Black Box SW730A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 1995. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
KVM Switch
KVM Switch
1234
CPU POWER
1234
POWER
APRIL 1995
SW730A SW733A
SW731A SW734A
SW732A SW735A

KVM SWITCH
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer,
Inc. Apple Desktop Bus is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
AT, IBM, and PS/2 are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation.
PC/XT is a trademark of IBM Corporation.
Logitech is a trademark of Logitech, Inc.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Sun is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

FCC AND 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 classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

KVM SWITCH
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 parato 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
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 equio 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.

KVM SWITCH
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 1
2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 3
2.1 The Complete Package ....................................................................... 3
2.2 Operating Features ............................................................................. 3
2.3 The Front Panel .................................................................................. 5
2.4 The Rear Panel .................................................................................... 6
2.5 Cable Requirements ........................................................................... 7
3. Installation .................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Quick Setup Guide ............................................................................. 8
3.2 Installation Procedure ........................................................................ 9
4. Operation ................................................................................................. 13
4.1 The Switching Procedure ................................................................. 13
4.2 Guidelines for Using the KVM Switch with
Your Equipment ............................................................................. 13
5. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 15
5.1 Common Problems ........................................................................... 15
5.2 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 17
5.3 Shipping and Packaging .................................................................. 17
Appendix A: Connector Pinout ..................................................................... 18
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 19
Trademarks Used in This Manual ................................................................. 20

1
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
System
Hardware
Required — SW730A, SW731A:
IBM AT or PS/2 or compatible computers, IBM AT
keyboard (PS/2 keyboard works with additional
adapter), RS-232 serial mouse, and VGA monitor;
SW732A, SW733A:
Apple Macintosh computers, keyboard, mouse, and
monitor;
SW734A, SW735A:
Sun workstations, keyboard, mouse, and monitor
Compliance — FCC Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A
Standards — SW730A, SW731A: VGA video (EGA/CGA video with
additional adapters);
SW732A, SW733A: Macintosh video;
SW734A, SW735A: Sun video
Interfaces — Proprietary composites:
SW730A, SW731A:
IBM AT keyboard, RS-232 (for serial mouse), and
VGA video;
SW732A, SW733A:
Macintosh video and Apple Desktop Bus™(for
keyboard and mouse);
SW734A, SW735A:
Sun keyboard/mouse and video
Maximum
Resolution — SW730A, SW731A, SW734A, SW735A:
1280 x 1024 noninterlaced;
SW732A, SW733A (with standard cables):
1024 x 768 noninterlaced
Maximum
Distance — 21 ft. (6.4 m) of total cable from any CPU to keyboard,
monitor, and mouse
1. Specifications

2
KVM SWITCH
User Controls — Front-mounted pushbuttons for switching between CPUs:
(2) on SW730A, SW732A, and SW734A;
(4) on SW731A, SW733A, and SW735A
Indicators — Front-mounted LEDs:
(1) POWER, (1 for each port) CPU POWER
Connectors — Rear-mounted DB25 female:
(1) [labeled COMMON] to monitor/keyboard/mouse;
(1 for each port) [numbered] to CPUs
Maximum
Altitude — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature — 32 to 131˚ F (0 to 55˚ C)
Humidity — 0 to 85% noncondensing
Enclosure — Steel
Power — From CPU ports; approximately 50 mA at 5 volts
Size — 2.25"H x 8.8"W x 4.9"D (5.7 x 22.4 x 12.4 cm)
Weight — Net: 3 lb. (1.4 kg);
Shipping: 4 lb. (1.8 kg)

