Black Box ServSwitch ACU6001A Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Black Box Manuals
  4. Extender
  5. ServSwitch ACU6001A
  6. Manual

Black Box ServSwitch ACU6001A Manual

Catx kvm extender
Hide thumbs Also See for ServSwitch ACU6001A:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

November 2009
ACU6001A
ACU6022A
ACU6201A
ACU6222A

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Black Box ServSwitch ACU6001A

Summary of Contents for Black Box ServSwitch ACU6001A

  • Page 1 November 2009 ACU6001A ACU6022A ACU6201A ACU6222A...
  • Page 3 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®...

  • Page 4: Cautions And Notes

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Copyrights and Trademarks ©2008/9. 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.

  • 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 17 ...
  • Page 11 CONTENTS Appendix A: Example Application   Appendix B: Rack Mount Options   Appendix C: Flash Upgrading   Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew)   Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports   Appendix F: Calling Black Box   Appendix G: Specifications   Appendix H: New Features  ...

  • 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 most of the ‘hot’...

  • Page 14: Overview

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Overview Introduction The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series enables high-resolution video, USB keyboard and mouse/HID, stereo audio, and serial port signals to be communicated up to 1000ft (300m) over Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher (CATx) cable.
  • Page 15 OVERVIEW Local Video Outputs Local Unit KVM/HID extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft (300m). Remote Unit 5V PSU Serial and Audio Transmission Dual Video Support ACU6022A, ACU6222A only ACU6201A, ACU6222A only Certain USB HID Devices Remote Console Figure 1 KVM/HID 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 USB keyboards, mice and certain other HID devices • Support for high video resolution for use with TFT displays:...

  • Page 17: Product Range

    OVERVIEW Product Range There are four products in the range: Single Video Channel Kit (Standard) ACU6001A Single Video Channel, USB Keyboard/Mouse (HID) Local Unit + Remote Unit Single Video Channel Kit (Audio) ACU6022A Single Video Channel, USB Keyboard/Mouse (HID) Serial, Stereo Audio...

  • Page 18: Compatibility

    (see Appendix G: Specifications, page 54). Extender Compatibility Please refer to Have section, page 37. You may also consult Technical Support to confirm compatibility with other ServSwitch™ Brand extension and switching products.

  • Page 19: How To Use This Guide

    OVERVIEW 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 20: Installation

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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.

  • Page 21: Interconnection Cable Requirements

    INSTALLATION 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. Interconnect cables must be solid-core type. Stranded patch cable will give poor results over longer distances.

  • Page 22: Remote Unit Installation

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Remote Unit Installation To install a Remote Unit: Switch off all devices. Connect your USB devices and monitor(s) 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 23 INSTALLATION ACU6022A and ACU6222A only Connect to speakers and Connect to serial device, such as microphone. a touch screen. Connect to second monitor. Connect to Connect to Connect primary supplied 5V monitor. devices. PSU. ACU6201A, ACU6222A only All Remote Units Figure 2 Remote Unit - rear view All Remote Units...

  • Page 24: Local Unit Installation

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 video/USB cable(s), connect the Local Unit to the CPU as shown in Figure 4.
  • Page 25 INSTALLATION ACU6022A and ACU6222A only ACU6201A and ACU6222A only Connect to Connect to computer’s Connect to audio Connect to secondary secondary video output. ports on computer. serial port on Local monitor. computer. Connect to Connect to Connect to USB port Connect to primary Local computer’s primary...
  • Page 26 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY All Models ACU6201A and ACU6222A only INTERCONNECT 1 – carries INTERCONNECT 2 – carries secondary video primary video, audio and data signals. Connect to CATx cable from signals. Connect to CATx cable INTERCONNECT 2 port on Remote Unit.

