JUNE 2000 Power 13 14 15 9 10 11 5 6 7 1 2 3 16 12 8 4 SW721A-R4 SW722A-R4 KV3108SA-R4 SW723A-R4 SW724A-R4 SW725A-R4 Customer Support Information: FREE tech 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 • E-mail: info@blackbox.com © Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
JUNE 2000 SW721A-R4 SW722A-R4 KV3108SA-R4 SW723A-R4 SW724A-R4 SW725A-R4 Step-By-Step Quick Install Guide for the ServSwitch™ 14 15 9 10 11 5 6 7 1 2 3 13 Power 16 12 8 4 1. Introduction This guide is designed to quickly show you how to attach cables and equipment in order to install a ServSwitch system. For just the basics, look over the diagrams on the next four pages. More detailed instructions begin on page 4.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 1 2 Attach User Adapter Cable. Attach monitor (VGA type shown). 3 Plug in monitor. MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE HD15 Video.eps POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE ServSwitch 5 Use CPU Adapter Cable to attach CPU this way (PS/2 CPU shown): CPU 1 Unlabeled Labeled "MOUSE" HD15 Video.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 4 Attach your keyboard and mouse this way (PS/2 equipment shown): Labeled "MOUSE" Unlabeled 6 Plug in CPU. 7 8 Plug in ServSwitch. POWER Turn on ServSwitch. ☞ 9 Turn on monitor and all CPUs.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE The rest of this guide is divided into five sections, one for each connection type: POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 RS-232 Power Cascade CPU User Figure 1. Connection sequence. Required: Section 2, User-Station Connections (see page 5). Optional: Section 3, Cascade Connections (see page 10). Required: Section 4, CPU Connections (see page 11). Optional: Section 5, The RS-232 Connection (see page 18).
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 2. User-Station Connections Which cables you use for these and how you connect them to the ServSwitch and to your user-station equipment will depend on what type of equipment you’re using: If your keyboard and mouse are this type (with this connector): And if your monitor is this type (with this connector): Refer to this section (on this page): IBM® PS/2®, RS/6000®, or SGI® (6-pin mini-DIN) VGA/multisync (HD15) Section 2.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 2.1 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, VGA/MULTISYNC MONITOR If your keyboard and mouse are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current RS/6000 and SGIkeyboards and mice, as well as the Microsoft® IntelliMouse®), and your monitor is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or multisync type with an HD15 video connector, first choose your Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User Cable): • If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if your equipment is within 20 ft.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 2.2 IBM PC/AT COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD, RS-232 SERIAL MOUSE, VGA/MULTISYNC MONITOR If your keyboard is PC/AT compatible, your mouse is an RS-232 serial type, and your monitor is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or multisync type with an HD15 video connector, first choose your Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User Cable): • If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if your equipment is within 20 ft. (6.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 2.3 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, RS/6000 MONITOR If your keyboard and mouse are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current RS/6000 keyboards and mice, as well as the Microsoft IntelliMouse), and your monitor is an RS/6000 type with a 13W3 video connector, use the coaxial Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User Cable) with the product code EHN521-0001. (Note that this cable is available as a stock item only in a 1-ft. [0.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 2.4 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, SGI MONITOR If your keyboard and mouse are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current SGI keyboards and mice, as well as the Microsoft IntelliMouse), and your monitor is an SGI type with a 13W3 video connector, use the coaxial Monitor/ Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User Cable) with the product code EHN501-0001. (Note that this cable is available as a stock item only in a 1-ft. [0.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 3. Cascade Connections (Optional) If you want to connect submaster (slave) ServSwitch units to your master unit, use the coaxial Expansion Cable EHN284. Plug one end of this cable (it doesn’t matter which end) into the submaster unit’s MONITOR/KEYBOARD/ MOUSE port. If this is the first submaster, plug the other end of the cable into the master Switch’s CPU 1 port. If this is the second submaster, plug the other end into the master Switch’s CPU 2 port, and so on.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 4. CPU Connections Which cables you use and how you connect them will depend on what type of equipment you’re using: If your CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are this type (with this connector): And if your CPU’s video port is this type (with this connector): Refer to this section (on this page): IBM PS/2 type (6-pin mini-DIN) VGA etc. (HD15) Section 4.1 (page 12) IBM PC/AT keyboard (5-pin DIN), RS-232 serial mouse (DB9) VGA etc. (HD15) Section 4.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 4.1 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS, VGA TYPE VIDEO PORTS If a CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current RS/6000 and SGI CPUs), and its video port is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or a compatible type with an HD15 connector, first choose your CPU Adapter Cable: • If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if the CPU is within 20 ft. (6.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 EHN051 or EHN282 To kbd port To mouse port To video port Figure 7. PS/2 type CPU connections.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 4.2 IBM PC/AT COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD PORT, RS-232 SERIAL MOUSE PORT, VGA TYPE VIDEO PORT If a CPU’s keyboard port is PC/AT compatible, its mouse port is an RS-232 serial type, and its video port is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or compatible type with an HD15 connector, first choose your CPU Adapter Cable: • If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if the CPU is within 20 ft. (6.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 EHN048 To kbd port To mouse port To video port Figure 8. PC/AT type CPU connections (standard cable). POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 EHN282 To kbd port Adapters To mouse port To video port Figure 9. PC/AT type CPU connections (coaxial cable).
