Black Box SW722A-R5, SW723A-R5, SW725A-R5, KV3104MA-R5, KV3104MN-R5 User Manual
...
Use one keyboard, monitor and mouse to access
a number of IBM
®
PC compatible computers, so
you can significantly reduce your equipment
overhead and end keyboard and monitor clutter.
ServSwitch
™
KVM Switch
Order toll-free in the U.S. : Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: ww w.blackbox.com • E-mail: info @blackbox.com
Customer
Support
Information
March 2009
codes codes
codes codes
codes codes
SW721A-R5 SW725A-R5
SW722A-R5 KV3104MA-R5
SW723A-R5 KV3104MN-R5
SW724A-R5 KV3108SA-R5
WELCOME TO THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
1
Welcome to the ServSwitch™ Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand KVM switch! We
appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your
new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch 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 ServSwitch™ unit, including how to
install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSwitch, see
Chapter 2. The ServSwitch product codes covered in this manual are:
SW721A-R5 SW725A-R5
SW722A-R5 KV3104MA-R5
SW723A-R5 KV3108SA-R5
SW724A-R5
This manual also includes information about the acessories with these product
codes (each comes with its own installation guide if ordered separately):
KV5100C RMK23B
RMK19M RMK23C
RMK19B RMK24M
RMK19C RMK24B
RMK23M RMK24C
SERVSWITCH™
2
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX is a registered trademark, and ServSwitch is a trademark of Black
Box Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Compaq is a registered trademark, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer
Corporation.
ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.™
AT, IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and
PC/XT is a trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation.
Logitech is a trademark of Logitech, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, HyperTerminal, IntelliMouse, and Windows NT are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the
United States and other countries.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
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.
FCC /IC STATEMENTS
3
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
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 lebrouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
SERVSWITCH™
4
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5
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.
SERVSWITCH™
6
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications................................................................................................ 10
2. Introduction.................................................................................................. 13
2.1 The Complete Package............................................................................ 13
2.2 Operating Features.................................................................................. 13
2.3 The Front Panel....................................................................................... 15
2.4 The Rear Panel........................................................................................ 17
2.5 Cable Requirements................................................................................ 19
3. Installation.................................................................................................... 20
3.1 Quick Setup Guide.................................................................................. 20
3.2 Installation Procedure ............................................................................. 21
3.2.3 Connecting CPUS ........................................................................... 22
3.2.4 Connecting Submasters (Optional).................................................. 23
3.2.5 Powering up the system................................................................... 24
3.2.6 Changing the keyboard settings of Windows NT 4.0 CPUs ........... 25
3.2.7 Switching from the keyboard .......................................................... 25
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems .......................................................... 26
3.3.1 Cable requirements for expansion................................................... 27
3.3.2 Installing a cascade.......................................................................... 27
4. Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands .................................... 32
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch with Your equipment ................... 32
4.1.1 CPUS............................................................................................... 32
4.1.2 Mouse and keyboard ....................................................................... 33
4.1.3 Monitor............................................................................................ 34
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary .............................................................. 37
4.3 The Commands in Detail ........................................................................ 39
4.3.1 Selecting a port from the shared keyboard...................................... 39
4.3.2 Switching to the next or previous port ............................................ 39
4.3.3 Scan mode....................................................................................... 40
4.3.4 Keep setting..................................................................................... 40
4.3.5 Set screen-saver interval.................................................................. 40
4.3.6 Reset................................................................................................ 41
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7
Chapter Page
4.3.7 Send null byte (PS/2 type mice only) ..............................................41
4.3.8 Identify ROM .................................................................................. 42
4.3.9 Display label.................................................................................... 42
4.3.10 Activate on-screen menus..............................................................42
4.3.11 Activate select window.................................................................. 42
