Black Box ServSwitch SW627A-R2 User manual

APRIL 2001
SW627A-R2
SW628A-R2
1234
STATUS
RESET
PC Mac
1234
FREE tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone].
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
© Copyright 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Support Information:

1
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX®ServSwitch™Brand KVM switch! We
appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your
new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch will save you money, time, and
effort.
That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the
traditional, expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-size-
fits-all-even-if-it-doesn’t model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no
more, no less.” Why not a single user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for
multiple computers—even computers of different platforms? Why not a pair of
user stations, each of which can control multiple computers? Why not multiple
user stations for the same computer?
With our ServSwitch products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line
of robust solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need
an economical alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your
desk? Or do you need to share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM®PC,
RS/6000®, Apple®Macintosh®, Sun Microsystems®, and SGI®compatibles among
multiple users with different access levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a
worktable and use regular everyday cables? Or does it have to be mounted in an
equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables? No matter how large or
small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re confident we
have a ServSwitch system that’s just right for you.
The ServSwitch™family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVM-
switching needs!
*
This manual will tell you all about your new ServSwitch™ Jr. MP unit, including
how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the
ServSwitch Jr. MP unit itself, see Chapter 2. The ServSwitch Jr. MP product codes
covered in this manual are:
SW627A-R2
SW628A-R2

2
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch,
ServSwitch Jr., and ServSwitch Jr. MP are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks, and G3 and G4 are
trademarks, of Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and
PC/XT is a trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and IntelliMouse are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Sun Microsystems is a registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the
United States and other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

3
FCC/IC STATEMENTS
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 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 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.

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

5
NOM STATEMENT
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.

6
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 8
2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 10
2.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 10
2.2 Operating Features ........................................................................... 10
2.3 The Front Panel ................................................................................ 12
2.4 The Rear Panel .................................................................................. 13
2.5 Cable Requirements ......................................................................... 14
2.6 Equipment Requirements ................................................................ 14
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 15
3.1 Rackmounting (Optional) ............................................................... 15
3.2 Connecting the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse ............................ 15
3.3 Connecting the CPUs ....................................................................... 16
3.4 Powering Up the System ................................................................... 17
3.5 Switching from the Keyboard ........................................................... 17
4. Operation ................................................................................................. 18
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch Jr. MP with
Your Equipment ........................................................................... 18
4.1.1 CPUs ........................................................................................ 18
4.1.2 Mouse and Keyboard .............................................................. 18
4.1.3 Monitor .................................................................................... 20
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary ........................................................ 23
4.3 The Commands in Detail ................................................................. 25
4.3.1 Selecting a Port from the Shared Keyboard ......................... 25
4.3.2 Switching to the Next or Previous Port ............................... 25
4.3.3 Scan Mode ............................................................................. 25
4.3.4 Reset ...................................................................................... 25
4.3.5 Send Null Byte (PC CPUs with PS/2 Mouse Ports Only) ... 26
4.3.6 Identify ROM ........................................................................ 26
4.3.7 Keep Settings ......................................................................... 26
4.3.8 Set Maximum Ports (SW628A-R2 Only) .............................. 27
4.3.9 Set Scan-Delay Time ............................................................. 27
4.3.10 Set Keyboard Mode (PC CPUs Only) .................................. 27
4.3.11 Set Keyboard Typematic ....................................................... 29
4.3.12 Set Apple Emulation ............................................................ 31
4.3.13 Set Mouse Translation (PC CPUs with
Serial Mouse Ports Only) ................................................ 33

