Black Box ServSwitch SW725A-R4 Instruction Manual
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Black Box ServSwitch SW725A-R4 Instruction Manual

Black Box ServSwitch SW725A-R4 Instruction Manual

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Welcome to the ServSwitch Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX
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. 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
RS/6000
®
, Apple
®
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 unit, including how to
install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSwitch, see
Chapter 2. The ServSwitch product codes covered in this manual are:
This manual also includes information about the accessories with these product
codes (each comes with its own installation guide if ordered separately):
Macintosh
®
, Sun Microsystems
SW721A-R4
SW722A-R4
SW723A-R4
SW724A-R4
KV5100C
RMK19M
RMK19B
RMK19C
RMK23M
WELCOME TO THE SERVSWITCH FAMILY
®
ServSwitch
™
®
, and SGI
SW725A-R4
KV3104MA-R4
KV3108SA-R4
RMK23B
RMK23C
RMK24M
RMK24B
RMK24C
Brand KVM switch! We
®
compatibles among
®
PC,
1

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Summary of Contents for Black Box ServSwitch SW725A-R4

  • Page 1 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 unit, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it.
  • Page 2 SERVSWITCH TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL BLACK BOX is a registered trademark, and ServSwitch is a trademark, of Black Box Corporation. Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Compaq is a registered trademark, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer Corporation.
  • Page 3 FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 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 interference when the equipment is...
  • Page 4 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.
  • Page 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.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    SERVSWITCH Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications ................... 10 2. Introduction ..................... 13 2.1 The Complete Package ..............13 2.2 Operating Features ................13 2.3 The Front Panel ................15 2.4 The Rear Panel .................. 17 2.5 Cable Requirements ................. 20 2.6 Equipment Requirements ..............

  • Page 7: Chapter Page

    CONTENTS Chapter Page 4.4 Using the RS-232 Port ............... 45 4.4.1 Connecting Equipment to the Port ........45 4.4.2 Switching Ports Remotely (Optional) ........46 4.4.3 Upgrading the Firmware (Flash Memory) ......47 4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with Terminal-Emulation Software ........... 47 4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with the DOS COPY Command ..........
  • Page 8 6.2.15 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Docking Station ....77 6.2.16 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Dongle-Protected Software ............78 6.2.17 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad ....78 6.2.18 Lost Password ................ 78 6.3 Calling Black Box ................78 6.4 Shipping and Packaging ..............78...
  • Page 9 CONTENTS Chapter Page Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ............79 A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings ............79 A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings ........... 80 Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ..............82 Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ............... 84 Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard ............... 85 Appendix E: Rackmounting the ServSwitch ..........

  • Page 10: Specifications

    SERVSWITCH 1. Specifications Hardware Required: Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video standard (see Section 4.1.1) Compliance: CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, IC Class/classe A Standards: With original Serv cabling: VGA (color or monochrome/ page white) video; With original Serv cabling (minimal) or coaxial cabling (recommended): SVGA video;...
  • Page 11 CHAPTER 1: Specifications All models: User Controls: 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: “M” (switch to next port) and “L” (switch to previous port);...
  • Page 12 SERVSWITCH Temperature Tolerance: 32 to 131˚F (0 to 55˚C) Humidity 5 to 80% noncondensing Tolerance: Maximum Altitude: 10,000 ft. (3048 m) Enclosure: Steel 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;...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Your ServSwitch package includes the switch, its power supply, a modular cable and adapter for connecting the unit’s RS-232 port to a remote PC, and this manual. If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived damaged, contact Black Box. 2.2 Operating Features Some of the useful features of the ServSwitch: •...
  • Page 14 RS-232 ports. • Rackmount kits are available. • Full-size 8- and 12-port units can be expanded up to 16 ports by installing 4-port expansion boards. Please contact Black Box Tech Support if you ever want us to do this for you.

  • Page 15: The Front Panel

    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.
  • Page 16 SERVSWITCH Panel Label Description POWER (left) Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON. ON/OFF SW721A-R4, KV3104MA-R4 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)

  • Page 17: The Rear Panel

    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 POWER 17VAC CT CPU1 CPU2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4). CPU 15 CPU 16 CPU 13...

  • Page 18: Keyboard

    SERVSWITCH Panel Label Connector Description or Control CPU N DB25 F For each submaster you plan to connect, you must have an Expansion Cable; you must have (continued) an Adapter Cable for each CPU you plan to connect. See Section 2.5. NOTE The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 CPU N connector slots;...
  • Page 19 CHAPTER 2: Introduction Panel Label Connector Description or Control POWER Rocker Flipping this switch turns the ServSwitch ON [Switch], all switch and OFF when the power cord is plugged into except the unit and into a working outlet. SW721A-R4, KV3104MA- POWER SW721A- Connect the ServSwitch’s power cord or power-...

  • Page 20: Cable Requirements

    See Appendix B and the Caution notice on page 23. To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor on a ServSwitch, you will need special cabling. Call Black Box for technical support; we can give you a quote on these types of cable.

