Black Box 01A-R2, ACU2222A-R2, ACU2209A, ACU2228A, ACU2201A-R2 User Manual

ACU2 01A ACU2222A-R2

ACU2209A ACU2228A

2 -R2

November 2009

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:

ACU2201A-R2 ACU2209A ACU2222A-R2 ACU2228A

User Guide Revision: 2.0 (November 2009)

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

Copyrights and Trademarks

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.

All trademark and trade names mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation 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.

The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damage due to misuse of the product or due to any other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control (whether environmental or installation related). The manufacturer shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury arising directly, indirectly, or consequently from the use of this product.

Cautions and Notes

The following symbols are used in this guide:

CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction that should be followed to avoid any potential damage to

hardware or property, loss of data, or personal injury.

NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of this product.

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. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, 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 cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high leve l of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

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.

To maintain compliance the use of correctly installed shielded (STP/FTP) interconnection cable is advised. Only use CPU cables and power supplies provided (or recommended) for use with this product.

When used in environments that have high levels of electromagnetic interference or excessive power ground noise, you may experience disturbances to video and/or data transmission. If this is the case, please refer to the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide for further information, or contact Technical Support. In electrically noisy environments, the use of shielded (STP/FTP) rather than unshielded (UTP) interconnection cable is recommended.

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.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben

ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de

baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestals que sean

recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea recomendado

por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más 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 aire por los orificios de ventilación.

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.

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo

no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni

pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.

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.

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 parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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.

• Try not to route the CATx link cable alongside power cables.

• The use of shielded CATx cable is recommended to maintain compliance.

• 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

enclosed space without any airflow.

• Do not place the power supply directly on top of the Remote Unit.

• This product is not suitable for use in isolated medical environments.

To safeguard against personal injury and avoid possible damage to equipment or property, please observe the following:

• Only use power supplies originally supplied with the

product or manufacturer-approved replacements. Do not attempt to dismantle or repair any power supply. Do not use a power supply if it appears to be defective or has a damaged case.

• Connect all power supplies to grounded outlets. In each

case, ensure that the ground connection is maintained from the outlet socket through to the power supply’s AC power input.

• Do not attempt to modify or repair this product, or make

a connection from the CATx link interface (RJ45) to any other products, especially telecommunications or network equipment.

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

Contents

1. Quick Setup 10

1.1 Command Summary 11

2. Overview 12

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

3. Installation 19

3.1 Package Contents 19

3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements 20

3.3 Remote Unit Installation 21

3.4 Local Unit Installation 23

4. Remote Unit Configuration & Operation 26

4.1 Video Configuration Overview 26

4.2 Video Adjustments 27

4.3 Command Mode 28

4.4 Adjusting Video 29

4.5 Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options 34

5. Local Unit Operation 37

5.1 Overview 37

5.2 Dual Access Systems 37

6. Troubleshooting 39

6.1 Video 39

6.2 Keyboard & Mouse 41

6.3 Audio 42

6.4 Serial 42

6.5 General Questions 43

CONTENTS

Appendix A: Example Applications 44 Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 47 Appendix C: Flash Upgrading & External Configuration 48 Appendix D: Advanced Cabling Issues (Skew) 49 Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports 52 Appendix F: Calling Black Box 54 Appendix G: Specifications 55

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

1. 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.

Install system

1. Connect Remote Unit to KVM and audio/serial devices (if present).

2. Connect Local Unit or Extender hub to CPU.

3. Connect Remote and Local Units with compatible CATx Interconnect cable.

4. Power up system.

Any Problems? See Installation and Troubleshooting sections.

iew Test Card:

ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/connectivity/ServSwitch/

Enter Command Mode on Remote Unit

Choose video channel

<1>, <2> or <0> (both)

Apply Assisted EQ

Next: <Left Control> + <Page Up> Previous: <Left Control> + <Pa

e Down>

Reset channel

Correct Skew

Adjust the individual color delays until the test card’s RGB vertical lines are aligned.

Fine tune LF and HF EQ

Reduce smearing and loss of sharpness. TFT Users: Set to auto-adjust, or if you are an advanced user, manually adjust the monitor’s clock and phase.

Exit Command Mode

<ESC>

Configure other channel?

Yes

Provides useful image for adjusting video.

Obtain approx. EQ setting. See page 30.

All adjustments apply to selected channel(s). See page 30.

See page 31 and, for a detailed discussion of skew correction, see Appendix D.

Optimize video quality. See page 33.

QUICK SETUP

1.1 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.

