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JUNE 2001
SW614A
SW616A
SW617A
SW619A
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 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Black Box SW614A
Summary of Contents for Black Box SW614A
- 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 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
- Page 2 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 Multi-Head ServSwitch™, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Switch, see Chapter 2.
- Page 3 TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch and Multi-Head ServSwitch are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Compaq and Alpha are registered trademarks of Compaq Computer Corporation.
- Page 4 FCC/IC STATEMENTS 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 J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is...
- Page 5 MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference.
- Page 6 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.
- Page 7 MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 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.
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Page 8: Table Of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications ..................... 9 2. Introduction ..................... 12 2.1 Features and Benefits ............... 12 2.2 The Complete Package ..............13 2.3 The Multi-Head ServSwitch Illustrated ..........14 2.4 Safety Concerns ................. 15 3. Installation ....................16 3.1 What You Will Need ................ - Page 9 5.11 Upgrading the Switch’s Firmware ..........44 6. Troubleshooting ..................46 6.1 Things to Try ..................46 6.2 Calling Black Box ................48 6.3 Shipping and Packaging ..............48 Appendix: Cable Guidelines ................49 A.1 Cabling from the Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitors to the Multi-Head ServSwitch ..............
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Page 10: Specifications
CHAPTER 1: Specifications 1. Specifications Compliance: CE (EN55022 Class B); FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A Standards: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, SXGA, or UXGA video; supports VESA DDC, DDC1, and DDC2 signaling Interfaces: Video: VGA; Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible; with appropriate adapters, also supports IBM PC/AT type keyboards, CPUs with PC/AT keyboard ports, and CPUs with EIA/TIA RS-232 mouse ports;... - Page 11 SW614A, SW617A: (2) HD15 female for monitor attachment; SW616A, SW619A: (4) HD15 female for monitor attachment; CPU ports ([2] on SW614A and SW616A, [4] on SW617A and SW619A), each consisting of: (2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard- and mouse- port attachment;...
- Page 12 CHAPTER 1: Specifications Either: Power — • 5 VDC at up to 500 mA from the keyboard interfaces of the attached computers, or • From the optional power supply PS649 (not included): Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz from utility- power (mains) outlet, through detachable power cord and IEC 320 male inlet, to external transformer;...
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Page 13: Introduction
® PC compatible hardware with multiple video outputs. Four models are available: • 2-Port Dual Video (product code SW614A) for switching between two dual- head CPUs; • 2-Port Quad Video (SW616A) for switching between two quad-head CPUs; • 4-Port Dual Video (SW617A) for switching between four dual-head CPUs; and •... -
Page 14: The Complete Package
CHAPTER 2: Introduction • Two Switches can be synchronized to handle computers with up to eight video outputs. • Automatically restores keyboard and mouse states when channel is changed. • CPUs can have either PS/2 or PC/AT ® keyboard ports and either PS/2 or RS-232 mouse ports. -
Page 15: The Multi-Head Servswitch Illustrated
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 2.3 The Multi-Head ServSwitch Illustrated Display shows status and mouse/keyboard data activity Button for changing channels and entering configuration mode Figure 2-1. The Multi-Head ServSwitch’s front panel. Control Control-port CPU-port video CPU ports 1 through 4 (ports 3 and 4 port monitor connectors (blue) -
Page 16: Safety Concerns
CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.4 Safety Concerns As you prepare to install the Multi-Head ServSwitch, please keep these things in mind: • The Switch is for use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only. • Do not attempt to fix the Switch yourself. •... -
Page 17: Installation
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 3. Installation 3.1 What You Will Need You’ll need these things to be in place before you can install your Multi-Head ServSwitch: • Cables to connect the Multi-Head ServSwitch to the keyboard, mouse, and video ports of each of your computers. (You don’t need to connect mouse cabling to a CPU if you’re not using a mouse with that CPU.) You’ll need adapters to connect the Switch to the keyboard and mouse ports of PC/AT style computers. -
Page 18: Placement
Multi-Head ServSwitches in order to handle CPUs whose video cards have more than eight video heads. But in each case, cabling would be very complex. If you feel that you need to install such a system, please call Black Box Technical Support. -
Page 19: Basic Systems With A Single Switch
If you need to place your user equipment farther than 30 ft. (9 m) from the Switch, or if you need to place a CPU farther than 100 ft. (30 m) from the Switch, please call Black Box Tech Support for help determining your best extension options. -
Page 20: Cpus With Up To Eight Video Outputs
(available on a quote basis; see Section A.3 of the Appendix for a pinout). But if your CPUs output nine or more video feeds, you’ll need to use pass-through, multi-drop, or preferably one-to-many DB15 cabling to interconnect three or more Switches; call Black Box Tech Support to discuss your application. - Page 21 Premium KVM CPU Cable. If you need to run farther than 100 ft. (30 m) to a CPU, please call Black Box Tech Support for help determining your best extension options.
