Black Box ACU4001A, ACU4201A, ACU4222A User Manual

November 2009

USB Micro Extender

ACU4001A ACU4201A ACU4222A

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!

Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand USB Micro Extender model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced extension 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 USB 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:

ACU4001A ACU4022A ACU4201A ACU4222A

User Guide Revision: 2.0 (November 2009)

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Copyrights and Trademarks

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

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

Disclaimer

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the product without notice.

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

Cautions and Notes

The following symbols are used in this guide:

CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction that should be followed to avoid any potential damage to hardware or property, loss of data, or personal injury.

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

FCC/CDC STATEMENTS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level 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.

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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

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el

aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.

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

ser respetadas.

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

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

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

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

recomendados por el fabricante.

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

por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo

descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso.

La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como

radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en

el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

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

no sea eliminada.

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

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

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND USB MICRO EXTENDER FAMILY

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del

fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un

largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre

la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines

To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation please note the following installation guidelines:

• Do not use to link between buildings.

• Only use in dry, indoor environments.

• If the building has 3-phase AC power, try to ensure that equipment connected to the

Local and Remote Units is on the same phase.

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

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

• Ensure that the system connected to the Local Unit is connected to power ground.

• Ensure that the monitor connected to the Remote Unit is connected to power ground.

• 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.

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Contents

1. Quick Setup 9

2. Overview 10

2.1 Introduction 10

2.2 Glossary 10

2.3 Features 12

2.4 Product Range 13

2.5 Compatibility 14

2.6 How to Use This Guide 15

3. Installation 16

3.1 Package Contents 16

3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements 17

3.3 Remote Unit Installation 18

3.4 Local Unit Installation 21

4. Troubleshooting 24

4.1 Video 24

4.2 USB 25

4.3 Audio 26

4.4 Serial 26

4.5 General Questions 27

Appendix A: Example Applications 28 Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 32 Appendix C: Audio/Serial Ports 33 Appendix D: Calling Black Box 35 Appendix E: Specifications 36

QUICK SETUP

1. Quick Setup

This section briefly describes how to install your USB Micro extender system. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full procedures described in the rest of this manual.

Set Video Distance DIP Switches

Set DIP switches on base of Remote Unit to position for Interconnect cable length:

DIP Switch 1: Primary Interconnect (channel 1) DIP Switch 2: Interconnect 2 (ACU4201A & ACU4222A only)

15-75ft (5-25m) OFF (default) 75ft-150ft (25-50m) ON

Connect Remote Unit and devices

Connect Remote Unit to monitor, USB and audio/serial devices (if present). Connect 5V power supply.

Connect Local Unit to CPU

Connect Local Unit to CPU video, USB and Audio/Serial ports (if used). Connect Local monitor(s) to video output(s) on Local Unit. Note. If you intend to connect the Local Unit to an external USB hub, ensure that it is self-powered. If not, you will need an additional 5V PSU for the Local Unit (not supplied).

Connect Local and Remote Units

Connect extender units with up to 150ft (50m) of compatible CATx interconnect cable.

Power Up

Power up the CPU. Switch on the Remote Unit power supply. Auto-adjust flat panel monitors

See Setting the

Cable Length DIP Switches on page

18.

See Connecting the Remote Unit on page 19.

See Local Unit Installation on page

21.

See Interconnection Cable Requirements on page 17.

Use LEDs on Interconnect ports to check operation (see pages 20 and 23).

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2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

The ServSwitch™ Brand USB Micro Extender Series enables high-resolution video, USB, stereo audio, and serial port signals to be communicated up to 150ft (50m) over Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher (CATx) cable.

A basic USB extension system comprises a Local Unit (transmitter) and a Remote Unit (receiver). The Local Unit connects directly to the computer (or a USB Hub) using the supplied cable(s). The user console (consisting of monitor, keyboard, mouse and other devices) attaches to the Remote Unit. All Local Units in the USB Micro Extender Series have video output ports, allowing a second user console at the CPU (using further CPU/Hub ports). The Remote and Local Units communicate video and data information along the connecting CATx cable (see Figure 1).

Within the product range, models are available with:

• Audio and serial transmission: bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized) and

transparent serial COM port (to 19.2Kbps).

• Multiple video channels: single and dual heads.

2.2 Glossary

The following terms are used in this guide:

CATx PSU KVM Console

Dual Access Single Head Dual Head

Any Category 5, 5e, 6 or higher cable. Desktop power supply. Keyboard, Video and Mouse. A keyboard, monitor, and mouse, plus optional USB/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.

OVERVIEW

CPU

Local Unit

USB and Video extension over CATx cables up to 150ft (50m).

Remote Unit

Serial and Audio Transmission

ACU4022A & ACU4222A only

Local Video Outputs

5V PSU

DualVideo Support

ACU4201A, ACU4222A only

Remote Console

USB Devices

Figure 1 USB Micro Extender System

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2.3 Features

The ServSwitch™ Brand USB Micro Extender Series offers the following features:

• Transparent USB 2.0 Extension (low/full speed only)

Transparently extends most USB peripherals. Remote Unit has integral 4-port USB hub.

• Supports high video resolutions for use with TFT displays

1600x1200@75Hz over 150ft (50m)

• Emulated VESA DDC (Display Data Channel)

Extender Local Unit emulates a universal monitor Ensures maximum compatibility with multi-head graphics cards DDC emulation on all video channels

• Local Video Output

Local video output on all video channels Allows dual-access operation when a local USB keyboard and mouse are connected directly to the CPU (or via a hub)

• Single and Dual-Head Video Support

One CATx cable required per channel

• 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 support (on certain models)

16-bit digitized high-quality audio extension.

• Local Unit powered by USB

Local Unit takes power directly from USB connection. Optional 5V PSU may be connected for video only applications or when USB power is insufficient.

• External PSU Overvoltage Protection

Remote or Local Unit will not operate if an incorrect (>5V) PSU is connected.

• Status indicator LEDs on each RJ45 port

• Small footprint chassis

• Rack mount option

Plate available to mount three units across 1U.

• Surge protection on each RJ45 port

• CPU cables included

+ 30 hidden pages