Black Box ServLINK ACRPWR User manual

JULY 2000
ACRPWR
FREE tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone].
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Support Information:
Doc. No. 590-137-001 Rev. B
Power Management Module

1
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family!
Thank you for purchasing a remote-access accessory for use with your BLACK
BOX®ServSwitch™Brand KVM-switching system! We appreciate your business, and
we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced ServSwitch system will
save you money, time, and effort.
That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the
traditional, expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-size-
fits-all-even-if-it-doesn’t model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no
more, no less.” Why not a single user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for
multiple computers—even computers of different platforms? Why not a pair of
user stations, each of which can control multiple computers? Why not multiple
user stations for the same computer?
With our ServSwitch products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line
of robust solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need
an economical alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your
desk? Or do you need to share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM®PC,
RS/6000®, Apple®Macintosh®, Sun Microsystems®, and SGI®compatibles among
multiple users with different access levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a
worktable and use regular everyday cables? Or does it have to be mounted in an
equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables? No matter how large or
small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re confident we
have a ServSwitch system that’s just right for you.
The ServSwitch™family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVM-
switching needs!
*
This manual will tell you all about your new ServLINK™ Power Management
Module, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction
to the Module, see Chapter 2. The Module product code covered in this manual is:
ACRPWR

2
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServLINK and
ServSwitch are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in
the United States and other countries.
pcANYWHERE is a registered trademark of Symantec Corporation.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

3
RFI STATEMENTS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC),
INDUSTRY CANADA (IC), AND
VOLUNTARY CONTROL COUNCIL FOR INTERFERENCE (VCCI)
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

4
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard
EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, might cause harmful interference to radio or television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and
off, you can correct the interference with one or more of the following measures:
(a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
(b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
(c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
(d) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment has also been tested and found to comply with European standard
EN50082-1:1992.

5
NOM STATEMENT
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

6
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 8
2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 9
2.1 Overview .............................................................................................. 9
2.2 The Complete Module Package ....................................................... 10
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 11
3.1 Installing the Module Controlling Power to the ServLINK ........... 11
3.2 Installing the Modules Controlling Power to the
Attached Devices ............................................................................ 13
3.3 After Installing the Modules ............................................................. 15
3.4 Initial Power-Up ................................................................................ 17
4. Operation ................................................................................................. 18
4.1 Controls and Connectors ................................................................. 18
4.2 Rebooting the ServLINK Itself ......................................................... 20
4.2.1 Primary (Ring-Reset) Rebooting ............................................ 20
4.2.2 Secondary (Password) Rebooting .......................................... 20
4.3 Rebooting the Attached Devices ...................................................... 21
4.4 Transferring Files To and From the Attached Devices ................... 22
5. The ServLINK Menu System ................................................................... 24
5.1 Control Module Processing .............................................................. 26
5.1.1 The Main Dialog Box .............................................................. 26
5.1.2 The Settings Dialog Box ......................................................... 29
5.2 Control Module Configuration ........................................................ 32
5.3 Users .................................................................................................. 34
5.4 Reset Options .................................................................................... 36
6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 38
6.1 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 38
6.2 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 38

8
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
1. Specifications
Compliance — EMI/RFI: CE (EN55022 Class A, EN50082); FCC Part 15
Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A;
Electrical safety: UL®1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950, EN60950
Interfaces — Power: IEC 320;
Serial: EIA/TIA RS-232, proprietarily pinned on RJ-45
connectors
User Controls — Front-mounted recessed “default power” switch;
All other functions are software-controlled
Indicators — (3) Front-mounted LEDs: POWER (power input),
CONNECTED DEVICE (power output), and STATUS
(serial communication with attached device);
All other indications are software-based
Connectors — All rear-mounted;
(1) IEC 320 male power inlet;
(1) IEC 320 female power outlet;
(3) RJ-45 female ports for serial communication
Power — 120 or 240 VAC (autosensing) at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-
power (mains) outlet, through detachable power cord
and IEC 320 inlet, to internal transformer;
Consumption: Typically 30 watts
Maximum
Altitude — 5000 ft. (1524 m)
Temperature
Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 104˚F (0 to 40˚C);
Storage: –4 to +158˚F (–20 to +70˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance — Operating: 15 to 85% noncondensing;
Storage: 5 to 90% noncondensing
Enclosure — Steel and high-impact plastic
Size — 1.8"H (1U) x 8.3"W x 4.9"D (4.4 x 21 x 12.4 cm)
Weight — 1.9 lb. (0.9 kg)