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Page 22: Cables And Adapters
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.3.3 C ABLES AND DAPTERS Attaching a CPU’s 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard and mouse ports and its two or more HD15 video ports to the Multi-Head ServSwitch will require extension cables. You can use HD15 male-to-male VGA-extension cables (product code EVNPS05-MM) to make the video-port connections;... - Page 23 MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 6-Pin 6-Pin mini-DIN mini-DIN HD15 10" (25.4 9" (22.9 Cross-section: Central video strand Keyboard and mouse strands molded to sides Figure 3-3. The Premium KVM cables. To connect computers with serial mouse ports and/or PC/AT style keyboard ports, you’ll need adapters like those shown in Figure 3-4. Refer to the Appendix. PS/2 to Serial Mouse PS/2 style kbd/mouse cable Adapter;...
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Page 24: Powering The Switch
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.4 Powering the Switch Once you’ve installed your Multi-Head ServSwitch system and attached your equipment to it, you need to apply power to each Switch. You can do this in either of two ways. Most basic systems should be able to get the power they need from the attached CPUs. -
Page 25: Configuration
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 4. Configuration To configure your Multi-Head ServSwitch system, you’ll need to configure first the attached PCs, as directed in Section 4.1, then the Switch itself, as directed in the rest of this chapter. IMPORTANT NOTE Throughout the rest of this manual, the [Enter] designation refers to the main “enter”... -
Page 26: Configuring The Multi-Head Servswitch
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2 Configuring the Multi-Head ServSwitch The Multi-Head ServSwitch comes from the factory preset to default configuration settings which are suitable for most applications. If you need to set the Switch differently, you can access its “configuration mode” to do so; once you do, the new settings are stored in the Multi-Head ServSwitch’s EEPROM memory and are retained when the Switch is powered OFF. -
Page 27: Setting The Screen-Saver Timeout
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 4.2.2 S ETTING THE CREEN AVER IMEOUT The Multi-Head ServSwitch has a programmable screen-saver function which will blank the displays on the shared monitors after a certain time elapses with no activity on the shared keyboard or mouse. The Switch’s front-panel display will flash while the Switch is in screen-saver mode. -
Page 28: Autoscanning: Setting The Scan Mode And Pause Time
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.3 A UTOSCANNING ETTING THE ODE AND AUSE The Multi-Head ServSwitch begins autoscanning its CPU channels (that is, briefly displaying each channel’s video feeds in turn) when you type in the hotkey sequence followed by the letter “A” (see Section 5.5). By default, the Switch only scans those channels that have a powered-up computer connected to them. -
Page 29: Enforcing Mouse Speed
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 4.2.4 E NFORCING OUSE PEED In its factory-default state, the Multi-Head ServSwitch allows each CPU to handle mouse communication any way the CPU wants to. However, some CPUs with particular rare combinations of operating systems, mice, and mouse drivers can be abnormally sensitive to small timing changes in mouse communication. -
Page 30: Setting Mouse-Mode Reporting And Enabling/Disabling Mouse Switching
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.5 S ETTING OUSE EPORTING AND NABLING ISABLING OUSE WITCHING In the Multi-Head ServSwitch’s factory-default state, you can use a three-button PS/2 mouse or an IntelliMouse to cycle through the Switch’s CPU channels. To switch to the next channel, simply hold down the center or “wheel” button on the mouse, then press its left button. -
Page 31: Choosing Active Ports Or All Ports For Keyboard-Tab And Mouse Switching
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 4.2.6 C HOOSING CTIVE ORTS OR ORTS FOR EYBOARD AB AND OUSE WITCHING In the Multi-Head ServSwitch’s factory-default state, when you “cycle through” the CPU ports on the Switch by pressing {Hotkeys} + [Tab] or when you switch to the next or previous channel with your mouse, the Switch stops at every channel. -