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 4.3 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS, RS/6000 VIDEO PORT If a CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current RS/6000 CPUs), and its video port is an RS/6000 type with a 13W3 connector, use the coaxial CPU Adapter Cable EHN520. Hook this cable up to the ServSwitch and the CPU this way, as shown in Figure 10: • Plug the cable’s DB25 CPU ports.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 4.4 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS, SGI VIDEO PORT If a CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current SGI CPUs), and its video port is an SGI type with a 13W3 connector, use the coaxial CPU Adapter Cable EHN500. Hook this cable up to the ServSwitch and your equipment this way, as shown in Figure 11: • Plug the cable’s DB25 CPU ports.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 5.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE • If you are connecting the Switch to a computer at another site through a modem with a DB25 female serial port, use the 6-wire cable EL06MS and the DB25 male adapter FA042, as shown in Figure 14. POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 6-wire cable EL06MS Modular adapter FA042 To phone network Modem Figure 14. RS-232 connection to DB25 male computer port.
SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE 6. The Power Connection Attach the outlet end of the included power cord into the Switch. Attach the plug end of the cord to a wall outlet. See Figure15. POWER CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 Included power cord Figure 15. The power connection.
NOTES 21
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch is a trademark, of Black Box Corporation. IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft and IntelliMouse are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. SGI is a registered trademark of SGI.
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family! Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand KVM switch! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch will save you money, time, and effort. That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the traditional, expensive model of computer management.
SERVSWITCH™ TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, ServSwitch, ServSwitch Ultra, Matrix ServSwitch, and ServManager are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.™ Compaq is a registered trademark, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer Corporation.
FCC/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.
SERVSWITCH™ 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 12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada. 13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato. 14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante. 15.
SERVSWITCH™ Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10 2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 2.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 2.2 Operating Features ........................................................................... 2.3 The Front Panel ....................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 5. Page 4.4 Using the RS-232 Port ....................................................................... 4.4.1 Connecting Equipment to the Port ..................................... 4.4.2 Switching Ports Remotely (Optional) .................................. 4.4.3 Upgrading the Firmware (Flash Memory) .......................... 4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with Terminal-Emulation Software ........................................... 4.4.3.
SERVSWITCH™ Contents (continued) Chapter 5. 6. 8 Page Operation: On-Screen Display (continued) 5.5 The “Configure Security” Page ........................................................ 5.5.1 The Configuration Password ................................................ 5.5.2 The Access Password ............................................................. 5.5.3 The Access Timeout .............................................................. 5.5.4 Setting the Passwords ....................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix Page Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 78 A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings ........................................................... 78 A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings ................................................... 79 Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 81 Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ...............................................................
SERVSWITCH™ 1. Specifications Hardware Required — Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video standard (see Section 4.1.
CHAPTER 1: Specifications User Controls — All models: Keyboard commands; On-screen menus; SW721A-R4: (3) Front-mounted pushbuttons: “ON/OFF” (power), “+” (switch to next port), and “–” (switch to previous port); All models except SW721A-R4: (2) Front-mounted pushbuttons: “ ” (switch to next port) and “ ” (switch to previous port); (1) Rear-mounted rocker switch for power Indicators — All frount-mounted LEDs; All models: (1) for ServSwitch unit: POWER; SW721A-R4: (4) for CPUs: (2) SELECT, (2) POWER; SW722
SERVSWITCH™ Power — SW721A-R4: From wallmount external power supply (type may vary, refer to labeling on transformer): Either: Input: 90 to 260 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 65 to 130 mA; Output: +8 VDC at 1.5 A, –8 VDC at 375 mA; or: Input: 90 to 264 VAC at 47 to 63 Hz, 78 to 156 mA; Output: +12 VDC at 1 A, –12 VDC at 0.
