← ] Invokes Skip mode and skips fr om the current port to the rst accessible port previous to it Invoke HSM, [...]

58 59 *Note: X and Y are intervals fr om 1-8 (for GCL1808) and 1-16 (for GCL1816). When you enter , please make sure you enter each of them as a 2 digit number , for example, you would need to type 01 for port 1. Invoke HSM, then press [b] T oggle hotkey beepers on or off Invoke HSM, then press [X*] [Y*] [Enter] Switches KVM focus to the computer t[...]

60 61 Mac Keyboard Emulation The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Mac keyboar d. The emulation mappings are listed in the table below . PC Keyboard Mac Keyboard [Shift] Shift [Crtl] Ctrl  [Ctrl] [1] [Ctrl] [2] [Ctrl] [3] [Ctrl] [4] [Alt] Alt [Print Screen] F13 [Scroll Lock] F14 = [Enter] Return [Backspace] De[...]

60 61 Sun Keyboard Emulation The PC compatible (101/104 key) keyboard can emulate the functions of the Sun keyboar d. The emulation mappings are listed in the table below . PC Keyboard Sun Keyboard [Crtl] [t] Stop [Crtl] [F2] Again [Crtl] [F3] Props [Crtl] [F4] Undo [Crtl] [F5] Front [Crtl] [F6] Copy [Crtl] [F7] Open [Crtl] [F8] Paste [Ctrl] [F9] F[...]

62 63 Factory Default Settings Function Default Settings OSD Hotkey [Scroll Lock] [Scr oll Lock] Invoking HSM [Num Lock] [-] Auto Scan Duration 5 seconds Scan-Skip Mode All Screen Blanker Off Beeper On Keyboard Operating Platform PC Compatible Port ID Display Position Upper left corner Port ID Display Duration 3 seconds Port ID Display Mode Port Nu[...]

62 63 Firmware Upgrade Note: In order to perform a rmwar e upgrade, you need to use a set of computer that is not con- nected to the LCD KVM. Step 1 Connect the provided rmwar e upgrade cable to the rmware upgrade port of the LCD KVM and the serial port of the computer that you will be using to perform the rmware upgrade. Step 2 Connect[...]

64 65 Step 6 Read the License Agreement and click “I Agr ee” then click “Next” if you wish to continue with the rmware upgrade. Otherwise, click “Cancel” to exit *Note: Please choose MAIN to proceed the rmware upgrade. IO1 and IO2 ar e sub layers in the KVMs rmware. Step 7 Choose the correct KVM* that you wish to perform rmw[...]

Note: If you did not check the “Check Firmware V ersion” checkbox, utility will perform the upgrade automatically no matter what version of rmware you have in the KVM. Step 9 W ar ning window may popup again for 2nd part of the rmware upgrade (IO1). Step 10 Then another warning window may popup for 3rd part of the rmwar e upgrade (IO2)[...]

Step 11 When the rmware upgrade is done, you will see “Firmware upgrade OK” in the “Status Messages” window . Then simply click “Finish” to complete the whole rmware upgrade pr ocess. Step 12 When the rmware upgrade is done, you will see “Firmware upgrade OK” in the “Status Messages” window . Then simply click “Finish[...]

F/W UPGRAD E NORMAL RECOV ER F/W UPGRAD E NORMAL RECOV ER 66 67 Upgrade Fail If you don’t see “Firmwar e upgrade OK” in the “Status Messages” window , it means the utility has failed to complete the rmware successfully . If that occurs, please do the following: Step 1 Unplug the power cord fr om the LCD KVM. Then, connect the provided [...]

J17 68 69 This restor e will change all settings back to default. This will also have administrator and all user accounts removed fr om the LCD KVM. All port names and setting will also be removed. In other words, everything will be changed as if it is a brand new unit. Restore Factory Default Settings Step 1 T ur n off the power by using the power[...]

68 69 Step 5 Now plug the power cord back to the power sock- et and turn the LCD KVM back on. This will restore the LCD KVM with the factory default settings. Step 6 A message will appear on the screen as below Step 7 T ur n off the LCD KVM and unplug the power cord from the power socket, then r emove the jumper and screw the r ear top housing back[...]

70 71 General Please read all of these instructions and save them for futur e reference. • Carefully follow all warning and instructions marked on the device. • Do not place the device on any unstable surface (cart, stand, table, etc.). If the device falls, serious • damage may result. Do not use the device near water . • Do not place the d[...]

70 71 In order to pr event damage once installed, it is important that this device and all devices connected to • it are pr operly grounded. As a safety feature, the device is equipped with a 3-wir e grounding plug. If you are unable to insert the • plug into an outlet, please contact an electrician to repair/r eplace the outlet. Y ou should ne[...]

72 73 If the following conditions occur , unplug the device from the wall outlet and bring it to qualied • service personnel for repair: - The power cord or plug is damaged or frayed; - Liquid was spilled into the device; - The device was exposed to rain or water - The device was dropped, or the cabinet was damaged; - The device exhibits a dis[...]

72 73 Rack Mounting Before working on the rack, make sur e that the stabilizers are secured to the rack, extended to the • oor , and that the full weight of the rack rests on the oor . Install front and side stabilizers on a single rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple racks befor e working on the rack. Always load the rack from the[...]

74 75 Specications Model GCL1808 GCL1816 Power Consumption 28W 28W Physical Properties Housing Metal + Plastic Weight 27.78lb 29.03lb Dimension (W x H x D) 17in. x 1.75in. x 25in. Environment Operating T emperature 0-40˚C Storage T emperature -20-60˚C Humidity 0-80% RH; Noncondensing[...]

74 75 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pr ovide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commer cial environment. This produc[...]

76 77 This device has been tested and found to comply with the requir ements set up in the council directive on the approximation of the law of member states r elating to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, Low V oltage Directive 73/23/EEC and R&TTE Dir ective 99/5/EC. The product has been appr oved for L VD and covered the following countries: Belgium, [...]

76 77 SJ/T 11364-2006 The following contains information that relates to China. 部件名称 有毒有害物质或元素 铅 (Pb) 汞 (Hg) 镉（Cd） 六价 (Cr(VI)) 多溴联苯 （PBB） 多溴二苯醚 （PBDE） 电器部件 ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 机构部件 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○:表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材?[...]

78 79 IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR’S LIABILITY FOR DIRECT , INDIRECT , SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESUL TING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT , DISK, OR ITS DOCUMENT A TION EXCEED THE PRICE P AID FOR THE PRODUCT . The direct vendor makes no warranty or r epresentation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to the cont[...]

78 79 IOGEAR 19641 Da Vinci Irvine, CA 92610 P 949.453.8782 F 949.453.8785 Visit us at: www .iogear .com Contact[...]

80 © 2009 IOGEAR ® FUN IOGEAR offers connectivity solutions that ar e innovative, fun, and stylish, helping people enjoy daily life using our high technology products. GREEN IOGEAR is an environmentally conscious company that emphasizes the im po rta nce o f c on ser vi ng na tur al r eso ur ce s. Th e u se of o ur te chn ol ogy so lu tions helps[...]