Black Box ACR3500A, ACR3600A User Manual

JUNE 2000

ACR3500A
ACR3600A

Doc. No. 590-124-001 Rev. B

FREE tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone].

Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018

World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

Customer Support Information:

1

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

Welcome to the ServSwitch

TM

Family!

Thank you for purchasing a remote-access unit for use with your BLACK BOX

®

ServSwitch™Brand KVM-switching system! We appreciate your business, and we
think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced ServSwitch 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-size­fits-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 ServLINK™ unit, including how to
install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServLINK, see
Chapter 2. The ServLINK product codes covered in this manual are:

ACR3500A
ACR3600A

This manual also includes information about the ServLINK’s Power Management
Module accessories, but they have their own manual as well. Their product code is:

ACRPWR

2

SERVLINK™

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServLINK,

ServSwitch, ServSwitch Affinity, ServSwitch Duo, ServSwitch Elite, ServSwitch

Multi, ServSwitch Multi MX, ServSwitch Multi Z8, ServSwitch Ultra, ServSwitch

Wizard, ServSwitch Wizard Pro, Matrix ServSwitch, ServSelect, and ServShare are

trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.

Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International

Business Machines Corporation.

Zip is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and HyperTerminal are trademarks or

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or

other countries.

SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.

Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in

the United States and other countries.

pcANYWHERE is a registered trademark of Symantec Corporation.

UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated.

UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the

trademark owners.

3

RFI STATEMENTS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC),

INDUSTRY CANADA (IC), AND

VOLUNTARY CONTROL COUNCIL FOR INTERFERENCE (VCCI)

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 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.

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 Industry Canada.

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 Industrie Canada.

4

SERVLINK™

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard
EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio­frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, might cause harmful interference to radio or television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and
off, you can correct the interference with one or more of the following measures:

(a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

(b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

(c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

(d) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment has also been tested and found to comply with European standard
EN50082-1:1992.

5

FCC PART 68 STATEMENT

FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR TELEPHONE-LINE EQUIPMENT

1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules which
permit this device to be directly connected to the telephone network with
standardized jacks. This equipment should not be used on party lines or coin
lines.

2. If this device is malfunctioning, it may also be causing harm to the telephone
network; this device should be disconnected until the source of the problem
can be determined and until the repair has been made. If this is not done, the
telephone company may temporarily disconnect service.

3. If you have problems with your telephone equipment after installing this
device, disconnect this device from the line to see if it is causing the problem.
If it is, contact Black Box.

4. The telephone company may make changes in its technical operations and
procedures. If any such changes affect the compatibility or use of this device,
the telephone company is required to give adequate notice of the changes.
You’ll also be advised of your right to file an FCC complaint.

5. If the telephone company requests information on what equipment is
connected to their lines, inform them of:

a. The telephone number that this unit is connected to.

b. The ringer equivalence number.

c. The USOC jack required: RJ-11C.

d. The FCC registration number.

Items (b) and (d) can be found on the unit’s FCC label. The ringer
equivalence number (REN) is used to determine how many devices can be
connected to your telephone line. In most areas, the sum of the RENs of all
devices on any one line should not exceed five (5). If too many devices are
attached, they may not ring properly.

6. In the event of an equipment malfunction, all repairs should be performed by
Black Box. It is your responsibility to tell us that your equipment needs to be
serviced.

6

SERVLINK™

CERTIFICATION NOTICE FOR TELEPHONE-LINE EQUIPMENT USED IN CANADA

The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means
that the equipment meets certain telecommunications-network protective,
operational, and safety requirements. Industry Canada does not guarantee the
equipment will operate to your satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, you should ensure that it is permissible to be
connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The
equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In
some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a single-line individual
service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly (extension
cord). Be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent
degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized maintenance
facility—in this case, Black Box. Any equipment malfunctions, or any repairs or
alterations you make to this equipment, may give the telecommunications
company cause to ask you to disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground
connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water-pipe
system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly
important in rural areas.

CAUTION!

Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but
should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or
electrician, as appropriate.

