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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. 

That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the traditional, 

expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-size-fits-all-even-if-it-doesn’t 

model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no more, no less.” Why not a single 

user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for multiple computers—even computers of 

different platforms? Why not a pair of user stations, each of which can control multiple 

computers? Why not multiple user stations for the same computer? 

With our ServSwitch products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line of robust 

solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need an economical 

alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your desk? Or do you need to 

share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM® PC, RS/6000®, Apple® Macintosh®, 

Sun Microsystems®, and SGI™ compatibles among multiple users with different access 

levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a worktable and use regular everyday cables? 

Or does it have to be mounted in an equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables? 

No matter how large or small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re 

confident we have a ServSwitch system that’s just right for you. 

The ServSwitch™ family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVM-switching 

needs! 

This manual will tell you all about your new ServSwitch™ Brand CATx KVM Extender, 

including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Extender, see 

Chapter 2

. The Extender product codes covered in this manual are: 

 

ACU2001A 

ACU2022A 

ACU2009A 

ACU2028A 

ACU2201A 

ACU2222A 

ACUR001A 

ACURA001A 

ACUR002A 

ACURA002A 

Summary of Contents for ServSwitch ACU2001A

Page 1: ...SEPTEMBER 2003 ACU2001A ACU2009A ACU2022A ACU2028A ACU2201A ACU2222A ACUR001A ACUR002A ACURA001A ACURA002A ...

Page 2: ...utions 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 PC RS 6000 Apple Macintosh Sun Microsystems and SGI compatibles among multiple users with different access levels Does your switch have to sit solidly on a worktable and use regular e...

Page 3: ... 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 The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damage due to misuse of the product...

Page 4: ...in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Shielded PC equipment cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission reg...

Page 5: ...ed standards EN55022 1998 EN55024 1998 EN61000 4 2 1995 EN61000 4 3 1995 EN61000 4 4 1995 EN61000 4 5 1995 EN61000 4 6 1996 EN61000 4 11 1994 EN60950 2000 When used in environments that have high levels of electromagnetic interference you may experience some slight disturbance in its operation If this occurs please refer to the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide for further information or c...

Page 6: ...s allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado 9 El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama sofá alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de...

Page 7: ...por un largo periodo de tiempo 17 Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación 18 Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando A El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado u B Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato o C El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia o D El aparato p...

Page 8: ... to the Local and Remote units is on the same phase Try not to route the CATx link cable alongside power cables Ensure that the system connected to the Local unit is connected to power ground Ensure that the monitor connected to the Remote unit is connected to power ground and does not use an isolated power supply The Remote unit and any power supplies can get warm Do not situate them in an enclos...

Page 9: ...Requirements 19 3 3 Remote Unit Installation 20 3 4 Local Unit Installation 22 3 5 Connection to Rackmount Hub Local Units 25 4 Remote Unit Configuration Operation 28 4 1 Video Configuration Overview 28 4 2 Video Adjustments 29 4 3 Command Mode 30 4 4 Adjusting Video 31 4 5 Other Remote Configuration Operation Options 36 5 Local Unit Operation 39 5 1 Overview 39 5 2 Dual Access Systems 40 6 Troubl...

Page 10: ...ons 47 Appendix B Rack Mount Options 52 Appendix C Remote Unit Flash Upgrading External Configuration 54 Appendix D Advanced Cabling Issues Skew 55 Appendix E Audio Serial Ports 58 Appendix F Calling Black Box 60 Appendix G Specifications 61 ...

Page 11: ... View Test Card http www blackbox com tech_support ts_upgrades ts_ss html Enter Command Mode on Remote unit Left Control Left Shift F10 Choose video channel 1 2 or 0 both Apply Assisted EQ Next Left Control Page Up Previous Left Control Page Down Reset channel Left Control Home Correct Skew Adjust the individual color delays until the test card s RGB vertical lines are aligned Fine tune LF and HF ...

Page 12: ...e LF Equalization Coarse Decrease LF Equalization Fine Increase HF Equalization Coarse Increase HF Equalization Fine Decrease HF Equalization Coarse Decrease HF Equalization Fine L Up Arrow L Right Arrow L Down Arrow L Left Arrow H Up Arrow H Right Arrow H Down Arrow H Left Arrow Quick Skew Toggle RED Delay 19nS Toggle GREEN Delay 19nS Toggle BLUE Delay 19nS Left Control R Left Control G Left Cont...

Page 13: ...ation along the connecting CATx cable see Figure 1 Within the product range models are available with combinations of the following Audio transmission bi directional stereo audio 16 bit digitized Serial transmission transparent serial COM port to 19 2Kbps Dual access allowing a second user console at the Local unit Multiple video channels single and dual video heads 2 2 Glossary The following term...

