Summary of Contents for Black Box ServSwitch Plus Series
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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 Console Plus™, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it.
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BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch, and ServSwitch Console plus are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation. Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Compaq and Alpha are registered trademarks, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer Corporation.
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FCC/IC STATEMENTS ARATION OF CONFORMITY 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. 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...
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY This equipment complies with the requirements of the European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC with respect to EN55022 (Class B), EN50082-1/EN60555-2 and the Low Voltage Directive.
NOM STATEMENT 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.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS 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.
INTRODUCTION Contents Disclaimer....................9 About this manual................... 9 Introduction..................... 9 Features ....................10 Models ....................12 System Overview.................. 13 Site planning..................16 Switch Installation – Single Unit ............17 Switch Installation – Multiple units – “BUS” topology ......20 Connecting the expansion units ............21 Switch Installation –...
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Tables Table 1. Keyboard commands ............. 48 Figures Figure 1. Expansion card ..............14 Figure 2. Single Unit configuration ............17 Figure 3. Bus configuration ..............20 Figure 4. Ring configuration ..............25 Figure 5. Main configuration menu............29 Figure 6.
INTRODUCTION Disclaimer While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the product without notice.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Features Upgradeability Free lifetime base firmware upgrades, based on flash memory technology, provide improvements and new features. Base firmware upgrades are available from our web site at www.blackbox.com. Security Unique configuration password for persons authorized to perform configuration maintenance.
RJ to DB9 adapter Power cord (North American shipments only) Installation and operations manual CPU, KVM, and expansion cables are usually ordered and shipped separately. If the package contents are not correct, contact Black Box so the discrepancy can be quickly resolved.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Models ServSwitch Console Plus Models ServSwitch Console plus rear panel Model number KV101A KV102A KV103A Connector Description IEC320 power connector Optional expansion connectors (HD15M/F) (Part number SW740C-R3-B) CPU connectors (DB25F) KVM connector (DB25F) Serial connector (RJ12 – 6 pin)
OVERVIEW System Overview The ServSwitch Console Plus is designed with the latest in KVM switching technology. It has the capability and flexibility to configure to most keyboards, video monitors, mice, servers and computers. The modular design of the ServSwitch Console Plus makes the Unit easy to install, expand, and maintain. The addition of an expansion card and additional switches can increase the number of computers that can be connected and accessed to 1,000.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS The ServSwitch Console Plus can support computers and serial devices such as routers and hubs, which require a serial interface. A special cable is used to connect from the ServSwitch Console Plus CPU connectors (DB25F) to a serial interface (Dumb Terminal, CPU, or serial device).
OVERVIEW RS232 port All ServSwitch Console Plus models are equipped with an RS232 serial port. This port on all models is an RJ12, 6-conductor connector. It provides a serial interface to the ServSwitch Console Plus from a computer terminal, a standalone computer or a Notebook computer that is not connected to a CPU port on the Unit.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Site planning Organizing your site and planning the placement of the computers, the KVM station, and the ServSwitch Console Plus is a key part in the installation and configuration process. Care should be taken when connecting the computers, KVM and the ServSwitch Console Plus .
INSTALLATION Switch Installation – Single Unit Please refer to the safety section before installation The basic installation of a single ServSwitch Console Plus is an easy and straightforward procedure. Perform the below steps for all computers that will be connected. It is recommended that all computers be powered off. When a computer is connected and then booted, the ServSwitch Console Plus will automatically determine the keyboard and mouse types used for that computer and no pre-configuration is needed.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS STEPS: (See Figure 2 for an example of a single Unit installation) (Refer to the troubleshooting section for help if needed) Connect a KVM station to the ServSwitch Console Plus DB25F, KVM connector using the appropriate KVM cable. Turn on the KVM stations video monitor and the ServSwitch Console Plus.
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INSTALLATION 8. When all computers are connected and operating properly, change the “Maximum computers” value from the default value of 64 to the correct number of computers connected to the single Unit. This will limit the scanning function to the actual number of computers that are connected. Change the “Maximum computers”...
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Switch Installation – Multiple units – “BUS” topology A “BUS” configuration is usually used when the user is connected to the KVM ports on Unit #1. In a “BUS” configuration, (Figure 3) the video path is from the last Unit in the configuration to the first Unit (“OUT”...
INSTALLATION To start, identify the following prior to installation: 1. Which ServSwitch Console Plus will be #1, #2, and so on. 2. Which computer will be #1, #2, and so on. 3. Which computers do not use a PC2 keyboard or a PS/2 mouse. 4.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Select “Save” and press [Enter]. A “YES/NO” choice box will display. Select “YES” and press [Enter] to save the changes. Turn the power off on the ServSwitch Console Plus. Connect the KVM station to the KVM connector on Unit #3. Configure this Units “Starting computer”...
