Black Box ServSwitch ACU3001A User manual

November 2009
ACU3001A
ACU3009A
ACU3022A
ACU1007A
ACUMREM
ACUWREM
ACU1006MRA
ACU1006MRVA
CAT KVM Micro Extender
5

THE SERVSWITCH™FAMILY
1
Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro
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 Micro
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:
ACU3001A ACU3009A
ACU3022A ACU1007A
ACUMREM ACUWREM
ACU1006MRA ACU1006MRVA
User Guide Revision: 2.0 (November 2009)

THE SERVSWITCH™FAMILY
2
Copyrights and Trademarks
©2002/9. 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 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 Ministère des Communications du Canada.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
4
EUROPEAN UNION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
WARNING!
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause
radio interference, in which case the user might be required to take adequate
remedial measures.
This product complies with the following harmonized standards for Information Technology
Equipment: EN55022:2006 (Class A), EN55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003.
To maintain compliance the use of correctly installed shielded (STP/FTP) interconnection
cable is advised. Only use CPU cables and power supplies provided (or recommended) for
use with this product.
When used in environments that have high levels of electromagnetic interference or excessive
power ground noise, you may experience disturbances to video and/or data transmission. If
this is the case, please refer to the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide for further
information, or contact Technical Support. In electrically noisy environments, the use of
shielded (STP/FTP) rather than unshielded (UTP) interconnection cable is recommended.

NOM STATEMENT
5
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.

NOM STATEMENT
6
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
7
Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines
To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation please note the following installation
guidelines:
•Do not use to link between buildings.
•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 the CATx link cable alongside power cables.
•The use of shielded CATx cable is recommended to maintain compliance.
•Ensure that the system connected to the Local Unit is connected to power ground.
•The Remote Unit and any power supplies can get warm. Do not situate them in an
enclosed space without any airflow.
•Do not place the power supply directly on top of the Remote Unit.
•This product is not suitable for use in isolated medical environments.
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 CAT5 link interface (RJ45) to any
other products, especially telecommunications or
network equipment.

CONTENTS
8
Contents
1.Quick Setup 10
1.1Command Summary 11
2.Overview 12
2.1Introduction 12
2.2Glossary 12
2.3Features 14
2.4Product Range 15
2.5Compatibility 16
2.6How to Use This Guide 17
3.Installation 18
3.1Package Contents 18
3.2Interconnection Cable Requirements 19
3.3Remote Unit Installation 20
3.4Connecting the Remote Unit 21
3.5Local Unit Installation 24
3.6Connection to Local Hubs 27
4.Remote Unit Operation 29
4.1Operating Standard Units 29
4.2Operating Audio/Serial Remote Units 30
5.Local Unit Operation 32
5.1Overview 32
5.2Operation of Dual Access Local Units 33
6.Troubleshooting & FAQ 35
6.1Video 35
6.2Audio 36
6.3Serial 36
6.4Keyboard & Mouse 37
6.5General Questions 38

CONTENTS
9
Appendix A: Example Applications 39
Appendix B: Audio/Serial Ports 44
Appendix C: Calling Black Box 46
Appendix D: Specifications 47

QUICK SETUP
10
1. Quick Setup
This section briefly describes how to install your KVM Micro 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.
Install system
1. Connect Remote Unit to KVM and audio/serial devices (if present).
2. Connect Local Unit or Extender hub to CPU.
3. Connect remote and Local Units with compatible CATx
Interconnect cable.
4. Power up system.
Any Problems? See Installation and Troubleshooting sections.
Note: The above chart is not applicable to ACU1007A
Set Video Distance DIP Switch
Set DIP switch 1 on base of Remote Unit to position for Interconnect
cable length (see page 20):
<25m OFF (default)
25-50m ON
Scroll Lock Function
Micro-Extender redefines
Scroll Lock key for system use.
Is this OK?
Choose ‘Hot’ Key
Micro-Extender uses <Right
Control> key as ‘Hot’ Key. Is
this OK?
NoNo
Yes
Are you installing
Audio/Serial units?
YesNo
Change to <Left Control> by
setting DIP switch 2 on
Remote Unit to ON
Set DIP switch 2 on Remote
Unit to ON to restore normal
Scroll Lock function.

