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 ©2005. 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 19 4. Remote Unit Configuration & Operation 26 5. Local Unit Operation 37 6. Troubleshooting 39 1.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 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 44 Appendix B: RMK19U-X3 Mounting Kit 45 Appendix C: Flash Upgrading 45 Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) 45 Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports 45 Appendix F: Calling Black Box 45 Appendix G: Specifications 45 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 By using a specific ‘hot’ key sequence, you can put the Remote console 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. The following table summarizes the ‘hot’ key command sequences used in system configuration and video tuning.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 2. Overview 2.1 Introduction The ServSwitch Brand CATx KVM Extender Series enables dual channel 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).
OVERVIEW LOCAL unit Local Access ACU2209A, ACU2228A only. KVM extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft (300m).
SERVSWITCH 2.3 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Features Members of the ServSwitch features: Brand CATx KVM Extender Series offer the following • Support for high video resolution for use with TFT displays: 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: 4V Pk-Pk maximum.
OVERVIEW Extender Compatibility The ServSwitch Brand CATx KVM Extender Series of CATx KVM extender products offer enhanced performance while maintaining complete compatibility with existing ServSwitch standalone and rack mount CAT5 extenders. You can use CAT5 and CATx products belonging to the same family in any combination. However, it is not possible to mix Standard and Audio products within a system except for video only applications.
SERVSWITCH 2.6 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 Your Extender Kit contains 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 F to obtain Technical Support. • Extender Remote unit.
SERVSWITCH 3.2 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 45). One CATx cable is required for each video channel.
INSTALLATION 3.3 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. If appropriate, connect audio equipment and serial devices.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY ACU2222A-R2 and ACU2228A only Connect to speakers and microphone. Connect to second monitor. Figure 2 Connect to Primary monitor. Connect to serial device, such as a touch screen. Connect PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Connect supplied 9V PSU. Remote Unit – rear view INTERCONNECT 1 – carries primary video and data signals. Status OFF ON FLASHING INTERCONNECT 2 – carries secondary video signals.
INSTALLATION 3.4 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. Ensure that you attach the keyboard and mouse connectors to the correct ports. The keyboard connector is purple; the mouse connector is green.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Console Connections (ACU2209A and ACU2228A only) Connect to Local PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Connect to Local monitors. Optional connection for 5V PSU (not supplied) Audio/Serial Connections (ACU2222A-R2 and ACU2228A only) Connect to audio ports on computer. Connect to computer’s secondary video output. Connect to computer’s PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports and primary video output.
INSTALLATION INTERCONNECT 1 – carries primary video and data signals. Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 1 port on Remote unit. Status INTERCONNECT 2 – carries secondary video signals. Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 2 port on Remote unit. Yellow LED Green LED* OFF No data transfer with Remote unit Local Unit not powered.
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: 8. Ensure that you have installed and powered up the system according to the instructions in Section 3. 9.
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: ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/connectivity/ServSwitch/ This is an image (see Figure 6) 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 (not 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 7 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 8 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. Optionally, 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 7).
SERVSWITCH 4.5 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options The ServSwitch Brand CATx KVM Extender Series has a number of commands to reset the keyboard and mouse, to reset EQ and Delay values, to restore the factory default configuration, change DDC settings, and to initiate and control a Private mode session (Dual Access models only).
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Private Mode On dual access systems, a user at one console can lock out the other console by triggering a ‘Private Mode’ function. This prevents the other console from being used even if the twosecond inactivity timeout period expires. To indicate that the Private Mode session is active, the extender system: • Slowly flashes the Scroll Lock LED on the user’s keyboard. • Illuminates all three LEDs on the other console’s keyboard.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Transferring DDC Information This feature is only available on Remote units with hardware version 6.3 or above. A version code number is printed on the base of each unit; the hardware version number is the first two digits - see page 45). To support non-standard screen settings or other features, it is possible to read and store DDC information into the Local Unit directly from the monitors connected to the Remote Unit.
LOCAL UNIT OPERATION 5. Local Unit Operation 5.1 Overview For more information about serial/audio port operation, see Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports, page 45. Keyboard and Mouse Emulation Local units have keyboard and mouse emulation. The attached PC operates normally without requiring a keyboard or mouse to be attached to either the Remote or Local units (in the case of a dual access system).
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Console Commands After pressing the initial ‘hot’ key sequence on the Local keyboard, you can issue a number of commands by pressing additional keys. These commands allow you to control a Private mode session on the Local console, reset the keyboard and mouse or restore the Local Unit’s factory default settings.
TROUBLESHOOTING 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 27. Check the Interconnect cable between the Remote and Local units. Is it of the recommended type (see page 20)? Is it intact along its entire length and securely connected at both ends? Is it wired correctly (see page 45)? Ensure that all video connections throughout the system are attached securely.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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. Use shielded STP/FTP cable instead of UTP cable and ensure the shield connection is maintained between the Extender units. Check system grounding. The Remote unit has an isolated power supply and relies on obtaining a ground reference through the connected monitor.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6.2 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.
SERVSWITCH 6.3 BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 45. 6.4 Serial My serial device does not function.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6.5 General Questions Is it possible to use a cable 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.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix A: Example Applications This section shows two applications using CATx KVM Extender units: • Remote serial touch screens with Local access through a KVM switch (Figure 9). • Extender system with second screen for security monitoring (Figure 10). For more specific information about these, or any other complex applications, please discuss suitable extension architecture with your Technical Support.
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS ServSwitch Local access ports connect to single KVM console through a ServSwitch brand multi-head KVM switch. 2 x ACU2228A kits Remote units connect to touch screens.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Security System Provides secondary video input. ACU2201A-R2 Local Unit Takes KVM signals from standard PC and secondary video from security system. ACU2201A-R2 Remote Unit Connects to KVM console. Secondary monitor used for security monitoring.
APPENDIX B: RMK19U-X3 MOUNTING KIT Appendix B: RMK19U-X3 Mounting Kit Up to three extender units, in any combination, can be mounted in a 19” rack using the RMK19U-X3 mounting kit. The kit contains one rack plate and M3 countersunk mounting screws. To mount a unit: 1. Remove the feet from the extender unit. 2. Align the holes on the base plate with the vacant screw holes on the base of the extender unit. 3. Fasten the base of the unit to the plate of the mounting kit using the supplied screws.
SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration Each extender unit contains a service port. This can be accessed through the mouse port on a Remote unit or through the 25-way D-connector on a Local unit. By attaching an upgrade cable between the appropriate port and the serial port on any PC (or laptop) a unit’s firmware may be upgraded. To operate the configuration port, you need: • A laptop or PC close to the extender unit running Windows 98 or above.
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 27.
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: • ACU2222A-R2 • ACU2228A 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 Analog VGA to UXGA, RGB VESA DDC Emulated DDC for each video channel Local Unit reports as universal monitor capable of all standard resolutions and refresh rates. DDC information may be disabled, flash-upgraded or read from remote monitors. Video I/O 0.
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 2 x 3.
APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Size and Shipping Weight ACU2201A-R2 Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.1” (145x100x29mm) Remote Unit: 5.6”x5.7”x1.1” (143x145x29mm) Shipping Weight: 4.2lb (1.9kg) ACU2222A-R2 Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.7” (145x100x44mm) (1U) Remote Unit: 5.6”x5.7”x1.7” (143x145x44mm) (1U) Shipping Weight: 4.9lb (2.2kg) ACU2209A Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.7” (145x100x44mm) (1U) Remote Unit: 5.6”x5.7”x1.1” (143x145x29mm) Shipping Weight: 4.4lb (2.0kg) ACU2228A Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.
NOTES