4.3.12 Log out ..........................................................................................43
4.4 Using the RS-232 Port............................................................................. 43
4.4.1 Connecting equipment to the port....................................................43
4.4.2 Switching ports remotely (Optional) ............................................... 44
4.4.3 Upgrading the firmware (Flash memory) ........................................ 45
4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with Terminal-Emulation Software ..... 45
4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with the DOS COPY Command...........47
4.0 Audio, Serial, and their Cables ................................................................. 50
4.1 Audio connectivity .................................................................................. 50
4.2 Serial connectivity:................................................................................. 51
5. Operation: On-Screen Display.................................................................... 52
5.1 Overview................................................................................................. 52
5.1.1 The main menu................................................................................ 52
5.1.2 Navigating the configuration pages ................................................. 53
5.2 The “Configure System” Page.................................................................54
5.2.1 Configure system: Keyboard........................................................... 54
5.2.2 Configure system: Mouse................................................................ 55
5.2.3 Configure system: Maximum computers......................................... 57
5.2.4 Configure system: Expansion units ................................................. 58
5.2.5 Configure system: Expansion width................................................ 58
5.2.6 Configure system: Scan time........................................................... 59
5.2.7 Configure system: Scan Mode......................................................... 59
5.2.8 configure system: Power-on scan .................................................... 59
5.2.9 configure system: Typematic Rate ..................................................59
5.2.10 Configure System: Typematic Delay.............................................60
5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page........................................................... 61
5.3.1 Configure Computers: Computer Name..........................................62
5.3.2 Configure Computers: Keyboard.....................................................63
5.3.3 Configure Computers: Mouse..........................................................64
SERVSWITCH™
8
Chapter Page
5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page............................................................... 65
5.4.1 Configure Overlay: Miscellaneous................................................. 65
5.4.1.A Color Scheme............................................................................... 65
5.4.1.B Resolution .................................................................................... 66
5.4.1.C Screen Saver ................................................................................ 66
5.4.1.D Screen-Saver Time....................................................................... 66
5.4.2 Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window ............................... 67
5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color............................................... 67
5.4.2.B Position ........................................................................................ 67
5.4.3 Configure Overlay: Computer Label............................................... 68
5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color............................................... 68
5.4.3.B Position ........................................................................................ 68
5.4.3.C Show Computer Number.............................................................. 69
5.4.3.D Fade Out...................................................................................... 69
5.4.3.E Font.............................................................................................. 69
5.5 The “Configure Security” Page............................................................... 70
5.5.1 The Configure Password................................................................. 70
5.5.2 The Access Password...................................................................... 70
5.5.3 The Access Timeout........................................................................ 71
5.5.4 Setting The Passwords .................................................................... 71
5.6 The “Computer Select Window” ............................................................ 72
6. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 73
6.1 Restoring Factory-Default Settings......................................................... 73
6.2 Common Problems.................................................................................. 74
6.2.1 CPU Doesn’t Boot........................................................................... 74
6.2.2 Can’t Switch Ports from Keyboard ................................................. 75
6.2.3 Typed Characters wrong or Missing ............................................... 75
6.2.4 Can’t Switch or Scan to Certain Ports............................................. 75
6.2.5 ServSwitch Scans or Switches to Empty Ports................................ 76
6.2.6 Mouse Driver Doesn’t Load............................................................ 76
6.2.7 Can’t Access Mouse Functions....................................................... 76
6.2.8 PS/2 Mouse gets Out of Sync.......................................................... 76
6.2.9 Mouse Doesn’t Move Pointer/Cursor.............................................. 77
6.2.10 Display is Fuzzy............................................................................ 77
6.2.11 Video Not Synchronized or Wrong Color..................................... 77
6.2.12 Can’t Access High Resolutions Mode........................................... 78
