November 2009 CAT5 KVM Extender ACU1022A ACU1028A ACU1049A ACUVREM ACUREMSW
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family! Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 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.
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY Copyrights and Trademarks ©2002/2009. 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.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY EUROPEAN UNION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 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. This product complies with the following harmonized standards for Information Technology Equipment: EN55022:2006 (Class A), EN55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003. To maintain compliance the use of correctly installed shielded (STP/FTP) interconnection cable is advised.
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.
NOM STATEMENT 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.
CONTENTS 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. • The use of shielded CATx cable is recommended to maintain compliance.
CONTENTS Contents 1. Quick Setup 10 2. Overview 11 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Introduction Glossary Features Product Range Compatibility How to Use This Guide 3. Installation 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Package Contents Interconnection Cable Requirements Remote Unit Installation Connecting the Remote Unit Local Unit Installation Connection to Local Hubs 4. Remote Unit Configuration & Operation 4.1 4.2 4.3 Video Configuration Overview Video Adjustments Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options 5.
CONTENTS Appendix A: Example Applications 40 Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 44 Appendix C: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) 45 Appendix D: Audio/Serial Ports 47 Appendix E: Calling Black Box 49 Appendix F: Specifications 50 9
QUICK SETUP 1. 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. . Set Cable Length Jumpers Remove Remote Unit cover and set all three jumpers to position for Interconnect cable length (see page 19) Install system 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect Remote Unit to KVM and audio/serial devices (if present).
OVERVIEW 2. Overview 2.1 Introduction TheServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender products described in this manual enable high-resolution video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, stereo audio, and serial port signals to be communicated up to 300m over Category 5/5e (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 Access Local Unit ACU1009A, ACU1008A and ACU1005A kits only. KVM extension over CAT5/5e cables up to 300m.
OVERVIEW 2.3 Features All members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender product family described here offer the following features: • Support for high video resolution over extended distances: 1600x1200@60Hz up to 65m 1280x1024@75Hz up to 120m 1024x768@75Hz up to 300m • Adjustable video equalization compensates for loss of image quality over extended cable lengths. • Fully buffered signals to ensure consistent remote operation of your PC.
OVERVIEW 2.
OVERVIEW 2.5 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 that does not have a PS/2 mouse port, an active serial converter is required - Model: 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 Standard and Serial members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender range. Although the connection and operation of these systems 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.
INSTALLATION 3. 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 E: Calling Black Box, page 49. • Extender Remote Unit.
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. Please note that shielded cable is advised to maintain regulatory EMC compliance. 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.
INSTALLATION 3.3 Remote Unit Installation Setting the Cable Length Jumpers If your application uses a CATx cable less than 75m in length, you can continue to the next section. Remote Units incorporate video equalization circuitry, allowing you to compensate for the loss in image quality that occurs when video signals are transmitted along lengthy CATx cables. At the factory, Remote Units are configured to optimize the video signals for Interconnect cables up to 100m in length.
INSTALLATION 4. Set the three cable length jumpers as follows: Interconnect Cable Length (m) 0 – 100 Jumper Position (as viewed from front, with RJ45 connector towards you) No jumpers (default) 100 – 200 200 – 300 If you are at the top end of a cable range, and you are using a high screen resolution (1024x768 or higher), you may achieve better quality video compensation by selecting the next cable length range. Ensure that all three jumpers are set to the same position.
INSTALLATION 3.4 Connecting the Remote Unit To install a Remote Unit: 1. Switch off all devices. Connect your keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse to the Remote Unit as shown in Figure 3 (Switching) or Figure 4 (Audio/Serial). 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. 2.
INSTALLATION Connect to additional PC using DB25 male connector of 3-in-1 CPU KVM cable. Figure 3 Connect to monitor. Connect approved 9V power supply. Switching Remote Unit (ACUREMSW – also supplied with ACU1049A kit) – rear view Connect to speakers and microphone. Connect to monitor. Figure 4 Connect PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Connect to serial device, for example, a touch screen. Connect PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Connect approved 9V power supply.
INSTALLATION Interconnect – carries video and data signals. Connect to Interconnect port on Local Unit using CATx cable.
INSTALLATION 3.5 Local Unit Installation To install a Local Unit: 1. Switch off the PC and any peripheral devices 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 6. Ensure that you attach the keyboard and mouse connectors to the correct ports. The keyboard connector is purple; the mouse connector is green.
INSTALLATION ACU1022A and ACU1028A 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. Connect to Local PS/2 keyboard and mouse. All units ACU1028A and ACU1049A only Figure 6 Standard Local Unit - rear view INTERCONNECT – carries video and data signals. Connect to CATx cable connected to INTERCONNECT on Remote Unit.
INSTALLATION 3.6 Connection to Local Hubs Remote Units are compatible with ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender Local Hubs belonging to the same family: Remote Units Compatible Local Rack Hubs ACUREMSW ACU1006RA, ACU1006DRA, ACU1012RA ACU1022A, ACU1028A, ACUVREM ACU1006VRA, ACU1006DVRA A simple example of the use of a Local Hub Unit in which an ACUVREM Remote Unit is connected to each hub port, is shown in Figure 8.
INSTALLATION Figure 8 Simple system using ACU1006VRA Hub and ACUVREM Remote Units to extend audio, serial and KVM for up to six PCs 27
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 4. Remote Unit Configuration & Operation Cat5/5e 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. 4.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Skew only tends to be a problem at high screen resolutions with long interconnect cables. We recommend the use of low skew CAT5/5e cable for all applications. Please contact Technical Support for more information. With some cables, video performance may be improved by using a crossover patch cable at each end, an alternative RJ45 pin-out or an external skew correction device (see Appendix C: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew), page 45).