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INSTALLATION Verify that the block of system CPU ports from Unit #2 is recognized on the status screen. If Unit #2 is a 16-port switch, computers 17–20, 21–24, 25–28, and 29–32 will be highlighted. Sequentially apply power, then connect the expansion cables to the remaining switches as explained in steps 7 and 8.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS 16. If the computer being connected does not use a PC2 type keyboard or a PS/2 mouse (defaults), pre-configure the CPU port as outlined in steps 4a- e on page 12 before connecting the computer. If the computer uses a PC2 type keyboard and a PS/2 mouse, connect it to the corresponding CPU port with the appropriate CPU cable.
INSTALLATION Switch Installation – Multiple units – “RING” topology A “RING” configuration is usually used when the users are connected to different ServSwitch Console Plus switches and need access to all computers. In a “RING” configuration, users on any KVM station in the ring can access all the computers in the system on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS To begin setting up your system in a “RING” configuration, perform steps 1 – 13 as outlined in setting up a “BUS” configuration. When doing this, keep in mind that the “OUT” expansion card connector on the first Unit will be connected with an expansion cable to the “IN”...
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INSTALLATION Switch the KVM station to the next sequential CPU port as explained in step 6 and perform steps 7 – 9 for this computer and for the remaining computers. Connect other KVM stations as needed to the ServSwitch Console Plus switch and verify they operate properly.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Menu structure Use only the numeric keys above the keyboard. The numeric keypad will not work for entering numbers. ServSwitch Console Plus Menu Structure Main menu System Computer User System settings Computer name KVM name User name Configure password Keyboard Resolution...
OPERATION Main Menu ServSwitch Console Plus version MX24 Copyright 1990 - 2003 Main Menu Configure System Computer User Profile Group Language Status Save Exit Use up/down arrow keys to choose selection then press the Enter key or the Escape key to exit Configure password,box number,keyboards settings,appearance Figure 5.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Configure System menu Configure system System settings Configure password ******** Starting computer number Maximum computers Keyboard settings PC keyboard rate (chars/sec) PC keyboard delay Fast Sun keyboard language Appearance Menu color scheme Night sky Screen saver Weaving Screen saver time (seconds) 1800 Background color...
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OPERATION Starting computer number (Default: 1) The “Starting computer number” defines to the system, the first CPU port number for a particular ServSwitch Console Plus switch that is configured in an expanded topology. (See page 15) Switch #1’s starting computer number is always 1. Switch #2’s number is the total CPU ports on Unit #1 plus 1.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Sun keyboard language (Default: US) Determines the response to a Sun computer’s query for the keyboard language type used. To change the Sun keyboard language type, select it and press [Enter]. A selection box will display showing the supported Sun language choices.
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OPERATION Background / Text color (Default: Cyan / Black) This option sets the background or text colors for the connection status and computer select screens. Colors can be one of eight solid or transparent colors. To change the background or text color, select it from the menu and press [Enter].
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OPERATION Keyboard (Default: PC mode 2) To change the keyboard type for a selected computer or configure the CPU port for a serial device, use the up/down arrow keys to select the computer whose keyboard needs changing. Use the right arrow key to select the keyboard field and press [Enter].
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Configure KVM menu Configure KVM KVM name Resolution Start User KVM station 1 640x480@60 User 1 Name of keyboard-video-mouse station (KVM) up to 16 characters Figure 8. Configure KVM menu The “Configure KVM” menu allows you to change the KVM name, resolution, start, and user parameters.
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OPERATION Resolution (Default: 640x480@60Hz) Selects the resolution and scan rate of the on-screen display when no attached computer video is present. If a computer video is shown, the detected video resolution from the connected computer is used. To change the resolution for a selected KVM station, select the KVM station to change the resolution and using the left arrow key, select the resolution field and press [Enter].
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS The configure user, profile, and group features provide a flexible and reliable security set-up for your system. Configure User menu Configure User User name Password Profile User 1 * * * * * * * * Profil 1 User 2 * * * * * * * * Profil 2...
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OPERATION Profile (Default: Profile x, where x = 1 to 80) This field is used to assign an access profile to a selected user. Profiles can be defined to limit the type of access to the computers. To change an assigned profile for a selected user, first select the user, then select the profile to change and press [Enter].
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Configure Profile menu Configure Profile Name Access Mode Share Scan Logout Profil 1 Group 1 Share Profil 2 Group 2 Share Profil 3 Group 3 Share Profil 4 Group 4 Share Profil 5 Group 5 Share Profil 6 Group 6 Share Profil 7...
