SMART USB-FRU Technical Bulletin

1.866.518.6791 or +1.403.228.5940
A SMART USB cable (Part Number USB-FRU, 21.5' [6.6m]) can be extended to a length of 50' (15.2m) using a 30' (9.1 m) DB9M/DB9F
serial extension cable. Total cable length will be 51.5' (15.7 m). For extension requirements greater than 51.5' (15.7 m), you must connect
the SMART USB cable to a gender changer, a SMART serial/power cable, and an external power supply (see Table 1 on page 2). Total
cable length should not exceed 100' (30.48 m). See NOTE on page 2. The figure below shows the correct way to extend a SMART USB
cable using a gender changer with pin 1 removed, a serial/power cable, and an external power supply.
Caution: if the power/serial cable is connected incorrectly (with the PC-end connected to the interactive whiteboard and the whiteboard-
end connected to the USB cable), the 12 volts of power carried along pin 1 of the gender changer will permanently damage the USB
adapter cable.
To prevent damage to the SMART USB cable, you must either use the customized DB9M/DB9M gender changer that's available from
SMART (part number MA-506) or modify any DB9M/DB9M gender changer you purchase by removing pin 1.

Gender Changer Modification

Caution: Before you perform this modification, ensure that the gender changer is not connected to any equipment.

To Remove Pin 1 from the Gender Changer

Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, grasp pin 1 and pull it out, as shown below.
NOTE: If you wish to extend a SMART USB cable beyond 50' (15.2 m) to a maximum of 100' (30.48 m), you must use a DB9M/DB9M
serial cable in place of the gender changer when connecting the USB adapter cable to the SMART serial/power cable. Remove pin 1
from this DB9M/DB9M serial cable as noted above.

Warning to Customers Extending a SMART USB Cable

To Computer USB Port
To Pen Tray
Serial/Power Cable
Pin 1
Warning to Customers Extending a SMART USB Cable
T
ECHNICAL
SMART Serial to USB
Cable
DB9M/DB9M Gender Changer
with Pin 1 Removed
Power Socket
External Power Supply
www.smarttech.com/support
B
ULLETIN
No. 5, August 31, 2005
Page 1 of 2