Black Box ACS2028A User manual

ACS2028A
ACS2228A
ACS4022A
ACS4222A
DVI-D-CatX-KVM-Extender
Single and DualHead
Manual
http://www.blackbox.com

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
2
Welcome to the DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender
Family!
Thank you for purchasing an DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender! We appreciate your business,
and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced RGB Graphic system will
save you money, time, and effort.
That’s because our DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender is all about breaking away from the
traditional model of attaching a new display to DVI graphic source. Using the DVI-D Cat X
KVM-Extender, you can remotely locate monitor, keyboard and mouse up to 140m away
from your CPU.
Wherever long distances are required, e.g. airports, industrial plants, call- centres or in
distributed computer centres, the DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender is the best way, to solve all
problems in remotely locating your console. 4 different types are available: Singlehead and
Dualhead devices for PS2 keyboard/mouse and Singlehead and Dualhead devices for USB
keyboard/mouse.
This manual will tell you all about your new DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender, including how to
install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Converter, see Chapter 2. The
Converter product codes covered in this manual are:
ACS2028A: KVM-Extender Singlehead DVI-D, PS2-Keyboard/Mouse +
serial/Audio
ACS2228A: KVM-Extender Dualhead DVI-D, PS2-Keyboard/Mouse +
serial/Audio
ACS4022A: KVM-Extender Singlehead DVI-D, USB-Keyboard/Mouse +
serial/Audio
ACS4222A: KVM-Extender Dualhead DVI-D, USB-Keyboard/Mouse +
serial/Audio

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
3
Copyrights and Trademarks
©2007. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without
the prior written consent of the manufacturer.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall
not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the use of this material.
All trademark and trade names mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the
property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any
liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The
manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the
product without notice.
The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damage due to misuse of the product or due to
any other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control (whether environmental or
installation related). The manufacturer shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury
arising directly, indirectly, or consequently from the use of this product.
Cautions and Notes
The following symbols are used in this guide:
CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction
that should be followed to avoid any potential damage to
hardware or property, loss of data, or personal in ury.
NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of
this product.

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
4
.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
5
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This is to certify that, when installed and used according to the instructions in this
manual, together with the specified cables and the maximum cable length <3m, the
Units:
ACS2028A, ACS2228A
ACS4022A, ACS4222A
are shielded against the generation of radio interferences in accordance with the
application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC as well as these standards:
EN 55022: 1999 Class A
EN 55024: 1999
IEC 61000-4-2: 2001
IEC 61000-4-3: 2001
IEC 61000-4-4: 2001
EN 61000-3-2 2001
EN 61000-3-3 2002
The device was tested in a typical configuration with PC.
This equipment has been 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 provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
6
Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines
To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation, please note the following installation
guidelines:
•Do not use CATx-devices to link between buildings – please use fiber devices.
•Only use in dry, indoor environments.
•If the building has 3-phase AC power, try to ensure that equipment connected to the
Local and Remote units is on the same phase.
•Try not to route a CATx link cable alongside power cables.
•The Remote unit, Local unit and any power supplies can get warm. Do not locate them
in an enclosed space without any airflow.
•Do not place a power supply directly on top of a unit.
•Do not obstruct a unit’s ventilation existing holes.
To safeguard against personal in ury and avoid possible
damage to equipment or property, please observe the
following:
•Only use power supplies originally supplied with the
product or manufacturer-approved replacements. Do not
attempt to dismantle or repair any power supply. Do not
use a power supply if it appears to be defective or has a
damaged case.
•Connect all power supplies to grounded outlets. In each
case, ensure that the ground connection is maintained
from the outlet socket through to the power supply’s AC
power input.
•Do not attempt to modify or repair this product, or make
a connection from the CATx link interface (RJ45) to any
other products, especially telecommunications or
network equipment.

CONTENTS
7
Contents
1. Quick Setup 8
2. Overview 9
2.1 Introduction 9
2.2 Glossary 9
2.3 Features 11
2.4 Product Range 12
2.5 Compatibility 13
2.6 How to Use This Guide 14
3. Installation 15
3.1 Package Contents 15
3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements 16
3.3 System Setup 17
3.4 Diagnostic LEDs 24
4. Service Setup 26
4.1 Setup at the Local Unit 27
4.2 Setup at the Remote Unit 30
5. Troubleshooting 31
Appendix A: Example Applications 33
Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 35
Appendix C: Audio/Serial Support 37
Appendix D: Calling Technical Support 39
Appendix E: Specifications 41
Appendix F: Connectors 43

