JULY 1998 KV6104SA KV6108SA KV6112FA KV6116FA Customer Support Information: For FREE Technical Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 724-746-5500. Address: 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • Phone: 724-746-5500 • Fax: 724-746-0746 World-Wide Web: http://www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com © Copyright 1998. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY TM 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.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, ServSwitch and ServSwitch Duo are trademarks of Black Box Corporation. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Compaq is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation. Gateway 2000 is a registered trademark of Gateway 2000 Corporation. Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard.
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.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 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.
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.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications ............................................................................................... 9 2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 11 2.1 Features and Benefits of the ServSwitch Duo ................................... 11 2.2 The Complete ServSwitch Duo Package ............................................ 12 2.3 The ServSwitch Duo Illustrated ..........................
SERVSWITCH DUO™ Contents (continued) Chapter Page 5. Operation ................................................................................................... 28 5.1 Power Status ...................................................................................... 28 5.2 The Status LEDs ............................................................................... 28 5.3 The Front-Panel Pushbuttons and the Remote-Control Module .. 28 5.4 The Status Display ..........................................
CHAPTER 1: Specifications 1.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ Connectors — All rear-mounted: (2) HD15 female for monitor attachment; (4) 6-pin mini-DIN female for keyboard and mouse attachment; (1) DB15 female for RS-232; (1) Barrel jack for power; For each computer port, a set of (1) HD15 female (for video attachment) and (2) 6-pin mini-DIN female (for keyboard-port and mouse-port attachment): KV6104SA: (4); KV6108SA: (8); KV6112FA: (12); KV6116FA: (16) Power — Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-power outlet, through detachable power
CHAPTER 2: Introductiom 2. Introduction The ServSwitch Duo™ is a high-performance keyboard-, monitor-, and mousesharing device that supports a wide range of IBM® PC compatible hardware and software platforms. 2.1 Features and Benefits of the ServSwitch Duo Here are some of the useful features of the ServSwitch Duo and some of the ways those features benefit you: • Control multiple PCs from a local and remote keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 2.2 The Complete ServSwitch Duo Package You should have received these components with your ServSwitch Duo: • The ServSwitch Duo itself. • A power-supply transformer and output cord. • A power-supply input cord suitable for your country or region.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ Attachment points for rackmount bracket Key for changing channels and entering configuration mode AUTO SCAN SELE Display shows status and mouse/keyboard data activity Red LEDs show currently active control port (A or B) 11 9 10 7 8 5 6 3 4 1 2 CT Key for selecting autoscan 3 12 1 5 16 14 1 LED shows the power status of the Switch K BOX BLAC PWR ER E US B ACTIV A Green LEDs show the ON/OFF status of connected CPUs (LEDs 13 through 16 are present on 16-port model only) Both
CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2.4 Safety Concerns As you prepare to install the ServSwitch Duo, please keep these things in mind: • The Switch is for use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only. • Warning: The Switch’s power adapter contains no user-serviceable parts, but it does contain parts capable of delivering hazardous electric shocks—do not attempt to dismantle it! • Plug the power adapter into a socket outlet close to the Switch.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 3. Installation 3.1 What You Will Need You’ll need these things to be in place before you can install your ServSwitch Duo: • Cables to connect the ServSwitch Duo to the keyboard, video, and mouse ports of each of your PCs. Cable specifications are given in Appendix A. (You do not need to connect a mouse cable if you are not using the mouse). • A monitor with a standard VGA/SVGA (HD15) connector that will work when connected directly to each of your PCs.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2 Rackmounting the ServSwitch Duo (Optional) The ServSwitch Duo has been designed to be used either on a desktop or mounted in a 19" rack. If the ServSwitch Duo is to be used on a desktop, you will need to stick the included self-adhesive rubber feet to the underside of the Switch. If the ServSwitch Duo is to be mounted in a 19" rack, you will need to fit the included rackmount brackets to the sides of the Switch using the included screws. 3.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 6-Pin mini-DIN 6-Pin mini-DIN HD15 10" (25.4 cm) 9" (22.9 cm) Cross-section: Central video strand Keyboard and mouse strands molded to sides Figure 3-1. The ServSwitch Duo cables. Next, connect each computer or (in cascaded systems) subsidiary ServSwitch Duo to your single/master Switch.
CHAPTER 3: Installation To connect computers with serial mouse ports and PC/AT style keyboard ports, you’ll need adapters, as shown in Figure 3-2 below . Refer to the Appendix for cable guidelines.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 4. Configuration To configure your ServSwitch Duo system, you’ll need to configure first the attached PCs, as directed in Section 4.1, then the Switch itself, as directed in the rest of this chapter. IMPORTANT NOTE Throughout the rest of this manual, the [Enter] designation refers to the main “enter” or “carriage-return” key (often labeled “↵”) on the main section of the keyboard.