Page 14: ...l Access ACU2009A ACU2028A only Dual Video Support ACU2201A ACU2222A ACUR002A ACURA002A only Serial and Audio Transmission ACU2022A ACU2028A ACU2222A ACURA001A ACURA002A only KVM extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft 300m LOCAL unit REMOTE unit ...

Page 15: ...nit firmware and settings flash upgradeable Intelligent PS 2 keyboard and mouse emulation ensures PCs do not lock up and allows peripherals to be hot plugged Dual access models allow local or remote operation Transparent serial port on certain models enables any serial device to be extended up to 19 2K Baud The serial port may be used to extend one device requiring handshaking lines or up to three...

Page 16: ...028A Single Video Channel PS 2 Serial Stereo Audio Local Unit Remote Unit Dual Access Dual Video Channel Kit Standard ACU2201A Dual Video Channel PS 2 KB Mouse Local Unit Remote Unit Dual Video Dual Video Channel Kit Audio ACU2222A Dual Video Channel PS 2 Serial Stereo Audio Local Unit Remote Unit Dual Video Remote Units With PS 2 Interfaces ACUR001A Single Video Channel PS 2 KB Mouse ACUR002A Dua...

Page 17: ...omposite sync or sync on green Maximum resolution and refresh rates depend on cable length and cable type see Appendix G Specifications page 61 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 CA...

Page 18: ...ble with your Local unit see Compatibility page 16 For information about connection and installation see Installation page 18 Interconnection Cable You will need CATx any category 5 5e 6 or higher cable terminated with RJ45 plugs to connect the Local and Remote units see Interconnection Cable Requirements page 19 Adjusting Video Video signals become distorted when transmitted over CATx cables To g...

Page 19: ...xtender kits KVM CPU cable set 1 8m with PS 2 6 pin mini DIN male to male keyboard and mouse connectors and VGA video HD15 male to female connector Models ACU2001A ACU2009A ACU2022A and ACU2028A only KVM CPU combination cable 1 0m with PS 2 6 pin mini DIN male to male keyboard and mouse connectors VGA video HD15 male connector and 25 way DB25 Female extender connector Models ACU2201A and ACU2222A ...

Page 20: ...ts This carries the main video channel and all data plus audio serial A Secondary CATx cable connected to INTERCONNECT Port 2 carries a second video channel on dual head units In order to send Keyboard Mouse Audio and Serial signals to the PC the Primary interconnect must be connected The Primary interconnect does not have to be connected in order to use the keyboard attached to the Remote unit fo...

Page 21: ... if you are attempting to use the extender between cascaded KVM switches this may not work Please contact Technical Support to discuss your application 3 If appropriate connect audio equipment and serial devices Connect the audio cables as follows RemoteUnit Audio Device Audio Out Speakers Audio In MIC Microphone See Appendix E Audio Serial Ports page 58 for further information 4 Connect CATx cabl...

Page 22: ...ary INTERCONNECT socket Channel 1 only Figure 3 Remote Unit front view Connect to Primary monitor Connect PS 2 keyboard and mouse Connect to second monitor Connect to speakers and microphone Connect to serial device such as a touch screen ACURA001A ACURA002A ACU2022A ACU2028A ACU2222A only ACUR002A ACURA002A ACU2201A ACU2222A only All Remote units INTERCONNECT 1 carries primary video and data sign...

Page 23: ...ed into a KVM switch 4 If you have an audio and serial enabled system connect the audio cables between the computer and Local unit as follows Computer Local Unit Audio Out green Audio In Audio In Microphone pink Audio Out 5 If appropriate connect the supplied serial cable between the serial port on the computer and the Local unit 6 For single video units connect the CATx cable to the INTERCONNECT ...

Page 24: ... only Connect to computer s video output Connect to computer s PS 2 keyboard and mouse ports ACU2001A ACU2022A ACU2009A ACU2028A Connect to Local PS 2 keyboard and mouse Connect to audio ports on computer Connect to serial port on computer ACU2222A only Connect to secondary video output Connect to computer s primary video PS 2 keyboard and mouse ports using supplied cable Optional connection for 5...

Page 25: ... to use an external PSU Figure 7 Local Unit Dual Video front view ACU2001A ACU2022A ACU2009A ACU2028A only INTERCONNECT 1 carries primary video and data signals Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 1 port on Remote unit INTERCONNECT 2 carries secondary video signals Connect to CATx cable from INTERCONNECT 2 port on Remote unit ACU2201A and ACU2222A only INTERCONNECT carries video and data signa...

