JUNE 2000
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15
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7
13
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4
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r
we
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SW721A-R4
SW722A-R4
KV3108SA-R4
SW723A-R4
SW724A-R4
SW725A-R4
Customer Support Information:
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
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
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JUNE 2000
SW722A-R4
SW721A-R4
KV3108SA-R4 SW723A-R4
SW724A-R4 SW725A-R4
Step-By-Step Quick Install Guide for the
ServSwitch™
16
15
13
9
14
10
6
12
8
11
7
5
4
er
Pow
3
1
2
1. Introduction
This guide is designed to quickly show you how to attach cables and
equipment in order to install a ServSwitch system. For just the basics, look over
the diagrams on the next four pages. More detailed instructions begin on
page 4.
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
Attach User Adapter Cable.
Attach monitor
(VGA type shown).
Plug in monitor.
1
2
3
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
ServSwitch
Use CPU Adapter Cable to attach CPU this way (PS/2 CPU shown):
5
CPU 1
Unlabeled
Labeled "MOUSE"
2
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
Attach your keyboard and mouse this way (PS/2 equipment shown):
4
Labeled "MOUSE"
Unlabeled
Plug in CPU.
Plug in
ServSwitch.
Turn on
ServSwitch.
6
7
8
POWER
Turn on monitor
and all CPUs.
9
3
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
The rest of this guide is divided into five sections, one for each connection type:
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
RS-232
Power
Cascade
CPU
User
Figure 1. Connection sequence.
Required: Section 2, User-Station Connections (see page 5).
Optional: Section 3, Cascade Connections (see page 10).
Required: Section 4, CPU Connections (see page 11).
Optional: Section 5, The RS-232 Connection (see page 18).
Required: Section 6, The Power Connection (see page 20).
4
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
2. User-Station Connections
Which cables you use for these and how you connect them to the ServSwitch
and to your user-station equipment will depend on what type of equipment
you’re using:
If your keyboard
and mouse are
this type (with this
connector):
And if your
Refer to this section
(on this page):
monitor is this
type (with this
connector):
IBM® PS/2®, RS/6000®,
or SGI® (6-pin mini-DIN)
VGA/multisync
(HD15)
Section 2.1 (page 6)
Section 2.2 (page 7)
IBM PC/AT® keyboard,
(5-pin DIN), RS-232
serial mouse (DB9)
VGA/multisync
(HD15)
IBM PS/2 or RS/6000
(6-pin mini-DIN)
RS/6000 (13W3)
SGI (13W3)
Section 2.3 (page 8)
Section 2.4 (page 9)
IBM PS/2 or SGI
(6-pin mini-DIN)
5
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
2.1 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, VGA/MULTISYNC MONITOR
If your keyboard and mouse are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current
®
®
RS/6000 and SGIkeyboards and mice, as well as the Microsoft IntelliMouse ),
and your monitor is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or multisync type with an HD15 video
connector, first choose your Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User
Cable):
• If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if your
equipment is within 20 ft. (6.1 m) of the Switch, you can use the standard
(non-coaxial) cable with the product code EHN054.
• If your video resolution is higher than 1024 x 768, or if your equipment is
farther than 20 ft. (6.1 m) from the Switch, you should use the coaxial
cable with the product code EHN283.
When you have the correct cable, hook it up to the ServSwitch and your
equipment this way, as shown in Figure 2:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into the Switch’s MONITOR/
KEYBOARD/MOUSE port.
• Plug the mouse into the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
“MOUSE” label on it.
connector with the
• Plug the keyboard into the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
• Plug the monitor into the cable’s HD15 connector.
connector.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN054 or
EHN283
Figure 2. PS/2 type user-station connections.
6
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
2.2 IBM PC/AT COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD, RS-232 SERIAL MOUSE, VGA/MULTISYNC MONITOR
If your keyboard is PC/AT compatible, your mouse is an RS-232 serial type,
and your monitor is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or multisync type with an HD15 video
connector, first choose your Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User
Cable):
• If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if your
equipment is within 20 ft. (6.1 m) of the Switch, you can use the standard
(non-coaxial) cable with the product code EHN052.