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION If you are at the top end of a cable range, for example, 80m (250ft), and you are using a high screen resolution (1024x768 or higher), you may achieve better quality video compensation by selecting the next cable length range using the cable length jumpers (see page 19). Use the Brightness control to adjust the brightness of the overall picture. After adjusting this control, you may need to re-adjust the Focus control. 4.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 4.3 Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options Keyboard ‘hot’ keys are used to carry out various functions on both Remote and Local Units. To enter these commands: 1. Press and release the initial ‘hot’ key. By default, the initial ‘hot’ key is 2. Press and release the command key.
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Hot Key Commands After pressing the initial ‘hot’ key on the remote keyboard, you can issue a number of commands by pressing additional keys. These commands allow you to start a private mode session on the remote console or to reset the keyboard and mouse.
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 D: Audio/Serial Ports, page 47. Keyboard and Mouse Emulation Local Units have keyboard and mouse emulation.
LOCAL UNIT OPERATION 5.2 Operation of Dual Access Local Units Models ACU1028A and ACU1049A offer dual access with a second console at the Local Unit. 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 a set time: the Inactivity Timeout Period. This is fixed at two seconds. Thereafter, any keyboard or mouse action at the other console switches console activity.
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 having firmware versions ‘S50’ and above.
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ 6. Troubleshooting & FAQ 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 17)? Is it intact along its entire length and securely connected at both ends? Is it wired correctly? Ensure that all video connections throughout the system are attached securely.
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ The PC won’t boot into the correct graphics mode The extender includes DDC emulation for all standard resolutions and there should not normally be any issues. For non-standard resolutions, you will need to explicitly set the resolution in your operating system configuration ignoring the DDC data read from the Local Unit. Contact Technical Support if you have problems selecting your required graphics mode. Can the extender be used with RGB video? Yes. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ 6.4 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. The system does not detect a PS/2 mouse.
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ 6.5 General Questions Is it possible to use a cable longer than 300m? It might be possible to use a cable of up to 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 three specific applications using ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender units: • Six remote serial touch screens with local access through a KVM switch (Figure 11). • Information distribution system sharing a single PC at up to six remote locations (Figure 12). • ACU1049A extender kit allows remote user to switch between remote and local CPUs (Figure 13).
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS KVM Switch Local access ports connect to single KVM console through switch. ACU1006DVRA Extender Hub Takes KVM and serial signals from each CPU (only two shown). ACUVREM Remote Units connect to touch screens. Figure 11 Touch screen network with local access to CPUs through KVM switch.
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS 5V PSU ACU1006DVRA 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. ACUVREM Remote Units connect to KVM consoles.
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS Dual access to extended CPU available at Local Unit ACU1049A Kit (uses ACUREMSW Remote Unit) Allows user at Remote console to switch between extended CPU and CPU connected to Remote Unit.
APPENDIX B: RACK MOUNT OPTIONS Appendix B: Rack Mount Options Extender units can be mounted in a 19” rack using the mounting kit::RMK19U-R2. Each 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. Repeat this procedure on the other side of the unit. 5.
APPENDIX C: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) Appendix C: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) This section discusses skew and how to minimize its effects. What is Skew? Each color in the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) video signal is sent down a separate pair of wires in the Interconnect cable. On many cables, the twist rates differ and this leads to each color arriving at a slightly different time and therefore spreading out on the screen.
APPENDIX C: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) You can measure pair lengths with a LAN cabling tester (TDR) or view pairs by stripping back a small piece of cable and viewing how tightly the pairs are twisted. The most tightly twisted pair is the slowest (longest) and the loosest pair the fastest (shortest). You can also observe relative delays using the test card. Some cables have a ‘3+1’ construction where three pairs closely match.
APPENDIX D: AUDIO/SERIAL PORTS Appendix D: Audio/Serial Ports Operation & Multi-Port Configuration This appendix describes audio & serial interface operation for: • ACU1022A • ACU1028A • ACUVREM These extender products contain daughter boards that allow bi-directional stereo audio and a full-duplex serial data link to be sent across the CAT5/5e interconnection cable in addition to PS/2 keyboard, mouse and video.
APPENDIX D: 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.
APPENDIX E: CALLING BLACK BOX Appendix E: Calling Black Box If you determine that your ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Extender is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair it. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500. Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem.
APPENDIX F: SPECIFICATIONS Appendix F: Specifications Video Maximum Resolution 1600x1280@60Hz up to 65m 1280x1024@75Hz up to 120m 1024x768@75Hz up to 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 Video Compensation 3-stage continuously variable.
APPENDIX F: SPECIFICATIONS 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 F: SPECIFICATIONS Size and Shipping Weight ACUREMSW Remote Unit: 202x100x36mm Shipping Weight: 1.08 Kg ACUVREM Remote Unit: 202x100x44mm (1U) Shipping Weight: 1.14 Kg ACU1022A Local Unit: 202x100x44mm (1U) Remote Unit: 202x100x44mm (1U) Shipping Weight: 2.53 Kg ACU1028A Local Unit: 202x100x44mm (1U) Remote Unit: 202x100x44mm (1U) Shipping Weight: 2.58 Kg ACU1049A Local Unit: 202x100x36mm Remote Unit: 202x100x36mm Shipping Weight: 2.
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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 724-746-0746 Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • Email: info@blackbox.com © Copyright 2009. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
