Black Box SERVSWITCH SW725A-R4 User manual

1
WELCOME TO THE SERVSWITCH FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitch 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 unit, including how to
install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSwitch, see
Chapter 2. The ServSwitch product codes covered in this manual are:
SW721A-R4 SW725A-R4
SW722A-R4 KV3104MA-R4
SW723A-R4 KV3108SA-R4
SW724A-R4
This manual also includes information about the accessories with these product
codes (each comes with its own installation guide if ordered separately):
KV5100C RMK23B
RMK19M RMK23C
RMK19B RMK24M
RMK19C RMK24B
RMK23M RMK24C

2
SERVSWITCH
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX is a registered trademark, and ServSwitch is a trademark, of Black
Box Corporation.
Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Compaq is a registered trademark, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer
Corporation.
ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.™
AT, IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and
PC/XT is a trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation.
Logitech is a trademark of Logitech, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, HyperTerminal, IntelliMouse, and Windows NT are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the
United States and other countries.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

3
FCC AND IC RFI 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 B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct
the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

4
SERVSWITCH
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
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10
2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 13
2.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 13
2.2 Operating Features ........................................................................... 13
2.3 The Front Panel ................................................................................ 15
2.4 The Rear Panel .................................................................................. 17
2.5 Cable Requirements ......................................................................... 20
2.6 Equipment Requirements ................................................................ 20
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 21
3.1 Quick Setup Guide ........................................................................... 21
3.2 Installation Procedure ...................................................................... 22
3.2.1 Rackmounting (Optional) .................................................... 22
3.2.2 Connecting the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse ................ 22
3.2.3 Connecting CPUs .................................................................. 23
3.2.4 Connecting Submasters (Optional) ..................................... 24
3.2.5 Powering Up the System ....................................................... 25
3.2.6
Changing the Keyboard Setting of Windows NT 4.0 CPUs ... 26
3.2.7 Switching from the Keyboard ............................................... 26
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems ..................................................... 27
3.3.1 Cable Requirements for Expansion ..................................... 28
3.3.2 Installing a Cascade ............................................................... 28
4. Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands .................................. 33
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch with Your Equipment ........... 33
4.1.1 CPUs ....................................................................................... 33
4.1.2 Mouse and Keyboard ............................................................ 34
4.1.3 Monitor .................................................................................. 35
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary ........................................................ 38
4.3 The Commands in Detail ................................................................. 40
4.3.1 Selecting a Port from the Shared Keyboard ......................... 40
4.3.2 Switching to the Next or Previous Port ................................ 40
4.3.3 Scan Mode ............................................................................. 41
4.3.4 Keep Settings ......................................................................... 41
4.3.5 Set Screen-Saver Interval ...................................................... 41
4.3.6 Reset ....................................................................................... 42
4.3.7 Send Null Byte (PS/2 Type Mice Only) .............................. 43
4.3.8 Identify ROM ......................................................................... 43
4.3.9 Display Label .......................................................................... 44
4.3.10 Activate On-Screen Menus ................................................... 44
4.3.11 Activate Select Window ......................................................... 44
4.3.12 Log Out .................................................................................. 44