6.2.13 On-Screen Display Not Synchronized........................................... 78
TABLE OF CONTENTS
9
Chapter Page
6.2.14 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Docking Station.......................... 78
6.2.15 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Dongle-Protected Software......... 78
6.2.16 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad............................ 79
6.2.17 Lost Password................................................................................ 79
6.3 Calling Black Box ................................................................................... 79
6.4 Shipping and Packaging.......................................................................... 79
Appendices
Appendix Page
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ................................................................80
A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings ..........................................................................80
A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings...................................................................81
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes .......................................................................83
Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port......................................................................85
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard......................................................................86
Appendix E: Rackmounting the ServSwitch .........................................................87
SERVSWITCH™
10
1. Specifications
Hardware
Required — Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video
standard (see Section 4.1.1)
Compliance — CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A
Standards — With original Serv cabling: VGA (color or monochrome/
page white) video;
With original Serv cabling (minimal) or coaxial cabling
(recommended): SVGA video;
With coaxial cabling: XGA (color or monochrome),
RS/6000, or SGI video
Resolution — With original Serv cabling: Up to 1024 x 768
non-interlaced;
With coaxial cabling: Up to 1600 x 1280 non-interlaced;
Refer to Section 4.1.3
Refresh Rate — Up to 100 Hz
Protocol — RS-232: Asynchronous
Data Format — RS-232: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity (fixed)
Data Rate — RS-232: 9600 or (for firmware update only) 57,600 bps
Maximum
Distance — Depending on the CPU, monitor, and video resolution
(see Section 4.1.3), either:
20 ft. (6.1 m) of original Serv cable from any
ServSwitch to any device attached to it, with not
more than 40 ft. (12.2 m) of total original Serv
cable between any CPU and any user station; or
20 ft. (6.1 m) of coaxial cable—possibly as much as
100 ft. (30.5 m), depending on CPUs—from any
ServSwitch to any device attached to it;
Also, 50 ft. (15.2 m) of serial cable from the RS-232
port of any ServSwitch to a computer’s serial port1
CHAPTER !: Specifications
11
User Controls — All models:
Keyboard commands;
On-screen menus;
SW721A-R5:
(3) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“ON/OFF” (power), “+” (switch to next port), and
“–” (switch to previous port);
All models except SW721A-R5:
(2) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“▲” (switch to next port) and “▼” (switch to
previous port);
(1) Rear-mounted rocker switch for power
Interfaces — RS-232 port: EIA/TIA RS-232 proprietarily pinned on
RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) connector, DTE;
CPU and MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE ports:
Proprietary composite of IBM PC/AT or PS/2
keyboard, RS-232 or PS/2 mouse, and video (standards
listed above)
Connectors — All rear-mounted;
(1) RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female: RS-232;
(1) DB25 female: MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE;
(1) Power inlet:
SW721A-R5: 5-pin DIN female;
All other models: IEC 320 male;
DB25 female CPU ports:
SW721A-R5: (2);
SW722A-R5: (4);
SW723A-R5, KV3108SA-R5: (8);
SW724A-R5: (12);
SW725A-R5: (16)
Indicators — All front-mounted LEDs;
All models: (1) for ServSwitch unit: POWER;
SW721A-R5: (4) for CPUs: (2) SELECT, (2) POWER;
SW722A-R5: (8) for CPUs: (4) SELECT, (4) POWER;
SW723A-R5, KV3108SA-R5: (16) for CPUs: (8) SELECT,
(8) POWER;
SW724A-R5: (24) for CPUs: (12) SELECT, (12) POWER;
SW725A-R5: (32) for CPUs: (16) SELECT, (16) POWER
SERVSWITCH™
12
Temperature
Tolerance— 32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C)
Humidity
Tolerance— 5 to 80% noncondensing
Maximum
Altitude— 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Enclosure — Steel
Power — SW721A-R5:
From wallmount external power supply (type may vary,
refer to labeling on transformer):
Either:
Input: 90 to 260 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 65 to 130 mA;
Output: +8 VDC at 1.5 A, –8 VDC at 375 mA;
or:
Input: 90 to 264 VAC at 47 to 63 Hz, 78 to 156 mA;
Output: +12 VDC at 1 A, –12 VDC at 0.5 A;
Consumption: Up to 15 VA (15 watts);
All other models;
From AC outlet through included power cord and
IEC 320 male inlet to UL
®, CUL, and TÜV approved
internal transformer:
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 450 mA;
Output: +5 VDC at 1.5 A, +12 VDC at 1 A;
Consumption: Up to 19.5 VA (19.5 watts)
Size — SW721A-R5:
1.8" (1U) H x 8.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 22.5 x 12.4 cm);
SW722A-R5, KV3108SA-R5:
1.8" (1U) H x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 42.5 x 12.4 cm);
SW723A-R5, SW724A-R5, SW725A-R5:
3.5" (2U) H x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (8.9 x 42.5 x 12.4 cm)
Weight — SW721A-R5: 2 lb. (0.9 kg);
SW722A-R5: 3 lb. (1.4 kg);
KV3108SA-R5: 4 lb. (1.8 kg);
SW723A-R5: 5 lb. (2.3 kg);
SW724A-R5, SW725A-R5: 6 lb. (2.7 kg)
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
13
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch™. Designed with your needs in mind, your
new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer
application. With your Switch, you can use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to
access a number of IBM
®
PC compatible computers (including IBM RS/6000
®
computers and current SGI
®
computers), so you can significantly reduce your
equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor clutter.