3
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Thank you for choosing a KVM Switch. Designed with your needs in mind,
and for plug-and-play operation in particular, your new switch will simplify
your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer applications.
Because the KVM Switch lets you use a single keyboard, monitor, and
mouse to access a number of 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 KVM Switch package includes the KVM Switch unit and this manual.
If you didn’t receive everything, contact Black Box.
2.2 Operating Features
Some of the useful features of your KVM Switch:
• Access two or four CPUs with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
• Available in six different models for three different platforms:
For IBM®AT®or PS/2®PCs or compatibles: SW730A has two ports,
SW731A has four.
For Apple®Macintosh®computers: SW732A has two ports, SW733A
has four.
For Sun®workstations: SW734A has two ports, SW735A has four.
• PC and Sun models only: Emulates keyboard and mouse functions
for automatic boot-up.
• With front-panel pushbuttons, you can switch directly to your desired
CPU without cycling through other CPUs (as you would with a rotary-
knob type of switch).
• Has its own printed-circuit board for maximum reliability.
• Supports all video resolutions up to 1280x1024 noninterlaced
(Sun models) or 1024 x 768 noninterlaced (PC and Mac®models).
2. Introduction

4
KVM SWITCH
•PC models only: Supports the functions and modes of AT compatible
keyboards.
•Mac and Sun models only: Can be set to either pass through or override
monitor ID bits to each CPU.
• Front-panel LEDs show Switch power, selected CPU and its power-on
state, and other conditions.
• No external power supply; low-power circuitry uses power from CPUs.
• Power to keyboard and mouse is maintained during switching for smooth
trouble-free operation.
• Adapter cables that merge keyboard, video, and mouse signals onto single
DB25 connectors simplify cable management.
• 19" rackmount kits available.

5
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.3 The Front Panel
The KVM Switch’s front panel features two or four push-button switches
and several LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls
and indicators, refer to the illustration and descriptions that follow.
Fig. 2-1. The front panel of a KVM Switch (4-port model).
KVM Switch Plus
1 2 3 4
4321
POWER CPU POWER
POWER Power LED: Lights steadily to indicate that the unit is
powered ON. Flashes to indicate self-test, error, or CPU
attempt to initialize the keyboard (see Section 3.2.5)
CPU POWER CPU Power LEDs: Numbered LEDs indicate whether the
CPUs connected to the corresponding ports on the rear
panel are powered on.
1, 2, 3, 4 Port-Selection Buttons: Press these buttons to manually
switch the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the
currently selected computer to the next one in sequence.

6
KVM SWITCH
Panel Label Connector Description
1, 2, 3, 4 DB25F Connect the sharing computers to these ports
with special CPU Adapter Cables. At the switch
end these cables have a DB25M connector; at
the other end[s], they have appropriate
connectors to plug into your CPUs’ video,
keyboard, and (PC models only) mouse ports.
These cables carry between the CPU ports and
the KVM Switch all necessary signals that would
normally pass between the CPU ports and the
monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You must have
an adapter cable for each CPU you plan to
connect. See the next section.
COMMON DB25F Connect the shared monitor, keyboard, and
mouse to this port using an MKM Adapter
Cable. At the switch end, this cable has a
DB25M connector; at the other end[s], it has
appropriate connectors to plug into your
monitor, keyboard, and (PC models only) mouse
cables. Only one MKM Adapter Cable is needed.
See the next section.
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the KVM Switch’s rear panel, as illustrated
and described below.
Fig. 2-2. The rear panel of a KVM Switch (4 port model).
1
3
2
4
COMMON

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
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 (on PC-type switches) a third for each mouse cable. The potential
for tangling or mismatching cables is high. By contrast, you can connect the
KVM Switch to each of your CPUs with a single, special CPU Adapter Cable
which ties both or all three of those cables into one. Likewise, connect the
KVM Switch to the shared monitor, keyboard and mouse with a single MKM
Adapter Cable.
The exact type(s) of cables 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.
PC models (SW730A, SW731A) only: To attach any EGA computers to the
Switch, you would need to use EGA-to-VGA adapters with VGA-type CPU
Adapter Cables. Call Black Box for a quote on EGA-to-VGA adapters.