Page 26: ...gure 8 With dual head Remote units using adjacent hub ports to transmit the primary video data and secondary video signals see Figure 9 For more complex examples showing the use of Rack Extender Hubs with Remote units in efficient ways see Appendix A Example Applications page 47 Additional video channels do not require the Extender Hub to be of the same family For example an ACU1012RA could be eff...

Page 27: ...SERVSWITCH BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY 26 Figure 8 Simple system using ACU1006RA hub and ACUR001A Remote units ...

Page 28: ...INSTALLATION 27 Figure 9 ACU1006RA rack used with ACUR002A units to extend dual video 5V PSU ...

Page 29: ...e system stores settings in an EEPROM in the Remote unit and restores them whenever the unit is powered up When you have installed your extender system run an application that requires a high screen resolution Examine the video image on the Remote console s monitor You may see some of the following distortion effects Smearing black smearing at the right hand edge of large horizontal objects such a...

Page 30: ...he following unique tools Assisted EQ Allows you to step through a table of preset LF and HF EQ values for different cable lengths Quick Skew Inserts a standard delay on a specified color 19ns a typical value suitable for most applications Channel 0 Allows you to apply video adjustments to both video channels simultaneously dual head units only To get the best video image you are recommended to fo...

Page 31: ...iption of the video optimization procedure To exit Command Mode Press Esc to exit Command Mode and save the configuration settings or Press Left Control Esc to exit Command Mode without saving changes made in the current session The Remote unit automatically exits Command Mode after 30 sec of inactivity saves all settings to EEPROM and returns normal function to the keyboard Status LEDs in Command...

Page 32: ...o optimization purposes It is particularly useful for correcting skew If you are unable to view the test card display some text in a large font on a white background You should also open up other application windows to check the clarity of text in toolbars and icons on the desktop Figure 10 Online test card available at http www blackbox com tech_support ts_upgrades ts_ss html 2 Enter Command Mode...

Page 33: ...4 Reset the selected channel s by pressing Left Control Home 5 Step through the Assisted EQ settings to find the level that gives the best image Assisted EQ Command Key Sequence Next Assisted EQ Setting Left Control PgUp Previous Assisted EQ Setting Left Control PgDn Assisted EQ steps through a table of preset LF HF EQ values for different lengths of cable in 80ft 25m increments calibrated from 0 ...

Page 34: ... Delay move left R Right Arrow R Left Arrow Increase GREEN Delay move right Decrease GREEN Delay move left G Right Arrow G Left Arrow Increase BLUE Delay move right Decrease BLUE Delay move left B Right Arrow B Left Arrow Use the Quick Skew feature to determine which color requires delaying or to quickly set the delay on a color back to zero Applying Quick Skew to a color toggles its delay between...

Page 35: ...he way some monitors sample the signal The maximum amount of skew correction available is 42nS This is more than adequate for the vast majority of cables However it may not be enough if you are using a particularly long run of a cable which exhibits severe delay skew 7 If you are using one or more flat panel monitors in the Remote consoles carry out auto adjustment as described in the monitor s do...

Page 36: ...o appear see Figure 11 HF Equalization Commands Key Sequence Increase HF Equalization Coarse Decrease HF Equalization Coarse H Up Arrow H Down Arrow Increase HF Equalization Fine Decrease HF Equalization Fine H Right Arrow H Left Arrow On certain monitors you may obtain a sharper image by overcompensating HF EQ and then decreasing LF EQ to remove any bright streaks 10 If you are using one or more ...

Page 37: ... to the system and then automatically exits Command Mode You may need to enter the command a number of times to re synchronize the mouse signal Alternatively stop moving the mouse for a few seconds and the operating system s mouse drivers may automatically re synchronize the signal Reset EQ Values Left Control End You can use this command to zero HF LF EQ values for the selected video channel s Cu...

Page 38: ...icate that the Private Mode session is active the extender system Slowly flashes the Scroll Lock LED on the Remote keyboard Illuminates all three LEDs on the Local keyboard Displays a blank image on the Local console s monitor Locks the Local console s keyboard and mouse To cancel the Private Mode press Scroll Lock again while in Command Mode This command also closes Command Mode This command only...

Page 39: ...ly exits from Command Mode after you use this command Local Unit Scroll Lock Key Mode F5 For Local unit firmware versions below S50 only for example ACU1009A ACU1006DRA and ACU3009A In firmware versions earlier than S50 a Local console user can disable the Remote console and start a Private mode session simply by pressing Scroll Lock An initial hot key is not required In these cases the Scroll Loc...