• If your video resolution is higher than 1024 x 768, or if your equipment is
farther than 20 ft. (6.1 m) from the Switch, you should use the coaxial
cable with the product code EHN270.
When you have the correct cable, hook it up to the ServSwitch and your
equipment this way, as shown in Figure 3:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into the Switch’s MONITOR/
KEYBOARD/MOUSE port.
• Plug the mouse into the cable’s DB9
connector.
connector.
connector.
• Plug the keyboard into the cable’s 5-pin DIN
• Plug the monitor into the cable’s HD15
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN052 or
EHN270
Figure 3. PC/AT type user-station connections.
7
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
2.3 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, RS/6000 MONITOR
If your keyboard and mouse are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current
RS/6000 keyboards and mice, as well as the Microsoft IntelliMouse), and your
monitor is an RS/6000 type with a 13W3 video connector, use the coaxial
Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User Cable) with the product code
EHN521-0001. (Note that this cable is available as a stock item only in a 1-ft.
[0.3-m] length; call for a quote if you need a longer version.) Hook this cable
up to the ServSwitch and your equipment this way, as shown in Figure 4:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into the Switch’s MONITOR/
KEYBOARD/MOUSE port.
• Plug the mouse into the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
“MOUSE” label on it.
connector with the
• Plug the keyboard into the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
• Plug the monitor into the cable’s 13W3 connector.
connector.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN521-0001
Figure 4. RS/6000 type user-station connections.
8
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
2.4 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, SGI MONITOR
If your keyboard and mouse are IBM PS/2 compatible (which includes current
SGI keyboards and mice, as well as the Microsoft IntelliMouse), and your
monitor is an SGI type with a 13W3 video connector, use the coaxial Monitor/
Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cable (User Cable) with the product code
EHN501-0001. (Note that this cable is available as a stock item only in a 1-ft.
[0.3-m] length; call for a quote if you need a longer version.) Hook this cable
up to the ServSwitch and your equipment this way, as shown in Figure 5:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into the Switch’s MONITOR/
KEYBOARD/MOUSE port.
• Plug the mouse into the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
“MOUSE” label on it.
connector with the
• Plug the keyboard into the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
• Plug the monitor into the cable’s 13W3 connector.
connector.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN501-0001
Figure 5. SGI type user-station connections.
9
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
3. Cascade Connections (Optional)
If you want to connect submaster (slave) ServSwitch units to your master unit,
use the coaxial Expansion Cable EHN284. Plug one end of this cable (it
doesn’t matter which end) into the submaster unit’s MONITOR/KEYBOARD/
MOUSE port. If this is the first submaster, plug the other end of the cable into
the master Switch’s CPU 1 port. If this is the second submaster, plug the other
end into the master Switch’s CPU 2 port, and so on. See Figure 6. (For more
information about cascading, refer to Section 3.3 of your ServSwitch manual.)
Master Unit
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN284
Submaster Unit
CPU
7
CPU
8
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
CPU
3
CPU
4
CPU
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
Figure 6. A cascade connection.
10
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
4. CPU Connections
Which cables you use and how you connect them will depend on what type of
equipment you’re using:
If your CPU’s keyboard
and mouse ports are
this type (with this
connector):
And if your CPU’s
video port is this
type (with this
connector):
Refer to this section
(on this page):
IBM PS/2 type
(6-pin mini-DIN)
VGA etc. (HD15)
Section 4.1 (page 12)
Section 4.2 (page 14)
IBM PC/AT keyboard
(5-pin DIN), RS-232
serial mouse (DB9)
VGA etc. (HD15)
IBM RS/6000 (PS/2 type,
6-pin mini-DIN)
RS/6000 (13W3)
SGI (13W3)
Section 4.3 (page 16)
Section 4.4 (page 17)
SGI (PS/2 type,
6-pin mini-DIN)
11
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
4.1 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS, VGA TYPE VIDEO PORTS
If a CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are IBM PS/2 compatible (which
includes current RS/6000 and SGI CPUs), and its video port is a VGA, SVGA,
XGA, or a compatible type with an HD15 connector, first choose your CPU
Adapter Cable:
• If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if the
CPU is within 20 ft. (6.1 m) of the Switch, you can use the standard (non-
coaxial) cable with the product code EHN051.