7
CONTENTS
Chapter Page
4.4 Using the RS-232 Port ....................................................................... 45
4.4.1 Connecting Equipment to the Port ..................................... 45
4.4.2 Switching Ports Remotely (Optional) .................................. 46
4.4.3 Upgrading the Firmware (Flash Memory) .......................... 47
4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with
Terminal-Emulation Software ........................................... 47
4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with
the DOS COPY Command ................................................ 49
5. Operation: On-Screen Display ................................................................ 51
5.1 Overview ............................................................................................ 51
5.1.1 The Main Menu ..................................................................... 51
5.1.2 Navigating the Configuration Pages .................................... 52
5.1.3 Saving Changes Made with the On-Screen Display ............. 52
5.2 The “Configure System” Page .......................................................... 53
5.2.1 Configure System: Keyboard ................................................ 53
5.2.2 Configure System: Mouse ..................................................... 54
5.2.3 Configure System: Maximum Computers ........................... 56
5.2.4 Configure System: Expansion Units .................................... 57
5.2.5 Configure System: Expansion Width ................................... 57
5.2.6 Configure System: Scan Time .............................................. 58
5.2.7 Configure System: Scan Mode .............................................. 58
5.2.8 Configure System: Power-On Scan ....................................... 58
5.2.9 Configure System: Typematic Rate ....................................... 58
5.2.10 Configure System: Typematic Delay .................................... 59
5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page ................................................... 60
5.3.1 Configure Computers: Computer Name ............................. 61
5.3.2 Configure Computers: Keyboard ......................................... 62
5.3.3 Configure Computers: Mouse .............................................. 63
5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page ......................................................... 64
5.4.1 Configure Overlay: Miscellaneous ....................................... 64
5.4.1.A Color Scheme .......................................................... 64
5.4.1.B Resolution ................................................................ 65
5.4.1.C Screen Saver ............................................................. 65
5.4.1.D Screen-Saver Time ................................................... 65
5.4.2 Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window .................... 66
5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 66
5.4.2.B Position ..................................................................... 66
5.4.3 Configure Overlay: Computer Label ................................... 67
5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 67
5.4.3.B Position ..................................................................... 67
5.4.3.C Show Computer Number ........................................ 67
5.4.3.D Fade Out .................................................................. 68
5.4.3.E Font ........................................................................... 68

8
SERVSWITCH
Contents (continued)
Chapter Page
5. Operation: On-Screen Display (continued)
5.5 The “Configure Security” Page ........................................................ 69
5.5.1 The Configuration Password ................................................ 69
5.5.2 The Access Password ............................................................. 69
5.5.3 The Access Timeout ................................................................70
5.5.4 Setting the Passwords ............................................................ 70
5.6 The “Computer Select Window” ...................................................... 71
6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 72
6.1 Restoring Factory-Default Settings ................................................... 72
6.2 Common Problems ........................................................................... 73
6.2.1 CPU Doesn’t Boot ................................................................. 73
6.2.2 Can’t Switch Ports from Keyboard ....................................... 74
6.2.3 Typed Characters Wrong or Missing ................................... 74
6.2.4 Can’t Switch or Scan to Certain Ports .................................. 74
6.2.5 ServSwitch Scans or Switches to Empty Ports ...................... 75
6.2.6 Mouse Driver Doesn’t Load ................................................. 75
6.2.7 Can’t Access Mouse Functions ............................................. 75
6.2.8 PS/2 Mouse Gets Out of Sync .............................................. 75
6.2.9 Mouse Doesn’t Move Pointer/Cursor ................................. 76
6.2.10 Display is Fuzzy ...................................................................... 76
6.2.11 Video Not Synchronized or Wrong Color ........................... 76
6.2.12 Can’t Access High-Resolution Mode .................................... 77
6.2.13 On-Screen Display Not Synchronized .................................. 77
6.2.14 CPUs Lock Up When Windows 3.x Loaded ........................ 77
6.2.15 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Docking Station .................. 77
6.2.16 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with
Dongle-Protected Software ............................................................ 78
6.2.17 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad .................... 78
6.2.18 Lost Password ........................................................................ 78
6.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 78
6.4 Shipping and Packaging .................................................................. 78

9
CONTENTS
Chapter Page
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 79
A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings ........................................................... 79
A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings ................................................... 80
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 82
Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ............................................................... 84
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard ............................................................... 85
Appendix E: Rackmounting the ServSwitch ................................................. 86