  • Page 21: Installation

    CHAPTER 3: Installation 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. Connectors will vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing. SLIMLINE 8-PORT SERVSWITCH (KV3108SA-R4) CPU 7 CPU 8...

  • Page 22: Installation Procedure

    SERVSWITCH 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.) For an illustrated example of the elements of a basic setup, see Figure 3-1 on the previous page.

  • Page 23: Connecting Cpus

    CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2.3 C ONNECTING 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).

  • Page 24: 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.

  • Page 25: Powering Up The System

    CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2.5 P OWERING P THE YSTEM 1A. SW721A-R4, KV3104MA-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.

  • Page 26: Changing The Keyboard Setting Of Windows Nt 4.0 Cpus

    SERVSWITCH 3.2.6 C NT 4.0 CPU HANGING THE EYBOARD ETTING OF INDOWS 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.”...

  • Page 27: Cascading In Servswitch Systems

    CHAPTER 3: Installation 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” ServSwitches, 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.

  • Page 28: Cable Requirements For Expansion

    SERVSWITCH monitors, keyboards, and mice on that master. Note that when we 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.
  • Page 29 CHAPTER 3: Installation MASTER UNIT CPU 7 CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 POWER CPU 6 CPU 5 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 CPU 4 CPU 3 CPU 2 CPU 1 MONITOR SUBMASTER UNIT KEYBOARD MOUSE CPU 16...
  • Page 30 SERVSWITCH • 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.
  • Page 31 CHAPTER 3: Installation • 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.
  • Page 32 SERVSWITCH If you see this, you will need to download correct firmware to the affected unit as described in Section 4.4.3, starting at the point at which the unit is ready to receive the file at 9600 baud (9600 bps). (In this case, you must download the file at 9600 bps.) 6.

  • Page 33: Operation: Hardware And Keyboard Commands

    CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 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.

  • Page 34: Mouse And Keyboard

    SERVSWITCH 4.1.2 M OUSE AND EYBOARD When you power up your ServSwitch system, make sure that your CPUs, mouse (mice), and keyboard(s) are properly cabled to the switch (or to the appropriate master or submaster unit). When you boot up your CPUs, the master(s) and/or submasters to which they are connected should already be ON.

  • Page 35: Monitor

    CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands • The ServSwitch is designed to support 101-, 102-, 104-, or 105-key keyboards and 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 36 SERVSWITCH 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 4-1, below, illustrates this. The distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the monitor. The table assumes that one ServSwitch is between the CPU and monitor;...
  • Page 37 One last note of caution about video: The IBM 9515, 9517, and 9518 monitors that come with some PS/2 systems are not normal VGA monitors and require special cabling in order for video to be correctly sized and synchronized. Call Black Box for technical support if you want to use one of these monitors.

  • Page 38: Keyboard-Command Summary

    SERVSWITCH 4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary Table 4-3 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).
  • Page 39 CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands Table 4-3 (continued). The ServSwitch’s keyboard commands. Command Keystroke Sequence Description Scan ON [Ctrl] S Turns Scan mode ON, causing the ServSwitch to start scanning sequentially from the current port through the remaining ports and then begin again at Port 1.

  • Page 40: The Commands In Detail

    SERVSWITCH Table 4-3 (continued). The ServSwitch’s keyboard commands. Command Keystroke Sequence Description Log Out [Ctrl] L Logs out the current user if an access password has been set; video is blanked and keyboard and mouse input is locked until a user enters the access password.

  • Page 41: Scan Mode

    CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands You can also select the next or previous port manually from the ServSwitch’s front panel by pushing the button labeled “ ” or “ ” respectively (“+” or “–” on the 2-port units). Each time you press the button, the next or previous port in sequence is selected.

  • Page 42: Reset

    SERVSWITCH 4.3.6 R ESET 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.

  • Page 43: Send Null Byte (Ps/2 Type Mice Only)

    CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3.7 S (PS/2 T 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”...

  • Page 44: Display Label

    SERVSWITCH 4.3.9 D ISPLAY ABEL 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 “fade out interval”...

  • Page 45: Using The Rs-232 Port

    CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.4 Using the RS-232 Port 4.4.1 C ONNECTING QUIPMENT TO THE 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).

  • Page 46: Switching Ports Remotely (Optional)

    SERVSWITCH 4.4.2 S WITCHING ORTS EMOTELY PTIONAL 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.

  • Page 47: 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, call Black Box Technical Support. For regular -R4 level ServSwitches, filenames will follow these formats: “UPxx.HEX,”...
  • Page 48 5, but the firmware will remain unchanged. If the trouble recurs and you can’t pinpoint it, call Black Box for technical support. 5. If the file transfer is successful, press the space bar on the PC’s keyboard.

  • Page 49: B Upgrading The Firmware With The Dos Copy Command

    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 50 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 51: Operation: On-Screen Display

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 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.

  • Page 52: Navigating The Configuration

    SERVSWITCH 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 53: The "Configure System" Page

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 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. Configure system Keyboard and mouse type PC 101/102...

