Black Box AC230A User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
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FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
JUNE 1998
AC230A AC234A
AC231A AC235A
AC232A AC236A
AC233A AC237A
KVM Extender/Sharer (for VGA)
KVM EXTENDER/SHARER
LOCAL MODULE
POWER
KEYBOARD
MONITOR
HOST
MOUSE
KVM EXTENDER/SHARER
REMOTE MODULE
POWER
KEYBOARD
MONITOR
HOST
MOUSE
KVM EXTENDER/SHARER
HOST MODULE
REMOTE
MONITOR MOUSE
KEYBOARD
LOCAL
LOCAL
REMOTE

TRADEMARKS
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
AT, IBM, and PS/2 are registered trademarks, and PC/XT is a trademark,
of IBM Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowleged to be the property
of the trademark owners.
3

4
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 5
2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 6
2.1 General Overview ................................................................................ 6
2.2 Important Features ............................................................................. 6
2.3 What You Should Have Received ....................................................... 7
2.4 Other Items You Might Need ............................................................. 8
3. Installation .................................................................................................. 9
4. Operation ................................................................................................. 11
4.1 Plus Version Only: Setting Switch W4 .............................................. 12
4.2 Pro Version Only ............................................................................... 12
4.3 Types of Equipment Supported ....................................................... 13
4.3.1 Keyboards ....................................................................................13
4.3.2 Monitors ......................................................................................13
4.3.3 Mice .............................................................................................13
5. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 15
5.1 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 15
5.2 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 15
Appendix: Pinouts .......................................................................................... 16

5
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Standards — VGA
Interfaces — (4): PC keyboard, VGA video, PC serial
mouse, and proprietary composite
Maximum Distance — From Local module to Host module: 6 ft. (1.8 m);
From Host module to Remote module: 150 ft.
(45.7 m) with VGA KVM Extension Cable
(EHM027)
User Controls — Local modules: (1) Left-side-mounted toggle
switch for local vs. remote operation;
KVM Extender/Sharer Plus and Pro Host modules:
(1) Internal 4-position DIP switch for normal vs.
video-splitter operation
Indicator — Local and Remote modules: (1) Power LED (red)
Connectors — Communication between modules:
Host modules: (2) Rear-mounted DB15 female;
Local and Remote modules: (1) Right-side-
mounted DB15 male;
Keyboard: All modules: (1) Front-mounted 5-pin
DIN female;
Monitor:
Host modules: (1) Front-mounted DB15HD
male;
Local and Remote modules: (1) Right-side-
mounted DB15HD female;
Mouse: All modules: (1) Front-mounted DB25 male
Power — 5 VDC from the keyboard interface
Size — Host modules: 3.5"H x 5"W x 1"D
(8.9 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm);
Local and Remote Modules: 3"H x 5"W x 1"D
(7.6 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm)
Weight — Each Module: 0.6 lb. (0.3 kg)
1. Specifications

6
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
2.1 General Overview
The Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) Extender/Sharers let you either
control a computer from a remote keyboard, monitor, and mouse, or share
a computer between two users (not at the same time). In Shared Mode, local
or remote user control is exercised through a switch on the Host Module of
the Extender/Sharer, which is connected directly to the computer.
The KVM Extender/Sharers work with IBM®PC/XT™, AT®, or PS/2®
computers and 100% compatibles. They support Video Graphics Array
(VGA) monitors and graphics, and are compatible with both powered and
nonpowered serial mice or any serial-interface device such as a trackball or
digitizer pad. They are transparent to application software, so remote displays
are updated immediately.
Your remote setup can be located up to 150 feet (45.7 m) away from the
computer. Of course, in order to share the computer between a local and
remote setup, an additional keyboard, monitor, and mouse (if the application
software requires one) must be purchased separately.
With the regular KVM Extender/Sharer, remote video is disabled when the
unit is switched to local operation and vice versa. With the KVM Extender/
Sharer Plus, video can be active at both sites, regardless of where the input is
coming from. And with the KVM Extender/Sharer Pro, not only can video
can be active at both sites, but you can switch control from site to site by
pressing any key on an inactive keyboard.
2.2 Important Features
• Can be used in Extension or Shared Mode—either operate your
computer solely from a Remote monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or
switch control back and forth between a Remote and a Local setup.
• Shared operation—your two sets of keyboard, monitor, and mouse can
be in different rooms, in different areas, or even on different floors, up
to 150 ft. (45.7 m) away.
• Remote lockout ability—prevents two users who are sharing a computer
from different locations from entering information at the same time.
• Transparent to all software and graphics—what you see on the local
monitor is what appears on the remote monitor.
2. Introduction