CHAPTER 1: Specifications 2. Introduction Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch™. Designed with your needs in mind, your new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer application. With your Switch, you can use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to access a number of IBM® PC compatible computers (including IBM RS/6000® computers and current SGI® computers), so you can significantly reduce your equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor clutter.
SERVSWITCH™ • The units remember and restore Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and keyboard mode for each CPU. • Screen-save function can turn off video after 1 to 999 seconds of inactivity. • Scan function can sequence between CPUs every 1 to 15 seconds. • You can program the keyboard’s typematic rate and delay. • Custom settings for each CPU can be saved in nonvolatile memory. • The units have flash memory, so you can upgrade their firmware through their RS-232 ports. • Rackmount kits are available.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.3 The Front Panel The front panels of the ServSwitch feature two or three pushbutton switches and several LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and indicators, refer to Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 below and the descriptions that follow on the next page. ON/OFF 1 POWER 2 3 4 SELECT POWER SELECT POWER SELECT POWER SELECT POWER Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4). Power 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 Figure 2-2.
SERVSWITCH™ Panel Label Description POWER (left) Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON. ON/OFF 2-port units only: Press this button to turn the ServSwitch ON or OFF. [Numbered] CPU Status LEDs: Numbered pairs of LEDs indicate the status of the CPU or submaster (cascaded) Serv device connected to the corresponding port on the rear panel: SELECT or [unlabeled left] (red) Lights if the corresponding port is the currently selected port.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.4 The Rear Panel All cable connections are made at the rear panel of the ServSwitch, as illustrated in Figures 2-4 and 2-5 and described below. CPU3 CPU4 CPU1 CPU2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 POWER 17VAC CT Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4). POWER CPU 15 CPU 16 CPU 13 CPU 14 CPU 11 CPU 12 CPU 9 CPU 10 CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 Figure 2-5.
SERVSWITCH™ Panel Label Connector or Control Description CPU N DB25 F For each submaster you plan to connect, you must have an Expansion Cable; you must have an Adapter Cable for each CPU you plan to connect. See Section 2.5. (continued) NOTE The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 CPU N connector slots; the slimline-model chassis has 8 of these slots, and the full-size chassis has 16 of them.
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 a third for each mouse cable. The potential for tangling or mismatching cables is high. By contrast, you can connect the ServSwitch to your CPUs with one “CPU Adapter Cable” for each CPU. This single cable reaches the CPU’s video-output, keyboard, and mouse ports.
SERVSWITCH™ 3. Installation 3.1 Quick Setup Guide Figure 3-1, below, shows a basic example of connecting a CPU, a submaster, a keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse to the ServSwitch unit. Connectors will vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing. Figure 3-1. Basic system setup for a slimline 8-port unit.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2 Installation Procedure This section provides complete instructions for the hardware setup of a single ServSwitch. (For detailed instructions on the capabilities and concerns involved in installing a cascaded Switch system, see Section 3.3; to make troubleshooting the installation easier, we recommend that you check the master and each submaster as it is installed, rather than installing all units, then checking the entire cascade.
SERVSWITCH™ 3.2.3 CONNECTING CPUS CPU Adapter Cables run from the ServSwitch to the keyboard port, mouse port, and video-output port of each CPU you want to directly attach to it. Different types of this cable fit the connectors on different computers (see Appendix B). This cable also comes in the different lengths supported by different applications (see Section 4.1.3). CAUTION! Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2.4 CONNECTING SUBMASTERS (OPTIONAL) To connect a submaster Serv type switch (ServSwitch, ServSwitch Ultra, Matrix ServSwitch, ServManager, etc.) to a master ServSwitch, run a ServSwitch to ServSwitch Expansion Cable (our product code EHN055 for original cable or EHN274 for [recommended] coaxial cable) from one of the master Switch’s CPU ports to (one of) the submaster’s MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE port(s).
