Black Box DCX3000 User manual

Share multiple computers with numerous users via
standard structured cabling.
DCX3000 Switch
DCX3000
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
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Customer
Support
Information

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch is a trademark, of BB Technologies, Inc.
Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Linux is registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Sun is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Unix is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
BSD is a registered trademark of UUNet Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
We‘re here to help! If you have any questions about your application
or our products, contact Black Box Tech Support at 724-746-5500
or go to blackbox.com and click on “Talk to Black Box.”
You’ll be live with one of our technical experts in less than 60 seconds.

FCC and IC RFI Statements
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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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Instrucciones de Seguridad
(Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement)
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.
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.

Table of Contents
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Contents
1. Specifications.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2. Welcome.................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Access permissions............................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Port designations.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
3. Installation.................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Connections...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Computer connections: Video .............................................................................................................................. 9
3.1.2 Computer connections: USB............................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.3 Computer connections: Data link ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.4 Switch connections: Computer links....................................................................................................................11
3.1.5 Reallocating ports................................................................................................................................................11
3.1.6 Switch connections: User console links................................................................................................................11
3.1.7 Switch connections: Network link........................................................................................................................12
3.1.8 Switch connections: Serial options port...............................................................................................................12
3.1.9 Switch connections: Power..................................................................................................................................13
3.1.10 Console connections: Video.............................................................................................................................. 14
3.1.11 Console connections: USB..................................................................................................................................15
3.1.12 Console connections: Audio ..............................................................................................................................15
3.1.13 Console connections: Data link ......................................................................................................................... 16
3.1.14 Console connections: Options port................................................................................................................... 16
3.1.15 Console connections: Power..............................................................................................................................17
4. Configuration........................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.1. Accessing DCX Matrix.................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2 Using DCX Matrix........................................................................................................................................................... 20
4.3 Quick guide to creating a new installation...................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 The Control page............................................................................................................................................................ 22
4.5 The Configure pages ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.6 Configure > Consoles ..................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.7 Configure > Consoles > Receivers................................................................................................................................... 28
4.8 Configure > Computers.................................................................................................................................................. 30
4.9 Configure > Computers > Transmitters........................................................................................................................... 32
4.10 Reallocating ports ......................................................................................................................................................... 34
4.11 The Users page.............................................................................................................................................................. 35
4.12 The Maintenance pages ................................................................................................................................................ 36
4.13 Resetting and recovering .............................................................................................................................................. 39
5. Operation..................................................................................................................................................................................41
5.1 Viewing the OSD .............................................................................................................................................................41
5.2 Choosing a computer ......................................................................................................................................................41
5.3 Indicators........................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Appendix A. Safety Information ................................................................................................................................................... 44

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1. Specifications
Approvals: CE, FCC
Hardware Compatibility: All computers with DVI-D/DisplayPort digital video and USB interfaces
Software Compatibility: Operates with all known software and operating systems including
Windows®, Linux®, Unix®, BSD, all Sun®OS, all Mac®OS, NetWare®, etc.
Operating Temperature: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)

Chapter 2: Overview
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2. Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Black Box DCX3000 system. This
adaptive system makes sharing numerous host computers
among multiple users straightforward and flexible. Every
computer is linked, via its USB and video ports, to a compact
DCX3000 SAM module while each set of peripherals are con-
nected to a DCX3000 Remote module (to form Consoles).
The various computers and consoles are then linked, via stan-
dard CAT7 cable, to a central DCX3000 Switch. Each user
can then, subject to the privileges granted by the admin, gain
quick access to any of the required computers.
An integral part of the DCX3000 Switch is the DCX Matrix, a
browser-based configuration and management tool that
allows one or more remote admin user(s) to monitor and
maintain all aspects of operation.
If required, computers and con-
soles can be individually connect-
ed in order to take advantage of
the DCX3000 extender properties
without the switching.
2.1 Access permissions
The DCX3000 Switch uses a system of hierarchal Access permissions to mediate between numerous consoles and multiple com-
puters. Each console is granted the use of up to four types of access permissions to each computer, most of which influence how
other users can gain simultaneous access to the same computer. The four access permissions, and their effects on other console
users are as follows:
VIEW ONLY
The console user can view the chosen
computer’s output but cannot alter it.
Once selected, other consoles can
simultaneously use
VIEW ONLY,
SHARED ACCESS or EXCLUSIVE
for the same computer.
SHARED ACCESS
The console user can view and control
the chosen computer’s output.
Once selected, other consoles can
simultaneously use
VIEW ONLY or
SHARED ACCESS
for the same computer.
EXCLUSIVE
The console user can view and
control the chosen computer’s
output.
Once selected, other consoles can
simultaneously use
VIEW ONLY
for the same computer.
PRIVATE
The console user can view
and control the chosen
computer’s
output.
Once selected, all other
consoles are completely
locked out from the same
computer.
Note: The hierarchy of permissions shown here increases from left to right.

