Black Box ACS253A-CT User manual

THE SERVSWITCHFAMILY
1
Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand DVI KVM Extender
model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your
enhanced keyboard/video/mouse 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 ServSwitch™ Brand DVI KVM Extender,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Extender, see
Chapter 2. The Extender product codes covered in this manual are:
ACS253A-CT
ACS253A-MM
ACS253A-SM
ACS253A-U-MM
ACS253A-U-SM

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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Copyrights and Trademarks
©2004. 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 injury.
NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of
this product.

FCC/CDC STATEMENTS
3
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
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 B 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.
Shielded PC-equipment cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with
radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to
electromagnetic disturbances.
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 the Canadian Department of
Communications.
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 le Ministerié des Communications du Canada.

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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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 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: Fiber+STP 1999 Class B
EN 55022: UTP 1999 Class A
EN 55024: 1999
IEC 61000-4-2: 2001
IEC 61000-4-3: 2001
IEC 61000-4-4: 2001
IEC 61000-4-5: 2001 (CATx device only)
EN 61000-3-2 2001
EN 61000-3-3 2002
The device was tested in a typical configuration with PC.

NOM STATEMENT
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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 pedestals 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.
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.

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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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
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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.
• Ensure that the system connected to the Local unit is connected to power ground.
• Ensure that the monitor connected to the Remote unit is connected to power ground and
does not use an isolated power supply.
• 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 holes.
To safeguard against personal injury 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) or the
Fiber link interface (SC-Duplex) to any other products,
especially telecommunications or network equipment.

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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Optical Models
Models: ACS253A-SM, ACS253A-MM, ACS253A-U-MM and ACS253A-U-SM
DVI/VGA Upgrade Kits: ACS253A-DVI-MM and ACS253A-DVI-SM
These are Class 1 Laser products. Multimode transceivers comply with IEC 825-1 and FD 21
CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. Singlemode transceivers comply with IEC 60825-1 and FDA 21
CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. To meet laser safety requirements, the transceivers shall be
operated within the absolute maximum ratings.
The use of optical instruments with this product may cause
an eye hazard. All adjustments have been made at the
factory prior to shipment of the device. No maintenance or
alteration to the device is required.
Tampering with or modifying the performance of the device
will result in voided product warranty.
Usage Restrictions
Optical ports must be terminated with an optical connector or with a dust plug. Failure to
adhere to the above restrictions could result in a modification that is considered an act of
“manufacturing” and will require, under law, recertification of the modified product with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (ref. 21 CFR 1040.10(i)).

CONTENTS
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Contents
1. Quick Setup 11
1.1 Video Input/Output 12
1.2 Command Summary 13
2. Overview 14
2.1 Introduction 14
2.2 Glossary 14
2.3 Features 16
2.4 Product Range 17
2.5 Compatibility 18
2.6 How to Use This Guide 19
3. Installation 20
3.1 Package Contents 20
3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements 21
3.3 System Setup 22
3.4 Diagnostic LEDs 26
3.5 Access Switching 27
3.6 Private Mode 27
4. Device Control 28
4.1 Opening the OSD 29
4.2 Using the OSD 31
5. Monitor Setup 40
6. Extender Setup 41
6.1 Overview 41
6.2 Setup Instructions for VGA Input 42
7. Troubleshooting 44
7.1 Video 44
7.2 Keyboard & Mouse 45

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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Appendix A: Example Applications 46
Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 51
Appendix C: System Upgrade & Dual Access 53
Appendix D: Video Modes and Frame Rates 54
Appendix E: USB –High Power/Low Power 56
Appendix F: Audio/Serial Upgrade 57
Appendix G: Calling Black Box 59
Appendix H: Specifications 60
Appendix I: Connectors and Cables 63

QUICK SETUP
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1. Quick Setup
This section briefly describes how to install your KVM extender system and optimize the
video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full
procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summaryon page 13
when following this procedure.
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, Multimode or Singlemode fiber).
4. Power up the system.
Carry out the
Monitor Setup
procedure (please refer to its
manual and see page 40 in
this manual).
Carry out
VGA Input Setup
procedure
(please follow the instructions on page 42).
Done
Yes
No
Do you have a
DVI monitor?
Do you have a
DVI source?
Do you
have a flat screen
(TFT)?
No
No
Yes
Yes