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OPERATION Mode (Default: Share) Assigns 1 of 4 modes to a profile. To change the mode, select the profile to change the mode, then select the mode to change and press [Enter]. A selection box will display. Select the mode needed and press [Enter]. The modes are: View –...
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OPERATION Configure Language menu ServSwitch Console Plus version MX24 Copyright 1990 - 2003 Main Menu Configure System Computer User English Profile Francais Group Deutsch Language Espanol Status Italiano Save Portugues Exit Use up/down arrow keys to choose selection then press the Enter key or the Escape key to exit Language which will be displayed on the screen Figure 12.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS System Status display System Status Computers Power Pos Ver CPU User Status 1 24 1 User 1 Share mode 2 24 Share mode 9-12 3 24 Share mode 13-16 4 24 Share mode 17-20 1 24 No response 21-24 2 24 No response...
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OPERATION Ver (Version) Displays the last three digits of the firmware main program version for the CPU card. Indicates the type of keyboard and mouse detected if a KVM station is attached to this CPU card. Displays the computer number currently selected by the KVM station. User Displays the users name that is currently accessing the system.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Save menu ServSwitch Console Plus version MX24 Copyright 1990-2003 Main Menu Configure System Computer Boards to update = User Profile Save configuration? Group Language Status Save Exit Use up/down arrow keys to choose selection then press the Enter key or the Escape key to exit Configure password,box number,keyboards settings,appearance Figure 14.
OPERATION User operating instructions The following instructions apply to all models. This section explains the operating functions of the on-screen displays, the login procedure, connect procedure and other commands needed to easily use the ServSwitch Console Plus switch and its capabilities. To start using your ServSwitch Console Plus switch, you first need to become familiar with the keyboard commands.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Command Key Sequence Description Send Null Byte [Ctrl] N Sends a null byte to the CPU’s PS/2 mouse port. Use this command if the PS/2 mouse gets “out of sync”. Reset Mouse [Ctrl] O (not zero) Resets the currently selected NT or (NT or Unix Unix computers PS/2 mouse.
OPERATION Computer select menu Mail server NT Server 1 NT server 2 NT server 3 Inventory 1 Inventory 2 Sales Marketing Engineering Computer Computer Computer Computer Computer Computer Computer F1 – Sort F2 – Status # Figure 16. Computer select menu Figures 16, 17, and 18 show an example of the connection status messages that are displayed when connecting to a computer.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Status Control Room 5 Connection failed to Mail server On Richard Not in access group Figure 18. Connection failed message Status Mail server Disconnected from Payroll On Sharon Timed out Figure 19. Disconnect message See Appendix H. for Connection fail / Disconnect reasons When you are successfully connected to a computer, you can use that computer and all the functions and applications associated with it from the KVM station.
SERIAL CONTROL PORT Serial device support The serial feature allows you to connect a KVM station to a serial device such as the serial port on a UNIX or Sun computer, a communication device, or any supported device with a serial port. The serial device is connected to the DB25F CPU port on the unit with a serial cable (See Appendix C for serial cable part numbers).
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS With the CPU port configured for serial support and the appropriate serial cable connected, the KVM station can access the connected serial device the same way you would access it using a computer terminal. When you switch to a CPU port that is configured for serial support, the powerful OSD will emulate a VT220 terminal.
SERIAL CONTROL PORT Serial control port usage (RS232) The following procedure for establishing a connection from your standalone computer or Notebook computer to the switch’s serial port uses Windows HyperTerminal™. Refer to your user’s manual if a different communication program is being used. To access the serial port, the following items are required: A serial cable (RJ12, 6-wire connector and an appropriate adapter for the computer's serial port).
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS You can save this setup so the next time its needed, you can select the ICON with the name you gave it and these settings will already be established. Starting a serial communication session Verify that “Connected” appears in the bottom left corner of the HyperTerminal window.
SERIAL CONTROL PORT Serial control menu options Option 3, 4 and 5 are not available when using a display terminal. Option 1. Change Starting Computer (From card #1 only) Select this option to change the starting computer number. To change the current value press 1;...
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS To load a flash upgrade file, type 3 in the Enter choice field of the serial options menu. The following message will appear: Waiting for file......Send the program or kernel file from your computer to the ServSwitch Console Plus using ASCII text file protocol.
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SERIAL CONTROL PORT Option 4. Send this Unit’s Main Program to other Units. Option 5. Send this Unit’s Kernel to other Units. The main program or kernel program updates (Option 3) only have to be done on one port. Make sure power to all switches is “ON” and they are all connected using the appropriate expansion cables.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Option 7. Save Changes This option saves the configuration changes made in option 1 and 2 only to the CPU card where the serial cable is attached. It is recommended that all users be logged off from all systems prior to saving any configuration changes. To save the configuration changes, press 7, and the following message appears: Flash programming .