This chapter describes everything that comes with the Switch, the external and
operating features of the Switch, and the cabling you’ll need for the Switch.
2.1 The Complete Package
Your ServSwitch package includes the Switch, its power supply, a modular cable
and adapter for connecting the unit’s RS-232 port to a remote PC, and this
manual. If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived damaged, contact
Black Box.
2.2 Operating Features
Some of the useful features of the ServSwitch:
• Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching.
• On-screen menu system for configuration and operation.
• You can access up to 256 CPUs with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. (This
would require the maximum cascaded system of seventeen 16-port Serv units.)
• You can select the desired CPU using the on-screen display, keyboard, front
panel, or RS-232 port.
• Front-panel LEDs show the selected CPU and its power-on state.
• Support for IBM PC and RS/6000 compatible computers, as well as current
SGI compatible computers.
• Mouse can be PS/2, Microsoft serial, PC Mouse
®
(Mouse Systems
®
) serial, or
serial 8-bit type.
• Support for all modes of PS/2 and PC/AT compatible keyboards.
• Support for SVGA, RS/6000, SGI, and color or monochrome XGA or VGA
video at resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 non-interlaced (although all video types
except VGA require coaxial or special cables).
SERVSWITCH™
14
• The units remember and restore Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and
keyboard mode for each CPU.
• Screen-save function can turn off video after 1 to 999 seconds of inactivity.
• Scan function can sequence between CPUs every 1 to 15 seconds.
• Audio support for speakers or microphone..
• Supports serial devices such as Touchscreen and graphic tablets.
• You can program the keyboard’s typematic rate and delay.
• Custom settings for each CPU can be saved in nonvolatile memory.
• The units have flash memory, so you can upgrade their firmware through their
RS-232 ports.
• Rackmount kits are available.
• Full-size 8- and 12-port units can be expanded up to 16 ports by installing
4-Port Expansion Boards. Please contact Black Box Tech Support if you ever
want us to do this for you.
• To use your USB keyboard and USB mouse with the ServSwitch, Black Box
offers two types of USB to PS/2 converters:
• The KVUSB converter (See below left) connects directly to a CPU’s PS/2
keyboard and mouse ports and to a USB keyboard and mouse or to the
keyboard and mouse connectors on a KVM adapter cable.
• The EHNUSB cable (See below right) connects to the DB25F KVM port
on the ServSwitch and to a monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse. This
allows you to use your USB keyboard and mouse at the KVM station.
KVUSB
EHNUSB-xxxx
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
15
2.3 The Front Panel
The front panels of the ServSwitch feature two or three pushbutton switches and
several LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and indicators,
refer to Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 below and the descriptions that follow on the next
page.
Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R5).
Figure 2-2. The front panel of a slimline 8 to 1 ServSwitch (KV3108SA-R5).
Figure
2-3. The front panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (SW725A-R5).
SERVSWITCH™
16
Panel Label Description
POWER (left) Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON.
ON/OFF 2-port units only: Press this button to turn the ServSwitch ON
or OFF.
[Numbered] CPU Status LEDs: Numbered pairs of LEDs indicate the
status of the CPU or submaster (cascaded) Serv device
connected to the corresponding port on the rear panel:
SELECT or [unlabeled left] (red)
Lights if the corresponding port is the currently selected port.
POWER or [unlabeled right] (green)
Lights if the device on the corresponding port is powered ON.
NOTE
The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 each of the Select and
[CPU] Power LED slots. The slimline-model chassis
has 8 each of these slots, and the full-size chassis has
16 each of them. The extra LED slots in the chassis of
the 2-port mini, 4-port slim, and the 8- and 12-port fullsize models are left blank, but are protected by
material mounted inside the chassis.
– or ▼ Previous Port Button: Press this button to manually switch the
shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the currently
selected computer to the previous one in sequence.
+ or▲ Next Port Button: Press this button to manually switch the
shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the currently
selected computer to the next one in sequence.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
17
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the rear panel of the ServSwitch, as
illustrated in Figures 2-4 and 2-5 and described below.
Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R5).
Figure 2-5. The rear panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (SW725A-R5).