10
SERVSWITCH
1. Specifications
Hardware
Required: Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video
standard (see Section 4.1.1)
Compliance: CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, IC Class/classe A
Standards: With original Serv cabling: VGA (color or monochrome/
page white) video;
With original Serv cabling (minimal) or coaxial cabling
(recommended): SVGA video;
With coaxial cabling: XGA (color or monochrome),
RS/6000, or SGI video
Resolution:
With original Serv cabling: Up to 1024 x 768 noninterlaced;
With coaxial cabling: Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced;
Refer to Section 4.1.3
Refresh Rate: Up to 100 Hz
Protocol: RS-232: Asynchronous
Data Format: RS-232: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity (fixed)
Data Rate: RS-232: 9600 or (for firmware update only) 57,600 bps
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 any
ServSwitch to any device attached to it, with not
more than 40 ft. (12.2 m) of total original Serv
cable between any CPU and any user station; or
20 ft. (6.1 m) of coaxial cable—possibly as much as
100 ft. (30.5 m), depending on CPUs—from any
ServSwitch to any device attached to it;
Also, 50 ft. (15.2 m) of serial cable from the RS-232 port
of any ServSwitch to a computer’s serial port

11
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
User Controls: All models:
Keyboard commands;
On-screen menus;
SW721A-R4:
(3) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“ON/OFF” (power), “+” (switch to next port), and
“–” (switch to previous port);
All models except SW721A-R4:
(2) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“▼” (switch to next port) and “▲” (switch to
previous port);
(1) Rear-mounted rocker switch for power
Interfaces: RS-232 port: EIA/TIA RS-232 proprietarily pinned on
RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) connector, DTE;
CPU and MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE ports:
Proprietary composite of IBM PC/AT®or PS/2®
keyboard, RS-232 or PS/2 mouse, and video (standards
listed above)
Connectors: All rear-mounted;
(1) RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female: RS-232;
(1) DB25 female: MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE;
(1) Power inlet:
SW721A-R4: 5-pin DIN female;
All other models: IEC 320 male;
DB25 female CPU ports:
SW721A-R4: (2);
SW722A-R4, KV3104MA-R4: (4);
SW723A-R4, KV3108SA-R4: (8);
SW724A-R4: (12);
SW725A-R4: (16)
Indicators: All front-mounted LEDs;
All models: (1) for ServSwitch unit: POWER;
SW721A-R4: (4) for CPUs: (2) SELECT, (2) POWER;
SW722A-R4, KV3104MA-R4: (8) for CPUs: (4) SELECT,
(4) POWER;
SW723A-R4, KV3108SA-R4: (16) for CPUs: (8) SELECT,
(8) POWER;
SW724A-R4: (24) for CPUs: (12) SELECT, (12) POWER;
SW725A-R4: (32) for CPUs: (16) SELECT, (16) POWER

12
SERVSWITCH
Temperature
Tolerance: 32 to 131˚F (0 to 55˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance: 5 to 80% noncondensing
Maximum
Altitude: 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Enclosure: Steel
Power: SW721A-R4:
From wallmount external power supply (type may vary,
refer to labeling on transformer):
Either:
Input: 90 to 260 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 65 to 130 mA;
Output: +8 VDC at 1.5 A, -8 VDC at 375 mA;
or:
Input: 90 to 264 VAC at 47 to 63 Hz, 78 to 156 mA;
Output: +12 VDC at 1 A, -12 VDC at 0.5 A;
Consumption: Up to 15 VA (15 watts);
All other models;
From AC outlet through included power cord and
IEC 320 male inlet to UL®, CUL, and TÜV approved
internal transformer:
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 450 mA;
Output: +5 VDC at 1.5 A, +12 VDC at 1 A;
Consumption: Up to 19.5 VA (19.5 watts)
Size: SW721A-R4, KV3104MA-R4:
1.75" (1U) H x 8.9"W x 5.1"D (4.4 x 22.6 x 13 cm);
SW722A-R4, KV3108SA-R4:
1.75" (1U) H x 16.8"W x 5.5"D (4.4 x 42.7 x 14 cm);
SW723A-R4, SW724A-R4, SW725A-R4:
3.5" (2U) H x 16.8"W x 5.5"D (8.9 x 42.7 x 14 cm)
Weight: SW721A-R4: 2 lb. (0.9 kg);
SW722A-R4: 3 lb. (1.4 kg);
KV3104MA-R4, KV3108SA-R4: 4 lb. (1.8 kg);
SW723A-R4: 5 lb. (2.3 kg);
SW724A-R4, SW725A-R4: 6 lb. (2.7 kg)

