Black Box KV5300 User Manual
NOVEMBER 1998
SW721 through
SW725 (-R3) Series
KV3000, KV5000 Series
KV3100, KV5100 Series
KV3200, KV5200 Series
KV3300, KV5300 Series
FREE tech 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 Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Support Information:
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11
1
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitchTMFamily!
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-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 relatively inexpensive 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 or ServSwitch Ultra™unit,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Switch unit
itself, see Chapter 2. The ServSwitch and ServSwitch Ultra product codes covered in this
manual are (see below for accessory product codes or Appendix B for cable product codes):
SW721A-R3 KV3002MA KV3208SAE KV5002MA KV5104FAE KV5212FA
SW721AE-R3 KV3002MAE KV3212FA KV5002MAE KV5108SA KV5212FAE
SW722A-R3 KV3004MA KV3212FAE KV5004MA KV5108SAE KV5216FA
SW722AE-R3 KV3004MAE KV3216FA KV5004MAE KV5108FA KV5216FAE
KV3104FA KV3008SA KV3216FAE KV5008SA KV5108FAE KV5302MA
KV3104FAE KV3008SAE KV3302MA KV5008SAE KV5112FA KV5302MAE
KV3108SA KV3012FA KV3302MAE KV5012FA KV5112FAE KV5304MA
KV3108SAE KV3012FAE KV3304MA KV5012FAE KV5116FA KV5304MAE
SW723A-R3 KV3016FA KV3304MAE KV5016FA KV5116FAE KV5308SA
SW723AE-R3 KV3016FAE KV3308SA KV5016FAE KV5202MA KV5308SAE
SW724A-R3 KV3202MA KV3308SAE KV5102MA KV5202MAE KV5312FA
SW724AE-R3 KV3202MAE KV3312FA KV5102MAE KV5204MA KV5312FAE
SW725A-R3 KV3204MA KV3312FAE KV5104MA KV5204MAE KV5316FA
SW725AE-R3 KV3204MAE KV3316FA KV5104MAE KV5208SA KV5316FAE
KV3208SA KV3316FAE KV5104FA KV5208SAE
This manual also includes information about the acessories with these product codes (each
comes with its own installation guide if ordered separately):
SW720C-R3 KV5200C RMK19M RMK23M RMK24M
KV5000C KV5300C RMK19S RMK23S RMK24S
KV5100C RMK19F RMK23F RMK24F
2
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, ServSwitch, ServSwitch
Ultra, Matrix ServSwitch, and ServManager are trademarks, and “The World’s
Source for Connectivity” is a service mark, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks, and Apple Desktop Bus and
ADB are trademarks, of Apple Computer, Inc.
ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.™
Compaq and Alpha are registered trademarks, and DEC is a trademark, of
Compaq Computer Corporation.
HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and
PC/XT is a trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation.
Helvetica and Times are registered trademarks of Linotype Company.
Logitech is a trademark of Logitech, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks, and HyperTerminal and
IntelliMouse are trademarks, of Microsoft Corporation.
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.
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.
3
FCC/IC 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 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 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.
4
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
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 parato 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.
5
NOM STATEMENT
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.