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2.2 Port designations
By default the DCX3000 Switch provides 10 user console ports on its front panel and 20 computer ports along its rear panel,
however, these designations are not fixed. If your installation requires a greater number of computers or has a need for more user
consoles, you can alter the allocation of these standard ports to suit:
Ports 21 to 23 can
be reallocated as
computer ports.
Any of the 20 rear panel computer ports can be reallocated as user console ports

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3. Installation
Please consider the following important points when planning the position of the DCX3000 modules:
• If used, position the DCX3000 Switch in a central position that serves the host systems and user modules without exceeding
the maximum link lengths. It will also require a source of mains power.
• Situate each DCX3000 Remote module close to the peripherals to which it will be connected and near to a source of mains
power.
• Consult the precautions listed within the Safety information section.
3.1 Connections
Connections do not need to be carried out in the order given within this guide, however, where possible connect the power in as
a final step. Connections are split into the following three areas:
• Computer connections - a DCX3000 SAM module links to each computer.
• Switch connections - when used, a DCX3000 Switch unit sits at the heart of the system.
• Console connections - the peripherals (keyboard, display, etc.) connect to DCX3000 Remote modules.
3.1.1 Computer connections: Video
Two types of DCX3000 SAM modules are available:
• DVI-D and USB,
or
• DisplayPort and USB.
If a computer has more than one video output, use additional DCX3000 SAM modules to separately link the alternative video
stream(s) with other ports on the DCX3000 Switch.
3.1.1.1 To connect the video port
1 Connect the video lead of the DCX3000 SAM to the DVI-D or DisplayPort video port of the host computer.
DisplayPort video
lead from the
DCX3000 SAM
DVI-D video lead
from the
DCX3000 SAM
DVD-D video port on
the host computer
DisplayPort on the
host computer
OR

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3.1.2 Computer connections: USB
Each DCX3000 SAM module requires a single USB connection to the computer. This provides essential power for the DCX3000
SAM module in addition to the USB signals. Each DCX3000 Remote module acts as a USB 2.0 hub and thus provides four sockets
for peripherals.
3.1.2.1 To connect the USB port
1 Connect the USB cable of the DCX3000 SAM module to a vacant USB socket
on your host computer.
USB lead from the
DCX3000 SAM
3.1.3 Computer connections: Data link
Each DCX3000 SAM module is linked via a CATx cable either to a central DCX3000 Switch module (multi-system matrix installa-
tion) or directly to a DCX3000 Remote module (single system installation).
For best results use CAT7 cables to link all DCX3000 SAM modules. Maximum cable lengths:
• DCX3000 SAM to DCX3000 Switch - 32 feet (10m) maximum.
• DCX3000 SAM to DCX3000 Remote - 164 feet (50m) maximum.
3.1.2.2 To link the DCX3000 SAM module
1 Connect the RJ-45 plug of the link cable to the socket located at the end of the
DCX3000 SAM module.
CATx link from
DCX3000 Switch
or DCX3000
Remote module

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3.1.4 Switch connections: Computer links
When a DCX3000 Switch is used, it sits as the central matrix between the various host computers and the users. The host com-
puter links are generally made via the sockets at the rear of the switch, although some host links can also be supported from the
sockets on the front panel (see below).
3.1.4.1 To connect a host link
1 Connect the CAT7 cable from the remote DCX3000 SAM host module to a
vacant RJ-45 socket on the rear panel of the DCX3000 Switch.
From a remote DCX3000
SAM host module
3.1.6 Switch connections: User console links
The user data links are generally made via the sockets at the front of the switch, although any of the rear panel sockets can also
be converted to user ports (see above).
3.1.6.1 To connect a console link
1 Connect the CAT7 cable from the remote
DCX3000 Remote module to a vacant RJ-45
socket on the front panel of the DCX3000
Switch.
From a DCX3000
remote module
These are NOT Ethernet/network
ports and must NEVER be
connected to any networking
equipment.
These are NOT Ethernet/network
ports and must NEVER be
connected to any networking
equipment.
3.1.5 Reallocating ports
By default the DCX3000 Switch provides 20 computer ports along its rear panel and 10 user ports along its front panel. If
necessary, these standard arrangements can be changed. See Reallocating ports.