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
8
1. Quick Setup
This section briefly describes how to install your KVM extender system. Unless you are an
experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full procedures described in the rest of
this manual.
Install system
1. Connect Remote unit to KVM.
2. Connect Local unit to CPU or switch.
3. Connect Local and Remote units with matching interconnection cable
(CATx).
4. Power up the system.
Done
YES
NO
Link LED
illuminated ?
NO
NO
YES
Check p.s.u.’s and connection
to power outlet
Power LED
illuminated?
Check the CATx cable, and
CATx connectors
Check settings of graphic card
or boot CPU
Video OK
LED ?
illuminated ?
YES

OVERVIEW
9
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
A CatX KVM Extender is mainly used, to extend the maximum distance between a CPU
and his Keyboard / Monitor / Mouse considerably. In addition they are beneficial in
installations in electromagnetic hazardous environments (EMI). Normal Keyboard-/
Monitor-/ Mouse extender cables (and Extender using traditional cables) cannot go so far
and EMI interferences may reduce the maximum distance and/or reliability. Using a
DVI-D Cat X Extender system, these limitations are past. Retain your CPU in a secure
rack cabinet or data center while accessing from a 140m remotely located place.
A basic KVM extension system comprises a Local unit (transmitter) and a Remote unit
(receiver). The Local unit connects directly to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using
the supplied cable(s). The user console (keyboard, mouse and monitor) attaches to the
Remote unit. The Remote and Local units communicate video and data information along the
interconnecting cable. Local units offer dual access, allowing the connection of a second user
console close to the computer.
2.2 Glossary
The following terms are used in this guide:
CATx Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable, solid wires type AWG24.
KVM Keyboard, Video and Mouse.
Console Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor
Dual Access A system allowing connection of Local and Remote user consoles.
Singlehead An extender system that supports one monitor + Keyboard/Mouse
Dualhead An extender system that supports two monitors + Keyboard/Mouse
DVI Digital Video standard, installed by Digital Display Working Group
(www.ddwg.org) R, G, B, CLOCK in a data stream with up to
3x 1,6 Gbit/sec. Signals are TMDS Level.
PSU The desktop power supply connected to the Local/Remote unit.
HID Human Interface Devices are units, which are used for human access
to the CPU. They are a USB-device class of its own (e.g. Memory
Devices etc.). Besides of keyboard and mouse also touchscreen, light
pen, fingerprint sensor, graphic tablets etc. are HID devices

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
10
DVI-D Cat X – KVM Extender system (example)
CPU with DVI
-
D
Graphic card
DVI
-
D Cat X KVM
-
Extender system
Local Console
Remote Console
Optional
2
nd
Monitor
Optional
2
nd
Monitor
Serial /
Audio

OVERVIEW
11
2.3 Features
All members of the DVI-D Cat X - DVI KVM Extender Series offer the following features:
•Support for DVI-D Graphic cards (all devices)
•Support for PS2-Keyboard and PS2-Mouse (ACS2028A and ACS2228A)
•Support for USB-Keyboard and USB-Mouse (ACS4022A and ACS4222A)
Devices with USB- connectors support ONLY Keyboard and Mouse. It’s
possible, that other HID devices (Human Interface Device) like touch-
screens, graphics tablets, barcode readers or similar are supported – but
there is no guarantee for this! The DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender is NOT
suitable for use with other USB devices like Scanner, WEB- Cams, data
sticks etc.
The device never supports more than two devices – Keyboard and Mouse
or Keyboard and Touchscreen, etc. but not e.g. Keyboard, Mouse and
Touchscreen simultaneously. A Hub is allowed but does not raise the
number of supported devices
•Maximum resolution: DVI-D: 1920x1200@60Hz over all allowed distances
all resolutions below of 1600x1200 with refresh rates of at least 75Hz
•Supporting 18 Bit/21 Bit color depth (user selectable) = 256,000/2,048,000 colors
•Transparent serial port enables any serial device to be extended (up to 19.2K Baud). The
serial port may be used to extend one device (requiring handshaking lines) or up to three
simple serial devices (no handshaking).
•Bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitised) support enables high-quality, low-noise,
audio extension.
•Status indicator LEDs on each device.
•Small footprint chassis.
•Rack mount options available.
•CPU cables + Adapters included.

