Black Box SERVSWITCH Series User manual

OCTOBER 2003
ACU1004A
ACU1005A
SUN-1M2
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
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
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
© Copyright 2003. 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
Extender for Sun, 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:
ACU1004A
ACU1005A

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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T.
IBM and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks 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.

3
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, 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.
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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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
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 Chapter 8 or call technical support.
To maintain compliance, use only cables supplied (or recommended) for use
with this product.

5
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
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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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
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.

7
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Quick Start Guide ...................................................................................... 9
2. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10
3. Introduction ............................................................................................. 13
3.1 Compatibility ..................................................................................... 13
3.2 Key Features ...................................................................................... 14
4. Checklist of System Components ............................................................ 16
4.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 16
4.2 The Cables You’ll Need .................................................................... 16
4.2.1 To Connect a CPU to the Local Unit .................................... 17
4.2.2 To Connect a KVM Switch to the CPU Ports on the
Local Unit ............................................................................. 17
4.2.3 To Connect a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse to the
Remote Unit or to the Dual-Access Local Unit .................. 17
4.2.4 To Connect a KVM Switch to the Remote Unit or to the
User Ports on the Dual-Access Local Unit .......................... 17
4.2.5 To Connect the Local Unit to the Remote Unit ................... 17
5. Configuration ........................................................................................... 19
5.1 Setting the Cable-Length Jumpers ................................................... 19
5.2 Setting the Private-Mode DIP Switch
(Dual-Access Systems Only) .......................................................... 21
6. Installation ................................................................................................ 22
6.1 Test-Placing the Extender (Optional) ............................................. 22
6.2 Attaching Devices .............................................................................. 22
6.2.1 Attaching a CPU to the Local Unit ......................................... 22
6.2.2 Attaching a KVM Switch to the Local Unit’s CPU Ports ....... 23
6.2.3 Attaching a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse or a
KVM Switch to the Dual-Access Local Unit’s User Ports ... 23
6.2.4 Attaching a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse to the
Remote Unit ......................................................................... 23
6.2.5 Attaching a KVM Switch to the Remote Unit ........................ 24
6.3 Finishing Your Installation ............................................................... 24
6.4 Adjusting the Video Compensation ................................................. 27

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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
Contents (continued)
Chapter Page
7. Operation ................................................................................................. 28
7.1 Keyboard and Mouse Emulation ..................................................... 28
7.2 The Scroll-Lock Reset ....................................................................... 28
7.3 Shared User Access (Dual-Access Model Only):
The Inactivity Timeout and Private Mode .................................... 29
8. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 31
8.1 Common Problems ........................................................................... 31
8.1.1 Keyboard .................................................................................. 31
8.1.2 Mouse ....................................................................................... 31
8.1.3 Both Keyboard and Mouse ..................................................... 32
8.1.4 Video ........................................................................................ 32
8.1.5 Power ....................................................................................... 34
8.2 General Questions About the Extender .......................................... 34
8.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 36
8.4 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 37
Appendix A: Twisted-Pair Cable Pinning/Pairing ........................................ 38
Appendix B: Rackmounting ........................................................................... 40

9
CHAPTER 1: Quick Start Guide
1. Quick Start Guide
When you configure the ServSwitch Brand CAT5 KVM Extender for Sun, you need
to answer a question or two:
How far will the CAT5 cabling run between the extender’s Local and Remote
Units? If it will be 330 ft. (91.4 m) or less, you don’t need to set anything. If it will
be 330 to 655 ft. (91.4 to 199.6 m), 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 655 to 1000 ft. (199.6 to 304.8 m), 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.
Dual-Access model only: How do you want Private Mode to work? If you don’t want
Private Mode—in which either user station can temporarily “lock out” the other—
to be enabled, set position 1 of DIP-switch SW1 in the Remote Unit to ON. If you
want to lengthen the inactivity timeout for automatic Local/Remote switching to
15 seconds, set position 2 to OFF. If you want automatic switching to be triggered
by mouse activity as well as keyboard activity, set position 3 to OFF.
To get at the internal controls, open the extender 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, refer to
Chapter 5.
To install your extender system, refer to the illustration below (a Dual-Access
model is shown). Use the included extension cables to attach the CPU to the Local
Unit; plug the remote keyboard, monitor, and mouse directly into the Remote
Unit; and (on the Dual-Access model) plug the local keyboard, monitor, and
mouse directly into the Local Unit. Connect the Local and Remote Units with
straight-pinned four-pair CAT5 cable (not included). Power the Remote Unit with
its included power supply. For more information, refer to Chapter 6.
Local monitor, keyboard,
and mouse
CAT5 interconnect cable
Extension cables
(included)
Local Unit
Remote Unit
Power
supply
Remote monitor,
keyboard, and mouse
CPU

