Black Box KV5300 Series Owner's Manual
Black Box KV5300 Series Owner's Manual

Black Box KV5300 Series Owner's Manual

Servswitch and servswitch ultra
Table of Contents

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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.
NOVEMBER 1998
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SW721 through
SW725 (-R3) Series
KV3000, KV5000 Series
KV3100, KV5100 Series
KV3200, KV5200 Series
KV3300, KV5300 Series

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Black Box KV5300 Series

  • Page 1 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.
  • Page 2 Does your switch have to sit solidly on a worktable and use relatively inexpensive 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...
  • Page 3 BLACK BOX and the Ultra, Matrix ServSwitch, and ServManager are trademarks, and “The World’s Source for Connectivity” is a service mark, of Black Box Corporation. Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks, and Apple Desktop Bus and ADB are trademarks, of Apple Computer, Inc.
  • Page 4: Specifications

    FCC/IC STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 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 J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is...
  • Page 5 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) 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.
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Chapter 1. Specifications ... 10 2. Introduction ... 14 2.1 The Complete Package ... 14 2.2 Operating Features ... 14 2.3 The Front Panel ... 16 2.4 The Rear Panel ... 18 2.5 Cable Requirements ... 20 2.6 Equipment Requirements ...
  • Page 8: Chapter Page

    Chapter 4. Operation: Hardware and Commands (continued) 4.3 The Commands in Detail (continued) 4.3.7 Set Keyboard/Mouse (IBM and Multiplatform Regular ServSwitches Only) ... 43 4.3.7.A Keyboard Types (IBM Type Keyboard Only) ... 44 4.3.7.B Mouse Types (IBM Type Mouse Only) ... 44 4.3.7.C Keyboard Modes ...
  • Page 9 6.2.1 CPU Doesn’t Boot ... 86 6.2.2 Can’t Switch Ports from Keyboard ... 87 6.2.3 Typed Characters Wrong or Missing ... 87 6.2.4 Can’t Switch or Scan to Certain Ports ... 87 6.2.5 ServSwitch Scans or Switches to Empty Ports ... 88 Contents (continued)
  • Page 10 6.2.17 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Dongle-Protected Software ... 91 6.2.18 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad ... 91 6.3 Calling Black Box ... 92 6.4 Shipping and Packaging ... 92 Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ... 93 Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ... 95 Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ...
  • Page 11: Specifications

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 1. Specifications Hardware Required — Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video standard; in multiplatform applications, should be a multisync model capable of forming video from either composite sync or separate horizontal and vertical sync signals (see Section 4.1.1) FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A;...
  • Page 12 ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra to any device attached to it; of any ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra to a non-local computer “ON/OFF” (power), “+” (switch to next port), and “–” (switch to previous port); ServSwitch with optional overlay board SW720C-R3 only)
  • Page 13 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ SW721 and KVxx02 models: (5) Front-mounted LEDs: Indicators — SW722 and KVxx04 models: (9) Front-mounted LEDs: SW723 and KVxx08 models: (9) Front-mounted LEDs: SW724 and KVxx12 models: (25) Front-mounted LEDs: SW725 and KVxx16 models: (33) Front-mounted LEDs: All rear-mounted;...
  • Page 14 Power (continued)— For 230-VAC, 50-Hz operation (continued): Maximum 10,000 ft. (3048 m) Altitude— Temperature Tolerance— 32 to 131˚ F (0 to 55˚ C) Humidity Tolerance— 5 to 80% noncondensing Enclosure — Steel Size — Mini (SW721, KVxx02, and KVxx04M) models: Slimline (KVxx08S) models: Full-size (SW723, SW724, SW725, KV3104F, KV510xF, Weight —...
  • Page 15: Introduction

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch™ or ServSwitch Ultra™. Designed with your needs in mind, your new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer application. With your Switch—depending on which model you have—you can use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to access a number of IBM...
  • Page 16 ServSwitch Ultra comes from the factory with on-screen display features. These features can be added to any regular ServSwitch by installing an optional daughter- board, the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board (our product code SW720C-R3; see Appendix E). Please call Black Box Technical Support for more details. ® , Microsoft ®...
  • Page 17: The Front Panel

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 2.3 The Front Panel The front panels of the ServSwitch feature 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. Figure 2-1.
  • Page 18 + (PLUS) Next Port Button: Press this button to manually switch the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the currently selected computer to the next one in sequence.
  • Page 19: The Rear Panel