7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
5. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 34
5.1 Restoring Factory-Default Settings ................................................... 34
5.2 Common Problems ........................................................................... 35
5.2.1 CPU Doesn’t Boot ................................................................. 35
5.2.2 Can’t Switch Ports from Keyboard ....................................... 36
5.2.3 Typed Characters Wrong or Missing (PC CPUs Only) ...... 36
5.2.4 Can’t Switch/Scan to Certain Ports
(SW628A-R2 Only) .......................................................... 36
5.2.5 ServSwitch Jr. MP Scans or Switches to Empty Ports
(SW628A-R2 Only) .......................................................... 36
5.2.6 Mouse Driver Doesn’t Load ................................................. 37
5.2.7 Can’t Access Mouse Functions ............................................. 37
5.2.8 PS/2 Mouse Gets Out of Sync (PC CPUs with
PS/2 Mouse Ports Only) ................................................... 37
5.2.9 Mouse Doesn’t Move Pointer/Cursor ................................. 38
5.2.10 Display is Fuzzy ...................................................................... 38
5.2.11 Video Not Synchronized or Wrong Color ........................... 38
5.2.12 Can’t Access High-Resolution Mode (PC CPUs Only) ....... 39
5.2.13 CPUs Lock Up When Windows 3.x Loaded ........................ 39
5.2.14 ServSwitch Jr. MP Doesn’t Work with Docking Station ...... 39
5.2.15 ServSwitch Jr. MP Doesn’t Work with
Dongle-Protected Software .............................................. 39
5.2.16 ServSwitch Jr. MP Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad ........ 39
5.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 40
5.4 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 40
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 41
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 42
Appendix C: Rackmounting the ServSwitch Jr. MP ...................................... 44

8
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
1. Specifications
Compliance — FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A
Standards — With original Serv cabling: VGA (color or monochrome/
page white) and Apple Macintosh video;
With original Serv cabling (minimal) or coaxial cabling
(recommended): SVGA video;
With coaxial cabling: XGA (color or monochrome) and
Apple Macintosh video
Interfaces — VGA/SVGA/XGA (to monitor);
PS/2 keyboard and mouse;
PC port(s):
Proprietary composite of IBM PC/AT or PS/2
keyboard, RS-232 or PS/2 mouse, and VGA/SVGA/
XGA video;
MAC port(s):
Proprietary composite of Apple Macintosh keyboard,
mouse, and video
Resolution — With original Serv cabling: Up to 1024 x 768
noninterlaced;
With coaxial cabling: Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced
Refresh Rate — Up to 100 Hz
Maximum
Distance — Depending on the CPU, monitor, and video resolution
(see Section 4.1.3), either:
20 ft. (6.1 m) of original Serv cable from the
ServSwitch Jr. MP to any CPU; or
20 ft. (6.1 m) of coaxial cable—possibly as much as
100 ft. (30.5 m) depending on CPUs—from any
ServSwitch Jr. MP to any device attached to it
User Controls — Keyboard commands;
Front-mounted membrane switches:
Both models: (1) for resetting the Switch;
SW627A-R2: (2) for port selection;
SW628A-R2: (4) for port selection

9
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Indicators — Both models: (1) for Switch’s power status;
SW627A-R2: (2) for port status;
SW628A-R2: (4) for port status
Connectors — All rear-mounted;
Both models:
(1) HD15 female for VGA monitor;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female:
(1) for PS/2 keyboard, (1) for PS/2 mouse;
SW627A-R2: (2) numbered DB25 female for CPUs;
SW628A-R2: (4) numbered DB25 female for CPUs,
(1) 3.5-mm barrel jack for power
Maximum
Altitude — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance — 32 to 131˚F (0 to 55˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance — 5 to 80% noncondensing
Enclosure — Steel
Power — 5 VDC at up to 1 A, either from the keyboard-power
leads of the attached computers or from the included
PS255 external power supply:
Input: 115 to 230 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz from utility-
power (mains) outlet through detachable input cord
and IEC 320 male inlet on transformer
Size — 1.75"H (1U) x 8.8"W x 3.5"D (4.4 x 22.4 x 8.9 cm)
Weight — Net: 3 lb. (1.4 kg); Shipping: 4 lb. (1.8 kg)