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Supports a serial input in addition to the keyboard at the remote site—
you can remotely use not only the keyboard but also any serial mouse,
trackball, light pen, or digitizer pad that complies with the Microsoft
Mouse standard.
• VGA Extender/Sharer Plus and Pro: Both monitors can display the same
screen simultaneously.
2.3 What You Should Have Received
AC230A (Complete VGA KVM Extender/Sharer system):
• (1) Host Module
• (1) Remote Module
• (1) Local Module
• (1) Cable to run from the PC’s keyboard port to the Host Module
(5-pin DIN male connectors on either end)
AC231A:
• (1) Host Module
• (1) Cable to run from the PC’s keyboard port to the Host Module
(5-pin DIN male connectors on either end)
AC232A:
• (1) Local Module
AC233A:
• (1) Remote Module
AC234A:
• (1) Host Module Plus
• (1) Cable to run from the PC’s keyboard port to the Host Module Plus
(5-pin DIN male connectors on either end)
AC235A (Complete VGA KVM Extender/Sharer Plus system):
• (1) Host Module Plus
• (1) Remote Module
• (1) Local Module
• (1) Cable to run from the PC’s keyboard port to the Host Module Plus
(5-pin DIN male connectors on either end)

8
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
AC236A (Complete VGA KVM Extender/Sharer Pro system):
• (1) Host Module Pro
• (1) Remote Module
• (1) Local Module
• (1) Cable to run from the PC’s keyboard port to the Host Module Pro
(5-pin DIN male connectors on either end)
AC237A:
• (1) Host Module Pro
• (1) Cable to run from the PC’s keyboard port to the Host Module Pro
(5-pin DIN male connectors on either end)
NOTE
All Host Modules and Systems also come with a copy of this manual.
2.4 Other Items You Might Need
You might need extra cabling and/or adapters to complete your
Extender/Sharer setup. See Figure 3-1 for where these components might
fit into your scheme.
• FA212: PS/2 Keyboard Adapter, 6-pin mini-DIN female to 5-pin DIN
male; allows you to plug PS/2 keyboards into Local or Remote Modules
or plug included keyboard cable from Host Modules into PS/2 CPU.
• EVNPS05-0005: VGA Video Extension Cable, 5 feet (1.5 m), to connect
Host Module or Host Module Plus to CPU’s VGA port.
• EHM027: VGA KVM Extension Cable (Host-to-Local-Modules and Host-
to-Remote-Modules Cable), up to 150 feet (45.7 m).

9
CHAPTER 3: Installation
The KVM Extender/Sharer modules are simple to install; Figure 3-1
below and Figure 3-2 on the next page show typical setups.
1. Connect the video, mouse, and keyboard cables from the computer
to the appropriately labeled connectors on the Host unit.
2. Run an appropriate extension cable (see Figure 3-1 or 3-2) from the
connector on the Host module labeled “Remote” to the connector on
the Remote module labeled “HOST.” Then run the cables from the
remote monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the appropriately labeled
connectors on the Remote Module.
3. Installation
= FA520 DB9F to DB25M
= FA-9027M DB9M to DB25F
= FA211 5 Pin Female to 6 Pin Male
= FA212 5 Pin Male to 6 Pin Female
Fig. 3-1. Typical application.
PC or PS/2
Keyboard Cable (included);
PS/2 users also need a
PS/2 Keyboard Adapter
(FA212)
VGA Video
Extension
Cable
(EVNPS05) RS-232 Cable
(ECN12C-MF)
Up to 150 ft. (45.7 m)
VGA KVM
Extension
Cable
(EHM027)
Local
Module
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor
Host
Module
Remote
Module
Monitor
Mouse
Keyboard
[Only necessary for
PS/2 users: PS/2
Keyboard Adapter
(FA212)]
[Only necessary for PS/2 users: PS/2 Keyboard Adapter (FA212)]