Page 40: ...ess system You can therefore replace any keyboard or mouse attached to the extender system without disrupting the operation of the computer Power Single Head Video Local units normally take power from the keyboard connection to the computer For video only applications you must apply external power through this port Use an external 5V PSU with PS 2 connector Model PSU2001E Dual Head Video Local uni...

Page 41: ...nsole for two seconds Both monitors show the current activity on the computer irrespective of which console is in use Certain commands are available at the Local unit To enter these commands 1 Press and release the initial hot key By default the initial hot key is Right Control 2 Press and release the command key Changing the Initial Hot Key The Local unit s initial hot key may be toggled between ...

Page 42: ...session the extender system Flashes the Scroll Lock LED on the Local keyboard Illuminates all three LEDs on the Remote keyboard Displays a blank image on the Remote console s monitor Locks the Remote console s keyboard and mouse Reset Local Keyboard and Mouse Num Pad Up Arrow Resets the Local console s keyboard and mouse Use if the mouse or keyboard locks up or the mouse does not initialize correc...

Page 43: ...ns Have you tuned the video signal and set delays to correct skew Follow the instructions on page 29 See Appendix D for advanced cabling information Check the Interconnect cable between the Remote and Local units Is it of the recommended type see page 19 Is it intact along its entire length and securely connected at both ends Is it wired correctly see page 56 I can t get enough color delay to corr...

Page 44: ...ock and or phase on your flat panel Contact Technical Support if this fails to improve the situation Are you testing a system using a coiled drum of CATx cable Try uncoiling the cable If this solves the video jitter you should not have a problem after full installation The image is not stable and is blanking regularly Re power the Remote unit Can the extender be used with RGB video Yes as long as ...

Page 45: ...et the keyboard and mouse as described Issue the Null Mouse command up to three times Ensure that you have the latest driver for your mouse If you are using the extender with a KVM switch command the switch to reset the mouse Quit and restart the application Reboot the PC When I hot plug the Local unit the mouse no longer moves When connecting the Local unit to a live system connect the mouse cabl...

Page 46: ...s page 58 6 4 Serial My serial device does not function The extender supports serial devices at data rates not exceeding 19 2K Baud although 38 4K operation might be possible with certain equipment Check the type of flow control used by the device and CPU The extender supports RTS CTS DTR and DSR Some systems may require a wiring adapter to transfer RI and DCD Attach the device directly to the ser...

Page 47: ...ecause it resists interference more strongly if it is installed correctly Can the extender system be used between buildings No Ground loops could damage the extender system and attached equipment Can multiple Local Remote units be used by swapping the interconnection cable Local units provide full keyboard and mouse emulation so it is possible to swap or switch the Local Remote interconnection to ...

Page 48: ... 13 Six remote serial touch screens with Local access through a KVM switch Figure 14 Information distribution system sharing a single PC at up to six remote locations Figure 15 Extender system with second screen for security monitoring Figure 16 For more specific information about these or any other complex applications please discuss suitable extension architecture with your Technical Support ...

Page 49: ...ial and audio extension ACU1006VRA Extender Hub Takes primary video keyboard mouse audio and serial signals from each CPU only two shown ACU1006RA Extender Hub Takes secondary video from each CPU 5V PSU required ACURA002A Remote units connect to KVM console and secondary monitor 5V PSU ...

Page 50: ...th local access to CPU through KVM switch ACU1006DVRA Extender Hub Takes KVM and serial signals from each CPU only two shown ACURA002A Remote units connect to touch screens Local access ports connect to single KVM console through a ServSwitch brand KVM switch ServSwitch ...

Page 51: ...tion distribution system sharing a single PC ACU1006DRA Extender Hub CPU connects to Port 1 Local access ports are daisy chained to allow operation from any console and or video to be distributed to multiple locations ACUR001A Remote units connect to KVM consoles ...

Page 52: ...tem with second screen for security monitoring Security System Provides secondary video input ACU2201A Takes KVM signals from standard PC and secondary video from security system ACUR002A Connects to KVM console Secondary monitor used for security monitoring ...

Page 53: ... to three of the following units across 1U ACUR001A ACURA001A ACUR002A ACURA002A ACU2201A ACU2222A The kit contains one rack plate and M3 countersunk mounting screws To mount a unit 1 Remove the feet from the extender unit 2 Align the holes on the base plate with the vacant screw holes on the base of the extender unit 3 Fasten the base of the unit to the plate of the mounting kit using the supplie...

Page 54: ... angled brackets To mount a unit 1 Remove the two screws from one side of the unit 2 Match up the lower pair of holes on a bracket with the vacant screw holes on the side of the unit 3 Using the original screws fasten the mounting brackets to the side of the unit 4 Repeat this procedure on the other side of the unit 5 Fasten the assembly to the rack unit Figure 18 RMK19U R2 Mounting Kit ...