6
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10
2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 14
2.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 14
2.2 Operating Features ........................................................................... 14
2.3 The Front Panel ................................................................................ 16
2.4 The Rear Panel .................................................................................. 18
2.5 Cable Requirements ......................................................................... 20
2.6 Equipment Requirements ................................................................ 20
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 21
3.1 Quick Setup Guide ........................................................................... 21
3.2 Installation Procedure ...................................................................... 22
3.2.1 Rackmounting (Optional) .................................................... 22
3.2.2 Connecting the Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse ................ 22
3.2.3 Connecting CPUs .................................................................. 23
3.2.4 Connecting Submasters (Optional) ..................................... 24
3.2.5 Powering Up the System ....................................................... 24
3.2.6 Switching from the Keyboard ............................................... 25
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems (IBM and Multiplatform
Models Only) ................................................................................ 25
3.3.1 Cable Requirements for Expansion ..................................... 26
3.3.2 Installing a Cascade ............................................................... 26
4. Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands .................................. 31
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch with Your Equipment ........... 31
4.1.1 CPUs ....................................................................................... 31
4.1.2 Mouse and Keyboard ............................................................ 32
4.1.3 Monitor .................................................................................. 35
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary ........................................................ 38
4.3 The Commands in Detail ................................................................. 41
4.3.1 Selecting a Port from the Shared Keyboard ......................... 41
4.3.2 Switching to the Next or Previous Port ................................ 41
4.3.3 Scan Mode ............................................................................. 42
4.3.4 Keep Settings ......................................................................... 42
4.3.5 Set Scan-Delay Time .............................................................. 42
4.3.6 Set Screen-Saver Interval ...................................................... 43
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
4. Operation: Hardware and Commands (continued)
4.3 The Commands in Detail (continued)
4.3.7 Set Keyboard/Mouse (IBM and Multiplatform
Regular ServSwitches Only) ........................................... 43
4.3.7.A Keyboard Types (IBM Type Keyboard Only) ........ 44
4.3.7.B Mouse Types (IBM Type Mouse Only) .................. 44
4.3.7.C Keyboard Modes ...................................................... 45
4.3.7.D Mouse Interfaces ..................................................... 46
4.3.7.E Command Procedure .............................................. 47
4.3.8 Set Maximum Ports ............................................................... 49
4.3.9 Set Width of Submasters (IBM and Multiplatform
Models Only) .................................................................... 50
4.3.10 Set Units (IBM and Multiplatform Models Only) ............... 52
4.3.11 Set Keyboard Typematic (IBM and Multiplatform Model
ServSwitches and IBM Compatible Keyboards Only) .... 54
4.3.12 Transpose Command and Alt Keys ...................................... 56
4.3.13 Reset ....................................................................................... 56
4.3.14 Send Null Byte (PS/2 Type Mice Only) .............................. 57
4.3.15 Identify ROM ......................................................................... 57
4.3.16 Send [Stop] ........................................................................... 58
4.3.17 Display Label (ServSwitch Ultra and ServSwitch with
Overlay Board Only) ......................................................... 58
4.3.18 Activate On-Screen Menus (ServSwitch Ultra and
ServSwitch with Overlay Board Only) ............................. 58
4.3.19 Activate Select Window (ServSwitch Ultra and
ServSwitch with Overlay Board Only) ............................. 59
4.4 Using the RS-232 Port ....................................................................... 60
4.4.1 Connecting Equipment to the Port ..................................... 60
4.4.2 Switching Ports Remotely (Optional) .................................. 61
4.4.3 Upgrading the Firmware (Flash Memory) .......................... 61
4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with
Terminal-Emulation Software ........................................... 61
4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with
the DOS COPY Command ................................................ 64
