Black Box SW613A User manual

JUNE 2000
SW613A
SW613A-K
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 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Support Information:

1
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™ Simplicity,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the
ServSwitch Simplicity, see Chapter 2. The ServSwitch Simplicity product codes
covered in this manual are:
SW613A
SW613A-K

2
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) AND
INDUSTRY CANADA (IC)
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
Class B Digital Device. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
telephone reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables and power cords are required to
connect this device to a personal computer or other Class B certified device.
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 classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

3
VCCI STATEMENT, DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
VOLUNTARY CONTROL COUNCIL ON INTERFERENCE (VCCI)
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of
the European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.

4
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
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.

5
NOM STATEMENT
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
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™ SIMPLICITY
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ......................................................................... 7
2. Introduction .......................................................................... 9
2.1 Overview ........................................................................ 9
2.2 Features and Benefits ................................................. 11
2.3 The Complete Package .............................................. 12
2.4 The ServSwitch Simplicity Illustrated ........................ 13
3. Installation ........................................................................... 14
3.1 What You Will Need ................................................... 14
3.2 Placement .................................................................... 16
3.3 Connecting Your Devices ........................................... 17
4. Operation ............................................................................. 20
5. Troubleshooting .................................................................. 22
5.1 Common Problems ..................................................... 22
5.2 Calling Black Box ........................................................ 25
5.3 Shipping and Packaging ............................................. 26

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Compliance — CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class B,
IC Class/classe B; VCCI Class A
Standards — VGA, SVGA, or XGA video
Interfaces — Video: VGA;
Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible
Resolution — Up to 1024 x 768 noninterlaced at up to
85 Hz
Scan Interval — In autoscan mode, pauses at each computer
for 5 seconds
Maximum
Distance — 10 ft. (3 m) from the Switch to any attached
device
User Controls — Keyboard commands;
(1) Front-mounted SELECT pushbutton for
switching between computers
Indicators — (2) Top-mounted “selected computer” LEDs

8
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
Connectors — All side-mounted:
For user equipment:
(1) HD15 female for monitor
attachment;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard
and mouse attachment;
For each computer:
(1) HD15 male for video attachment;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard
and mouse attachment
Maximum
Altitude — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance — Operating: 41 to 104˚F (5 to 40˚C);
Storage: –4 to +140˚F (–20 to +60˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance — 5 to 80% noncondensing
Enclosure — Steel
Power — 5 VDC from attached CPUs’ keyboard
interfaces
Size — 1.2"H x 3.6"W x 4.2"D (3 x 9.1 x 10.7 cm)
Weight — 12 oz. (341 g)

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Overview
The ServSwitch™ Simplicity is a high-performance
keyboard-, monitor-, and mouse-sharing device that
supports a wide range of IBM®PC compatible hardware
and software platforms. Use it to access two desktop
computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
Setup is fast and easy: Plug in the cables from the user
equipment into the Simplicity, then run extension
cables from the Simplicity to the computer CPUs, and
then turn ON the CPUs and the monitor. There’s no
software to worry about, nothing to configure, and no
need for a power supply!
You can switch between the computers either by
pressing the Select button on the front of the Simplicity
or by sending a hotkey command from the attached
keyboard. You can also have the Simplicity scan back
and forth between the computers, displaying the video
from each one in turn.

10
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
2.2 Features and Benefits
• Control two desktop PCs from a single keyboard,
monitor, and mouse.
• Draws its power from the attached computers—no
AC outlet or power supply needed.
• Both connected computers can boot up
automatically at the same time.
• You can switch between the two computers either by
typing a keyboard-hotkey sequence or by pressing
the front-panel pushbutton.
• You can use hotkey commands to start and stop
automatic back-and-forth scanning between the two
computers.
• Automatically saves and restores Caps Lock, Num
Lock, and Scroll Lock keyboard states when you
switch between computers.
• Supports resolutions up to 1024 x 768 pixels at
resolutions up to 85 Hz.

11
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Supports Microsoft®IntelliMouse®and other
common “wheel” mice.
• LEDs show which computer is selected.
• Easy installation.
• Tough metal case.

