Black Box SERVSWITCH ACU1006DRA User manual

November 2009
ACU1006RA
ACU1006DRA
ACU1012RA
ACU1006SRA
ACU1006DSRA
ACU1006VRA
ACU1006DVRA
CAT KVM Extender
5
Local Hubs

THE SERVSWITCH™FAMILY
1
Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro
Extender model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways
that your enhanced keyboard/video/mouse system will save you money, time, and effort.
That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the traditional,
expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-size-fits-all-even-if-it-doesn’t
model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no more, no less.” Why not a single
user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for multiple computers—even computers of
different platforms? Why not a pair of user stations, each of which can control multiple
computers? Why not multiple user stations for the same computer?
With our ServSwitch products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line of robust
solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need an economical
alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your desk? Or do you need to
share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM® PC, RS/6000®, Apple® Macintosh®,
Sun Microsystems®, and SGI™ compatibles among multiple users with different access
levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a worktable and use regular everyday cables?
Or does it have to be mounted in an equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables?
No matter how large or small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re
confident we have a ServSwitch system that’s just right for you.
The ServSwitch™ family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVM-switching
needs!
This manual will tell you all about your new ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender
Local Hub, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the
Extender, see Chapter 2. The Extender product codes covered in this manual are:
ACU1006RA ACU1006DRA
ACU1012RA ACU1006SRA
ACU1006DSRA ACU1006VRA
ACU1006DVRA
User Guide Revision: 2.0 (November 2009)

THE SERVSWITCH™FAMILY
2
Copyrights and Trademarks
©2002/9. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without
the prior written consent of the manufacturer.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall
not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the use of this material.
All trademark and trade names mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the
property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any
liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The
manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the
product without notice.
The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damage due to misuse of the product or due to
any other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control (whether environmental or
installation related). The manufacturer shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury
arising directly, indirectly, or consequently from the use of this product.
Cautions and Notes
The following symbols are used in this guide:
CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction
that should be followed to avoid any potential damage to
hardware or property, loss of data, or personal injury.
NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of
this product.

FCC/CDC STATEMENTS
3
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed
and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may
cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of
Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his
own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with radio
frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to
electromagnetic disturbances.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

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

NOM STATEMENT
5
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el
aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben
ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de
baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestals que sean
recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea recomendado
por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo
descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a
personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso.
La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar
puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el
flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como
radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que
producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en
el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo
no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni
pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los
contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.

NOM STATEMENT
6
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del
fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un
largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre
la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
7
Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines
To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation please note the following installation
guidelines:
•Do not use to link between buildings.
•Only use in dry, indoor environments.
•If the building has 3-phase AC power, try to ensure that equipment connected to the
Local and Remote Units is on the same phase.
•Try not to route the CATx link cable alongside power cables.
•The use of shielded CATx cable is recommended to maintain compliance.
•Ensure that the system connected to the Local Unit is connected to power ground.
•This product is not suitable for use in isolated medical environments.
To safeguard against personal injury and avoid possible
damage to equipment or property, please observe the
following:
•Only use power supplies originally supplied with the
product or manufacturer-approved replacements. Do not
attempt to dismantle or repair any power supply. Do not
use a power supply if it appears to be defective or has a
damaged case.
•Connect all power supplies to grounded outlets. In each
case, ensure that the ground connection is maintained
from the outlet socket through to the power supply’s AC
power input.
•Do not attempt to modify or repair this product, or make
a connection from the CATx link interface (RJ45) to any
other products, especially telecommunications or
network equipment.

CONTENTS
8
Contents
1.Overview 10
1.1Introduction 10
1.2Glossary 10
1.3Features 12
1.4Product Range 13
1.5Compatibility 14
1.6How to Use This Guide 16
2.Installation 17
2.1Package Contents 17
2.2Interconnection Cable Requirements 18
2.3Local Hub Installation 19
3.Operation 24
3.1Overview 24
3.2Operation of Dual Access Standard & Serial Local Hubs25
3.3Operation of Dual Access Audio/Serial Local Hubs 27
4.Troubleshooting 29
4.1Video 29
4.2Audio 30
4.3Serial 30
4.4Keyboard & Mouse 31
4.5General Questions 32
Appendix A: Example Applications 33
Appendix B: Audio/Serial Ports 38
Appendix C: Calling Black Box 43
Appendix D: Specifications 44