CHAPTER 4: Configuration key while you plug in the ServSwitch Duo; do not release SELECT until the ServSwitch Duo displays “C” to show that it is in configuration mode. • To enter configure mode while the ServSwitch Duo is running, hold down the SELECT key for 5 seconds until the front-panel display shows “C”.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 4.2.3 AUTOSCANNING: SETTING THE SCAN MODE AND PAUSE TIME The ServSwitch Duo begins autoscanning its CPU channels (that is, briefly displaying each channel’s video in turn) when you type in the hotkey sequence followed by the letter “A” (see Section 5.7). By default, the Switch only scans those channels that have a powered-up computer connected to them. But if you need the Switch to scan all of its channels, you can send it the [L][2] or [L][4] command.
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.4 SETTING THE SWITCHOVER TIMEOUT To be able to control the ServSwitch Duo from either of two separate locations at any given time, you have to connect keyboards, monitors, and mice to both of the Switch’s control ports, A and B. The Switch sends the video from the currently selected computer to both monitors at the same time, but it will accept only one source of keyboard and mouse data at a time, so only one of the control ports at a time can be in active control.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ The ServSwitch Duo supports “Internet mice” that are compatible with the Microsoft IntelliMouse. These are fitted with a wheel or other type of scrolling control and sometimes have additional buttons. Examples are: • Microsoft IntelliMouse • Logitech Pilot Mouse+ • Logitech MouseMan+ • Genius NetMouse • Genius NetMouse Pro You can connect standard PS/2 mice and IntelliMouse compatible mice to control ports A and B in any combination.
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.6 SETTING THE HOTKEY SEQUENCE You can access many of the ServSwitch Duo’s main functions (such as CPU-channel selection, autoscanning, and locking) by sending commands from the shared keyboard. Each command must start with a “hotkey sequence” (series of keystrokes) that alerts the Switch to interpret the keyboard data that follows it as a command. The default hotkey sequence is [Ctrl] and [Alt] pressed simultaneously.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 4.2.7 VIEWING THE FIRMWARE REVISION, RESTORING MOUSE FUNCTION, OR RESETTING TO FACTORY DEFAULTS For technical-support purposes, it might be necessary to find out the firmwarerelease version of the control software in your ServSwitch Duo.
CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.2.9 SETTING THE PASSWORD There are many situations where unrestricted access to corporate file servers or sensitive information needs to be controlled. In such circumstances, the ServSwitch Duo can be locked away in a room or secure cabinet and controlled remotely. In this mode, you can type the hotkey sequence followed by the number “0” (zero) at the shared keyboard of the active control port in order to “lock” the Switch.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 5. Operation This chapter explains the general operation of the ServSwitch Duo. We recommend that you read this chapter carefully before starting to use the Switch; also make sure you have read the important note on page 20. 5.1 Power Status At power-up, the ServSwitch Duo selects CPU channel #1 and displays “1” unless a password has been set. If a password has been set, the Switch will display “P” and remain locked until a valid password is entered.
CHAPTER 5: Operation An optional Remote-Control Module (“RCM” for short, our product code KV6REM) is also available for the ServSwitch Duo. It’s a small hand-held component—with its own copies of the Switch’s SELECT key and front-panel display—whose 10-foot (3-m) cord you can plug into the Switch’s RS-232 port. This is particularly useful in applications where the ServSwitch Duo is located some distance from the shared keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 5.4 The Status Display The ServSwitch Duo’s front-panel 7-segment status display usually shows the number of the currently selected computer channel, while the dot LED alongside it flashes in response to data from the shared keyboard or mouse, as shown in the top illustration in Figure 5-1 below.
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.5 Using the Dual Control Ports (A and B) The ServSwitch Duo has two control ports, “A” and “B.” Each control port has a keyboard, mouse, and monitor connection, and either can be used to access the Switch. Typically port A is used for local access, and port B for remote access from up to 65 feet (20 m) away. The Switch sends the video image from the selected CPU to the monitors on both ports, but it will accept keyboard and mouse data from only one control port at a time.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 5.7 Keyboard Control: Hotkey Commands You can control many functions on the ServSwitch Duo—such as CPU-channel selection, autoscanning, or locking—from the keyboard, using commands triggered with the Switch’s currently selected hotkey combination. All of the hotkey-control commands are invoked by holding down the one or two hotkeys and then pressing a command key. By default, the two hotkeys are [Ctrl] and [Alt], although other keystroke combinations can be selected (see Section 4.2.6).
CHAPTER 5: Operation Please note that, in cascaded systems, it is not possible to scan through all of the channels on every Switch in the same scan. Each Switch must be scanned separately. • Use {Hotkeys} + [0] to select nonexistent “channel zero” in order to shut off the video output from the Switch to the shared monitors. The Switch’s frontpanel display will show “0”. You can re-enable video by selecting another channel through the keyboard, SELECT button, on-screen menu, or mouse.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ Examples of common hotkey commands (assuming the hotkeys are [Ctrl] and [Alt]): • To select channel 2: Press and hold [Ctrl] and [Alt], press and release [2], release [Ctrl] and [Alt]. • To “tab through” channels: Press and hold [Ctrl] and [Alt], press and release [Tab] (repeat as many times as necessary), release [Ctrl] and [Alt]. • To select channel 12 on a 12-port or 16-port Switch: Press and hold [Ctrl] and [Alt], press and release [1], press and release [2], release [Ctrl] and [Alt].
