Black Box ServSwitch Duo IPC KV6216FA-R2 User manual

BLACK BOX
®
IPC
®
724-746-5500
®
Computer User User Activity
1 2
Power
ServSwitch™ Duo IPC
USER GUIDE

®
NETWORK SERVICES
®
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]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
JANUARY 2006
KV6216FA-R2

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Contents
Welcome
Introduction.................................................................................3
What’s in the box ........................................................................4
What you may additionally need ...............................................4
Installation
Mounting ....................................................................................5
Connections .................................................................................5
User port connections.............................................................6
Computer port connections to standard computers ............6
Computer port connections to alternative computers.........7
Connections to a Sun® computer .....................................7
Connections to a USB port.................................................8
Power supply connection .......................................................9
Wizard IP connections ..........................................................10
Power switching connections...............................................11
Cascade connections.............................................................12
How cascade connections operate..................................13
Addressing computers in a cascade ................................14
Using cascaded computers...............................................15
Testing specic links to cascaded computers..................15
Multiple video head connections ........................................16
Conguration
Overall initial conguration ....................................................17
Conguration menus ................................................................18
Conguration menus layout ................................................19
Registering users...................................................................20
Registering computers..........................................................20
Autoscanning ........................................................................21
Saving and restoring conguration settings.......................22
Preparations for conguration save/load ......................22
What to do if the ADMIN password has been forgotten...23
Ensuring that the serial port is available.............................23
Hot plugging and mouse restoration..................................24
Which restore setting do I use?.......................................24
Resetting user port keyboards and mice.............................25
Disabling mouse acceleration ..............................................25
Power switching conguration............................................26
Editing power strings.......................................................27
Creating power port groups............................................27
Logging access activity .........................................................28
Display Data Channel (DDC).................................................28
Port Direct .............................................................................29
Contents - page 2

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Operation
Powering on ..............................................................................30
The front panel controls ...........................................................30
Using the ServSwitch Duo IPC...................................................31
Selecting a computer............................................................31
Logging in and out ..........................................................33
Selecting cascaded computers .............................................34
The conrmation box ...........................................................34
The reminder banner............................................................34
Routing status .......................................................................35
User preferences and functions ...........................................35
Using power switching .........................................................35
Further information
Troubleshooting ........................................................................36
Getting assistance......................................................................36
Appendices ................................................................................37
Appendix 1 – Conguration menu items ............................37
Setup Options...................................................................37
Global Preferences ...........................................................38
User Preferences...............................................................40
Advanced Options............................................................42
Appendix 2 – Firmware upgrade .........................................43
Appendix 3 – Cable and connector specications ..............45
RS232 serial mouse to PS/2 converter cable ...................45
RS232 serial ash upgrade cable.....................................45
RS232 serial synchronisation cable..................................45
ServSwitch Duo IPC to power switch cable ....................46
Power switch to power switch daisy chain cable ...........46
ServSwitch Duo IPC setup cable .....................................46
Safety information ....................................................................47
Radio Frequency Energy ...........................................................48
Normas Ociales Mexicanas (NOM) electrical safety statement49
Instrucciones de seguridad ..............................................49
Index
BlackBox subsidiary contact details..........................................52
pg2

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Other KVM
switches
Host
systems
User
1
User
1
User
1
User
2
OR
Power switch
IP network/
Internet
BLACK BOX
®
IPC
®
724-746-5500
®
Computer User User Activity
1 2
Power
LOCREM VNC 100 LNKPWR
BLACK BOX BLACKB OX
724-746-5500
® ® ®
Wizard IP
ServSwitch Duo IPC
Wizard IP
Control of many hosts
On its own, the ServSwitch
Duo IPC provides access
to up to sixteen systems.
However, when linked
to other KVM switches
(ServSwitch Duo IPC or
otherwise) the user(s) can
easily control up to 128
separate host systems.
Optional power control
ServSwitch Duo IPC
provides the opportunity
to attach one or more
power switches. These
control the supply to the
host system(s) and allow
the remote user to hard
reset any system that has
suffered a failure.
Optional network/Internet remote control
The optional Wizard IP allows direct
connection to an Ethernet-based local
network and from there onto the wider
Internet, as required. The robust Wizard
IP security system will also allow direct
connection to the Internet. A second Wizard
IP can be added to the other user port to
provide even greater remote connectivity.
The Wizard IP also provides a local user
connection port.
Dual users
ServSwitch Duo IPC allows control
of the host systems by two directly
connected keyboard/video/mouse
sets. Alternatively, a Wizard IP can
be connected instead to provide
remote control options.
Welcome
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the ServSwitch Duo IPC from
Black Box. This advanced switch allows you to control
multiple host computers directly, or far more computers
in combination with other similar switches. Two users can
simultaneously access any connected host computers.
With the addition of the optional Wizard IP unit, the
user(s) can be situated anywhere via the internet.
In common with other advanced switching devices, the
ServSwitch Duo IPC and Wizard IP both support the
Port Direct format. This messaging system allows the
interconnected switches to declare between themselves
the locations and requirements of their respective host
computers. This greatly eases conguration and simplies
host computer selection.