13
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch. Designed with your needs in mind, your new
switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer
application. With your switch, you can use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to
access a number of IBM PC compatible computers (including IBM RS/6000
computers and current SGI computers), so 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 package includes the switch, its power supply, a modular cable and
adapter for connecting the unit’s RS-232 port to a remote PC, and this manual. If
you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived damaged, contact Black Box.
2.2 Operating Features
Some of the useful features of the ServSwitch:
• Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching.
• On-screen menu system for configuration and operation.
• You can access up to 256 CPUs with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. (This
would require the maximum cascaded system of seventeen 16-port Serv units.)
• You can select the desired CPU using the on-screen display, keyboard, front
panel, or RS-232 port.
• Front-panel LEDs show the selected CPU and its power-on state.
• Support for IBM PC and RS/6000 compatible computers, as well as current
SGI compatible computers.
• Mouse can be PS/2, Microsoft®serial, PC Mouse (Mouse Systems) serial, or
serial 8-bit type.
• Support for all modes of PS/2 and PC/AT compatible keyboards.
• Support for SVGA, RS/6000, SGI, and color or monochrome XGA or VGA
video at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced (although all video types
except VGA require coaxial or special cables).

14
SERVSWITCH
• The units remember and restore Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and
keyboard mode for each CPU.
• Screen-save function can turn off video after 1 to 999 seconds of inactivity.
• Scan function can sequence between CPUs every 1 to 15 seconds.
• You can program the keyboard’s typematic rate and delay.
• Custom settings for each CPU can be saved in nonvolatile memory.
• The units have flash memory, so you can upgrade their firmware through their
RS-232 ports.
• Rackmount kits are available.
• Full-size 8- and 12-port units can be expanded up to 16 ports by installing
4-port expansion boards. Please contact Black Box Tech Support if you ever
want us to do this for you.

15
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.3 The Front Panel
The front panels of the ServSwitch feature two or three pushbutton switches and
several LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and indicators,
refer to Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 below and the descriptions that follow on the next
page.
Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4).
Figure 2-2. The front panel of a slimline 8 to 1 ServSwitch (KV3108SA-R4).
Figure 2-3. The front panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (SW725A-R4).
56 7 8
Power 12 3 4
910 11 12
13 14 15 16
56 7 8
Power 12 3 4
POWER
ON/OFF
SELECT POWER
1
SELECT SELECT SELECTPOWER POWER POWER
234

16
SERVSWITCH
Panel Label Description
POWER (left) Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON.
ON/OFF SW721A-R4, KV3104MA-R4 only: Press this button to turn the
ServSwitch ON or OFF.
[Numbered] CPU Status LEDs: Numbered pairs of LEDs indicate the
status of the CPU or submaster (cascaded) Serv device
connected to the corresponding port on the rear panel:
SELECT or [unlabeled left] (red)
Lights if the corresponding port is the currently selected port.
POWER or [unlabeled right] (green)
Lights if the device on the corresponding port is powered ON.
NOTE
The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 each of the Select and
[CPU] Power LED slots. The slimline-model chassis
has 8 each of these slots, and the full-size chassis has
16 each of them. The extra LED slots in the chassis of
the 2-port mini, 4-port slim, and the 8- and 12-port full-
size models are left blank, but are protected by
material mounted inside the chassis.
– or ▲Previous Port Button: Press this button to manually switch the
shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the currently
selected computer to the previous one in sequence.
+ or ▼Next Port Button: Press this button to manually switch the
shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the currently
selected computer to the next one in sequence.