Command Mode

Enter Command Mode* Exit Command Mode & Save* Exit Command Mode Without Save*

Video Channel Selection

Select Channel For Adjustment Select BOTH Video Channels

<1>, <2> <0>

Assisted EQ

Next Assisted EQ Setting Previous Assisted EQ Setting Reset EQ & Delay Values Reset EQ Values

LF/HF Equalization

Increase LF Equalization (Coarse) Increase LF Equalization (Fine) Decrease LF Equalization (Coarse) Decrease LF Equalization (Fine) Increase HF Equalization (Coarse) Increase HF Equalization (Fine) Decrease HF Equalization (Coarse) Decrease HF Equalization (Fine)

Quick Skew

Toggle RED Delay (19nS) Toggle GREEN Delay (19nS) Toggle BLUE Delay (19nS)

Delay (Skew)

Increase RED Delay Increase GREEN Delay Increase BLUE Delay Decrease RED Delay Decrease GREEN Delay Decrease BLUE Delay

Reset Commands

Reset Mouse and Keyboard* Mouse Recovery* Set Extender To Default State*

Other Commands

Toggle Private Mode* Toggle Video Blanking State at other console* Disable DDC Emulation Enable DDC Emulation Transfer DDC from monito r to Local Unit**

* Commands also available at local c ons ole in Dual Access Kits: ACU2209A and ACU2228A (see page 37). ** Available on Remote Units with hardware version 6. 3 and above (see page 54).

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

2. Overview

2.1 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). The Local Unit connects directly to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using the supplied cable(s). The user console (keyboard, mouse and monitors) attaches to the Remote Unit. The Remote and Local Units communicate video and data information along the connecting CATx cables (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.

2.2 Glossary

The following terms are used in this guide:

CATx

Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable.

PSU

Power Supply Unit.

KVM

Keyboard, Video and Mouse.

Console

A keyboard, monitor, and mouse, plus optional serial/audio devices.

Dual Access

A system allowing connection of local and remote user consoles.

Dual Head

An extender system that supports two monitors.

OVERVIEW

Figure 1 KVM extender system

Local Access

ACU2209A, ACU2228A only.

Audio Transmission

ACU2222A-R2, ACU2228A only

KVM extension over CATx cables up to 1000ft (300m).

LOCAL Unit

REMOTE Unit

Serial Transmission

ACU2222A-R2, ACU2228A only

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

2.3 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.

• Fully integrated skew compensation allows operation with CATx cables by canceling

color shift and enhancing sharpness.

• Independent low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) cable equalization control

ensures optimum video tuning across different cable types.

• All control and video tuning carried out using the remote console keyboard with settings

stored in EEPROM memory.

• Local and Remote Unit firmware and settings flash upgradeable (cable required).

• Emulated DDC (Display Data Channel) on both video channels

Extender Local Unit emulates a universal monitor; ensures compatibility with multihead graphics cards

• Transparent DDC (hardware version 6.3 and above)

Remote Unit reads DDC table from attached monitor, transfers and stores data in Local Unit to support non-standard displays.

• Dual-Head local access

(ACU2209A and ACU2228A only)

• Private Mode on dual-access models allows users to lock out other console. Monitor on

locked console can be enabled or blanked. (ACU2209A and ACU2228A only)

• Status indicator LEDs on each RJ45 port.

• Small footprint chassis with rack mount options available.

• Surge protection on each RJ45 port.

• Local Units are normally powered directly by the PC (or switch). Connector for optional

5V PSU.

• 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 simple serial devices (no handshaking). (ACU2222A-R2 and ACU2228A only)

• Bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized) support on certain models enables high-

quality audio extension. (ACU2222A-R2 and ACU2228A only)

OVERVIEW

2.4 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)

ACU2209A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse

Local Unit + Remote Unit

Dual Video Channel/Dual Access Kit (Audio)

ACU2228A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse,

Serial, Stereo Audio Local Unit + Remote Unit

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CATX KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

2.5 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 – Model No: AC244A.

• Audio: Input and output are line-level. Amplified speakers are required. A microphone

may be directly connected to the Remote Unit (optional pre-amplification).

• Serial: Transparent up to 19.2K Baud (38.4K operation may be possible with some

devices). The following serial signals are extended: TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR. In rare cases, a wiring adaptor may be required to transfer RI and DCD.

• Video: VGA to UXGA. Separate sync, composite sync, or sync-on-green. Maximum

resolution and refresh rates depend on cable length and cable type (see Appendix G: Specifications, page 55).

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. CATx units are not currently compatible with SUN (ACU1004A, ACU1005A) or Serial-only products (ACU1002A, ACU1008A, ACUSREM, ACU1006SRA, ACU1006DSRA).

Standard Family Audio Family

ACU2201A-R2, ACU2209A ACU2222A-R2, ACU2228A

ACU1001A ACU1009A ACU1022A ACU1028A ACU3001A ACU3009A ACU3022A ACUVREM ACU1049A ACUMREM ACUWREM ACU1006VRA ACUREM ACUREMSW ACU1006DVRA ACU1006MRVA ACU1006RA ACU1006DRA ACU2022A ACU2028A ACU1012RA ACU1006MRA ACU2222A ACU3222A ACU2001A ACU2009A ACU3228A ACURA001A ACU2201A ACUR001A ACURA002A ACU3201A ACU3209A ACURA004A ACUR002A ACUR004A ACUMRA02A ACUMR02A

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