Black Box ServSwitch ACU2 01A-R2 User Manual
Black Box ServSwitch ACU2 01A-R2 User Manual

Black Box ServSwitch ACU2 01A-R2 User Manual

Catx kvm extender

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November 2009
ACU2 01A
2
-R2
ACU2222A-R2
ACU2209A
ACU2228A

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Summary of Contents for Black Box ServSwitch ACU2 01A-R2

  • Page 1 November 2009 ACU2 01A ACU2222A-R2 ACU2209A ACU2228A...
  • Page 3 THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family! Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced keyboard/video/mouse system will save you money, time, and effort.
  • Page 4: Cautions And Notes

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Copyrights and Trademarks ©2005/2009. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without the prior written consent of the manufacturer. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material.
  • Page 5: Federal Communications Commission

    FCC/CDC STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND 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 B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 6 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY EUROPEAN UNION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT WARNING! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user might be required to take adequate remedial measures. This product complies with the following harmonized standards for Information Technology Equipment: EN55022:2006 (Class A), EN55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003.
  • Page 7: Instrucciones De Seguridad

    NOM STATEMENT NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas.
  • Page 8 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante. 15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia. 16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
  • Page 9: Power Input

    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation please note the following installation guidelines: • Do not use to link between buildings. • Only use in dry, indoor environments. • If the building has 3-phase AC power, try to ensure that equipment connected to the Local and Remote Units is on the same phase.
  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Contents Quick Setup     1.1  Command Summary 11  Overview     2.1  Introduction 12  2.2  Glossary 12  2.3  Features 14  2.4  Product Range 15  2.5  Compatibility 16  2.6  How to Use This Guide 18 ...
  • Page 11 Appendix A: Example Applications   Appendix B: Rack Mount Options   Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration   Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew)   Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports   Appendix F: Calling Black Box   Appendix G: Specifications  ...
  • Page 12: Quick Setup

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Quick Setup This section briefly describes how to install your KVM extender system and optimize the video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summary on the next page when following this procedure.
  • Page 13: Command Summary

    QUICK SETUP Command Summary By using a specific ‘hot’ key sequence, you can put the remote console keyboard into a Command Mode. From this, you can use various keys and key combinations to tune the video signal and generally configure the extender system. The following table summarizes the ‘hot’ key command sequences used in system configuration and video tuning.
  • Page 14: Overview

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Overview Introduction The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series enables dual channel high-resolution video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, stereo audio, and serial port signals to be communicated up to 1000ft (300m) over Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher (CATx) cable. A basic KVM extension system comprises a Local Unit (transmitter) and a Remote Unit (receiver).
  • Page 15 OVERVIEW Local Access LOCAL Unit ACU2209A, ACU2228A only. KVM extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft (300m). REMOTE Unit Audio Transmission Serial Transmission ACU2222A-R2, ACU2228A only ACU2222A-R2, ACU2228A only Figure 1 KVM extender system...
  • Page 16: Features

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Features Members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series offer the following features: • Support for high video resolution for use with TFT displays: 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) Higher resolutions may be possible over shorter distances. •...
  • Page 17: Product Range

    OVERVIEW Product Range There are four products in the range: Dual Video Channel Kit (Standard) ACU2201A-R2 Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse Local Unit + Remote Unit Dual Video Channel Kit (Audio) ACU2222A-R2 Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Serial, Stereo Audio Local Unit + Remote Unit Dual Video Channel/Dual Access Kit (Standard)
  • Page 18: Compatibility

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Compatibility Interface Compatibility • PS/2 Keyboard: Compatible with all standard keyboards. Certain keyboards with enhanced features may also be supported with custom firmware. • PS/2 Mouse: Compatible with all standard 2-button, 3-button and wheel mice. To connect to a PC which does not have a PS/2 mouse port, an active serial converter is required –...
  • Page 19 OVERVIEW Extender Compatibility The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series of CATx KVM extender products offer enhanced performance while maintaining complete compatibility with existing ServSwitch™ standalone and rack mount CAT5 extenders. You can use CAT5 and CATx products belonging to the same family in any combination. However, it is not possible to mix Standard and Audio products within a system except for video only applications.
  • Page 20: How To Use This Guide

