Black Box ServSwitch Wizard SW641A User Manual
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Black Box ServSwitch Wizard SW641A User Manual

Black Box ServSwitch Wizard SW641A User Manual

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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 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
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SW641A
SW641A-K
SW642A
SW642A-K

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  • 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 2000. 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 ServSwitch™ Wizard unit, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSwitch Wizard, see Chapter 2.
  • Page 3 ServSwitch, ServSwitch Duo, and ServSwitch Wizard are trademarks, and “The World’s Source for Connectivity” is a service mark, of Black Box Corporation. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Compaq is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.

  • Page 4: Federal Communications Commission

    FCC/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 J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference...
  • Page 5 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 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 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor. 11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Chapter Page Specifications ................. 9 Introduction ................ 12 2.1 Features and Benefits of the ServSwitch Wizard ..12 2.2 The Complete ServSwitch Wizard Package ....15 2.3 The ServSwitch Wizard Illustrated ......17 2.4 Safety Concerns ............18 Installation ................

  • Page 9: Chapter Page

    Firmware Version ........... 60 6.2.3 Resetting the Keyboard and Mouse ....60 6.3 Resetting the ServSwitch Wizard Itself ...... 61 6.4 Calling Black Box ............62 6.5 Shipping and Packaging ..........63 Appendix: Cable and Connector Guidelines ......64 A.1 Cabling: Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse to ServSwitch Wizard ............

  • 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, or XGA-2 video Interfaces — Video: VGA; Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible; with appropriate adapters, also supports IBM PC/AT keyboard and EIA/TIA RS-232 mouse Resolution —...
  • Page 11 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD Keyboard commands; User Controls — Mouse-click functions; (1) Top-mounted pushbutton Indicators — All top-mounted: (1) Power LED; SW641A(-K): (2) Port (Channel) LEDs; SW642A(-K): (4) Port (Channel) LEDs Connectors — All side-mounted: (1) HD15 female for monitor attachment; (2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard and mouse attachment;...
  • Page 12 CHAPTER 1: Specifications 5 VDC at 500 mA from attached CPUs’ Power — keyboard interfaces; With optional power supply PS649: Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-power outlet, through detachable power cord and IEC 320 inlet, to external transformer;...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 2. Introduction The ServSwitch Wizard is a high-performance ™ keyboard-, monitor-, and mouse-sharing device that supports a wide range of IBM ® PC compatible hardware and software platforms. 2.1 Features and Benefits of the ServSwitch Wizard Here are some of the useful features of the ServSwitch Wizard and some of the ways those features benefit you: •...
  • Page 14 CHAPTER 2: Introduction • High-resolution circuitry ensures the best possible video, even over extended distances (although long distances might require the optional power supply). • Channel switching with front-panel pushbutton, keyboard hotkey sequence, or 3-button or wheel mouse. • Automatically restores keyboard and mouse states when channel is changed.
  • Page 15 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD • Power and activity LEDs confirm correct operation; standard cable connections make installation easy and inexpensive; robust metal case ensures good shielding and video quality.

  • Page 16: The Complete Servswitch Wizard Package

    CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.2 The Complete ServSwitch Wizard Packages You should have received these components with your regular ServSwitch Wizard (product code SW641A or SW642A): • The ServSwitch Wizard itself. • Two Velcro ® mounting strips (see Section 3.2 for information about using these).
  • Page 17 If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived damaged, contact Black Box right away. (A power supply is not included because it isn’t needed for most applica- tions. You can purchase a power supply separately; order...

  • Page 18: The Servswitch Wizard Illustrated

    CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.3 The ServSwitch Wizard Illustrated Connector for optional Channel-change button Video connectors power supply (9 VDC, (also used to enter for PCs 1 and 2 at least 500 mA) maintenance mode) Keyboard and mouse Channel LEDs connectors for PCs 1 and 2 Shared-keyboard connector...

  • Page 19: Safety Concerns

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 2.4 Safety Concerns As you prepare to install the ServSwitch Wizard, please keep these things in mind, particularly if you purchase and use its optional power supply: • The Switch is for use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only.

  • Page 20: Installation

    CHAPTER 3: Installation 3. Installation 3.1 What You Will Need You’ll need these things to be in place before you can install your ServSwitch Wizard: • Cables to connect the ServSwitch Wizard to the keyboard, video, and mouse ports of each of your PCs.
  • Page 21 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD • A standard PC/AT or PS/2 style keyboard. If you are using an AT keyboard with a 5-pin DIN connector, you can connect it to the ServSwitch Wizard using a standard AT to PS/2 keyboard adapter such as our product code FA211. •...