10
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch Jr.™ MP. Designed with your needs in mind,
your new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-
computer application. Because the ServSwitch Jr. MP lets you use a single
keyboard, monitor, and mouse to access one or two IBM®PC compatible
computers and one or two Apple®Macintosh®compatible computers, you can
significantly reduce your equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor
clutter.
This chapter describes everything that comes with the Switch, the external and
operating features of the Switch, and the cabling you’ll need for the Switch.
2.1 The Complete Package
Your ServSwitch Jr. MP package includes the ServSwitch Jr. MP, its power supply,
and this manual. If anything arrived damaged, contact Black Box.
2.2 Operating Features
• With the 2-port model (SW627A-R2), you can access one IBM PC compatible
CPU and one Apple Mac®compatible CPU with one keyboard, monitor, and
mouse. With the 4-port model, you can access two of each.
• Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching.
• Supports all modes of PS/2®compatible keyboards.
• Remaps the keys of the IBM keyboard to support all Apple keyboard functions.
• Mouse can be any 2-button PS/2 type by Microsoft®or Logitech™, including a
PS/2 “wheel mouse” such as the Microsoft IntelliMouse®.
• Simultaneously supports IBM type CPUs with either PS/2 or RS-232 mouse
ports.
• Support SVGA and color or monochrome XGA or VGA video at resolutions up
to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced, at refresh rates up to 100 Hz (although all video
types except VGA require coaxial or special cables).
• Support Mac video at 640 x 480 resolution; many other resolutions and several
sync options are available if you attach a Mac Adapter for ServSwitch (our
product code KV99MA).

11
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• If your application is not very demanding, the Switch can operate using only a
portion of the attached computers’ keyboard power. For higher-level
applications, an external power supply is included.
• You can select the desired CPU from your keyboard or from the Switch’s front
panel.
• Front-panel LEDs show which CPU is selected.
• The units remember and restore Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and
keyboard mode for each CPU.
• Scan function can sequence between CPUs every 1 to 15 seconds.
• Screen-save function can turn off video after 1 to 999 seconds of inactivity.
• You can program the keyboard’s typematic rate and delay.
• Custom settings for each CPU can be saved in nonvolatile memory.
• Rackmount kits are also available.

12
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
2.3 The Front Panel
The ServSwitch Jr. MP’s front panel features three or five membrane switches and
the same number of LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and
indicators, refer to Figure 2-1 and the descriptions that follow.
Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 4-port ServSwitch Jr. MP (SW628A-R2).
STATUS Status LED: Lights to indicate that the Switch is powered ON.
LEDs 1, 2, 3, 4 Port-Selection LEDs: Light if the corresponding port is
currently selected.
RESET Reset Switch: Press to reset the Switch and reinitialize the
shared keyboard and mouse; also used to restore the Switch to
its factory-default state.
Switches 1, 2, 3, 4 Port-Selection Switches: Press to select the corresponding CPU
port.
NOTE
On the 2-port (SW627A-R2) model, LED 1 and switch 1 are for the PC
CPU, LED 2 and switch 2 are for the Mac CPU. On the 4-port
(SW628A-R2) model, LEDs 1 and 2 and switches 1 and 2 are for the PC
CPUs, LEDs 3 and 4 and switches 3 and 4 are for the Mac CPUs.
Mac
43
PC
21
RESET
1234STATUS

