Black Box SW613A, SW613A-K User Manual

JUNE 2000

SW613A

SW613A-K

FREE tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone].

Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018

World-Wide Web: www

.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

Customer Support Information:

1

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

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™ Simplicity,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the
ServSwitch Simplicity, see Chapter 2. The ServSwitch Simplicity product codes
covered in this manual are:

SW613A

SW613A-K

2

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) AND

INDUSTRY CANADA (IC)

RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

Class B Digital Device. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
telephone reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.

• Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution:

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

To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables and power cords are required to
connect this device to a personal computer or other Class B certified device.

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 classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

3

VCCI STATEMENT, DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

VOLUNTARY CONTROL COUNCIL ON INTERFERENCE (VCCI)

RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of
the European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.

4

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

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.

5

NOM STATEMENT

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.

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™ SIMPLICITY

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications ......................................................................... 7

2. Introduction .......................................................................... 9

2.1 Overview ........................................................................ 9

2.2 Features and Benefits ................................................. 11

2.3 The Complete Package .............................................. 12

2.4 The ServSwitch Simplicity Illustrated ........................ 13

3. Installation ........................................................................... 14

3.1 What You Will Need ................................................... 14

3.2 Placement .................................................................... 16

3.3 Connecting Your Devices ........................................... 17

4. Operation ............................................................................. 20

5. Troubleshooting .................................................................. 22

5.1 Common Problems ..................................................... 22

5.2 Calling Black Box ........................................................ 25

5.3 Shipping and Packaging ............................................. 26

7

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

1. Specifications

Compliance — CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class B,

IC Class/classe B; VCCI Class A

Standards — VGA, SVGA, or XGA video

Interfaces — Video: VGA;

Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible

Resolution — Up to 1024 x 768 noninterlaced at up to

85 Hz

Scan Interval — In autoscan mode, pauses at each computer

for 5 seconds

Maximum
Distance — 10 ft. (3 m) from the Switch to any attached

device

User Controls — Keyboard commands;

(1) Front-mounted SELECT pushbutton for

switching between computers

Indicators — (2) Top-mounted “selected computer” LEDs

8

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

Connectors — All side-mounted:

For user equipment:

(1) HD15 female for monitor

attachment;

(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard

and mouse attachment;

For each computer:

(1) HD15 male for video attachment;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard

and mouse attachment

Maximum
Altitude — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)

Temperature
Tolerance — Operating: 41 to 104˚F (5 to 40˚C);

Storage: –4 to +140˚F (–20 to +60˚C)

Humidity
Tolerance — 5 to 80% noncondensing

Enclosure — Steel

Power — 5 VDC from attached CPUs’ keyboard

interfaces

Size — 1.2"H x 3.6"W x 4.2"D (3 x 9.1 x 10.7 cm)

Weight — 12 oz. (341 g)

9

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2. Introduction

2.1 Overview

The ServSwitch™ Simplicity is a high-performance
keyboard-, monitor-, and mouse-sharing device that
supports a wide range of IBM

®

PC compatible hardware
and software platforms. Use it to access two desktop
computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

Setup is fast and easy: Plug in the cables from the user
equipment into the Simplicity, then run extension
cables from the Simplicity to the computer CPUs, and
then turn ON the CPUs and the monitor. There’s no
software to worry about, nothing to configure, and no
need for a power supply!

You can switch between the computers either by
pressing the Select button on the front of the Simplicity
or by sending a hotkey command from the attached
keyboard. You can also have the Simplicity scan back
and forth between the computers, displaying the video
from each one in turn.

10

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

2.2 Features and Benefits

• Control two desktop PCs from a single keyboard,
monitor, and mouse.

• Draws its power from the attached computers—no
AC outlet or power supply needed.

• Both connected computers can boot up
automatically at the same time.

• You can switch between the two computers either by
typing a keyboard-hotkey sequence or by pressing
the front-panel pushbutton.

• You can use hotkey commands to start and stop
automatic back-and-forth scanning between the two
computers.

• Automatically saves and restores Caps Lock, Num
Lock, and Scroll Lock keyboard states when you
switch between computers.

• Supports resolutions up to 1024 x 768 pixels at
resolutions up to 85 Hz.

11

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

• Supports Microsoft®IntelliMouse®and other
common “wheel” mice.

• LEDs show which computer is selected.

• Easy installation.

• Tough metal case.

12

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

2.3 The Complete Package

You should have received these items if you ordered just
the regular ServSwitch Simplicity (our product code
SW613A):

• The ServSwitch Simplicity.

• Two hook-and-loop mounting strips (see Section 3.2
for information about using these).

• Four adhesive rubber feet (see Section 3.2 for
information about using these).

• This manual.