  • Page 22: Placement

    CHAPTER 3: Installation • A suitable mouse driver for your PCs. Supported types are: - PS/2 or RS-232 two-button mouse driver by any manufacturer. - Microsoft mouse drivers, including those for the IntelliMouse. (You might be able to use other mouse drivers with Intellimouse-compatible data formats, but these may or may not work—trial-and- error testing might be necessary.)

  • Page 23: Connecting Your Devices

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 3.3 Connecting Your Devices If you are using an optional power supply with the single or master ServSwitch Wizard, make sure the power supply is unplugged and disconnected from the Switch. Also make sure that (if possible) all of the devices you want to attach to your ServSwitch Wizard system are turned off and unplugged.
  • Page 24 CHAPTER 3: Installation Both the User-Extension Cable and Premium Extender Cable, as well as the CPU-Extension Cable discussed later in this section, are built to the special three-in-one design shown in Figure 3-1 on the next page. The central coaxial video strand of each cable is molded to the keyboard and mouse strands on either side, and the ends of its video strand are one inch (2.5 cm) longer than the ends of the other strands, so...
  • Page 25 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 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 3-1. The ServSwitch Wizard cables.
  • Page 26 CHAPTER 3: Installation Next, connect each computer or (in cascaded systems) subsidiary ServSwitch Wizard to your single/master Switch. If you ordered a ServSwitch Wizard Kit, your Switch will have come with two or four 10-ft. (3-m) CPU-Extension Cables—which also have the three-in-one design shown in Figure 3-1—that you can run from the CPU’s or subsidiary Switch’s video, keyboard, and mouse ports to the matching ports on the...

  • Page 27: Cable Guidelines

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD To connect computers with serial mouse ports and PC/AT style keyboard ports, you’ll need adapters, as shown in Figure 3-2 below. Two or four of each are included with the Kits; they’re available separately if you ordered the Switch only. Refer to the Appendix for cable guidelines.

  • Page 28: Connecting To Ac Power (Optional)

    Depending on the video resolution and cabling distances of your application, you might need to get a power supply for the Switch. If you can’t determine where the problem is, call Black Box for technical support. 3.4 Connecting to AC Power (Optional) You might need an optional power supply (our product code PS649) if you’re running long distances to your...
  • Page 29 (are the power supply’s output and input cords both securely attached? is the AC outlet actually working?), is not receiving enough power, or is not operating correctly. If you can’t determine where the problem is, call Black Box for technical support.

  • Page 30: Configuration

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4. Configuration To configure your ServSwitch Wizard 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 31: Configuring The Servswitch Wizard

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD • The ServSwitch Wizard supports VGA, SVGA, XGA, and XGA-2 type monitors, but does not support the automatic detection features available with some Plug-and-Play monitors and video cards. If you have this type of video card or monitor, you should select the video mode manually instead of relying on the automatic detection feature.

  • Page 32: Application Software

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration 2 Sets the Switch to stop at either all the ports or just the active ports while it is (a) autoscanning, (b) being switched with {Hotkeys} + [Tab], or (c) being switched with a mouse (see Sections 5.5 and 5.6).
  • Page 33 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 5 Used to reset the Switch (see Section 6.3). For normal operation, set this switch to OFF. 6 Reserved—must be set OFF.
  • Page 34 CHAPTER 4: Configuration = ON = OFF Hotkeys = CTRL + ALT Reserved - set OFF (default) Hotkeys = CTRL + SHIFT Autoscan active ports only Enable operation (default) Disable operation and Autoscan all ports perform full hardware reset Autoscan time = 2 seconds (default) Autoscan time = 5 seconds Enable mouse switching of...

  • Page 35: Operation

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 5. Operation This chapter explains the general operation of the ServSwitch Wizard. We recommend that you 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..

  • Page 36: The Channel Leds

    OFF/not working, power supply being broken, the Switch’s Power LED being defective, or the Switch’s main board being defective. If you can’t determine the cause of this problem, call Black Box for technical support. 5.2 The Channel LEDs...
  • Page 37 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD DISPLAY SHOWS MEANING (when power indicator is on) All channel Channel "0" selected. indicators off. Video disabled. Channel is selected. Channel indicator on There is no keyboard continuously. or mouse data activity. Channel is selected. Channel indicator Data is being received from flashes.

  • Page 38: The Channel-Change Pushbutton

    CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.3 The Channel-Change Pushbutton During normal operation, you can press the pushbutton on the top panel of the ServSwitch Wizard once to change the monitor display and keyboard/mouse control to the next CPU channel in sequence. On the 2-port model of the Switch (SW641A), pressing this button switches from channel 1 to channel 2 or vice versa.

