Black Box SW614A, SW616A, SW617A, SW619A User Manual

JUNE 2001

SW614A
SW616A
SW617A
SW619A

1

THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY

Welcome to the ServSwitch

TM

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

SW614A SW616A
SW617A SW619A

This manual also includes information about the Remote-Control Module
accessory, which has its own installation and operation sheet. The Remote-Control
Module product codes mentioned in this manual are:

KV6REM KV6REM-25 KV6REM-50 KV6REM-75

2

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

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

Multi-Head ServSwitch are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Compaq and Alpha are registered trademarks of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Hewlett-Packard, HP, and Vectra are registered trademarks 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.
Microsoft, IntelliMouse, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered

trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or

other countries.
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.

3

FCC/IC STATEMENTS

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.

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

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of 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 le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

4

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B
computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard
EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference. 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 or television reception. However, there is
no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to
correct the interference with one or more of the following measures:

(a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
(b)Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
(c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

(d)Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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

5

NOM STATEMENT

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

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

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

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

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.

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

6

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

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.

7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 9

2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 12

2.1 Features and Benefits ....................................................................... 12

2.2 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 13

2.3 The Multi-Head ServSwitch Illustrated ............................................ 14

2.4 Safety Concerns ................................................................................. 15

3. Installation ................................................................................................ 16

3.1 What You Will Need .......................................................................... 16

3.2 Placement .......................................................................................... 17

3.3 Connecting Your Equipment ........................................................... 17

3.3.1 Basic Systems with a Single Switch ......................................... 18

3.3.2 Synchronized Switch Systems for

CPUs with up to Eight Video Outputs .............................. 19

3.3.2 Cables and Adapters ............................................................... 21

3.4 Powering the Switch .......................................................................... 23

4. Configuration ........................................................................................... 24

4.1 Configuring Your PCs ....................................................................... 24

4.2 Configuring the Multi-Head ServSwitch .......................................... 25

4.2.1 Entering Configuration Mode ............................................. 25

4.2.2 Setting the Screen-Saver Timeout ....................................... 26

4.2.3 Autoscanning: Setting the Scan Mode and Pause Time ..... 27

4.2.4 Enforcing Mouse Speed ....................................................... 28

4.2.5 Setting Mouse-Mode Reporting and

Enabling/Disabling Mouse Switching ............................ 29

4.2.6 Choosing Active Ports or All Ports for

Keyboard-Tab and Mouse Switching .............................. 30

4.2.7 Setting the Hotkey Sequence ............................................... 31

4.2.8 Viewing the Firmware Revision, Restoring Mouse

Function, or Resetting to Factory Defaults ..................... 32

4.2.9 Setting the Password ............................................................. 33

4.2.10 Exiting Configuration Mode ................................................ 33

8

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

Contents (continued)

Chapter Page

5. Operation ................................................................................................. 34

5.1 Power Status ..................................................................................... 34

5.2

The Front-Panel Pushbutton and the Remote-Control Module

... 35

5.3 The Status Display ........................................................................... 36

5.4 Things to Keep in Mind About the Keyboards and Mice ............. 37

5.5 Keyboard Control: Hotkey Commands ......................................... 38

5.6 Mouse Control ................................................................................. 40

5.7 Re-Enabling a Disconnected PS/2 Mouse ..................................... 41

5.8 Hot-Plugging Devices Into the Multi-Head ServSwitch and

Re-Enabling Disconnected CPU PS/2 Mouse Ports ................ 41

5.9 RS-232 Control ................................................................................ 43

5.10 Performing a Warm Reset .............................................................. 43

5.11 Upgrading the Switch’s Firmware .................................................. 44

6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 46

6.1 Things to Try ..................................................................................... 46

6.2 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 48

6.3 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 48

Appendix: Cable Guidelines .......................................................................... 49

A.1 Cabling from the Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitors to the

Multi-Head ServSwitch .................................................................. 49