Page 55: ...r PC close to the Remote unit running Windows 98 or above The Remote unit only has to be powered and does not need to be connected to the Local unit An upgrade cable connected between the mouse port and the laptop or PC s serial port Part No ACUFLH A small software utility called ConfigXt The firmware upgrade file The application detailed instructions and firmware upgrades may be downloaded online...

Page 56: ...lay Introducing delays in the video signals inevitably may cause some distortion For example it may result in pixels being sampled twice on TFT screens The human eye is extremely sensitive to green distortion To obtain optimal video performance it is best to ensure that no green delay is required You can visually check the relative pair delays by viewing the test card without any delays applied Th...

Page 57: ...ng into the RJ45 socket on a Remote unit Pin 1 is on the right and Pin 8 on the left Pin Color EIA 568B Signal 1 2 White Orange Orange White Blue Video 3 6 White Green Green White Green Video 4 5 Blue White White Blue Red Video 7 8 White Brown Brown White Data Using a crossover cable at each end will put the green video on the orange colored pair and the blue video on the green colored pair EIA 56...

Page 58: ...ow shows the general solution for optimizing CATx cabling for video in order of pair length Pins Pair Signal 7 8 Shortest Pair Data 1 2 3rd Longest Pair Blue Video 4 5 2nd Longest Pair Red Video 3 6 Longest Pair Green Video Some cables have a 3 1 construction where three pairs closely match The fourth pair should be used for data and the other pairs sorted as in the above table Other cables have a...

Page 59: ...is wired as DTE the same as that on a PC To connect a serial printer or other DTE rather than DCE device to the Remote unit you will need a Null Modem crossover cable between the Remote unit and the printer Select Xon Xoff software flow control on the printer and PC A serial touch screen may be plugged directly into the Remote unit Serial Interface Handling Multiple Serial Devices The extender s s...

Page 60: ...s Audio Interface Using a Microphone A microphone may be plugged into the Line In connector on the Remote unit There are two ways of setting up a microphone The Local unit s Line Out connection should normally be wired to the microphone input Pink on your sound card The sound card should then be set up to provide additional amplification 20dB This is the preferred connection method Alternatively t...

Page 61: ... problem occurs The components involved in the problem that is what type of computers what type of keyboard brand of mouse make and model of monitor type and make of CATx cable etc Any particular application that when used appears to create the problem or make it worse The results of any testing you ve already done To solve some problems it might be necessary to upgrade the Extender s firmware If ...

Page 62: ...o Compensation 2 stage Separate LF HF Equalizers Video Coupling DC Sync I O Separate Composite TTL Level Sync on green Sync Polarity is preserved Video Input Connectors HD15 Male on Single Head Local units DB25 Female on Dual Head Local units KVM Video Output Connectors HD15 Female Keyboard and Mouse KB Compatibility PC AT PS 2 Mouse Compatibility Standard PS 2 two three button Standard wheel mice...

Page 63: ...els Line level 4 Volts Pk Pk maximum Input Impedance 47kΩ Local Unit Connectors 2x3 5mm stereo jack socket Line In Line Out Remote Unit connectors 2x3 5mm stereo jack socket Line Mic In Line Out Microphone Support Microphone may be connected to Remote Unit Pullup resistor provides bias for condenser microphone Option to set microphone amplification to 17dB Power Requirements Local Power Unit 5V at...

Page 64: ...al Unit 4 3 x5 7 x1 73 110x146x44mm 1U Remote Unit 5 5 x5 7 x1 7 140x145x44mm 1U Shipping Weight 5 5lb 2 5kg ACU2001A ACU2009A Local Unit 7 8 x3 9 x1 38 197x100x35mm Remote Unit 5 5 x5 7 x1 1 140x145x29mm Shipping Weight 4 8lb 2 2kg ACU2022A ACU2028A Local Unit 7 8 x3 9 x1 7 197 x100x44mm 1U Remote Unit 5 5 x5 7 x1 7 140x145x44mm 1U Shipping Weight 5 7lb 2 6kg Environmental Operating Temperature 3...

Page 65: ...NOTES ...

Page 66: ...24 746 5500 or fax 725 746 0746 Mailing address Black Box Corporation 1000 Park Dr Lawrence PA 15055 1018 World Wide Web www blackbox com Email info blackbox com Copyright 2003 Black Box Corporation All rights reserved Order toll free in the U S Call 877 877 BBOX outside U S call 724 746 5500 ...

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