The LOAD NUMBER (LN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the
percentage of the total load to be connected to a telephone loop which is used by
the device, to prevent overloading. The termination on a loop may consist of any
combination of devices, subject only to the requirement that the total of the load
numbers of all the devices does not exceed 100.

7

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 pedestales 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.

8

SERVLINK™

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.

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.

9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications ........................................................................................... 12

2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 14

2.1 Overview ............................................................................................ 14

2.2 The Complete ServLINK Package ................................................... 16

2.3 Safety Concerns ................................................................................. 16

3. Installation ................................................................................................ 17

3.1 At the Local Site: Making Device and Power Connections ............ 17

3.1.1 Attaching Primary Equipment ............................................... 17

3.1.2 Attaching a Secondary Monitor (Optional) .......................... 20

3.1.3 Attaching the ServLINK to Telephone and/or

Local Area Networks ............................................................ 20

3.1.4 Attaching the ServLINK Directly to a Controlling PC’s

Serial Port ............................................................................. 21

3.1.5 Attaching Speakers/Headphones or a

Microphone (Optional) ...................................................... 22

3.1.6 Attaching Devices to Other Ports (Optional,

Not Recommended) ............................................................ 22

3.1.7 Attaching Power Management Modules (Power and

Serial Data, Optional) .......................................................... 23

3.1.7.A Installing the Module Controlling Power

to the ServLINK ....................................................... 23

3.1.7.B Installing the Modules Controlling Power

to the Attached Devices .......................................... 25

3.1.7.C After Installing the Modules ..................................... 27

3.1.8 Attaching Power Directly (No Power Management

Modules) ............................................................................... 29

3.2 At the Local Site: Initial Power-Up .................................................. 30

3.3 At the Remote Site ............................................................................ 31

4. Configuration ........................................................................................... 32

4.1 Configuring the ServLINK to Switch Between Your PCs

(KVM-Switched Systems Only) ...................................................... 32

4.1.1 The Standard Configuration .................................................. 32

4.1.2 Entering the Channel Addresses of Your PCs ....................... 33

4.2 Configuring PCs ................................................................................ 36

4.3 Host PC Settings ................................................................................ 37

4.4 ServLINK and Remote-Site Settings ................................................ 38

10

SERVLINK™

Contents (continued)