12
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
2.3 The Complete Package
You should have received these items if you ordered just
the regular ServSwitch Simplicity (our product code
SW613A):
• The ServSwitch Simplicity.
• Two hook-and-loop mounting strips (see Section 3.2
for information about using these).
• Four adhesive rubber feet (see Section 3.2 for
information about using these).
• This manual.
If you ordered the ServSwitch Simplicity Kit
(SW613A-K), you will also receive two KVM-extension
cables for connecting your CPUs to the Switch. If you
ordered just the Switch, we recommend that you buy
these cables (available separately as our product code
EHN403-0008 for standard cable or EHN235 for coaxial
cable).
If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived
damaged, contact Black Box right away.

13
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.4 The ServSwitch Simplicity Illustrated
Fig. 2-1. Exploded view of the ServSwitch Simplicity.
Attach the
cable
running to
the video,
keyboard,
and
mouse
ports of
CPU 1
here.
Attach the keyboard, mouse, and monitor here.
Press this button to switch between computers.
Attach the
cable
running to
the video,
keyboard,
and
mouse
ports of
CPU 2
here.
In normal operation, these
LEDs light steadily to show
which computer CPU is
selected. In scan mode, they
will flash to show which
computer’s video is being
displayed.

14
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
3. Installation
3.1 What You Will Need
You’ll need these things to be in place before you can
install your ServSwitch Simplicity:
• Your monitor should be a VGA, SVGA, or multisync
type capable of displaying the highest level of
resolution that your PCs can output.
• Your keyboard and mouse must be PS/2 type (the
attached cables will have 6-pin mini-DIN male
connectors). The Simplicity supports Microsoft
IntelliMouse and Logitech®and Kensington®wheel
mice, but it does not support serial mice.
• Your PC CPUs—which should be desktop machines,
not laptops—should have:
–Video card: VGA, SVGA, or XGA.
–Keyboard port: PS/2 type (6-pin mini-DIN female).
–Mouse port (if you’re using a mouse): PS/2 type
(6-pin mini-DIN female).
–Mouse driver (if you’re using a mouse): The standard
driver for your mouse, or the standard generic
Microsoft mouse driver.

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
• If you ordered the Simplicity Kit (SW613A-K), you
received a pair of KVM-extension cables that you
can use to attach your CPUs to the Simplicity. If you
only ordered the Simplicity itself (SW613A),
however, you’ll need to order such cables separately.
We offer either an 8-ft. (2.4-m) standard extension
cable (EHN403-0008) or a 10-ft. (3-m) coaxial
extension cable (EHN235).

16
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
3.2 Placement
You’ll want to put the ServSwitch Simplicity in a
convenient, safe place close to the computer equipment
it will be serving. It’s designed to be either (a) set freely
on a desktop or other flat surface or (b) permanently
stuck to a wall, computer chassis, or other surface.
To place the Simplicity on a flat surface, use the four
adhesive rubber feet that came with the unit. Peel the
backing away from them and press them firmly onto the
bottom of the Simplicity, one at each corner. When the
feet are solidly in place, the Simplicity can be put
wherever you want it to go.
To mount the Simplicity on a wall or other surface,
use the two hook-and-loop strips that came with the unit.
Peel the backing away from one side of each of the two
strips and press the strips firmly onto the bottom of the
unit. Then peel the backing away from the other side of
the strips and press the bottom of the Simplicity firmly
against the surface you want to mount the Simplicity on.

17
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.3 Connecting Your Devices
Making sure that all of your devices are powered OFF, take
these steps to connect them to your ServSwitch Simplicity:
1. Plug the monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the
matching user-port connectors (marked “U”) on
the back of the Simplicity, as shown in Figure 3-1.
Fig. 3-1. Connecting user equipment.

18
SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY
2. Two KVM-extension cables are included with the
SW613A-K Kit; if you only ordered the Simplicity
itself, these cables are available separately. Run
these cables from the video, keyboard, and mouse
ports of your computer CPUs to the CPU-port
connectors
(marked “1” and “2”) on the sides of
the Simplicity, as shown in Figure 3-2.
Fig. 3-2. Connecting a CPU .
KVM-extension
cable
CPU

19
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Turn on your monitor and your CPUs. The
Simplicity will begin operating immediately using
the power from the CPUs’ keyboard ports. (You
don’t have to use a mouse if you don’t need to,
but you must make the connections to the CPUs’
keyboard ports in order to power the Simplicity.)
The Simplicity will automatically switch to
whichever computer you power up first; the
matching numbered LED on its top panel will
light up.
Your ServSwitch Simplicity system should now be ready
for continuous operation.