  • Page 27: Remote Unit Configuration & Operation

    REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Remote Unit Configuration & Operation CATx 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 28: Video Adjustments

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 29: Command Mode

    REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 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 30: Adjusting Video

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 31 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Enter Command Mode (see Command Mode, page 27) by pressing the following key combination on the remote console’s keyboard: <Left Control> + <Left Shift> + <F10> 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...
  • Page 32 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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...
  • Page 33 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION 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 34 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 35: Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options

    Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options The ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender Series have a number of configuration commands to setup USB, to reset EQ and Delay values, to restore the factory default configuration, change DDC settings, and to blank monitors (Private Mode).

  • Page 36: Ddc Emulation

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY DDC Emulation Modern graphics cards use VESA DDC (Display Data Channel) to identify the capabilities of connected monitors. Some cards will not operate correctly unless they communicate with a DDC-enabled monitor. By default, the Local Unit emulates a universal monitor (on both channels) and reports that it is capable of all standard screen resolutions and refresh rates (including several widescreen modes).
  • Page 37 REMOTE UNIT CONFIGURATION & OPERATION Setting USB keyboard Language ID This is not normally required, but some operating systems (such as Solaris) require a language ID to determine the KB layout. This command will read the ID from the current KB (the one used to enter Command mode) and permanently store it.
  • Page 38 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY To register generic devices: (see page 27). Enter Command mode Press the key combination: <Left Control> + <F4> The Remote Unit will now exit Command mode whilst the Local Unit re-connects as a device with the transferred descriptors.

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting & Faq

    Is it wired correctly (see page 49)? You can check whether skew is a problem in your system by viewing the test card at: ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/connectivity/ServSwitch/. I can’t get enough color delay to correct skew. See Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew), page 48.
  • Page 40 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 41: Usb

    TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ Does the extender internally convert to PS/2 when handling keyboard and mouse? No. This is a pure USB (emulation) solution. Converting to PS/2 would restrict the possibilities of supporting other kinds of USB device. Will the extender work with USB KVM switches? The extender will operate with any USB KVM switch that is capable of supporting both a mouse and keyboard composite device on its keyboard console port.

  • Page 42: Audio

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY How many keyboards and mice may be attached? You may attach multiple devices. This is useful for connecting additional peripherals, such as bar code scanners, which act as a standard keyboard or mouse. I am having problems using the extender on a Sun system.

  • Page 43: General Questions

    TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ 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 44: Appendix A: Example Application

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix A: Example Application This section illustrates a non-standard application using CATx KVM Extender units: • Two remote users sharing access to the CPU. For more specific information about this, or any other complex applications, please discuss suitable extension architecture with your Technical Support.

  • Page 45: 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 46: Appendix C: Flash Upgrading

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration The extender’s firmware is fully flash upgradeable. Please consult Appendix H: New FeaturesAppendix H: New Features, page 57 which describes additional functionality introduced in the latest firmware releases.
  • Page 47 APPENDIX C: FLASH UPGRADING Operating Upgrade Mode When in Upgrade Mode you must use a KB/mouse attached directly to the PC. You will see four virtual files listed: BOOT Delete this file to return to normal extender operation. LOC_xx This shows the firmware version in the Local Unit. If the version is reported as ‘LOC_BAD’...

  • Page 48: Important Notes

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Upgrading a Remote Unit You need to drag each of the EIGHT the firmware files provided onto the window. Simply highlight them all and drag in one operation. After approx 50 seconds the window display should refresh and the new firmware version displayed by file ‘REM_xx’...
  • Page 49 APPENDIX C: FLASH UPGRADING Upgrading Tips If you have a number of installed units to upgrade you may not need to move them in order to upgrade. Example: To upgrade a number of Local Units installed in a rack you may find it much faster to bring a Remote Unit &...

  • Page 50: Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew)

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 51 APPENDIX D: ADVANCED CABLING ISSUES (SKEW) 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 52 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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 53: Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports

    APPENDIX E: AUDIO/SERIAL PORTS Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports Operation & Multi-Port Configuration This appendix describes audio & serial interface operation for those models that have this feature: • ACU6022A • ACU6222A 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 data and video.
  • Page 54 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 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.