SERVSWITCH™ 3.2.5 POWERING UP THE SYSTEM 1A. 2-port model (SW721A-R4): Making sure that the connected CPUs and any connected submasters are OFF (powered down), take the output cord of the ServSwitch’s power supply and plug its 5-pin DIN male connector into the power jack on the rear panel of the Switch. Plug the power supply’s input cord into a working outlet. 1B.
CHAPTER 3.2.6 CHANGING THE KEYBOARD SETTING OF WINDOWS NT 4.0 CPUS If any CPUs attached to your ServSwitch are running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, you must change the keyboard setting in their Control Panel from the default, “Microsoft Enhanced Keyboard,” to “Standard 101/102 or Microsoft Natural Keyboard.” Your ServSwitch system will not work with these CPUs unless their keyboard settings are changed. To do this, take these steps: 1.
SERVSWITCH™ 3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems In a normal cascaded ServSwitch system, the shared monitor(s), keyboard(s), and mouse (mice) are directly attached to one or more “master” Serv-Switches, while all the CPUs are indirectly attached through “submasters” (subsidiary ServSwitches, ServSwitch Ultras, ServManagers, etc.) that provide port expansion but may or may not perform any control functions of their own.
CHAPTER 3: Installation say that CPUs 1 through 8 are “shared,” we mean that they can be accessed by either master at different times, not by both masters simultaneously.) Adding a third 4-port submaster unit would give you a total of 17 ports, and so on. (To reach all of the CPUs in cascaded systems like this, you must set Maximum computers, Width, and Units properly on the master unit; see Sections 5.2.3 through 5.2.5.) 3.3.
SERVSWITCH™ MASTER UNIT CPU 7 CPU 6 CPU 5 CPU 4 CPU 3 CPU 2 CPU 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 POWER CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 Max.
CHAPTER 3: Installation • You must not cascade submasters to more than one “layer.” That is, you may connect submasters to the CPU ports of one or (with Matrix ServSwitch submasters) two master ServSwitches, but do not connect any submasters to submasters’ CPU ports. To illustrate this restriction, let’s say you’ve installed a four-port submaster on a four-port ServSwitch master and you have a four-port submaster yet to install.
SERVSWITCH™ • If you are attaching more than one submaster to a slimline or full-size master ServSwitch, we strongly recommend that all of the submasters have the same number of ports. This is because the Switch’s “Expansion width” command/ parameter—the value it uses to calculate how many ports each attached submaster has (see Section 5.2.5)—is global rather than submaster-specific.
CHAPTER 3: Installation receive the file at 9600 baud (9600 bps). (In this case, you must download the file at 9600 bps.) 6. Turn ON the computer identified as CPU 1. Wait until the boot process is complete, then turn ON CPU 2, wait until it boots, turn ON CPU 3, etc., until all of your computers are powered up. 7. Set each master’s Maximum computers, Expansion units, and Expansion width values so that the master can scan correctly and properly control the interplay of the submaster units.
SERVSWITCH™ 4. Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands The first part of this chapter, Section 4.1, gives you some guidelines that you should follow to make sure your ServSwitch works properly with your equipment. Section 4.2 summarizes the ServSwitch’s keyboard commands, and Section 4.3 describes these commands in detail. Section 4.4 outlines how you can select ports or upgrade firmware from an optional computer or terminal connected to the ServSwitch’s RS-232 port.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands Though the ServSwitch can convert any supported keyboard or mouse protocol to any other, this is not enough to overcome all of the vast differences between input devices. If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend that you use the corresponding type of keyboard and mouse. Other concerns: • The ServSwitch supports a variety of mice; for more details, see Section 5.2.2.
SERVSWITCH™ 4.1.3 MONITOR NOTE At resolutions up to 800 x 600, the video quality for most ServSwitch applications will be excellent. At higher resolutions, however, you might see a little fuzziness on your monitor no matter how close to ideal your ServSwitch system is. If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend that you use the corresponding type of monitor.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands The ServSwitches will support SVGA (Super VGA) video, but with original Serv cables the video quality will decrease markedly at higher resolutions and distances. Table 4-2, below, illustrates this. The distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the monitor.
