Black Box ACU3201A, ACU3222A, ACU3209A, ACU3228A, ACUMR02A User Manual

November 2009

ACU3201A
ACU3222A
ACU3209A
ACU3228A

ACUMR02A

ACUMRA02A

PS/2 Micro Extender

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

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Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!

Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand PS/2 Micro 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 PS/2 Micro 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:

ACU3201A ACU3222A
ACU3209A ACU3228A
ACUMR02A ACUMRA02A

User Guide Revision: 2.0 (November 2009)

SERVSWITCH™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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Copyrights and Trademarks

©2005/2009. 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 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

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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™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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

5

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™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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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

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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.

• 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™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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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

3.5 Connection to Rack Mount Hub Local Units 26

4. Remote Unit Configuration & Operation 28

4.1 Command Mode 28

4.2 Adjusting Video 30

4.3 Other Remote Configuration & Operation Options 31

5. Local Unit Operation 34

5.1 Overview 34

5.2 Dual Access Systems 34

6. Troubleshooting 36

6.1 Video 36

6.2 Keyboard & Mouse 37

6.3 Audio 38

6.4 Serial 38

6.5 General Questions 39

CONTENTS

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Appendix A: Example Applications 40

Appendix B: RMK19U-X3 Mounting Kit 44

Appendix C: Flash Upgrading 45

Appendix D: Cable Pinning 46

Appendix E: Audio/Serial Ports 47

Appendix F: Calling Black Box 49

Appendix G: Specifications 50

SERVSWITCH™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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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.

Enter Command Mode on Remote unit

<Left Control> + <Left Shift> + <F10>

Choose video channel: <1> or <2>

Adjustments apply to selected channel.

Video equalization
applies to both
channels.
See page 30

Interconnect

cable >75ft (25m)?

Yes

No

Set Video Equalization

<Left Control> + <E>

Setup Complete

TFT Users: Set monitor to auto-adjust, or if you are an

advanced user, manually adjust the monitor’s clock and
phase for optimum video quality.

Configure

single channel or

both?

Single

Both

QUICK SETUP

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1.1 Command Summary

By using a specific ‘hot’ key sequence, you can put the Remote consol e keyboard into a
Command Mode. From this, you can use various keys and key combinations to equalize the
video signal and generally configure the extender system. The following table summarizes the
‘hot’ key command sequences (see page 28).

Command Mode

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

<Left Control> + <Left Shift> + <F10>
<ESC>
<Left Control> + <ESC>

Video - Channel Selection, Equalization and DDC

Select Channel For Adjustment
Select BOTH Video Channels
Toggle Video Equalization
Disable DDC Emulation
Enable DDC Emulation
Transfer DDC from monito r to Local Unit

<1>, <2>
<0>
<Left Control> + <E>
<Left Control> + <F2>
<F2>
<Left Control> + <D>

Reset Commands

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

<F1>
<F3>
<Left Control> + <F9>

Private Mode

Toggle Private Mode*
Toggle Video Blanking State at other console*

<Scroll Lock>
<Left Control> + <Scroll Lock>

* Commands also available at Local console in Dual Access Kits: ACU3209A and
ACU3228A (see page 34).

SERVSWITCH™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

The ServSwitch™ Brand PS/2 Micro Extender Series enables two channels of high-resolution
video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and, optionally, stereo audio and serial port signals to be
communicated up to 150ft (50m) over CATx (Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher) 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.

Single Head

An extender system that supports one monitor only.

Dual Head

An extender system that supports two monitors.

OVERVIEW

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Figure 1 KVM extender system

Local Access

ACU3209A, ACU3228A only.

Audio Transmission

ACU3222A, ACU3228A
and ACUMRA02A

KVM extension over CATx
cables up to 150ft (50m).

LOCAL unit

REMOTE unit

Serial Transmission

ACU3222A, ACU3228A and
ACUMRA02A

SERVSWITCH™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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2.3 Features

Members of the ServSwitch™ Brand PS/2 Micro Extender Series offer the following features:

• Supports high video resolution for use with TFT displays:

1600x1200@75Hz up to 150ft (50m)

• All control and video tuning made through attached keyboard.

• Settings stored in EEPROM memory.

• Local and Remote units are flash-upgradeable.

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

Extender Local unit emulates a universal monitor; ensures compatibility with multi-head
graphics cards

• Transparent DDC

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

• Dual-Head local access

(ACU3209A and ACU3228A only)

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

locked console can be enabled or blanked.
(ACU3209A and ACU3228A only)

• Status indicator LEDs on each RJ45 port.

• Small footprint chassis.

• Rack mount option: plate available to mount three units across 1U.

• External PSU Overvoltage protection

Extender unit will not operate if an incorrect PSU is connected.

• Surge-protected CATx interfaces

• 5V universal PSU (supplied for Remote unit)

• Optional 5V PSU connector on Local unit. Local units are normally powered directly by

the connected PC (or switch)

• Transparent serial port 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).
ACU3222A, ACU3228A and ACUMRA02A only

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

quality audio extension.
ACU3222A, ACU3228A and ACUMRA02A only

OVERVIEW

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2.4 Product Range

There are six products in the range:

Dual Video Channel Kit (Standard)

ACU3201A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse

Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit

ACU3209A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse

Local Unit (Dual Access) + Remote Unit

Dual Video Channel Kit (Audio)

ACU3222A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse,

Serial, Stereo Audio
Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit

ACU3228A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse,

Serial, Stereo Audio
Local Unit (Dual Access)+ Remote Unit

Dual Video Remote Units

ACUMR02A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse

ACUMRA02A Dual Video Channels, PS/2 KB & Mouse,

Serial, Stereo Audio

SERVSWITCH™ PS/2 MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

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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 50).