    CPUs’ ports and the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and carry them between the CPUs’ ports and the Switch instead. You could also connect “submaster” Serv type switches to these ports using “ServSwitch to ServSwitch Expansion Cables.”...
  • Page 20 ServSwitch from a secondary location. You would also connect a computer to this port to upgrade the Switch’s firmware. Refer to Section 4.4. Connect the ServSwitch’s power-supply cord here. This is not a keyboard input. Power transformers are available for 110 VAC or 230 VAC.
  • Page 21: Cable Requirements

    23. To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor on an IBM type or multiplatform Switch, you will need special cabling. Call Black Box for technical support; we can give you a quote on these types of cable.
  • Page 22: 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. IBM PC equipment is shown, but the basic principles will be similar for all equipment types. Connectors will vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing.
  • Page 23: Installation Procedure

    3.2.1 R ACKMOUNTING If you want to mount the Switch in a rack, you will need a ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit. For the mini models, our product code for a 19", 23", or 24" Kit is RMK19M, RMK23M, or RMK24M respectively. For the slimline models, our product code for a 19", 23", or 24"...
  • Page 24: Connecting Cpus

    Station Extenders (see Appendix B) if your common keyboard and mouse are IBM type. 1. After you verify that the Switch is turned off and unplugged, plug the DB25 male connector of the first CPU’s CPU Adapter Cable into the lowest- numbered CPU port on the Switch’s rear panel that isn’t going to be...
  • Page 25: Connecting Submasters (Optional)

    MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE A ports, and the CPU ports of the other master to the submasters’ MONITOR/KEYBOARD/ MOUSE B ports. Before installing an advanced configuration, please call Black Box and discuss your application with a technician. 3.2.5 P...
  • Page 26: Switching From The Keyboard

    WITCHING FROM THE Your ServSwitch is now ready for operation using its default settings. To take full advantage of the Switch’s features, refer to Chapter 4, which gives detailed information about each of the ServSwitch commands, describing each command’s function and keystroke sequence. For your convenience, this info is summarized in Section 4.2.
  • Page 27: Cable Requirements For Expansion

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ You can add submasters to your ServSwitch system as you need them. For each submaster you add to the system, you add as many ports as are on that submaster, minus the one port on each master “above” it that’s now occupied. Refer to Figure 3-2 on the next page: •...
  • Page 28 CPU 7 CPU 6 CPU 5 CPU 4 CPU 3 CPU3 CPU4 CPU 2 CPU1 CPU2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE CPU 1 SUBMASTER UNIT CPU 16 CPU 15 CPU3 CPU4 CPU 14 CPU1 CPU2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE CPU 13 SUBMASTER 4 CPU 12 CPU 11 CPU3 CPU4 CPU 10...
  • Page 29 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ • If you use coaxial cables, the maximum recommended distance from the ServSwitch to the attached monitor, keyboard, and mouse is 20 ft. (6.1 m) with typical monitors and video resolutions, but see the first Caution notice on page 23.
  • Page 30 ServSwitch, and then set Width to 8 (and Units to 2 and Max Ports to 20—see Sections 4.3.8 and 4.3.10), you will be unable to scan or switch to the upper 4 ports on the 12-port submaster—the Switch has no way of knowing they are even there.
  • Page 31 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 4. Attach the power supplies to the master(s) and to the submasters. Plug in the power supplies, but do not turn the master(s) or submasters ON. 5. Turn ON all of the submaster units, then the master unit(s). 6.
  • Page 32: Operation: Hardware And Keyboard Commands

    To start any ServSwitch keyboard command, you must press and release the left Control Key ([CTRL]). Pressing and releasing [CTRL] cues the Switch to expect command characters from the keyboard. You then have two seconds in which to start entering a valid command. If no command is begun within two seconds or if an invalid command is entered, the ServSwitch aborts the command.
  • Page 33: Mouse And Keyboard

    ON. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t disconnect and reconnect a mouse or keyboard from a ServSwitch while the Switch is ON; if you have to do this, issue the Reset command ([CTRL] R—see Section 4.3.13) after you reconnect the mouse or keyboard.
  • Page 34 101-, 102-, 104-, or 105-key keyboards and IBM PC keyboard-scan modes 1, 2, and 3; it’s also designed to work with PC-type CPUs/keyboards that use 5-pin DIN or 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard connectors. The Switch will try to pass through keyboard codes that it doesn’t recognize without altering them, which allows it to support the DEC™...
  • Page 35 However, certain keys available on certain keyboards do not correspond well or are not available on other types of keyboards, so the multiplatform Switch maps the more important of these as shown below (see also Section 4.3.16).
  • Page 36: Monitor