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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
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 B Class A, IC Class/
classe A
Compatibility: Video: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, or RGsB (sync on
green); with adapters, can support older Sun monitors
and/or video output from older Sun CPUs (call Black
Box for technical support);
Keyboard and mouse: Sun
Interfaces: Video: VGA;
Keyboard and mouse: Sun
Video
Characteristics: Bandwidth (to -3 dB):
Local Unit: 150 MHz;
Remote Unit: 300 MHz;
Across 330 feet (100.6 meters) of UTP: 95 MHz (with
equalization);
Resolution:
Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced at up to 200 ft. (61 m);
Up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced at up to 393.7 ft.
(120 m);
Up to 1152 x 900 noninterlaced (standard Sun
resolution) at up to 426.5 ft. (130 m);
Up to 1024 x 768 noninterlaced at up to 984.3 ft.
(300 m);
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
Maximum
Distance: 16 ft. (4.9 m) from the Local Unit to the attached CPU
or KVM switch;
16 ft. (4.9 m) from the Remote Unit to the attached
monitor, keyboard, and mouse or KVM switch;
1000 ft. (304.8 m) between Local and Remote Units;
Dual-Access (ACU1005A) model only: 16 ft. (4.9 m) from
the Local Unit to the attached keyboard and mouse;
100 ft. (30.5 m) to the attached monitor
NOTE
With high-quality cables, it might be possible to run
farther than 16 ft. (4.9 m) from the extender to attached
equipment.
User Controls: On Remote Unit only:
(2) Front-mounted dials: Brightness and Focus;
(3) Internal video-distance (cable-length) jumpers;
(1) Internal 4-position DIP switch for various Private-
Mode options (Dual-Access systems only)
Connectors: On Local Unit:
(1) Front-mounted RJ-45 female for local/remote
interconnection;
Rear-mounted:
(1) HD15 male for video input from computer;
(1) 8-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard and mouse
output to computer;
Dual-Access (ACU1005A) model only:
Rear-mounted:
(1) HD15 female for video output to monitor;
(1) 8-pin mini-DIN female for input from keyboard
and mouse;
On Remote Unit:
(1) Front-mounted RJ-45 female for local/remote
interconnection;
Rear-mounted:
(1) HD15 female for video output to monitor;
(1) 8-pin mini-DIN female for input from keyboard
and mouse;
(1) 2.5-mm center-positive barrel jack for power
Indicators: None

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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
Temperature
Tolerance: 32 to 104˚F (0 to 40˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance: 5 to 90% noncondensing
Enclosure: Steel
Clamping Voltage: 15 volts (for surge protection on CAT5 local/remote
interconnection interface)
Power: Local Unit:
5 VDC at up to 120 mA from CPU’s keyboard port;
Remote Unit:
From desktop power supply, PSU1002E (certified to
the relevant international safety standards):
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 47 to 63 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: Each Unit: 1.4"H x 8.8"W x 4"D (3.6 x 22.4 x 10.2 cm)
Weight: Each Unit: 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)

13
CHAPTER 3: Introduction
3. Introduction
By using the Local and Remote Units that together make up the ServSwitch Brand
CAT5 KVM Extender for Sun, you can place your VGA compatible or multisync
monitor and your Sun®keyboard and mouse as far as 1000 ft. (304.8 meters) from
the Sun CPU. The Local and Remote Units are interconnected with a single
industry-standard Category 5 UTP or STP 4-pair cable. All keyboard, mouse, and
video signals are fully buffered to ensure consistent remote operation of your Sun
computer.
The Single-Access (ACU1004A) model of the extender is designed to perform
KVM extension only. With the Dual-Access (ACU1005A) model, you can attach an
additional monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the Local Unit; the Sun computer 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).
The extender is simple to operate and works with all operating-system varieties—
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 extenders (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 Sun keyboard and mouse emulation,
you can boot the computer without having a keyboard or mouse attached to it.
Your Sun 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.
3.1 Compatibility
During development, the KVM Extender for Sun 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,
and motherboard variant 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: Sun Microsystems®. These should be desktop machines; laptops and
docking stations are not supported.