A.2 Cabling from the Multi-Head ServSwitch to the CPUs ................... 49

A.3 Cabling Attached to the OPTIONS Port ......................................... 52

9

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

1. Specifications

Compliance: CE (EN55022 Class B); FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A,

IC Class/classe A

Standards: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, SXGA, or UXGA video;

supports VESA DDC, DDC1, and DDC2 signaling

Interfaces: Video: VGA;

Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible; with

appropriate adapters, also supports IBM PC/AT type
keyboards, CPUs with PC/AT keyboard ports, and
CPUs with EIA/TIA RS-232 mouse ports;

OPTIONS port: EIA/TIA RS-232 proprietarily pinned on

DB15

Resolution: Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced at up to 100 Hz
Protocol: RS-232: Asynchronous
Data Format: RS-232: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Data Rate: RS-232: 1200 bps
Flow Control: RS-232: None
Maximum

Distance: 10 m (32 ft.) to any attached keyboard, mouse, or

monitor;

30 m (100 ft.) to any attached CPU

User Controls: Keyboard commands;

Mouse-click functions;
(1) Front-mounted pushbutton for channel change and

configuration mode;

(1) Bottom-mounted 8-position DIP switch for reset and

firmware upgrade

Indicator: (1) Front-mounted 7-segment status display

10

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

Connectors: All rear-mounted:

(1) Multipurpose DB15 female (see Section A.3 of the

Appendix);
(1) Barrel jack for optional power-supply connection;
User port consisting of:

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

attachment;

SW614A, SW617A: (2) HD15 female for monitor

attachment;

SW616A, SW619A: (4) HD15 female for monitor

attachment;

CPU ports ([2] on SW614A and SW616A, [4] on

SW617A and SW619A), each consisting of:

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

port attachment;

SW614A, SW617A: (2) HD15 female for video-head

attachment;

SW616A, SW619A: (4) HD15 female for video-head

attachment

MTBF: 500,000 hours (based on the historical reliability of

similarly designed and manufactured products)

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

Temperature
Tolerance: 32 to 104˚F (0 to 40˚C)

Humidity
Tolerance: 5 to 60% noncondensing

Enclosure: Steel, aluminum, and plastic

11

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

Power — Either:

• 5 VDC at up to 500 mA from the keyboard interfaces

of the attached computers, or

• From the optional power supply PS649 (not

included):

Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-

power (mains) outlet, through detachable power
cord and IEC 320 male inlet, to external
transformer;

Output: 5 VDC at up to 1 A;

Consumption: 5 watts maximum

Size: 4.1"H x 10.3"W x 5.9"D (10.4 x 26.2 x 15 cm)
Weight: 5.5 lb. (2.5 kg)

12

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

2. Introduction

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

®

PC compatible

hardware with multiple video outputs. Four models are available:

• 2-Port Dual Video (product code SW614A) for switching between two dual­head CPUs;

• 2-Port Quad Video (SW616A) for switching between two quad-head CPUs;

• 4-Port Dual Video (SW617A) for switching between four dual-head CPUs; and

• 4-Port Quad Video (SW619A) for switching between four quad-head CPUs.

2.1 Features and Benefits

Here are some of the useful features of the Multi-Head ServSwitch and some of the
ways those features benefit you:

•

Control multiple computer CPUs with two to four video outputs from a single
keyboard, mouse, and set of monitors.

• Continuous keyboard and mouse emulation on all ports ensures problem-free
computer bootup. And because all ports are simultaneously active, all attached
CPUs can be booted at the same time.

• Can usually draw all the power it needs from the attached CPUs. For
demanding applications with high-end video, etc., an optional power supply
(product code PS649) is available.

• Intelligent switching: You can scan/switch between all ports or just the active
ones.

• Flash-upgradable for easy on-site firmware upgrades.

• Supports high-bandwidth monitors, at resolutions up to 1600 x 1280 pixels and
refresh rates up to 100 Hz, with low distortion.