10
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
If you’re going to use the Extender/Sharers in Shared Mode, run an
extension cable from the Host Module to the Local Module connector
labeled “HOST.” Then run the cables from your local monitor,
keyboard, and mouse (or other serial device) to the appropriately
labeled connectors on the Local Module.
NOTE
The Local Module should be placed no farther than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the
Host Module.
With all your cabling finished, you’re ready to start using your
Extender/Sharer equipment.
NOTE
You might need specialty cables for your Extender/Sharer application.
For example, in applications with PS/2 keyboards, you’ll need three PS/2
Keyboard Adapters (FA212). And to extend the distance between your
host and remote modules to 150 feet (45.7 m) for VGA, you’ll need an
extension cable. Refer to Section 2.4 for a complete list of cables and
adapters, and to Figure 3-1 for an illustration of where they fit in a typical
Extender/Sharer application.

11
CHAPTER 4: Operation
Once the computer system is booted, if you’re in the Extended Mode, you’re
ready to begin working.
NOTE
In Shared Mode, always cold-boot the system from the Local setup. If
you boot from the Remote Module, the results are unpredictable.
When the computer system is booted in the Shared Mode, the local user has
the option of remaining connected to the PC or switching control to the
remote keyboard, monitor, and mouse. There’s no need to go to the Remote
Module to power up, because both the Local and the Remote Modules are
powered from the computer.
To remain connected at the local setup, you don’t have to do anything. Just
type in commands or click on icons; control remains with the local display,
keyboard, and mouse.
To switch the connection to the remote location, the local user must flip a
switch on the Local module. With the switch in the “Remote” position,
“autosensing” is enabled. This means that the local keyboard can still be used,
but when a key is pressed on the remote keyboard, the remote site is activated
and the local keyboard is locked out. Connection can be returned to the local
user at any time by simply switching the “Local-Remote” switch to the “Local”
position.
Exit all applications before you switch control between Local and Remote
setups. This is because when you switch between Local and Remote operation
while running an application, no reset or initialize commands are sent to the
new setup (the application is already running—it doesn’t know about your
second keyboard, monitor, and mouse setup). Many keyboards and mice
cannot reset or initialize themselves; they require commands from the
computer. Without those commands, the keyboard and mouse at the location
you’ve just switched to might not work. If this happens, the application will
have to be rebooted once the second setup is connected to the computer.
4. Operation

12
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
4.1 Plus Version Only: Setting Switch W4
There is a second four-position DIP switch, labeled W4, inside the Host
Module of the KVM Extender/Sharer Plus. The W4 switch is located in
front of the left corner of the “Local” connector labeled J3.
Set positions 1 through 3 of S1 to OFF and position 4 to ON (the factory-
default setting) if you want the remote screen to be disabled when the local
keyboard and mouse are active and the local screen screen to be disabled
when the remote keyboard and mouse are active. Set positions 1 through 3 to
ON and position 4 to OFF if you want both screens to display simultaneously
no matter which site is active.
4.2 Pro Version Only
The Host Module Pro works with the Local Module (AC232A) and the
Remote Module (AC233A). It contains additional circuitry to allow you to
switch active stations by simply pressing any key of the non-active keyboard.
To implement this feature, follow these steps:
1. Boot your computer with the Local/Remote switch (found on the Local
Module AC232A) set to the Local position.
2. Move the Local/Remote switch to the Remote position (the Local user
will still be actively connected).
3. Transfer activity to the Remote user by pressing any key on the remote
keyboard (this keystroke is not seen by the computer).
4. Transfer activity back to the Local user by pressing any key on the local
keyboard (this keystroke is not seen by the computer).
You can now switch users simply by leaving the Local/Remote switch in the
Remote position and pressing a key on the inactive keyboard.