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SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
•Monitor: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, or RGsB (sync on green). Be aware that a
few monitors and CPUs/graphics cards might not work with the extender
because they exchange monitor-ID information. Call Black Box Technical
Support for help with “ID bit” problems.
The extender can carry old-style Sun video, although you’ll need a video
converter or special adapter or cable to get video output from older Sun
computers with 13W3 connectors to the extender’s Local Unit, or to get video
from the Remote Unit to a Sun monitor with 13W3 connectors. However,
many Sun monitors need to see ID bits from the computer, which the
extenders don’t pass across their CAT5 link, so certain Sun monitors won’t
work with the extender unless you attach them through a converter or adapter
that provides those ID bits. Call Black Box Technical Support for assistance
with older Sun equipment—using the wrong video-conversion equipment is a
sure way to create all kinds of video problems for your extender system.
•Keyboard and mouse: Standard Sun type (118-key) keyboard and three-button
Sun mouse. 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.
3.2 Key Features
The KVM Extender for Sun has a number of useful features which contribute to
the transparent remote operation of your Sun CPU. Some of the more important
ones are:
•Distance up to 1000 ft.
Operate your CPU 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 CPU is consistently smooth and transparent.
•Intelligent Sun keyboard and mouse emulation
With this, the computer 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).

15
CHAPTER 3: Introduction
•Surge protection on CAT5 side
The extender resists surges on its CAT5 interface, adding a measure of
protection for itself and its attached devices, with an internal clamping voltage
of 15 volts.
•Rackmountable
You can use our rackmount kit (product code RMK19U-R2) to place extenders
in 1U of vertical space in a 19" rack. See Appendix B.
•Dual-Access model also supports a local station
With the Dual-Access model (ACU1005A), you can operate the computer
either locally or remotely (but not both at the same time).
We recommend that you read the remainder of this manual before you install the
extender in order to fully familiarize yourself with the product.

16
SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
4. Checklist of System Components
4.1 The Complete Package
These items should be included with your ServSwitch Brand CAT5 KVM Extender
for Sun 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.
• Extension cables that will run from your CPU to the Local Unit:
– (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) Sun keyboard/mouse-extension cable with male 8-pin
mini-DIN connectors.
– (1) 5-ft. (1.5-m) VGA video-extension cable with one HD15 male connector
and one HD15 female connector.
• This users’ manual.
4.2 The Cables You’ll Need
If you are using the KVM Extender for Sun to get greater distance between a Sun
CPU and a compatible monitor, a Sun keyboard, and a Sun mouse, your extender
package should have included everything you’ll need except for your CAT5 cable,
which you’ll have to order separately. Read Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and 4.2.5
carefully, then proceed with Chapter 5.
If you are using the extender to get greater distance between a Sun type
ServSwitch family KVM switch and either a CPU, a user station, or a compatible
switch, you might need to order additional non-included cabling. Read the
relevant sections below and on the next page, starting with Section 4.2.1.
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.

17
CHAPTER 4: Checklist of System Components
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
extender’s Local Unit to the CPU’s keyboard, mouse, and video ports.
4.2.2 T O C ONNECT A KVM S WITCH TO THE CPU P ORTS ON THE L OCAL U NIT
To attach a Sun/VGA or multiplatform ServSwitch family KVM switch to the
extender’s Local Unit instead of a CPU, you’ll need the extension cables included
with the extender plus a User Cable designed for the KVM switch:
•ServSwitch Ultra, ServSwitch Affinity, or compatible: Use an EHN225 cable.
•ServSwitch Multi or compatible: Use a KV2800 series cable.
4.2.3 T O C ONNECT A M ONITOR , K EYBOARD , AND M OUSE TO THE R EMOTE U NIT OR TO THE
D UAL -A CCESS L OCAL U NIT
You can plug the monitor and the keyboard and mouse directly into the
corresponding ports on these units.
4.2.4 T O C ONNECT A KVM S WITCH TO THE R EMOTE U NIT OR TO THE U SER P ORTS ON THE
D UAL -A CCESS L OCAL U NIT
To attach a Sun/VGA or multiplatform ServSwitch family KVM switch to the
extender’s Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit instead of a monitor, keyboard,
and mouse, you’ll need a CPU cable designed for the KVM switch:
•ServSwitch Ultra, ServSwitch Affinity, or compatible: Use an EHN515 cable.
•ServSwitch Multi or compatible: Use a KV2400 series cable.
4.2.5 T O C ONNECT THE L OCAL U NIT TO THE R EMOTE U NIT
To interconnect the extender’s Local and Remote Units, you’ll need industry-
standard structured cabling (Category 5 UTP or STP, 4-pair) terminated with RJ-45
plugs. Order CAT5 patch cables such as our product code EYN737MS or CAT5
bulk cable such as our EYN840A. The bulk cable should be terminated with high-
quality RJ-45 plugs such as those included in our FM732 25-pack.