Chapter Page

5. Basic Switching and Host-Mode Options ............................................... 39

5.1 Switching to a Remote PC: Host Mode ............................................ 39

5.2 Host Mode Properties ....................................................................... 42

5.2.1 Test PCI Card ........................................................................ 42

5.2.2 Keyboard/Mouse .................................................................. 43

5.2.3 Shortcut Keys ......................................................................... 44

5.2.4 Video Settings ....................................................................... 45

5.2.5 Video - Advanced .................................................................. 46

5.2.6 System Control ...................................................................... 48

5.2.6.A Frame Rate, Color Depth, and

Module Processing ............................................... 48

5.2.6.B Color Compression ................................................. 49

6. The Menu System .................................................................................... 50

6.1 The Switch Menu .............................................................................. 52

6.1.1 Switch PCs ............................................................................. 53

6.1.1.A The Main Dialog Box .............................................. 53

6.1.1.B The Settings Dialog Box ......................................... 56

6.1.2 Control Module Processing (ServLINK System with

Power Management Modules Only) .................................. 59

6.1.2.A The Main Dialog Box .............................................. 59

6.1.2.B The Settings Dialog Box ......................................... 62

6.1.3 Control Module Configuration (ServLINK System with

Power Management Modules Only) ................................. 64

6.2 The Security Menu ............................................................................ 66

6.2.1 Users ...................................................................................... 67

6.2.2 System .................................................................................... 70

6.2.3 Password Options .................................................................. 72

6.2.4 Site ID .................................................................................... 73

6.2.5 Caller ID ................................................................................ 74

6.2.6 Pager Alert ............................................................................. 76

6.2.7 System Backup ...................................................................... 78

6.2.8 Switch Control (ServLINK Attached to

ServSwitch Multi Only) ...................................................... 80

6.2.9 Event Log .............................................................................. 81

6.2.10 Change Password .................................................................. 83

6.2.11 Logout ................................................................................... 83

6.3 The Video Menu: List Video Drivers ............................................... 84

11

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

6. The Menu System (cont’d)

6.4 The Keyboard Menu: Create Keyboard Macros ............................... 86

6.4.1 The Main Dialog Box ........................................................... 87

6.4.2 The Add Dialog Box ............................................................. 90

6.4.3 The View Dialog Box ............................................................ 93

6.5 The Host Mode Menu: Switch to Host Mode ................................. 94

6.6 The Other Menu ............................................................................... 95

6.6.1 Card Addresses ........................................................................ 96

6.6.2 Reset Options (ServLINK Power-Controlled with

Power Management Module Only) .................................... 97

6.6.3 Sound Options ........................................................................ 99

6.6.4 Switch Resolutions ................................................................ 100

6.6.5 Upload User/Channel Info (ServLINK Attached to

ServSwitch Multi Only) ...................................................... 101

6.6.6 Switch Detection (ServLINK Attached to

ServSwitch Multi Only) ...................................................... 102

6.6.7 Quit ........................................................................................ 103

6.7 The Help Menu ............................................................................... 104

6.7.1 The Help: Contents Dialog Box ........................................... 105

6.7.2 The Help: Search Dialog Box .............................................. 106

6.7.3 The Help: About Dialog Box ................................................ 108

7. Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 109

7.1 Calling Black Box ............................................................................ 109

7.2 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................. 109

12

SERVLINK™

1. Specifications

Compliance — EMI/RFI: CE (EN55022 Class A, EN50082); FCC Part 15

Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A;
Telephone-network regulations: FCC Part 68, IC;
Electrical safety: UL

®

1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950, EN60950

Modem Type — ACR3500A: North America compatible V.90 (56K);

ACR3600A: Europe compatible V.90 (56K)

Standards — Video: VGA, SVGA, or XGA video;

LAN: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet v2

Interfaces — To monitor: VGA;

To keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible

(including PS/2 type IntelliMouse™); with appropriate

adapters, also supports IBM PC/AT keyboard and

EIA/TIA RS-232 serial mouse on these PS/2 ports;
To CPU: Proprietary composite of video, keyboard, and

mouse interfaces listed above;
To telephone network and to phone: Modular telco;
To LAN: 10/100BASE-T;
To microphone and speakers, and from stereo input:

3.5-mm stereo;

Serial: COM ports are EIA/TIA RS-232, DTE, pinned

according to TIA-574; DATA port on Access Card is

also RS-232, but is proprietarily pinned on RJ-45;
Also has IEEE 1284-A parallel (IBM PC parallel

compatible bidirectional) and USB Type A interfaces,

but we don’t recommended using these

Resolution and
Refresh Rate — Up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced at up to 60 Hz;

Interlaced video is not supported

Storage — Standard 3.5" diskette drive;

Will always have a standard hard drive and an optical

drive that can read CD-ROMs, but the type, capacity,

and speed of these drives may vary depending on drive

availability

User Controls — (4) Front-mounted pushbuttons: Main power, main

reset, CD-ROM eject, and 3.5"-diskette eject;
All other functions are software-controlled

13

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

Indicators — (3) Front-mounted LEDs: Main power/activity, power/

activity of CD-ROM drive, power/activity of

3.5" diskette drive;

All other indications are software-based

Connectors — All rear-mounted;

(1) DB25 female to CPU or KVM switch;
(2) HD15 female: (1) to primary monitor, (1) to

secondary monitor;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female: (1) to keyboard, (1) to mouse;
(5) RJ-11 jacks: (1) to telephone line, (1) to telephone,

(2) between ServLINK cards, (1) to Power

Management Modules
(1) RJ-45 jack to LAN;
(3) 3.5-mm stereo jacks: (1) to microphone, (1) for

stereo audio output (speakers/headphones), (1) for

stereo audio input;
(2) DB9 male to serial devices;
(1) IEC 320 male power inlet;
Also has (1) DB25 female parallel port and (1) Type A

USB port, but these are not used or supported by the

standard ServLINK software

Power — 120 or 240 VAC (switchable) at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-

power (mains) outlet, through detachable power cord

and IEC 320 inlet, to internal transformer;
Consumption: Typically 8 watts

Maximum
Altitude — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)

Temperature
Tolerance — Operating: 41 to 104˚F (5 to 40˚C);