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®
Power supply
and country-
specic power
lead
Six self-adhesive
rubber feet
BLACK BOX
®
IPC
®
724-746-5500
®
Computer User User Activity
1 2
Power
ServSwitch Duo IPC
(16 port model shown)
Slave power switches for connection to Wizard IP or master power switch
(part number: Contact Black Box technical support)
Master power switch for connection to Wizard IP or standalone Ethernet
operation (part number: Contact Black Box technical support)
PS/2 cables
One set per connected computer.
Part numbers:
EHN408-0005 5 feet in length
EHN408-0010 10 feet in length
EHN408-0020 20 feet in length
PS/2 to USB ash cables
Required to connect with computers
that use a USB port to connect their
keyboard and mouse.
Part numbers:
EHN428-0006 6 feet in length
EHN428-0016 16 feet in length
EHN428-0035 35 feet in length
PS/2 to Sun ash cables
Required to connect Sun computers
that use a mini-DIN port to connect
their keyboard and mouse.
Part numbers:
EHN429-0006 6 feet in length
EHN429-0016 16 feet in length
EHN429-0035 35 feet in length
PS/2 to AT-style keyboard converter
(part number: FA212)
PS/2 to 9-pin serial mouse converter
(part number: FA314)
What’s in the box What you may additionally need
CD-ROM
Rack brackets for 8 port
model plus four screws
Rack brackets for 16 port
model plus six screws

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HT
Installation
This chapter covers the physical mounting and connection of the ServSwitch
Duo IPC.
Mounting
The initial step is to mount the ServSwitch Duo IPC in an optimum position,
where:
• It is in close proximity to the various computers that will be connected to it.
• There is a power supply socket.
• Optionally, there is an Category 5e or 6 network connection, if the Wizard IP
is also being used.
The ServSwitch Duo IPC can be used on a desktop or mounted within a 19”
rack. For desktop applications, attach the supplied self-adhesive feet to the
underside to avoid damage to the desktop surface. For rack-mount applications,
use the optional brackets and mount the unit within the frame before
connecting any cables.
To attach the rack-mount brackets
1 On either side of the ServSwitch Duo IPC casing, position a rack mount
bracket with the slotted
holes facing out from
the front of the unit.
2 Secure the bracket with
three of the supplied
screws.
Connections
Installation of the ServSwitch Duo IPC involves numerous connections, which
can be classied into the following basic groups:
• User port connections
• Computer port connections to standard computers
• Computer port connections to alternative computers
• Power supply connection
There are also connections that can be made to achieve more advanced
congurations:
• Wizard IP connections
• Power switching connections
• Cascade connections
• Multiple head video connections
ServSwitch Duo IPC (16 port model) ServSwitch Duo IPC (8 port model)

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Computer port connections to standard computers
Depending on the model, ServSwitch Duo IPC can be directly connected to
a maximum of either eight or sixteen computer systems. Using KVM cable
sets (part number: EHN408-00xx - where x is the length: 05, 10 or 20 feet),
each computer is connected to one of the numbered ports at the rear of the
ServSwitch Duo IPC. Connecting to Sun computers and USB ports.
Further computers may be connected, by linking other switching products using
a cascade arrangement (explained in the Cascade connections section).
To connect a computer
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the ServSwitch Duo IPC and all
computers to be connected.
(Note: If it is not possible to switch off a computer prior to connection, then
a ‘Hot plug’ procedure is available – see the Hot plugging and mouse
restoration section for more details).
2 Connect the plugs at one end of a KVM cable set to the keyboard, video
and mouse sockets of the computer (for keyboard and mouse plug
conversion information – see Appendix 3).
Monitor (video) Blue
Keyboard Purple
Mouse or Mid green
3 Connect the plugs at the other end of the KVM cable set to the corresponding
sockets, of the required COMPUTER PORT at the rear of the ServSwitch Duo IPC.
Note: Not all of the computer ports need be used and not all connected
computers need to be switched on, ServSwitch Duo IPC can sense the
presence or absence of computers.
User port connections
There are two user ports available at the rear of the ServSwitch Duo IPC. Each
port consists of three sockets to accommodate: a keyboard, a video monitor and
a mouse.
Keyboard and mouse mode logging
The ServSwitch Duo IPC maintains a log of all keyboard and mouse mode and
resolution settings that are requested by each of the connected computers.
These settings are automatically restored to the shared keyboards and mice
of the user ports when the ServSwitch Duo IPC channels are switched, thus
ensuring maximum software compatibility. The keyboard num, caps and scroll
lock states are a visible example of this process.
Data Display Channel (DDC) considerations
DDC allows the ServSwitch Duo IPC to discover the capabilities of a user port
video monitor and transmit that information to the connected computers so that
they can moderate their video output to suit the monitor. DDC can only sample
one monitor, so if you are connecting monitors of different resolution/frequency
capabilities, it is important to ensure that the DCC feature samples the lesser of
the two monitors. Please see Display Data Channel for details.
To connect a user port
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the ServSwitch Duo IPC and all
devices to be attached.
2 Connect the cables from your keyboard, video monitor and mouse to
the three sockets of the required USER PORT (1 or 2), at the rear of the
ServSwitch Duo IPC (for keyboard and mouse plug conversion information
– see Appendix 3).
Note: Between the two user ports, no commonality of keyboards, video
monitors or mice is required as all devices attached to each port are handled
individually. However, please note the DDC considerations above.