8
KVM SWITCH
3.1 Quick Setup Guide
Figure 3-1, below, offers a basic example of how to connect your CPUs,
keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the KVM Switch unit. Connectors will
vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing.
3. Installation
1
3
2
4
COMMON
Fig. 3-1. System setup for a 4-port PC model (SW731A).
NOTE
You can connect EGA CPUs to PC
models of the KVM Switch if you
have (a) a multisync monitor with a
horizontal scan-frequency range of
15.5 to 35 KHz, and (b) an EGA-to-
VGA adapter for each EGA computer.
These adapters plug into each EGA
CPU’s video port, altering the EGA
video signal so that it can be carried
over VGA cable. (The PC models of
the KVM Switch natively support
VGA only.) Call Black Box for a quote
on EGA-to-VGA adapters.
Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse
Adapter Cable
CPU Adapter Cable
Mouse
Mouse
Keyboard
Video Card
Keyboard
Monitor

9
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2 Installation Procedure
This section provides complete, detailed instructions for setting up a KVM
Switch. For an illustrated example, see Figure 3-1 on the previous page.
NOTE
Be sure that all computers you are connecting to your KVM Switch will
support the monitor, keyboard, and mouse you plan to use.
3.2.1 M AC AND S UN M ODELS O NLY : S ETTING THE ID-B IT J UMPERS
The KVM Switch normally passes all ID bits through from the monitor to the
connected Macintosh or Sun CPUs. However, if you would like your CPUs to
share a monitor (such as a PC VGA monitor) that doesn’t support ID bits, you
must “fool” them by “hardwiring” the KVM Switch to provide the ID bits. This
requires you to set four ID-bit jumpers inside the Switch.
To do this, first make sure that any equipment you might have already
connected to the KVM Switch is turned off, and that all cables you might
have already connected to the Switch are disconnected. Now unscrew the two
Phillips screws on each side of the Switch’s housing and remove the housing.
Look at the Switch’s circuit board: The ID-bit jumpers are right next to the
COMMON connector. They are labeled JP20 (controls ID0), JP21 (controls
ID1), JP22 (controls ID2), and JP23 (controls ID3).
With the front panel facing you, the jumpers are factory-installed in the
right-hand position; while they remain in this position, the ID bits will be
passed through to the CPUs. To force an ID bit low (to take value 0), move
the corresponding jumper to the left-hand position (this connects that lead
to ground). To force an ID bit high (to take value 1), move the corresponding
jumper to the open position (one leg of the jumper on a post, the other not
connected to anything).
When you finish setting the jumpers, put the Switch’s housing back on
and screw its screws back in.
3.2.2 R ACKMOUNTING (O PTIONAL )
If you would like to mount the KVM Switch in a 19" equipment rack, use the
19" Rackmount Kit (our product code SW727A) and do so now. The Switch is
pre-drilled to accept the rackmounting screws.

10
KVM SWITCH
3.2.3 C ONNECTING THE M ONITOR , K EYBOARD , AND M OUSE
A Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse (MKM) Adapter Cable connects your monitor,
keyboard, and mouse to the KVM Switch. Because various styles of electrical
connectors are used by different classes of equipment, Black Box carries this
adapter cable in various styles to match.
1. Plug the DB25 male connector of the MKM Adapter Cable into the port
labeled “COMMON” on the KVM Switch’s rear panel.
2. Plug the cables from your shared monitor and keyboard into the
corresponding connectors at the other end[s] of the MKM Adapter
Cable.
PC models (SW730A, SW731A) only:
a. To use a PS/2 keyboard, you will need to attach a special keyboard
adapter (6-pin mini-DIN female to 5-pin DIN male, our product
code FA212) between the keyboard cable’s connector and the
MKM Adapter Cable’s connector.
b. The Switch is transparent to the shared keyboard’s scan mode, but
all of the connected CPUs must be able to support the scan mode
of the shared keyboard.
c. Plug the cable from your shared mouse into the corresponding
connector of the MKM Adapter Cable. The mouse must be an
RS-232 serial mouse; the KVM Switch does not support standard
PS/2 bus mice.