Storage: –4 to +122˚F (–20 to +50˚C)

Humidity
Tolerance — 10 to 90% noncondensing

Enclosure — Steel and high-impact plastic

Size — 4.8"H x 15"W x 17.3"D (12.1 x 38.1 x 43.8 cm)

Weight — Net: 20 lb. (9.1 kg) for chassis only;

Shipping: 33 lb. (15 kg)

14

SERVLINK™

2. Introduction

NOTE

This manual is intended to be a basic hardcopy reference. For some
features of the ServLINK—especially for certain obscure and/or complex
software functions—the ServLINK’s on-line help system will provide
more details.

2.1 Overview

With the ServLINK™ you can access a PC—or, with one or more ServSwitch™
family KVM switches, all of your PCs—from a remote location. You can literally be
anywhere in the world and still control your computers as if you were in front of
them. You won’t need to install any remote-access hardware or software in your
PCs, and all PC-compatible operating systems and applications are supported. The
only thing your computers will need to have is a standard VGA/SVGA video card.
ServLINK supports 2, 4, 16, or 256 colors in 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768
graphics modes.

By connecting the ServLINK to a KVM-switching system, you can control every
PC attached to the system remotely through the ServLINK. Extend your switching
control from across the building to across the world! By using your switches and
the ServLINK together, you reduce the cost of remote access per PC dramatically,
making it a much more attractive option than more volatile software-only remote­access solutions.

ServLINK supports remote access through an internal modem, LAN, or TCP/IP
Internet connection, as well as direct serial-port access. No matter where you are,
access to your PCs is always possible. And ServLINK operates completely
independently of your PCs’ hardware, operating systems, or applications. So if your
network is down or even if an attached PC is completely locked up, you can still
receive the PC’s video and send it keyboard and mouse data just as if you were
sitting in front of it. Should your ServLINK system itself ever become locked, you
can remotely reset the ServLINK and resume activity with minimal interruption.
No on-site assistance is required.

With ServLINK, your repair technicians can remain centralized and efficient. If a
site calls in with a problem, the technicians can simply log in to the site and
troubleshoot from their own location. Often a PC can be restored remotely
without any travel to the site. In the event that a service call is necessary, the
technician might be able to report to management what steps need to be taken
and parts ordered before an on-site visit ever takes place.

15

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

In many ways, the ServLINK functions like a PC itself. It runs the Microsoft

®

Windows NT®operating system and ships with the proprietary ServLINK
application and the pcANYWHERE

®

software package by Symantec preinstalled.
Each ServLINK is completely configured at the factory for quick startup and
operation. Just connect the cables and you’re “remote-access ready.”

In addition to the extensive security features of pcANYWHERE, the ServLINK
supports a second level of security for the safest possible system. Encrypted
password protection, multiple levels of user authority, and an event-tracking log
enable you to stay in control of your valuable information.

A typical ServLINK configuration is shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1. A basic ServLINK system.

ServLINK

Local
CPUs

Local ServSwitch Family

KVM Switch

Local User Station

Remote User Station

16

SERVLINK™

2.2 The Complete ServLINK Package

Your ServLINK package should include the following:

• The ServLINK itself.

• Its keyboard and mouse.

• Software kits (in case you should ever have to reinstall the native software on
the ServLINK) for:

– Windows NT (one CD-ROM, three diskettes, and a manual);

– pcANYWHERE (one CD-ROM); and

– Proprietary ServLINK software (one CD-ROM).

• One three-to-one CPU-extension cable for attaching a PC or KVM switch.

• One RJ-11 cable for attaching the modem to a wall outlet.

• One power cord.

• This manual.

If anything is missing or damaged, please call Black Box right away.

2.3 Safety Concerns

As you prepare to install the ServLINK, please keep these things in mind:

• Unplug the ServLINK from AC power and from all other devices and
telephone-jack connections before removing the unit’s cover. Don’t plug the
ServLINK back into anything until its cover has been put back on.

• Warning: If the battery of the ServLINK ever needs replacing, carefully replace
it with the same type of battery or with an electrically identical battery only. If
you install some other type of battery in the ServLINK, or install a battery in
the ServLINK the wrong way, the battery could explode.