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Computer port connections to alternative computers
ServSwitch Duo IPC is intended to connect directly to computers that have
separate circular mini-DIN connectors for keyboard and mouse. Not all
computers use such an arrangement, so Black Box can supply converter cables
for use with either Sun® computers or computers that use a USB port for
keyboard and mouse.
Connections to a Sun® computer
Some Sun computers use a single mini-DIN connector for both keyboard and
mouse. The Sun converter cable (part number: EHN429-00xx - where x is
the length: 06, 16 or 35 feet) allows Sun computers to be connected to the
ServSwitch Duo IPC.
To connect a Sun computer
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the ServSwitch Duo IPC and the Sun
computer to be connected.
2 At the end of the converter cable that has three plugs, connect the
keyboard, mouse and video plugs to the three sockets of the chosen
COMPUTER PORT at the rear of the ServSwitch Duo IPC.
PS/2 keyboard Sun keyboard
Right-[Ctrl] [F1] Stop
Right-[Ctrl] [F2] Again
Right-[Ctrl] [F3] Props
Right-[Ctrl] [F4] Undo
Right-[Ctrl] [F5] Front
Right-[Ctrl] [F6] Copy
Right-[Ctrl] [F7] Open
Right-[Ctrl] [F8] Paste
Right-[Ctrl] [F9] Find
Right-[Ctrl] [F10] Cut
Right-[Ctrl] [1] Mute
Right-[Ctrl] [2] Volume -
Right-[Ctrl] [3] Volume +
Right-[Ctrl] [4] Power*
Right-[Ctrl] [H] Help
* Certain PS/2 keyboards have a
power key which will be mapped
to perform the same function for
a Sun computer.
3 At the other end of the converter cable (with two plugs), connect the video
plug and Sun keyboard/video plug to the relevant sockets on the computer.
When the ServSwitch Duo IPC and Sun computer are switched on, the
ServSwitch Duo IPC will interact with the converter cable and together they
will pass an appropriate keyboard code to the computer.
Keypress equivalents
The table given here provides
equivalent keypresses on
a standard PC (PS/2-style)
keyboard that emulate special
keys found on Sun keyboards.

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Connections to a USB port
Some computers are not tted with dedicated keyboard and mouse ports and
instead rely on USB keyboards and mice. The USB converter cable
(part number: EHN428-00xx - where x is the length: 06, 16 or 35 feet) allows
such computers to be connected to the ServSwitch Duo IPC.
To connect a USB port computer
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the ServSwitch Duo IPC and the
computer to be connected.
2 At the end of the converter cable that has three plugs, connect the
keyboard, mouse and video plugs to the three sockets of the chosen
COMPUTER PORT at the rear of the ServSwitch Duo IPC. PS/2 keyboard Sun keyboard
Right-[Ctrl] [F1] Stop
Right-[Ctrl] [F2] Again
Right-[Ctrl] [F3] Props
Right-[Ctrl] [F4] Undo
Right-[Ctrl] [F5] Front
Right-[Ctrl] [F6] Copy
Right-[Ctrl] [F7] Open
Right-[Ctrl] [F8] Paste
Right-[Ctrl] [F9] Find
Right-[Ctrl] [F10] Cut
Right-[Ctrl] [1] Mute
Right-[Ctrl] [2] Volume -
Right-[Ctrl] [3] Volume +
Right-[Ctrl] [4] Power*
Right-[Ctrl] [H] Help
* Certain PS/2 keyboards have a
power key which will be mapped
to perform the same function for
a Sun computer.
PS/2 keyboard Apple keyboard
Left Ctrl Left Control
Left Win Start ( ) Left Command ( )
Left Alt Left Option (alt)
Right Alt or Alt Graph Right Option (alt)
Right Win Start ( ) Right Command ( )
Right Ctrl Right Control
Windows App. key No equivalent
No equivalent On / off key
3 At the other end of the converter cable (with two plugs), connect the video
plug and USB plug to the relevant sockets on the computer.
When the ServSwitch Duo IPC and computer are switched on, the
ServSwitch Duo IPC will interact with the converter cable and together they
will pass an appropriate keyboard code to the computer.
Keypress equivalents
The tables given here provide equivalent keypresses on a standard PC (PS/2-
style) keyboard that emulate special keys found on Apple®, Microsoft® or Sun®
keyboards.
Note: To use the Sun® equivalent keypresses, you must rst download the
relevant les from Black Box support.
When used with Sun® workstations, your USB converter needs to report a
keyboard country code to the host computer. Further details about this feature
are available from Black Box support.

