Black Box ServSwitch ACU1022A User manual

APRIL 2002
ACU1022A
ACU1028A
AUDIO-1M2
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: [e-mail]
© Copyright 2002. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Support Information:

1
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitch™Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX®ServSwitch™Brand CAT5 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 CAT5 KVM/
Serial/Audio Extender, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For
an introduction to the Extender, see Chapter 3. The Extender product codes
covered in this manual are:
ACU1022A
ACU1028A
Document AUDIO-1M2

2
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA
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.
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 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.

3
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
WARNING!
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment, this product might
cause radio interference, in which case the user might be required to
take adequate remedial measures.
This product complies with the following harmonized standards:
• EN55022 (1994), EN55024 (1998)
• EN61000-3-2 (1995), EN61000-3-3 (1995), EN60950 (2000)
When you use this product in environments that have high levels of
electromagnetic interference, you might experience some slight disturbance in its
operation. If this occurs, please refer to the Troubleshooting chapter of this
manual or call technical support.
To maintain compliance, use only cables supplied (or recommended) for use
with this product.
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch is a
trademark, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks, and PC/XT is a
trademark, of IBM Corporation.
IntelliMouse, Microsoft, Windows, Windows Me, Windows NT, and Windows XP
are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the
United States and other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY, TRADEMARKS

4
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
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.

5
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.
NOM STATEMENT

6
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Quick Start Guide ...................................................................................... 8
2. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10
3. Introduction ............................................................................................. 14
3.1 Compatibility ..................................................................................... 15
3.2 Key Features ...................................................................................... 16
4. Checklist of System Components ............................................................ 18
4.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 18
4.2 The Cables You’ll Need .................................................................... 19
4.2.1 To Connect a CPU to the Local Unit .................................... 19
4.2.2 To Connect a Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse,
Serial Device, and Audio Devices to the
Remote Unit or to the Dual-Access Local Unit .................. 20
4.2.3 To Connect a ServSwitch Multi to the Extender .................. 20
4.2.4 To Connect the Local Unit to the Remote Unit ................... 21
5. Configuration ........................................................................................... 22
5.1 Setting the Cable-Length Jumpers ................................................... 22
5.2 Setting the DIP Switch: Keyboard-Command Hotkey .................... 24
5.3 Setting the Microphone-Amplification Jumper
(Not Normally Necessary) ............................................................. 24
6. Installation ................................................................................................ 25
6.1 Test-Placing the Extender (Optional) ............................................. 25
6.2 Attaching Devices .............................................................................. 25
6.2.1 Special Concerns About Connecting Audio Devices ............ 26
6.2.2 Attaching a CPU to the Local Unit ......................................... 27
6.2.3 Attaching a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse to the
Dual-Access Local Unit ........................................................ 27
6.2.4 Attaching a Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse,
Serial Device, and/or Audio Devices to the
Remote Unit ......................................................................... 28
6.2.5 Attaching a ServSwitch Multi to the Extender ...................... 29
6.3 Finishing Your Installation ............................................................... 30
6.4 Adjusting the Video Compensation ................................................. 33

7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
7. Operation ................................................................................................. 34
7.1 Keyboard and Mouse Emulation ..................................................... 34
7.2 Normal Operation and Keyboard Typematic Rate ......................... 34
7.3 Keyboard Commands and Related Functions ................................. 35
7.3.1 Resetting the Remote Keyboard and Mouse ......................... 35
7.3.2 Correcting the PS/2 Mouse If It Gets Out of Sync ............... 35
7.3.3 The Inactivity Timeout (Dual-Access Extender Only) ......... 36
7.3.4 Private Mode (Dual-Access Extender Only) .......................... 37
8. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 38
8.1 Common Problems ........................................................................... 38
8.1.1 Keyboard .................................................................................. 38
8.1.2 Mouse ....................................................................................... 39
8.1.3 Both Keyboard and Mouse ..................................................... 40
8.1.4 Serial Device ............................................................................ 41
8.1.5 Audio Devices .......................................................................... 42
8.1.6 Video ........................................................................................ 42
8.1.7 Power ....................................................................................... 44
8.2 General Questions About the Extender .......................................... 45
8.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 47
8.4 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 47
Appendix A: Cable Pinning/Pairing ............................................................. 48
Appendix B: Rackmounting ........................................................................... 49
Appendix C: Keyboard-Command Summary ................................................ 50