5. Operation: On-Screen Display (ServSwitch Ultra and
ServSwitch with Overlay Board Installed Only) .................................. 66
5.1 Overview ............................................................................................ 66
5.1.1 The Main Menu ..................................................................... 66
5.1.2 Navigating the Configuration Pages .................................... 67
5.1.3 Saving Changes Made with the On-Screen Display ............. 67
5.2 The “Configure System” Page .......................................................... 68
5.2.1 Configure System: Keyboard ................................................ 68
5.2.2 Configure System: Mouse ..................................................... 69
5.2.3 Configure System: Maximum Computers ........................... 71
8
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
Contents (continued)
Chapter Page
5. Operation: On-Screen Display (continued)
5.2 The “Configure System” Page (continued)
5.2.4 Configure System: Expansion Units (IBM and
Multiplatform Models Only) ........................................... 72
5.2.5 Configure System: Expansion Width (IBM and
Multiplatform Models Only) ........................................... 72
5.2.6 Configure System: Scan Mode .............................................. 73
5.2.7 Configure System: Scan Time .............................................. 73
5.2.8 Configure System: Power-On Scan ....................................... 73
5.2.9 Configure System: Typematic Rate (IBM and
Multiplatform Models Only) ............................................ 73
5.2.10 Configure System: Typematic Delay (IBM and
Multiplatform Models Only) ........................................... 74
5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page ................................................... 75
5.3.1 Configure Computers: Computer Name ............................. 76
5.3.2 Configure Computers: Keyboard ......................................... 77
5.3.3 Configure Computers: Mouse .............................................. 78
5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page ......................................................... 79
5.4.1 Configure Overlay: Miscellaneous ....................................... 79
5.4.1.A Color Scheme .......................................................... 79
5.4.1.B Resolution ................................................................ 80
5.4.1.C Screen Saver ............................................................. 80
5.4.1.D Screen-Saver Time ................................................... 80
5.4.2 Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window .................... 81
5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 81
5.4.2.B Position ..................................................................... 81
5.4.3 Configure Overlay: Computer Label ................................... 82
5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 82
5.4.3.B Position ..................................................................... 82
5.4.3.C Show Computer Number ........................................ 82
5.4.3.D Fade Out .................................................................. 83
5.4.3.E Font ........................................................................... 83
5.5 The “Computer Select Window” ...................................................... 84
6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 85
6.1 Restoring Factory-Default Settings ................................................... 85
6.2 Common Problems ........................................................................... 86
6.2.1 CPU Doesn’t Boot ................................................................. 86
6.2.2 Can’t Switch Ports from Keyboard ....................................... 87
6.2.3 Typed Characters Wrong or Missing ................................... 87
6.2.4 Can’t Switch or Scan to Certain Ports .................................. 87
6.2.5 ServSwitch Scans or Switches to Empty Ports ...................... 88
9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
6. Troubleshooting (continued)
6.2 Common Problems (continued)
6.2.6 Mouse Driver Doesn’t Load ................................................. 88
6.2.7 Can’t Access Mouse Functions ............................................. 88
6.2.8 PS/2 Mouse Gets Out of Sync .............................................. 88
6.2.9 Mouse Doesn’t Move Pointer/Cursor ................................. 89
6.2.10 Display is Fuzzy ...................................................................... 89
6.2.11 Video Not Synchronized or Wrong Color ........................... 89
6.2.12 Can’t Access High-Resolution Mode .................................... 90
6.2.13 On-Screen Display Not Synchronized .................................. 90
6.2.14 CPUs Lock Up When Windows 3.x Loaded ........................ 90
6.2.15 CPUs Have Problems Exiting Windows 3.x ......................... 91
6.2.16 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Docking Station .................. 91
6.2.17 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with
Dongle-Protected Software ............................................................ 91
6.2.18 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad .................... 91
6.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 92
6.4 Shipping and Packaging .................................................................. 92