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
12
2.4 Product Range
There are four products in the range and various upgrade kits:
DVI-D Cat X - Extender
ACS2028A KVM-Extender 1x DVI, PS2-Keyboard, PS2-Mouse
(Singlehead) + serial/audio
ACS2228A KVM-Extender 2x DVI, PS2-Keyboard, PS2-Mouse s
(Dualhead) + serial/audio
ACS4022A KVM-Extender 1x DVI, USB-Keyboard, USB-Mouse
(Singlehead) + serial/audio
ACS4222A KVM-Extender 2x DVI, USB-Keyboard, USB-Mouse
(Dualhead) + serial/audio
Upgrade Kits
ACS2228A-RMK 19”/1U Rackmount- Kit to mount up to 4 devices
ACS2228A-PS 19”/1U rackmountable P.S.U. Input: 100..240VAC/0.5A;
Output 5VDC/7A to source up to 3 units. Requires one unit
space in RMK (ACS2228A-RMK)

OVERVIEW
13
2.5 Compatibility
Interface Compatibility
•Digital Video (DVI-D): Digital Video standard, installed by Digital Display Working
Group (www.ddwg.org) R, G, B, CLOCK in a data stream with up to
3x 1,6 Gbit/sec. Signals are TMDS Level.
•PS/2 Keyboard: Compatible with all standard keyboards. Certain keyboards with
enhanced features may also be supported with custom firmware.
•PS/2 Mouse: Compatible with all standard 2-button, 3-button and wheel mice.
•USB Keyboard: Compatible with all standard keyboards. Certain keyboards with
enhanced features may also be supported with custom firmware. Keyboards with built-in
hub are also supported – but there are never more than two HDI devices supported.
•USB Mouse: Compatible with all standard 2-button, 3-button and wheel mice.
Devices with USB- connectors support ONLY Keyboard and Mouse. It’s
possible, that other HID devices (Human Interface Device) like touch-
screens, graphics tablets, barcode readers or similar are supported – but
there is no guarantee for this! The DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender is NOT
suitable for use with other USB devices like Scanner, WEB- Cams, data
sticks etc.
The device never supports more than two devices – Keyboard and Mouse
or Keyboard and Touchscreen, etc. but not e.g. Keyboard, Mouse and
Touchscreen simultaneously. A Hub is allowed but does not rais the
number of supported devices

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
14
2.6 How to Use This Guide
This guide describes the installation and configuration of the DVI-D Cat X – Extender Series.
Although the connection and operation of the system is relatively straightforward, you should
consider the following before getting started:
Connection & Compatibility
If you have purchased an Extender Kit, this will contain all the cables required to connect the
Local unit to your PC or KVM switch. Please see also: Package Contents (page 15)
For information about connection and installation, see Interconnection Cable
Requirements, page 16.
DDC Information
Normally it is not necessary to make any adjustments to the DVXi- Extender. However, in
some circumstances, it may be necessary to redefine the source of DDC Information for the
CPU. By default, the DVI-D Fiber KVM-Extender uses its own internal DDC table. If this
setting does not satisfy your requirements, the DDC table can either be switched to the locally
attached screen or could be downloaded from remotely located screen and stored in the
internal DDC table.
To modify the DDC-Setup, see Service Setup (page 26).
Selecting the moment of switching to the next frame
The transmission of screen data in not synchronous to the screen change of the graphic card.
Normally, the transmission is terminated during displaying a frame on the screen. If the
device switches to the new frame during the displaying period of the old frame (somewhere
on the screen), it’s possible, that you can see horizontal screen breaks in the moment of
switching (default). On the other hand the device must idle, until the actual frame is displayed
completely (until VSYNC) -> the number of frames per second transmitted sinks.
To modify the switching behaviour, see Service Setup (page 26).
Selection of Color depth
You can select, whether 18Bit colors (=256K colors) are transmitted (default) or 21Bit colors
(=2M colors). Low color depth enhances the count of frames, transmitted per second, high
color depth gives smooth color grades. Please select to you choice the better mode.
To modify the color depth, see Service Setup (page 26).
Compatibility
Devices with PS2 connectors are NOT compatible to devices with USB connectors.

INSTALLATION
15
3. Installation
For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single
room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identify and solve any
cabling problems, and experiment with the KVM extender system more conveniently.
3.1 Package Contents
You should receive the following items in your extender package (all types):
•DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender- pair (Local Unit + Remote Unit)
•2x 5V DC universal power supply for the DVI-D Cat X - Extender
•2x US type power cord
•Serial link cable (1.8m) with one side DSUB9pin male connector – other side
DSUB9pin female connector – 1:1
•2x audio cable (1.8m, 3.5mm stereo plugs)
•User manual (Quick Setup)
ACS2028A and ACS2228A (additionally):
•KVM CPU cable set (1.8m) with one side: PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) keyboard and
mouse connector and DVI-I video (DVI-I dual link male) connector – other side: DVI-I
video (DVI-I dual link male) connector
•PS2-Keyboard-/ Mouse adapter to connect K/M to the Local Unit (keyboard can be
plugged in directly, without using an adapter)
ACS4022A and ACS4222A (additionally):
•DVI-I (1,8m) video cable (DVI-I dual link male-to-male)
•USB (1,8m) cable (USB type A to type B)
ACS2228A and ACS4222A (additionally):
•DVI-I (1,8m) video cable (DVI-I dual link male-to-male)
If anything is missing, please contact Technical Support (see Appendix D – Calling
Technical Support).