If you ordered the ServSwitch Simplicity Kit
(SW613A-K), you will also receive two KVM-extension
cables for connecting your CPUs to the Switch. If you
ordered just the Switch, we recommend that you buy
these cables (available separately as our product code
EHN403-0008 for standard cable or EHN235 for coaxial
cable).

If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived

damaged, contact Black Box right away.

13

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2.4 The ServSwitch Simplicity Illustrated

Fig. 2-1. Exploded view of the ServSwitch Simplicity.

Attach the

cable

running to

the video,

keyboard,

and

mouse

ports of

CPU 1

here.

Attach the keyboard, mouse, and monitor here.

Press this button to switch between computers.

Attach the

cable

running to

the video,

keyboard,

and

mouse

ports of

CPU 2

here.

In normal operation, these

LEDs light steadily to show

which computer CPU is

selected. In scan mode, they

will flash to show which

computer’s video is being

displayed.

14

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

3. Installation

3.1 What You Will Need

You’ll need these things to be in place before you can
install your ServSwitch Simplicity:

• Your monitor should be a VGA, SVGA, or multisync
type capable of displaying the highest level of
resolution that your PCs can output.

• Your keyboard and mouse must be PS/2 type (the
attached cables will have 6-pin mini-DIN male
connectors). The Simplicity supports Microsoft
IntelliMouse and Logitech

®

and Kensington®wheel

mice, but it does not support serial mice.

• Your PC CPUs—which should be desktop machines,
not laptops—should have:

– Video card: VGA, SVGA, or XGA.

– Keyboard port: PS/2 type (6-pin mini-DIN female).

– Mouse port (if you’re using a mouse): PS/2 type

(6-pin mini-DIN female).

– Mouse driver (if you’re using a mouse): The standard

driver for your mouse, or the standard generic
Microsoft mouse driver.

15

CHAPTER 3: Installation

• If you ordered the Simplicity Kit (SW613A-K), you
received a pair of KVM-extension cables that you
can use to attach your CPUs to the Simplicity. If you
only ordered the Simplicity itself (SW613A),
however, you’ll need to order such cables separately.
We offer either an 8-ft. (2.4-m) standard extension
cable (EHN403-0008) or a 10-ft. (3-m) coaxial
extension cable (EHN235).

16

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

3.2 Placement

You’ll want to put the ServSwitch Simplicity in a
convenient, safe place close to the computer equipment
it will be serving. It’s designed to be either (a) set freely
on a desktop or other flat surface or (b) permanently
stuck to a wall, computer chassis, or other surface.

To place the Simplicity on a flat surface, use the four
adhesive rubber feet that came with the unit. Peel the
backing away from them and press them firmly onto the
bottom of the Simplicity, one at each corner. When the
feet are solidly in place, the Simplicity can be put
wherever you want it to go.

To mount the Simplicity on a wall or other surface,
use the two hook-and-loop strips that came with the unit.
Peel the backing away from one side of each of the two
strips and press the strips firmly onto the bottom of the
unit. Then peel the backing away from the other side of
the strips and press the bottom of the Simplicity firmly
against the surface you want to mount the Simplicity on.

17

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3.3 Connecting Your Devices

Making sure that all of your devices are powered OFF, take
these steps to connect them to your ServSwitch Simplicity:

1. Plug the monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the
matching user-port connectors (marked “U”) on
the back of the Simplicity, as shown in Figure 3-1.

Fig. 3-1. Connecting user equipment.

18

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

2. Two KVM-extension cables are included with the
SW613A-K Kit; if you only ordered the Simplicity
itself, these cables are available separately. Run
these cables from the video, keyboard, and mouse
ports of your computer CPUs to the CPU-port
connectors

(marked “1” and “2”) on the sides of

the Simplicity, as shown in Figure 3-2.

Fig. 3-2. Connecting a CPU

.

KVM-extension

cable

CPU

19

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3. Turn on your monitor and your CPUs. The
Simplicity will begin operating immediately using
the power from the CPUs’ keyboard ports. (You
don’t have to use a mouse if you don’t need to,
but you must make the connections to the CPUs’
keyboard ports in order to power the Simplicity.)
The Simplicity will automatically switch to
whichever computer you power up first; the
matching numbered LED on its top panel will
light up.

Your ServSwitch Simplicity system should now be ready
for continuous operation.

20

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

4. Operation

The ServSwitch Simplicity is very simple to use. While
you’re working with either of the computer CPUs, it
transparently passes through your keyboard and mouse
input to the CPU, and passes through the CPU’s video
output back to your monitor. When you want to switch
between the CPUs or scan back and forth between the
CPUs, you can do so with one easy step.

You can switch between the CPUs in either of two
ways: By pressing the SELECT button on the front of the
Simplicity, or by sending the “hotkey” switching
command from the keyboard. The hotkey switching
command is [Ctrl] [Ctrl]: Either press and release left
[Ctrl] twice or press and release right [Ctrl] twice.
(Pressing left [Ctrl] followed by right [Ctrl] or vice versa
does nothing.) The LEDs on the top panel of the
Simplicity will show you which CPU is selected at any
given time. The Simplicity will remember and restore
the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock settings of
your keyboard for each CPU.