Dispose of used batteries according to the battery manufacturer’s
instructions. At the time of this writing, the ServLINK contains a lithium-type
battery; according to its manufacturer’s guidelines, it is safe to dispose of this
type of battery in a municipal solid-waste system.

• For your own protection, you should make sure that the electrical ground
connections of your site’s power utility, telephone lines, and/or internal
metallic water-pipe system are connected together. This precaution might be
particularly important in rural areas. Don’t attempt to make such connections
yourself; contact an electrician or the appropriate electric-inspection authority.

17

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3. Installation

NOTE

The illustrations in this chapter were made from a prototype unit. The
arrangement of the connectors on the back of your unit might be
slightly different.

3.1 At the Local Site: Making Device and Power Connections

3.1.1 A

TTACHINGPRIMARY

E

QUIPMENT

To install the ServLINK™ at your local site (the site where the computers you want
to access are), first power down all of the computers and KVM switches that you
will be attaching, directly or indirectly, to your ServLINK system. Then connect
your peripherals to the ServLINK, as shown in Figure 3-1:

1. Plug the VGA monitor you wish to use with your ServLINK into the port
highlighted dark blue and labeled on the back of your ServLINK unit.

2. Plug the included PS/2

®

type keyboard into the ServLINK port highlighted

lavender and labeled . Plug the included PS/2 type mouse into the
ServLINK port highlighted light green and labeled .

Figure 3-1. Attaching the peripherals to the ServLINK.

PS/2 Mouse Cable

PS/2 Keyboard Cable

VGA Monitor Cable

18

SERVLINK™

Then connect your computers and/or KVM switches to the ServLINK:

1. Plug the DB25 female connector of the included three-to-one CPU-extension
cable into the DB25 male port on the topmost daughtercard on the rear of
the ServLINK unit, as shown in Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2. Attaching the CPU-extension cable to the ServLINK.

2. The other end of the CPU-extension cable has five connectors on three
different cable strands. On one strand, it has an HD15 male video connector.
On the second strand, it has two different keyboard connectors: a 5-pin DIN
male suitable for older IBM

®

PC/AT®type keyboard ports and a 6-pin mini­DIN male suitable for newer PS/2 type keyboard ports. On the third strand, it
has two different mouse connectors: a DB9 female suitable for serial-mouse
ports and a 6-pin mini-DIN male suitable for PS/2 type mouse ports. The
PS/2 mouse connector has a yellow band around it to distinguish it from the
PS/2 keyboard connector.

If you are attaching the ServLINK directly to a host PC: Plug these cable
connectors into the corresponding video, keyboard, and mouse ports on your
host PC as shown in Figure 3-3 on the next page. (Use only the keyboard and
mouse connectors appropriate for your PC, and leave the others unconnected.)

If you’re attaching the ServLINK to a ServSwitch family KVM switch whose user
ports are separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse ports (ServSwitch™ Wizard Pro, etc.):

Plug these cable connectors into the corresponding monitor, keyboard, and
mouse user ports on the switch. (Use only the keyboard and

mouse

connectors appropriate for your switch, and leave the others unconnected.)

If you are attaching the ServLINK to a ServSwitch family KVM switch with
composite user ports (monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other ports in a single connector—
regular ServSwitch, ServSwitch™ Multi, etc.): Plug these cable connectors into the

corresponding monitor, keyboard, and mouse connectors on the switch’s
User Cable—as if you were attaching a monitor, keyboard, and mouse—as

DB25 end of included
CPU-Extension Cable

19

CHAPTER 3: Installation

shown in Figure 3-4. (Use only the keyboard and mouse connectors that are
appropriate for your switch, and leave the others unconnected. Make sure
that your host PCs are properly attached to the switch. See your switch’s
manual for more details about attaching equipment to it.)

Figure 3-3. Attaching the CPU-extension cable to a CPU (a PS/2 type CPU

is shown).

Figure 3-4. Attaching the CPU-extension cable to a KVM switch with

composite user ports (the ServSwitch Multi is shown).