    Sun cable is stock product code EHN059, but for a Mac cable you’ll have to call Black Box Technical Support for a special quote.) The higher the resolution you use, the less distance you can run; see Tables 4-2 and 4-3 on the following pages.
  • Page 37 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ The IBM and multiplatform 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.
  • Page 38 CPUs before installing this cable in lengths greater than 20 ft. (6.1 m). For CPU-to-monitor distances over 200 feet (61 m) in IBM PC applications, Station Extenders might be required. Call Black Box for technical support to discuss this option.
  • Page 39: Keyboard-Command Summary

    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).
  • Page 40 CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands Command Keystroke Sequence Scan OFF [CTRL] X Keep Settings [CTRL] K Set Scan- [CTRL] Txx [ENTER] (xx = delay in seconds Delay Time from 1 to 15) Set Screen [CTRL] Vxxx [ENTER] (xxx = delay in seconds) Saver’s Delay Time Set Keyboard...
  • Page 41 IBM PC type CPUs that have standard keyboards and CMOS that allows users to program the typematic function. Causes the Switch to logically “swap” the mappings of the command or start keys and the adjacent alt/alt graph keys (see Section 4.3.12).
  • Page 42: The Commands In Detail

    1) or by pressing [ENTER] after you press the single numeral key. If you press the key of only one digit, and do not follow it with [ENTER], the Switch will wait two seconds for you to press [ENTER] or another numeral key; then, if no key is pressed, it will switch immediately to the single-digit port.
  • Page 43: Scan Mode

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 4.3.3 S 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.
  • Page 44: Set Screen-Saver Interval

    (The multiplatform Switch does not support using a keyboard from one platform with a mouse from a different platform: for example, an Apple keyboard with a PC or Sun mouse.) On the input side, the ServSwitch can accept input from any of...
  • Page 45: A Keyboard Types (Ibm Type Keyboard Only)

    3-byte/7-bit protocol; unlike the other two types of mice you can choose from, they do not support a third button. PC Mouse (also known as Mouse Systems) serial mice use a 5-byte/8-bit protocol; many lower-cost mice have a switch that you can set for either Microsoft compatible operation or PC Mouse compatible operation.
  • Page 46: C Keyboard Modes

    Set Keyboard/Mouse command that attempts to change the shared-mouse type, but the shared mouse is Sun or Apple type or the Switch can autosense that the mouse is otherwise not of the type you’ve indicated, the Switch will ignore the command.)
  • Page 47: D Mouse Interfaces

    CPU that requires PS/2 mouse input. If you send the Switch a Set Keyboard/Mouse command that attempts to change the mouse interface of a CPU port that is still set for Sun or Mac keyboard input, the command will be ignored;...
  • Page 48: E Command Procedure

    Apple or Sun keyboard to an IBM type keyboard, the Switch will automatically set the mouse interface to PS/2; until you make this keyboard change, any attempt to change from an Apple or Sun mouse to an IBM type mouse will be ignored.
  • Page 49 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ KEYBOARD/MOUSE port (this will require an MKM Adapter Cable), and select the port as if the submaster were a single unit. Then issue the Set Keyboard Mode and Keep Settings commands as described in the previous paragraphs.
  • Page 50: Set Maximum Ports

    Control key, type [P] followed by the total number of ports accessible to that Switch (from 1 to 3 digits), and press [ENTER]. To save the new setting, issue the Keep Settings command after you issue this command.
  • Page 51: Set Width Of Submasters

    1. With Width, the ServSwitch knows to switch to port 4 and send the “switch to port 1” command if Width is 2, or to switch to port 2 and send the “switch to port 3” command if Width is 4.
  • Page 52 CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands ❶ CPUs 2-Port Matrix ServSwitches Multiplatform Multiplatform ServSwitch ServSwitch WIDTH = 2 ❷ CPUs 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 & 16: Empty Slots 4-Port Matrix ServSwitches Multiplatform Multiplatform ServSwitch ServSwitch Sun CPU Mac CPU WIDTH = 4 Figure 4-1.
  • Page 53: Set Units (Ibm And Multiplatform Models Only)

