SEPTEMBER 2003 ACU2001A ACU2009A ACU2022A ACU2028A ACU2201A ACU2222A ACUR001A ACUR002A ACURA001A ACURA002A
THE SERVSWITCH FAMILY Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family! Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced keyboard/video/mouse system 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.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Copyrights and Trademarks ©2003. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without the prior written consent of the manufacturer. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material.
FCC/CDC STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS 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.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY WARNING! This is a class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user might be required to take adequate remedial measures.
NOM STATEMENT 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.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation please note the following installation guidelines: • Do not use to link between buildings. • Only use in dry, indoor environments. • If the building has 3-phase AC power, try to ensure that equipment connected to the Local and Remote units is on the same phase. • Try not to route the CATx link cable alongside power cables.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Contents 1. Quick Setup 10 2. Overview 12 3. Installation 18 4. Remote Unit Configuration & Operation 28 5. Local Unit Operation 39 6. Troubleshooting 42 1.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 5.1 5.2 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.
CONTENTS Appendix A: Example Applications 47 Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 52 Appendix C: Remote Unit: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration 54 Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) 55 Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports 58 Appendix F: Calling Black Box 60 Appendix G: Specifications 61 9
SERVSWITCH 1. BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Quick Setup This section briefly describes how to install your KVM extender system and optimize the video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summary on the next page when following this procedure. . Install system 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect Remote unit to KVM and audio/serial devices (if present). Connect Local unit or Extender hub to CPU.
QUICK SETUP 1.1 Command Summary The following table summarizes the ‘hot’ key command sequences used in system configuration and video tuning on a Remote unit console.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 2. Overview 2.1 Introduction The ServSwitch Brand CATx KVM Extender Series enables high-resolution video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, stereo audio, and serial port signals to be communicated up to 1000ft (300m) over Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher (CATx) cable. A basic KVM extension system comprises a Local unit (transmitter) and a Remote unit (receiver). The Local unit connects directly to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using the supplied cable(s).
OVERVIEW LOCAL unit Local Access ACU2009A, ACU2028A only. KVM extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft (300m).
SERVSWITCH 2.3 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Features All members of the ServSwitch features: Brand CATx KVM Extender Series offer the following • Support for high video resolution over extended distances: 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) • Fully integrated skew compensation allows operation with CATx cables by canceling color shift and enhancing sharpness.
OVERVIEW 2.
SERVSWITCH 2.5 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Compatibility Interface Compatibility • PS/2 Keyboard: Compatible with all standard keyboards. Certain keyboards with enhanced features may also be supported with custom firmware. • PS/2 Mouse: Compatible with all standard 2-button, 3-button and wheel mice. To connect to a PC which does not have a PS/2 mouse port, an active serial converter is required – Model No: AC244A. • Audio: Input and output are line-level. Amplified speakers are required.
OVERVIEW 2.6 How to Use This Guide This guide describes the installation and configuration of the ServSwitch Brand CATx KVM Extender Series. Although the connection and operation of the system is relatively straightforward, you should consider the following before getting started: Connection & Compatibility If you have purchased an Extender Kit, this will contain all the cables required to connect the Local unit to your PC or KVM switch.
SERVSWITCH 3. BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Installation For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identify and solve any cabling problems, and experiment with the KVM extender system more conveniently. 3.1 Package Contents You should receive the following items in your extender package. If anything is missing, please refer to Appendix F to obtain Technical Support.
INSTALLATION 3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements To connect the Local and Remote units you will need CATx (any category 5, 5e, 6 or higher) cable terminated with RJ45 plugs. Interconnect cables must be solid-core type. Stranded patch cable will give poor results over longer distances. The pairing of the cable and pinning of its connectors should normally be in accordance with EIA-568B (see page 56). One CATx cable is required for each video channel.
SERVSWITCH 3.3 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Remote Unit Installation To install a Remote unit: 1. Switch off all devices. 2. Connect your keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse to the Remote unit as shown in Figure 2. These ports may also be attached to the CPU side of a KVM switch in order to have a Remote CPU. However, if you are attempting to use the extender between cascaded KVM switches this may not work. Please contact Technical Support to discuss your application. 3.
INSTALLATION ACURA001A, ACURA002A, ACU2022A, ACU2028A, ACU2222A only Connect to speakers and microphone. Connect to serial device, such as a touch screen. Connect to Primary monitor. Connect to second monitor. ACUR002A, ACURA002A, ACU2201A, ACU2222A only Figure 2 Connect PS/2 keyboard and mouse. All Remote units Remote Unit – rear view ACU2201A, ACU2222A, ACUR002A, ACURA002A only All Remote units INTERCONNECT 1 – carries primary video and data signals.
