Blackbox ACS253A-CT, ACS253A-SM, ACS253A-MM, ACS253A-U-MM, ACS253A-U-SM Instruction Manual

THE SERVSWITCH FAMILY

Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!

Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand DVI KVM Extender
model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appre ciate the many ways that your
enhanced keyboard/video/mouse system wil l 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, th ere’ 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 differe nt 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 DVI KVM Extender,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. F or an introduction to the Extender, see
Chapter 2. The Extender product codes covered in this manual are:

ACS253A-CT

ACS253A-MM

ACS253A-SM

ACS253A-U-MM

ACS253A-U-SM

1

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

Copyrights and Trademarks

©2004. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without
the prior written consent of the manufacturer.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall
not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the use of this material.

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 responsibilit y for errors or omissions. Neither d oes the manufacturer ass ume 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 da mage 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 injur y
arising directly, indirectl y, or consequentl y 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.

2

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 specificati ons 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 PC-equipment cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with
radio frequency energy emission regulati ons and ensure a suitably high level of i mmunity 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 Regulatio n of the Canadian Depart ment 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 Ministerié des Communications du Canada.

3

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This is to certify that, when installed and used according to the instructions in this
manual, together with the specified cables and the maximum cable length <3m, the
Units are shielded against the generation of radio interferences in accordance with the
application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC as well as these standards:

EN 55022: Fiber+STP 1999 Class B
EN 55022: UTP 1999 Class A
EN 55024: 1999

IEC 61000-4-2: 2001
IEC 61000-4-3: 2001
IEC 61000-4-4: 2001
IEC 61000-4-5: 2001 (CATx device only)

EN 61000-3-2 2001
EN 61000-3-3 2002

The device was tested in a typical configuration with PC.

4

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.

5

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI 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 cuand o el equip o 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.

6

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 u se CATx-devices to link between buildings – please use fiber devices.

• 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 a CATx link cable alongside power cables.

• En sure that the system connected to the Local unit is connected to power ground.

• En s ure t hat the monit or connected to the Remote unit is connected to power ground and

does not use an isolated power supply.

• Th e Remote unit, Local unit and any power supplies can get warm. Do not locate them
in an enclosed space without any airflow.

• Do not p lace a power supply dire ctl y on top of a unit.

• Do not obs truct a unit’s ventilation holes.

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) or the
Fiber link interface (SC-Duplex) to any other products,
especially telecommunications or network equipment.

7

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

Optical Models

Models: ACS253A-SM, ACS253A-MM, ACS253A-U-MM and ACS253A-U-SM
DVI/VGA Upgrade Kits: ACS253A-DVI-MM and ACS253A-DVI-SM

These are Class 1 Laser products. Multimode transceivers comply with IEC 825-1 and FD 21
CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. Singlemode transceivers comply with IEC 60825-1 and FDA 21
CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. To meet laser safety requirements, the transceivers shall be
operated within the absolute maximum ratings.

The use of optical instruments with this product may cause
an eye hazard. All adjustments have been made at the
factory prior to shipment of the device. No maintenance or
alteration to the device is required.

Tampering with or modifying the performance of the device
will result in voided product warranty.

Usage Restrictions

Optical ports must be terminated with an optical connector or with a dust plug. Failure to
adhere to the above restrictions could result in a modification that is considered an act of
“manufacturing” and will require, under law, recertification of the modified product with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (ref. 21 CFR 1040.10(i)).

8

CONTENTS

Contents

1. Quick Setup 11

1.1 Video Input/Output 12

1.2 Command Summary 13

2. Overview 14

2.1 Introduction 14

2.2 Glossary 14

2.3 Features 16

2.4 Product Range 17

2.5 Compatibility 18

2.6 How to Use This Guide 19

3. Installatio n 20

3.1 Package Contents 20

3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements 21

3.3 System Setup 22

3.4 Diagnostic LEDs 26

3.5 Access Switching 27

3.6 Private Mode 27

4. Device Control 28

4.1 Opening the OSD 29

4.2 Using the OSD 31

5. Monitor Setup 40

6. Extender Setup 41

6.1 Overview 41

6.2 Setup Instructions for VGA Input 42

7. Troubleshooting 44

7.1 Video 44

7.2 Keyboard & Mouse 45

9

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

Appendix A: Example Applications 46

Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 51

Appendix C: System Upgrade & Dual Access 53

Appendix D: Video Modes and Frame Rates 54

Appendix E: USB – Hig h Power/Low Power 56

Appendix F: Audio/Serial Upgrade 57

Appendix G: Calling Black Box 59

Appendix H: Specifications 60

Appendix I: Connectors and Cables 63

10

QUICK SETUP

Install system

Monitor Setup

VGA Input Setup

have a flat screen

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 t he command summary on page 13
when following this procedure.

1. C onnect Remote unit to KVM.

2. C onnect Local unit to CPU or switch.

3. C onnect Local and Remote units with matching interconnection cable
(CATx, Multimode or Singlemode fiber).

4. Power up the system.

Do you have a

DVI monitor?