Page 32: Setting The Hotkey Sequence
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.7 S ETTING THE OTKEY EQUENCE You can access many of the Multi-Head ServSwitch’s main functions (such as CPU- channel selection, autoscanning, and locking) by sending commands from the shared keyboard. Each command must start with a “hotkey sequence” (series of keystrokes) that alerts the Switch to interpret the keyboard data that follows it as a command. -
Page 33: Viewing The Firmware Revision, Restoring Mouse Function, Or Resetting To Factory Defaults
For technical-support purposes, it might be necessary to find out the firmware- release version of the control software in your Multi-Head ServSwitch. Before calling Black Box Tech Support about a problem, you can use the [F][1], [F][2], and [F][3] commands to retrieve this; each of these commands causes the Switch to briefly show one of the digits of the firmware’s version number on its front-panel... -
Page 34: Setting The Password
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.9 S ETTING THE ASSWORD There are many situations where access to corporate file servers or sensitive information needs to be controlled. In such circumstances, the Multi-Head ServSwitch can be locked away in a room or secure cabinet and controlled remotely. -
Page 35: Operation
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 5. Operation This chapter explains how to operate the Multi-Head ServSwitch. Please read this chapter carefully before starting to use the Switch; also make sure you have read the important note at the start of Chapter 4. 5.1 Power Status At power-up, the Multi-Head ServSwitch will try to select CPU channel #1 unless (a) a password has been set or (b) the Switch isn’t getting enough power to operate properly. -
Page 36: The Front-Panel Pushbutton And The Remote-Control Module
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.2 The Front-Panel Pushbutton and the Remote-Control Module You can use the Multi-Head ServSwitch’s front-panel pushbutton to select which CPU channel (CPU port) is currently controlled by the active control port. Press the key once during normal operation to select the next CPU channel in sequence (for example, to select channel 4 if channel 3 is currently selected);... -
Page 37: The Status Display
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 5.3 The Status Display The Multi-Head ServSwitch’s front-panel 7-segment status display usually shows the number of the currently selected computer channel, while the dot LED alongside it flashes in response to data from the shared keyboard or mouse (see the top illustration in Figure 5-2). -
Page 38: Things To Keep In Mind About The Keyboards And Mice
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.4 Things to Keep in Mind About the Keyboards and Mice CPU bootup sequence: When your computer CPUs are powered on, they communicate with any attached keyboards and mice and load the setup parameters required by their particular operating systems. It’s necessary for the Multi-Head ServSwitch to be attached and powered on during this sequence so that it can give the CPUs the required responses and keep track of all the modes and settings requested by each of the connected CPUs. -
Page 39: Keyboard Control: Hotkey Commands
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 5.5 Keyboard Control: Hotkey Commands You can control many functions on the Multi-Head ServSwitch—such as CPU- channel selection, autoscanning, or locking—from the keyboard, using commands triggered with the Switch’s currently selected hotkey combination. All of the hotkey-control commands are invoked by holding down the one or two hotkeys and then pressing a command key. - Page 40 CHAPTER 5: Operation • Use {Hotkeys} + [L] to lock the Switch (disable its shared keyboard and mouse and select nonexistent “channel zero” in order to shut off the video output from the Switch to the shared monitors). If a password has not been set (see Section 4.2.9), the Switch behaves exactly as if you had entered {Hotkeys} + [0] (see above).