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 93
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 95
Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ............................................................... 97
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard ............................................................... 98
Appendix E: Installing the ServSwitch Overlay Option
Board (SW720C-R3) .................................................................................. 99
E.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 99
E.2 The Installation Procedure ............................................................ 100
Appendix F: Installing the 4-Port Expansion
Board (KV5x00C) (Full-Size Models Only) ........................................... 109
E.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 109
E.2 The Installation Procedure ............................................................ 110
Appendix G: Rackmounting Your ServSwitch ............................................ 116
10
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
1. Specifications
Hardware
Required — Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video
standard; in multiplatform applications, should be a
multisync model capable of forming video from either
composite sync or separate horizontal and vertical sync
signals (see Section 4.1.1)
Compliance — FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A;
230-VAC models: CE
Standards — PC (SW72x, KV31xx, KV51xx) and multiplatform
(KV30xx, KV50xx) models:
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)
video;
Sun (KV32xx, KV52xx) and multiplatform (KV30xx,
KV50xx) models:
Sun video (coaxial cable required);
Macintosh (KV33xx, KV53xx) and multiplatform
(KV30xx, KV50xx) models:
Mac video (with either original Serv cable or
recommended coaxial cable)
Interfaces — RS-232 port (all models): Proprietary variant of TIA
RS-232 using RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) connectors, DTE;
CPU and MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE ports:
PC
(SW72x, KV31xx, KV51xx) models:
Proprietary composite of IBM PC/AT or PS/2
keyboard, RS-232 or PS/2 mouse, and video
(standards listed above);
Sun
(KV32xx, KV52xx) models:
P
roprietary composite of Sun keyboard, video, and
mouse;
Macintosh
(KV32xx, KV52xx) models:
P
roprietary composite of ADB keyboard and mouse and
Mac video;
11
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Interfaces
(continued)— CPU and MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE ports
(continued):
Multiplatform
(KV30xx, KV50xx) models:
P
roprietary composite of:
•
IBM AT, IBM PS/2, Sun, or ADB keyboard;
• RS-232, PS/2, Sun, or ADB mouse; and
• Video (standards listed above)
Resolution — With original Serv cabling: Up to 1024 x 768
noninterlaced;
With coaxial cabling: Up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced;
Refer to Section 4.1.3
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:
40 ft. (12.2 m) of total original Serv cable from the
keyboard, monitor, and mouse to any CPU,
including up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) from any ServSwitch
or ServSwitch Ultra to any other Serv unit
(submaster) attached to it; or
20 ft. (6.1 m) of coaxial cable—possibly as much as
100 ft. (30.5 m), depending on CPUs—from any
ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra to any device
attached to it;
Also, 50 ft. (15.2 m) of serial cable from the RS-232 port
of any ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra to a non-local
computer
User Controls — Keyboard commands;
(3) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“ON/OFF” (power), “+” (switch to next port), and
“–” (switch to previous port);
On-screen menu (ServSwitch Ultra and regular
ServSwitch with optional overlay board SW720C-R3
only)
12
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
Indicators — SW721 and KVxx02 models: (5) Front-mounted LEDs:
(1) [Unit] POWER, (2) SELECT, (2) [CPU] POWER;
SW722 and KVxx04 models: (9) Front-mounted LEDs:
(1) [Unit] POWER, (4) SELECT, (4) [CPU] POWER;
SW723 and KVxx08 models: (9) Front-mounted LEDs:
(1) [Unit] POWER, (8) SELECT, (8) [CPU] POWER;
SW724 and KVxx12 models: (25) Front-mounted LEDs:
(1) [Unit] POWER, (12) SELECT, (12) [CPU] POWER;
SW725 and KVxx16 models: (33) Front-mounted LEDs:
(1) [Unit] POWER, (16) SELECT, (16) [CPU] POWER
Connectors — All rear-mounted;
All models:
(1) 5-pin DIN female: POWER;
(1) RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female: RS-232;
(1) DB25 female: MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE;
SW721 and KVxx02 models: (2) DB25 female: CPU;
SW722 and KVxx04 models: (4) DB25 female: CPU;
SW723 and KVxx08 models: (8) DB25 female: CPU;
SW724 and KVxx12 models: (12) DB25 female: CPU;
SW725 and KVxx16 models: (16) DB25 female: CPU
Power — For 120-VAC, 60-Hz operation:
Mini (SW721A, SW722A, KVxx02MA, and KVxx04MA)
models:
From wallmount power supply PS023:
Optimal input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 100 mA;
Output: 17 VAC CT, 700 mA;
Consumption: Up to 11.9 VA (11.9 watts);
Slimline and full-size (SW723A, SW724A, SW725A,
KV3104FA, KV5104FA, KV510xFA, KVxx12FA, and
KVxx16FA) models:
From wallmount power supply PS018:
Optimal input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 100 mA;
Output: 16.5 VAC CT, 1.45 amps;
Consumption: Up to 23.9 VA (11.9 watts);
For 230-VAC, 50-Hz operation:
Mini (SW721AE, SW722AE, KVxx02MAE, and
