Black Box SW621A-R3 User manual

THE SERVSWITCH ™ FAMILY
1
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™ Jr. unit, including
how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSwitch
Jr. unit itself, see Chapter 2. The ServSwitch Jr. product codes covered in this
manual are:
SW621A-R3
SW622A-R3
SW629A-R2

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
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TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch and
ServSwitch Jr. are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered 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.
Logitech is a trademark of Logitech, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks, and IntelliMouse is a trademark,
of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell Incorporated.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the
United States and other countries.
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.

NOM STATEMENT
3
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.
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment complies with the requirements of the European EMC Directive
89/336/EEC.

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
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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.

NOM STATEMENT
5
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.

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
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Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................11
2.1 The Complete Package..............................................................................................................11
2.2 Operating Features.....................................................................................................................11
2.3 The Front Panel..........................................................................................................................12
2.4 The Rear Panel..........................................................................................................................14
2.5 Cable Requirements...................................................................................................................16
2.6 Equipment Requirements...........................................................................................................16
3. Installation..........................................................................................................................................17
3.1 Rackmounting (Optional)............................................................................................................17
3.2 Connecting the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse..........................................................................17
3.3 Connecting the CPUs.................................................................................................................18
3.4 Powering Up the System............................................................................................................19
3.5 Switching from the Keyboard......................................................................................................19
4. Operation............................................................................................................................................20
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch Jr. with Your Equipment....................................................20
4.1.1 CPUS................................................................................................................................20
4.1.2 MOUSE AND KEYBOARD................................................................................................20
4.1.3 MONITOR .........................................................................................................................22
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary..................................................................................................24
4.3 The Commands in Detail............................................................................................................26
4.3.1 SELECT A PORT FROM THE SHARED KEYBOARD ......................................................26
4.3.2 SWITCH TO THE NEXT OR PREVIOUS PORT ...............................................................26
4.3.3 START/STOP SCANNING................................................................................................26
4.3.4 PERFORM STANDARD RESET.......................................................................................26
4.3.5 SEND NULL BYTE (CPUS WITH PS/2 MOUSE PORTS ONLY) ......................................27
4.3.6 RESET RECENT WINDOWS MOUSE DRIVER (CPUS WITH PS/2
MOUSE PORTS ONLY)....................................................................................................27
4.3.7 IDENTIFY ROM.................................................................................................................28
4.3.8 KEEP SETTINGS..............................................................................................................28
4.3.9 SET MAXIMUM PORTS (SW622A-R3 AND SW629A-R2 ONLY).....................................28
4.3.10 SET SCAN-DELAY TIME................................................................................................28
4.3.11 SET KEYBOARD MODE.................................................................................................28
4.3.12 SET KEYBOARD TYPEMATIC .......................................................................................30
4.3.13 SET MOUSE MODE........................................................................................................32

TABLE OF CONTENTS
7
5 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................35
5.1 Restoring Factory-Default Settings.............................................................................................35
5.2 Common Problems ....................................................................................................................36
5.2.1 A CPU CONNECTED TO YOUR SWITCH DOESN’T BOOT, AND
YOU GET A KEYBOARD OR MOUSE ERROR................................................................36
5.2.2 YOU CAN’T SWITCH PORTS FROM THE KEYBOARD...................................................37
5.2.3 CHARACTERS THAT YOU TYPE COME UP WRONG OR MISSING..............................37
5.2.4 YOU CAN’T SEEM TO SCAN OR SWITCH TO CERTAIN PORTS AT
ALL (SW622A-R3 AND SW629A-R2 ONLY)....................................................................37
5.2.5 THE SERVSWITCH JR. SCANS OR SWITCHES TO EMPTY OR
NONEXISTENT PORTS (SW622A-R3 AND SW629A-R2 ONLY)....................................37
5.2.6 YOUR MOUSE DRIVER DOESN’T LOAD........................................................................38
5.2.7 YOU CAN’T ACCESS ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF YOUR MOUSE...................................38
5.2.8 YOUR PS/2 MOUSE GETS OUT OF SYNC.....................................................................38
5.2.9 YOUR MOUSE DOESN’T MOVE THE POINTER/CURSOR.............................................38
5.2.10 YOUR MONITOR DISPLAY IS FUZZY...........................................................................39
5.2.11 YOUR VIDEO IS NOT SYNCHRONIZED OR IS THE WRONG COLOR ........................39
5.2.12 YOUR VIDEO IS OK IN LOW-RESOLUTION MODE, BUT YOU CAN’T
GET INTO HIGHRESOLUTION MODE...........................................................................39
5.2.13 ONE OR MORE OF YOUR CPUS LOCK UP WHEN YOU START WINDOWS 3.X........39
5.2.14 THE SWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR DOCKING STATION ..............................39
5.2.15 THE SWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR DONGLE-PROTECTED SOFTWARE....40
5.2.16 THE SERVSWITCH JR. DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR IBM THINKPAD......................40
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. ......................................................................................44