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Power supply connection
The ServSwitch Duo IPC is supplied with a single power supply and an
appropriate country-specic IEC power lead. The ServSwitch Duo IPC does
not have an on/off switch so operation begins as soon as the power supply is
connected.
Note: When computers are rst powered on they communicate with any
attached keyboards and mice in order to setup parameters required by their
operating system. It is necessary for the ServSwitch Duo IPC to be attached and
powered on during this sequence so that it can give the required responses
and keep track of all modes and settings requested by each of the connected
computers.
To connect the power supply
1 Connect the low voltage output connector from the power supply unit to
the ServSwitch Duo IPC power socket in the lower left corner of the rear
panel.
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-specic power lead to
the socket of the power supply.
3 Connect the power lead to a nearby mains supply socket.
5V
2A

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COM1
MODEM
COM2
POWER
CONTROL
INDOOR USE ONL
Y
KVM CONSOLE
5V
12
ON
2A
COMPUTER / KVM SWITCH
ServSwitch Duo IPC
Wizard IP
Wizard IP connections
When linking the ServSwitch Duo IPC with one (or two) Wizard IP unit(s), the
latter take the place of one (or both) of the two user port consoles. The Wizard
IP then enables control of the ServSwitch Duo IPC from remote positions.
Where multiple ServSwitch Duo IPC units are cascaded, the Wizard IP should be
connected to the top level ServSwitch Duo IPC.
To connect a Wizard IP
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the ServSwitch Duo IPC and all
computers to be connected.
2 Using a standard KVM cable set (part number: EHN408-00xx - where x is the
length: 05, 10 or 20 feet), connect the plugs at one end of the KVM cable
set to the keyboard, video and mouse sockets at the rear of the Wizard IP,
collectively labelled ‘COMPUTER/KVM SWITCH’.
3 Connect the plugs at the other end of the KVM cable set to the corresponding
sockets, of either of the two USER PORTS, at the rear of the ServSwitch Duo IPC.
4 If required, connect a local keyboard, video monitor and mouse to the three
sockets collectively labelled ‘KVM CONSOLE’ at the rear of the Wizard IP.
5 Connect the plug of a category 5e or 6 cable into the IP port on the front
panel of the Wizard IP.
6 Connect the low voltage output connector from the supplied power supply
unit to the Wizard IP power socket in the lower left corner of its rear panel.
7 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-specic power lead to
the socket of the power supply. Connect the power lead to a nearby main
supply socket.
8 Reconnect the power lead to the ServSwitch Duo IPC.

