Black Box IC401A User manual

BL A C K B O X®
Break the USB distance barrier! Now you can
place USB devices up to 330 feet (100 meters)
from the computer.
Extends beyond the standard 1.5-foot (5-m) cable limit for USB peripheral
devices.
1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender User Manual
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
Customer
Support
Information
IC401A

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FCC and IC RFI Statements
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND
INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,
Class B Digital Device. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inter-
ference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
telephone reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables and power cords are required to
connect this device to a personal computer or other Class B certified device.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B 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 classe B prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

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IC401A User Manual
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
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.

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NOM Statement
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.

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IC401A User Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of
BB Technologies, Inc.
Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications.............................................................................................7
2. Overview ...................................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction........................................................................................8
2.2 Features..............................................................................................8
2.3 What’s Included .................................................................................9
2.4 Other Requirements ...........................................................................9
2.5 Hardware Description.........................................................................9
2.5.1 Local Extender (LEX) Unit ..........................................................9
2.5.2 Remote Extender (REX) Unit ...................................................11
2.6 Typical Installation.............................................................................13
3. Installation...............................................................................................14
3.1 Installing the Local Extender (LEX) Unit ............................................14
3.2 Installing the Remote Extender (REX) Unit........................................14
3.3 Connecting the Local Extender (LEX) Unit to the
Remote Extender (REX) Unit.............................................................14
3.4 Checking the Installation ..................................................................15
3.5 Connecting a USB Device.................................................................16
3.6 Compatibility ....................................................................................16
4. Troubleshooting ......................................................................................17
4.1 Troubleshooting Tips .........................................................................17
4.2 Contacting Black Box........................................................................19
4.3 Shipping and Packaging ...................................................................19
Appendix. Technical Glossary.........................................................................20

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Compliance — FCC Class B, IC Class B, EMC EN-61000-4-2 8 kV Contact,
16 kV Air
Current Available to USB Device at Remote Unit — 500 mA
Maximum USB Devices Supported — (14) USB devices or (3) USB hubs
with (11) USB devices
Range — 330 ft. (100 m) over CAT5e (or better) cable
USB Device Support — High-speed devices (480 Mbps): USB 2.0,
Full-speed devices (12 Mbps): USB 2.0 and 1.1,
Low-speed devices (1.5 Mbps): USB 2.0 and 1.1
USB Host Support — EHCI (USB 2.0) and OHCI/UHCI (USB 1.1)
USB Hub Support — Any single-chain can include up to (3) USB hubs
plus (1) IC401A USB Extender
Connectors — Local Extender Unit: (1) USB Type B, (1) RJ-45;
Remote Extender Unit: (1) USB Type A, (1) RJ-45
Indicators — Local Extender Unit: (4) front-panel LEDs: Power, Link, Host, and
Activity;
Remote Extender Unit: (4) front-panel LEDs: Power, Link, Host, and Activity
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: +32 to +122° F (0 to +50° C);
Storage: -4 to +158° F (-20 to +70 °C)
Humidity Tolerance — Operating: 20 to 80% relative humidity, noncondensing;
Storage: 10 to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing
Power — Input: 100/240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 600 mA maximum;
Output: 5 VDC, 3 A;
AC adapter connector: 1.7-mm center-positive jack
Size — Local Extender Unit: 3.9"H x 3"W x 1"D (10 x 7.6 x 2.6 cm);
Remote Extender Unit: 3.9"H x 3"W x 1"D (10 x 7.6 x 2.6 cm)
System Shipping Weight — 2 lb. (0.9 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The 1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender increases the distance from your computer to
a wide variety of USB devices—from printers, scanners, hard drives, and audio
devices to touchscreens, Web cams, and game controllers. USB devices can be
located up to 100 meters (330 feet) from the computer. The extender is
composed of two individual units: the Local Extender (LEX) unit and the Remote
Extender (REX) unit.
The instructions in this guide assume a general knowledge of computer
installation procedures, familiarity with cabling requirements, and some
understanding of USB devices.
NOTE: Notes provide additional information that could be useful.
CAUTION: Cautions provide important information about an operational
requirement.
2.2 Features
• Extends USB 2.0 high-speed and USB 1.1 (low-speed, full-speed) devices up to
330 feet (100 m) over CAT5 cable.
• Operates with USB 2.0 high-speed host controllers and USB 1.1 classic hosts.
• Supports all USB device types: Control, Interrupt, Bulk, and Isochronous at up to
480 Mbps.
• True plug-and-play, ready to operate right out of the box. No new driver
installation required.
• Supports all major operating systems, including Windows®, Mac®OS, and
Linux®.
• Provides (1) remote USB 2.0 port. Number of devices can be increased using
additional USB hubs.
• AC power adapter at remote extender unit supplies standard 500 mA to USB
port.
• Power adapter at local extender unit is not required for normal operation.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.3 What’s Included
Your 1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender includes the following items. If anything is
missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or
[e-mail].
• (1) Local Extender unit (LEX)
• (1) Remote Extender unit (REX)
• (1) AC power adapter for Remote Extender unit
• (1) 6-foot (1.8-m) USB 2.0 cable
• This user’s manual
• A quick start guide
NOTE: You can purchase an additional AC power adapter for the local unit if your
USB port cannot supply the required 500-mA current. Contact Black Box
Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail] for details.
2.4 Other Requirements
To complete the installation, you will also need the following items that are not
included with the product:
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible computer (host computer) with a USB compliant
operating system.
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible device.
• CAT5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable with two RJ-45 connectors (if using
surface cabling),
OR,
CAT5 cabling with two information outlets and two CAT5 patch cords with
RJ-45 connectors (if using premise cabling).
NOTE: All references to CAT5 cable in this document represent the minimum
requirement of solid core CAT5 unshielded twisted-pair cable. You can
substitute Category 5e or better or STP cable.
2.5 Hardware Description
2.5.1 The Local Extender (LEX) Unit
The LEX unit connects to the computer using a standard USB cable. Power for this
unit is provided by the USB on the host computer. Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the
front and back panels of the LEX. Table 2-1 describes their components.

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Chapter 2: Overview
1 2 3 4
Figure 2-1. Front view: local unit.
5 6 7 8
Figure 2-2. Back view: local unit.
Table 2-1. Local (LEX) Unit Components.
Number Component Description
1Power LED (Blue) LED turns on when power is supplied. Off when no power is supplied.
2Link LED (Green) Indicates a valid link is established between the LEX and the REX units
over CAT5 cabling.
3Host LED (Green) Indicates that the extender system is properly enumerated on the host PC.
4Activity LED (Amber)
Indicates activity when data transmission is active between the LEX
and REX units. LED blinks intermittently with or without a USB device
connected. When the LEX and REX are in suspend mode, the LED is off.
5Ground Optional ground connection to housing of unit. Accepts an M2 type screw.
6Power Port (optional)
Not required in normal operation. You can connect an optional 5-V power
supply to the LEX unit to provide power if the USB port on the host PC
cannot deliver 500 mA to the unit.
7USB Type B connector Connects the LEX unit to the host computer.
8Link Port (RJ-45) Accepts an RJ-45 connector for CAT5 (or better) cabling.