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Page 41: Mouse Control
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ 5.6 Mouse Control Yet another convenient way to select CPU channels on the Multi-Head ServSwitch is through a three-button mouse, if this feature is enabled (see Section 4.2.6). As shown in Figure 5-3 (button to hold down is black, button to click is gray): •... -
Page 42: Re-Enabling A Disconnected Ps/2 Mouse
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.7 Re-Enabling a Disconnected PS/2 Mouse If you accidentally disconnect the shared PS/2 mouse from the Multi-Head ServSwitch while the Switch is operating, the mouse will not work correctly when you plug it back in. To avoid having to reboot the entire system in this situation, the Switch has an automatic mouse-recovery system. - Page 43 MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ Standard PS/2 mouse data uses a different data format than IntelliMouse data, so two reset functions are provided on the Multi-Head ServSwitch. The type of data format expected by the CPU depends upon the driver and the type of mouse that was connected when the driver was booted.
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Page 44: Rs-232 Control
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.9 RS-232 Control There is yet one more way to select channels on the Multi-Head ServSwitch: through its RS-232 serial port. (This is a proprietarily pinned DB15 connector; see Section A.3 of the Appendix for more information.) This connector serves more often as the attachment point for the Switch’s optional Remote-Control Module, but by using an adapter you can connect a different RS-232 device to it. -
Page 45: Upgrading The Switch's Firmware
To fix bugs in existing firmware, or to add features to your Switch, Black Box Technical Support might sometimes recommend that you upgrade the Switch’s firmware if a newer revision is available. - Page 46 CHAPTER 5: Operation The Multi-Head ServSwitch’s front-panel 7-segment display should now show a lowercase “u” to indicate that the Switch is ready to be upgraded: 5. Run the SSWxyz.EXE firmware-upgrade program that you downloaded in step 1. Follow the directions that appear on the host PC’s screen to transfer the new firmware to the Switch.
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Page 47: Troubleshooting
Multi-Head ServSwitch. If the suggested actions don’t solve your problem, or if you don’t see a listing for the type of trouble you’re having, contact Black Box Technical Support as described in Section 6.2. - Page 48 CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Problem: Your keyboard does not function or functions only intermittently. The Num Lock LED does not always light when the Num Lock key is pressed. Possible Solution: Some older keyboards were designed for use with specific computers and are not truly PC/AT or PS/2 compatible.
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Page 49: Calling Black Box
If you need to transport or ship your Multi-Head ServSwitch: • Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container. • Before you ship the Switch back to Black Box for repair or return, contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number. -
Page 50: Appendix: Cable Guidelines
Multi-Head ServSwitch. If you use a PC/AT style keyboard you’ll need a PC/AT (5-pin DIN female) to PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) adapter. (These are available from Black Box as product code FA211.) If you’re not using the optional power supply, these peripherals’ cables should be no longer than 6 ft. - Page 51 MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ Keyboard- and PS/2 mouse-extension cabling: 6-pin mini-DIN male to 6-pin mini- DIN male with all lines connected straight through (1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc.). If the PC has a 5-pin DIN PC/AT style keyboard connector, you will need a PS/2 to PC/AT keyboard adapter, 6-pin mini-DIN female to 5-pin DIN male (FA212).
- Page 52 APPENDIX: Cable Guidelines 6-pin mini-DIN attaches to DB9 attaches to PC’s serial port or Switch or cable from Switch cable to PC’s serial port RLSD (DCD) KDAT TD (-12V) SGND SGND KCLK -12V Male Male Female Female Figure A-1. The RS-232 mouse adapter’s pinout.
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Page 53: Cabling Attached To The Options Port
MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ A.3 Cabling Attached to the OPTIONS Port The DB15 connector labeled “OPTIONS” on the back of the Multi-Head ServSwitch is a proprietarily pinned port using RS-232-type signaling. You can connect any of these devices to it: • The Switch’s optional Remote-Control Module (RCM, see Section 5.2); •... - Page 54 APPENDIX: Cable Guidelines DB15 male attaches to DB15 male attaches to master Switch secondary Switch SGND SGND Male Male Figure A-2. The synchronization cable. DB9 female DB15 male attaches to PC attaches to Switch SGND SGND Female Male Figure A-3. The firmware-upgrade cable KV6SER.
- Page 55 MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™ DISCLAIMERS While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, neither the manufacturer nor its authorized agents assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor do they assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
- Page 56 NOTES...
- Page 57 NOTES...