    CPU 7 was attached to a submaster on port 2 or directly attached on port 4. With Units, the ServSwitch knows to switch to port 4 if Units is 1 or to switch to port 2 and send the “switch to port 3” command if Units is 2.
  • Page 54 CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands ❶ ❷ CPUs CPUs CPUs Submaster ServManager Submaster CPUs ServSwitches Master Master ServSwitch ServSwitch UNITS = 2 UNITS = 1 Figure 4-2. Alternative configurations which the ServSwitch needs Units to resolve.
  • Page 55: Set Keyboard Typematic (Ibm And Multiplatform Model Servswitches And Ibm Compatible Keyboards Only)

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 4.3.11 S EYBOARD YPEMATIC IBM C OMPATIBLE EYBOARDS Most IBM type keyboards have an internal seven-bit “typematic” setting which governs the way the keyboard responds when you hold a key down to force it to repeat. (Apple and Sun keyboards have no typematic features, so Mac only and Sun only ServSwitches do not support this command at all, and multiplatform Switches with Mac or Sun shared keyboards attached will just ignore it.) The five “low”...
  • Page 56 CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands Table 4-7. Typematic Rate Decimal Binary Value Bit Values [xx]00000 [xx]00001 [xx]00010 [xx]00011 [xx]00100 [xx]00101 [xx]00110 [xx]00111 [xx]01000 [xx]01001 [xx]01010 [xx]01011 [xx]01100 [xx]01101 [xx]01110 [xx]01111 [xx]10000 [xx]10001 [xx]10010 [xx]10011 [xx]10100 [xx]10101 [xx]10110 [xx]10111 [xx]11000 [xx]11001 [xx]11010...
  • Page 57: Transpose Command And Alt Keys

    “the other” type of keyboard find it difficult to adjust to this reversal. If you don’t want to adjust, you don’t have to; use this command to have the Switch transpose (swap) the scan codes of these keys when it does its keyboard mapping,...
  • Page 58: Send Null Byte (Ps/2 Type Mice Only)

    ServSwitch that require the assistance of technical-support personnel. One of the things technicians might want to know when they attempt to diagnose and correct your problem is the revision level of your Switch’s ROM. This command causes the ServSwitch to send the three-character “x.x” ROM level to the currently selected CPU as ASCII keyboard data;...
  • Page 59: Send [Stop]

    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.
  • Page 60: Activate Select Window

    CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3.19 A CTIVATE ELECT INDOW WITCH LTRA AND WITCH WITH VERLAY OARD You can use this command to cause the ServSwitch Ultra to display its “computer select window” (see Section 5.5). To issue the Activate Select Window command, press and release the left Control key, then press and release the [ESC] (escape) key.
  • Page 61: Using The Rs-232 Port

    TIA RS-422/423 signal levels rather than RS-232, a special adapter or interface converter is required to connect them to the ServSwitch’s RS-232 port (call Black Box for technical support if you really want to do this). We strongly recommend that you use some other type of computer to make this connection.
  • Page 62: Switching Ports Remotely (Optional)

    (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 Black Box BBS—call (724) 746-7120. For ServSwitches (both regular and ServSwitch Ultra), filenames will follow these formats: “UxxP.HEX” (for PC-only models), “UxxA.HEX”...
  • Page 63 1 and sends “Waiting for file...”. To abort, press “N” on the PC’s keyboard; the Switch skips ahead to the “Hit enter to boot” message shown in step 5, but the firmware will remain unchanged. If the trouble recurs and you can’t pinpoint it, call Black Box for technical support.
  • Page 64 It should then send the message: Hit enter to continue (If you get an error message at any time during this phase, call Black Box for technical support.) 7. Press the Enter (or Return) key again. The Switch should return to normal operation with port 1 selected (LED 1 lit).
  • Page 65: B Upgrading The Firmware With The Dos Copy Command

    MODE command or provide some other means of setting your serial ports to higher data rates. Call Black Box for technical support if you have difficulty finding such a utility program. 3. Make sure the ServSwitch is turned OFF, then turn it ON while holding in both the “+”...
  • Page 66 Once this phase is successfully completed, LED 3 will light. If, however, an error occurs, LED 3 will remain dark, and you’ll have to go back to step 3. If the second attempt doesn’t work, call Black Box for technical support.
  • Page 67: Operation: On-Screen Display (Servswitch Ultra And Servswitch With Overlay Board Installed Only)