13
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the ServSwitch Jr. MP’s rear panel, as illustrated
(in Figure 2-2) and described below.
Figure 2-2. The rear panel of a 4-port ServSwitch Jr. MP (SW628A-R2).
Panel Label Connector Description
Ports 1, 2, 3, 4* DB25 F Connect the sharing computers to these ports with
special CPU Cables. At the Switch end, these cables
have a DB25 male connector; at the other ends,
they have appropriate connectors to plug into your
CPUs’ video, keyboard, and (on PC CPUs) mouse
ports. These cables take the signals that would
normally pass between the CPUs’ ports and the
monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and carry them
between the CPUs’ ports and the ServSwitch Jr. MP
instead.
* On the 2-port (SW627A-R2) model, port 1 is for the PC CPU, port 2 is for the Mac
CPU. On the 4-port (SW628A-R2) model, ports 1 and 2 are for the PC CPUs,
ports 3 and 4 are for the Mac CPUs.
(VGA HD15 F Attach the shared monitor’s video cable directly to
MONITOR) this port.
(PS/2 6-pin mini- Attach the shared PS/2 type (regular or wheel)
MOUSE) DIN F mouse directly to this port.
(PS/2 6-pin mini- Attach the shared PS/2 type keyboard, attach it
KEYBOARD) DIN F directly to this port.
[None] 3.5-mm Attach the power supply’s output cord to this jack.
barrel jack
1
3
2
4

14
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
2.5 Cable Requirements
Many switches of this type have what seems like ten million connectors on their
rear panels: one for each CPU’s video cable, one for each keyboard cable, and a
third for each mouse cable. The potential for tangling or mismatching cables is
high.
By contrast, you can connect the ServSwitch Jr. MP to your CPUs with one CPU
Cable for each CPU. This single cable reaches the CPU’s video-output, keyboard,
and (on PC CPUs) mouse ports.
The exact variety or varieties of this cable that you’ll need will depend on the
equipment you are connecting for your application. Refer to Appendix B for the
available types of this cable and the corresponding product codes. Also refer to
Chapter 1 or the first Caution notice in Section 3.3 for information about
maximum cabling distances.
Finally, you can plug the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly into the
ServSwitch Jr. MP.
2.6 Equipment Requirements
You will have to be careful to choose a common monitor, keyboard, and mouse
that adequately support all of your CPUs. For full details, see Section 4.1.

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Rackmounting (Optional)
If you want to mount the ServSwitch Jr. MP in a 19", 23", or 24" rack, you will need
a ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit (our product code RMK19M, RMK23M, or
RMK24M respectively). The Switch is pre-drilled to accept the Kit’s rackmounting
screws. See Appendix C for more information.
3.2 Connecting the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse
CAUTION!
Make sure that the monitor, keyboard, and mouse you plan to use can
meet the demands of your application—see Section 4.1. Also, note that
the ServSwitch Jr. MP does not support most dongles.
1. After you verify that the ServSwitch Jr. MP is powered OFF, plug the HD15
male connector of the video cable from your monitor into the HD15 female
port on the ServSwitch Jr. MP’s rear panel that’s labeled with the monitor
icon ( ).
2. Plug the 6-pin mini-DIN male connector of your PS/2 type keyboard’s cable
into the 6-pin mini-DIN female port on the ServSwitch Jr. MP’s rear panel
that’s labeled with the keyboard icon ( ).
3. Plug the 6-pin mini-DIN male connector of your regular PS/2 or PS/2 wheel
type mouse’s cable into the 6-pin mini-DIN female port on the ServSwitch Jr.
MP’s rear panel that’s labeled with the mouse icon ( ).