13
CHAPTER 4: Operation
4.3 Types of Equipment Supported
4.3.1 K EYBOARDS
The Extender/Sharers support all original-equipment keyboards when
(1) you operate the Extender/Sharer in Extended Mode (where you control
the computer solely from the remote location), or (2) you operate the
Extender/Sharer in Shared Mode and use the original keyboard as the local
keyboard. In Shared Mode, the remote keyboard should be an auto-resetting
keyboard that doesn’t need to be reset by the computer.
4.3.2 M ONITORS
The KVM Extender/Sharer supports VGA-monochrome and VGA-color
monitors. Monitors may be single-mode or multisync types.
NOTE
When you use the KVM Extender/Sharer in the Shared Mode, both
monitors should be of the same type (that is, monochrome with
monochrome or color with color).
Some adjustment of the brightness and contrast controls may be necessary
during installation. Adjust the controls to suit your preferences. Once you’ve
set these controls, you’ll probably never have to set them again.
4.3.3 M ICE
The KVM Extender/Sharers work with serial mice only.
The Extender/Sharers support, for either mode of use and at either location
in Shared Mode, both (1) serial-port-powered mice that are not software-
configurable and (2) externally powered mice. Software-configurable mice
require a setup signal from the computer when mouse-driven applications
are loaded, and only the software-configurable mouse that is connected to the
computer when the application is loaded will receive configuration data from
the computer. Again, switching between local and remote setups should be
done when no applications are running.

14
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
NOTE
Mouse drivers for software-configurable mice are specialized and might
not support other serial mice. So it’s best to use the same type of
software-configurable mouse at both locations in Shared Mode.
However, many types of nonconfigurable mice are supported by popular
mouse drivers, so you might be able to mix a software-configurable
mouse with a mouse that doesn’t require configuring.
Other serial devices such as trackballs may be connected to the computer
through the mouse port, provided they conform to the mouse-port interface
specifications given in the Appendix of this manual and are Microsoft mouse
compliant.

15
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting
5.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your KVM Extender/Sharer system is malfunctioning,
do not attempt to alter or repair any of the units. Contact Black Box. The problem
might be solvable over the phone.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be
able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete
description, including:
• The nature and duration of the problem.
• When the problem occurs.
• The components involved in the problem.
• Any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem
or make it worse.
5.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship a KVM Extender/Sharer unit:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• Before you ship a unit for repair or return, contact Black Box to get a
Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. If you are returning the
unit, make sure you include everything you received with it.
5. Troubleshooting

16
KVM EXTENDER/SHARERS
This appendix lists the pinouts of the ports used on the Local, Remote,
and Host Modules of the Extender/Sharers.
Appendix: Pinouts
Mouse
Pin # Signal
1 Frame Ground (can be jumpered
to Signal Gnd. in Host Module)
2 Transmit Data (from computer to
mouse)
3 Receive Data (from mouse to
computer)
4 Host Module: may be tied to Pin 2
Local and Remote Modules: tied
to +5 Volts
7 Signal Ground
8 Host Module: may be tied to Pin 2
Local and Remote Modules: not
connected
20 Host Module: may be tied to Pin 2
Local and Remote Modules: tied
to +5 Volts
Pin # Signal
1 Clock
2 Data
3 Not used
4 Ground
5 +5 Volts DC
Keyboard
Pin # Signal
1 Red video
2 Green video
3 Blue video
4 Not used
5 Ground
6 Red return
7 Green return
8 Blue return
9 Not used
10 Sync return
11 Not used
12 Not used
13 Horizontal sync
14 Vertical sync
15* Not used
VGA Monitor
(Local and Remote Modules)
* You can connect Pin 15 to ground by
installing a hard-wired jumper at position
W5.

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 1998. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.