CONTENTS
9

OVERVIEW
10
1. Overview
1.1 Introduction
TheServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender Local Hub products described in this manual
enable high-resolution video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, stereo audio, and serial port signals
to be communicated up to 300m over Category 5/5e (CATx) cable.
A basic KVM extension system comprises a Local Unit (transmitter) and a Remote Unit
(receiver). The Local Unit connects directly to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using
the supplied cable(s). The user console (keyboard, mouse and monitor) attaches to the
Remote Unit. The Remote and Local Units communicate video and data information along
the connecting CATx cable (see Figure 1). A Local Hub combines 6 or 12 Local Units in a
rackmount chassis.
Within the product range, models are available with combinations of the following:
•Audio transmission: bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized).
•Serial transmission: transparent serial COM port (to 19.2Kbps).
•Dual access: allowing a second user console at the Local Unit.
1.2 Glossary
The following terms are used in this guide:
CATx Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable.
PSU Power Supply Unit.
KVM Keyboard, Video and Mouse.
Console A keyboard, monitor, and mouse, plus optional serial devices.
Dual Access A system allowing connection of local and remote user consoles.
Single Head An extender system that supports one monitor.
Dual Head An extender system that supports two monitors.
Quad Head An extender system that supports up to four monitors.

OVERVIEW
11
Figure 1 ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender
Local Hub system
Local
A
ccess
Dual Access Hubs
only.
Serial and Audio
Transmission
Using extenders and hubs
from the Serial or
Audio/Serial families.
KVM extension over CATx
cables up to 300m.
LOCAL Hub
Remote Unit
A
dditional Monitors
Using dual or quad head
Remote Units.

OVERVIEW
12
1.3 Features
All members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender Local Hub product family
offer the following features:
•Support for high video resolution over extended distances.
•Fully buffered signals to ensure consistent remote operation of your PC.
•Intelligent PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation ensures PCs do not lock-up and allows
peripherals to be hot-plugged.
•Dual-Access models allow local or remote operation.
•DDC emulation in Local Unit ensures compatibility for all standard graphics modes
(when used with DDC capable CPU cables).
•Serial (no Audio) versions only: Serial port enables any serial device to be extended (at
1.2K, 9.6K or 19.2K Baud).
•Audio/Serial versions only: Transparent serial port enables any serial device to be
extended (up to 19.2K Baud). The serial port may be used to extend one device
(requiring handshaking lines), or up to three simple serial devices (no handshaking).
•Audio/Serial versions only: Bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized) support on
certain models enables high-quality audio extension.
•Each port is normally powered individually by the connected PC. A 5V DC PSU
(supplied) is required for video/serial only applications.
•Private Mode on dual-access models allows user to lock out other console.
•Rack mount chassis (1U or 2U).
•Surge protection on each RJ45 port.
•Each port uses its own separate circuit board to enhance reliability.
•Local Hubs are fully compatible with ServSwitch™ Brand CATx and CAT5 Remote
Units belonging to the same family (standard, serial or audio/serial).

OVERVIEW
13
1.4 Product Range
There are seven products in the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender Local Hub range:
KVM Extension Only
ACU1006RA 6 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse (Single Access)
ACU1006DRA 6 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse (Dual Access)
ACU1012RA 12 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse (Single Access)
KVM and Serial Extension
ACU1006SRA 6 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Serial (Single Access)
ACU1006DSRA 6 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Serial (Dual Access)
KVM, Audio and Serial Extension
ACU1006VRA 6 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Serial, Stereo Audio
(Single Access)
ACU1006DVRA 6 x Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Serial, Stereo Audio
(Dual Access)

OVERVIEW
14
1.5 Compatibility
Interface Compatibility
•PS/2 Keyboard: Compatible with all standard keyboards. Certain keyboards with
enhanced features may also be supported with custom firmware.
•PS/2 Mouse: Compatible with all standard 2-button, 3-button and wheel mice. To
connect to a PC that does not have a PS/2 mouse port, an active serial converter is
required - Model: AC244A.
•Audio: Input and output are line-level. Amplified speakers are required. A microphone
may be directly connected to the Remote Unit (optional pre-amplification).
•Serial: Serial Only Hubs: User selectable baud rates: 1.2K, 9.6K or 19.2K. Audio/Serial
Hubs: Transparent up to 19.2K Baud (38.4K operation may be possible with some
devices). The following serial signals are extended: TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR. In
rare cases, a wiring adaptor may be required to transfer RI and DCD.
•Video: VGA to SXGA. Separate sync, composite sync, or sync-on-green. Maximum
resolution and refresh rates depend on cable length and cable type.

