Black Box ServMaster User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 1996. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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SUPPORT
INFORMATION
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Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
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NOVEMBER 1996
SW990A EHN275-0020
SW990AE EHN275-0025
SW991 EHN275-0050
EHN275-0005 EHN275-0075
EHN275-0010 EHN275-0100
ServMaster
ServMaster Terminator
ServMaster Bus Cables
ServMaster
KEYBOARD/MONITOR/MOUSE COMPUTER
POWER STATUS SEND
ADDRESS

SERVMASTER
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
AT, IBM, OS/2, PS/2, and XGA are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.
2

3
FCC STATEMENT
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 J of Part 15
of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against
such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required
to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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.

4
SERVMASTER
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 parato 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.

5
NOM STATEMENT
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 equio 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.

6
SERVMASTER
Contents
1. Specifications.....................................................................................................8
2. Introduction ......................................................................................................9
2.1 Description .................................................................................................9
2.2 Features.......................................................................................................9
2.3 Package Contents .....................................................................................10
2.4 Cable Requirements.................................................................................11
2.5 Location ....................................................................................................11
3. Quick Setup.....................................................................................................16
4. Installation.......................................................................................................17
4.1 Step 1: Connecting the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse .......................17
4.2 Step 2: Connecting the CPU....................................................................17
4.3 Step 3: Connecting the Bus .....................................................................18
4.4 Step 4: Powering Up the System..............................................................18
4.5 Step 5: Testing the Installation................................................................19
5. Operation ........................................................................................................21
5.1 Keyboard Port Selection ..........................................................................21
5.2 Going to the Next Highest or Lowest Port .............................................22
5.3 Keyboard Timeout Command.................................................................22
5.4 Access-Level Command............................................................................23
5.5 Power-Up Port Command........................................................................24
5.6 Previous Port Command..........................................................................24
5.7 Scan Mode Commands ............................................................................25
5.8 Scan-Time Interval Command.................................................................25
5.9 Minimum Scan and Maximum Scan Port Commands...........................25
5.10 Screen Blanking Command ...................................................................26
5.11 Mode Command .....................................................................................26
5.12 Typematic Value Command...................................................................27
5.13 Maximum Ports Command ....................................................................28
5.14 Keep Command ......................................................................................28
5.15 Null Command........................................................................................29
5.16 ROM Identification Command..............................................................29

7
CONTENTS
5.17 Reset Command......................................................................................29
5.18 XGA Video, Model 9515, 9517, and 9518 Monitors .............................30
5.19 Video Distance Capability.......................................................................30
5.20 Power Interruption to the ServMaster...................................................31
6. Keyboard Command Summary ......................................................................32
7. Troubleshooting .............................................................................................37
7.1 Problems ...................................................................................................37
7.2 Calling Your Supplier...............................................................................41
7.3 Shipping and Packaging ..........................................................................41
Appendix A. Cable Pinout Information ............................................................42
A.1 Pin-to-Pin Wiring: Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse Adapter...........................42
A.2 Pin-to-Pin Wiring: CPU Adapter..............................................................44
Appendix B. CPU/Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse Pinout.......................................46
Appendix C. Factory-Default Settings................................................................48
Appendix D. DIP-Switch Description.................................................................49
Appendix E. Cables.............................................................................................50
E.1 Coax Bus Cables .......................................................................................50
E.2 CPU Adapter Cables.................................................................................50
E.3 Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse Adapter Cables..............................................50

8
SERVMASTER
1. Specifications
Indicators (3) LEDs, one each of Power (green), Status
(yellow), and Send (yellow)
Chassis Fully shielded, black painted steel
Controls Power on/off switch
Bus In/Out Connectors 13W3 Female
CPU/Keyboard-
Monitor-Mouse Connectors DB25 female
Operating Temperature 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Humidity 5 to 80%, noncondensing
Max. Altitude Tolerance Up to 10,000 feet (3048 m)
Input Power 117-VAC power adapter (SW990A), 230 VAC
(SW990AE)
Output Power 17 VAC CT, 1.4A
Power Connector 5-pin DIN
Size 4.5"H x 13.5"W x 4.9"D (11.4 x 34.3 x
12.5 cm)
Weight 12 lb. (5.4 kg)

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
Designed for plug-and-play operation, your ServMaster will organize your
multiple-computer applications. Because ServMaster lets you use several
keyboards, monitors, and mice to access a number of computers, you can
significantly reduce your equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor
clutter.
2.2 Features
• Access up to 255 PCs with several keyboards, monitors, and mice.
• Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching and emulation
for plug-and-play operation.
• Saves energy to assist in latest energy-saving programs.
• Coax bus connection allows multiple units to be daisychained for local
and remote control.
• Coax bus connection uses high-quality 13W3 video connectors for crystal-
clear video even at long distances.
• Data on bus connection uses packetized network format for fast and
highly reliable delivery of keyboard, mouse, and control information.
• Front-panel DIP switch determines port numbers and establishes network
address.
• Keyboard timeout feature allows sharing of CPUs.
• Programmable security features to restrict access.
• Drives video, keyboard, and mouse signals up to 100 feet (30.5 m) away.
• Select CPU from keyboard.
• Supports XGA®, SVGA, and VGA video.