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
NOTE
This manual is intended to be a basic hardcopy reference. For some
features of the ServLINK Power Management Modules—especially for
certain obscure and/or complex software-driven functions—the on-line
help system of the ServLINK itself will provide more details.
2.1 Overview
The ServLINK™ itself (product code ACR3500A or ACR3600A) is a terrific tool for
establishing keyboard, video, and mouse access to one or more PCs, routers, or
other devices from a remote location. If you’d also like to remotely control AC
power to the ServLINK and/or the attached devices, and have optional remote
serial access as well, install one or more ServLINK Power Management Modules
(product code ACRPWR) in your system. By daisychaining these Modules together,
you can control and communicate with as many as 250 devices.
Because the ServLINK operates completely independently of the attached
devices’ hardware, operating system, or application programs, you can use the
Power Management Modules to cycle power to the devices even if they’ve crashed
so badly that normal control is impossible. No on-site assistance is required; you
control the devices’ power sources just as if you were sitting in front of them.
The Modules’ remote serial access allows you to perform configuration or
transfer files directly to or from an attached PC, router, etc., through its serial port,
even if that device isn’t attached to any local area network.
A Power Management Module can be attached to any device that uses a
detachable power cord with an IEC 320 type outlet. See the next chapter for full
installation details.

10
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
2.2 The Complete Module Package
Your ServLINK Power Management Module package should include the following:
• The Module itself.
• One power patch cord with an IEC 320 female outlet on one end and an
IEC 320 male inlet on the other. (The Module doesn’t come with a cord that
would run to the AC outlet—see below.)
• Two RJ-45 patch cables: one 3 ft. (1 m) long, one 8 ft. (2.4 m) long.
• Two RJ-45 female to DB9 female adapters.
• One RJ-45 female to DB9 male adapter.
• One DB9 female to DB25 male adapter.
• This manual.
If anything is missing or damaged, please call Black Box right away.
Normally you would run the Module’s power patch cord from the Module to the
power-controlled device, and run the device’s power cord from the Module to the
AC outlet. However, if the device’s power cord isn’t suitable for this purpose, we
offer a number of power cords that can fit the bill. Cords are available for these
countries:
• U.S. and Canada (our product code EPWR08)
• Japan (EPWR05)
• Australia (EPWR06)
• U.K. (EPWR04)
• Denmark (EPWR01)
• Italy (EPWR02)
• Switzerland (EPWR03)
• Other European nations (EPWR07)
IMPORTANT NOTE
Any power cords you use with Power Management Modules must be
rated for 15 amps minimum.

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Installing the Module Controlling Power to the ServLINK
Take these steps to install any Power Management Module you’ll be using to
control power to the ServLINK itself:
1. If the ServLINK is powered, power it down.
2. Plug one of the RJ-45 cables included with the Management Module into the
“DATA IN” port on the Module, as shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Attaching an RJ-45 cable to the Power Management Module.
3. Plug the other end of this cable into the port marked “DATA” on your
ServLINK’s Access Card, as shown in Figure 3-2. (This and other illustrations
of the ServLINK in this chapter were done from a prototype unit; the rear
panel of your unit might be arranged differently.)
Figure 3-2. Attaching the same cable to the ServLINK.
RJ-45 control cable
to ServLINK
RJ-45 control cable from
Management Module

12
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
4. Find the power patch cord that came with your Management Module. It will
have a IEC 320 female connector on one end and an IEC 320 male connector
on the other. Plug the male end of this cord into the power port marked
“OUT” on the Module. Plug the other end of this cord into the power inlet
on the ServLINK unit.
5. Finally, run the ServLINK’s power cord from the Module’s own inlet to a
properly rated wall outlet. The ServLINK, the Module, and the wall outlet
should now be interconnected, power-wise, as shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3. Attaching the power cords.
6. Optional: To ensure that you have constant dial-in reboot access to your
ServLINK unit, you can connect a separate (external) modem and phone line
to the Management Module, so that you have a secondary way to reboot the
ServLINK in case the primary phone line is tied up or goes down.
To do this, attach the RJ-45F-to-DB9M adapter included with the
Management Module to the DB9F-to-DB25M adapter that’s also included.
Plug the DB25 male end of this assembly into the DB25 female “DTE” or
“RS-232” port on the modem you’ll be using. Run the other RJ-45 cable
included with the Module from the Module’s “DATA OUT” port to the RJ-45
jack on the adapter assembly, then run a standard RJ-11 phone cable (not
included) from the modem’s “Line” or “Telco” port to the second phone
line’s wall jack.
For details about performing a reboot using this hardware, see
Section 4.3.
ServLINK
Module