SERVSWITCH™ By contrast, coaxial cables (required for XGA applications and recommended for most other applications) do much better at maintaining video quality, as shown in Table 4-3 below. (For the meaning of quality numbers 3, 2, and 1, see the bottom of the previous page.) As before, the distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the monitor.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary Table 4-4 below and on the next page summarizes the commands that can be sent to the ServSwitch. To enter any command at the shared keyboard, first press and release the left Control key, represented by “[Ctrl].” (This cues the Switch to look for commands from that keyboard.) Then enter the command followed by any arguments you wish to specify (the port number, for example).
SERVSWITCH™ Table 4-4. The ServSwitch’s Keyboard Commands (continued) Command Keystroke Sequence Description Scan OFF [Ctrl] X Turns Scan mode OFF (the port being scanned at the time the command is entered is given access to the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse). Note: Scan can also be stopped by entering a Select Port command.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3 The Commands in Detail 4.3.1 SELECTING A PORT FROM THE SHARED KEYBOARD To select a port from your keyboard, press and release your keyboard’s left Control key ([Ctrl]), then type in the port number: If “Maximum Ports” is set to 1 to 9: The ServSwitch will immediately switch to the desired port when you press the one-digit number’s numeral key.
SERVSWITCH™ 4.3.3 SCAN MODE To start scanning (switching from CPU to CPU in a continuous rotation) from the keyboard, press and release the left Control key ([Ctrl]), then press [S]. The ServSwitch will begin scanning sequentially from its currently selected port through the higher-numbered ports, then begin again at CPU Port 1. As it scans, it delays 1 to 999 seconds at each port. (This “Scan Time” is user-selectable; see Section 5.2.6.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3.6 RESET This command, along with the commands described in the next two sections, can come in handy when certain problems arise. It will reboot your keyboard and mouse without your having to power down the station or the system, and will also re-enable PS/2 mouse communication if the selected CPU has previously disabled it.
SERVSWITCH™ 4.3.7 SEND NULL BYTE (PS/2 TYPE MICE ONLY) PS/2 type mice send control data to CPUs in three-byte increments. Sometimes, because of electronic transients, unusual power-up effects, or plugging and unplugging of cables from live equipment, the currently selected CPU in a ServSwitch system can lose one or two bytes of this control information and get “out of sync” with the shared mouse.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3.9 DISPLAY LABEL One of the ServSwitch’s graphic-overlay functions is to display the on-screen “label” window that contains the number and assigned name of the currently selected CPU (see Section 5.4.3). If this label is not on screen, you can use this command to cause the Switch to display the label for the length of time you have configured for the label’s “fadeout interval” (see Section 5.4.3.D), or, if fadeout is disabled, for five seconds.
SERVSWITCH™ 4.4 Using the RS-232 Port 4.4.1 CONNECTING EQUIPMENT TO THE PORT For your convenience, a computer or terminal with an EIA/TIA RS-232 serial port can be connected to the RS-232 serial port (RJ-12 connector) on the ServSwitch’s rear panel (see Appendix C for a pinout of this connector). This allows you to send switching commands from a non-local keyboard rather than from the shared keyboard, and is also necessary in order to download future firmware upgrades into the Switch.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.4.2 SWITCHING PORTS REMOTELY (OPTIONAL) To switch ports on a ServSwitch from a remote computer or terminal attached to the Switch’s RS-232 port, take these steps: 1. Set your computer for serial communication at 9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. 2. To switch the ServSwitch to a different port, use a terminal-emulation program and type or send the desired port number followed by [Enter] (a return).
SERVSWITCH™ 4.4.3 UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE (FLASH MEMORY) The ServSwitch has flash memory, which means its firmware may be reloaded (upgraded) in order to support new features or fix any problems in its operation. To get new firmware revisions when they become available, you can download them from our FTP site—at the time of this writing, you would use the “ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/pub/connectivity” directory—or from our Black Box BBS—call (724) 746-7120.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands ASCII text file (not XMODEM, ZMODEM, etc.). The Switch will send back a series of ASCII period (“.”) characters (decimal 46, hex 2E) that shows the progress of the file-copying procedure. It will also flash LED 1 or 4 (depending on the data rate).
