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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. You know, the one-size-fits-all-even-if-it-doesn't
model that says, "One computer gets one user station, no more, no less." Why not a single
user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for multiple computers—even computers of
different platforms? Why not a pair of user stations, each of which can control multiple
computers? Why not multiple user stations for the same computer?
With our ServSwitch products, there's no reason why not. We carry a broad line of robust
solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need an economical
alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your desk? Or do you need to
share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM® PC, RS/6000®, Apple® Macintosh®,
Sun Microsystems®, and SGI™ compatibles among multiple users with different access
levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a worktable and use regular everyday cables?
Or does it have to be mounted in an equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables?
No matter how large or small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we're
confident we have a ServSwitch system that's just right for you.
The ServSwitch™ family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVM-switching
needs!
This manual will tell you all about your new ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Extender, see
Chapter 2. The Extender product codes covered in this manual are:
ACU6001A
ACU6201A
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
ACU6022A
ACU6222A
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Related Manuals for Black Box ServSwitch ACU6001A
Summary of Contents for Black Box ServSwitch ACU6001A
- Page 1 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.
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Page 2: Cautions And Notes
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Copyrights and Trademarks ©2008. 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. -
Page 3: Federal Communications Commission
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. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. - Page 4 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 (Class A), EN55024.
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Page 5: Instrucciones De Seguridad
NOM STATEMENT NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas. - Page 6 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.
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Page 7: Power Input
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. -
Page 8: Table Of Contents
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Contents Quick Setup 1.1 Command Summary 11 Overview 2.1 Introduction 12 2.2 Glossary 12 2.3 Features 14 2.4 Product Range 15 2.5 Compatibility 16 2.6 How to Use This Guide 17 ... - Page 9 CONTENTS Appendix C: Flash Upgrading Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports Appendix F: Calling Black Box Appendix G: Specifications ...
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Page 10: Quick Setup
SERVSWITCH™ 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. -
Page 11: Command Summary
QUICK SETUP 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. -
Page 12: Overview
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Overview Introduction The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series enables high-resolution video, USB keyboard and mouse/HID, 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). - Page 13 OVERVIEW Local Video Outputs Local Unit KVM/HID extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft (300m). Remote Unit 5V PSU Serial and Audio Transmission Dual Video Support ACU6022A, ACU6222A only ACU6201A, ACU6222A only Certain USB HID Devices Remote Console Figure 1 KVM/HID extender system...
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Page 14: Features
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Features Members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series offer the following features: • Support for USB keyboards, mice and certain other HID devices • Support for high video resolution for use with TFT displays: 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) Higher resolutions are possible at shorter distances... -
Page 15: Product Range
OVERVIEW Product Range There are four products in the range: Single Video Channel Kit (Standard) ACU6001A Single Video Channel, USB Keyboard/Mouse (HID) Local Unit + Remote Unit Single Video Channel Kit (Audio) ACU6022A Single Video Channel, USB Keyboard/Mouse (HID) Serial, Stereo Audio Local Unit + Remote Unit Dual Video Channel Kit (Standard) ACU6201A... -
Page 16: Compatibility
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Compatibility Interface Compatibility • USB Devices: Standard keyboards (including certain models with multimedia keys) Standard wheel mice (including certain models with tilt wheel) Composite keyboard/mouse devices (e.g. wireless devices & KVM switches) PS/2 to USB converters Hubs Other keyboard/mouse type devices such as bar code scanners Several devices of the same type may be attached simultaneously... -
Page 17: How To Use This Guide
OVERVIEW 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 &... -
Page 18: Installation
SERVSWITCH™ 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. Package Contents You should receive the following items in your extender package. -
Page 19: Interconnection Cable Requirements
INSTALLATION 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. -
Page 20: Remote Unit Installation
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Remote Unit Installation To install a Remote Unit: Switch off all devices. Connect your USB devices and monitor(s) 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. - Page 21 INSTALLATION ACU6022A and ACU6222A only Connect to speakers and Connect to serial device, such as microphone. a touch screen. Connect to second monitor. Connect to Connect to Connect primary supplied 5V monitor. devices. PSU. ACU6201A, ACU6222A only All Remote Units Figure 2 Remote Unit - rear view All Remote Units...