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3 For each of the remaining switch boxes (if used), use a serial cable with RJ9
connectors at both ends (see Appendix 3 for specication). Connect one
end to the socket marked ‘OUT’ of the previous box and the other end to
the socket marked ‘IN’ of the next box.
4 Set the addressing switches on each switch
box using the two small switches marked
‘Slct’ on the front panel. The box connected
directly to the ServSwitch Duo IPC is Box 1
and so on down the daisy-chain line to Box
4 at the end.
5 Connect IEC to IEC power leads between
each port and the power input socket
of each computer that requires power
switching. Carefully note to which power
ports, on which boxes, each computer is connected. If server systems have
multiple power inputs, then each input must be connected via separate
ports, which can be on the same, or different boxes.
6 Connect each box to a suitable mains power input.
Now proceed to the conguration stage covered in the Power switching
conguration section within the Conguration chapter.
To connect and address the switch boxes
Note: The ServSwitch Duo IPC can be powered on during this procedure,
however, the switch boxes should be switched off.
1 Mount up to four switch boxes in positions where they are close to the
computers that they will control and not too distant from the ServSwitch
Duo IPC (preferably within 8 feet).
2 Use a serial cable with an RJ9 and a 9-pin D-type connector (see Appendix
3 for specication). Connect the RJ9 plug to the socket marked ‘IN’ on the
rst switch box. Connect the other end to the socket marked ‘COM’ on the
ServSwitch Duo IPC.
Box Switch 1 Switch 2
1 Off Off
2 On Off
3 Off On
4 On On
Off = switch upwards
On = switch downwards
Switch 1 is on the left side
Power switching connections
A key feature of the ServSwitch Duo IPC is its ability to remotely control the
power of the computers attached to it. The actual power switching process
requires the use of optional switch boxes, however, the ServSwitch Duo
IPC offers the control port for these switches and the necessary operational
integration within its menu system.
The control connector of the rst power switch is connected, via serial cable,
to the rear panel of the ServSwitch Duo IPC. Any additional power switches are
then connected via a ‘daisy-chain’ arrangement to the rst power switch. Each
power switch box is then given a unique address and access to each power port
(8 ports on each power switch box) is gained using a combination of the switch
box address and the port number.
Each power port can then be connected to the power inputs of each computer
and each power switch box then connected to a mains power supply.
IMPORTANT: Power switching devices have a maximum current rating. It is
essential to ensure that the total current drawn by the equipment connected
to the power switching device does not exceed the current rating of the power
switching device. You must also ensure that the current drawn from any mains
socket does not exceed the current rating of the mains socket.
Setting up, conguring and using power switching requires three main steps:
• Connect and address the switch boxes ð
• Congure the power strings
• Operate remote power switching
8
IN
IN
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
OUT
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
ServSwitch Duo IPC
Power to computer
Box 2, port 6 - address: 26
Box 1
Box 2
Box 3
Box 4
Power
switch
boxes
‘Daisy-chain’
control
connections
COM
5V
2A

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12
®
Cascade connections
Depending on the model, the ServSwitch Duo
IPC supports up to eight or up to sixteen directly
connected computer systems, however, this is
by no means the limit. Thanks to an intelligent
communication system, called Port Direct, many
more computers can be controlled by connecting
other KVM switches to the ServSwitch Duo IPC. The
combination of switches can be arranged up to four
levels deep forming a tree, or cascade arrangement,
with computers situated at any level.
ServSwitch Duo IPC Cascade
level 1
User
1User 2
Cascade
level 2
Cascade
level 3
Cascade
level 4
ServSwitch Duo IPC ServSwitch Duo IPC
ServSwitch Duo IPC ServSwitch Duo IPC ServSwitch Duo IPC
ServSwitch Duo IPC ServSwitch Duo IPC ServSwitch Duo IPCServSwitch Duo IPC ServSwitch Duo IPC

 
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13
®
How cascade connections operate
The method for cascading switching units is straightforward and requires no
hardware settings or lengthy conguration process. This is due to the Port
Direct communication system employed by certain advanced switching products
that allows them to locate each other and share information.
The method of linking switches is the same regardless of the cascade level, or
number of devices attached. Put simply:
• A single cascade link is made by connecting a computer port of one
switch to a user port of the switch below it.
Such a single link would allow just one user from the higher switch to access
any of the computers (or other switches) attached to the lower one. However, a
single link can cause a bottleneck for multi-user systems, so it is commonplace
to make dual cascade links between switches. These allow two users to
simultaneously access computers situated anywhere within the cascade tree.
When dual cascade links are made between switches, each switch will
automatically recognise the dual links and treat them accordingly. The links
within a dual group will then be allocated to users according to their general
availability in that group, not as specic individual lines. To do this, each link
group has an access number, which is determined by the ports to which they are
connected on the switch.
For instance, a dual group connected to computer ports 1 and 2 of a switch
would always be known as 21, the next dual group connected to ports 3 and
4 would always carry the number 22, and so on. The diagram here summarises
the ports to which dual groups must be connected and the resulting group
numbers attained in the positions here ð
The central purpose of the link group system is that each user can use a unique
address to locate a particular computer, however, as with the Internet, the route
to get there could be slightly different each time. This avoids any route blocking
that could easily be caused by other users occupying any specic link lines.
432
16
8
15
7
14
6
13
5
12 11 10 9
1
GROUP
21
GROUP
25
GROUP
26
GROUP
27
GROUP
28
GROUP
22
GROUP
23
GROUP
24
Port boundaries and numbering for dual link groups (model ACR6208A
uses groups 21 to 24 only)
Note: Single links and dual link groups may be mixed on one switch providing
the dual link groups lie within the appropriate port boundaries shown above
- see Tips for successful cascading for more details.