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY How to Use This Guide This guide describes the installation and configuration of the ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series. Although the connection and operation of the system is relatively straightforward, you should consider the following before getting started: Connection &...
  • Page 21: Installation

    INSTALLATION Installation For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identify and solve any cabling problems, and experiment with the KVM extender system more conveniently. Package Contents You should receive the following items in your extender package.
  • Page 22: Interconnection Cable Requirements

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Interconnection Cable Requirements To connect the Local and Remote Units you will need CATx (any category 5, 5e, 6 or higher) cable terminated with RJ45 plugs. Please note that shielded cable is advised to maintain regulatory EMC compliance.
  • Page 23: Remote Unit Installation

    INSTALLATION Remote Unit Installation To install a Remote Unit: Switch off all devices. Connect your keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse to the Remote Unit as shown in Figure 2. These ports may also be attached to the CPU side of a KVM switch in order to have a remote CPU.
  • Page 24 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY ACU2222A-R2 and ACU2228A only Connect to speakers and Connect to serial device, such as microphone. a touch screen. Connect to Connect to Connect PS/2 Connect supplied second Primary monitor. keyboard and mouse. 9V PSU. monitor.
  • Page 25: Local Unit Installation

    INSTALLATION Local Unit Installation To install a Local Unit: It is recommended that the PC and other devices are switched off before connection. Using the supplied CPU KVM cable(s), connect the keyboard, monitor(s) and mouse connectors on the computer (or KVM switch) to the corresponding connectors on the Local Unit as shown in Figure 4.
  • Page 26 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Console Connections Audio/Serial Connections (ACU2209A and ACU2228A only) (ACU2222A-R2 and ACU2228A only) Connect to audio Connect to serial Connect to Local Connect to ports on port on computer. PS/2 keyboard Local monitors. computer. and mouse.
  • Page 27 INSTALLATION INTERCONNECT 1 – carries primary INTERCONNECT 2 – carries video and data signals. Connect to secondary video signals. Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 1 CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 2 port on Remote Unit. port on Remote Unit. Status Yellow LED Green LED* No data transfer with Remote Unit...
  • Page 28: Remote Unit Configuration & Operation

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Remote Unit Configuration & Operation Cat5/5e/6 cables are specifically designed for networking applications and not for transmitting analog video. Your CATx KVM extender includes, and requires, advanced technology to enable its use at high screen resolutions. This section describes how to optimize the video signal, configure the Extender system and operate the Remote Unit.
  • Page 29: Video Adjustments

    REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Video Adjustments Remote Units feature a number of correction tools to simplify video optimization. This procedure is straightforward and only needs to be carried out once. For each video channel, the Remote Unit allows you to optimize independently: •...
  • Page 30: Command Mode

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Command Mode During normal use, the remote console keyboard functions in the usual manner. However, by using a specific ‘hot’ key sequence, you can set the keyboard into a Command Mode. From this, you can use various keys and key combinations to tune the video signal and generally configure the extender system.
  • Page 31: Adjusting Video

    REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Adjusting Video Use the following step-by-step procedure to optimize the video image on the remote console: If possible, view the online test card at: ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/connectivity/ServSwitch/ This is an image (see Figure 6) created and used by the manufacturer for video optimization purposes.
  • Page 32 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Select the video channel you want to configure using one of the following keys (not on the numeric keypad): Channel Command Select Channel 1 For Adjustment <1> Select Channel 2 For Adjustment <2> Select BOTH Video Channels <0>...
  • Page 33 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION LF too low LF too high HF too low HF too high Figure 7 Problems with smearing and sharpness requiring LF and HF adjustment Identify the ‘slowest’ color – the colored line furthest to the right. Delay the signals of the two other colors using the following commands: Delay Command Key Sequence...
  • Page 34 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Slower In this illustration, Blue is the slowest signal. To optimize the Green image, Red and Green need to be delayed until they align with Blue. Blue Faster Figure 8 Illustration of skew and appearance on test card Some Cat5e/Cat6 cables require a large green delay.
  • Page 35 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Optionally, fine-tune the LF equalization to remove ‘black video smearing’ - black smears to the right of large objects such as window title bars (see Figure 7). LF Equalization Commands Key Sequence Increase LF Equalization (Coarse) <L>...
  • Page 36: Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series has a number of commands to reset the keyboard and mouse, to reset EQ and Delay values, to restore the factory default configuration, change DDC settings, and to initiate and control a Private mode session (Dual Access models only).
  • Page 37: Private Mode

    REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Private Mode On dual access systems, a user at one console can lock out the other console by triggering a ‘Private Mode’ function. This prevents the other console from being used even if the two- second inactivity timeout period expires.
  • Page 38: Transferring Ddc Information

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Transferring DDC Information This feature is only available on Remote Units with hardware version 6.3 or above. A version code number is printed on the base of each unit; the hardware version number is the first two digits - see page 54). To support non-standard screen settings or other features, it is possible to read and store DDC information into the Local Unit directly from the monitors connected to the Remote Unit.
  • Page 39: Local Unit Operation

    LOCAL UNIT OPERATION Local Unit Operation Overview For more information about serial/audio port operation, see Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports, page 52. Keyboard and Mouse Emulation Local Units have keyboard and mouse emulation. The attached PC operates normally without requiring a keyboard or mouse to be attached to either the Remote or Local Units (in the case of a dual access system).
  • Page 40 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Local Console Commands After pressing the initial ‘hot’ key sequence on the local keyboard, you can issue a number of commands by pressing additional keys. These commands allow you to control a Private mode session on the local console, reset the keyboard and mouse or restore the local Unit’s factory default settings.
  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Video The image is not sharp, or is badly smeared. Have you adjusted the video equalization? Follow the instructions on page 27. Check the Interconnect cable between the Remote and Local Units. Is it of the recommended type (see page 20)? Is it intact along its entire length and securely connected at both ends? Is it wired correctly (see page 50)? Ensure that all video connections throughout the system are attached securely.
  • Page 42 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY The monitor sometimes goes blank for a second or two. Check that the interconnect cable is not routed near power lines or other sources of electrical interference. Use shielded STP/FTP cable instead of UTP cable ensuring that the shield connection is maintained between the extender units.
  • Page 43: Keyboard & Mouse

    TROUBLESHOOTING Keyboard & Mouse When I am typing, I get wrong or missing characters on the screen. Your keyboard may be in the wrong mode. Use the appropriate commands to reset the keyboard and mouse as described in the sections covering local and remote operation.
  • Page 44: Audio

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Audio The audio is very quiet. The audio I/O is line-level and requires amplified speakers and connection to devices providing line-level I/O. The audio is loud but distorted. Check that the audio input is not greater than line level (4V peak-to-peak). The KVM extender accepts line-level audio input only.
  • Page 45: General Questions

    TROUBLESHOOTING General Questions Is it possible to use a cable longer than 1000ft (300m)? It might be possible to use a cable of up to 1650ft (500m) at lower resolutions. However, we do not recommend this and cannot guarantee that it will work. Can the extender be daisy chained? In certain circumstances, it is possible to cascade extenders, though we do not recommend doing so.
  • Page 46: Appendix A: Example Applications

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix A: Example Applications This section shows two applications using CATx KVM Extender Units: • Remote serial touch screens with local access through a KVM switch (Figure 9). • Extender system with second screen for security monitoring (Figure 10). For more specific information about these, or any other complex applications, please discuss suitable extension architecture with your Technical Support.
  • Page 47 APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS ServSwitch™ Local access ports connect to single KVM console through a ServSwitch™ brand multi-head KVM switch. 2 x ACU2228A kits Remote Units connect to touch screens. Figure 9 Touch screen network with local access to CPU through KVM switch...
  • Page 48 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Security System Provides secondary video input. ACU2201A-R2 Local Unit Takes KVM signals from standard PC and secondary video from security system. ACU2201A-R2 Remote Unit Connects to KVM console. Secondary monitor used for security monitoring. Figure 10 Extender system using ACU2201A-R2 kit with second screen for security monitoring...
  • Page 49: Appendix B: Rack Mount Options