    1. Configure the ServSwitch Ultra through a series of configuration menus (trig- gered 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).
  • Page 68: Navigating The Configuration

    (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.
  • Page 69: The "Configure System" Page

    Switch when no shared keyboard is attached to it, this setting will default to “PC”; if you attach an Apple or Sun keyboard later, the Switch won’t recognize it until you power the unit off and back on again.
  • Page 70: Configure System: Mouse

    Choosing the “PS/2 mouse” option also resets the shared PS/2 mouse and enables data to be sent from it, even if you didn’t attach the PS/2 mouse to the ServSwitch Ultra until after the Switch had been powered on. CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display...
  • Page 71 Certain commonly available serial mice made in Asia have the usual three buttons and a switch on the bottom. This switch is usually labeled “MS/PC”; when it is in the “MS” position, the mouse is compatible with the “serial 2-button” setting, and when it is in the “PC”...
  • Page 72: Configure System: Maximum Computers

    ServSwitch Ultra 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. To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Maximum computers”...
  • Page 73: Configure System: Expansion Units

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 5.2.4 C ONFIGURE YSTEM This setting corresponds to the number of “submaster” (expansion) Serv units that are connected to the main master IBM only or multiplatform ServSwitch Ultra. (This option will appear and can be set for Sun only and Mac only models, but has no purpose, because those models cannot currently be cascaded.) It helps to determine which CPU number is associated with which physical connector.
  • Page 74: Configure System: Scan Mode

    5.2.6 C ONFIGURE YSTEM This item determines the time, in seconds, that the ServSwitch Ultra will pause at each of the computers when scanning. The default setting is 5 seconds. To change the scan time, press [Enter] while “Scan time” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears.
  • Page 75: Multiplatform Models Only)

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Rate Value Actual Rate in Keystrokes per 5.2.10 C ONFIGURE YSTEM This item determines how soon keystrokes will begin to repeat after the operator begins holding down a key on the shared keyboard. There are four possible settings: slow (1 second), medium (750 msec.), fast (500 msec.), and fastest (250 msec.).
  • Page 76: The "Configure Computers" Page

    5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page Use this page to set the name, keyboard type, and mouse type for each CPU port. 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.) Configure computers Number Computer name...
  • Page 77: Configure Computers: Computer Name

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 5.3.1 C ONFIGURE OMPUTERS 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 5.5). To change a computer name, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Computer name”...
  • Page 78: Configure Computers: Keyboard

    5.3.2 C ONFIGURE OMPUTERS Use this field to tell the IBM PC compatible and multiplatform ServSwitch Ultra 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.
  • Page 79: Configure Computers: Mouse

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ setting will appear for the Apple only Switch, and only the “Sun” setting will appear for the Sun only Switch.) Once all of your CPU ports have been configured for the proper keyboard mode, make sure you save the changes.
  • Page 80: The "Configure Overlay" Page

    ServSwitch-Ultra-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”...
  • Page 81: B Resolution

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 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 Ultra sends to the shared monitor while the unit isn’t receiving any video from the CPU. For PC- only Switches, the possible choices—all IBM PC type, using 640 x 480 resolution—...
  • Page 82: Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window

    (In fact, the “clear” setting makes the background or text completely transparent; don’t set both to clear, or the window will become totally invisible, and you will probably have to reset the Switch to its factory defaults to get the window to reappear.) To change either of these colors, press [Enter] while “background color”...
  • Page 83: 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 Ultra 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;...
  • Page 84: D Fade Out

    Display Label ([CTRL] [D]) keyboard command (see Section 4.3.17). The Switch will display the label for five seconds if “Fade out” is set to 0, for the corresponding number of seconds if “Fade out” is set to 1 to 254, or always if “Fade out”...
  • Page 85: The "Computer Select Window

    [Enter] to immediately switch to that computer (its label will be shown). If you have more than 16 computers in your ServSwitch Ultra system, use the [PageUp] and [PageDown] keys to access the other computers, at up to 16 computers per window.
  • Page 86: Troubleshooting

    Now reconfigure the box to your desired settings. If you’re still having difficulty, refer to Section 6.2. If it doesn’t help you to solve your problem, call Black Box for technical support.
  • Page 87: Common Problems

    CPU is defective; call the CPU’s manufacturer. If the CPU does boot, there is some kind of unusual mismatch between that CPU and the shared monitor, keyboard, or mouse; call Black Box for technical support.
  • Page 88: Can't Switch Ports From Keyboard