Yes

No

No

Carry out the
procedure (please refer to its
manual and see page 40 in
this manual).

Do you have a

DVI source?

No

Carry out

Yes

procedure

(please follow the instructions on page 42).

Do you
(TFT)?

Yes

Done

11

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

1.1 Video Input/Output

If possible, always use DVI output from your computer’s video card and DVI input to a
monitor. This provides the optimum video signal. If you use a VGA output from your graphi c
source, the ACS253A Local unit must digitize the signal prior to transmission. Similarly, if
your remote TFT screen uses a VGA input, it must digitize the signal from the Remote unit.
In both cases, the built-in video processors must determine the resolution and pixel phase for
an optimized digitization. Your DVI Extender allows you to optimize the video signal
manually or automatically using its on-screen utility (see Chapter 4). If you are using a VGA
input to a TFT monitor, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

You may have several possible options for video source output/monitor input. If this is the
case, for the optimum video quality, please select the highest ranked avail able combination
from the following table:

Video Quality Local Unit input Remote Unit output

1 DVI DVI
2 DVI VGA
3 VGA DVI
4 VGA VGA

12

QUICK SETUP

1.2 Command Summary

The following table summarizes the ‘hot’ key command sequences used in system
configuration and video tuning on a Remote unit console.

Command

Enter OSD

Exit OSD

Select next position

Select previous

position

Select Submenu

Select parameter

modification

Increase parameter

Decrease parameter

Accept and store

modified parameter

Keyboard

at Remote unit

<Left Control>

+ <Left Shift> + <I>

<ESC> <X>

<Right Arrow> <R>

<Left Arrow> <L>

<Enter> <S>

<Enter> <S>

<Right Arrow> <R>

<Left Arrow> <L>

<Enter> <S>

Terminal or

Windows Utility program*

<O> + <S> + <D>

+ <Enter>

Back to the Menu

selection

* Commands are not case-sensitive.

13

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

A basic KVM extension system comprises a Local unit (transmitter) and a Remote unit
(receiver). The Local unit connects directl y to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using
the supplied cable(s). The user console (keyboard, mouse and monitor) attaches to the
Remote unit. The Remote and Local units communicate video and data information along the
interconnecting cable (see Figure 1). Local units offer dual access, allowing the connection of
a second user console close to the computer. With the optional upgrade kit, you can also use
ACS253A units to communicate stereo audio and serial port signals.

The ServSwitch Brand DVI KVM Extender Series enables high-resolution video, PS/2
keyboard and mouse signals to be communicated up to:

• 300ft (100m) over Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher (CATx) cable.

• 1200ft (400m) over Multimode fiber cable (50/125µ).

• 600ft (200m) over Multimode fiber cable (62.5/125µ).

• 6¼ mil es (10km) over Singlemode fiber cable (9/125µ).

In a digital application (DVI input and output), there is no loss of picture quality irrespective
of extension distance and no adjustments are required. The DVI KVM Extender Series also
supports traditional analog VGA as well as digital DVI. All combinations of DVI and VGA
(graphics cards and monitors) are supported, all owin g eq uip ment to be mixed. In a mixed
analog/digital application, some adjustment of the video signal is necessary to optimize the
analog-digital signal conversions. DVI KVM Extenders are equipped with various automatic
and manual video correction tools in an on screen utility (see page 28).

2.2 Glossary

The following terms are used in this guide:

CATx
Multimode
Singlemode
PSU
KVM
Console
Dual Access
Single Head
Dual Head

Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable.
Any multimode 2-fiber cable 50/125µ or 62.5/125µ
Any singlemode 2-fiber cable 9/125µ
The desktop power supply connected to the Local/Remote unit.
Keyboard, Video and Mouse.
A keyboard, monitor, and mouse, plus optional serial/audio devices.
A system allowing connection of Local and Remote user consoles.
An extender system that supports one monitor.
An extender system that supports two monitors.

14

OVERVIEW

Dual Video Support

Serial/Audio and USB

LOCAL unit

REMOTE unit

Local Access

KVM extension over CATx
or fiber optic cables.

extension options

Figure 1 KVM extender system

15

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

2.3 Features

All members of the ServSwitch Brand DVI KVM Extender Series offer the following
features:

• Su pport for high video resolution over extended distances:

1600x1200@60Hz over all allowed distances
all lower resolutions with refresh rates of at least 75Hz

• All models come with dual access, to allow local or remote operation

(Local DVI access limited to screen resolutions up to 1280x1024).

• All contr ol and video tuning carried out using an on screen display (OSD) with settings

stored in EEPROM memory.

• Local/Remote unit 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.

• 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).

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

quality, low-noise audio extension.

• USB support on certain models; connect up to four USB devices directly to the USB hub

on the remote unit.

• Status indicator LEDs on each device.

• Small footprint chassi s.

• Ra ck mount options availa ble.