SAFETY Safety This ServSwitch Console Plus switch has been tested for conformance to safety regulations and requirements, and has been certified for international use. Like all electronic equipment, the ServSwitch Console Plus switch should be used with care. To protect yourself from possible injury and to minimize the risk of damage to this Unit, read and follow these safety instructions.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Safety and EMC Regulatory Statements Safety Information Documentation reference symbol. If the product is marked with this symbol, refer to the product documentation to get more information about the product. WARNING A WARNING in the manual denotes a hazard that can cause injury or death.
TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Computer does not boot, keyboard or mouse error received CPU cable is loose. Re-seat cable and hit F1 to continue or reboot computer. Wrong cable plugged in. Keyboard and mouse cables reversed. CPU cable is defective. Try using CPU cable from another computer. If problem goes away, cable is defective.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Mouse does not move The ServSwitch Console Plus turned off after or not attached when computer booted or application began using mouse. Exit and re-enter application using mouse or issue reset command. PS/2 mouse was not attached when the ServSwitch Console Plus powered up or has been detached and reattached.
APPENDICES Appendix A. Initial factory default settings Function Setting Default value System Password None Starting Computer Number Maximum Computer PC keyboard rate (chars/sec) PC keyboard delay Fast Sun keyboard language Menu Color Scheme Night sky Screen saver Weaving Screen saver time (seconds) 1200 seconds Background color Cyan...
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Appendix B. General specifications Specification (4/8 CPU Ports) (16 CPU Ports) Dimensions 16.7 x 4.85 x 1.75 in. 16.7 x 4.85 x 3.50 in. 42.4 x 12.3 x 4.4 cm. 42.4 x 12.3 x 8.9 cm. Weight 4lb.
APPENDICES Appendix C. Parts and cables Part number Description (Multi-Platform models) EHN206-nnnn* Coax Sun CPU video-Kbd-mouse to DB25M EHN215-nnnn* Apple CPU video-Kbd-mouse to DB25M EHN225-nnnn* Coax VGA-Sun Kbd-Sun mouse EHN242-nnnn* (Sun 13W3M) DB25M (Video only) ENH245-nnnn* (Sun 13W3F) DB25M (Video only) EHN485-nnnn** CPU - DB25M to HD15F / USB Type A EHN485A-nnnn**...
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Appendix D. Status Connect / Failure Reason Summary Reason Description Action Can’t Find Unable to communicate to Change invalid starting Computer the computer that’s being computer number, connected to. incorrect expansion cable placement or power up expansion Unit. No Response Communications error.
APPENDICES Appendix E. Disconnect Status Reasons Reason Description Action No Response Disconnect Cycle power on the Unit communication error. where the CPU being connected is attached. Private Mode Cancel User disconnected from Wait for the private mode computer because user to disconnect and another user has reconnect to the connected in Private...
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Appendix F. KVM placement / conflicts It is possible, but not recommended, in an expanded system with multiple ServSwitch Console Plus switches, to connect additional KVM stations to other ServSwitch Console Plus units in the system. This allows more than one user access to the computers from multiple access locations.
APPENDICES Appendix G. Password jumper If the configuration password is ever forgotten, the ServSwitch Console Plus switch has a special “Password” reset jumper on the CPU card. This jumper is labeled JP31 on all models. To use this jumper to bypass the password, perform the following: 1.
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Appendix H. Diagnostic check / error messages The power on diagnostic screen that appears when the ServSwitch Console Plus switch is first turned on, checks the switch and provides the information shown on the screen. Welcome to ServSwitch Console Plus Power on diagnostics Kernel version KX21U...
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APPENDICES Diagnostic Description Kernel version Indicates the version ID of the kernel program. Overlay version Indicates the version ID of the firmware of the on- screen display board. Kernel program Reports the checksum calculation results of the kernel program. Any results other than GOOD terminates the diagnostic sequence, indicating a hardware failure.
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SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Kernel halt error messages Message Description BAD Address = nn Kernel memory is corrupt, hardware failure. Resetting to factory A memory error is detected during a read from defaults configuration memory. This also indicates a hardware failure, but the system may continue to initialize successfully.
Letters shows the cable type, and a number that refers to the quality of the video, as described below. There are further capabilities, not listed here, that will send the higher resolution video longer distances. Please contact Black Box technical support for more details. Resolution Video distance capability 5’...
SERVSWITCH™ CONSOLE PLUS Appendix J. Rack mount The optional rack mount kit includes the following items: Two black anodized mounting brackets. Four 6 - 32 x 3/8” flat head mounting screws. To rack mount your ServSwitch Console Plus switch, attach the two rack mounting brackets to your Unit with the short flange against the Unit using the four screws provided.
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