    6.2.2 Y ’ WITCH 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.
  • Page 89: Servswitch Scans Or Switches To Empty Ports

    Make sure that all cables are properly seated and that the Switch and submaster are ON, then reboot the CPU. D. Your mouse driver might be old or incompatible with your mouse. Try the latest version of the Microsoft mouse driver.
  • Page 90: Mouse Doesn't Move Pointer/Cursor

    Serv cables to coaxial cables that carry the video signal better. If you are already using coax cables for IBM video, you might need to add Station Extenders (our product codes AC253 etc.); call Black Box for technical support. See Section 4.1.3 and Appendix B.
  • Page 91: Can't Access High-Resolution Mode

    If this is not possible, swap in a different monitor that can handle all of your CPUs’ synchronization types. C. The CPU is sending video with sync on green, which the ServSwitch does not currently support. Call Black Box for technical support. 6.2.14 O NE OR...
  • Page 92: Cpus Have Problems Exiting Windows 3.X

    (continuous) mouse data. It doesn’t support the “prompt mode” (burst-on- request) method for handling mouse data that the IBM ThinkPad uses, regardless of whether the ThinkPad is connected to the Switch directly or through a docking station (and see Section 6.2.16).
  • Page 93: Calling Black Box

    • If you are shipping the ServSwitch for repair, make sure you include its power supply and the adapter cables you’re using with it. If you are returning the Switch, make sure you include everything you received with it. Before you ship, contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.
  • Page 94: Appendix A: Nvram Factory Defaults

    Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults The table below and on the next page shows, for the ServSwitch’s saveable 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 ServSwitch’s current operating period, as well as what commands or actions can save changed settings to NVRAM, so that they become the new defaults.
  • Page 95 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Option Factory-Default Setting Keyboard 43 (delay of 1/2 second, Typematic rate of 10.9 characters per second) Transpose Pressing the key Command produces the same scan and Alt Keys code To Change Type [CTRL] Axxx [ENTER] (xxx = 0 to 127; see Section 4.3.11) Type [CTRL] B To Save...
  • Page 96: Appendix B: Cable Product Codes

    CPUs as much as 200 ft. (61 m) away. If your monitor/keyboard/mouse-sharing system has cabling requirements that can’t be met by what you see here, call Black Box for a possible quote on custom cables or adapters.
  • Page 97 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Video Type Keyboard Type (Connector on Cable) (Connector on Cable) VGA (HD15 male) IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN male) VGA (HD15 male) IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) Mac (DB15 male) Mac (4-pin mini-DIN male) Video Type Keyboard Type (Connector on Cable) (Connector on Cable) VGA (HD15 male)
  • Page 98: 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. Signal Name Data Set Ready Data Terminal Ready Transmit Data Signal Ground Receive Data Request to Send APPENDIX C: Pinout of RS-232 Port 6 5 4 3 2 1 Abbrev.
  • Page 99: Appendix D: The Lk461 Keyboard

    SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard Some of the computers manufactured by Compaq 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]).
  • Page 100: Appendix E: Installing The Servswitch Overlay Option Board (Sw720C-R3)

    APPENDIX E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board Appendix E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board (SW720C-R3) E.1 Introduction The ServSwitch Overlay Option Board, our product code SW720C-R3, is an extra circuit board that can be installed in the current generation of regular ServSwitches and ServManagers to add on-screen menus to the Serv unit’s functions.
  • Page 101: The Installation Procedure