Panel Label Conn. Description
CPU N
[
N = a number
from 1 to
either 2, 4, 8,
12, or 16,
depending on
which model
you have]
DB25 F Connect your computers to these ports with “CPU
Adapter Cables.” At the ServSwitch end these cables
have a DB25 male connector; at the other ends, they
have appropriate connectors to plug into your CPUs’
video, keyboard, and mouse ports. These cables take
the signals that would normally pass between the
CPUs’ ports and the monitor, keyboard, and mouse,
and carry them between the CPUs’ ports and the
Switch instead.
You could also connect “submaster” Serv type
switches to these ports using “ServSwitch-toServSwitch Expansion Cables.” These cables have
DB25 male connectors at both ends; at the submaster
end, they should be plugged into a MONITOR/
rt. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 3.2.4.
SERVSWITCH™
18
Panel Label Connector
or Control
Description
CPU N
(continued)
DB25 F
For each submaster you plan to connect, you
must have an Expansion Cable; you must have
an Adapter Cable for each CPU you plan to
connect. See Section 2.5
NOTE
The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 CPU N
connector slots; the slimline-model
chassis has 8 of these slots, and the
full-size chassis has 16 of them. The
extra connector slots in the chassis of
the 2-port, 4-port slim, and 8- and
12-port full-size models are left blank,
but are protected by material mounted
inside the chassis
MONITOR/
KEYBOARD/
MOUSE
DB25 F Connect the shared monitor, keyboard, and
mouse to this port using an “MKM Adapter
Cable.” At the ServSwitch end, this cable has a
DB25 male connector; at the other ends, it has
appropriate connectors to plug into your
monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables. Only one
MKM Adapter Cable is needed. See Section 2.5
RS-232
RJ-12 F If you connect a more distant computer or
terminal to this RS-232 serial port, you’ll be able
to send switching commands to the ServSwitch
from a secondary location. You would also
connect a computer to this port to upgrade the
Switch’s firmware. Refer to Section 4.4
POWER
[Switch], all
except 2-port
Rocker
switch
Flipping this switch turns the ServSwitch ON
and OFF when the power cord is plugged into
the unit and into a working outlet
POWER
[Inlet]
2-port:
5-pin
DIN M
Others:
IEC 320 M
Connect the ServSwitch’s power cord or power
supply cord here. The power supply is auto sensing;
it will accept input voltages from 90 to 264 VAC
(on 2-port units, where it is external) or 100 to
240 VAC (on other models, where it is internal).
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
19
.
2.5 Cable Requirements
Many switches of this type have what seems like ten million connectors on their
rear panels: one for each CPU’s video cable, one for each keyboard cable, and a
third for each mouse cable. The potential for tangling or mismatching cables is
high.
By contrast, you can connect the ServSwitch to your CPUs with one “CPU
Adapter Cable” for each CPU. This single cable reaches the CPU’s video-output,
keyboard, and mouse ports.
Likewise, to connect “submaster” (slave) Serv type switches, you need one
“ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable” for each subsidiary unit.
Lastly, you can connect the ServSwitch to the shared monitor, keyboard and
mouse with a single “MKM Adapter Cable.”
The exact variety or varieties of these cables that you’ll need will depend on the
equipment you are connecting for your application. Refer to Appendix B for the
available types of these cables and the corresponding product codes. Also refer to
Chapter 1 or the first Caution notice on page 22 for information about maximum
cabling distances.
NOTES
SVGA (over longer distances) and XGA video place special demands on
cabling that the regular MKM Adapter Cables and CPU Adapter Cables
typically cannot meet. For these applications, you should use coaxial
cables that can carry video signals not only farther but also at higher
resolutions. See Appendix B and the first Caution notice on page 22.
To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor on a ServSwitch, you
will need special cabling. Call Black Box for technical support; we can
give you a quote on these types of cable.
2.6 Equipment Requirements
If the CPUs you will be controlling through your ServSwitch are not all of the same
type, you will have to be careful to choose a common monitor, keyboard, and
mouse that adequately support all of the CPUs. For full details, see Section 4.1.
SERVSWITCH™
20
3. Installation
3.1 Quick Setup Guide
Figure 3-1, below, shows a basic example of connecting a CPU, a submaster, a
keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse to the ServSwitch unit. Connectors will vary
depending on the types of equipment you are installing.
Figure 3-1. Basic system setup for a slimline 8-port unit.
If the serial or audio features of ServSwitch are being used, connect the appropriate
serial or audio cables from Appendix B. No special set-up is required.