  • Page 55: Appendix F: Calling Black Box

    APPENDIX F: CALLING BLACK BOX Appendix F: Calling Black Box If you determine that your CATx KVM Extender is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair it. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724- 746-5500.

  • Page 56: Appendix G: Specifications

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Appendix G: Specifications Video 1600x1200@60Hz over 650ft (200m) Maximum Resolution 1280x1024@75Hz over 1000ft (300m) Operation at higher resolutions/refresh rates is possible at shorter distances Video Compatibility Analog VGA to UXGA, RGB VESA DDC Emulated DDC for each video channel Local Unit reports as universal monitor capable of all standard resolutions and refresh rates.
  • Page 57 APPENDIX G: SPECIFICATIONS Serial Interface Max Baud Rate Supported 19.2K Baud Serial Data Format Transparent Signals Transferred TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR Local Unit Connector DB9 Female (DCE) DB9 Male (DTE) Remote Unit Connector Audio Interface Description Bi-directional stereo audio link Digitized virtually CD quality audio (16-bit, 38.4kHz) Transmission method Line level (4 Volts Pk-Pk maximum)
  • Page 58 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Size and Shipping Weight Local Unit: 4.9”x4.5”x1.2” (124x113x30mm) ACU6001A Remote Unit: 5.7”x5.9”x1.2” (144x151x30mm) Shipping Weight: 4.4lb (2.0kg) Local Unit: 4.9”x4.5”x1.7” (124x113x44mm) (1U) ACU6201A Remote Unit: 5.7”x5.9”x1.2” (144x151x30mm) Shipping Weight: 4.9lb (2.2kg) Local Unit: 4.9”x4.5”x1.7” (124x113x44mm) (1U) ACU6022A Remote Unit: 5.7”x5.9”x1.7”...

  • Page 59: Appendix H: New Features

    APPENDIX H: NEW FEATURES Appendix H: New Features This section describes new features added in the later firmware releases. The label on the base of each Local or Remote Unit shows which firmware version has been factory installed (see Appendix F: Calling Black Box, page 53). Firmware Version Feature Added V2.0 (S20 - Jan 2009)

  • Page 60: Enhanced Keyboard & Mouse Support (V2.0)

    SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Enhanced Keyboard & Mouse Support (v2.0) In previous releases only basic USB keyboards and mice were supported. In v2.0 the HID parser has been extended to handle newer laser mice and combination wireless KB/Mouse devices that often use ‘non-standard’...

  • Page 61: Private Mode (V2.0)

    APPENDIX H: NEW FEATURES You do not normally need to register keyboard or mouse type devices. If however, you are having problems getting a KB/Mouse to work, you could try registering it in case it has descriptors which are ‘non-standard’. USB devices connected to the Remote Unit cannot be associated with any particular vendor driver.
  • Page 62 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY Remote Monitor Blanking in Local Private Mode A further remote command has been added to control whether the remote monitors are blanked in Local Private Mode. The default setting is to blank them. To toggle the remote monitor blank state: 1.

  • Page 63: Enhanced Elo Touch Screen Support/Calibration (V2.3)

    APPENDIX H: NEW FEATURES Enhanced Elo Touch Screen Support/Calibration (v2.3) In Firmware v2.0 Generic HID device support was added. This allowed touch screens (which could operate using OS native HID support) to be used through the extender in a basic mode. However, the extender cannot utilise any vendor driver supplied with a touch screen for calibration/enhanced options etc.
  • Page 64 SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY • You only need to perform the above operation once. The settings are saved in EEPROM. • If you want to connect further touch screens then all touch screens MUST be the same model.
  • Page 65 NOTES...
  • Page 66 NOTES...
  • Page 68 Customer Support Information: 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 •...

This manual is also suitable for:

Servswitch acu6222aServswitch acu6022aServswitch acu6201a

Table of Contents