• Video channels support Display Data Channel (DDC/DDC1/DDC2) signaling.

• Password security prevents unauthorized use.

• Local channel switching using its front-panel pushbutton, a keyboard hotkey
sequence, or a 3-button mouse.

• Remote channel switching through its RS-232 serial port, using its convenient
optional Remote-Control Module or some other device.

13

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

• Two Switches can be synchronized to handle computers with up to eight video
outputs.

• Automatically restores keyboard and mouse states when channel is changed.

• CPUs can have either PS/2 or PC/AT

®

keyboard ports and either PS/2 or

RS-232 mouse ports.

• Supports keyboard modes 1, 2, and 3, as well as both “prompt” and “stream”
mouse modes, for maximum compatibility.

• Support for Microsoft®IntelliMouse™ and many other “wheel mice.”

• Mouse-restoration functions that make it possible to hot-plug certain systems.

• Supports IBM RS/6000

®

, Compaq®Alpha®, and SGI™ computers.

• Compatible with all popular operating systems for the IBM PC.

• Includes screen-blank, autoscan, and variable-hotkey options.

• Metal enclosure for good shielding and video quality.

• Can be soft-reset if problems occur.

2.2 The Complete Package

The only other thing that comes with the Multi-Head ServSwitch is this manual.
(We don’t include a power supply because most applications don’t require one. If
you need a power supply for the Switch, it can be purchased separately as product
code PS649.)

The only other things that come with the Switch’s optional Remote-Control

Module (the KV6REM series of product codes—see Section 5.2) are Velcro

®

mounting strips.

14

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

2.3 The Multi-Head ServSwitch Illustrated

Figure 2-1. The Multi-Head ServSwitch’s front panel.

Figure 2-2. The Multi-Head ServSwitch’s rear panel (SW619A shown).

The bottom panel of the Multi-Head ServSwitch isn’t shown here, but there’s an
8-position DIP switch mounted on it. You’ll use this switch if you ever do a “warm
reset” of the Switch (see Section 5.10) or upgrade its firmware (see Section 5.11).

You can also use an optional Remote-Control Module with the Multi-Head

ServSwitch (see Section 5.2). This is what the Module looks like:

Figure 2-3. The Remote-Control Module (KV6REM).

Display shows

status and

mouse/keyboard

data activity

Button for

changing

channels and

entering

configuration

mode

CPU-port video

connectors (blue)

Control

port

Connector

for

optional

power
supply

Control-port

mouse connector

Control-port

keyboard connector

Expansion

port for

Remote-

Control

Module,

RS-232

control, and

firmware

upgrades

CPU ports 1 through 4 (ports 3 and 4

are present on 4-port models only)

Control-port

monitor

connectors

CPU-port mouse

connectors (green)

CPU-port keyboard

connectors (purple)

Display shows status and

mouse/keyboard data activity

Button for changing

channels and

entering

configuration mode

15

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2.4 Safety Concerns

As you prepare to install the Multi-Head ServSwitch, please keep these things in
mind:

• The Switch is for use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only.

•Donot attempt to fix the Switch yourself.

• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the Wizard, its optional power
supply, and any other accessories.

• If you’ll be using the Wizard’s optional power supply:
– Warning: The Switch’s power-supply transformer contains no user-

serviceable parts, but it does contain “live” parts capable of delivering
hazardous electric shocks—do not attempt to dismantle it!

– Make sure that the total current rating of the devices plugged into the AC

outlet that’s supplying the Switch is not greater than the outlet’s rated
current capacity.

– If you use an extension cord with the power supply, make sure that the total

current rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord is not greater
than the cord’s rated current capacity.

–Donot continue to use the Switch’s power supply if its transformer’s case

becomes damaged, cracked, or broken, or if you suspect that the power
supply isn’t operating properly.