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Page 22: Local Unit Installation
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Unit Installation To install a Local unit: It is recommended that the PC and other devices are switched off before connection. Using the supplied CPU video/USB cable(s), connect the Local Unit to the CPU as shown in Figure 4. - Page 23 INSTALLATION ACU6022A and ACU6222A only ACU6201A and ACU6222A only Connect to Connect to computer’s Connect to audio Connect to secondary secondary video output. ports on computer. serial port on Local monitor. computer. Connect to Connect to Connect to USB port Connect to primary Local computer’s primary...
- Page 24 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY All Models ACU6201A and ACU6222A only INTERCONNECT 1 – carries INTERCONNECT 2 – carries secondary video primary video, audio and data signals. Connect to CATx cable from signals. Connect to CATx cable INTERCONNECT 2 port on Remote Unit. from INTERCONNECT 1 port on Remote Unit.
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Page 25: Remote Unit Configuration & Operation
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 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. -
Page 26: Video Adjustments
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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. For each video channel, the Remote Unit allows you to optimize independently: •... -
Page 27: Command Mode
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 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. -
Page 28: Adjusting Video
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Adjusting Video Use the following step-by-step procedure to optimize the video image on the Remote console: 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. - Page 29 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Enter Command Mode (see Command Mode, page 27) by pressing the following key combination on the Remote console’s keyboard: <Left Control> + <Left Shift> + <F10> Select the video channel you want to configure using one of the following keys (not on the numeric keypad): Channel Command Select Channel 1 For Adjustment...
- Page 30 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY LF too low LF too high HF too low HF too high Figure 7 Problems with smearing and sharpness requiring LF and HF adjustment Identify the ‘slowest’ color – the colored line furthest to the right. Delay the signals of the two other colors using the following commands: Delay Command Key Sequence...
- Page 31 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Slower In this illustration, Blue is the slowest signal. To optimize the Green 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.
- Page 32 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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). LF Equalization Commands Key Sequence Increase LF Equalization (Coarse) <L>...
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Page 33: Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series have a number of configuration commands to setup USB, to reset EQ and Delay values, to restore the factory default configuration, change DDC settings, and to blank monitors (Private Mode). Command Key Sequence Toggle Remote Unit Private Mode... -
Page 34: Ddc Emulation
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY DDC Emulation Modern graphics cards use VESA DDC (Display Data Channel) to identify the capabilities of connected monitors. Some cards will not operate correctly unless they communicate with a DDC-enabled monitor. By default, the Local Unit emulates a universal monitor (on both channels) and reports that it is capable of all standard screen resolutions and refresh rates (including several widescreen modes). -
Page 35: Usb Descriptor Transfer
REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Setting USB keyboard Language ID This is not normally required, but some operating systems (such as Solaris) require a language ID to determine the KB layout. This command will read the ID from the current KB (the one used to enter Command mode) and permanently store it. - Page 36 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY To transfer descriptors: (see page 27). Enter Command mode Press the key combination: <Left Control> + <F4> The Remote unit will now exit Command mode whilst the Local Unit re-connects as a device with the transferred descriptors. During this time you will be unable to use USB devices. Should any problems arise after issuing the command, simply USB hot-plug the Local Unit.
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Page 37: Troubleshooting & Faq
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ Troubleshooting & FAQ Video The image is not sharp, or is badly smeared. Have you adjusted the video equalization? Follow the instructions on page 26. 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 49)? Ensure that all video connections throughout the system are attached securely. - Page 38 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. Ensure the shield connection is maintained between the Extender units.