Chapter 3: Installation
21
3.2 Installation Procedure
This section provides complete instructions for the hardware setup of a single
ServSwitch. (For detailed instructions on the capabilities and concerns involved in
installing a cascaded Switch system, see Section 3.3; to make troubleshooting the
installation easier, we recommend that you check the master and each submaster as
it is installed, rather than installing all units, then checking the entire cascade.) For
an illustrated example of the elements of a basic setup, see Figure 3-1 on the
previous page.
3.2.1 R
ACKMOUNTING (OPTIONAL)
If you want to mount the Switch in a rack, you will need a ServSwitch
Rackmounting Kit. For the 2-port mini model (SW721A-R5), our product code for
a 19", 23", or 24" Kit is RMK19M, RMK23M, or RMK24M respectively. For the
slimline models, our product code for a 19", 23", or 24" Kit is RMK19B, RMK23B,
or RMK24B respectively. For the full-size models, our product code for a 19", 23",
or 24" Kit is RMK19C, RMK23C, or RMK24C respectively. See Appendix E for
more information.
3.2.2 C
ONNECTING THE MONITOR, KEYBOARD, AND MOUSE
A Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse (MKM) Adapter Cable connects your monitor,
keyboard, and mouse to the ServSwitch. Because various styles of electrical
connectors are used by different classes of equipment, we supply this cable in
various styles to match (see Appendix B). This cable also comes in the different
lengths supported by different applications (see Section 4.1.3, Appendix B, and the
first Caution notice on the next page).
CAUTION!
Make very sure that the monitor, keyboard, and mouse you plan to use
can meet the demands of your application—see Section 4.1. Also, note
that the ServSwitch doesn’t support keyboard-line dongles.
1. After you verify that the Switch is turned OFF, plug the DB25 male connector
of the MKM Adapter Cable into the port labeled MONITOR/KEYBOARD/
MOUSE on the Switch’s rear panel.
2. Plug the cables from your shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the
corresponding connectors on the other ends of the MKM Adapter Cable.
SERVSWITCH™
22
3.2.3 Connecting CPUS
CPU Adapter Cables run from the ServSwitch to the keyboard port, mouse port,
and video-output port of each CPU you want to directly attach to it. Different types
of this cable fit the connectors on different computers (see Appendix B). This
cable also comes in the different lengths supported by different applications (see
Section 4.1.3).
CAUTION!
Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. Total length
of original Serv cable from the ServSwitch to any attached device
(keyboard, monitor, mouse, CPU, or submaster) should not exceed 20 ft.
(6.1 m); total length of original Serv cabling from any CPU to any
keyboard, monitor, and mouse shouldn’t exceed 40 ft. (12.2 m). For
typical equipment and video resolutions, length of coaxial cable should
not exceed 20 ft. (6.1 m) from a ServSwitch to any attached device.
However, we do provide coaxial cable in lengths up to 100 ft. (30.5 m),
because some CPUs can drive and receive keyboard and mouse signals
at greater distances than others. To go even farther, you might want to
use Station Extenders or CAT5 KVM Extenders (see Appendix B).
1. After you verify that the Switch is turned off and unplugged, plug the DB25
male connector of the first CPU’s CPU Adapter Cable into the low estnumbered
CPU port on the Switch’s rear panel that isn’t going to be
occupied by a submaster Serv type switch. Use consecutively higher-numbered
ports for the rest of the CPUs. For example, if you planned to put three
submasters and three CPUs on an 8-port master Switch, you would put the
submasters on ports CPU 1 through CPU 3 (see Section 3.2.4), and you would
plug the three CPUs into ports CPU 4 through CPU 6.
2. Plug the CPU Adapter Cable’s video-, keyboard-, and mouse-port connectors
into the corresponding ports on the CPU. The CPU should be OFF when you
do this; the Switch will automatically adjust to the CPU’s keyboard mode
when you power up the CPU. Avoid plugging CPUs into the ServSwitch if they
are already ON; if you accidentally do so, see Section 5.3.2 to make sure the
Switch is set for the proper keyboard mode.)
Chapter 3: Installation
23
CAUTION!
Do not attach docking stations for ThinkPad® or other portable
computers, no matter what type or make, to the ServSwitch. It does not
support docking stations; your Serv system might not function properly if
any are attached.
Even if you connect your ThinkPad directly (rather than through a
docking station) to the keyboard, video, and mouse feeds from the
ServSwitch, it still won’t work, because the ServSwitch supports only
“stream mode” (continuous) mouse data but the ThinkPad has to see
“prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse data.