QUICK SETUP
11
1.1 Command Summary
The implementation of commands in the Micro Extender family differs in Standard and
Audio/Serial systems:
Standard Units
ACU3001A, ACU3009A, ACUMREM and ACU1006MRA only
Standard and Dual Access Micro Extenders redefine the Scroll Lock key for issuing system
commands:
Command Key Sequence
Reset Keyboard and
Mouse Devices <Scroll Lock>
Mouse Recovery <Scroll Lock> + Left and Right Mouse buttons
Dual Access Systems Only (for example, ACU3009A):
Activate Console
(local or remote console) Any key or mouse action
Only operates if other console has been inactive for at
least 2s
Start/End Private Session
(local console only) <Scroll Lock>
also resets keyboard and mouse. To do so without
starting Private session, press <Scroll Lock> twice.
Audio/Serial Units
ACU3022A, ACUWREM and ACU1006MRVA only
After pressing and releasing an initial ‘hot’ key, normally <Right Control>, on the remote
keyboard, you can issue a number of commands:
Command Key (after pressing ‘hot’ key)
Reset Local Keyboard and Mouse <Num-Pad Up Arrow>
Mouse Recovery <Num-Pad Left Arrow>
When used with compatible Dual Access Audio/Serial
Local Units/Hubs (for example, ACU1006DVRA):
Activate Console
Any key or mouse action
Operates if other console has been inactive for >2s
Start/End Private Session at
remote console <Scroll Lock>
Change the ‘hot’ key to <Left Control> by setting DIP switch 2 to ON.

OVERVIEW
12
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
TheServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender products described in this manual
enable high-resolution video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse and, optionally, stereo audio and
serial port signals to be communicated up to 150 ft (50m) over CATx (Category 5, 5e, 6 or
higher) cable.
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 connecting CATx cable (see Figure 1).
Within the product range, models are available with combinations of the following:
•Audio transmission: bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized).
•Serial transmission: transparent serial COM port (to 19.2Kbps).
•Dual access: allowing a second user console at the Local Unit.
•6-port Remote Hubs in a rack mount chassis.
2.2 Glossary
The following terms are used in this guide:
CATx Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable.
PSU Power Supply Unit.
KVM Keyboard, Video and Mouse.
Console A keyboard, monitor, and mouse, plus optional serial 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
13
Figure 1 ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender system
local
A
ccess
ACU3009A only.
Serial and Audio
Transmission
Kit: ACU3022A
Remote Units:
ACUWREM,
ACU1006MRVA
KVM extension over CATx
cables up to 150 ft (50m).
Local Unit
Remote Unit
remote Console

OVERVIEW
14
2.3 Features
All members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender product family offer
the following features:
•Support for high video resolution over extended distances:
1280x1024@75Hz up to 150 ft (50m).
•Video equalization circuitry compensates for loss of image quality over extended cable
lengths.
•Fully buffered signals to ensure consistent remote operation of your PC.
•DDC emulation in Local Unit ensures compatibility for all standard graphics modes
•Intelligent PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation ensures PCs do not lock-up and allows
peripherals to be hot-plugged.
•Dual-Access models allow local or remote operation.
•Audio/Serial versions only: 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).
•Audio/Serial versions only: Bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized) support on
certain models enables high-quality audio extension.
•Local Units are normally powered directly by the PC (or switch).
•Private Mode on dual-access models allows user to lock out remote console.
•Small footprint chassis.
•Rack mount options available.
•Surge protection on each RJ45 port.
•Micro Extender Remote Units are fully compatible with Servswitch™ Brand CAT5
Extender Local Hubs.
•CPU KVM cables included (certain models).
ACU1007A extends PS/2 keyboard and mouse only over distances of up to
1000 ft (300m.)