KVxx04MAE) models:
From wallmount power supply PS023E:
Optimal input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 60 mA;
Output: 17 VAC CT, 700 mA;
Consumption: Up to 11.9 VA (11.9 watts);
13
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Power
(continued)— For 230-VAC, 50-Hz operation (continued):
Slimline and full-size (SW723AE, SW724AE, SW725AE,
KV3104FAE, KV510xFAE, KVxx08SAE, KVxx12FAE,
and KVxx16FAE) models:
From wallmount power supply PS018E:
Optimal input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 60 mA;
Output: 16.5 VAC CT, 1.45 amps;
Consumption: Up to 23.9 VA (11.9 watts);
Maximum
Altitude— 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance— 32 to 131˚ F (0 to 55˚ C)
Humidity
Tolerance— 5 to 80% noncondensing
Enclosure — Steel
Size — Mini (SW721, KVxx02, and KVxx04M) models:
1.8" (1U) H x 8.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 22.5 x 12.4 cm);
Slimline (KVxx08S) models:
1.8" (1U) H x 13.2"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 35 x 12.4 cm);
Full-size (SW723, SW724, SW725, KV3104F, KV510xF,
KVxx12, and KVxx16) models:
3.5" (2U) H x 13.2"W x 4.8"D (8.9 x 35 x 12.4 cm)
Weight — Mini (SW721, KVxx02, and KVxx04M) models:
Net: 2.1 lb. (1 kg); Shipping: 3.8 lb. (1.7 kg);
Slimline (KVxx08S) models:
Net: 3.3 lb. (1.5 kg); Shipping: 5.8 lb. (2.6 kg);
Full-size (SW723, SW724, SW725, KV3104F, KV510xF,
KVxx12, and KVxx16) models:
Net: 5.1 lb. (2.3 kg); Shipping: 7.8 lb. (3.5 kg)
14
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch™ or ServSwitch Ultra™. Designed with your
needs in mind, your new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your
multiple-computer application. With your Switch—depending on which model you
have—you can use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to access a number of IBM
®
PC compatible, Apple®Macintosh®compatible, and/or Sun Microsystems
®
compatible computers, so you can significantly reduce your equipment overhead
and end keyboard and monitor clutter.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the remainder of this manual, we will use the term “ServSwitch” to
refer to both the ServSwitch and the ServSwitch Ultra except where it is
necessary to differentiate the two.
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 unit, its power supply, a modular
cable and adapter for connecting one of the unit’s RS-232 ports 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 all models of the ServSwitch:
• Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching.
• You can select the desired CPU from keyboard, front panel, or RS-232 port.
• Front-panel LEDs show the selected CPU and its power-on state.
• 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.
• You can program the keyboard’s typematic rate and delay.
• Custom settings for each CPU can be saved in nonvolatile memory.
15
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• The units have flash memory, so you can upgrade their firmware through their
RS-232 ports.
• Rackmount kits are also available.
• Full-size 4-, 8-, and 12-port units can be expanded up to 16 ports by installing a
4-Port Expansion Board (see Appendix F).
Features exclusive to the PC and multiplatform models:
• 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.)
• Support IBM PC compatible computers.
• Mouse can be PS/2
®
, Microsoft®serial, PC Mouse®(Mouse Systems®) serial, or
serial 8-bit type.
• Support all modes of PS/2 and PC/AT
®
compatible keyboards.
• Support SVGA and color or monochrome XGA or VGA video at resolutions up
to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced (although all video types except VGA require
coaxial or special cables).
Features exclusive to the Macintosh and multiplatform models:
• Support Mac
®
compatible computers and Apple Desktop Bus™ (ADB™) mice
and keyboards.
• Support Apple video, at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced, over
coaxial cables. (You’ll need a Mac Adapter for ServSwitch for each CPU that
outputs video at resolutions over 640 x 480; see the Note on page 23.)
Features exclusive to the Sun and multiplatform models:
• Support Sun compatible computers, mice, and keyboards.
• Support Sun video, at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced, over
coaxial cables.
Please note that for the multiplatform models, the supported peripheral types will
depend on the CPU types. Also, the multplatform environment requires a
multisync monitor capable of syncing to the output of all your CPUs’ video cards
and of supporting their highest resolutions. Refer to Section 4.1.
The only difference between the ServSwitch and the ServSwitch Ultra is that the
ServSwitch Ultra comes from the factory with on-screen display features. These
features can be added to any regular ServSwitch by installing an optional daughterboard, the ServSwitch Overlay Option Board (our product code SW720C-R3; see
Appendix E). Please call Black Box Technical Support for more details.
16
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
2.3 The Front Panel
The front panels of the ServSwitch feature 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 KV5x04M model (mini)
4 to 1 ServSwitch Ultra.
Figure 2-2. The front panel of a KV5x08S model (slimline)
8 to 1 ServSwitch Ultra.
Figure 2-3. The front panel of a KV5x16F model (full-size)
16 to 1 ServSwitch Ultra.
17
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Panel Label Description
POWER Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON.