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
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1. Specifications
Compliance — CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart J 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
Interfaces — All models:
Video to monitor (pinned as VGA, standards listed
above);
IBM PS/2 keyboard and mouse;
CPU (numbered) ports:
Proprietary composite of IBM PS/2 or PC/AT
keyboard, PS/2 or RS-232 mouse, and video
(standards listed above);
SW621A-R3, SW622A-R3 only:
IBM PC/AT keyboard;
EIA/TIA RS-232 pinned as TIA-574 (to optional serial
mouse)
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
Maximum
Distance — Depending on the CPU, monitor, and video resolution
(see Section 4.1.3), up to 20 ft. (7.6 m) of original Serv
cable or 50 ft. (15.2 m) of coaxial cable from the
ServSwitch Jr. to any attached CPU

CHAPTER 1: Specifications
9
User Controls — Keyboard commands;
Front-mounted switches:
SW621A-R3: All membrane type:
(1) for resetting the Switch, (2) for port selection;
SW622A-R3: All membrane type:
(1) for resetting the Switch, (4) for port selection;
SW629A-R2: All pushbutton type:
(1) for resetting the Switch, (8) for port selection
Indicators — All front-mounted LEDs:
SW621A-R3:
(1) for Switch’s power status,
(2) for port selection;
SW622A-R3:
(1) for Switch’s power status,
(4) for port selection;
SW629A-R2:
(1) for keyboard/mouse activity,
(8) for CPU power,
(8) for port selection (integrated into port-selection
pushbuttons)
Connectors — All rear-mounted:
All models:
(1) HD15 female for VGA monitor;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female:
(1) for PS/2 keyboard, (1) for PS/2 mouse;
SW621A-R3:
(1) 5-pin DIN female for PC/AT keyboard;
(1) DB9 male for serial mouse;
(2) numbered DB25 female for CPUs;
SW622A-R3:
(1) 5-pin DIN female for PC/AT keyboard;
(1) DB9 male for serial mouse;
(4) numbered DB25 female for CPUs;
SW629A-R2:
(8) numbered DB25 female for CPUs;
(1) 3.5-mm barrel jack for optional external power

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
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Power — All models: 5 VDC at up to 1 A from the keyboard-power
leads of the attached computers;
SW629A-R2 only: If you attach the optional external
in-line power supply PS255 (available separately):
Input: 115 to 230 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz through
detachable input cord into IEC 320 male inlet;
Output: 5 VDC at up to 1 A through nondetachable
output cord with 3.5-mm plug
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
Size — SW621A-R3 and SW622A-R3:
1.8"H (1U) x 8.8"W x 3.5"D (4.5 x 22.4 x 8.9 cm);
SW629A-R2:
1.8"H (1U) x 13.8"W x 4.9"D (4.5 x 35 x 12.4 cm)
Weight — SW621A-R3:
Net: 1.5 lb. (0.7 kg); Shipping: 2 lb. (0.9 kg);
SW622A-R3:
Net: 1.6 lb. (0.8 kg); Shipping: 2 lb. (0.9 kg);
SW629A-R2:
Net: 2.9 lb. (1.3 kg); Shipping: 3.6 lb. (1.7 kg)

CHAPTER 2: Introduction
11
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch™ Jr. Designed with your needs in mind, your
new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer
application. With your ServSwitch Jr., you can use one keyboard, monitor, and
mouse to access as many as two, four, or eight 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 Jr. package includes the ServSwitch Jr. unit and this manual. If
anything arrived damaged, contact Black Box.
2.2 Operating Features
Some of the useful features of your ServSwitch Jr.:
•You can access up to two, four, or eight CPUs with one keyboard, monitor, and
mouse.
•Support for IBM PC and RS/6000 compatible computers, as well as
current SGI compatible computers.
•Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching.
•Supports all modes of PS/2® and PC/AT® compatible keyboards.
•PS/2 and Serial mouse types supported
•When you use a PS/2 type mouse, simultaneously supports CPUs with
either PS/2 or RS-232 mouse ports.
•Support for SVGA, RS/6000, SGI, 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).
•Uses some of the attached computers’ keyboard power—no external
power required.
•You can select the desired CPU from keyboard or 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.