3.2.4 Connecting Submasters (Optional)
To connect a submaster Serv type switch (ServSwitch, ServSwitch Ultra, Matrix
ServSwitch, ServManager, etc.) to a master ServSwitch, run a ServSwitch to
ServSwitch Expansion Cable (our product code EHN055 for original cable or
EHN274 for [recommended] coaxial cable) from one of the master Switch’s CPU
ports to (one of) the submaster’s MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE port(s).
Connect the first submaster to the master Switch’s CPU 1 port and use
consecutively higher-numbered ports (CPU 2, CPU 3, and so on) for the rest of the
submasters. If you are connecting each of several submaster Matrix ServSwitches to
two PC-only or multiplatform master Switches (see Section 3.3), connect the CPU
ports of one master to the submasters’ MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE A ports,
and the CPU ports of the other master to the submasters’ MONITOR/KEYBOARD/
MOUSE B ports.
Before installing an advanced configuration, please call Black Box and discuss
your application with a technician.
SERVSWITCH™
24
3.2.5 Powering up the system
1A. 2-port model (SW721A-R5): Making sure that the connected CPUs and any
connected submasters are OFF (powered down), take the output cord of the
ServSwitch’s power supply and plug its 5-pin DIN male connector into the
power jack on the rear panel of the Switch. Plug the power supply’s input
cord into a working outlet.
1B. Other models: Making sure that the connected CPUs and any connected
submasters are OFF (powered down), take the ServSwitch’s power cord and
plug its IEC 320 female connector into the power inlet on the rear panel of
the Switch. Plug its other end into a working outlet.
2. To power up the ServSwitch, push the ON/OFF button on its front panel (if
it’s a 2-port unit) or move the ON/OFF switch on its rear panel to the “|”
(ON) position (if it’s another type of unit). The ServSwitch should boot
normally, but if the unit’s firmware has become corrupted—probably as the
result of a firmware upgrade going wrong—it will display this message on the
attached monitor:
Kernel is bad, load new kernel through serial port
If you see this, you will need to download correct firmware to the unit as
described in Section 4.4.3, starting at the point at which the unit is ready to
receive the file at 9600 baud (9600 bps). (In this case, you must download the
file at 9600 bps.)
3. Power up any directly connected CPUs and any connected submasters one by
one, giving each one time to boot completely before turning ON the next
one. When the CPUs are powered up after the ServSwitch, the Switch
emulates all keyboard and mouse functions for automatic bootup. (You might
want to issue a Keep Settings command after initial bootup, so that the Switch
saves the mode settings it has auto detected to nonvolatile memory.)
4. Power up any CPUs connected to submasters one by one, giving each CPU
time to boot completely before turning ON the next one.
Chapter 3: Installation
25
3.2.6 Changing the keyboard settings of Windows NT 4.0 CPUs
If any CPUs attached to your ServSwitch are running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0,
you must change the keyboard setting in their Control Panel from the default,
“Microsoft Enhanced Keyboard,” to “Standard 101/102 or Microsoft Natural
Keyboard.” Your ServSwitch system will not work with these CPUs unless their
keyboard settings are changed. To do this, take these steps:
1. Click on the icon for “My Computer” (or whatever you’ve named the
computer itself).
2. Click on “Control Panels.”
3. Click on “Keyboard.”
4. Click on the “General” tab.
5. In the Keyboard Type field, scroll from the “Enhanced” setting to the
“Standard” setting.
For more information, consult your Windows NT manual.
3.2.7 Switching from the keyboard
Your ServSwitch is now ready for operation using its default settings. To take full
advantage of the Switch’s features, refer to Chapter 4, which gives detailed
information about each of the ServSwitch commands, describing each command’s
function and keystroke sequence. For your convenience, this info is summarized in
Section 4.2. To begin switching immediately, however, just press and release your
keyboard’s left Control key ([Ctrl]), then—within the next two seconds—type in
your desired port number with the regular number keys (not the numeric keypad).
(This procedure is slightly more complicated if there are more than nine CPUs in
your Switch system; refer to Section 4.3.1.)