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
16
3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements
To connect the Local and Remote units you will need:
•DVI, PS2-Keyboard, PS2-Mouse: Connect the supplied KVM CPU cable set to your
CPU (KVM.- Switch, etc.). Please ensure that the connection is tension-free! Devices
ACS2028A + ACS2228A
•DVI, USB-Keyboard, USB-Mouse: Connect the supplied KVM CPU cable set to your
CPU (KVM.- Switch, etc.). Please ensure that the connection is tension-free! Devices
ACS4022A + ACS4222A
•DVI: Connect the supplied DVI CPU cable set to your CPU (KVM.- Switch, etc.).
Please ensure that the connection is tension-free! Devices ACS2228A + ACS4222A
•CATx Cable: Recommended cable: S/UTP (CatX) according EIA/TIA 56A, TSB 36 or
Digital STP 17-03170. Four pairs AWG 24. connection according EIA/TIA 568A
(10BaseT). Use of cables from a higher category (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7) is possible.
The use of unshielded CATx Cable is possible, because of the higher electromagnetic
noise/sensitivity the device class may not be reached.
The use of flexible Cables (Patch cable) Type AWG26/8 is possible. Because of the
higher loss of the stranded cables, the maximum distance is reduced to approx. half the
value of solid cables.
A point to point connection is required. Having one or more patch panels
in the line is possible and allowed. Not allowed is a connection from the
CATx link interface (RJ45) to any other products, especially
telecommunications or network equipment.
•Power Supply
Connect the supplied 5V/DC power supplies to the Plug terminal on the rear of both
Local and Remote units.

INSTALLATION
17
3.3 System Setup
To install your DVI-D Cat X – Extender system:
1. Switch off all devices.
2. Connect your keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse to the Remote unit (depending on device
type). Please ensure, to not swap Mouse- and Keyboard connector. The Keyboard
connector is purple and the Mouse connector is green.
3. Using the supplied CPU KVM cable(s), connect the keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse
connectors on the computer (or KVM switch). Please ensure, to not swap Mouse- and
Keyboard connector. The Keyboard connector is purple and the Mouse connector is
green.
4. Connect the interconnect cable to the INTERCONNECT socket(s)
5. Connect the 5V power supply to power the unit.
Only use the power supply originally supplied with this
equipment or a manufacturer-approved replacement.
6. For a dual access system, connect the monitor for the Local console to the appropriate
port on the Local unit. The port may also be used to feed into a KVM switch.
To the local (PS2-) Keyboard-/ Mouse port you can attach a Keyboard directly or
Mouse/ Keyboard together, using the delivered adapter.
To attach a local (USB-) Keyboard/Mouse, please use additional USB port(s) at your
CPU or use a USB Hub inbetween CPU and local unit’s USB connector.
7. Power up the system.

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
18
DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender Type ACS2028A Local Unit
DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender Type ACS2028A Remote Unit
Connect to CPU:
DVI, keyboard, mouse
local DVI-Monitor port
Connect to Local
console monitor
Local keyboard/ mouse port
Solely Keyboard may be plugged in directly,
keyboard/mouse through equipped adapter
remote DVI-Monitor
port– connect to
Remote console
monitor
Remote mouse port Remote keyboard port
Connect to CPU:
Audio OUT Audio IN
Connect to CPU:
serial interface
Connect to
Speakers Microphone
Connect to:
serial device

INSTALLATION
19
DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender Type ACS2228A Local Unit
DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender Type ACS2228A Remote Unit
Connect to CPU:
2
nd
DVI-Graphic card/
serial/ audio ports
2
nd
local DVI-Monitor
port Connect to Local
console 2
nd
monitor
2
nd
remote DVI-Monitor
port Connect to Remote
console 2
nd
monitor
Connect to CPU:
1
st
DVI-Graphic card,
keyboard, mouse
local DVI-Monitor port
Connect to Local
console monitor
Local keyboard/ mouse port
Solely Keyboard may be
plugged in directly,
keyboard/mouse through
equipped adapter
1
st
remote DVI-
Monitor port– connect
to Remote console 1
st
monitor
Remote mouse port Remote keyboard port
Connect to
Speakers Microphone
Connect to:
serial device

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER
20
DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender Type ACS2028A Local/ Remote Unit
DVI-D Cat X KVM-Extender Type ACS2228A Local/ Remote Unit
Connect to 5V Power
supply
INTERCONNECT – carries 1
st
video
and data signals – connect to Local/
Remote unit with CATx cable
INTERCONNECT – carries 2
nd
video –
connect to Local/Remote unit with
CATx cable
Connect to 5V Power
supply
INTERCONNECT – carries video and
data signals – connect to Local/
remote unit with CATx cable