  • Page 39: Things To Keep In Mind About The Keyboards And Mice

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 5.4 Things To Keep in Mind About the Keyboards and Mice PC bootup sequence: When your PCs are powered on, they communicate with any attached keyboards and mice and load the setup parameters required by their particular operating systems. It is necessary for the ServSwitch Wizard to be attached and powered on during this sequence so that it can give the PCs the required responses and keep track of all the modes...

  • Page 40: Keyboard Control: Hotkey Commands

    CHAPTER 5: Operation Keyboard- and mouse-mode handling during channel switching: The ServSwitch Wizard keeps a log of the keyboard and mouse modes and resolution settings requested by each of the connected PCs, including the keyboard Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock states. These settings are automatically restored to the shared keyboard and mouse when the ServSwitch Wizard channel is switched, ensuring maximum software...
  • Page 41 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD Normally, when you send a hotkey command, you have to release the hotkeys and the command key before you can send another one. The one exception to this rule is {Hotkeys} + [Tab], the “switch to next CPU channel”...
  • Page 42 CHAPTER 5: Operation • Use {Hotkeys} + [Tab] to switch to the next active channel (if DIP switch position 2 is set OFF) or the next channel in numeric sequence (if DIP switch position 2 is set ON). (Refer to Section 4.2.) •...
  • Page 43 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD by selecting another channel through the Switch’s top-panel channel-change pushbutton, the keyboard hotkeys, or the mouse (if mouse switching is enabled and the mouse is a 3-button or IntelliMouse type). • Use {Hotkeys} + {Channel Address} to select a CPU channel in a cascaded system (see Section 5.8).

  • Page 44: Mouse Control

    CHAPTER 5: Operation Examples of common hotkey commands (assuming the hotkeys are [Ctrl] and [Alt]): • To select channel 2: Press and hold [Ctrl] and [Alt], press and release [2], release [Ctrl] and [Alt]. • To “tab through” channels: Press and hold [Ctrl] and [Alt], press and release [Tab] (repeat as many times as necessary), release [Ctrl] and [Alt].

  • Page 45: Re-Enabling A Disconnected Ps/2 Mouse

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD channel. The Switch comes from the factory with mouse switching enabled; to disable mouse switching, move position 4 of the Switch’s configuration DIP switch to ON (see Section 4.2). The mouse will switch to the next active channel if DIP switch position 2 is OFF;...

  • Page 46: Cascading Servswitch Wizards

    CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.8 Cascading ServSwitch Wizard Units Multiple ServSwitch Wizard units can be cascaded (connected together in a one-to-many scheme) in order to increase the maximum number of available CPU ports in your KVM-switching system. This can be particularly useful where clusters of computers are located some distance from each other, because each Switch unit acts as a kind of signal booster or repeater and can be as much as 50 feet (15.2 m) away from the...
  • Page 47 ServSwitch™ Duo units in the same cascade as ServSwitch Wizard units; in such situations, we strongly recommend that a Wizard Pro or Duo unit be the cascade’s master Switch. Before installing such a cascade, please call Black Box Technical Support to discuss your application.
  • Page 48 CHAPTER 5: Operation CPUs ServSwitch Wizard B (second layer) CPUs ServSwitch Wizard A (first layer) Shared Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor Figure 5-1. A typical cascade of two ServSwitch Wizards.

  • Page 49: Troubleshooting

    Section 6.2 or reset the Switch itself as described in Section 6.3. If nothing helps, call Black Box Technical Support as directed in Section 6.4. If you need to ship your Switch, see Section 6.5.
  • Page 50 CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Problem: Your mouse does not move the cursor/pointer. Possible Solutions: If you move the mouse and the channel LED on the Switch’s top panel does not flash, then the ServSwitch Wizard is not receiving data from the mouse. Check the mouse connection to the Switch;...
  • Page 51 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 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.
  • Page 52 CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting you have unplugged and reconnected a mouse to the ServSwitch Wizard, make sure that you reset it (see Section 6.2.3) or—especially if the mouse is an IntelliMouse—use the mouse-restoration function (see Section 6.2.1). Problem: The cursor/pointer jumps around the screen after you disconnect the mouse cable or power down the ServSwitch Wizard.
  • Page 53 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD Problem: Compaq MX11800 model integrated keyboard and mouse only: The mouse consistently fails to boot when the Switch is connected to PCs running Windows NT 4.0 through their PS/2 style mouse ports. Possible Solutions: There are three possible solutions to this problem: 1.