  • Page 54: Configure System: Mouse

    SERVSWITCH 5.2.2 C ONFIGURE YSTEM OUSE 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.
  • Page 55 CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display “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.

  • Page 56: Configure System: Maximum Computers

    SERVSWITCH 5.2.3 C ONFIGURE YSTEM AXIMUM OMPUTERS 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.

  • Page 57: Configure System: Expansion Units

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.2.4 C ONFIGURE YSTEM XPANSION NITS 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.

  • Page 58: Configure System: Scan Time

    SERVSWITCH 5.2.6 C ONFIGURE YSTEM 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.

  • Page 59: Configure System: Typematic Delay

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display Table 5-1. Typematic rate. Rate Value Actual Rate in Rate Value Actual Rate in Keystrokes per Keystrokes per Second Second 10.9 13.3 17.1 18.5 21.8 26.7 5.2.10 C ONFIGURE YSTEM YPEMATIC ELAY This item determines how soon keystrokes will begin to repeat after the operator begins holding down a key on the shared keyboard.

  • Page 60: The "Configure Computers" Page

    SERVSWITCH 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.) Configure computers...

  • Page 61: Configure Computers: Computer Name

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.3.1 C ONFIGURE OMPUTERS OMPUTER 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”...

  • Page 62: Configure Computers: Keyboard

    SERVSWITCH 5.3.2 C ONFIGURE OMPUTERS EYBOARD 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.

  • Page 63: Configure Computers: Mouse

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.3.3 C ONFIGURE OMPUTERS OUSE 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.

  • Page 64: The "Configure Overlay" Page

    SERVSWITCH 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).

  • Page 65: B Resolution

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 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”...

  • Page 66: Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window

    SERVSWITCH 5.4.2 C ONFIGURE VERLAY OMPUTER ELECT INDOW 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.

  • Page 67: Configure Overlay: Computer Label

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4.3 C ONFIGURE VERLAY OMPUTER ABEL 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.

  • Page 68: C Show Computer Number

    SERVSWITCH 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”...

  • Page 69: Operation: On-Screen Display (Continued)

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 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 New password...

  • Page 70: The Access Timeout

    Black Box Technical Support for help to recover your system. To remove either of these passwords, delete the password and press Enter with no...

  • Page 71: The "Computer Select Window

    CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 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.

  • Page 72: Troubleshooting

    Section 6.2. Sections 6.3 and 6.4 discuss what’s involved in calling Black Box and shipping your switch. CAUTION! Do not open the ServSwitch’s cover. You could easily damage the switch and attached devices, and if the switch is powered you could hurt yourself as well.

  • Page 73: Common Problems

    CHAPTER 6: 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. 6.2 Common Problems 6.2.1 A CPU C ’...

  • Page 74: Can't Switch Ports From Keyboard

    SERVSWITCH 6.2.2 Y ’ WITCH ORTS FROM THE EYBOARD 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 75: Servswitch Scans Or Switches To Empty Ports

    CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.5 T WITCH CANS OR WITCHES TO MPTY OR ONEXISTENT ORTS 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.

  • Page 76: Mouse Doesn't Move Pointer/Cursor

    If you are already using coax cables, you might need to add Station Extenders (our product codes AC253A etc.) or CAT5 KVM Extenders (our product codes ACU9001A etc.); call Black Box for technical support. See Section 4.1.3 and Appendix B.

  • Page 77: Can't Access High-Resolution Mode

    CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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.

  • Page 78: Servswitch Doesn't Work With Dongle-Protected Software

    ASSWORD If you’ve lost your access password or configuration password and you have no record of what they are set to, you will have to call Black Box Technical Support. They will help you to recover your system. 6.3 Calling Black Box If you determine that your ServSwitch is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit.

  • Page 79: Appendix A: Nvram Factory Defaults

    APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults 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.

  • Page 80: On-Screen Configuration Settings

    SERVSWITCH A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings The table below and on the next page shows, for the ServSwitch’s saveable on- screen 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...
  • Page 81 APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults 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........999 minutes (16 hours, 39 minutes)

  • Page 82: 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 83 APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes Standard CPU Adapter Cables: Video Type Keyboard Type Mouse Type Product Code (Connector on Cable) (Connector on Cable) (Connector on Cable) 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) EHN151-0xxx...

  • Page 84: Appendix C: Pinout Of Rs-232 Port

    SERVSWITCH 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 Abbrev. Direction Description Data Set Ready Input Reserved (not used) Data Terminal Ready Output Pulled high with 1-KΩ resistor Transmit Data Output Serial data from port...

  • Page 85: Appendix D: The Lk461 Keyboard

    APPENDIX D: The LK461 Keyboard 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]).

  • Page 86: Appendix E: Rackmounting The Servswitch

    SERVSWITCH 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.

This manual is also suitable for:

Servswitch sw721a-r4Servswitch sw722a-r4Servswitch kv3104ma-r4Servswitch sw723a-r4Servswitch kv3108sa-r4Servswitch sw724a-r4

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