• If your video resolution is higher than 1024 x 768, or if the CPU is farther
than 20 ft. (6.1 m) from the Switch, you should use the coaxial cable with
the product code EHN282. (This cable will come with keyboard and
mouse adapters that you will not use.)
When you have the correct cable, hook it up to the ServSwitch and the CPU
this way, as shown in Figure 7 on the next page:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into one of the Switch’s numbered
CPU ports.
• Plug the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
connector with the “MOUSE” label on
it into the CPU’s mouse port.
• Plug the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
connector into the CPU’s
keyboard port.
• Plug the cable’s HD15
connector into the CPU’s video port.
12
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN051 or
EHN282
To kbd port
To mouse port
To video port
Figure 7. PS/2 type CPU connections.
13
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
4.2 IBM PC/AT COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD PORT, RS-232 SERIAL MOUSE PORT, VGA TYPE
VIDEO PORT
If a CPU’s keyboard port is PC/AT compatible, its mouse port is an RS-232
serial type, and its video port is a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or compatible type with an
HD15 connector, first choose your CPU Adapter Cable:
• If your video resolution is not higher than 1024 x 768 pixels, and if the
CPU is within 20 ft. (6.1 m) of the Switch, you can use the standard (non-
coaxial) cable with the product code EHN048.
• If your video resolution is higher than 1024 x 768, or if the CPU is farther
than 20 ft. (6.1 m) from the Switch, you should use the coaxial cable with
the product code EHN282, including the adapters that come with it.
If you use the EHN048, hook it up to the ServSwitch and the CPU this way, as
shown in Figure 8 on the next page:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into one of the Switch’s numbered
CPU ports.
• Plug the cable’s DB9
connector into the CPU’s mouse port.
connector into the CPU’s keyboard port.
connector into the CPU’s video port.
• Plug the cable’s 5-pin DIN
• Plug the cable’s HD15
If you use the EHN282, hook it up to the ServSwitch and the CPU this way, as
shown in Figure 9 on the next page:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into one of the Switch’s numbered
CPU ports.
• Plug the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
connector with the “MOUSE” label on
it into the 6-pin mini-DIN end of the included mouse adapter. Then plug
the DB9 end of the adapter into the CPU’s mouse port.
• Plug the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
connector into the 6-pin
mini-DIN end of the included keyboard adapter. Then plug the 5-pin DIN
end of the adapter into the CPU’s keyboard port.
• Plug the cable’s HD15
connector into the CPU’s video port.
14
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN048
To kbd port
To mouse port
To video port
Figure 8. PC/AT type CPU connections (standard cable).
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN282
To kbd port
Adapters
To mouse port
To video port
Figure 9. PC/AT type CPU connections (coaxial cable).
15
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
4.3 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS, RS/6000 VIDEO PORT
If a CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are IBM PS/2 compatible (which
includes current RS/6000 CPUs), and its video port is an RS/6000 type with a
13W3 connector, use the coaxial CPU Adapter Cable EHN520. Hook this cable
up to the ServSwitch and the CPU this way, as shown in Figure 10:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into one of the Switch’s numbered
CPU ports.
• Plug the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
connector with the “MOUSE” label on
it into the CPU’s mouse port.
• Plug the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
connector into the CPU’s
keyboard port.
• Plug the cable’s 13W3
connector into the CPU’s video port.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN520
To kbd port
To mouse port
To video port
Figure 10. RS/6000 type CPU connections.
16
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
4.4 IBM PS/2 COMPATIBLE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS, SGI VIDEO PORT
If a CPU’s keyboard and mouse ports are IBM PS/2 compatible (which
includes current SGI CPUs), and its video port is an SGI type with a 13W3
connector, use the coaxial CPU Adapter Cable EHN500. Hook this cable up to
the ServSwitch and your equipment this way, as shown in Figure 11:
• Plug the cable’s DB25
connector into one of the Switch’s numbered
CPU ports.
• Plug the cable’s 6-pin mini-DIN
connector with the “MOUSE” label on
it into the CPU’s mouse port.
• Plug the cable’s unlabeled 6-pin mini-DIN
connector into the CPU’s
keyboard port.