OVERVIEW
15
Extender Compatibility
You can use ServSwitch™ Brand products belonging to the same family in any combination.
However, it is not possible to mix Standard, Serial and Audio products within a system.
Local Hub Family Compatible Remote Units/Hubs
ACU1006RA
ACU1006DRA
ACU1012RA
Standard ACUMREM
(also Micro Extender Remote Units supplied with
ACU3001A and ACU3009A kits)
ACUREM
ACUREMSW
(also Remote Units supplied with ACU1001A,
ACU1009A andACU1049A kits)
ACU1006MRA
ACUR001A
ACUR002A
ACUR004A
(also Remote Units supplied with ACU2001A,
ACU2009A, ACU2209A and ACU2201A-R2 kits)
ACU1006VRA
ACU1006DVRA Audio ACUWREM
(also Micro Extender Remote Units supplied with
ACU3022A kit)
ACUVREM
(also Remote Units supplied withACU1022A and
ACU1028A kits)
ACU1006MRVA
ACURA001A
ACURA002A
ACURA004A
(also Remote Units supplied with ACU2022A,
ACU2028A, ACU2228A and ACU2222A-R2 kits)
ACU1006SRA
ACU1006DSRA Serial ACUSREM
(also Remote Units supplied withACU1002A and
ACU1008A kits

OVERVIEW
16
1.6 How to Use This Guide
This guide describes the installation and configuration of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5
KVM Extender Local Hub range. Although the connection and operation of these systems is
relatively straightforward, you should consider the following before getting started:
Connection & Compatibility
You will require cables to connect your CPUs to the Extender Local Hub.
Order Code Description
EHN230D-xx CPU KVM Combination Cable (DDC Compatible)
BC00200 / BC0023x Serial Cable 9-way D (Male-Female)
EJ110-xx 3.5mm Audio Cable (Male-Male)
xx = length. Various lengths are available. Contact technical support for details.
Ensure that the Remote Units you intend to use are compatible with your Extender Local Hub
(see Extender Compatibility, page 15).
For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 17.
Interconnection Cable
You will need CATx cable, terminated with RJ45 plugs, to connect the Local Hub to your
Remote Units (see Interconnection Cable Requirements, page 18).
Adjusting Video
Video signals become distorted when transmitted over CATx cables. To get the best from
your extender system, it is essential that you adjust the Remote Unit to optimize the video
image quality. Please refer to the Remote Unit Configuration & Operation section in the
manual supplied with your Remote Unit.

INSTALLATION
17
2. Installation
For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single
room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identify and solve any
cabling problems, and experiment with the KVM Extender Local Hub system more
conveniently.
2.1 Package Contents
You should receive the following items in your extender package. If anything is missing,
please refer to Appendix C: Calling Black Box, page 43.
•KVM Extender Local Hub unit.
•5V DC PSU and power cable.
•Quick Start Guide.

INSTALLATION
18
2.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements
To connect the Local and Remote Units you will need CATx (any category 5, 5e, 6 or higher)
cable terminated with RJ45 plugs. Please note that shielded cable is advised to maintain
regulatory EMC compliance.
Interconnect cables 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 should normally be in
accordance with EIA-568B. The following table illustrates which RJ45 connector pins the
extenders use for various signals. It also details the standard EIA-568B wiring scheme that is
recommended for most installations.
Looking into the RJ45 socket, Pin 1 is on the right and Pin 8 on the left.
Pin* Color
(EIA-568B) Signal
1
2 White/Orange Orange/White Blue Video
3
6 White/Green Green/White Green Video
4
5 Blue/White White/Blue Red Video
7
8 White/Brown Brown/White Data
EIA-568A wiring can also be used. Contact Technical Support for details.
With some cables, video performance may be improved by using a cross-
over patch cable at each end or an alternative RJ45 pin-out.