16
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
3.3 Connecting the CPUs
CPU Cables run from the ServSwitch Jr. MP to the keyboard port, video-output
port, and (on PC CPUs) mouse port of each CPU you want to directly attach to it.
Different types of this cable fit the connectors on different computers (see
Appendix B). This cable also comes in the different lengths supported by different
applications (see Section 4.1.3).
CAUTION!
Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. Total length
of original Serv cable from a ServSwitch Jr. to any given CPU should not
exceed 20 feet (6.1 m). For typical equipment and video resolutions,
length of coaxial cable should not exceed 20 ft. (6.1 m) from a
ServSwitch Jr. MP to any attached device (keyboard, monitor, mouse, or
CPU). However, we do provide coaxial cable in lengths up to 100 ft.
(30.5 m), because some CPUs can drive and receive keyboard and
mouse signals at greater distances than others. To go even farther, you
might want to use Station Extenders or CAT5 KVM Extenders. See
Appendix B.
1A. SW627A-R2: After you verify that the ServSwitch Jr. MP is powered OFF, plug
the DB25 male composite connector of the PC CPU’s CPU Cable into the
port labeled “1” on the Switch’s rear panel. Plug the CPU Cable you’re
running to the Mac CPU into the port labeled “2”.
1B. SW628A-R2: After you verify that the ServSwitch Jr. MP is powered OFF, plug
the DB25 male composite connector of the first PC CPU’s CPU Cable into the
port labeled “1” on the Switch’s rear panel. Plug the CPU Cable you’re
running to the first Mac CPU into the port labeled “3”. If you’re using a
second PC, plug the third CPU Cable into the port labeled “2”; if you’re using
a second Mac, plug the fourth CPU Cable into the port labeled “4”.
2. Plug each CPU Cable’s video-, keyboard-, and mouse-port connectors into the
corresponding ports on the CPU. The CPU should be OFF when you do this;
the Switch will automatically adjust to the CPU’s keyboard mode when you
power up the CPU. Avoid plugging CPUs into the Switch if they are already
ON; if you accidentally do so, see Section 4.3.10 to make sure the Switch is set
for the proper keyboard mode.
NOTE
Newer G3™, G4™, and similar Mac computers have HD15 VGA ports
rather than traditional DB15 Mac video ports. If you have such a CPU
with ADB (legacy) keyboard and mouse ports, you’ll need to use a Mac
Gx type cable (EHN550 or EHN560) to connect it to a Mac port on a
ServSwitch Jr. MP. If your G3 or G4 type CPU has USB keyboard and
mouse ports instead, call Black Box for technical support.

17
CHAPTER 3: Installation
CAUTION!
Do not attach docking stations for older models of the ThinkPad®or
other portable computers to the ServSwitch Jr. MP. The Switch
currently
supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data, but older
ThinkPad models have to see “prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse
data. Some newer docking stations and some newer ThinkPad models
might work with the Switch, but determining whether a particular unit will
do so will probably require trial and error.
3.4 Powering Up the System
To connect the power supply, first insert the plug of the power supply’s output
cord into the 3.5-mm barrel jack on the rear panel of the ServSwitch Jr. MP. Then
plug the IEC 320 female outlet on one end of the power supply’s detachable input
cord into the IEC 320 male inlet on the supply’s transformer. Finally, insert the
country-specific plug at the other end of the input cord into a working utility-
power (mains) outlet. The Switch will begin operating immediately; it has no
ON/OFF switch.
Now power up the connected CPUs one by one, giving each one time to boot
completely before turning ON the next one. (If you’re not using the power supply,
the ServSwitch Jr. MP itself will begin operating as soon as you turn ON the first
CPU; it will get its power from the CPUs and has no ON/OFF switch.) To boot a
Mac using a 101- or 102-key PC keyboard, first boot an attached PC, then select the
CPU port of the Mac, then press the right Control ([CTRL]) key (see
Section 4.3.12 for a full list of remapped keyboard keys). The Switch emulates all
keyboard and mouse functions for automatic boot-up, although you might have to
issue the Mode command Mn(see Section 4.3.10) to get proper keyboard
communication with your PC CPU(s).
3.5 Switching from the Keyboard
Your ServSwitch Jr. MP is now ready for operation using its default settings. To take
full advantage of the Switch’s features, refer to Chapter 4, which gives detailed
information about each of the Switch commands, describing each command’s
function and keystroke sequence. For your convenience, this information is
summarized in Section 4.2. To begin switching immediately, however, just press
and release your keyboard’s left Control ([CTRL]) key, then—within the next two
seconds—type in your desired port number with the regular number keys (not the
numeric keypad).