SERVSWITCH 3.4 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Unit Installation To install a Local unit: 1. It is recommended that the PC and other devices are switched off before connection. 2. Using the supplied CPU KVM cable(s), connect the keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse connectors on the computer (or KVM switch) to the corresponding connectors on the Local unit as shown in Figure 4 for single video units, or Figure 5 for dual video units.
INSTALLATION ACU2028A and ACU2022A only Connect to audio ports on computer. Connect to Local monitor. Connect to computer’s video output. Connect to serial port on computer. Connect to computer’s PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports. ACU2001A, ACU2022A, ACU2009A, ACU2028A Connect to Local PS/2 keyboard and mouse. ACU2009A, ACU2028A only Figure 4 Local Unit (Single Video) - rear view ACU2222A only Connect to audio ports on computer.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY ACU2001A, ACU2022A, ACU2009A, ACU2028A only INTERCONNECT – carries video and data signals. Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT port on Remote unit. Figure 6 Local Unit (Single Video) – front view ACU2201A and ACU2222A only INTERCONNECT 1 – carries primary video and data signals. Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 1 port on Remote unit. INTERCONNECT 2 – carries secondary video signals. Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 2 port on Remote unit.
INSTALLATION 3.
SERVSWITCH Figure 8 26 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Simple system using ACU1006RA hub and ACUR001A Remote units
INSTALLATION 5V PSU Figure 9 ACU1006RA rack used with ACUR002A units to extend dual video 27
SERVSWITCH 4. BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Remote Unit Configuration & Operation Cat5/5e/6 cables are specifically designed for networking applications and not for transmitting analog video. Your CATx KVM extender includes, and requires, advanced technology to enable its use at high screen resolutions. This section describes how to optimize the video signal, configure the Extender system and operate the Remote unit.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 4.2 Video Adjustments Remote units feature a number of correction tools to simplify video optimization. This procedure is straightforward and only needs to be carried out once.
SERVSWITCH 4.3 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Command Mode During normal use, the Remote console keyboard functions in the usual manner. However, by using a specific ‘hot’ key sequence, you can set the keyboard into a Command Mode. From this, you can use various keys and key combinations to tune the video signal and generally configure the extender system. To enter Command Mode: 1. Ensure that you have installed and powered up the system according to the instructions in Section 3. 2.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 4.4 Adjusting Video Use the following step-by-step procedure to optimize the video image on the Remote console: 1. If possible, view the online test card at: http://www.blackbox.com/tech_support/ts_upgrades/ts_ss.html This is an image (see Figure 10) created and used by the manufacturer for video optimization purposes. It is particularly useful for correcting skew. If you are unable to view the test card, display some text in a large font on a white background.
SERVSWITCH 3. BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Select the video channel you want to configure using one of the following keys on the numeric keypad: Channel Command Key Select Channel 1 For Adjustment <1> Select Channel 2 For Adjustment <2> Select BOTH Video Channels <0> (Channel 0) Use Channel 0 to tune both video channels simultaneously.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Figure 11 6. LF too low LF too high HF too low HF too high Problems with smearing and sharpness requiring LF and HF adjustment Identify the ‘slowest’ color – the colored line furthest to the right.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Slower Red Green In this illustration, Blue is the slowest signal. To optimize the image, Red and Green need to be delayed until they align with Blue. Blue Faster Figure 12 Illustration of skew and appearance on test card Some Cat5e/Cat6 cables require a large green delay. Video quality can be often be vastly improved by using standard crossover patch cables at both ends of the link rather than straight patch cables.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 8. 9. Fine-tune the LF equalization to remove ‘black video smearing’ - black smears to the right of large objects such as window title bars (see Figure 11). LF Equalization Commands Key Sequence Increase LF Equalization (Coarse) Decrease LF Equalization (Coarse) + + Increase LF Equalization (Fine) Decrease LF Equalization (Fine) + + Fine-tune the HF equalization to sharpen the video image.
SERVSWITCH 4.5 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options Reset Commands The ServSwitch Brand CATx KVM Extender Series has a number of commands to reset the keyboard and mouse, to reset EQ and Delay values and to restore the factory default configuration. Command Key Sequence Reset Mouse and Keyboard Resets the keyboard and mouse and then automatically exits Command Mode. Use if the mouse or keyboard locks up or the mouse does not initialize correctly.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Private Mode Commands On dual access systems, the Remote user can lock out the Local console by triggering a ‘Private Mode’ function. This prevents the Local console from being used even if the twosecond inactivity timeout period expires. To lock out the Local unit: 1. Enter Command Mode: + + 2. Press the key on the Remote unit keyboard.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Unit Configuration Commands On dual access systems, a Local console user can lock out the Remote console (see Local Console Commands, page 41).