    Serv unit. We recommend that you let us install the Board for you at our factory—call Black Box to arrange this. If you do install the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board yourself, take every reasonable caution against static electricity.
  • Page 102 APPENDIX E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board Mini ServSwitch models Step 4: Back- plate screws Step 14: Overlay-Board screws Slimline ServSwitch models Step 7: Jack screws Step 4: Back- plate screws Full-size ServSwitch models and all ServManagers (not all models will have all slave PCBs) Step 7: Jack...
  • Page 103 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 6. Separate the Serv unit’s PCB(s) and back panel from the bottom panel, being very careful not to bend the LEDs. With the ServManager, you will have to carefully unplug the ribbon cables of the display panel (pry gently upward) and keypad (pry gently outward) from the J12 and J13 connectors respectively on the ServManager’s master PCB (printed circuit board).
  • Page 104 APPENDIX E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board Mini ServSwitch Step 13: Overlay-Board standoffs models Slimline ServSwitch models Step 9: PCB standoffs Full-size ServSwitch models and all ServManagers (not all models will have all slave PCBs) Step 13: Overlay-Board standoffs Step 9: PCB standoffs Figure E-2.
  • Page 105 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ 14. Mount the two washers included with the Overlay Option Board on the two screws that are also included. (You might have removed these from the Board’s mounting standoffs in Step 12.) Screw the screws through the bottom of the PCB’s mounting holes into the Overlay Board’s standoffs.
  • Page 106 APPENDIX E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board Mini ServSwitch models Steps 11, 13: Slimline and full- size ServSwitch models Steps 11, 13: Step 10: J3 Step 9: PCB standoffs All ServManager Step 13: Overlay-Board standoffs models Step 10: J3 Steps 11, 13: Step 9: PCB standoffs Figure E-3.
  • Page 107 26. Make sure that the Serv unit’s front-panel controls and keyboard commands will still scan and switch between all of the CPUs from the front panel as before. If the Serv unit does not respond properly, call Black Box for technical support.
  • Page 108 APPENDIX E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board Slimline models Step 13: Overlay-Board standoffs Step 14: Overlay-Board screws All full-size ServSwitch models and all ServManagers (not all models will have all slave PCBs) Step 13: Overlay-Board standoffs Step 14: Overlay-Board screws Figure E-4.
  • Page 109 SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™ Pin 1 Ribbon cable for display, to J13 on master PCB Inside of Pin 1 front cover Ribbon cable for keypad, to J12 on master PCB Pin 1 Keypad cable Surface of master PCB Pin 1 Display cable Surface of...
  • Page 110: Appendix F: Installing The 4-Port Expansion Board (Kv5X00C) (Full-Size Models Only)

    Appendix F: Installing the 4-Port Expansion Board (KV5x00C) (Full-Size Models Only) F.1 Introduction The 4-Port Expansion Boards for ServSwitch and ServSwitch Ultra, our KV5x00C series of product codes, are extra circuit boards that can be installed in full-size ServSwitches or ServSwitches Ultra to add four additional CPU ports. For example, if you had a full-size regular ServSwitch with four CPU ports (KV3104FA[E]), you could upgrade to eight CPUs ports by installing a single PC-only 4-Port Expansion Board (KV5100C);...
  • Page 111: The Installation Procedure

    ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra. This can be complicated and time-consuming, and it is possible to damage the Switch. We recommend that you let us install the Board for you at our factory—call Black Box to arrange this. If you do install the 4-Port Expansion Board yourself, take every reasonable caution against static electricity.
  • Page 112 APPENDIX F: Installing the 4-Port Expansion Board Step 2: Holes for cover screws Figure F-1. The Switch’s cover. Step 8: Nuts and washers Step 13: Jack screws Step 10: J3 Step 4: Back- Step 5: Bottom plate screws screws Figure F-2. Exploded left-side view of a ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra with...
  • Page 113 J14 should be set to the right to identify that board as the location of ports 13 through 16. If these jumpers aren’t set correctly, the Switch will either access the wrong ports, access multiple ports simultaneously, or light...
  • Page 114 Step 10: J3 (removed) extenders Figure F-4. Exploded front view of a ServSwitch’s or ServSwitch Ultra’s PCB stack (16-port unit shown). *Solid lines show actual appearance of 8-port Switch prior to Board installation; dotted lines show differences for 4-port or 12-port units.
  • Page 115 21. Make sure that the Switch’s front-panel pushbuttons, keyboard commands, and overlay menus will still scan and switch between all of the CPUs from the front panel as before. If the Switch does not respond properly, call Black Box for technical support.
  • Page 116 APPENDIX F: Installing the 4-Port Expansion Board Once you reconnect the Switch to its normal system (rebuilding, if necessary, its normal configuration), you can attach additional computers to the Switch’s new CPU ports if all lower-numbered ports are occupied. Power up the system and issue a Maximum Ports command (left-[CTRL] Pxxx, where xxx is the total number of occupied CPU ports) that reflects the new ports/computers you’ve just added.
  • Page 117: Appendix G: Rackmounting Your Servswitch

    ServSwitch Ultra, take these steps, referring to Figure G-1 below: 1. Match up the two holes in the “Switch end” of each Kit ear with the two empty screwholes on the side of the Switch, then fasten the ear to the Switch with two of the screws included with the Kit.
  • Page 118 NOTES...
  • Page 119 NOTES...
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