18
SERVSWITCH™ JR. MP
4. Operation
The first part of this chapter, Section 4.1, gives you some guidelines that you
should follow to make sure your ServSwitch Jr. MP works properly with your
equipment.
Section 4.2 summarizes the ServSwitch Jr. MP’s keyboard commands, and
Section 4.3 describes these commands in detail.
NOTES
To start any ServSwitch Jr. MP keyboard command, you must press and
release the left Control Key ([CTRL]). Pressing and releasing [CTRL]
cues the Switch to expect command characters from the keyboard. You
then have two seconds in which to start entering a valid command. If no
command is begun within two seconds or if an invalid command is
entered, the Switch aborts the command.
When entering commands that contain numbers or math symbols, use
only the numeral keys located at the top of your alphanumeric keyboard.
Numbers and symbols entered from the numeric keypad to the right will
not be recognized as valid.
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch Jr. MP with Your Equipment
4.1.1 CPU S
Use only IBM PC/AT or PS/2 or 100% compatible machines on the PC side. The
ServSwitch Jr. MP does not support IBM PC/XT™ or compatible machines. It also
does not support machines that output CGA or EGA video.
4.1.2 M OUSE AND K EYBOARD
When you power up your ServSwitch Jr. MP system, make sure that your CPUs,
mice, and keyboards are properly cabled to the ServSwitch Jr. MP. When you boot
up the CPUs, the ServSwitch Jr. MP should start operating automatically. (You
should be able to freely disconnect and reconnect a mouse or keyboard from a
ServSwitch Jr. MP while the Switch is ON, but if you experience problems when
you do this, issue the Reset command [CTRL] R—see Section 4.3.4.)
The mouse must be a 2-button PS/2 type mouse by Microsoft or Logitech™, or a
3-button or “wheel” PS/2 mouse such as the Microsoft
IntelliMouse.
The ServSwitch Jr. MP is designed to support IBM PS/2 compatible 101- through
105-key keyboards and IBM keyboard-scan modes 1, 2, and 3, and it’s designed to
work with keyboards that use 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard connectors. The Switch

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CHAPTER 4: Operation
might not work properly with keyboards that have proprietary keys or connectors
or use proprietary keyboard-scan modes.
Standard PC keyboards have between 101 and 105 keys. In order to reproduce
all of the functions of the Apple keyboard, which has 105 keys (not all the same as
those on the 105-key PC keyboard), we have “mapped” several of
the special Apple
keys to other keys on the PC keyboard. You can select any of three different mapping
options; see Section 4.3.12 for a full rundown.
Other concerns:
• Because the ServSwitch Jr. MP currently only supports “stream mode”
(continuous) mouse data but older IBM ThinkPad models have to handle
mouse data in “prompt mode” (burst-on-request), don’t try to attach any older
ThinkPad computers to the Switch, either directly or through docking stations.
Some newer models should work with the Switch, but there’s no good way to
tell other than by trial and error. (You can’t damage your equipment by
trying—if you have the wrong kind of ThinkPad, it just won’t work.)
• Make sure that the IBM PC CPU(s) use only the generic Microsoft mouse
driver MOUSE.COM, version 4.0 at least and preferably version 9.01 or higher. If
you’re running Windows®3.x, this driver must be loaded in Windows as well as
in the base operating system. On PCs, do not run any programs or TSRs, or
enter any DOS commands, that change the settings of the mouse port after the
driver has been loaded.
• When you first switch between CPUs, especially from the PC CPU to a Mac
CPU or vice versa, you might notice wide variations in mouse sensitivity (how
far or fast the mouse moves) from CPU to CPU. This is normal. Both the PC
and Apple platforms have ways to adjust the sensitivity of the mouse. (This is
usually handled through some kind of software “control panel,” but the
specifics vary depending on the operating system and—in IBM applications—
on the mouse driver.) To optimize mouse movement, adjust the sensitivity on
each CPU according to your individual preference.
• Although the ServSwitch Jr. MP resists minor transient surges that can be
caused by rapidly cycling power, certain keyboards are sensitive to such
transients. Because your shared keyboard’s power comes through the Switch,
wait at least three seconds after powering down the Switch before powering it
up again, or the keyboard might not reset correctly.