8
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
1. Quick Start Guide
Configuring the Extender
Configuring the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM/Serial/Audio Extender involves
setting some internal controls. Read the next couple of paragraphs, and if you find
that you’ll need to change configuration settings, follow the procedure that’s listed
afterward. (If you’re not certain which Extender model you’re working with, refer
to Chapter 3.) Here’s what you need to consider:
•How far will the CAT5 cabling run between the Extender’s Local and Remote
Units? If it will be 100 m (330 ft.) or less, you don’t need to set anything. If it
will be 100 to 200 m (330 to 655 ft.), install jumpers on the three right-hand
post pairs in each set of three cable-length jumper posts (JP3 through JP5) in
the Remote Unit. If it will be 200 to 300 m (655 to 1000 ft.), install jumpers on
the three left-hand post pairs in each of these sets of cable-length jumper posts.
See Figure 5-1 in Section 5.1.
•What keyboard key do you want to be the “hotkey” to start the Extender’s
keyboard commands? If the keyboard’s right [Ctrl] key can be used for this
purpose (which it probably can if none of your software or hardware looks for
a single isolated press and release of this key), you don’t need to set anything.
If you need to press and release this key by itself to trigger some function of an
attached KVM switch or of a software program on an attached computer
(common on Compaq®Alpha®, HP®, and other workstations for which right
[Ctrl] maps to the [Compose] key), move position 2 of the DIP-switch labeled
SW1 on the main circuit board inside the KVM/Serial Extender’s Remote Unit
to ON. Refer to Section 5.2.
•Does the Extender need to amplify microphone input from the remote site?
This should not be the case if you are connecting a PC’s sound card (which
can amplify the signal itself) to the local CPU’s audio jack on the Local Unit. If
you are connecting some kind of recorder or sound-input device that can’t
amplify the input signal to that jack, and you’re using a nonamplified
microphone at the remote site, install the jumper on the jumper posts marked
“MIC” on the audio daughterboard inside the Remote Unit. Refer to
Section 5.3.
To get at the internal controls, open the Extender Unit while it is powered off—
taking all reasonable precautions against static electricity—by unscrewing the four
screws on its case and lifting off the top half of the case. For more information
about configuration, refer to Chapter 5.

9
CHAPTER 1: Quick Start Guide
Installing the Extender
To install your Extender system, refer to the illustration below. (A Dual-Access
model is shown; the Single-Access model won’t have the local user station.) Take
these steps:
1. Use the included extension cables to attach the CPU’s video, keyboard,
mouse, serial, and/or audio ports to the Local Unit.
2. Dual-Access models: Plug the local keyboard, monitor, and mouse directly into
the Local Unit.
3. Plug the remote keyboard, mouse, monitor, serial device, and/or audio
devices directly into the Remote Unit.
4. Connect the Local and Remote Units with straight-pinned four-pair CAT5
cable.
5. Power the Remote Unit with its included power supply.
For more information about installation, or if you’re attaching any KVM switches
to the Extender, refer to Chapter 6.
Operating the Extender
For the most part, your Extender system should operate automatically and
transparently. Some functions, though, are handled with keyboard commands.
Appendix C summarizes these commands, while Section 7.3 describes them in
detail.
Local monitor, keyboard,
and mouse
CAT5 interconnect cable
Extension
cables
(included)
Local Unit
Remote
Unit
Power
supply
Remote monitor, keyboard, mouse,
serial device (printer shown),
microphone, and headphones
PC CPU

10
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
2. Specifications
Cable Required: Between Local and Remote Units: Category 5 solid
unshielded or shielded twisted pair (UTP or STP),
wired to the EIA/TIA-568A or (preferred) -568B
standard, terminated with RJ-45 male connectors; for
pinning/pairing, see Appendix A
Compliance: CE Class B, FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/
classe A
Compatibility: Video: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, or RGB (sync on
green), although if your system has monitor ID-bit
requirements, you might need to call Black Box for
technical support;
Keyboard: IBM PC/AT or PS/2 compatible (PC/AT
types require connector adapter);
Mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible two-button, Microsoft
IntelliMouse, or Logitech PS/2 compatible 3-button
Interfaces: Video: VGA;
Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible;
Serial: EIA/TIA RS-232; DCE to CPU, DTE to stations
Audio: Bidirectional 3.5-mm mini stereo audio
Video
Characteristics: Bandwidth (to –3 dB):
Local Unit: 150 MHz;
Remote Unit: 300 MHz;
Across 100 meters (328 feet) of UTP: 95 MHz (with
equalization)
Resolution:
Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced at up to 60 m (200 ft.);
Up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced at up to 120 m
(400 ft.);
Up to 1024 x 768 noninterlaced at up to 300 m
(1000 ft.);
I/O signal levels: 0.7 volts peak-to-peak;
Compensation: 3-stage continuously variable;
Synchronization: H/V or composite, TTL signal levels;
sync polarity is preserved;
Coupling: DC

