THE SERVSWITCH FAMILY Welcome to the ServSwitchTM 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.
“R2” SERVSWITCH TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL AT, IBM, PS/2, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and PC/XT is a trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation. Logitech is a registered trademark of Logitech, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
FCC AND IC RFI 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.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 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.
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.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.1 The Complete Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.2 Operating Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.
CONTENTS Chapter 5. Page Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 5.1 Diagnostic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 5.2 Restoring Factory-Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 5.3 Common Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 5.3.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 1.
CHAPTER 1: Specifications Indicators: SW721 models: (5) Front-mounted LEDs: (1) POWER, (2) SELECT, (2) ON; SW722 models: (9) Front-mounted LEDs: (1) POWER, (4) SELECT, (4) ON Connectors: All rear-mounted; All models: (1) 5-pin DIN female: POWER; (1) 6-wire RJ-11 female: RS-232 (for remote control); (1)DB25 female: MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE; SW721 models: (2) DB25 female: CPU; SW722 models: (4) DB25 female: CPU Temperature Tolerance: 32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C) Humidity Tolerance: 5 to 80% noncondensing Maximum A
“R2” SERVSWITCH 2. Introduction Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch. Designed with your needs in mind, your new ServSwitch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer application. Because the ServSwitch lets you use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to access a number of IBM PC compatible computers, you can significantly reduce your equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor clutter.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction • Custom settings for each CPU can be saved in nonvolatile memory. • Rackmount kits are available. 2.3 The Front Panel The KVM ServSwitch’s front panel features three pushbutton switches and several LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and indicators, refer to Figure 2-1 below and the descriptions that follow. Figure 2-1. The front panel of a KVM 4 to 1 ServSwitch (SW722). POWER: Power LED: Lights to indicate that the unit is powered ON.
“R2” SERVSWITCH NEXT: 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. SCAN: Scan-Mode Button: When the ServSwitch is ON and operating normally (not scanning), press the button once to put the button in the “in” position. This causes the unit to begin automatic sequential scanning of connected ports.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction Panel Label Connector Description CPU X [X = a number DB25 F Connect the sharing computers to these ports with “CPU Adapter Cables.” At the switch end from 1 to either 2, or 4, depending on which model you have] these cables have a DB25 male connector; at the other ends, they have appropriate connectors to plug into your CPU’s video, keyboard, and mouse ports.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Panel Label Connector Description POWER 5-pin DIN F 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 700 mA. 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.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3. Installation 3.1 Quick Setup Guide Figure 3-1 shows a basic example of connecting a CPU, a keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse to the ServSwitch. Connectors will vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing. SERVSWITCH Power Supply 17 VAC CT CPU Adapter Cable Monitor/ Keyboard/ Mouse Adapter Cable Mouse Keyboard Monitor Keyboard Mouse Video Card Figure 3-1. Basic system setup of a 4-port (SW722-R2) unit.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 3.2 Installation Procedure This section provides complete basic instructions for the hardware setup of a single ServSwitch. For an illustrated example of the elements of a basic setup, see Figure 3-1 on the previous page. 3.2.1 RACKMOUNTING (OPTIONAL) If you want to mount the ServSwitch in a 19" rack, you will need a ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit (our product code SW727 for the 2- and 4-port models). The ServSwitch is pre-drilled to accept the kit’s rackmounting screws.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 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 25 ft. (7.6 m). For typical equipment and video resolutions, length of coaxial cable should not exceed the 20 ft. (6.1 m) from a ServSwitch to any attached device (keyboard, monitor, mouse, or CPU).
“R2” SERVSWITCH 3.2.5 SWITCHING FROM THE KEYBOARD Your ServSwitch is now ready for operation using its default settings. To take full advantage of the switch’s features, refer to Chapter 4, which gives detailed information about each of the ServSwitch commands, describing each command’s function and keystroke sequence. For your convenience, this information is summarized in Section 4.2.
CHAPTER 4: Operation 4. Operation The first part of this chapter, Section 4.1, gives you some guidelines that you should follow to make sure your ServSwitch works properly with your equipment. Section 4.2 summarizes the ServSwitch’s keyboard commands, and Section 4.3 describes these commands in detail. Section 4.4 outlines how you can select ports from an optional computer or terminal connected to the ServSwitch’s RS-232 port.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Use only the generic Microsoft mouse driver MOUSE.COM, version 4.0 at least and preferably version 9.01 or higher. If you’re running Windows®, this driver must be loaded in Windows as well as in the base operating system. Do not, on any of your switched CPUs, run any programs or TSRs, or enter any DOS commands, that change the settings of the mouse port after the driver has been loaded.
CHAPTER 4: Operation Coaxial cables do well at maintaining video quality, as shown in Table 4-1. The distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the monitor. The table assumes a single ServSwitch is between the CPU and monitor. Table 4-1. Video quality vs. distance for coaxial cables.
“R2” SERVSWITCH One last note of caution about video: The IBM 9515, 9517, and 9518 monitors that come with some PS/2 systems are not normal VGA monitors and require special cabling in order for video to be correctly sized and synchronized. Call Black Box for technical support if you want to use one of these monitors. 4.2 Keyboard Command Summary Table 4-2 below and on the next two pages summarizes the commands that can be sent to the ServSwitch.
CHAPTER 4: Operation Table 4-2 (continued). The ServSwitch’s keyboard commands. Command Switch to the Previous Port Keystroke Sequence [CTRL] - Description Switches to the previous port in sequence. Scan ON [CTRL] S Turns Scan mode ON, causing the ServSwitch to start scanning sequentially from the current port through the remaining ports and then begin again at Port 1.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Table 4-2 (continued). The ServSwitch’s keyboard commands. Command Keystroke Sequence Description Set Keyboard Mode (Select port, then:) [CTRL]Mx[ENTER] (x=1, 2, or 3) Tells the ServSwitch the keyboard mode of the CPU on the given port. Issue this command to force a port to operate in a given mode, or before any time you attach an already-booted CPU to the ServSwitch.