17
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the rear panel of the ServSwitch, as
illustrated in Figures 2-4 and 2-5 and described below.
Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4).
Figure 2-5. The rear panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (SW725A-R4).
Panel Label Conn. Description
Connect your computers to these ports with “CPU
Adapter Cables.” At the ServSwitch end these cables
have a DB25 male connector; at the other ends, they
have appropriate connectors to plug into your CPUs’
video, keyboard, and 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
switch instead.
You could also connect “submaster” Serv type switches
to these ports using “ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch
Expansion Cables.” These cables have DB25 male
connectors at both ends; at the submaster end, they
should be plugged into a MONITOR/KEYBOARD/
MOUSE port. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 3.2.4.
DB25 FCPU N
[N= a number
from 1 to
either 2, 4, 8,
12, or 16,
depending on
which model
you have]
RS-232
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
CPU 13 CPU 14CPU 15 CPU 16
CPU 9CPU 12CPU 11 CPU 10
CPU 5 CPU 6CPU 7 CPU 8
CPU 2CPU 1CPU 4CPU 3
CPU1 CPU2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
POWER
17VAC CT
CPU3 CPU4

18
SERVSWITCH
Panel Label Connector Description
or Control
If you connect a more distant computer or
terminal to this RS-232 serial port, you’ll be able
to send switching commands to the ServSwitch
from a secondary location. You would also
connect a computer to this port to upgrade the
switch’s firmware. Refer to Section 4.4.
RJ-12 FRS-232
Connect the shared monitor, keyboard, and
mouse to this port using an “MKM Adapter
Cable.” At the ServSwitch end, this cable has a
DB25 male connector; at the other ends, it has
appropriate connectors to plug into your
monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables. Only one
MKM Adapter Cable is needed. See Section 2.5.
DB25 FMONITOR/
KEYBOARD/
MOUSE
For each submaster you plan to connect, you
must have an Expansion Cable; you must have
an Adapter Cable for each CPU you plan to
connect. See Section 2.5.
NOTE
The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 CPU N
connector slots; the slimline-model
chassis has 8 of these slots, and the
full-size chassis has 16 of them. The
extra connector slots in the chassis of
the 2-port, 4-port slim, and 8- and
12-port full-size models are left blank,
but are protected by material mounted
inside the chassis.
DB25 FCPU N
(continued)

19
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Panel Label Connector Description
or Control
Connect the ServSwitch’s power cord or power-
supply cord here. The power supply is autosensing;
it will accept input voltages from 90 to 264 VAC
(on SW721A-R4 and KV3104MA-R4, where it is
external) or 100 to 240 VAC (on other models,
where it is internal).
SW721A-
R4,
KV3104MA-
R4:
5-pin
DIN M
Others:
IEC 320 M
POWER
[Inlet]
Flipping this switch turns the ServSwitch ON
and OFF when the power cord is plugged into
the unit and into a working outlet.
Rocker
switch
POWER
[Switch], all
except
SW721A-R4,
KV3104MA-
R4

20
SERVSWITCH
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 to your CPUs with one CPU Adapter
Cable for each CPU. This single cable reaches the CPU’s video-output, keyboard,
and mouse ports.
Likewise, to connect “submaster” (slave) Serv type switches, you need one
ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable for each subsidiary unit.
Lastly, you can connect the ServSwitch to the shared monitor, keyboard, and
mouse with a single MKM Adapter Cable.
The exact variety or varieties of these cables that you’ll need will depend on the
equipment you are connecting for your application. Refer to Appendix B for the
available types of these cables and the corresponding product codes. Also refer to
Chapter 1 or the Caution notice on page 23 for information about maximum
cabling distances.
NOTES
SVGA (over longer distances) and XGA video place special demands on
cabling that the regular MKM Adapter Cables and CPU Adapter Cables
typically cannot meet. For these applications, you should use coaxial
cables that can carry video signals not only farther but also at
higher
resolutions. See Appendix B and the Caution notice on page 23.
To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor on a ServSwitch, you will
need special cabling. Call Black Box for technical support; we can give
you a quote on these types of cable.
2.6 Equipment Requirements
If the CPUs you will be controlling through your ServSwitch are not all of the same
type, you will have to be careful to choose a common monitor, keyboard, and
mouse that adequately support all of the CPUs. For full details, see Section 4.1.