18
SERVSWITCH BRAND CAT5 KVM EXTENDER FOR SUN
CAUTION!
This cable must be solid-core type; stranded patch cable will give poor
results over longer distances. The pairing of the cable and pinning of its
connectors must be in accordance with EIA/TIA-568A or (preferably)
EIA/TIA-568B. (Refer to the wiring chart in Appendix A. Please note that
failure to wire the twisted pairs
correctly will dramatically impair video
quality and possibly prevent correct operation.)
Although most CAT5e cables will work well with the extender, especially for
shorter runs and patch cables, some CAT5e cables might distort the video
if you use them for local-to-remote runs longer than 393.7 ft. (120 m). And
you should avoid using “Level 6” or “Level 7” cables, or other types of
cable rated for data rates higher than 100 Mbps (bandwidths higher than
100 MHz). This is because the wires in these cables are twisted much more
tightly than those in regular CAT5, which is great for high-speed data but
really bad for analog video signals. Having said that, however, the signal-
skew problems caused by tightly twisted pairs in these cables can
sometimes be resolved by swapping which pairs are used for which signals
or by using an external delay line. Please contact Tech Support if you have
problems
getting a good picture with CAT5e cable or if you must use
cables with bandwidths higher than 155 Mbps
.
Also, even though your network might use the same type of 4-wire twisted-
pair cabling, do not connect the extender to 10BASE-T Ethernet devices or
any other network equipment. Doing so will virtually destroy the extender’s
circuitry and could also damage the attached equipment.
The extender is designed for use up to a maximum cable length of 1000 ft.
At this length the video quality should be acceptable even at a screen resolution
of 1024 x 768 and a refresh rate of 75 Hz.
Although a single continuous length of interconnect cable is preferable, it’s
possible to operate an extender system if the Local and Remote Units are
connected through multiple patch panels. However, the more patch panels the
cable is routed through, the greater the probability that the video signal will be
degraded.
NOTE
The extender has been tested and found to work, in certain situations,
with 4-pair Category 3 cable or with four pairs of 25-pair UTP trunk
cables instead of 4-pair Category 5 cable. We do not recommend such
installations; if you want to experiment with them, do so at your own
risk.

19
CHAPTER 5: Configuration
5. Configuration
The configuration controls for the ServSwitch Brand CAT5 KVM Extender for Sun
are inside the Remote Unit, but should only need to be set once. To get at them,
first open the unit by unscrewing the four screws on its case and lifting off the top
half of the case. When you’ve finished setting them, close the unit by replacing the
top half of the case and screwing the screws back in.
CAUTION!
The Remote Unit’s circuit boards can be damaged by static electricity, so
take
every reasonable precaution against it. At the very least, touch a
metallic surface before opening the unit; if possible, stand on an anti-
static mat and wear a grounding strap or anti-static gloves.
5.1 Setting the Cable-Length Jumpers
The Remote Unit of the KVM Extender for Sun contains video-equalization
circuitry which compensates for the loss in image quality that occurs when you
drive video across long cables. With cables in the neighborhood of 1000 feet long,
this loss is considerable.
There are three jumpers on the main circuit board of the extender’s Remote Unit
that you can use to select an equalization-adjustment range appropriate to the
length of the interconnect cable you’ll be running between the Local and Remote
Units. (Figure 5-1 on the next page shows where these jumpers are.) Once you set
them, you can alter the compensation level with the two rotary controls on the
Remote Unit’s front panel while the extender is operating in order to “tune in” the
image more precisely (see Section 6.4).
The three cable-length jumpers should be set as follows (all three jumpers must be set
the same way):
Cable Length in Jumper
Meters (Feet) Position
Up to 100 (328.1) Off (factory default)
100 to 200 (328.1 to 656.2) A
200 to 300 (656.2 to 984.3) B
NOTE
If you will be running cable to near the limit of one of these cable-length
ranges, say as far as 260 ft. (79.2 m), and you will be using high-
resolution (1024 x 768 or higher) video, you might be able to achieve
more accurate video compensation (see Section 6.4) by selecting the
higher cable length range (the 100-to-200-m range in this case).