  • Page 54: The Maintenance-Mode Functions

    CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2 The Maintenance-Mode Functions You can access a number of useful troubleshooting functions of the ServSwitch Wizard by activating the Switch’s “maintenance mode.” Do this by holding down the top-panel channel-change pushbutton for 5 seconds until the Switch’s channel LEDs (LEDs 1 and 2) both light at the same time.
  • Page 55 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD • Query the Switch for its firmware version (see Section 6.2.2): Press the “3” key on the shared keyboard to cause the Switch to report its version number to the currently selected computer port. For you to see this information on screen, the CPU attached to this port must be running a text editor or word processor that is ready to accept keyboard input.

  • Page 56: Hot-Plugging Devices Into The Servswitch Wizard And Re-Enabling Disconnected Cpu Ps/2 Mouse Ports

    CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.1 H LUGGING EVICES INTO THE WITCH IZARD CPU PS/2 M NABLING ISCONNECTED OUSE ORTS It is advisable to switch off the computer systems that are going to be connected to the ServSwitch Wizard before installation. However, even if this is not possible, most systems can be “hot-plugged”...
  • Page 57 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD If in doubt, restore the mouse by rebooting the PC normally. Standard PS/2 mouse data uses a different data format than IntelliMouse data, so two reset functions are provided on the ServSwitch Wizard. The type of data format expected by the PC depends upon the driver and the type of mouse that was connected when the driver was booted.
  • Page 58 CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting To restore lost mouse movement on a CPU connected to the ServSwitch Wizard: 1. Select the CPU that has lost its mouse movement. 2. Press and hold the change-channel button on the top of the ServSwitch Wizard for five seconds until top-panel channel LEDs 1 and 2 are both lit simult- aneously.
  • Page 59 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD Test the mouse movement by slowly moving the mouse a short distance. In most cases the mouse should now work and no further action will be necessary. But if the mouse darts uncontrollably around the screen, there are two possible reasons: 1.
  • Page 60 CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting the synchronization between the Switch and the CPU can be matched. To attempt to resynchronize the mouse, take these steps: a. Press and hold the change-channel button on the top of the ServSwitch Wizard for five seconds until top-panel channel LEDs 1 and 2 are both lit simultaneously.

  • Page 61: Querying The Switch For Its Firmware Version

    SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 6.2.2 Q UERYING THE WITCH FOR IRMWARE ERSION For technical-support purposes, it might be necessary to find out the firmware-release version of your ServSwitch Wizard. To do this, switch to a CPU that is showing a DOS prompt or is running a text editor, word processor, etc.—it doesn’t matter what software is running, as long as it displays characters typed in at the keyboard on the screen.

  • Page 62: Resetting The Servswitch Wizard Itself

    CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting and mouse; it does not affect the status of any of the other ports on the Switch or of the CPU connections.) To perform this reset, put the Switch into maintenance mode (as described at the start of Section 6.2), then press the Switch’s top-panel channel-change pushbutton.

  • Page 63: Calling Black Box

    If you determine that your ServSwitch Wizard is mal- functioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500. Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem.

  • Page 64: Shipping And Packaging

    If you need to transport or ship your ServSwitch Wizard: • Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container. • Before you ship the unit back to Black Box for repair or return, contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

  • Page 65: Appendix: Cable And Connector Guidelines

    PC/AT style keyboard you will need a PC/AT (5-pin DIN female) to PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) adapter. (These are readily available from Black Box as product code FA211.) When you power the ServSwitch Wizard with its optional power supply, you can use User Extension Cables to increase the distance from the Switch up to 32 ft.

  • Page 66: Cabling: Servswitch Wizard To Pcs

    APPENDIX: Cable and Connector Guidelines A.2 Cabling: ServSwitch Wizard to PCs Video port: HD15 male to HD15 male, wired as a standard VGA PC-to-monitor cable. There are two types commonly available. The better type, which will carry video very well, are constructed with coaxial cable cores. The not-so-good type—cheaper cable more suited for data communication—is often used, but can degrade video quality, especially over longer distances.
  • Page 67 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD Keyboard and PS/2 mouse ports: 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.
  • Page 68 APPENDIX: Cable and Connector Guidelines RS-232 serial mouse ports: These require a special adapter, with the pinning shown in the illustration on the next page. Such adapters are included with the Kits and are also available separately as product code FA314. PS/2 type mouse cables, such as the mouse strand of our CPU Extension Cables (see Section 3.3), should be no longer than 65 ft.
  • Page 69 SERVSWITCH ™ WIZARD 9 pin D female 6 pin mini-DIN female 6-pin mini-DIN female accepts DB9 female plugs into PC’s plugs into PC serial port takes cable from ServSwitch Wizard cable from ServSwitch Wizard serial port TXD(-12V) -12V Female Male Female Male Figure A-1.
  • Page 70 LEGAL INFORMATION DISCLAIMERS While every precaution has been taken in the prepar- ation of this manual, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the product without notice.
  • Page 71 NOTES...
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