13
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2 Installing the Modules Controlling Power to the Attached Devices
Take these steps to install each of the Modules you’ll be using to control power to
the ServLINK’s attached PC CPUs, routers, and other devices:
1. Power down the device that the Module will be power-controlling.
2. Plug one of the included RJ-45 cables into the “DATA IN” port on the
Management Module.
3a. If this is the first Management Module in the daisychain: Use one of the RJ-45F-to-
DB9F adapters included with the Module to connect the other end of this
cable to one of the ServLINK’s serial ports, as shown in Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4. Attaching the cable from the first PC’s Module to the
ServLINK.
3b. If this is not the first Management Module in the chain: Connect the other end of
the RJ-45 cable to the “DATA OUT” port on the previous Module in the
chain.
NOTE
Make careful notes of which devices you attach to which Modules, so
that you can associate the two in the ServLINK’s software later, and
have accurate remote control. (The ServLINK’s software will refer to the
first Module in the daisychain as “001,” the second as “002,” and so
forth.) See Section 5.1.
Serial control cable
from first Module
RJ-45 to DB9
adapter

14
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
4. (Optional) Plug one end of the other RJ-45 cable included with the Module
into the port marked “SERIAL” on the Module you’re installing. Take the
other end of this cable and attach one or more of the Module’s included
adapters to connect to a serial device or a device’s serial port in any of these
ways:
•To connect to the serial port of the Module’s attached PC, router, network switch, etc.
(the standard application) or to the serial port of another such device: Attach one of
the included RJ-45F-to-DB9F adapters to the cable and plug the adapter
into the device’s DB9M serial port. (If the device has a DB25M serial port
instead, you’ll also need a non-included DB9M-to-DB25F adapter.)
•To connect to a modem, multiplexor, or other RS-232 DCE with a DB25F connector:
Attach the included RJ-45F-to-DB9M adapter to the cable, then add the
included DB9F-to-DB25M adapter. Plug the DB25M end of the adapter
assembly into the device.
•To connect to any other RS-232 device that can be connected to a PC’s serial port:
Attach the included RJ-45F-to-DB9M adapter to the cable, then (if
necessary) add the included DB9F-to-DB25M adapter. Get any cable,
adapters, etc., that you’d run from a PC’s DB9M or DB25M serial port to
the device. Plug these into the DB9M or DB25M end of the Module’s
adapter assembly and run them to the device. (Keep in mind that the
normal distance limit for RS-232 communication is 50 ft. [15.2 m].)
5. (Optional) If this is the last Management Module in the daisychain: Plug one end
of an RJ-45 cable (the other included one if you didn’t already use it in step 4,
one just like it otherwise) into the “DATA OUT” port of this Module. Take
the other end of this cable and attach one or more of the Module’s included
adapters (or identical ones if you’ve already used any that you need—call
Black Box Tech Support for extras) to connect to a “pass-through” serial
device that you can communicate with when none of the Power Management
Modules are active. Refer to the “bullet points” in step 4 above for how to do
this.
6. Connect the male (inlet) end of the included power patch cord to the port
marked “POWER OUT” on the back of the Management Module.
7. Connect the female (outlet) end of this cord to the power inlet on the device
that the Module will be controlling.
8. Finally, run the device’s power cord from the Module’s inlet to a properly
rated wall outlet.