SERVSWITCH™
26
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems
In a normal cascaded ServSwitch system, the shared monitor(s), keyboard(s), and
mouse (mice) are directly attached to one or more “master” Serv-Switches, while all
the CPUs are indirectly attached through “submasters” (subsidiary ServSwitches,
ServSwitch Ultras, ServManagers, etc.) that provide port expansion but may or may
not perform any control functions of their own. When you cascade in this way, you
can expand your system to include up to 256 ports (sixteen 16-port submasters on
a 16-port master unit).
CAUTION!
To avoid platform- and peripheral-mismatch problems, take these
precautions:
1. In any application involving CPUs belonging to different
platforms, we recommend that you use multiplatform Serv type
switches (ServSwitch Ultras, ServManagers, etc.) as masters and
submasters.
2. If you attach any PC-only submasters to a multiplatform master,
make sure you attach only IBM PC compatible CPUs to those
submasters.
3. If you use any PC-only masters, we recommend that you use
only PC-only submasters. If you must use any ServManager or
ServSwitch Ultra submasters, make sure that you have those
submasters set for thekeyboard and mouse type you’re using
with [Ctrl] Mxx [Enter], and makesure that those settings are
saved in the submasters’ NVRAM with [Ctrl] K.
4. All of the CPUs attached to any PC-only submaster must use the
same type of keyboard and mouse.
You can add submasters to your ServSwitch system as you need them. For each
submaster you add to the system, you add as many ports as are on that submaster,
minus the one port on each master “above” it that’s now occupied. Refer to
Figure 3-2 on the next page:
• Connecting one 4-port submaster Serv unit to a 4-port master ServSwitch (top
view) gives you a total of 7 ports: 4 on the submaster and another 3 (4 minus
the one that the submaster is attached to) on the master.
• Connecting four 4-port submaster Serv units to a 4-port master ServSwitch
(bottom view) gives you a total of 16 ports, 4 on each submaster. (All 4 ports
on the master are now occupied.)
When you use Matrix ServSwitches as submasters, the setup is a little more complicated. Refer to Figure 3-3 on page 29: Connecting two 4-port Matrix ServSwitch
submasters to an 8-port ServSwitch master gives you a total of 14 ports on that
master. (Each of the masters in Figure 3-3 can access 14 ports, but while both
masters share CPUs 1 through 8, CPUs 9 through 14 on either master can only be
accessed by the monitors, keyboards, and mice on that master. Note that when we
Chapter 3: Installation
27
say that CPUs 1 through 8 are “shared,” we mean that they can be accessed by
either master at different times, not by both masters simultaneously.) Adding a
third 4-port submaster unit would give you a total of 17 ports, and so on. (To reach
all of the CPUs in cascaded systems like this, you must set Maximum computers,
Width, and Units properly on the master unit; see Sections 5.2.3 through 5.2.5.)
3.3.1 Cable requirements for expansion
To connect submaster units to a ServSwitch, you’ll need one ServSwitch-toServSwitch Expansion Cable for each submaster unit. You will also need a CPU
Adapter Cable for each CPU you will be connecting to the submaster’s CPU ports.
(Remember that one MKM Adapter Cable is required to connect the master unit
to your keyboard, monitor, and mouse.) See Sections 3.2.2 through 3.2.4.
3.3.2 Installing a cascade
Laying out your ServSwitch system prior to installation will make the installation
process go more smoothly. It will also help you to keep the port-selection numbers
you’ll use in keyboard commands in a rational sequence. Figure 3-2 on the next
page illustrates the proper layout and numbering of your submasters and CPUs.
Keep these restrictions in mind when you design your ServSwitch system:
• If you use original Serv Adapter Cables and Expansion Cables, the distance
from any ServSwitch to any attached device should not exceed 20 ft. (6.1 m);
the total length of original Serv cabling from any CPU to any monitor,
keyboard, and mouse should not exceed 40 ft. (12.2 m). Depending on your
application, these distances might be less; see Section 4.1.3.
• If you use coaxial Adapter Cables and Expansion Cables, the maximum
distance from the ServSwitch to any attached device should not exceed 20 ft.
(6.1 m) with typical monitors and video resolutions, but see the first Caution
notice on page 22. Depending on your application, this distance might vary;
see Section 4.1.3.
• The total number of CPU ports accessible by any ServSwitch master unit must
not exceed 256.
• Do not use older (“-R2” product code or earlier) mini (SW721 or SW722)
model ServSwitches as submasters in your ServSwitch system. Their cascading
logic and command language is different from that of all other Serv type units.
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