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®
Addressing computers in a cascade
The addressing format used by the switches incorporates the various group
numbers along with a nal specic port number to which a required computer is
attached. In the diagram given here, a portion of the previous cascade diagram
indicates how the routes to particular computers are formed and addressed.
Each cascade level requires two digits, hence the computer marked in red
requires a unique address with eight digits because it is at cascade level 4,
compared to the blue computer at level 2 with its four digit unique address. A
computer connected directly to the ServSwitch Duo IPC at the top level would
simply have a two digit port number.
The group at level 2 is numbered 23 because it is a group of two, connected to
ports 5 and 6 on the ServSwitch Duo IPC. If it was connected to ports 7 and 8,
then the group number would be 24.
If the group at level 3 was connected to ports 15 and 16 of the switch, then the
group number would be 28. This would make the address of the red computer:
21 23 28 02.
To connect switches in a cascade arrangement
Note: This procedure may be carried out in any order but for clarity this instruction
will begin at the higher level switch (here called the upper switch), i.e. the one that is
being fed into by a switch at the cascade level below (here called the lower switch).
The procedure given here remains the same regardless of exactly which cascade
levels are being connected. The basic rule is that each link is made by connecting a
computer port of the upper switch to a user port of the lower switch.
1 Ensure that power is disconnected from the ServSwitch Duo IPC and all
other switches to be connected.
2 For each link, use a standard KVM cable set (part number: EHN408-00xx
- where x is the length: 05, 10 or 20 feet) - use the shortest possible lengths.
3 Connect the plugs at one end of the KVM cable set to the keyboard, video
and mouse sockets of an appropriate Computer port on the rear panel of
the upper switch. Refer to the Group numbering diagram for the correct
link group boundaries.
Group
at cascade
level 1
21
Group
at cascade
level 2
23
Port at
cascade level 2
04
Group
at cascade
level 3
27
The unique address
of this computer is:
The unique address
of this computer is:
Port
at cascade
level 4
02
21 23 27 02
21 23 27 02
21 04
21 04
User
1User
2
ServSwitch Duo IPC
ServSwitch Duo IPC
ServSwitch Duo IPC
ServSwitch Duo IPC
continued

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15
®
4 Connect the plugs at the other end of the KVM cable set to the keyboard,
video and mouse sockets of a User port on the rear panel of the lower
switch. Due to the way in which ports within a dual group are dynamically
allocated, it is not usually important exactly which user port is connected to
each computer port of the upper switch.
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each of the links within the group, adhering to the
Group numbering diagram for the correct link group boundaries on the
computer ports on the upper switch.
Once the switches and computers have been connected, you can edit their
names to make it much easier to locate them. See the To create/edit computer
names section in the Conguration chapter for more details.
Tips for successful cascading
• The maximum number of levels for a cascade is four.
• The number of links between switches determines the number of users that
can simultaneously access the computers situated further down the tree.
• Keep all cascade cables as short as possible to maximise video quality.
• Ensure that dual cascade links (within a group) between switches are
approximately the same length.
• Single links and dual link groups may be mixed on one switch providing
the dual links lie within the appropriate port boundaries designated in the
Group numbering diagram.
Using cascaded computers
In use, cascaded computers can be accessed using exactly the same methods
as for those connected directly to the ServSwitch Duo IPC. However, by far
the easiest way is to use the on screen menu. This is because it displays the
computer names and does not require any knowledge of port addresses, some
of which (as discussed above) can be up to eight digits long. See the Selecting
cascaded computers section in the Operation chapter for more details.
Testing specic links to cascaded computers
As mentioned previously, the best and most efcient way to access cascaded
computers is by using the on screen menu and via non-specic routes through
the link groups. However, during conguration or troubleshooting, it may be
useful to test specic routes to computers in order to verify the various strands
of each link group. By using specic port addresses for each switch, rather than
link group numbers, you can precisely navigate a route through any part of the
system.
To test a specic link
1 Simultaneously press and hold and .
Note: and are the standard hotkeys and can be altered to avoid
clashes with other devices or software. If you change the hotkeys, remember
to use the new ones in place of and when following these
instructions. For ServSwitch Duo IPC and Wizard IP combinations, please see
the extra note below.
2 While still holding and , in sequence, press and release the full
address of the required computer – remember to use specic port numbers,
not link group addresses, e.g. port 01140203.
3 When the last digit has been entered, release all keys.
Hotkey clashes between ServSwitch Duo IPC and Wizard IP
When using the Wizard IP in conjunction with the ServSwitch Duo IPC it may be
necessary to change the standard hotkeys for one of the devices as they both
use and as their standard hotkeys. It is not important which device is
altered, however, ensure that the new setting does not clash with any software
being used on connected computers.