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
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•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.
•ServSwitch Jr. is Flash upgradeable (2 and 4 port only, See section 4.3.14)
•Rackmount kits are also available.
2.3 The Front Panel
The ServSwitch Jr.’s front panel features a number of LED indicators and port-
selection controls. To familiarize yourself with these, refer to Figure 2-1 below and
the descriptions that follow for 2- or 4-port models, or refer to Figure 2-2 on the
next page and the descriptions that follow for 8-port models.
Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 4-port ServSwitch Jr. (SW622A-R3).
Panel Labe Description
POWER Power LED: Lights to indicate that the Switch is receiving
power.
[Numbered Port-Selection LEDs: Light if the corresponding port is
LEDs] currently selected.
RESET Reset Switch: Press this membrane switch to reset the unit
and reinitialize the shared keyboard and mouse; also used to
restore the unit to its factory-default state.
[Numbered Port-Selection Switches: Press any of these membrane
Switches] switches to select the corresponding CPU.

CHAPTER 2: Introduction
13
Figure 2-2. The front panel of an 8-port ServSwitch Jr. (SW629A-R2).
Panel Label Description
STATUS Status LED: Flickers when the Switch receives data from the
attached keyboard or mouse, remains dark otherwise.
RESET Reset Button: Press to reset the unit and reinitialize the shared
keyboard and mouse; also used to restore the unit to its factory
default state.
POWER Numbered Power LEDs: Light to indicate that the attached
CPU is powered up.
SELECT Numbered Port-Selection Buttons/LEDs: Press the buttons to
select the corresponding CPU. The LEDs inside the buttons
light to show that the corresponding CPU is currently selected.

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
14
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the ServSwitch Jr.’s rear panel. To familiarize
yourself with the Switch’s connectors and what they’re used for, refer to Figure 2-3
below and the descriptions that follow for 2- or 4-port models, or refer to Figure 2-4
on the next page and the descriptions that follow for 8-port models.
Figure 2-3. The rear panel of a 4-port ServSwitch Jr. (SW622A-R3).
Panel Label Connector Description
[Numbered DB25 F Connect the sharing computers to these ports with
Ports] special “CPU Adapter 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 mouse
ports. These cables take the signals that would
normally be carried between the CPUs’ ports and
the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and carry them
between the CPUs’ ports and the ServSwitch Jr.
instead.
(SERIAL DB9 M If you want to use an RS-232 serial mouse, attach it
MOUSE) directly to this port.
(VGA HD15 F Attach the shared monitor’s video cable directly to
MONITOR) this port.
(PS/2 6-pin mini- If you want to use a regular PS/2 or PS/2 wheel
MOUSE) DIN F type mouse, attach it directly to this port.
(PS/2 6-pin mini- If you want to use a PS/2 type keyboard, attach it
KEYBOARD) DIN F directly to this port.
(AT 5-pin DIN F If you want to use a PC/AT type keyboard, attach it
KEYBOARD) directly to this port.

CHAPTER 2: Introduction
15
Figure 2-4. The rear panel of an 8-port ServSwitch Jr. (SW629A-R2).
Panel Label Connector Description
[Numbered DB25 F Connect the sharing computers to these ports with
Ports] special “CPU Adapter 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 mouse
ports. These cables take the signals that would
normally be carried between the CPUs’ ports and
the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and carry them
between the CPUs’ ports and the ServSwitch Jr.
instead.
(VGA HD15 F Attach the shared monitor’s video cable directly to
MONITOR) this port.
(PS/2 6-pin mini- Attach your regular PS/2 or PS/2 wheel type mouse
MOUSE) DIN F directly to this port.
(PS/2 6-pin mini- Attach your PS/2 type keyboard directly to this
KEYBOARD) DIN F port.
Optional 3.5-mm If you want to give the Switch more power than the
5V DC barrel jack attached CPUs can provide, plug the output cord of
the optional PS255 external power supply into this
jack.