Mouse-Port

Connector

PC

ServLINK

ServLINK

ServSwitch

Multi

Keyboard-Port

Connector

ServSwitch Multi

User Cable

ServLINK CPU-

extension cable

From left to right, unused audio

connections, unused serial

connection, and keyboard, video,

and mouse connections

Video-Port

Connector

20

SERVLINK™

3.1.2 A

TTACHING ASECONDARYMONITOR(OPTIONAL

)

The primary monitor connected to the ServLINK displays the video on the host PC
as seen through the ServLINK. There is a small time delay for the ServLINK to
process the video. To see the host PC’s video in real time, without waiting for it to
pass through the ServLINK, you can connect a secondary monitor: Simply plug the
VGA monitor you want to use for this purpose into the HD15 female connector on
the topmost daughtercard in the back of your ServLINK unit, as shown in
Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5. Attaching a secondary monitor to the ServLINK for a direct

video feed.

3.1.3 A

TTACHING THESERV

LINK TOT

ELEPHONE AND/ORLOCALAREANETWORKS

If you want the ServLINK to communicate with the remote site through the public
telephone network, attach its internal modem (the middle daughtercard on the
rear of the ServLINK) to the phone network this way (see Figure 3-6 on the next
page): First run the included RJ-11 phone cable between the modem card’s “LINE”
jack and the “MODEM” jack on the adjacent Access Control card (the bottommost
daughtercard). Then run another standard RJ-11 phone/modem cable (not
included) between the “LINE” jack on the Access Control card and a standard
telephone wall jack.

If you want the ServLINK to communicate with the remote site through your
10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet LAN, run a straight-through-pinned unshielded
10BASE-T or 100BASE-T cable from the RJ-45 jack labeled on the rear of the
ServLINK to any available network jack. (Be aware that you’ll have to change the
network settings of the ServLINK to comply with those of your network, which
must be done through the operating system; refer to your Windows NT manual.
Also, of course, your network must be configured to support the ServLINK as a
new node—refer to your network’s documentation.)

Video cable to secondary

VGA monitor

21

CHAPTER 3: Installation

Figure 3-6. Attaching the ServLINK to the public phone network or a LAN.

3.1.4 A

TTACHING THESERV

LINK D

IRECTLY TO ACONTROLLING

PC’SS

ERIALPORT

If you want the ServLINK to communicate with a local controlling PC as if it were
communicating with the remote site—primarily in order to transfer files—you can
establish a direct serial connection between the ServLINK and the local PC. First
get a standard DB9 female to DB9 female null-modem cable such as our product
code EYN257H. Attach one end of this cable to either of the ServLINK’s two DB9
male serial ports: These are highlighted in dark green and are labeled “ A”
and “ B”. Attach the other end of the cable to one of the PC’s
DB9 male serial ports.

In order for this connection to work, you will need to configure the two
interconnected serial ports to matching data rates, data formats, etc. This can be
done through HyperTerminal™ or some other terminal-emulation program; see
the terminal program’s documentation for instructions.

If you are using Power Management Modules in your system, you can attach the
first Module in your daisychain to one of the Switch’s serial ports. See
Section 3.1.6.

You could theoretically attach other serial devices to the ServLINK’s serial ports,
although this is not necessary or recommended. If you want to do so, please call
Black Box Tech Support to discuss your application first.

Modem card

Access-control card

To a phone jack

To a LAN jack

22

SERVLINK™

3.1.5 A

TTACHINGSPEAKERS/HEADPHONES OR AMICROPHONE(OPTIONAL

)

You can attach speakers or headphones and a microphone to the ServLINK if you
want to, although this would only allow the ServLINK to transmit or receive sound
itself—the ServLINK cannot send or receive audio signals to/from the remote site
or to/from the attached PCs.

If you are using speakers or headphones with the ServLINK, plug them into the
jack highlighted yellow and labeled on the back of the ServLINK. If you’re
using a microphone, plug it into the adjacent jack highlighted pink and labeled .
Figure 3-7 shows how this works:

Figure 3-7. Attaching speakers and a microphone to the ServLINK.

3.1.6 A

TTACHINGDEVICES TOOTHERPORTS(OPTIONAL

, NOTR

ECOMMENDED

)

It is theoretically possible to connect other types of devices to other ports on the
rear of the ServLINK, although we don’t recommend doing so because such
connections are unnecessary for the ServLINK’s operation:

• You could plug a USB device into the USB Type A port labeled “ USB”.