 
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16
®
USER PORTSCOMPUTERPORTS
21
COM
USER PORTSCOMPUTERPORTS
21
COM
Slave ServSwitch Duo IPC
Master ServSwitch Duo IPC
Master monitorSlave monitor
Computers tted
with dual video
heads
Serial
synchronisation
cable
Multiple video head connections
Two or more ServSwitch Duo IPC units can be connected together so that
they operate in a synchronised manner. Synchronised operation is useful for
applications that require multiple video signals to be switched together. This
type of operation is usually required where each computer is tted with multiple
video cards or video cards with multiple video heads. Such congurations are
typically required in banking and engineering applications where greater video
‘real estate’ is required. Whenever the ServSwitch Duo IPC channel is switched
it sends an RS232 command out on its serial interface (marked COM on the
rear panel). The ServSwitch Duo IPC switches its channel if it receives the same
command on its serial interface. Consequently, by linking the serial interfaces,
a master unit may be made to automatically switch one or more slave units as
shown in the diagram.
It should be noted that the synchronisation cable deliberately does not have the
transmit pin of the Slave End connector linked to the receive pin of the Master
End connector. To do so would cause the Slave unit to be able to switch the
Master unit. This would setup an endless cyclical switching sequence that would
prevent the ServSwitch Duo IPC devices from operating correctly. For more
details about the serial synchronisation cables, see Appendix 3.
Ensuring that the serial port is available
The ServSwitch Duo IPC has a single RS232 COM port which is used to send/
receive conguration data, control power switches and synchronise multiple
video head switching. The port can only be used for one of these tasks at any
one time. To use the COM port for multiple video head switching, ensure that
the power control option is disabled.

 
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17
®
HT
Conguration
Almost all conguration and operational aspects of the ServSwitch Duo IPC are
controlled via on-screen menu displays.
Overall initial conguration
When setting up a new ServSwitch Duo IPC installation, the following stages are
recommended:
1 Enable the ‘Security’ option within the Conguration menus.
With security disabled (default setting), all users attached to the ServSwitch
Duo IPC have full and unrestricted access to all computers and all ServSwitch
Duo IPC settings. In larger installations, you are strongly recommended to
enable security and set up individual user accounts with access privileges.
When also using the Wizard IP, its integral security features provide
protection from unauthorised remote users - ensure that its security features
are also enabled (please see the Wizard IP user guide for more details).
2 Create an ADMIN (administration) account password.
The ServSwitch Duo IPC has a xed user account that cannot be deleted,
named ADMIN. This user account is the only one that is able to make
important system changes. If you intend to use security, then it is important
to allocate a password to the ADMIN account.
3 Create user accounts and allocate access rights.
Use the ADMIN account to add user proles, passwords and access rights
for each of the system users.
4 Provide names for computers.
When numerous computers are attached, you are strongly advised to
provide names for each, to assist with recognition.
5 Congure the required ‘Setup Options’ and ‘Global Preferences’
Use the ADMIN account to determine key ServSwitch Duo IPC settings and
timing characteristics.
After all of the above steps are completed, the ServSwitch Duo IPC should be
fully congured.
In a hurry?
• If you don’t need security (not recommended), skip
steps 1, 2 and 3.
• If you don’t need computer names, skip step 4
These steps can be completed at a later date.
When used with an Wizard IP
• Ensure that security is enabled, follow steps 1
and 2.
• Unless a locally connected user is required to access
the computers, you do not need to create user
accounts or provide names for computers - all of
this should be carried out on the Wizard IP, skip
steps 3 and 4.
• Unless a locally connected user is required to access
the computers, you do not need to congure Setup
Options or Global Preferences, skip step 5.