LOCAL UNIT OPERATION 5. Local Unit Operation 5.1 Overview You need to read this section if you have purchased an extender system kit containing both a Local and Remote unit. For more information about serial/audio port operation, see Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports, page 58. Keyboard and Mouse Emulation Local units have keyboard and mouse emulation.
SERVSWITCH 5.2 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Dual Access Systems ACU2009A and ACU2028A models offer dual access from consoles at both Remote and Local units. This operates on a first-come, first-served basis. When one console is in use, the system blocks out the other console until there is no keyboard or mouse use at the active console for two seconds. Both monitors show the current activity on the computer irrespective of which console is in use. Certain commands are available at the Local unit.
LOCAL UNIT OPERATION Local Console Commands After pressing the initial ‘hot’ key on the Local keyboard, you can issue a number of commands by pressing additional keys. These commands allow you to start a private mode session on the Local console or to reset the keyboard and mouse. These commands only apply to Local units and Rack hubs having firmware versions ‘S50’ and above.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 6. Troubleshooting 6.1 Video The image is not sharp, or is badly smeared. Have you adjusted the video equalization? Follow the instructions on page 29. Check the Interconnect cable between the Remote and Local units. Is it of the recommended type (see page 19)? Is it intact along its entire length and securely connected at both ends? Is it wired correctly (see page 56)? Ensure that all video connections throughout the system are attached securely.
TROUBLESHOOTING The monitor sometimes goes blank for a second or two. Check that the interconnect cable is not routed near power lines or other sources of electrical interference. If this is a persistent problem, contact Technical Support. Check system grounding. The PC won’t boot into the correct graphics mode. If your graphics card supports VESA DDC (Display Data Channel), configure the graphics driver by explicitly setting the make and model of the monitor.
SERVSWITCH 6.2 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Keyboard & Mouse When I am typing, I get wrong or missing characters on the screen. Your keyboard may be in the wrong mode. Use the appropriate commands to reset the keyboard and mouse as described in the sections covering Local and Remote operation. The PC comes up with ‘keyboard error’. Press or . If the keyboard now operates correctly, you need to adjust the BIOS setup to disable keyboard testing during booting.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6.3 Audio The audio is very quiet. The audio I/O is line-level and requires amplified speakers and connection to devices providing line-level I/O. The audio is loud but distorted. Check that the audio input is not greater than line level (4V peak-to-peak). The KVM extender accepts line-level audio input only. The microphone output is barely audible. See Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports, page 58. 6.4 Serial My serial device does not function.
SERVSWITCH 6.5 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY General Questions Is it possible to use a cable length longer than 1000ft (300m)? It might be possible to use a cable of up to 1650ft (500m) at lower resolutions. However, we do not recommend this and cannot guarantee that it will work. Can the extender be daisy chained? In certain circumstances, it is possible to cascade extenders, though we do not recommend doing so. Careful consideration needs to be given to extender setup, and the electrical environment.
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS Appendix A: Example Applications This section illustrates four specific applications using Extender units: • Six dual-monitor consoles with serial and audio (Figure 13). • Six remote serial touch screens with Local access through a KVM switch (Figure 14). • Information distribution system sharing a single PC at up to six remote locations (Figure 15). • Extender system with second screen for security monitoring (Figure 16).
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY ACU1006VRA Extender Hub Takes primary video, keyboard, mouse, audio and serial signals from each CPU (only two shown). 5V PSU ACU1006RA Extender Hub Takes secondary video from each CPU. 5V PSU required. ACURA002A Remote units connect to KVM console and secondary monitor.
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS ServSwitch Local access ports connect to single KVM console through a ServSwitch brand KVM switch. ACU1006DVRA Extender Hub Takes KVM and serial signals from each CPU (only two shown). ACURA002A Remote units connect to touch screens.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY ACU1006DRA Extender Hub CPU connects to Port 1. Local access ports are daisy-chained to allow operation from any console and/or video to be distributed to multiple locations. ACUR001A Remote units connect to KVM consoles.
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS Security System Provides secondary video input. ACU2201A Takes KVM signals from standard PC and secondary video from security system. ACUR002A Connects to KVM console. Secondary monitor used for security monitoring.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix B: Rack Mount Options Most of the extender units can be mounted in a 19” rack using one of the two mounting kits: • RMK19U-X3 • RMK19U-R2 RMK19U-X3 Mounting Kit RMK19U-X3 allows you to mount up to three of the following units across 1U: • ACUR001A • ACURA002A • ACURA001A • ACU2201A • ACUR002A • ACU2222A The kit contains one rack plate and M3 countersunk mounting screws. To mount a unit: 1. Remove the feet from the extender unit. 2.