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.8 On-Screen Menu Control Another convenient way to select CPU channels on the ServSwitch Duo is through the Switch’s on-screen menu. This menu consists of channel numbers (and, in cascaded systems, channel addresses) paired with computer names that you assign. The menu is called up by pressing the hotkey sequence followed by the letter “M” at the shared keyboard.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 5.8.1 ADDING A COMPUTER TO THE MENU LIST With the menu visible on the screen, press the [Insert] key. This will cause a new “Computer” entry field to be inserted on the menu. This is highlighted in red with a flashing cursor to indicate the text entry position. Type in a name up to 16 characters long (you can use uppercase, lowercase, special, and space characters). When you’re finished, press [Enter].
CHAPTER 5: Operation 5.8.4 SELECTING A COMPUTER ON THE MENU LIST With the menu visible on the screen, highlight the computer to be selected using the up- and down-arrow keys and page-up and page-down keys as required. Now press the [Enter] key to switch to the highlighted computer.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 5.9 Mouse Control Yet another convenient way to select CPU channels on the ServSwitch Duo is through a three-button mouse, if this feature is enabled (see Section 4.2.5). To switch to the next channel, simply hold down the central mouse button or “wheel” button, then click on the left-hand mouse button. 5.
CHAPTER 5: Operation If you have powered down your ServSwitch Duo, or if you are attempting to hotplug a system into it, you may be able to restore lost mouse movement using the ServSwitch Duo's mouse-restoration functions. Mouse-restoration functions should be used with caution, because unpredictable results may occur if the wrong mouse type is selected. If in doubt, restore the mouse by rebooting the PC normally.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 5.12 RS-232 Control There is yet one more way to select channels on the ServSwitch Duo: through its RS-232 serial port. (This is a proprietarily pinned DB15 connector; see Section A.3 of the Appendix for more information.) The normal use of this connector is as the attachment point for the Switch’s optional Remote-Control Module, but by using an adapter you can connect a different RS-232 device to it.
CHAPTER 5: Operation For an example of hotkey switching, consider a situation in which two ServSwitch Duo units, unit “A” and unit “B,” are connected together as shown in Figure 5-1 on page 42. To select the computer attached to port 3 on ServSwitch Duo “B,” you would press and hold down the hotkeys, then press and release “2,” press and release “3,” and finally release the hotkeys.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 2 3 4 1 CPUs ServSwitch Duo B (second layer) 3 4 2 1 CPUs ServSwitch Duo A (first layer) Shared Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor Figure 5-1. A typical cascade of two ServSwitch Duos.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6. Troubleshooting 6.1 Things To Try This section suggests possible answers for a number of problems that people sometimes encounter when trying to operate the ServSwitch Duo. If the suggested actions don’t solve your problem, or if you don’t see a listing for the type of trouble you’re having, contact Black Box Technical Support as described in Section 6.2. Problem: Poor video quality with smearing, fuzziness, or rippling.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ Problem: Your keyboard does not function or functions only intermittently. The Num Lock LED does not always light when the Num Lock key is pressed. Possible Solution: Some older keyboards were designed for use with specific computers and are not truly PC/AT or PS/2 compatible. These are not common, but if you’re having problems like this and you’re using an old keyboard, try a newer keyboard. Problem: Just using your mouse normally causes the CPU channel to change unexpectedly.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Problem: The ServSwitch Duo does not power on correctly (display is blank or stuck after power-up). Possible Solution: Power down all CPUs attached to the ServSwitch Duo. Then power down the Switch itself—preferably, if it’s plugged into a switchable power outlet, by switching off the power to the outlet—and leave it OFF for 10 seconds. Then power the Switch back up.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ 6.2 Calling Black Box If you determine that your ServSwitch Duo is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500. 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.
APPENDIX: Cable and Connector Guidelines Appendix: Cable and Connector Guidelines IMPORTANT NOTE The maximum cable lengths supported vary widely between devices and cables. It might be possible to use cables that are longer than those specified below with certain PCs and peripherals, but this cannot be guaranteed. If you experience problems, try using shorter cables. A.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ RS-232 serial mice: These require a special adapter, with the pinning shown in the illustration below, to connect the ServSwitch Duo’s PS/2 mouse port to the RS-232 port on a PC. One of these adapters is included with your Switch for each four CPU ports it has. PS/2 type mouse cables, such as the mouse strand of our CPU Extension Cables (see Section 3.3), should be no longer than 100 ft. (30.5 m).
APPENDIX: Cable and Connector Guidelines A.3 The Expansion Port The DB15 connector on the back of the ServSwitch Duo is a proprietarily pinned port using RS-232-type signaling. Its main purpose is to be the attachment point for the Switch’s optional Remote Control Module (RCM), but you can also connect an RS-232 device to it to perform channel switching. See Section 5.12 for more details.
SERVSWITCH DUO™ DISCLAIMERS While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the product without notice.
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