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2.4 C ONNECTING THE CPU S
CAUTION!
Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. Total cable
length from the keyboard, monitor, and mouse to any given CPU should
not exceed 21 feet (6.4 m).
CPU Adapter Cables connect your computers to the KVM Switch. Each
computer requires its own adapter cable, made to fit the CPU’s connectors.
Black Box carries these.
1. Plug the DB25 male connector of the CPU Adapter Cable into one of the
numbered (CPU) ports on the KVM Switch’s rear panel.
2. Plug the CPU Adapter Cable’s video- and keyboard-port connectors into
the corresponding ports on the CPU.
PC models (SW730A, SW731A) only:
a. To attach the keyboard-port connector of the CPU Adapter Cable
to the keyboard port of a PS/2, you will need to place a special
keyboard adapter (5-pin DIN female to 6-pin mini-DIN male, our
product code FA211) between them.
b. Plug the mouse-port connector into the serial port designated as
the mouse port. (This connector can not be attached to the PS/2
bus-mouse port, even with an adapter—the KVM Switch doesn’t
support PS/2 bus mice. You must use an RS-232 mouse.) Make
sure your mouse driver is properly configured to interact with the
chosen serial port.

12
KVM SWITCH
3.2.5 P OWERING U P THE S YSTEM AND I NTERPRETING THE LED S
If they aren’t already ON, power up the connected CPUs one by one, giving
each one time to boot completely before turning ON the next one. PC and
Sun models of the Switch emulate keyboard and mouse functions for
automatic boot-up. The Switch’s LEDs will indicate various conditions:
• After the first of the connected CPUs powers up, the POWER LED will
flash rapidly five times while the Switch’s microprocessor performs a self-
test. If no problems are detected, the POWER LED will stop flashing and
remain steadily lit to indicate that the Switch is receiving power and
operating correctly. If the Switch detects any of several microprocessor
errors, the POWER LED will continue to flash indefinitely to indicate that
the Switch is malfunctioning; call Black Box for technical support (see
Section 5.2).
• If a CPU is designed to initialize its keyboard when the CPU boots or is
reset, the POWER LED will flash slowly five times whenever that CPU
attempts to initialize the keyboard. This alerts you to both normal reset
conditions (such as initial boot-up) and abnormal reset conditions (such
as power interruptions). It also alerts you to attend to any CPUs that
require intervention (such as manual resetting of parameters) when the
CPU boots.
• While any connected CPU is powered ON, the corresponding CPU
POWER LED (CPU POWER 1 for the CPU connected to port 1, for
example) will be steadily lit to indicate that that CPU is ON and
connected.
The installation is now complete; your KVM Switch should be ready for
continuous operation.

13
CHAPTER 4: Operation
4.1 The Switching Procedure
It is very easy to switch between connected CPUs in a KVM Switch system:
Press the button on the front panel of the Switch that corresponds to the
Switch port that the desired CPU is connected to. (For information about
the Switch’s LEDs, see Section 3.2.5 on the previous page.)
4.2 Guidelines for Using the KVM Switch with Your Equipment
4.2.1 CPU S
PC models (SW730A, SW731A) only: Use only IBM AT or PS/2 or 100%
compatible machines. The KVM Switch does not support IBM PC/XT™
or compatible machines.
4.2.2 M OUSE AND
K EYBOARD
When you power up your CPUs, make sure your mouse, keyboard,
and CPUs are all properly cabled to the KVM Switch.
PC models (SW730A, SW731A) only: The KVM Switch works well with 2-button
RS-232 mice by Microsoft®or Logitech™. It also works with many 3-button
mice. However, the Switch does not support PS/2 bus mice, and it does not
support mice that must receive configuration data from the CPU. Also, the
KVM Switch is transparent to the keyboard-scan mode, but each CPU must
support the scan mode used by the shared keyboard.
4.2.3 M ONITOR
The adapter cables used by the PC and Sun models of the KVM Switch are
coaxial. This heavy-duty construction allows them to carry near-perfect video
at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 as far as 21 ft. (6.4 m). However, the standard
cables used with the Mac models of the Switch (SW732A, SW733A) are less
robust; the video quality you see on the monitor will decrease at higher
resolutions and distances, as shown in Table 4-1 on the next page. The
distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the
monitor; they represent the three different total distances you can get with
stock-length cables.
Coaxial cabling is available for your Mac KVM Switch system. These cables
carry video as well as the standard PC and Sun cables do, but they are a
special order. Call Black Box for a quote.
4. Operation