    APPENDIX B: RACK MOUNT OPTIONS Appendix B: Rack Mount Options Up to three extender units, in any combination, can be mounted in a 19” rack using the RMK19U-X3 mounting kit. The kit contains one rack plate and M3 countersunk mounting screws. To mount a unit: Remove the feet from the extender unit.
  • Page 50: Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration Each extender unit contains a service port. This can be accessed through the mouse port on a Remote Unit or through the 25-way D-connector on a Local Unit. By attaching an upgrade cable between the appropriate port and the serial port on any PC (or laptop) a unit’s firmware may be upgraded.
  • Page 51: Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew)

    APPENDIX D: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) The suggestions made in this Appendix should only be investigated if you cannot obtain satisfactory image quality after configuring the Remote Unit (as described in Section 4). The techniques described here are usually only necessary when you are operating at the highest screen resolution (1600x1200) with long Interconnect cables.
  • Page 52 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Cable Pinning/Pairing The following table illustrates which RJ45 connector pins the extenders use for various signals. It also details the standard EIA-568B wiring scheme that is recommended for most installations. Looking into the RJ45 socket on a Remote Unit, Pin 1 is on the right and Pin 8 on the left. Color Signal (EIA-568B)
  • Page 53 APPENDIX D: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) Optimizing Pairs (General Solution) Measure pair lengths with a LAN cabling tester (TDR) or view pairs by stripping back a small piece of cable and viewing how tightly pairs are twisted. The most tightly twisted pair is the slowest (longest) and the loosest pair the fastest (shortest).
  • Page 54: Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports Operation & Multi-Port Configuration This appendix describes audio & serial interface operation for those models that have this feature: • ACU2222A-R2 • ACU2228A These extender products contain daughter boards that allow bi-directional stereo audio and a full-duplex serial data link to be sent across the CATx interconnection cable in addition to PS/2 keyboard, mouse and video.
  • Page 55 APPENDIX E: AUDIO/SERIAL PORTS Audio Interface - Set Up and Operation The audio interface is line-level and is designed to take the output from a sound card (or other line-level) source and be connected to a set of powered speakers at the other end of the link. Stereo audio may be transmitted either way across the link (simultaneously).
  • Page 56: Shipping And Packaging

    If you are shipping it for repair, please include the Remote Unit’s external power supply. If you are returning it, please include everything you received with it. Before you ship the Extender back to Black Box for repair or return, contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.
  • Page 57: Appendix G: Specifications

    APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Appendix G: Specifications Video Maximum Resolution 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) Operation at higher resolutions/refresh rates may be possible at shorter distances Analog VGA to UXGA, RGB Video Compatibility Emulated DDC for each video channel VESA DDC Local Unit reports as universal monitor capable of all standard resolutions and refresh rates.
  • Page 58 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Serial Interface 19.2K Baud Max Baud Rate Supported Transparent Serial Data Format TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR Signals Transferred DB9 female (DCE) Local Unit Connector Remote Unit Connector DB9 male (DTE) Audio Interface Bi-directional stereo audio link Description Transmission method...
  • Page 59 APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Size and Shipping Weight ACU2201A-R2 Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.1” (145x100x29mm) Remote Unit: 5.6”x5.7”x1.1” (143x145x29mm) Shipping Weight: 4.2lb (1.9kg) Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.7” (145x100x44mm) (1U) ACU2222A-R2 Remote Unit: 5.6”x5.7”x1.7” (143x145x44mm) (1U) Shipping Weight: 4.9lb (2.2kg) Local Unit: 5.7”x3.9”x1.7” (145x100x44mm) (1U) ACU2209A Remote Unit: 5.6”x5.7”x1.1”...
  • Page 60 NOTES...
  • Page 62 Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500) For FREE Technical 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 • Email: info@blackbox.com...

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