11
CHAPTER 2: Specifications
Serial
Characteristics: Data rate: Transparent to data rates up to 19,200 bps;
Data format: Transparent to data format;
Flow control: Transparent to hardware and software flow
control (RTS, CTS, DTR, and DSR are all passed
through across the link)
Audio
Characteristics: Signal format: Digitized at almost CD quality (16-bit
sampling at 38.4 kHz);
Signal levels: Line level (5 volts peak-to-peak maximum);
Input impedance: 47 kΩ;
Signal direction: Simultaneous bidirectional;
Extra microphone support at Remote Unit: Pullup
resistor provides bias for condenser microphone;
optional amplification to +17 dB for external
microphone
Maximum
Distance: 5 m (16 ft.) from the Local Unit to the attached KVM
switch or CPU;
5 m (16 ft.) from the Remote Unit to the attached KVM
switch or monitor, keyboard, mouse, serial device, and
audio devices;
300 m (1000 ft.) between Local and Remote Units;
Dual-Access (ACU1028A) model only: 5 m (16 ft.) from
the Local Unit to the attached keyboard, mouse, serial
device, and audio devices; 30 m (100 ft.) to the
attached monitor
NOTE
With high-quality cables, it might be possible to run
farther than 5 m (16 ft.) from the Extender to attached
equipment.
User Controls: All on/in Remote Unit:
(2) Front-mounted dials: Brightness and Focus;
(3) Internal video-distance (cable-length) jumpers;
(1) Internal microphone-amplification jumper;
(1) Internal 4-position DIP switch for hotkey selection
Indicators: None

12
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
Connectors: On Local Unit:
(1) Front-mounted RJ-45 female for local/remote
interconnection;
Rear-mounted:
(1) HD15 male for video input from computer;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard and mouse
output to computer;
(2) 3.5-mm mini stereo jacks for audio I/O to/from
computer;
(1) DB9 female for serial I/O to/from computer;
Dual-Access (ACU1028A) model only:
Rear-mounted:
(1) HD15 female for video output to monitor;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for input from keyboard
and mouse;
(1) DB9 male for serial I/O to/from RS-232
device;
On Remote Unit:
(1) Front-mounted RJ-45 female for local/remote
interconnection;
Rear-mounted:
(1) HD15 female for video output to monitor;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for input from keyboard
and mouse;
(2) 3.5-mm mini stereo jacks for audio I/O to/from
audio devices;
(1) DB9 male for serial I/O to/from RS-232 device;
(1) 2.5-mm center-positive barrel jack for power
Temperature
Tolerance: 32 to 104˚F (0 to 40˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance: 5 to 90% noncondensing
Enclosure: Steel

13
CHAPTER 2: Specifications
Power: Local Unit:
5 VDC at up to 170 mA from CPU’s keyboard port;
Remote Unit:
From desktop power supply (certified to the relevant
international safety standards):
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-
power outlet, through detachable power cord and
IEC 320 male inlet, to external transformer;
Output (isolated from mains ground): 9 VDC
regulated, at up to 1 amp, from transformer to
Extender
CAUTION!
If you ever need to replace the Remote Unit’s
power supply, the replacement power supply must
have identical output characteristics. Using a
power supply with different output—even if it’s
“almost the same”—could damage your Remote
Unit and the attached equipment.
Size: 1.75"H (1U) x 7.8"W x 4"D (4.4 x 19.8 x 10.2 cm)
Weight: 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)