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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1.1 Video Input/Output
If possible, always use DVI output from your computer’s video card and DVI input to a
monitor. This provides the optimum video signal. If you use a VGA output from your graphic
source, the ACS253A Local unit must digitize the signal prior to transmission. Similarly, if
your remote TFT screen uses a VGA input, it must digitize the signal from the Remote unit.
In both cases, the built-in video processors must determine the resolution and pixel phase for
an optimized digitization. Your DVI Extender allows you to optimize the video signal
manually or automatically using its on-screen utility (see Chapter 4). If you are using a VGA
input to a TFT monitor, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You may have several possible options for video source output/monitor input. If this is the
case, for the optimum video quality, please select the highest ranked available combination
from the following table:
Video Quality Local Unit input Remote Unit output
1 DVI DVI
2 DVI VGA
3 VGA DVI
4 VGA VGA

QUICK SETUP
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1.2 Command Summary
The following table summarizes the ‘hot’ key command sequences used in system
configuration and video tuning on a Remote unit console.
Command Keyboard
at Remote unit Terminal or Windows Utility program*
Enter OSD <Left Control>
+ <Left Shift> + <I> <O> + <S> + <D> + <Enter>
Exit OSD <ESC> <X>
Select next position <Right Arrow> <R>
Select previous
position <Left Arrow> <L>
Select Submenu <Enter> <S>
Select parameter
modification <Enter> <S>
Increase parameter <Right Arrow> <R>
Decrease parameter <Left Arrow> <L>
Accept and store
modified parameter <Enter> <S>
Back to the Menu
selection
* Commands are not case-sensitive.

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
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 (see Figure 1). Local units offer dual access, allowing the connection of
a second user console close to the computer. With the optional upgrade kit, you can also use
ACS253A units to communicate stereo audio and serial port signals.
The ServSwitchBrand DVI KVM Extender Series enables high-resolution video, PS/2
keyboard and mouse signals to be communicated up to:
• 300ft (100m) over Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher (CATx) cable.
• 1200ft (400m) over Multimode fiber cable (50/125µ).
• 600ft (200m) over Multimode fiber cable (62.5/125µ).
• 6¼ miles (10km) over Singlemode fiber cable (9/125µ).
In a digital application (DVI input and output), there is no loss of picture quality irrespective
of extension distance and no adjustments are required. The DVI KVM Extender Series also
supports traditional analog VGA as well as digital DVI. All combinations of DVI and VGA
(graphics cards and monitors) are supported, allowing equipment to be mixed. In a mixed
analog/digital application, some adjustment of the video signal is necessary to optimize the
analog-digital signal conversions. DVI KVM Extenders are equipped with various automatic
and manual video correction tools in an on screen utility (see page28).
2.2 Glossary
The following terms are used in this guide:
CATx Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable.
Multimode Any multimode 2-fiber cable 50/125µ or 62.5/125µ
Singlemode Any singlemode 2-fiber cable 9/125µ
PSU The desktop power supply connected to the Local/Remote unit.
KVM Keyboard, Video and Mouse.
Console A keyboard, monitor, and mouse, plus optional serial/audio devices.
Dual Access A system allowing connection of Local and Remote user consoles.
Single Head An extender system that supports one monitor.
Dual Head An extender system that supports two monitors.

OVERVIEW
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Figure 1 KVM extender system
Local Access
Dual Video Support
Serial/Audio and USB
extension options
KVM extension over CATx
or fiber optic cables.
LOCAL unit
REMOTE unit

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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2.3 Features
All members of the ServSwitchBrand DVI KVM Extender Series offer the following
features:
• Support for high video resolution over extended distances:
1600x1200@60Hz over all allowed distances
all lower resolutions with refresh rates of at least 75Hz
• All models come with dual access, to allow local or remote operation
(Local DVI access limited to screen resolutions up to 1280x1024).
• All control and video tuning carried out using an on screen display (OSD) with settings
stored in EEPROM memory.
• Local/Remote unit firmware and settings flash upgradeable.
• Intelligent PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation ensures PCs do not lock-up and allows
peripherals to be hot-plugged.
• Transparent serial port (on certain models) 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 digitized) support on certain models enables high-
quality, low-noise audio extension.
• USB support on certain models; connect up to four USB devices directly to the USB hub
on the remote unit.
• Status indicator LEDs on each device.
• Small footprint chassis.
• Rack mount options available.
• CPU cables + Adapters included.

