Black Box ACU3001A, ACU3022A, ACUMREM, ACU1007A, ACU3009A User Manual

November 2009

ACU3001A
ACU3009A
ACU3022A
ACU1007A

ACUMREM

ACUWREM

ACU1006MRA

ACU1006MRVA

CAT KVM Micro Extender

5

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

1

Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!

Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM 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 CAT5 KVM 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:

ACU3001A ACU3009A
ACU3022A ACU1007A
ACUMREM ACUWREM
ACU1006MRA ACU1006MRVA

User Guide Revision: 2.0 (November 2009)

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

2

Copyrights and Trademarks

©2002/9. 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

3

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.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

4

EUROPEAN UNION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

WARNING!

This is a class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause
radio interference, in which case the user might be required to take adequate
remedial measures.

This product complies with the following harmonized standards for Information Technology
Equipment: EN55022:2006 (Class A), EN55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003.

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

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

NOM STATEMENT

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.

NOM STATEMENT

6

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

7

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.

• 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 CAT5 link interface (RJ45) to any
other products, especially telecommunications or
network equipment.

CONTENTS

8

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 17

3. Installation 18

3.1 Package Contents 18

3.2 Interconnection Cable Requirements 19

3.3 Remote Unit Installation 20

3.4 Connecting the Remote Unit 21

3.5 Local Unit Installation 24

3.6 Connection to Local Hubs 27

4. Remote Unit Operation 29

4.1 Operating Standard Units 29

4.2 Operating Audio/Serial Remote Units 30

5. Local Unit Operation 32

5.1 Overview 32

5.2 Operation of Dual Access Local Units 33

6. Troubleshooting & FAQ 35

6.1 Video 35

6.2 Audio 36

6.3 Serial 36

6.4 Keyboard & Mouse 37

6.5 General Questions 38

CONTENTS

9

Appendix A: Example Applications 39
Appendix B: Audio/Serial Ports 44
Appendix C: Calling Black Box 46
Appendix D: Specifications 47

QUICK SETUP

10

1. Quick Setup

This section briefly describes how to install your KVM Micro 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.

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.

Note: The above chart is not applicable to ACU1007A

Set Video Distance DIP Switch

Set DIP switch 1 on base of Remote Unit to position for Interconnect
cable length (see page 20):

<25m OFF (default)
25-50m ON

Scroll Lock Function

Micro-Extender redefines
Scroll Lock key for system use.
Is this OK?

Choose ‘Hot’ Key

Micro-Extender uses <Right
Control> key as ‘Hot’ Key. Is

this OK?

No No

Yes

Are you installing

Audio/Serial units?

Yes No

Change to <Left Control> by
setting DIP switch 2 on
Remote Unit to ON

Set DIP switch 2 on Remote
Unit to ON to restore normal
Scroll Lock function.

QUICK SETUP

11

1.1 Command Summary

The implementation of commands in the Micro Extender family differs in Standard and
Audio/Serial systems:

Standard Units

ACU3001A, ACU3009A, ACUMREM and ACU1006MRA only

Standard and Dual Access Micro Extenders redefine the Scroll Lock key for issuing system
commands:

Command Key Sequence
Reset Keyboard and

Mouse Devices

<Scroll Lock>

Mouse Recovery

<Scroll Lock> + Left and Right Mouse buttons

Dual Access Systems Only (for example, ACU3009A):
Activate Console

(local or remote console)

Any key or mouse action
Only operates if other console has been inactive for at
least 2s

Start/End Private Session
(local console only)

<Scroll Lock>
also resets keyboard and mouse. To do so without
starting Private session, press <Scroll Lock> twice.

Audio/Serial Units

ACU3022A, ACUWREM and ACU1006MRVA only

After pressing and releasing an initial ‘hot’ key, normally <Right Control>, on the remote
keyboard, you can issue a number of commands:

Command Key (after pressing ‘hot’ key)
Reset Local Keyboard and Mouse

<Num-Pad Up Arrow>

Mouse Recovery

<Num-Pad Left Arrow>

When used with compatible Dual Access Audio/Serial
Local Units/Hubs (for example, ACU1006DVRA):

Activate Console

Any key or mouse action
Operates if other console has been inactive for >2s

Start/End Private Session at
remote console

<Scroll Lock>

Change the ‘hot’ key to <Left Control> by setting DIP switch 2 to ON .

OVERVIEW

12

2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

TheServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender products described in this manual
enable high-resolution video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse and, optionally, stereo audio and
serial port signals to be communicated up to 150 ft (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 monitor) attaches to the
Remote Unit. 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 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.

• 6-port Remote Hubs in a rack mount chassis.

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 devices.
Dual Access A system allowing connection of local and remote user consoles.
Single Head An extender system that supports one monitor.
Dual Head An extender system that supports two monitors.

OVERVIEW

13

Figure 1 ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender system

localAccess

ACU3009A only.

Serial and Audio
Transmission

Kit: ACU3022A
Remote Units:

ACUWREM,
ACU1006MRVA

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

Local Unit

Remote Unit

remote Console

OVERVIEW

14

2.3 Features

All members of the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender product family offer
the following features:

• Support for high video resolution over extended distances:

1280x1024@75Hz up to 150 ft (50m).

• Video equalization circuitry compensates for loss of image quality over extended cable

lengths.

• Fully buffered signals to ensure consistent remote operation of your PC.

• DDC emulation in Local Unit ensures compatibility for all standard graphics modes

• Intelligent PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation ensures PCs do not lock-up and allows

peripherals to be hot-plugged.

• Dual-Access models allow local or remote operation.

• Audio/Serial versions only: 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).

• Audio/Serial versions only: Bi-directional stereo audio (16-bit digitized) support on

certain models enables high-quality audio extension.

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

• Private Mode on dual-access models allows user to lock out remote console.

• Small footprint chassis.

• Rack mount options available.

• Surge protection on each RJ45 port.

• Micro Extender Remote Units are fully compatible with Servswitch™ Brand CAT5

Extender Local Hubs.

• CPU KVM cables included (certain models).

ACU1007A extends PS/2 keyboard and mouse only over distances of up to
1000 ft (300m.)

OVERVIEW

15

2.4 Product Range

There are eight products in the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender range:

Kits for KVM Extension Only

ACU3001A Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse

Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit

ACU3009A Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse

Local Unit (Dual Access) + Remote Unit

Kits for KVM, Audio and Serial Extension

ACU3022A Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Audio and Serial

Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit

Kit for PS/2 Extension Only (up to 300m)

ACU1007A PS/2 KB & Mouse

Local Unit (Single Access) + Remote Unit

Remote Units Only

ACUMREM Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse
ACUWREM Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Audio and Serial
ACU1006MRA 6-port Micro Extender Hub, 1U rack

Each port:

Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse

ACU1006MRVA 6-port Micro Extender Hub, 1U rack

Each port:

Single Video Channel, PS/2 KB & Mouse, Audio and

Serial