14
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
3. Introduction
By using the Local and Remote Units that together make up the ServSwitch™
Brand CAT5 KVM/Serial/Audio Extender, you can place your VGA monitor,
keyboard, mouse, serial device (such as a touchscreen, modem, or printer), and
audio devices (such as a microphone, speakers, or headphones) as far as
300 meters (1000 ft.) from the PC’s CPU. The Local and Remote Units are
interconnected with a single industry-standard Category 5 UTP or STP 4-pair cable.
All keyboard, mouse, video, serial, and audio signals are fully buffered to ensure
consistent remote operation of your PC.
The Extender’s Single-Access model (ACU1022A) is designed to perform KVM,
serial, and audio extension only. With the Dual-Access model (ACU1028A), you
can attach an additional monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the Local Unit; the PC
can then be operated from either the local or remote user station (they share
access on a “first-come, first-served” basis—see Section 7.3.3).
The Extender is simple to operate and works with all operating systems—no
software is required. Once you’ve made sure you have everything you’ll need (see
Chapter 4) and you’ve configured all of your Extender Units (see Chapter 5), just
connect the Local and Remote Units to each other and to your equipment as
described in Sections 6.1 through 6.3, adjust your video compensation as necessary
(see Section 6.4), and you’re ready to work!
Because the Extender performs complete PS/2®keyboard and mouse emulation,
you can boot the PC without having a keyboard or mouse attached to it. Your PC
will boot even if the Extender’s Remote Unit is not powered or if no keyboard or
mouse is connected to the Local or Remote Unit.

15
CHAPTER 3: Introduction
3.1 Compatibility
The KVM/Serial/Audio Extender is designed to operate in various environments
and with a mix of hardware from different manufacturers. During development,
the Extender was extensively tested with a wide variety of hardware. However,
please note that it is impossible for us to guarantee that the Extender will
interoperate correctly with every keyboard, mouse, monitor, motherboard variant,
RS-232 device, and audio device currently on the market; if you suspect that you’re
having incompatibility problems, please call Black Box Technical Support.
In general, the Extender is compatible with the following types of equipment:
•CPU: IBM®PC/AT®, PS/2, and 100% compatible clones. These should be
desktop machines; laptops and docking stations are not supported.
•Monitor: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, or RGB (sync on green). Be aware that a
few monitors and graphics cards might not work with the Extender because
they exchange monitor IDs or VESA DDC (Display Data Channel)
information. Call Black Box Technical Support for help with “ID bit”
problems. As for DDC, the Extender supports it at the local user station but
not the remote user station, so either (a) do not use a DDC monitor at your
remote station, or (b) go into your graphics card’s settings, turn DDC off, and
manually configure the card for your monitor.
•Keyboard: Standard PS/2 type (101- or 102-key) or enhanced PS/2 type
(104- or 105-key, designed for use with versions of Windows®starting with
Windows 95). Also supports PC/AT type keyboards with 5-pin DIN connectors,
but you’ll need keyboard and keyboard-port adapters such as our product
codes FA211 and FA212 to attach such keyboards and their native CPUs to the
Extender. Some older PC/XT™ or PC/AT type autosensing keyboards might
not be compatible with the Extender. If a keyboard or keyboard port you want
to use is some other type or has some other type of connector, call Black Box
Technical Support.
For information about keyboard typematic support, see Section 7.2.
•Mouse: Standard PS/2 type, Microsoft®IntelliMouse®compatible, or Logitech®
3-button PS/2 compatible mouse and standard PS/2 type mouse ports. You
can use a serial mouse with the Extender, but it must be attached to the
Extender’s serial port. he Extender The Extender is not compatible with bus
mice or CPUs with bus-mouse ports. If a mouse or mouse port you want to
attach is some other type or has some other type of connector, call Black Box
Technical Support.

16
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
•Serial Device: Standard asynchronous RS-232 devices, including serial mice
and trackballs, that operate at up to 19,200 bps and don’t require any control
signals other than RTS, CTS, DSR, and DTR. (The Extender is transparent to
data format and to all data rates up to 19,200 bps. It passes the control signals
through.)
•Audio Device: Just about any standard PC sound card or consumer audio
device that doesn’t transmit or receive signals at voltages above line level
(5 volts peak to peak) should be compatible with the Extender.
3.2 Key Features
The KVM/Serial/Audio Extender has a number of useful features which
contribute to the transparent remote operation of your PC. Some of the more
important ones are:
•Distance up to 300 m (1000 ft.)
Operate your PC from almost anywhere in the same building.
•Fully adjustable video equalization
Compensates for the loss of image quality caused by the signal passing through
such a long run of cable.
•Fully buffered signals
Remote operation of the PC is consistently smooth and transparent.
•Intelligent PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation
With this, the PC boots and operates correctly under most circumstances, and
you can freely detach and reconnect the keyboard and mouse as necessary
(the Extender automatically initializes the keyboard and mouse as soon as it
detects that you’ve reattached them).
•Support for serial peripherals
Connect almost any RS-232 device that can communicate at 19,200 bps or less.
•Support for audio devices
Connect almost any standard audio device or sound card.
•Dual-Access model also supports a local station
With the Dual-Access model (ACU1028A), you can operate the PC either
locally or remotely (but not both at the same time).