– If the Switch’s power supply stops working, replace it with a manufacturer-

approved power supply of the same type only.

16

MULTI-HEAD SERVSWITCH™

3. Installation

3.1 What You Will Need

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

• Cables to connect the Multi-Head ServSwitch to the keyboard, mouse, and
video ports of each of your computers. (You don’t need to connect mouse
cabling to

a CPU if you’re not using a mouse with that CPU.)

You’ll need
adapters to connect the Switch to the keyboard and mouse ports of PC/AT style
computers. For cable and adapter specifications, see the Appendix.

• Monitors with a standard VGA (HD15) connector that will work when
connected directly to each of your computers. The Multi-Head ServSwitch
supports low- and high-resolution monitors.

• A standard PC/AT or PS/2 style keyboard. (If you’re using an AT keyboard
with a 5-pin DIN connector, you’ll need a standard AT to PS/2 keyboard
adapter—product code FA211—to connect it to the Multi-Head ServSwitch.)

• A PS/2 style two- or three-button Microsoft

®

or Logitech™ compatible mouse

or a Microsoft IntelliMouse

®

or IntelliMouse Explorer compatible mouse. If
you want to use the mouse to switch channels on the Multi-Head ServSwitch,
you’ll need a three-button mouse or an IntelliMouse. (The Switch supports
other IntelliMouse compatible “Internet mice”—fitted with a wheel or other
scrolling control, and sometimes additional buttons—that are available from
several manufacturers.)

All of the mouse connections from Multi-Head ServSwitch to the attached
computers support either PS/2 mouse ports or RS-232 serial mouse ports. The
Switch automatically converts PS/2 mouse data and commands to serial-mouse
data and commands, but you’ll still need the appropriate adapter—product
code FA314—to connect the Switch to a PC with a serial mouse port. See
Section A.2 in the Appendix.

The Switch will operate without a mouse connected if you don’t want to use
one.

17

CHAPTER 3: Installation

• A suitable mouse driver for your PCs. Supported types are:
– PS/2 or RS-232 two-button mouse driver by any manufacturer.
– Microsoft mouse drivers, including those for the IntelliMouse. (You might

be able to user other drivers with IntelliMouse compatible data formats, but
these might not work—trial-and-error testing might be necessary.)

– Logitech mouse drivers, including those for two-button, three-button, and

wheel mice.

3.2 Placement

The Multi-Head ServSwitch should be placed on a desktop or shelf near your
monitors and peripherals. You can use the optional Remote-Control Module if you
want to put a Switch farther from your monitors and peripherals.

3.3 Connecting Your Equipment

NOTES

When you connect devices to Switches’ “control ports” and “CPU
ports,” refer to Figure 2-2 in Section 2.3 to see where these ports are.

Any unused CPU-port or control-port connectors on a Multi-Head

ServSwitch can be left vacant.

Feel free to mix computers with multiple video outputs and computers
with single outputs in your Switch system. When you switch to a CPU
with a single output, that output will be displayed on the first monitor
and the additional monitors will be blank.

Most Multi-Head ServSwitch applications will involve a keyboard, a mouse, a set of
two to four monitors, and two to four computer CPUs attached to a single Wizard.
If that describes what you want to do, follow the procedure in Section 3.3.1.

If your CPUs have more than four video outputs (up to as many as eight), you
will need two synchronized Switches to switch between the CPUs. Follow the
procedure in Section 3.3.2.

You might want to use Premium KVM User or CPU Cables to attach your devices,
and you might need adapters for PC/AT style equipment. These cables and
adapters are described in Section 3.3.3.

NOTE

It is theoretically possible to cascade Multi-Head ServSwitches in order
to switch between more than four CPUs. It is also theoretically possible
to synchronize more than two Multi-Head ServSwitches in order to
handle CPUs whose video cards have more than eight video heads. But
in each case, cabling would be very complex. If you feel that you need to
install such a system, please call Black Box Technical Support.