SERVSWITCH™ 6. Press the Enter key on the PC’s keyboard. (If your keyboard does not have an Enter key, press the Return key instead.) LED 3 will go dark briefly while the ServSwitch reboots itself and runs its new firmware. The Switch should then light LED 4 and send some diagnostic information about itself. (In particular, make sure that the firmware-revision level it reports matches the revision level of the new firmware.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 3. Make sure the ServSwitch is turned OFF, then turn it ON while holding in both the “ ” and “ ” buttons (the “+” and “–” buttons on the 2-port unit) on the Switch’s front panel. Once the Switch has powered up, release the next port/previous port buttons, then the power button. The ServSwitch shows, by lighting LED 1, that it’s ready to accept the flash file at 9600 bps.
SERVSWITCH™ 5. Operation: On-Screen Display 5.1 Overview You can use the ServSwitch’s on-screen display to: 1. Configure the ServSwitch through a series of configuration menus (triggered with the [Ctrl] [F12] command, where [Ctrl] is the left Control key). 2. Switch to different computers from a window which shows a list of computer names (triggered with the [Ctrl] [ESC] command, where [Ctrl] is the left Control key). You can change the color and position of this window. 3.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display This menu and all other on-screen display windows appear “on top of” your computer video, assuming you are switched to a computer with active video. (If no video is present, then the background is black.) If the display is not synchronized, then you should switch to a computer with active video and configure the resolution setting from the “Configure overlay” page. 5.1.2 NAVIGATING THE CONFIGURATION PAGES Using the on-screen display is very easy and intuitive.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.2 The “Configure System” Page Use this page, shown in Figure 5-2 below, to view and change keyboard-type, mouse, expansion, scan, and keyboard-typematic settings. Access it from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure system” is highlighted.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.2.2 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: MOUSE The ServSwitch will also autodetect the mouse type unless you boot the Switch without a mouse attached, in which it will default to the “PS/2” setting. To change the mouse type, press [Enter] while “Mouse” is highlighted. An input-selection box will pop up as shown in Figure 5-3 below.
SERVSWITCH™ “Serial 2-button mouse” refers to those mice that have serial RS-232 interfaces (usually with a DB9 connector), are Microsoft compatible, and use a 3-byte, 7-bit, 1200-bps, no-parity data format. Most PC serial mice with two buttons fall into this category. “Serial 3-button mouse” refers to those mice which have serial RS-232 interfaces (usually with a DB9 connector), are Mouse Systems compatible, and use a 5-byte, 8-bit, 1200-bps, no-parity data format.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.2.3 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: MAXIMUM COMPUTERS This setting corresponds to the number of computers (CPUs) connected to the ServSwitch system. It comes in handy when you are cascading, or are only using some of the CPU ports on a single Switch: When the Switch knows how many CPUs there are, it can handle switching and scanning more intelligently.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.2.4 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: EXPANSION UNITS This setting corresponds to the number of “submaster” (expansion) Serv units that are connected to the main master ServSwitch. It helps to determine which CPU number is associated with which physical connector. If you aren’t cascading, this number should be set to zero. If one submaster is connected, the value should be set to one, and so on. To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Expansion units” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.2.6 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: SCAN TIME This item determines the time, in seconds, that the ServSwitch will pause at each of the computers when scanning. The factory-default setting is 5 seconds. To change the scan time, press [Enter] while “Scan time” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a new value from 1 to 999 seconds and hit [Enter]. (You can also set this value to zero to disable scanning completely.