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.3 After Installing the Modules
Once you’ve installed all your Modules, cables, power cords, etc., your power-
managed ServLINK system should be ready to be powered up. When you do so
(see the next section), the ServLINK’s control software will automatically sense that
you’ve added the Power Management Modules. Refer to Section 5.2 for
instructions on configuring the Modules.
Figure 3-5 shows the logical layout of a ServLINK system that includes Power
Management Modules, and Figure 3-6 (on the following page) shows the physical
layout of such a system.
Figure 3-5. Management-Module connection logic.
IN OUT
IN OUT SERIAL
DATA
ACCESS CONTROL CARD
DATA
RS232 COMM
IN OUT
IN OUT SERIAL
DATA
RS232 COMM
OTHER SYSTEMS
MODEM
POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
SERVLINK UNIT
SERVER PC
POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
SERVLINK’S DEDICATED
FIRST DEVICE’S
OPTIONAL
OTHER DEVICES’ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULES,
PASS-THROUGH DEVICE AT END OF CHAIN IF DESIRED

16
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
Figure 3-6. A ServLINK system with Management Modules installed.
To
optional
modem
To additional Power
Management Modules
attached to other devices,
and/or to an optional pass-
through serial device

17
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.4 Initial Power-Up
When all of your equipment is in place, take these steps to power up the devices at
your local site:
1. Turn the Power Management Modules ON.
2. Turn ON the ServLINK by pressing the large button marked on the
ServLINK’s front panel. The ServLINK will begin booting (it runs Microsoft®
Windows NT®).
3. Turn ON the attached monitor and any other powered attached devices and
peripherals.
4. If you’re connected to a network, follow your normal operating procedures to
log into your network as usual. You should be able to start working with the
ServLINK right away: It ships with the default Windows NT user name
“Administrator” and no password, so until you change these settings, you can
simply press [Enter] to log in.
Once you’ve logged in, pcANYWHERE®loads, followed by the ServLINK
application. Once the system has completely booted, you should see the line
“ServLINK Remote Control System - Main Menu” at the top of your screen.
See Section 5.1.
(Please note that ServLINK ships with only the TCP/IP network protocol
installed and is configured with a static IP address. Consult with your network
administrator about how to configure the network to support the ServLINK.)
5. Turn ON any attached KVM switches.
6. Turn ON your CPUs.
Your system should now be ready for initial configuration.
NOTE
Before having the ServLINK serviced—if you ever need to—power it
down by turning it OFF and unplugging it, or by shutting OFF power to it
through its Power Management Module. (Also power down all of the
attached computers if possible.)

18
SERVLINK™ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE
4. Operation
4.1 Controls and Connectors
The front panel of the ServLINK Power Management Module, shown in Figure 4-1,
uses three LEDs to keep you informed of the Module’s status at all times:
• The green “POWER” LED will light while the Module is receiving power.
• The green “CONNECTED DEVICE” LED will light while power is being passed
through the Module to whatever device it is powering.
• The green “STATUS” LED will light while the ServLINK is communicating
with the Module.
The Power Management Module also has an unmarked recessed power-output
switch on its front panel. By inserting a paper clip, pin, etc., and pressing the
switch, you can manually toggle the Module’s power output ON or OFF. The
CONNECTED DEVICE LED will light or go dark accordingly. (The Module’s
“Power” reading in the ServLINK’s main Control Module Processing dialog box—
see Section 5.1.1—will also change accordingly once you repoll your Modules. Be
aware that you can always toggle the Module’s power ON and OFF through the
Control Module Processing: Settings dialog box; see Section 5.1.2.)
Figure 4-1. The Module’s front panel.

19
CHAPTER 4: Operation
The rear panel of the ServLINK Power Management Module, shown in Figure 4-2,
has three RJ-45 jacks for control and communication:
• The “DATA IN” jack receives control information from the ServLINK, through
any lower-numbered Modules.
• The “DATA OUT” jack sends data to, and receives data from, higher-
numbered Modules in the daisychain or the optional pass-through device at
the end of the chain.
• The “SERIAL” jack can be used to send data or files through the ServLINK to
the attached power-controlled device (or any other RS-232 device), or to
receive data or files through the ServLINK from the device.
There are also two IEC 320 connectors on the rear panel:
• The male inlet marked “IN” is for input power from a wall outlet, UPS, etc.
The Module’s own power cord should be attached to this.
• The female outlet marked “OUT” is for output power to the attached power-
controlled device. The Module’s power patch cord should run from this
connector to the device’s inlet.
Figure 4-2. The Module’s rear panel.