ON/OFF Power Button: Pressing this button turns the unit ON and
OFF when the power supply is plugged into the unit and into
a working outlet.
CPU STATUS 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 (red)
Lights if the corresponding port is the currently selected port.
POWER (green)
Lights if the device on the corresponding port is powered ON.
NOTE
The mini-model chassis has 4 each of the SELECT and
[CPU] POWER LED slots. The full-size chassis has 16
each of these slots. The extra LED slots in the chassis
of the 2-port mini and the 4-, 8-, and 12-port full-size
models are left blank, but are protected by material
mounted inside the chassis.
+ (PLUS) 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.
– (MINUS) 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.
18
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the rear panel of the ServSwitch, as
illustrated in Figure 2-4 and described below.
Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (KV3x16F).
Panel Label Connector Description
Connect the sharing 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 to ServSwitch Expansion
Cables.” These cables have DB25 male
connectors at both ends; at the submaster
end, they should be plugged into a
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE port.
Refer to Sections 2.5 and 3.2.4.
DB25 FCPU N
[N = a number
from 1 to either 2,
4, 8, 12, or 16,
depending on
which model you
have]
19
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Panel Label Connector Description
Connect the ServSwitch’s power-supply cord
here. This is not a keyboard input. Power
transformers are available for 110 VAC or
230 VAC. Both have center-tapped output of
17 VAC at 700mA.
5-pin
DIN F
POWER
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.
RJ-12 FRS-232
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.
DB25 FMONITOR/
KEYBOARD/
MOUSE
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 mini-model chassis has 4 CPU N
connector slots. The full-size chassis
has 16 of these slots. The extra
connector slots in the chassis of the
2-port mini and the 4-, 8-, and 12-port
full-size models are left blank, but are
protected by material mounted inside
the chassis.
DB25 FCPU N
(continued)
20
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
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 23 for information about maximum
cabling distances.
NOTES
IBM PC, Mac, and multiplatform models:
SVGA (over longer distances), XGA, and high-resolution Mac 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 23. You’ll also need a Mac Adapter for ServSwitch for each
Mac CPU outputting high-res (greater than 640 x 480) video; see the Note
on page 23.
To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor on an IBM type or
multiplatform Switch, 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—especially if your Switch is a multiplatform model and the CPUs represent
completely different hardware platforms (IBM, Mac, etc.)—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.
21
CHAPTER 3: Installation
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. IBM PC equipment is
shown, but the basic principles will be similar for all equipment types. Connectors
will vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing.
Figure 3-1. Basic system setup for a slimline 8-port unit.
Power
supply
Monitor/
Keyboard/
Mouse
Adapter
Cable
CPU Adapter Cable
ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable
SLIMLINE 8-PORT SERVSWITCH ULTRA (KV5108SA)
Slimline 8-Port ServSwitch
(KV3108SA) submaster
Mouse
Video card
Keyboard
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor
6-wire
modular
cable to
remote PC
22
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
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 mini models, 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 RMK19S, RMK23S, or RMK24S
respectively. For the full-size models, our product code for a 19", 23", or 24" Kit is
RMK19F, RMK23F, or RMK24F respectively. See Appendix G 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 Switch. 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 dongles at the time of this writing.
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. If your common equipment is IBM type, plug the cables from your shared
monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the corresponding connectors on the other
ends of the MKM Adapter Cable. If your common equipment is Mac or Sun type,
plug the mouse cable into the keyboard, and plug the monitor and keyboard
cables into the corresponding connectors on the other ends of the MKM cable.
23
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2.3 C
ONNECTING
CPU
S
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 keyboard, monitor, and mouse to any
given CPU should not 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 (keyboard, monitor, mouse,
CPU, or submaster). 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 (see Appendix B) if your
common keyboard and mouse are IBM type.
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 lowestnumbered 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 (on IBM type cables)
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 4.3.7 to make sure the Switch is set for the proper keyboard mode.)
NOTE
You’ll need to attach a Mac Adapter for ServSwitch (our product code
KV99MA) between the video strand of the CPU Adapter Cable and the
video-output port of any Macintosh CPU that outputs video in a format
other than VGA (640 x 480). This is because the video circuitry of Mac
CPUs often needs to see “ID bits” from the attached monitor, which the
ServSwitch doesn’t supply but the Mac Adapter does.