• You could attach a parallel printer or a Zip

®

drive to the DB25 female parallel

port highlighted maroon and labeled .

• You could attach an auxiliary stereo audio source to the 3.5-mm stereo audio
jack highlighted light blue and labeled .

Before you make any of these connections, please call Black Box Tech Support to
discuss your application.

To speakers
To microphone

23

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3.1.7 A

TTACHINGPOWERMANAGEMENTMODULES(POWER ANDSERIALDATA

, O

PTIONAL

)

How you attach a ServLINK Power Management Module (our product code ACRPWR)
to a main ServLINK unit depends on whether the Module will be controlling
power to the ServLINK itself (see Section 3.1.7.A) or to an attached computer,
router, etc. (see Section 3.1.7.B). Important: Any non-included power cords used
with the Management Modules must be rated for 15 amps minimum. For more
complete information about these Modules, consult their own manual.

3.1.7.A Installing the Module Controlling Power to the ServLINK

Take these steps to install any Module you’ll be using to control power to the
ServLINK itself:

1. If the ServLINK is powered, power it down.

2. Plug one of the RJ-45 cables included with the Management Module into the
“DATA IN” port on the Module, as shown in Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-8. Attaching an RJ-45 cable to the Power Management Module.

3. Plug the other end of this cable into the port marked “DATA” on your
ServLINK’s Access Card, as shown in Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-9. Attaching the same cable to the ServLINK.

RJ-45 control cable to

ServLINK

RJ-45 control cable from

Management Module

24

SERVLINK™

4. Find the power patch cord that came with your Management Module. It will
have an IEC 320 female connector on one end and an IEC 320 male
connector on the other. Plug the male end of this cord into the power port
marked “OUT” on the Module. Plug the other end of this cord into the
power inlet on the ServLINK unit.

5. Finally, run the ServLINK’s own power cord from its own inlet to a properly
rated wall outlet. The ServLINK, the Module, and the wall outlet should now
be interconnected, power-wise, as shown in Figure 3-10.

Figure 3-10. Attaching the power cords.

6. Optional: To ensure that you have constant dial-in reboot access to your
ServLINK unit, you can connect a separate modem and phone line to the
Management Module, so that you have a secondary way to reboot the
ServLINK in case the primary phone line is tied up or goes down.

To do this, attach the RJ-45F-to-DB9M adapter included with the
Management Module to the DB9F-to-DB25M adapter that’s also included.
Plug the DB25 male end of this assembly into the DB25 female “DTE” or
“RS-232” port on the modem you’ll be using. Run the other RJ-45 cable
included with the Module from the Module’s “DATA OUT” port to the RJ-45
jack on the adapter assembly, then run a standard RJ-11 phone cable (not
included) from the modem’s “Line” or “Telco” port to the second phone
line’s wall jack.

For details about performing a reboot using this hardware, see
Section 6.6.2.

ServLINK

Module

25

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3.1.7.B Installing the Modules Controlling Power to the Attached Devices

Take these steps to install each of the Power Management Modules you’ll be using
to control power to the ServLINK’s attached PC CPUs, routers, and other devices:

1. Power down the device that the Module will be power-controlling.

2. Plug one of the included RJ-45 cables into the “DATA IN” port on the
Management Module.

3a. If this is the first Management Module in the daisychain: Use RJ-45F-to-DB9F

adapter included with the Module to connect the other end of this cable to
one of the ServLINK’s serial ports, as shown in Figure 3-11.

Figure 3-11. Attaching the cable from the first PC’s Module to the

ServLINK.

3b. If this is not the first Management Module in the chain: Connect the other end of

the RJ-45 cable to the “DATA OUT” port on the previous Module in the
chain.

NOTE

Make careful notes of which devices you attach to which Modules, so
that you can associate the two in the ServLINK’s software later, and
have accurate remote control. (The ServLINK’s software will refer to the
first Module in the daisychain as “001,” the second as “002,” and so
forth.) See Section 6.1.2.