17
CHAPTER 3: Introduction
•Microsoft IntelliMouse compatibility
Use this and compatible “wheel mice” with confidence. On the Dual-Access
model, you can even use a standard PS/2 mouse at one user station and an
IntelliMouse at the other.
•Rackmountable
You can use our Rackmount Kit (product code RMK19U) to place Extender
Units in 1U of vertical space in a 19" rack. See Appendix B.
We recommend that you read the remainder of this manual before you install the
Extender in order to fully familiarize yourself with the product.

18
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM/SERIAL/AUDIO EXTENDER
4. Checklist of System Components
4.1 The Complete Package
These items should be included with your ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM/Serial/
Audio Extender package (please contact Black Box right away if any are missing or
damaged):
• (1) Extender Local Unit.
• (1) Extender Remote Unit.
• (1) 9-VDC 1-amp power-supply transformer and output cord.
• (1) Power-supply input cord suitable for your country or region.
• (1) Copy of this manual.
• Extension cables that will run from your CPU to the Local Unit:
– (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) serial extension cable with one DB9 female connector and
one DB9 male connector, straight-through-pinned (Pin 1 to Pin 1, Pin 2 to
Pin 2, etc.).
– (2) 6-ft. (1.8-m) audio-extension cables with 3.5-mm plugs.
– Keyboard-, video-, and mouse-extension cabling that will run from your
(local) CPU to the Local Unit. This might be three separate cables, or it
might be a single bonded cable with three connectors at each end. In either
case, the cabling will be 6 ft. (1.8 m) long and will have the proper
connectors to extend PS/2 keyboard (6-pin mini-DIN male to male), PS/2
mouse (also 6-pin mini-DIN male to male), and VGA video (HD15 male to
female) interfaces.
NOTE
If your system uses 5-pin DIN keyboard connectors, you’ll need
keyboard adapters—one of our product code FA211 and one FA212—
to attach the keyboard to the Remote Unit and the CPU’s keyboard
port to the Local Unit respectively.

19
CHAPTER 4: Checklist of System Components
4.2 The Cables You’ll Need
If you are using the KVM/Serial/Audio Extender to get greater distance between a
CPU and a VGA monitor, PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, RS-232 serial device, audio-
input device, and/or audio-output device, your Extender package should have
included everything you’ll need except for your serial-device cable and your CAT5
cable, which you’ll have to order separately. Read Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and 4.2.4
carefully, then proceed with Chapter 5.
It is possible to use the Extender to get greater distance between a ServSwitch
family KVM switch and a CPU, a user station (monitor/keyboard/mouse/serial
device/audio devices), or a compatible switch. However, at the time of this writing,
not many of these switches support serial or audio devices, and those that do don’t
always support touchscreens. The ServSwitch Multi (product code KV150A-R2,
KV160A-R2, etc.) should work; see Sections 4.2.3 and 6.2.5 for instructions on
connecting a Multi. Before attaching any other KVM switch to the Extender, please
call Black Box Technical Support to discuss your application.
NOTE
When you order any cable listed in this section, you will be asked to
specify the length you want. Some cables might be available in a few
stock lengths only.
If you are using any equipment with PC/AT style connectors, you might also need
to order some combination of these adapters:
• To attach a CPU with a 5-pin DIN female keyboard-port
connector to the
Extender’s Local Unit: A keyboard-port adapter such as product code FA211.
• To attach a CPU with a DB25 male serial-port connector to the Extender’s
Local Unit: A serial-port adapter such as product code FA521A.
• To attach a keyboard with a 5-pin DIN male keyboard connector to the
Extender’s Remote Unit:
A keyboard adapter such as product code FA212.
4.2.1 T O C ONNECT A CPU TO THE L OCAL U NIT
We’ve included extension cables with the Extender that you can use to connect the
CPU-port connectors on the Extender’s Local Unit to the CPU’s keyboard, mouse,
video, serial, and audio ports. As mentioned above, you might also need port
adapters if your CPU has PC/AT type ports.