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3.1.7 Switch connections: Network link
All system configuration is carried out via an Ethernet link, allowing adjustments to be made by authorized admin users located
next to the DCX3000 unit, or anywhere. The auto-sensing network port can determine between 10, 100Mbps or 1Gbps links
and can also adjust to straight or cross-over cables.
3.1.7.1 To connect a network link
1 Connect the CATx cable from the nearest Ethernet switch or from a local computer.
From a network switch or
nearby computer
3.1.8 Switch connections: Serial options port
The options port is reserved for future use.

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3.1.9 Switch connections: Power
Each DCX3000 Switch is supplied with a single power adapter but offers the facility to use a second input in order to provide
operational redundancy. The DCX3000 unit can operate perfectly well from a single power adapter operating alone. When two
adapters are connected, the unit will spread its load between them; should one power input fail, 100% of the load will be trans-
ferred to the other power adapter without a break in operation. Remote checking of the power inputs is possible at any time via
the Maintenance page of the browser interface.
There is no on/off switch on the DCX3000 unit, so operation begins as soon as power is applied at either port.
3.1.9.1 To connect the power adapter
1 Attach the output plug of the supplied power adapter to either power input socket on the left
side of the rear panel.
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-
specific power cord to the socket of the power adapter.
3 Connect the power cord to a nearby main supply socket.
4 Where power redundancy is required, repeat steps 1 to
3 for a second power adapter.
From the
power adapter
3.1.9.2 To disconnect the power adapter
1 Isolate the power adapter from the mains supply.
Note: If you are replacing one of dual power adapters during opera-
tion, it is not necessary to also remove power from the other adapter.
2 Grasp the outer body of the power adapter plug where it connects
with the module.
3 Gently pull the body of the outer plug away from the module. As the
body of the plug slides back, it will release from the socket and you
can fully withdraw the whole plug.
IMPORTANT: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety
information given within the Safety information section of
this guide. In particular, do not use an unearthed power
socket or extension cable.
Note: Both the modules and the power supplies generate
heat when in operation and will become warm to the
touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations
where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not
operate the equipment in ambient temperatures exceeding
40 degrees Centigrade. Do not place the products in con-
tact with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds
40 degrees Centigrade.
Gently pull back the plug outer
body to release the lock

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3.1.10 Console connections: Video
A Single Link DVI-D port is provided on the rear panel of the user module.
The DCX3000 Remote module supports one video display with pixel clocks up to 165MHz (equivalent to a maximum resolution
of 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz - aka ‘WUXGA’).
If a second display is required to support a dual video installation, use another DCX3000 Remote module to drive the second dis-
play, and combine the two user modules into a single Console within the DCX Matrix configuration application.
3.1.10.1 To connect the video display
1 Connect the DVI-D video cable from your video display to the video output port on the rear
panel of the user module.
From your
video display
3.1.10.2 EDID management
The DCX3000 Switch provides a number of fixed EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) profiles that will suit a large number
of video display configurations. If additional EDID definitions are required for your installation, you can clone new definitions from
connected video displays and add these to the list of available definitions.
For details about cloning EDIDs from displays, see Add EDID.
For details about applying an EDID to a particular computer, see Configure > Computers > Transmitters.
3.1.10.3 DCX3000 Remote module switches
The two switches on the DCX3000 Remote module are reserved for future use and must both remain in the OFF position.

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3.1.11 Console connections: USB
The DCX3000 Remote module contains a USB hub that can support up to four v1.1 or v2.0 USB devices (in any combination). All
four USB sockets, two on the front panel and two on the rear, are identical in operation.
Note: In multi-head installations, the USB devices must be attached only to the DCX3000 Remote that drives the main display.
3.1.11.1 To connect USB devices
1 Connect your USB keyboard and mouse to any of the four sockets distributed on the front and rear panels of the user module.
From USB
devices
From USB
devices
Rear panel
Front panel
3.1.12 Console connections: Audio
The DCX3000 Remote module supports stereo speakers, headphones and also a microphone
port. All audio devices are presented at the linked host computer as USB audio devices.
Note: In multi-head installations, the audio devices must be attached only to the DCX3000
Remote that drives the main display.
3.1.12.1 To connect your speakers
1 Connect your speakers to the audio line out socket on the user module rear panel.
From your speakers
3.1.12.2 To connect your headphones/
microphone
1 Connect your headphones to the socket
labeled on the user module front panel.
2 Connect your microphone to the socket labeled
on the user module front panel.
From your microphone
From your headphones