Serial control cable

from first Module

RJ-45 to DB9

adapter

26

SERVLINK™

4. (Optional) Plug one end of the other RJ-45 cable included with the Module
into the port marked “SERIAL” on the Module you’re installing. Take the
other end of this cable and attach one or more of the Module’s included
adapters (or identical ones if you’ve already used any of them—call Black Box
Tech Support for extras) to connect to a serial device or a device’s serial port
in any of these ways:

• To connect to the serial port of the Module’s attached PC, router, network switch, etc.
(the standard application) or to the serial port of another such device: Attach the
included RJ-45F-to-DB9F adapter to the cable and plug the adapter into the
device’s DB9M serial port. (If the device has a DB25M serial port instead,
you’ll also need a non-included DB9M-to-DB25F adapter.)

• To connect to a modem, multiplexor, or other RS-232 DCE with a DB25F connector:
Attach the included RJ-45F-to-DB9M adapter to the cable, then add the
included DB9F-to-DB25M adapter. Plug the DB25M end of the adapter
assembly into the device.

• To connect to any other RS-232 device that can be connected to a PC’s serial port:
Attach the included RJ-45F-to-DB9M adapter to the cable, then (if
necessary) add the included DB9F-to-DB25M adapter. Get any cable,
adapters, etc., that you’d run from a PC’s DB9M or DB25M serial port to
the device. Plug these into the DB9M or DB25M end of the Module’s
adapter assembly and run them to the device. (Keep in mind that the
normal distance limit for RS-232 communication is 50 ft. [15.2 m].)

5. (Optional) If this is the last Management Module in the daisychain: Plug one end
of an RJ-45 cable (the other included one if you didn’t already use it in step 4,
one just like it otherwise) into the “DATA OUT” port of this Module. Take
the other end of this cable and attach one or more of the Module’s included
adapters (or identical ones if you’ve already used any of them—call Black Box
Tech Support for extras) to connect to a “pass-through” serial device that you
can communicate with when none of the Power Management Modules are
active. Refer to the “bullet points” in step 4 above for how to do this.

6. Connect the male (inlet) end of the Module’s included power patch cord to
the port marked “POWER OUT” on the back of the Management Module.

7. Connect the female (outlet) end of this cord to the power inlet on the device
that the Module will be controlling.

8. Finally, run the device’s power cord from its own inlet to a properly rated wall
outlet.

27

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3.1.7.C After Installing the Modules

Once you’ve installed all your Modules, cables, power cords, etc., your power­managed ServLINK system should be ready to be powered up. When you do so
(see the next section), the ServLINK’s control software will automatically sense that
you’ve added the Power Management Modules. Refer to Section 5.1.3 for
instructions on configuring the Modules.

Figure 3-12 shows the logical layout of a ServLINK system that includes Power
Management Modules, and Figure 3-13 (on the following page) shows the physical
layout of such a system.

Figure 3-12. Management-Module connection logic.

IN OUT

IN OUT

SERIAL

DATA

ACCESS CONTROL CARD

DATA

RS232 COMM

IN OUT

IN OUT

SERIAL

DATA

RS232 COMM

OTHER SYSTEMS

MODEM

POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE

SERVLINK UNIT

SERVER PC

POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE

SERVLINK’S DEDICATED

FIRST DEVICE’S

OPTIONAL

OTHER DEVICES’ POWER MANAGEMENT MODULES,
PASS-THROUGH DEVICE AT END OF CHAIN IF DESIRED

28

SERVLINK™

Figure 3-13. A ServLINK system with Management Modules installed.

To

optional

modem

To additional Power

Management Modules

attached to other devices,

and/or to an optional pass-

through serial device

29

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3.1.8 A

TTACHINGPOWERDIRECTLY(NOPOWERMANAGEMENTMODULES

)

If your system doesn’t include Power Management Modules, take these steps to
hook it up to AC power: First make sure that the ServLINK’s power switch is OFF,
then run the included power cord (shown in Figure 3-14) between the IEC 320
power connector on the ServLINK and an appropriate AC wall outlet. (This outlet
must be near the equipment and must be easily accessible so that the ServLINK
can be easily unplugged if it ever needs servicing.) Plug in the rest of the attached
devices.

Figure 3-14. Attaching the power cord to the ServLINK.

Power cord