• Plug the cable’s 13W3
connector into the CPU’s video port.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
EHN500
To kbd port
To mouse port
To video port
Figure 11. SGI type CPU connections.
17
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
5. The RS-232 Connection (Required for Upgrading Firmware,
Optional Otherwise)
To attach the ServSwitch’s RS-232 port to the RS-232 serial port of a PC or
modem for upgrading firmware (required) or for out-of-band port switching
and diagnostics (optional), you will need a 4- or 6-wire flat-satin modular cable
and a modular adapter:
• If you are connecting the Switch directly to a DB9 male
computer
serial port, use the 4-wire cable and the DB9 female adapter that came with
the Switch, as shown in Figure 12. (If you lose the cable, you can replace it
with our product code EL04MS. If you lose the adapter, you can replace it
with our product code FA043.)
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
Included
adapter
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
or FA043
Included 4-wire
cable or EL04MS
Figure 12. RS-232 connection to DB9 male computer port.
• If you are connecting the Switch directly to a DB25 male computer
serial port, use the 4-wire cable that came with the Switch and the DB25
female adapter FA044, as shown in Figure 13. (If you lose the cable, you
can replace it with our product code EL04MS.)
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
Modular
adapter
FA044
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
Included 4-wire
cable or EL04MS
Figure 13. RS-232 connection to DB25 male computer port.
18
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
• If you are connecting the Switch to a computer at another site through a
modem with a DB25 female
serial port, use the 6-wire cable
EL06MS and the DB25 male adapter FA042, as shown in Figure 14.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
Modular
adapter
FA042
To phone
network
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
6-wire cable
EL06MS
Modem
Figure 14. RS-232 connection to DB25 male computer port.
19
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SERVSWITCH™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
6. The Power Connection
Attach the outlet end of the included power cord into the Switch. Attach the
plug end of the cord to a wall outlet. See Figure15.
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
Included
power
cord
Figure 15. The power connection.
20
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NOTES
21
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© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
BLACK BOX and the
logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch is a trademark, of Black Box Corporation.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft and IntelliMouse are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
SGI is a registered trademark of SGI.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com
•
E-mail: [email protected]
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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. 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 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™ unit, including how to
install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSwitch, see
Chapter 2. The ServSwitch product codes covered in this manual are:
SW721A-R4
SW722A-R4
KV3108SA-R4
SW723A-R4
SW724A-R4
SW725A-R4
This manual also includes information about the acessories with these product
codes (each comes with its own installation guide if ordered separately):
KV5100C
RMK19M
RMK19S
RMK19F
RMK23M
RMK23S
RMK23F
RMK24M
RMK24S
RMK24F
1
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SERVSWITCH™
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the
logo are registered trademarks, ServSwitch, ServSwitch
Ultra, Matrix ServSwitch, and ServManager are trademarks, of Black Box
Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.™
Compaq is a registered trademark, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer
Corporation.
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, Windows, HyperTerminal, and IntelliMouse are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
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. in the
United States and other countries.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories, 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.
2
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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.
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.
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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. 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.
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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.