CHAPTER 4: Operation 4.3 The Commands in Detail 4.3.1 SELECTING A PORT FROM THE SHARED KEYBOARD To select a port from your keyboard, press and release your keyboard’s left Control Key ([CTRL]), then type in the port number: If “Maximum Ports” is set to 1 to 4: The ServSwitch will immediately switch to the desired port when you press the one-digit number’s numeral key. 4.3.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 4.3.4 KEEP SETTINGS The Keep Settings command saves the current state of the ServSwitch’s keyboardselectable settings to nonvolatile memory (NVRAM), where they become the new default (loaded at power-up) settings. To enter the command, press and release the left Control Key, then type [K]. The seven keyboard-selectable settings are described in the next seven sections. 4.3.
CHAPTER 4: Operation 4.3.7 SET KEYBOARD MODE Keyboard “modes” are electrical signaling protocols that determine how a powered CPU and keyboard interact. A CPU and keyboard must use the same mode in order to work with each other. Of the three standard keyboard modes currently in use, mode number 2 is the one used by the vast majority of CPUs. It is also the default state of all 101-key and PS/2 keyboards. Mode 1 is used primarily by certain PS/2 CPUs. Mode 3 is used by certain specialized servers.
“R2” SERVSWITCH If most or all of the CPUs you’ll be connecting to your ServSwitch system use a keyboard mode other than 2, you might want to change the defaults of their switch ports at installation time. This is because when power outages occur, the switch ports will return to their default keyboard mode when the power comes back on. 4.3.
CHAPTER 4: Operation Table 4-4. Typematic rate.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 4.3.9 RESET This command, along with the two commands described in the next two sections, comes in handy when certain problems arise. It will reset or refresh your shared equipment.
CHAPTER 4: Operation 4.3.11 IDENTIFY ROM Unfortunately, as with all complex equipment, problems might arise with your ServSwitch that require the assistance of technical-support personnel. One of the things technicians might want to know when they attempt to diagnose and correct your problem is the revision level of your ServSwitch’s ROM.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 5. Troubleshooting The first two sections of this chapter discuss things to try when problems arise in a ServSwitch system. If the trouble you’re having with the Switch is something you haven’t seen before, or if the trouble seems minor, try the procedures detailed in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 before doing anything else. The third section of this chapter suggests possible causes and solutions to frequently encountered problems; if the trouble is chronic, see Section 5.3. Sections 5.4 and 5.
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting 5.2 Restoring Factory-Default Settings If you’re having difficulty with a ServSwitch, something that often helps is resetting the switch to its factory defaults. Follow these steps carefully: 1. Make sure that the ServSwitch and all CPUs directly or indirectly connected to it are turned OFF. 2. Press and hold in the NEXT button on the front of the ServSwitch. While holding in the NEXT button, push the ON/OFF button on the front of the ServSwitch to power up the switch. 3.
“R2” SERVSWITCH E. If swapping input devices doesn’t solve the problem, begin swapping your cables one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable is probably defective. F. If swapping cables doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging the CPU into a different CPU port on the ServSwitch. If the CPU boots when it’s connected to a different port, the old port is probably defective. G.
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting E. You might be using the keyboard incorrectly. Make sure to use the left Control key to start port-switching commands. Make sure to use the numeric keys at the top of the keyboard rather than the numeric keypad when you type in port numbers. Make sure to release the Control key before you start typing in a port number. Make sure you don’t wait too long before you enter a port number. Make sure you don’t accidentally hit keys such as Shift or Alt. 5.3.
“R2” SERVSWITCH 5.3.6 YOUR PS/2 MOUSE GETS OUT OF SYNC Cabling might have been disturbed during mouse movement. Issue the Send Null Byte command (see Section 4.3.13) once or twice to get the mouse back in sync. You need the latest version of the Microsoft mouse driver to stop this from happening. 5.3.7 YOUR MOUSE DOESN’T MOVE THE POINTER/CURSOR A. What type of mouse is it? If it is any other type than those listed as being supported in item A under Section 5.3.
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting E. If no cable connectors are loose, begin swapping your cable, one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable is probably defective. F. If swapping cables doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging the CPU into a different CPU port on the ServSwitch. If the problem goes away when the CPU is connected to a different port, the old port is probably defective. 5.3.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will 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. • any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or make it worse. 5.5 Shipping and Packaging If you need to transport or ship your ServSwitch: • Package it carefully.
APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults The table below shows, for the ServSwitch’s saveable options, the default values stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) when the ServSwitch is shipped from the factory. It also shows what commands or actions can change these settings for the ServSwitch’s current operating period, as well as what commands or actions can save changed settings to NVRAM, so that they become the new defaults.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Appendix B: Cable Product Codes The table below and on the next page lists the product codes for all the types of cables we currently offer for use with the ServSwitch. The four digits that follow the dash in each product code indicate how long each cable is in feet (one foot = 305 cm). For some cables, xxx’s are shown in place of the last three digits of the product code because the cables come in several stock lengths.
APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes Coaxial CPU adapter cables. Video Type (Connector on Cable) Keyboard Type (Connector on Cable) Mouse Type (Connector on Cable) Product Code VGA (DB15HD male) IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male) EHN282 USB CPU adapter cables.
“R2” SERVSWITCH Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port The table below shows the pinout of the ServSwitch’s RJ-12 (6-wire RJ-11) female RS-232 port. Pin Signal Name Abbrev.
NOTES 11 4 4 43 1 4311 1
NOTES 44