CAUTION!
Do not attach docking stations for ThinkPad®or other portable
computers, no matter what type or make, to the ServSwitch. At the time
24
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
of this writing, 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 currently supports
only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data but the ThinkPad has to see
“prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse data.
3.2.4 C
ONNECTINGSUBMASTERS(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.
3.2.5 P
OWERINGUP THESYSTEM
1. 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 (115 VAC) or its input cord (230 VAC) into
a working outlet.
2. Push the ON/OFF button on the front of the ServSwitch to power it up.
3. Power up the 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 boot-up, although (for PC-only
and multiplatform Switches) you might have to issue the Mode command Mn
(see Section 4.3.7) to get proper keyboard and mouse communication.
4. Power up any CPUs connected to submasters one by one, giving each CPU
time to boot completely before turning ON the next one.
25
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2.6 S
WITCHING FROM THEKEYBOARD
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.)
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems (IBM and Multiplatform Models Only)
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 masters and submasters.
2. Do not try to cascade Apple only or Sun only ServSwitches. At
this time they do not support cascading.
3. If you attach any PC-only submasters to a multiplatform master,
make sure you attach only IBM PC compatible CPUs to those
submasters.
4. If you use any PC-only masters, we recommend that you use only
PC-only submasters. If you must use any ServManager or multiplatform
ServSwitch or ServSwitch Ultra submasters, make sure that you have
those submasters set for the keyboard and mouse type ([CTRL] Mxx
[ENTER]) you’re using, and make sure that those settings are saved in
the submasters’ NVRAM ([CTRL] K).
5. All of the CPUs attached to any PC-only submaster must use the
same type of keyboard and mouse.
26
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
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 28: 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
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 Ports, Width,
and Units properly on the master unit; see Sections 4.3.8 through 4.3.10.)
3.3.1 C
ABLEREQUIREMENTS FOREXPANSION
To connect submaster units to a ServSwitch, you’ll need one ServSwitch to
ServSwitch 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 I
NSTALLING ACASCADE
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 cables, the total distance from any CPU to any monitor,
keyboard, and mouse should not exceed 40 ft. (12.2 m). Depending on your
application, this distance might be less; see Section 4.1.3.
27
CHAPTER 3: Installation
Figure 3-2. Basic ServSwitch cascading.
CPU 7
Max. Ports = 7
Width = 4
Units = 1
Max. Ports = 16
Width = 4
Units = 4
CPU 6
CPU 5
CPU 4
CPU 3
CPU 2
CPU 1
CPU3
3
2
1
CPU4
CPU1
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
SUBMASTER UNIT
MASTER UNIT
CPU3
4
3
2
14
POWER
17VAC CT
CPU4
CPU1
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
POWER
17VAC CT
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
CPU 16
CPU 15
CPU 14
CPU 13
CPU 12
CPU 11
CPU 10
CPU 19
CPU 8
CPU 7
CPU 6
CPU 5
CPU 4
CPU 3
CPU 2
CPU 1
4
CPU3
3
CPU1
2
1
SUBMASTER 4
4
CPU3
3
CPU1
2
1
SUBMASTER 3
4
CPU3
3
CPU1
2
1
SUBMASTER 2
4
CPU3
3
CPU1
2
1
SUBMASTER 1
CPU4
CPU2
CPU4
CPU2
CPU4
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
POWER
17VAC CT
POWER
17VAC CT
4
3
2
1
POWER
17VAC CT
MASTER UNIT
CPU3
CPU4
CPU1
CPU2
ADAPTER CABLES
CPU
SS to SS
CPU4
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
POWER
17VAC CT
MKM
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232
POWER
17VAC CT
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
28
SERVSWITCH™ AND SERVSWITCH ULTRA™
• If you use coaxial cables, the maximum recommended distance from the
ServSwitch to the attached monitor, keyboard, and mouse is 20 ft. (6.1 m)
with
typical monitors and video resolutions, but see the first Caution notice on
page 23. For typical CPUs, this is also the maximum recommended distance
from any submaster to any attached CPU. Depending on your application, this
distance might vary; see Section 4.1.3.