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SERVSWITCH™
Contents
Chapter
Page
1. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10
2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 13
2.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 13
2.2 Operating Features ........................................................................... 13
2.3 The Front Panel ................................................................................ 15
2.4 The Rear Panel .................................................................................. 17
2.5 Cable Requirements ......................................................................... 19
2.6 Equipment Requirements ................................................................ 19
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 20
3.1 Quick Setup Guide ........................................................................... 20
3.2 Installation Procedure ...................................................................... 21
3.2.1 Rackmounting (Optional) .................................................... 21
3.2.2 Connecting the Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse ................ 21
3.2.3 Connecting CPUs .................................................................. 22
3.2.4 Connecting Submasters (Optional) ..................................... 23
3.2.5 Powering Up the System ....................................................... 24
3.2.6 Changing the Keyboard Setting of Windows NT 4.0 CPUs ... 25
3.2.7 Switching from the Keyboard ............................................... 25
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems ..................................................... 26
3.3.1 Cable Requirements for Expansion ..................................... 27
3.3.2 Installing a Cascade ............................................................... 27
4. Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands .................................. 32
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch with Your Equipment ........... 32
4.1.1 CPUs ....................................................................................... 32
4.1.2 Mouse and Keyboard ............................................................ 32
4.1.3 Monitor .................................................................................. 34
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary ........................................................ 37
4.3 The Commands in Detail ................................................................. 39
4.3.1 Selecting a Port from the Shared Keyboard ......................... 39
4.3.2 Switching to the Next or Previous Port ................................ 39
4.3.3 Scan Mode ............................................................................. 40
4.3.4 Keep Settings ......................................................................... 40
4.3.5 Set Screen-Saver Interval ...................................................... 40
4.3.6 Reset ....................................................................................... 41
4.3.7 Send Null Byte (PS/2 Type Mice Only) .............................. 42
4.3.8 Identify ROM ......................................................................... 42
4.3.9 Display Label .......................................................................... 43
4.3.10 Activate On-Screen Menus ................................................... 43
4.3.11 Activate Select Window ......................................................... 43
4.3.12 Log Out .................................................................................. 43
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
Page
4.4 Using the RS-232 Port ....................................................................... 44
4.4.1 Connecting Equipment to the Port ..................................... 44
4.4.2 Switching Ports Remotely (Optional) .................................. 45
4.4.3 Upgrading the Firmware (Flash Memory) .......................... 46
4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with
Terminal-Emulation Software ........................................... 46
4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with
the DOS COPY Command ................................................ 48
5. Operation: On-Screen Display ................................................................ 50
5.1 Overview ............................................................................................ 50
5.1.1 The Main Menu ..................................................................... 50
5.1.2 Navigating the Configuration Pages .................................... 51
5.1.3 Saving Changes Made with the On-Screen Display ............. 51
5.2 The “Configure System” Page .......................................................... 52
5.2.1 Configure System: Keyboard ................................................ 52
5.2.2 Configure System: Mouse ..................................................... 53
5.2.3 Configure System: Maximum Computers ........................... 55
5.2.4 Configure System: Expansion Units .................................... 56
5.2.5 Configure System: Expansion Width ................................... 56
5.2.6 Configure System: Scan Mode .............................................. 57
5.2.7 Configure System: Scan Time .............................................. 57
5.2.8 Configure System: Power-On Scan ....................................... 57
5.2.9 Configure System: Typematic Rate ....................................... 57
5.2.10 Configure System: Typematic Delay .................................... 58
5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page ................................................... 59
5.3.1 Configure Computers: Computer Name ............................. 60
5.3.2 Configure Computers: Keyboard ......................................... 61
5.3.3 Configure Computers: Mouse .............................................. 62
5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page ......................................................... 63