OVERVIEW
15
2.4 Product Range
There are eight products in the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender range:
Kits for KVM Extension Only
ACU3001A Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse
Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit
ACU3009A Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse
Local Unit (Dual Access) + Remote Unit
Kits for KVM, Audio and Serial Extension
ACU3022A Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Audio and Serial
Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit
Kit for PS/2 Extension Only (up to 300m)
ACU1007A PS/2 KB & Mouse
Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit
Remote Units Only
ACUMREM Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse
ACUWREM Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Audio and Serial
ACU1006MRA 6-port Micro Extender Hub, 1U rack
Each port: Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse
ACU1006MRVA 6-port Micro Extender Hub, 1U rack
Each port: Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Audio and
Serial

OVERVIEW
16
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. To
connect to a PC that does not have a PS/2 mouse port, an active serial converter is
required - Model: AC244A.
•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 (38.4K operation may be possible with some
devices). 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.
•Video: VGA to SXGA. Separate sync, composite sync, or sync-on-green. Maximum
resolution and refresh rates depend on cable length and cable type (see Appendix D:
Specifications, page 47).
Extender Compatibility
You can use ServSwitch™ Brand products belonging to the same family in any combination.
However, it is not possible to mix Standard and Audio products within a system.
Family CAT5 CATx Micro Hubs
Standard ACU1001A
ACU1009A
ACU1049A
ACUREM
ACUREMSW
ACU2001A
ACU2009A
ACU2201A-R2
ACUR001A
ACUR002A
ACUR004A
ACU3001A
ACU3009A
ACUMREM
ACU1006MRA
ACU1006RA
ACU1006DRA
ACU1012RA
Audio ACU1022A
ACU1028A
ACUVREM
ACU2022A
ACU2028A
ACU2222A-R2
ACURA001A
ACURA002A
ACURA004A
ACU3022A
ACUWREM
ACU1006MRVA
ACU1006VRA
ACU1006DVRA
Serial ACU1002A
ACU1008A
ACUSREM
ACU1006SRA
ACU1006DSRA
SUN ACU1004A
ACU1005A
PS/2
No Video ACU1007A

OVERVIEW
17
2.6 How to Use This Guide
This guide describes the installation and configuration of Standard and Audio/Serial members
of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender range. Although the connection and
operation of these systems 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 serial equipment connect directly to the Remote Unit.
If you have purchased a Remote Unit or Hub, ensure that it is compatible with your Local
Unit or hub (see Extender Compatibility, page 16).
For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 18.
Interconnection Cable
You will need CATx cable, terminated with RJ45 plugs, to connect the Local and Remote
Units (see Interconnection Cable Requirements, page 19).
Adjusting Video
Video signals become distorted when transmitted over CATx cables. To get the best from
your extender system, it is essential that you adjust the Remote Unit to optimize the video
image quality:
•For experienced users, there is a Quick Setup section at the start of this guide (see page
10).
•For the full procedure, see Remote Unit Operation, page 29.

INSTALLATION
18
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 Micro Extender system more conveniently.
3.1 Package Contents
You should receive the following items in your extender package. If anything is missing,
please refer to Appendix C: Calling Black Box, page 46.
•Micro Extender Remote Unit (or Hub).
•9V DC universal power supply for Remote Unit.
All except ACU1007A.
•5V DC universal power supply for Remote Unit.
ACU1007A only.
•Micro Extender Local Unit.
Only included in extender kits.
•3ft (1.0m) KVM CPU combination cable with PS/2 (6-pin MiniDIN male) keyboard and
mouse connectors, VGA video (HD15 male) connector, and 25-way (DB25 male)
extender connector.
Not included with Remote Units or ACU1007A.
•Two 6ft (1.8m) keyboard and mouse CPU cables with PS/2 (6-pin MiniDIN male)
connectors.
ACU1007A only.
•3ft (1.0m) Serial cable, DB9 male/female connectors, 1:1 connections).
ACU3022A only.
•3ft (1.0m) Dual audio cable, 3.5mm stereo plugs.
ACU3022A only.
•Rack mount brackets
ACU1006MRA and ACU1006MRVA only
•IEC AC Power Cord.
•Quick Start Guide.