10
SERVMASTER
• Video resolution supports up to 1280 x 1024 non-interlaced video.
• Supports all modes of PS/2®and AT®compatible keyboards.
• Mouse can be PS/2 or RS-232.
• Front-panel LEDs show bus status and video sending state.
• Remembers and restores Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and
keyboard mode of each CPU when switching.
• Screen-blank function turns off video after 1 to 999 seconds (selectable)
of inactivity.
• Scan function sequences among CPUs at a programmable rate
of 1 to 15 seconds.
• Programmable starting and ending scan ports.
• Programmable keyboard typematic rate and delay.
• Programmable power-up port.
• Previous-channel command for easy back and forth access to 2 CPUs.
• Each unit can have its own keyboard timeout for optimum and convenient
sharing of CPUs.
• Can save keyboard power-up state, keyboard timeout, keyboard typematic
value, scan interval, scan minimum and maximum ports, default power-up
port, screen blank interval, and security settings in non-volatile memory.
• Available in 117-VAC (SW990A) or 230-VAC (SW990AE) models.
2.3 Package Contents
Your ServMaster package includes the ServMaster (SW990A or SW990AE), a
power transformer (SW991), and this manual. Cables are ordered separately
(see Appendix E).

11
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.4 Cable Requirements
ServMaster connects to a CPU with a CPU adapter cable and to the monitor,
keyboard, and mouse with a Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse adapter cable. If you
want to build your own cables, refer to the information in Appendices A, B,
and C. Appendix E lists factory-made cables.
To interconnect the units together, use coax bus cables (see Appendix E)
between each box and terminators at the first and last units on the bus.
Most installations use cables for the CPU and monitor, keyboard, and mouse
that are no longer than 20 feet (6.1 m) in length. Cable length will affect the
quality of the video, depending on which resolution you will be using. You
can improve the video resolution and distance by ordering coax cables for
your CPU and monitor connections (see Appendix E and Table 5-4).
2.5 Location
Place the ServMaster near the CPU and associated keyboard, monitor, and
mouse. This will reduce the length of the cables and provide a neater
installation. Leave the front panel accessible in order to view the status and
send signals, even though once everything is installed you will probably not
need to see these LEDs. The total length of bus cable should not exceed
200 feet (61 m), depending on the resolution of video used.

12
SERVMASTER
Figure 2-1. The ServMaster Front Panel.
Table 2-1. The Front Panel
1 Address Determines the port number of the CPU
on the unit. Address 0 is reserved for
diagnostics. Address 255 is reserved
for security configuration.
2 Power LED When lit, indicates that the unit is on.
3 Status LED Flashes once a second to show bus
connection. It also flashes when
keyboard or mouse activity occurs.
12345678
ADDRESS KEYBOARD / MONITOR / MOUSE COMPUTER
POWER STATUS SEND
ServMaster
Power LED
Send LED
Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse Connector
Address Selector DIP Switches
Status LED CPU Connector

13
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Table 2-1 (continued). The Front Panel
4 Send LED When lit, video is being sent over the
coax bus. One or more monitors may be
receiving the video.
5 Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse Keyboard, monitor, and mouse are
connected at this port using a Keyboard-
Monitor-Mouse adapter cable. The cable
has a DB25M at one end and appropriate
connectors at the other end, depending
upon your video, keyboard, and mouse
type. Only one adapter cable is needed.*
6 CPU Your computer is connected at this port
using a CPU adapter cable. The cable
has a DB25M at one end and appropriate
connectors at the other end, depending
upon your video, keyboard, and mouse
type.*
* See Appendix E for cable information.

14
SERVMASTER
Figure 2-2. The ServMaster Rear Panel.
Table 2-2. The Rear Panel
1 Bus In/Bus Out Bus cable to next unit or terminator is
connected here. Terminator or bus cable
may be connected to either Bus In or Bus
Out.
2 RS-232 RS-232 serial port for factory diagnostics
only.
3 Power switch Pressing the switch turns the unit on,
provided supplied power transformer is
properly connected.
BUS OUT BUS IN
POWER
17VAC CT
Bus In/Bus Out Connector
Power Connector
Power Switch
RS-232 Connector

15
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Table 2-2 (continued). The Rear Panel
4 Power The power transformer (SW991)
connects here. This is not a keyboard
input. Power transformers are available
for U.S. or International use. Input
voltage is 17 VAC with center tap.

