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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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