SERVSWITCH™ Table 3-1. Typematic Rate Rate Value 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Actual Rate in Keystrokes per Second Rate Value Actual Rate in Keystrokes per Second 2 2.1 2.3 2.5 2.7 3 3.3 3.7 4 4.3 4.6 5 5.5 6 6.7 7.5 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 8 8.6 9.2 10 10.9 12 13.3 15 16 17.1 18.5 20 21.8 24 26.7 30 5.2.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page Use this page to set the name, keyboard type, and mouse type for each of the ServSwitch’s CPU ports. Access it from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure computers” is highlighted. The page is shown below in Figure 5-5. (The arrow in the column after the computer number points to the currently selected computer.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.3.1 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: COMPUTER NAME Each computer can be given a name consisting of up to 16 characters. These names appear as labels in the “Computer select” window (see Section 5.6). To change a computer name, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Computer name” field is highlighted. An “Input new name” box appears, as shown in Figure 5-6 below. (The default computer names are “Computer n,” where n is the port number, also as shown below.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.3.2 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: KEYBOARD Use this field to tell the ServSwitch what type of keyboard mode (PC mode 1, 2, or 3) a given CPU uses. To change a CPU port’s keyboard mode, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Keyboard” field is highlighted. A keyboard-mode input box appears, as shown in Figure 5-7 below.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.3.3 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: MOUSE Use this field to tell the ServSwitch what type of mouse a given CPU uses. The factory default is “PS/2” (non-wheel). To change a CPU port’s mouse type, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Mouse” field is highlighted. A mouse-type input box appears, as shown in Figure 5-8 below.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page Use this page to set the color of the configuration menus, the resolution of ServSwitch-generated video, the type and timing of the Switch-generated screen saver, the appearance of the “Computer select” window, and the appearance of the Switch-generated computer label (see Section 5.4.3.A). Access this page, shown in Figure 5-9 below, from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure overlay” is highlighted.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.4.1.B Resolution This item gives you maximum monitor-type flexibility by determining the resolution and refresh rate of the video signal that the ServSwitch sends to the shared monitor while the unit isn’t receiving any video from the CPU. The possible choices—all using 640 x 480 resolution—are “PC1” (60-Hz refresh rate—the factory default), “PC2” (72 Hz), and “PC3” (75 Hz). To change the resolution/refresh rate, press [Enter] while “Resolution” is highlighted. An input box appears.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4.2 CONFIGURE OVERLAY: COMPUTER SELECT WINDOW 5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color These items determine the background and text colors of the “Computer select window” (see Section 5.6). The “solid” colors available are black, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are opaque and cause the window to hide part of the video coming from the CPUs.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.4.3 CONFIGURE OVERLAY: COMPUTER LABEL 5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color These items determine the background and text colors of the computer label. The ServSwitch displays this label on the shared monitor’s screen as you switch between CPUs to identify individual CPUs. The “solid” colors available are black, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are opaque and cause the label to hide part of the video coming from the CPUs.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4.3.C Show Computer Number This item determines whether or not the computer number is displayed along with the computer label. To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Show computer number” is highlighted. A yes/no input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select “Yes” or “No” and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new setting appears in the “Show computer number” field. Factory default is “Yes.” 5.4.3.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.5 The “Configure Security” Page Use this page to set security options for the ServSwitch. Access this page, shown in Figure 5-10 below, from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure security” is highlighted. Configure security Security Configuration password Access password Access time New password ******** ******** 999 Protects access to configuration menu, up to 8 characters Figure 5-10. The “Configure security” page. 5.5.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display ServSwitch will begin displaying its currently selected screen saver (see Section 5.4.1.C) over the whole screen. The Switch will not display any computer video, nor will it accept any keyboard commands, until a user logs in by entering the access password. (The “Enter password” box—but nothing else—will reappear as soon as a user begins typing in a password.) Factory default is no password. 5.5.
SERVSWITCH™ 5.6 The “Computer Select Window” You can bring up a “computer select window” on the shared monitor’s screen to select a specific computer from a list of computers attached to the ServSwitch. Access the window, shown in Figure 5-11 below, by pressing and releasing the left [Ctrl] key and then hitting the [Esc] (escape) key. The arrow in the column after the computer number points to the currently selected computer.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6. Troubleshooting The first two sections of this chapter discuss things to try when problems arise in a ServSwitch system. If the trouble you’re having with the Switch is something you haven’t seen before, or if the trouble seems minor, try the procedures detailed in Section 6.1 before doing anything else. The second section of this chapter suggests possible causes of and solutions to frequently encountered problems; if the trouble is chronic, see Section 6.2. Sections 6.
SERVSWITCH™ 6.2 Common Problems 6.2.1 A CPU CONNECTED TO YOUR SERVSWITCH OR A SUBMASTER DOESN’T BOOT, AND YOU GET A KEYBOARD OR MOUSE ERROR A. First make sure your ServSwitch and (if one is involved) your submaster are plugged in and powered up. B. If the Switch and submaster are ON, check the master’s configuration. The keyboard and mouse settings for that CPU might not be correct. C. If the configuration is OK, check your cables. Tighten any loose connections.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.2 YOU CAN’T SWITCH PORTS FROM THE KEYBOARD A. Can you do anything from the keyboard? If not, the keyboard strand of your MKM cable has probably come loose. Reconnect it. B. The ServSwitch might have lost power for less than three seconds. (This can cause the keyboard to lock up.) Disconnect the keyboard and plug it back in. C. The keyboard might simply have gotten a little off kilter.
