Black Box ACL0802A User manual

APRIL 2002
ACL0802A
FREE tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone].
Mailin address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: in [email protected]
© Copyri ht 2002. Black Box Corporation. All ri hts reserved.
Customer Support In ormation:

1
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX®ServSwitch™Brand KVM switch! We
appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your
new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch 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 8 x 2 Matrix
Video Switch, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an
introduction to the Switch, see Chapter 2. The Switch product code covered in this
manual is:
ACL0802A

2
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND 8 X 2 MATRIX VIDEO SWITCH
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.
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 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
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard
EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions
may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is
no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to
correct the interference with one or more of the following measures:
(a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
(b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
(c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
(d) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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.

4
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND 8 X 2 MATRIX VIDEO SWITCH
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
NOM STATEMENT, TRADEMARKS
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.
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.
IBM and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
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.

6
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND 8 X 2 MATRIX VIDEO SWITCH
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 7
2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 9
3. Installation and Configuration ............................................................... 11
4. Operation ................................................................................................. 15
4.1 The Switch’s LEDs ............................................................................ 15
4.2 Switching with the Keypads .............................................................. 15
4.3 Switching and Monitoring with Serial Devices ................................ 16
4.4 Blanking the Video Output and Performing a Keypad Self-Test ... 17
4.4.1 With the Keypads .................................................................... 17
4.4.2 With a Serial Device ................................................................ 17
5. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 18
5.1 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 18
5.2 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 18
Appendix: Pinout of the Serial/Keypad Port ................................................ 19

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Compliance: CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, IC Class/classe A
Standards: VGA, SVGA, XGA, or XGA-2 video
Interfaces: Video: Single or dual VGA;
Keypads: EIA/TIA RS-232 serial, pinned according to a
subset of TIA-574 (compatible with IBM PC serial
ports)
Supported
Video Types: RGBHV (VGA, SVGA, XGA, or XGA-2), RGBS, or
RGsB (“sync on green”) from one or two video heads
Resolution and
Refresh Rate: Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced at up to 85 Hz on each
display
Video Coupling
and Bandwidth: DC to 265 MHz
Video Level: 0.7 volts peak-to-peak
Video Gain: 1-to-1 (buffered); for distances over 100 ft. (30 m), can
be set to proportionally apply higher gain to higher
signal frequencies
Maximum
Distance: Up to 300 ft. (90 m) of total cable length from any
attached CPU or other input device to any attached
monitor or other output device
User Controls: (2) 10-button switching keypads, (1) for each user, or
optional switching through attached serial devices;
Serially triggered on-screen menu for selecting normal or
tandem (dual-head) video switching;
(2) Rear-mounted 8-position DIP switches—(1) for each
user port—for distance compensation
Indicators: (16) Rear-mounted LEDs, (2) for each video-source port;
(10) LEDs on each keypad

8
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND 8 X 2 MATRIX VIDEO SWITCH
Connectors: Front-mounted: (8) HD15 female for video input;
Rear-mounted:
(2) HD15 female for video output, (1) for each user
port;
(2) DB9 female for keypad input, (1) for each user
port;
(1) 5-pin DIN female power inlet
Maximum
Altitude: 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 122˚F (0 to 50˚C);
Storage: –40 to +185˚F (–40 to +85˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance: Up to 95% noncondensing
Enclosure: Steel
MTBF: 300,000 hours (calculated estimate)
Power: From utility-power (mains) outlet, through included
detachable output cord and external universal power
supply:
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz (autosensing);
Output: +5 VDC at 1 A, +12 VDC at 0.5 A, and –12 VDC
at 0.5 A;
Consumption: 5 VA (5 watts) maximum
Size: 1.5"H x 12.1"W x 4.1"D (3.9 x 30.8 x 10.4 cm); mounting
ears protrude an additional 0.9" (2.3 cm) wide on each
side
Weight: Net:
Switch itself: 2.3 lb. (1 kg);
Keypads: 1 lb. (0.5 kg) each;
Power supply: 1.3 lb. (0.6 kg);
Shipping: 6.7 lb. (3 kg)

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
The ServSwitch™ Brand 8 x 2 Matrix Video Switch is an ideal tool for sharing
and/or switching between the output of as many as eight video sources (such as
PCs), in order to display or capture that output at two video destinations (such as
monitors). Once you attach all your devices, you can hook the Switch to the
included keypad for full manual switching control.
The Switch’s features include:
• With its large bandwidth, it can handle even very high resolutions and refresh
rates, up to 1600 x 1280 pixels at up to 85 Hz.
• It can switch the single video output of as many as eight devices and send it to
both monitors simultaneously, or it can switch the dual video output of as
many as four devices, sending one head’s signal to one monitor and the other
head’s signal to the other monitor.
• It includes two serial keypads, so it’s ready to do manual switching almost right
out of the box (you do have to attach the keypad to the Switch first). Or you
can attach one or both of the Switch’s keypad ports to a PC’s serial ports or to
some other serial device and perform switching and monitoring with serial
commands.
• Because it has a universal power supply, you can plug it in almost anywhere if
you have the right input cord. (And it’s small and light enough to take almost
anywhere!)
• It’s primarily designed to carry VGA/SVGA video, but it can handle separate
horizontal and vertical sync, composite sync, and sync on green, so with the
right kinds of cables or adapters it can accept all sorts of video from all sorts of
devices.
• All of its input and output signals are buffered, so you’ll get the sharpest
possible images.
• It can drive video signals as far as 300 ft. (90 m) end-to-end, so it’s ideal for use
in auditoriums, conference halls, and similar spaces.
• Its front-panel LEDs show you right away which video inputs are going to
which outputs.
• To top it off, it can be operated by pressing a single keypad button, so anybody
can use it without having to be extensively trained.