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
16
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. to your CPUs with one “CPU
Adapter Cable” for each CPU. This single cable reaches the CPU’s video-output,
keyboard, and 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 on page 18 for information about maximum
cabling distances.
Lastly, you can plug the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly into the
ServSwitch Jr.
NOTE
To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor, 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 Jr. 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.

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION
17
3. Installation
3.1 Rackmounting (Optional)
If you want to mount the ServSwitch Jr. in a 19", 23", or 24" rack, you will need a
ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit. 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. does not support dongles.
1. After you verify that the ServSwitch Jr. is powered OFF, plug the HD15 male
connector of the video cable from your monitor into the HD15 female port
on the ServSwitch Jr.’s rear panel that’s labeled with the monitor icon ( ).
2. If you are using a PS/2 type keyboard, plug the 6-pin mini-DIN male
connector on its cable into the 6-pin mini-DIN female port on the
ServSwitch Jr.’s rear panel that’s labeled with the keyboard icon ( ).
SW621A-R3, SW622A-R3 only: If you’re using a PC/AT type keyboard, plug its
cable’s 5-pin DIN male connector into the Switch’s 5-pin DIN female port
labeled with the keyboard icon.
3. If you are using a regular PS/2 or PS/2 wheel type mouse, plug the 6-pin
mini-DIN male connector on its cable into the 6-pin mini-DIN female port on
the ServSwitch Jr.’s rear panel that’s labeled with the mouse icon ( ).
SW621A-R3, SW622A-R3 only: If you’re using a serial mouse, plug its cable’s
DB9 female connector into the Switch’s DB9 male port labeled with the
mouse icon.

SERVSWITCH™ JR.
18
3.3 Connecting the CPUs
CPU Adapter Cables run from the ServSwitch Jr. to the keyboard port, mouse port,
and video-output 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. to any attached device (keyboard,
monitor, mouse, or CPU). However, we do provide coaxial cable in
lengths up to 50 ft. (15.2 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 CAT5 KVM
Extenders (see Appendix B), but please call Black Box Tech
Support to discuss your application.
1. After you verify that the ServSwitch Jr. is powered OFF, plug the DB25 male
composite connector of the first CPU’s CPU Adapter Cable into port 1 on the
Switch’s rear panel. Plug the Adapter Cable you’re running to the next CPU
into port 2; if your Switch has more ports, plug the third CPU Adapter Cable
(if necessary) into port 3, and so on.
2. Plug each CPU Adapter 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 4.3.11 to make sure the
Switch is set for the proper keyboard mode.
CAUTION!
Do not attach docking stations for ThinkPad® or other portable
computers, no matter what type or make, to the ServSwitch Jr. The
ServSwitch Jr. does not support docking stations; your Switch system
might not function properly if any are attached.
Even if you connect your ThinkPad directly (rather than through a
docking station) to the keyboard, video, and mouse feeds from the
ServSwitch Jr., it still won’t work, because the Switch supports only
“stream mode” (continuous) mouse data but the ThinkPad has to see
“prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse data.

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION
19
3.4 Powering Up the System
Power up the connected CPUs one by one, giving each one time to boot
completely before turning ON the next one. (After you turn ON the first CPU, the
ServSwitch Jr. itself will begin operating; it gets its power from the CPUs and has no
ON/OFF switch.) The Switch emulates all keyboard and mouse functions for
automatic boot-up, although you might have to issue the Mode command Mn (see
Section 4.3.11) to get proper keyboard communication.
SW629A-R2 only: If your attached computers don’t provide enough power on
their keyboard ports for the 8-port ServSwitch Jr. to consistently operate properly,
you can plug in an optional power supply (our product code PS255, available
separately). To do this, first plug the power supply’s output cord into the barrel
jack on the back of the Switch. Then run an input cord from the power supply’s
IEC 320 male inlet to an AC wall jack. The Switch should begin operating
immediately.
3.5 Switching from the Keyboard
Your ServSwitch Jr. 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 key ([Ctrl]), then—within the next two
seconds—type in your desired port number with the regular number keys (not the
numeric keypad).