 
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18
®
Conguration menus
The conguration menus allow you to determine many aspects of the
ServSwitch Duo IPC capabilities. From here you can:
• Create individual user accounts and determine access rights,
• Provide names for all connected computers to allow quick recognition,
• Set individual and global settings for users,
• Run various functions, such as mouse restore operation,
• Save and load ServSwitch Duo IPC conguration settings, and more.
To access the Conguration menu
1 If the main menu is not already displayed, press and hold and then
press using a keyboard attached to a ServSwitch Duo IPC user port.
The main menu will be displayed:
SERVSWITCH DUO IPC
Configuration Menu
Functions
Routing status
User Preferences
Global Preferences
Setup Options
Edit Computer List
Edit User List
Edit Autoscan List
Enter-Select
F1-More menus
Esc-Quit
Firmware Version 2.08
SERVSWITCH DUO IPC
Computer Port
Computer 1 01
Computer 2 02
Computer 3 03
Computer 4 04
Computer 5 05
Computer 6 06
Computer 7 07
Computer 8 08
User port 1 Status
ADMIN SHARED USE
F1-More menus F3-Find
Esc-Quit F4-Logout
Default names for
each computer port
Assistance for
keypress options
Your Login name
Connection status
of this user port
Identication of
this user port
Port numbers
Hotkey clashes between ServSwitch Duo IPC and Wizard IP
When using the Wizard IP in conjunction with the ServSwitch Duo IPC
it may be necessary to change the standard hotkeys for one of the
devices as they both use and as their standard hotkeys. It is
not important which device is altered, however, ensure that the new
setting does not clash with any software being used on connected
systems.
Whereas ServSwitch Duo IPC uses the hotkeys plus to access its
menu, the Wizard IP uses the hotkeys plus to summon its menu:
2 Press To display the Conguration Menu:
3 Use the and keys to highlight an option, then press to select.
Hotkeys
Note: and are the standard hotkeys and can be altered to
avoid clashes with other devices or software - in particular, the Wizard
IP device when it is used alongside (see below). If you change the
hotkeys, remember to use the new ones in place of and when
following the instructions in this guide.
Security
Note: If the security option has been
enabled, you will be asked for a valid
user name and password before the
main menu can be displayed (user
names and passwords are not case sensitive).
IMPORTANT: When supplied, ServSwitch Duo IPC has its security
features disabled, which means that any attached users have access
to all connected computers and all ServSwitch Duo IPC settings.
You are strongly recommended to enable the ‘Security’ feature
and set an access password for the ADMIN account.
ServSwitch Wizard IP Control
Shared
Email server
Access Mode
Host
Restore Mouse Functions
Return To Host
Configuration
Logoff
ServSwitch Wizard IP Logon
Username:
Password:
Wizard IP: What you will see if you
press the hotkeys plus C if security is
enabled ò and if it is not ð
SERVSWITCH DUO IPC
User Name:
Password:
Port 1 login Esc-Scr Save

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
19
®
Configuration Menu Functions
(F1) Advanced Options
User Preferences
Routing status
Global Preferences
Setup Options
Edit Computer List
Edit User List
Edit Autoscan List
Restore Standard Mouse
Restore Intellimouse
Power Control
Reset to Factory Defaults
Send Data to RS232 port
Read Data from RS232 port
DDC Options
Power Control
OSD Colour
Reminder Banner
Reminder Colour
Screen Saver Type
Confirmation Box
Mouse Switching
Screen Saver
Autoscan Mode
Autoscan Period
OSD Dwell Time
User Timeout
RS232 Mouse Type
Mouse Type
Security
Language
Hotkeys
Keypad Controls
Exclusive Use
Automatic Logout
Conguration menus layout
The menu options are arranged as shown here:
For a description of each option within the Conguration menus, see
Appendix 1 for more details.
To enable security
1 Display the Conguration menu.
2 Highlight ‘Setup Options’ and press .
3 Highlight ‘Security’ and press to select ‘ENABLED’.
4 Now create a new password for the ADMIN user account.
To set an ADMIN password
1 Display the Conguration menu.
2 Highlight ‘Edit User List’ and press .
3 Highlight ‘ADMIN’ and press . Press again to accept the name
‘ADMIN’ without change.
4 Enter an appropriate password for the ADMIN user account with regard to
the following:
• The password can be up to 12 characters long.
• The password can use letters, numerals and/or certain punctuation
marks.
• The password is not case sensitive.
5 Press . The ‘Edit Access Rights’ menu will be displayed. However, as the
ADMIN account always has access to all computers, press again to save
the new password.
What to do if the ADMIN password has been forgotten.
To change the hotkeys
When using the Wizard IP in conjunction with the ServSwitch Duo IPC it will be
necessary to change the standard hotkeys for one of the devices. They both use
and as their standard hotkeys, so only the rst one in the chain (usually
the Wizard IP) will respond to your requests. It is not important which device is
altered, however, ensure that the new setting does not clash with any software
being used on connected computers. The procedure shown here will change
the ServSwitch Duo IPC hotkeys, to alter the Wizard IP hotkeys, please see the
Wizard IP user guide.
1 Display the Conguration menu.
2 Highlight ‘Setup Options’ and press .
3 Highlight ‘Hotkeys’ and press to select the required hotkey
combination. The options are: CRTL+ALT, CTRL+SHIFT, ALT+SHIFT, ALT
GR, LEFT ALT+RIGHT ALT, LEFT CTRL+LEFT ALT, RIGHT CTRL+RIGHT ALT or
DISABLED.
4 Press to return to the ‘Conguration Menu’.