• CPU cables + Adapters included.

16

OVERVIEW

2.4 Product Range

There are five products in the range and various upgrade kits:

PS2 Style Kits

ACS253A-CT DVI-Extender Set: PS2 Dual Access, CATx
ACS253A-MM DVI-Extender Set: PS2 Dual Access, Multimode
ACS253A-SM DVI-Extender Set: PS2 Dual Access, Singlemode

USB Style Kits

ACS253A-U-MM DVI-Extender Set: USB Dual Access, Multimode
ACS253A-U-SM DVI-Extender Set: USB Dual Access, Singlemode

Upgrade Kits

ACS253A-AS Audio/Ser ial Upgrade kit
ACS253A-TM PS2-keyboard/mouse Upgrade kit for USB devices
ACS253A-DVI-CT DVI Upgrade kit for additional video channel – CATx
ACS253A-DVI-MM DVI Upgrade kit for additional video channel - Multimode
ACS253A-DVI-SM DVI Upgrade kit for additional video channel - Singlemode
ACS253A-G2 Double-width housing

17

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI 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.

• 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. 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.

• USB: compatible to USB 1.0 and USB 1.1. Transmission fully transparent.

Some USB-CDROM or DVD burning devices may not work properly.

• Analog 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 H: Specifications, page 46).

• Di git al Video: DVI single link for resolution up t o 1600x1200 at 60Hz. Frame rates and

colors depend on device type (CATx or Fiber – see Appendix D: Video Modes and
Frame Rates, page 54)

18

OVERVIEW

2.6 How to Use This Guide

This guide describes the installation and configuration of the ServSwitch Brand DVI KVM
Extender Series. Although the connection and operation of the system is relatively
straightforward, you should consider the following before getting started:

Connection & Compatibility

If you have purchased an Extender Kit, this will contain all the cables required to connect the
Local unit to your PC or KVM switch. The Remote console (keyboard, monitor and mouse)
and any audio and serial equipment connects directly to the Remote unit.

For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 20.

Interconnection Cable

For ACS253A-CT Extenders, you will need CATx (any category 5, 5e, 6 or higher) cable,
terminated with RJ45 plugs, to connect the Local and Remote units. Other units require
singlemode or multimode fibers (see Interconnection Cable Requirements, page 21.

Adjusting Video

Due to the digital nature of the transmitted signals, there is no distortion of video signals or
skew problem even with CATx interconnection cables.

If you do not have a DVI source and a DVI monitor, you will need to adjust the monitor
and/or the Extender to the picture widt h and the pixel p hase. You can do this using the Auto
Adjust or Manual Adjust procedures (see page 41).

• For experienced users there is a Quick Setup section at the start of this guide

(see page 11).

• For the full procedure, see Monitor Setup (page 40) and/or Extender Setup (page 41).

19

SERVSWITCH BRAND DVI KVM EXTENDER FAMILY

3. Installation

For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single
room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identi fy and s ol ve any
cabling problems, and experiment with the KVM extender system more conveniently.

3.1 Package Contents

You should receive the following items in your extender package (all types):

• Extender Remote unit.

• 6V DC 12W universal power supply for Remote unit.

• Extender Local unit.

• 6V DC 12W universal power supply for Local unit.

• 2x DVI-I to VGA adapter (DVI-I dual link male to HD15 female) connector.

• 1 x VGA to DVI-I adapter (HD15 male to DVI-I dual link female) connector.

• Pr ogramming cable (DB9 female to RJ11 4p4c).

• Us e r manual.

• 2x US-type power cord.

All PS/2 models are supplied with:

• KVM CPU cable set (1.8m) with PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male-to-male) keyboard and

mouse connector and DVI-I video (DVI-I dual link male-to-male) connector

All USB types are supplied with:

• DVI-I video cable (DVI-I dual link male-to-male)

• USB cab le ( USB t ype A to type B)

• 5V DC 12W universal power supply for Remote unit

(only required when connecting t wo or more High Power USB devices -
see Appendix E: USB – High Power/Low Power).

• US-type power cord (additional)
If anything is missing, please contact Technical Support (see Appendix G: Calling Black

Box).

20

INSTALLATION

3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements

To connect the Local and Remote units you will need:

• CATx M odules: S/UTP (CAT5) cable acc. to EIA/TIA 56A or TSB 36 or Digital STP

17-03170. Four pairs AWG 24. Pinout acc. EIA/TIA 568A (10BaseT). Screen must be
connected on both ends. Please ensure that the connection is tension-free.

• M ult imode Modules: Two fibers 50µm or 62.5µm.

• Singlemode Modules: Two fibers 9µm.

• Power Supply

Connect the supplied 6V/DC power supplies to the Plug terminal on the rear of both
Local and Remote units.

USB devices have an additional power supply. You need to attach this PSU to the
Remote unit if the total power consumption of the attached USB devices exceeds 500 mA
(see Appendix E: USB – High Power/Low Power ).

21