If at any time you want to watch what each CPU is
doing, you can put the Simplicity in “scan mode.” Do
this by pressing and releasing first the left [Shift] key

21

CHAPTER 4: Operation

and then the right [Shift] key on your keyboard, or
pressing right [Shift] and then left [Shift]. (Pressing left
or right [Shift] twice does nothing.) The Simplicity will
begin to automatically switch back and forth between
the video output of the two CPUs once every five
seconds.

While scan mode is active, the top-panel LED
corresponding to the CPU whose video is being
displayed will flash approximately twice a second. To
exit scan mode, press the spacebar; until you do so, the
Simplicity won’t accept any input from the keyboard.
The CPU whose video is being displayed when you press
the spacebar becomes the selected CPU.

22

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

5. Troubleshooting

If you ever have any problems with your ServSwitch
Simplicity, first make sure that the computer CPUs and
your monitor are plugged in and turned ON. Also make
sure that all of the cables running from your equipment
to the Simplicity are properly and securely attached.

If they are, see if the problem is listed in Section 5.1
and, if so, try the suggested remedies. If nothing helps,
call Black Box Technical Support as directed in

Section 5.2. If you need to ship your Switch, see
Section 5.3.

5.1 Common Problems

Problem:

Your keyboard isn’t responding.

Possible Solutions:

1. Check the video on the monitor, and the LEDs on
the Simplicity—is the Simplicity in scan mode (see
Chapter 4)? If so, you’ll have to press the spacebar
to exit scan mode in order to get the keyboard to
function normally.

2. The keyboard might need to be reset. Unplug it

23

CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting

from the Simplicity, then plug it back in.

3. The Simplicity might need to be reset. Unplug the
extension cables that run to your computer CPUs,
wait for five seconds, then plug them back in.
(Unfortunately, this might crash your computer; if
it does, reboot the computer.)

Problem:

Your mouse isn’t responding.

Possible Solutions:

1. The mouse might need to be reset. Unplug it from
the Simplicity, then plug it back in.

2. The Simplicity might need to be reset. Unplug the
extension cables that run to your computer CPUs,
wait for five seconds, then plug them back in.
(Unfortunately, this might crash your computer; if
it does, reboot the computer.)

3. The mouse might be in an unsupported mode:
Some mice can be switched between PS/2 and
serial modes. Make sure your mouse isn’t set to
serial mode, which the Simplicity doesn’t support.

24

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

4. You might be trying to use an unsupported mouse
or mouse driver. Most mice with special buttons or
wheels, and most special mouse drivers and the
mice that require them, aren’t supported by the
Simplicity. Try using a regular mouse with a
generic mouse driver instead.

Problem:

You’re having video problems.

Possible Solutions:

1. You might be trying to run video with too high a
resolution, too high a refresh rate (frequency), or
both. The maximum resolution and refresh rate
that we recommend for the Simplicity are 1024 x
768 pixels at 85 Hz.

2. The KVM-extension cables that came with your
Kit, or that we recommend be used with the
standalone Simplicity, are designed to handle its
video. If you’re using other extension cabling, we
suggest that it might be causing the problem, and
that you should reconsider using the Simplicity’s
native cabling.

25

CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting

5.2 Calling Black Box

If your ServSwitch Simplicity seems to be malfunctioning,
don’t try to fix it yourself. It isn’t user-serviceable. Contact
Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.

Before you do, make a record of the history of the
problem. We’ll be able to provide more efficient and
accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:

• the nature and duration of the problem;

• when the problem occurs;

• the components involved in the problem—that is,
what types of computers, what type of keyboard,
brand of mouse, make and model of monitor, etc.;

• any particular software or procedure that seems to
create the problem or make it worse; and

• the results of any testing you’ve already done.

26

SERVSWITCH™ SIMPLICITY

5.3 Shipping and Packaging

If you need to transport or ship your ServSwitch
Simplicity:

• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use
the original container.

• Before you ship the unit back to Black Box for
repair or return, contact us to get a Return
Authorization (RA) number.

27

TRADEMARKS, LEGAL INFORMATION

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch and

ServSwitch Simplicity are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.

Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

IBM, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business

Machines Corporation.

Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware, Ltd.

Logitech is a registered trademark of Logitech, Inc.

Microsoft and IntelliMouse are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.

Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the

United States and other countries.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the

trademark owners.

DISCLAIMER

The manufacturer and its agents make no warranty or representation either
expressed, implied, or statutory, with respect to the contents or use of this
documentation, and especially disclaims its quality, performance,
merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.

The manufacturer and its agents reserve the right to revise or update the
device or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity of
such revisions or updates.

NOTES