• The distance between any ServSwitch and any submaster plugged into one of
its ports must not exceed 20 ft. (6.1 m) of original Serv cable. For coaxial
cable, the maximum recommended distance is 20 ft. (6.1 m), but see the first
Caution notice on page 23.
• 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.
Figure 3-3. Cascading with Matrix ServSwitch submasters.
Max. Ports = 14
Width = 4
Units = 2
Max. Ports = 14
Width = 4
Units = 2
CPU 9 (B)
through
CPU 14 (B)
CPU 8
CPU 7
CPU 6
CPU 5
CPU 4
CPU 3
CPU 2
CPU 1
CPU 9 (A)
through
CPU 14 (A)
4
3
CPU3
CPU4
2
1
SUBMASTER MATRIX
SUBMASTER MATRIX
4
3
2
1
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE B
CPU1
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE A
SERVSWITCH 2
SERVSWITCH 1
CPU3
CPU4
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE B
CPU1
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE A
ADAPTER CABLES
3-8
B
POWER
17VAC CT
RS-232
A
B
POWER
17VAC CT
RS-232
A
2
1
3-8
2
1
MASTER SERVSWITCH B
CPU 8CPU 7
CPU 3 CPU 4
MASTER SERVSWITCH A
CPU 8CPU 7
CPU 3 CPU 4
CPU
SS to SS
MKM
CPU 5
CPU 1 CPU 2
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
CPU 5
CPU 1 CPU 2
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
CPU 6
CPU 6
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
POWER
17VAC CT
RS-232
POWER
17VAC CT
RS-232
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CHAPTER 3: Installation
• You must not cascade submasters to more than one “layer.” That is, you may
connect submasters to the CPU ports of one or (with Matrix ServSwitch
submasters) two master ServSwitches, but do not connect any submasters to
submasters’ CPU ports. To illustrate this restriction, let’s say you’ve installed a
four-port submaster on a four-port ServSwitch master and you have a four-port
submaster yet to install. You must install the second submaster on the master’s
CPU 2 port, not on the first submaster’s CPU 1 port. A third submaster would
have to go on the master’s CPU 3 port, a fourth on the CPU 4 port. If it
becomes necessary to attach more CPUs after “maxing out” on submasters, you
must upgrade your master or submasters.
• If you are attaching more than one submaster to a slimline or full-size master
ServSwitch, we strongly recommend that all of the submasters have the same
number of ports. This is because the Switch’s Width command/parameter—
the value it uses to calculate how many ports each attached submaster has (see
Section 4.3.9)—is global rather than submaster-specific. In other words, a master
ServSwitch always expects every submaster attached to it to have the number of
ports specified in Width.
For example, if you attach one 8-port submaster and one 12-port submaster
to a master ServSwitch, and then set Width to 8 (and Units to 2 and Max Ports
to 20—see Sections 4.3.8 and 4.3.10), you will be unable to scan or switch to
the upper 4 ports on the 12-port submaster—the Switch has no way of knowing
they are even there. On the other hand, if you set Width to 12 (and Units to 2
and Max Ports to 24), your system will include 4 “phantom” ports (nonexistent
ports 9 through 12 on the 8-port submaster) that the master will think are
there and will try to scan or switch to, displaying a blank screen.
When you’re ready to begin hooking up the actual units, follow these steps:
1. If this hasn’t already been done, connect the monitor(s), keyboard(s), and
mouse (mice) to the MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE port(s) of your
master device(s) as outlined in Section 3.2.2.
2. Use ServSwitch to ServSwitch Expansion Cables (see Section 3.2.4) to connect
all your submaster units to the master unit’s CPU ports, beginning with the
port labeled CPU 1 and continuing with CPU 2, CPU 3, etc. (Avoid installing
submasters with different numbers of CPU ports on the same master; if
possible, every Serv unit in your cascade should have the same number of
ports.)
3. Using CPU Adapter Cables, attach your computers to available CPU ports: the
first computer into the port identified as CPU 1, CPU #2 into its port, etc. (see
Section 3.2.3). The computers should all be OFF; do not turn them ON yet.
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