16
SERVMASTER
3. Quick Setup
The following diagrams offer basic examples of how to connect your CPUs,
keyboard, monitor, and mouse and the ServMasters to one another.
Connectors will vary depending upon the types of equipment being installed.
Figure 3-1. Connecting CPUs, Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse.
Figure 3-2. Connecting the Bus.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ADDRESS KEYBOARD / MONITOR / MOUSE COMPUTER
POWER STATUS SEND
ServMaster
Serial
Mouse
Serial Mouse
Video
Keyboard
CPU Adapter
Cable
Video Card
Keyboard
Keyboard-
Monitor-Mouse
Adapter Cable
1 to 16 CPUs
1 to 16 CPUs
1 to 16 CPUs
1 to 16 CPUs
ServSwitch
Remote Control Panel

17
CHAPTER 4: Installation
4. Installation
This section provides instructions for installing your ServMaster. For an
illustrated example, see Chapter 3.
NOTE
Be sure that all computers you are connecting to your ServMaster will
support the monitor, keyboard, and mouse you plan to use.
4.1 Step 1: Connecting the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse
The Keyboard-Monitor-Mouse adapter cable (EHN052, EHN053, EHN054)
connects your monitor, keyboard, and mouse equipment to the ServMaster.
Various styles of electrical connectors are used by different classes of
equipment, so you should have the correct cable to match your equipment’s
connectors. Adapter cables are available where you purchased your
ServMaster. If you prefer to build your own cables, however, pinout
information is shown in Appendices A and B.
1. Plug the DB25 male connector of the adapter cable into the port
labeled “Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse” on the ServMaster’s rear panel.
2. Plug the adapter cable’s monitor, keyboard, and mouse connectors
into your equipment’s corresponding connectors.
4.2 Step 2: Connecting the CPU
A CPU adapter cable (EHN048, EHN049, EHN051) connects your computer
to the ServMaster. CPU adapter cables are available where you purchased
your ServMaster. If you prefer to build your own cable, pinout information is
shown in Appendices A and B.
1. Plug the DB25 male connector of the CPU adapter cable into one of
the numbered CPU ports on the ServMaster rear panel.
2. Plug the CPU adapter cable’s monitor, keyboard, and mouse
connectors into the CPU’s corresponding ports.

18
SERVMASTER
WARNING!
Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. For best
quality video, use coax cable when exceeding 20 feet (6.1 m). See
Table 5-4 and Appendix E for additional cable information.
4.3 Step 3: Connecting the Bus
1. Connect the units together with the coax bus cables by connecting
either bus in or out to either bus in or bus out of the next unit. The
units may be other ServMasters or Station Extenders equipped with
bus connectors.
2. Install terminators on the first and last units on the bus.
3. Set the DIP-switch address to identify the port numbers. In a
classroom or control-room environment, you would typically start with
1, the next would be 2, and so on. If a unit is used remotely with no
CPU attached, set it to address 255. See Appendix D for DIP-switch
information.
4.4 Step 4: Powering Up the System
1. Plug the power transformer’s (SW991) power jack into the power plug
located on the back of the ServMaster unit. Plug the transformer into
a power strip or wall outlet.
2. Push the On/Off switch on the back of the ServMaster to power-up.
3. Upon power-up the yellow status light will light briefly and go out.
After a few seconds the status light will flash irregularly as it talks to
the keyboard and mouse attached. If other units are on the bus, the
LED will flash at a steady one-second interval. If it flashes at a faster
rate, about 3 times per second, this indicates either a hardware error
or a duplicate address. See Chapter 7 for more information.
4. Boot up your CPU. ServMaster emulates all keyboard and mouse
functions for automatic boot-up. If it is inconvenient, you do not have
to re-boot the CPU. In this case you may need to issue the mode
command to have proper keyboard communication (see Section
5.11).

19
CHAPTER 4: Installation
4.5 Step 5: Testing the Installation
Your ServMaster is now ready for operation using its default settings. To take
full advantage of the ServMaster features, refer to Chapter 5. Chapter 5 gives
detailed information about each of the ServMaster commands, describing its
application and giving the keyboard command sequence. For your
convenience, this information is summarized in the Keyboard command
summary in Chapter 6. To begin switching immediately, however, follow
these instructions.
1. Try switching from the keyboard. Press and release the keyboard’s
left Control Key ([Ctrl]), then type in the port number of another
ServMaster. The CPU port number of a particular unit is determined
from the address of the DIP switch.
Single-digit port numbers can be selected by entering either 01-09, 1-9
and the enter key, or 1-9 and waiting 2 seconds for the port to switch.
For installations with more than 99 ports, set the scan maximum
(see Chapter 5) to the number of ports in the system; otherwise
three-digit port numbers will not be accepted.
2. The default setting lets you access any port from any keyboard. If you
want to restrict accessing other CPUs on a remote unit, you must use
the Access-Level command (see Section 5.4) to establish the security
and access levels.