OVERVIEW
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2.4 Product Range
There are five products in the range and various upgrade kits:
PS2 Style Kits
ACS253A-CT DVI-Extender Set: PS2 Dual Access, CATx
ACS253A-MM DVI-Extender Set: PS2 Dual Access, Multimode
ACS253A-SM DVI-Extender Set: PS2 Dual Access, Singlemode
USB Style Kits
ACS253A-U-MM DVI-Extender Set: USB Dual Access, Multimode
ACS253A-U-SM DVI-Extender Set: USB Dual Access, Singlemode
Upgrade Kits
ACS253A-AS Audio/Serial Upgrade kit
ACS253A-TM PS2-keyboard/mouse Upgrade kit for USB devices
ACS253A-DVI-CT DVI Upgrade kit for additional video channel –CATx
ACS253A-DVI-MM DVI Upgrade kit for additional video channel -Multimode
ACS253A-DVI-SM DVI Upgrade kit for additional video channel -Singlemode
ACS253A-G2 Double-width housing

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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2.5 Compatibility
Interface Compatibility
• 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.
• Audio: Input and output are line-level. Amplified speakers are required. A microphone
may be directly connected to the Remote unit (optional pre-amplification).
• Serial: Transparent up to 19.2K Baud. The following serial signals are extended: TX,
RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR. In rare cases, a wiring adaptor may be required to transfer
RI and DCD.
• USB: compatible to USB 1.0 and USB 1.1. Transmission fully transparent.
Some USB-CDROM or DVD burning devices may not work properly.
• Analog Video: VGA to UXGA. Separate sync, composite sync, or sync-on-green.
Maximum resolution and refresh rates depend on cable length and cable type (see
Appendix H: Specifications, page 46).
• Digital Video: DVI single link for resolution up to 1600x1200 at 60Hz. Frame rates and
colors depend on device type (CATx or Fiber –see Appendix D: Video Modes and
Frame Rates, page 54)

OVERVIEW
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2.6 How to Use This Guide
This guide describes the installation and configuration of the ServSwitchBrand DVI KVM
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. The Remote console (keyboard, monitor and mouse)
and any audio and serial equipment connects directly to the Remote unit.
For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 20.
Interconnection Cable
For ACS253A-CT Extenders, you will need CATx (any category 5, 5e, 6 or higher) cable,
terminated with RJ45 plugs, to connect the Local and Remote units. Other units require
singlemode or multimode fibers (see Interconnection Cable Requirements, page 21.
Adjusting Video
Due to the digital nature of the transmitted signals, there is no distortion of video signals or
skew problem even with CATx interconnection cables.
If you do not have a DVI source and a DVI monitor, you will need to adjust the monitor
and/or the Extender to the picture width and the pixel phase. You can do this using the Auto
Adjust or Manual Adjust procedures (see page 41).
• For experienced users there is a Quick Setup section at the start of this guide
(see page 11).
• For the full procedure, see Monitor Setup (page 40) and/or Extender Setup (page 41).

SERVSWITCHBRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY
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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):
• Extender Remote unit.
• 6V DC 12W universal power supply for Remote unit.
• Extender Local unit.
• 6V DC 12W universal power supply for Local unit.
• 2x DVI-I to VGA adapter (DVI-I dual link male to HD15 female) connector.
• 1x VGA to DVI-I adapter (HD15 male to DVI-I dual link female) connector.
• Programming cable (DB9 female to RJ11 4p4c).
• User manual.
• 2x US-type power cord.
All PS/2 models are supplied with:
• KVM CPU cable set (1.8m) with PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male-to-male) keyboard and
mouse connector and DVI-I video (DVI-I dual link male-to-male) connector
All USB types are supplied with:
• DVI-I video cable (DVI-I dual link male-to-male)
• USB cable (USB type A to type B)
• 5V DC 12W universal power supply for Remote unit
(only required when connecting two or more High Power USB devices -
see Appendix E: USB – High Power/Low Power).
• US-type power cord (additional)
If anything is missing, please contact Technical Support (see Appendix G: Calling Black
Box).