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3.1.13 Console connections: Data link
Each DCX3000 Remote module is linked via a CATx cable either to a central DCX3000 Switch module (multi-system matrix instal-
lation) or directly to a DCX3000 SAM module (single system installation).
For best results use CAT7 cables to link all DCX3000 SAM modules - do not exceed 50 meters (164 feet).
3.1.13.1 To link the DCX3000 Remote module
1 Connect a suitable CATx cable to the LINK socket on the rear panel of the DCX3000 Remote
module. Connect the other end of the cable to either a DCX3000 Switch or directly to a
DCX3000 SAM host module.
From DCX3000
Switch or DCX3000
SAM
3.1.14 Console connections: Options port
The options port is reserved for future use.
This is NOT an Ethernet/network
port and must NEVER be
connected to any networking
equipment.

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3.1.15 Console connections: Power
There is no on/off switch on the DCX3000 Remote module, so operation begins as soon as power is applied. The supplied power
adapter uses a locking-type plug to help prevent accidental disconnections; please follow the instructions given right whenever
disconnecting a power adapter.
3.1.15.1 To connect the power adapter
1 Attach the output plug of the supplied power adapter to either power input socket on the rear panel of the DCX3000
Remote module.
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-
specific power cord to the socket of the power
adapter.
3 Connect the power cord to a nearby main supply
socket.
4 Where power redundancy is required, repeat steps 1
to 3 for a second power adapter.
From the
power adapter
3.1.15.2 To disconnect the power adapter
1 Isolate the power adapter from the mains supply.
2 Grasp the outer body of the power adapter plug where it connects
with the module.
3 Gently pull the body of the outer plug away from the module. As the
body of the plug slides back, it will release from the socket and you
can fully withdraw the whole plug.
IMPORTANT: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety
information given within the Safety information section of
this guide. In particular, do not use an unearthed power
socket or extension cable.
Note: Both the modules and the power supplies generate
heat when in operation and will become warm to the
touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations
where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not
operate the equipment in ambient temperatures exceeding
40 degrees Centigrade. Do not place the products in con-
tact with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds
40 degrees Centigrade.
Gently pull back the plug outer
body to release the lock

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4. Configuration
4.1. Accessing DCX Matrix
DCX3000 Switches are configured via their network connections using an intuitive browser-based application, called DCX Matrix.
This secure, password protected application is accessible by any authorized admin user, located anywhere.
4.1.1 To access DCX Matrix
1 Use a computer that is directly or indirectly (i.e. via a network switch) connected to the DCX3000 Switch. If you need to
make a temporary connection, see below.
2 DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is enabled by default. To find the IP address of the DCX Matrix interface, open
the OSD on one of the connected user consoles.
3 If there is no DHCP on the network, after one minute a time out will occur and the default IP address https://192.168.1.22
will be used.
Note: For security, DCX Matrix uses HTTPS by default with a self-signed certificate - Please ignore any warnings that may be
displayed by your web browser.
4 If requested, enter your username and password to log on. Note: The default username and password are admin and
password respectively.
The opening page of the DCX Matrix should be displayed:
Temporary link from
your computer

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4.1.2 To temporarily connect a computer to the network port
1 If you need to make a temporary connection for configuration purposes, use a
standard patch cable (cross-over or straight connections are both supported) to
link the Ethernet 10/100 network port ( ) on the front panel of the DCX3000
Switch to your computer’s network port.

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4.2 Using DCX Matrix
4.2.1 The Dashboard page
Once you have successfully logged in, DCX Matrix will show the dashboard page to provide a general overview of your DCX
installation. You can also re-display this page by clicking the Dashboard entry in the menu:
Click the required menu
item to reveal the available
page choices.
Information and options are
displayed within the main
section of the page.
Some items will provide fur-
ther popup information
when you hover your
mouse pointer over them.
Colors are used to provide quick
visual feedback. Here ports shown
in green are operational while
those in red are disconnected.
Ports shown in white indicate that
their modules require a firmware
update.
Note: It is not possible to leave DCX Matrix open for more than 24 hours.