APPENDIX B: RACK MOUNT OPTIONS RMK19U-R2 Mounting Kit RMK19U-R2 allows you to mount one of the following Local units across 1U: • ACU2001A • ACU2022A • ACU2009A • ACU2028A The kit consists of two angled brackets. To mount a unit: 1. Remove the two screws from one side of the unit. 2. Match up the lower pair of holes on a bracket with the vacant screw holes on the side of the unit. 3. Using the original screws, fasten the mounting brackets to the side of the unit. 4.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix C: Remote Unit: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration The Remote unit contains a configuration port accessed through the mouse port. By attaching an upgrade cable between this port and the serial port on any PC (or laptop) the Remote unit’s firmware may be upgraded. In addition, all configuration settings may be saved, adjusted and restored.
APPENDIX D: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) The suggestions made in this Appendix should only be investigated if you cannot obtain satisfactory image quality after configuring the Remote unit (as described in Section 4). The techniques described here are usually only necessary when you are operating at the highest screen resolution (1600x1200) with long Interconnect cables.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Cable Pinning/Pairing The following table illustrates which RJ45 connector pins the extenders use for various signals. It also details the standard EIA-568B wiring scheme that is recommended for most installations. Looking into the RJ45 socket on a Remote unit, Pin 1 is on the right and Pin 8 on the left.
APPENDIX D: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) Optimizing Pairs (General Solution) Measure pair lengths with a LAN cabling tester (TDR) or view pairs by stripping back a small piece of cable and viewing how tightly pairs are twisted. The most tightly twisted pair is the slowest (longest) and the loosest pair the fastest (shortest). You can also check the relative delays using the test card as described on page 29.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports Operation & Multi-Port Configuration This appendix describes audio & serial interface operation for those models that have this feature: • ACU2022A • ACU2028A • ACU2222A • ACURA001A • ACURA002A These extender products contain daughter boards that allow bi-directional stereo audio and a full-duplex serial data link to be sent across the CATx interconnection cable in addition to PS/2 keyboard, mouse and video.
APPENDIX E: AUDIO/SERIAL PORTS Audio Interface - Set Up and Operation The audio interface is line-level and is designed to take the output from a sound card (or other line-level) source and be connected to a set of powered speakers at the other end of the link. Stereo audio may be transmitted either way across the link (simultaneously). No setup is required unless a microphone is connected to the Remote unit.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix F: Calling Black Box If you determine that your CATx KVM Extender is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair it. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724746-5500. Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem.
APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Appendix G: Specifications Video Maximum Resolution 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) Operation at higher resolutions/refresh rates may be possible at shorter distances Video Compatibility VGA to UXGA, RGB Video I/O 0.7V P-P Skew Compensation 15-stage. 42nS Max. 2.8nS per step Compensation available on each color Video Compensation 2-stage.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Serial Interface Max Baud Rate Supported 19.2K Baud Serial Data Format Transparent Signals Transferred TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR Local Unit Connector DB9 Female (DCE) Remote Unit Connector DB9 Male (DTE) Audio Interface Description Bi-directional stereo audio link Transmission method Digitized virtually CD quality audio (16-bit, 38.4kHz Signal levels Line level (4 Volts Pk-Pk maximum) Input Impedance 47kΩ Local Unit Connectors 2x3.
APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Size and Shipping Weight ACUR001A, ACUR002A Remote Unit: 5.5”x5.7”x1.1” (140x145x29mm) Shipping Weight: 2.7lb (1.2kg) ACURA001A, ACURA002A Remote Unit: 5.5”x5.7”x1.7” (140x145x44mm) (1U) Shipping Weight: 2.9lb (1.3kg) ACU2201A Local Unit: 4.3”x5.7”x1.1” (110x146x29mm) Remote Unit: 5.5”x5.7”x1.1” (140x145x29mm) Shipping Weight: 4.4lb (2.0kg) ACU2222A Local Unit: 4.3”x5.7”x1.73” (110x146x44mm) (1U) Remote Unit: 5.5”x5.7”x1.7” (140x145x44mm) (1U) Shipping Weight: 5.5lb (2.
NOTES
Customer Support Information: Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500) For FREE Technical Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 724-746-5500 or fax 725-746-0746 Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • Email: info@blackbox.com © Copyright 2003. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