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Page 39: Usb
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ Does the extender internally convert to PS/2 when handling keyboard and mouse? No. This is a pure USB (emulation) solution. Converting to PS/2 would restrict the possibilities of supporting other kinds of USB device. Will the extender work with USB KVM switches? The extender will operate with any USB KVM switch that is capable of supporting both a mouse and keyboard composite device on its keyboard console port. -
Page 40: Audio
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY How many keyboards and mice may be attached? You may attach multiple devices. This is useful for connecting additional devices, such as bar code scanners, which act as a standard keyboard or mouse. I am having problems using the extender on a Sun system. Please ensure the latest version of Solaris (with all patches) is installed. -
Page 41: General Questions
TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ 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. -
Page 42: Appendix A: Example Application
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix A: Example Application This section illustrates a non-standard application using CATx KVM Extender units: • Two remote users sharing access to the CPU. For more specific information about this, or any other complex applications, please discuss suitable extension architecture with your Technical Support. -
Page 43: Appendix B: Rmk19U-X3 Mounting Kit
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: Remove the feet from the extender unit. -
Page 44: Appendix C: Flash Upgrading
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration The extender’s firmware may be upgraded via USB. In addition, the current extender configuration (video settings) may be saved and restored. Firmware upgrade files should be downloaded online. Please consult Technical support for details on how to obtain them. - Page 45 APPENDIX C: FLASH UPGRADING Operating Upgrade Mode When in Upgrade Mode you must use a KB/mouse attached directly to the PC. You will see four virtual files listed: BOOT Delete this file to return to normal extender operation. LOC_xx This shows the firmware version in the Local Unit. If the version is reported as ‘LOC_BAD’...
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Page 46: Important Notes
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Upgrading a Remote Unit You need to drag each of the EIGHT the firmware files provided onto the window. Simply highlight them all and drag in one operation. After approx 50 seconds the window display should refresh and the new firmware version displayed by file ‘REM_xx’... - Page 47 APPENDIX C: FLASH UPGRADING Upgrading Tips If you have a number of installed units to upgrade you may not need to move them in order to upgrade. Example: To upgrade a number of Local Units installed in a rack you may find it much faster to bring a Remote Unit &...
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Page 48: Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew)
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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. - Page 49 APPENDIX D: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) 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. Color Signal (EIA-568B)
- Page 50 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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).
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Page 51: Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports
APPENDIX E: AUDIO/SERIAL PORTS Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports Operation & Multi-Port Configuration This appendix describes audio & serial interface operation for those models that have this feature: • ACU6022A • ACU6222A 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 data and video. - Page 52 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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).
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Page 53: Appendix F: Calling Black Box
If you are shipping it for repair, please include the Remote Unit’s external power supply. If you are returning it, please include everything you received with it. Before you ship the Extender back to Black Box for repair or return, contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number. -
Page 54: Appendix G: Specifications
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix G: Specifications Video 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) Maximum Resolution 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) Operation at higher resolutions/refresh rates is 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. -
Page 55: Serial Interface
APPENDIX G: 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) DB9 Male (DTE) Remote Unit Connector Audio Interface Description Bi-directional stereo audio link Digitized virtually CD quality audio (16-bit, 38.4kHz) Transmission method Line level (4 Volts Pk-Pk maximum) - Page 56 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Size and Shipping Weight Local Unit: 4.9”x4.5”x1.2” (124x113x30mm) ACU6001A Remote Unit: 5.7”x5.9”x1.2” (144x151x30mm) Shipping Weight: 4.4lb (2.0kg) Local Unit: 4.9”x4.5”x1.7” (124x113x44mm) (1U) ACU6201A Remote Unit: 5.7”x5.9”x1.2” (144x151x30mm) Shipping Weight: 4.9lb (2.2kg) Local Unit: 4.9”x4.5”x1.7” (124x113x44mm) (1U) ACU6022A Remote Unit: 5.7”x5.9”x1.7”...
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