SERVSWITCH™ 6.2.5 THE SERVSWITCH SCANS OR SWITCHES TO EMPTY OR NONEXISTENT PORTS A. The “Maximum computers” setting is too high. (If any of the CPUs you can access are receiving garbage characters, this is a good indicator.) Set Maximum Ports to match the number of CPUs in your system. See Section 5.2.3. B. The “Expansion units” and/or “Expansion width” setting is wrong.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.9 YOUR MOUSE DOESN’T MOVE THE POINTER/CURSOR A. What type of mouse is it? If it is any type other than those listed as being supported in item A under Section 6.2.6, chances are that the ServSwitch doesn’t support it. B. The mouse might not be configured properly. C. Your mouse must be connected to a powered ServSwitch when the CPUs are booted and when mouse applications are run.
SERVSWITCH™ E. The CPU is sending video with sync on green, which the ServSwitch does not currently support. Call Black Box for technical support. F. If the video problem is not centered on the monitor, check the video strands of your cables. Tighten any loose connections. G. If no cable connectors are loose, begin swapping your cables one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable is probably defective. H.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.16 THE SERVSWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR DONGLE-PROTECTED SOFTWARE The ServSwitch does not support keyboard-line dongles (the devices required to be inserted into the keyboard line by some software for copy protection). 6.2.17 THE SERVSWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR IBM THINKPAD The Switch supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data.
SERVSWITCH™ Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings The tables below shows, for the ServSwitch’s keyboard-command configuration options, the default values stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) when the ServSwitch is shipped from the factory. It also shows what commands or actions can change these settings for the Switch’s current operating period, as well as what commands or actions (if any) can save changed settings to NVRAM, so that they become the new defaults.
APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings The table below and on the next page shows, for the ServSwitch’s saveable onscreen display options, the default values stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) when the ServSwitch is shipped from the factory. Option Default setting System Keyboard .......................................PC 104/105 Mouse ............................................PS/2 Maximum computers ...................2-port models: 4; Other models: No.
SERVSWITCH™ Option Default setting Computer label Background color.........................Transparent blue Text color......................................White Position..........................................X=3, Y=90 Show computer number ..............Yes Fade out ........................................5 seconds Font ...............................................16 x24 modern Security Configuration password ...............None Access password ............................None Access time............
APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes Appendix B: Cable Product Codes The table below and on the next page lists the product codes for all the types of cables we currently offer for use with the ServSwitch. The four digits that follow the dash in each product code indicate how long each cable is in feet (one foot = 30.5 cm). For most of these cables, xxx’s are shown in place of the last three digits of the product code because the cables come in several stock lengths.
SERVSWITCH™ Standard CPU Adapter Cables: Video Type (Connector on Cable) Keyboard Type (Connector on Cable) Mouse Type (Connector on Cable) Product Code VGA (HD15 male) IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN male) Serial RS-232 (DB9 female) EHN048-0xxx VGA (HD15 male) IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) EHN051-0xxx Coaxial CPU Adapter Cable: Video Type (Connector on Cable) Keyboard Types Mouse Types Product Code VGA (HD15 male) IBM PC/AT and PS/2 RS-232 and PS/2 EHN282-0xxx RS/6000 (
APPENDIX C: Pinout of RS-232 Port Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port The table below shows the pinout of the ServSwitch’s RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female RS-232 port. 2 Pin 5 1 1 6 8 Signal Name Abbrev.
SERVSWITCH™ Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard Some of the computers manufactured by Compaq® subsidiary Digital Equipment Corporation come with a special keyboard called the DEC LK461. The ServSwitch supports this keyboard by passing through unaltered the scan codes of certain proprietary keys (such as [Help] and [Do]) and remapping others (such as [PF1] through [PF4]). The ServSwitch maps the special keys of the LK461 as shown in the table below.
APPENDIX E: Installing the 4-Port Expansion Board Appendix E: Rackmounting the ServSwitch If you want to mount your -R4 ServSwitch in a 19", 23", or 24" rack, make sure you get the right ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit: product code RMK19M, RMK23M, or RMK24M respectively for the mini-chassis Switch models, RMK19B, RMK23B, or RMK24B respectively for the slimline-chassis models, or RMK19C, RMK23C, or RMK24C respectively for the full-size-chassis models.
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