5.4.1 Configure Overlay: Miscellaneous ....................................... 63
5.4.1.A Color Scheme .......................................................... 63
5.4.1.B Resolution ................................................................ 64
5.4.1.C Screen Saver ............................................................. 64
5.4.1.D Screen-Saver Time ................................................... 64
5.4.2 Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window .................... 65
5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 65
5.4.2.B Position ..................................................................... 65
5.4.3 Configure Overlay: Computer Label ................................... 66
5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 66
5.4.3.B Position ..................................................................... 66
5.4.3.C Show Computer Number ........................................ 66
5.4.3.D Fade Out .................................................................. 67
5.4.3.E Font ........................................................................... 67
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SERVSWITCH™
Contents (continued)
Chapter
Page
5. Operation: On-Screen Display (continued)
5.5 The “Configure Security” Page ........................................................ 68
5.5.1 The Configuration Password ................................................ 68
5.5.2 The Access Password ............................................................. 68
5.5.3 The Access Timeout .............................................................. 69
5.5.4 Setting the Passwords ............................................................ 69
5.6 The “Computer Select Window” ...................................................... 70
6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 71
6.1 Restoring Factory-Default Settings ................................................... 71
6.2 Common Problems ........................................................................... 72
6.2.1 CPU Doesn’t Boot ................................................................. 72
6.2.2 Can’t Switch Ports from Keyboard ....................................... 73
6.2.3 Typed Characters Wrong or Missing ................................... 73
6.2.4 Can’t Switch or Scan to Certain Ports .................................. 73
6.2.5 ServSwitch Scans or Switches to Empty Ports ...................... 74
6.2.6 Mouse Driver Doesn’t Load ................................................. 74
6.2.7 Can’t Access Mouse Functions ............................................. 74
6.2.8 PS/2 Mouse Gets Out of Sync .............................................. 74
6.2.9 Mouse Doesn’t Move Pointer/Cursor ................................. 75
6.2.10 Display is Fuzzy ...................................................................... 75
6.2.11 Video Not Synchronized or Wrong Color ........................... 75
6.2.12 Can’t Access High-Resolution Mode .................................... 76
6.2.13 On-Screen Display Not Synchronized .................................. 76
6.2.14 CPUs Lock Up When Windows 3.x Loaded ........................ 76
6.2.15 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with Docking Station .................. 76
6.2.16 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with
Dongle-Protected Software ............................................................ 76
6.2.17 ServSwitch Doesn’t Work with IBM ThinkPad .................... 77
6.2.18 Lost Password ........................................................................ 77
6.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 77
6.4 Shipping and Packaging .................................................................. 77
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix
Page
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 78
A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings ........................................................... 78
A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings ................................................... 79
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 81
Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ............................................................... 83
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard ............................................................... 84
Appendix E: Rackmounting Your ServSwitch ............................................... 85
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SERVSWITCH™
1. Specifications
Hardware
Required —
Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video
standard (see Section 4.1.1)
Compliance —
Standards —
CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A
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),
RS/6000, or SGI video
Interfaces —
Resolution —
RS-232 port: EIA/TIA RS-232 proprietarily pinned on
RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) connector, DTE;
CPU and MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE ports:
Proprietary composite of IBM PC/AT or PS/2
keyboard, RS-232 or PS/2 mouse, and video (standards
listed above)
With original Serv cabling: Up to 1024 x 768 noninterlaced;
With coaxial cabling: Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced;
Refer to Section 4.1.3
Refresh Rate —
Protocol —
Up to 100 Hz
RS-232: Asynchronous
Data Format —
Data Rate —
RS-232: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity (fixed)
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:
20 ft. (6.1 m) of original Serv cable from any
ServSwitch to any device attached to it, with not
more than 40 ft. (12.2 m) of total original Serv
cable between any CPU and any user station; or
20 ft. (6.1 m) of coaxial cable—possibly as much as
100 ft. (30.5 m), depending on CPUs—from any
ServSwitch to any device attached to it;
Also, 50 ft. (15.2 m) of serial cable from the RS-232 port
of any ServSwitch to a computer’s serial port
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CHAPTER 1: Specifications
User Controls —
All models:
Keyboard commands;
On-screen menus;
SW721A-R4:
(3) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“ON/OFF” (power), “+” (switch to next port), and
“–” (switch to previous port);
All models except SW721A-R4:
(2) Front-mounted pushbuttons:
“ᮡ” (switch to next port) and “ᮢ” (switch to
previous port);
(1) Rear-mounted rocker switch for power
Indicators —
All frount-mounted LEDs;
All models: (1) for ServSwitch unit: POWER;
SW721A-R4: (4) for CPUs: (2) SELECT, (2) POWER;
SW722A-R4: (8) for CPUs: (4) SELECT, (4) POWER;
SW723A-R4, KV3108SA-R4: (16) for CPUs: (8) SELECT,
(8) POWER;
SW724A-R4: (24) for CPUs: (12) SELECT, (12) POWER;
SW725A-R4: (32) for CPUs: (16) SELECT, (16) POWER
Connectors —
All rear-mounted;
(1) RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female: RS-232;
(1) DB25 female: MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE;
(1) Power inlet:
SW721A-R4: 5-pin DIN female;
All other models: IEC 320 male;
DB25 female CPU ports:
SW721A-R4: (2);
SW722A-R4: (4);
SW723A-R4, KV3108SA-R4: (8);
SW724A-R4: (12);
SW725A-R4: (16)
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SERVSWITCH™
Power —
SW721A-R4:
From wallmount external power supply (type may vary,
refer to labeling on transformer):
Either:
Input: 90 to 260 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 65 to 130 mA;
Output: +8 VDC at 1.5 A, –8 VDC at 375 mA;
or:
Input: 90 to 264 VAC at 47 to 63 Hz, 78 to 156 mA;
Output: +12 VDC at 1 A, –12 VDC at 0.5 A;
Consumption: Up to 15 VA (15 watts);
All other models;
From AC outlet through included power cord and
®
IEC 320 male inlet to UL , CUL, and TÜV approved
internal transformer:
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 450 mA;
Output: +5 VDC at 1.5 A, +12 VDC at 1 A;
Consumption: Up to 19.5 VA (19.5 watts)
Maximum
Altitude—
10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance—
32 to 131˚F (0 to 55˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance—
5 to 80% noncondensing
Steel
Enclosure —
Size —
SW721A-R4:
1.8" (1U) H x 8.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 22.5 x 12.4 cm);
SW722A-R4, KV3108SA-R4:
1.8" (1U) H x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 42.5 x 12.4 cm);
SW723A-R4, SW724A-R4, SW725A-R4:
3.5" (2U) H x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (8.9 x 42.5 x 12.4 cm)
Weight —
SW721A-R4: 2 lb. (0.9 kg);
SW722A-R4: 3 lb. (1.4 kg);
KV3108SA-R4: 4 lb. (1.8 kg);
SW723A-R4: 5 lb. (2.3 kg);
SW724A-R4, SW725A-R4: 6 lb. (2.7 kg)
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CHAPTER 1: Specifications
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch™. Designed with your needs in mind, your
new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiple-computer
application. With your Switch, you can use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to
®
®
access a number of IBM PC compatible computers (including IBM RS/6000
®
computers and current SGI computers), so you can significantly reduce your
equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor clutter.
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 adpater for connecting the unit’s RS-232 port 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 the ServSwitch:
• Microprocessor-controlled keyboard and mouse switching.
• On-screen menu system for configuration and operation.
• 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.)
• You can select the desired CPU using the on-screen display, keyboard, front
panel, or RS-232 port.
• Front-panel LEDs show the selected CPU and its power-on state.
• Support for IBM PC and RS/6000 compatible computers, as well as current
SGI compatible computers.
®
®
®
®
• Mouse can be PS/2 , Microsoft serial, PC Mouse (Mouse Systems ) serial, or
serial 8-bit type.
®
• Support for all modes of PS/2 and PC/AT compatible keyboards.
• Support for SVGA, RS/6000, SGI, 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).
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SERVSWITCH™
• 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.
• The units have flash memory, so you can upgrade their firmware through their
RS-232 ports.
• Rackmount kits are available.
• Full-size 8- and 12-port units can be expanded up to 16 ports by installing
4-Port Expansion Boards. Please contact Black Box Tech Support if you ever
want us to do this for you.
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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.3 The Front Panel
The front panels of the ServSwitch feature two or 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.
ON/OFF
1
2
3
4
POWER
SELECT POWER SELECT POWER SELECT POWER SELECT POWER
Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4).
5
1
8
4
6
2
7
3
Power
Figure 2-2. The front panel of a slimline 8 to 1 ServSwitch (KV3108SA-R4).
13
9
16
12
8
14
10
6
15
11
7
5
Power
1
4
2
3
Figure 2-3. The front panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (SW725A-R4).
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SERVSWITCH™
Panel Label
Description
POWER (left) Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON.
ON/OFF
2-port units only: Press this button to turn the ServSwitch ON
or OFF.
[Numbered]
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 or [unlabeled left] (red)
Lights if the corresponding port is the currently selected port.
POWER or [unlabeled right] (green)
Lights if the device on the corresponding port is powered ON.
NOTE
The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 each of the Select and
[CPU] Power LED slots. The slimline-model chassis
has 8 each of these slots, and the full-size chassis has
16 each of them. The extra LED slots in the chassis of
the 2-port mini, 4-port slim, and the 8- and 12-port full-
size models are left blank, but are protected by
material mounted inside the chassis.
– or ᮢ
+ or ᮡ
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.
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.
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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the rear panel of the ServSwitch, as
illustrated in Figures 2-4 and 2-5 and described below.
CPU3
CPU1
CPU4
CPU2
POWER
17VAC CT
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch (SW721A-R4).
CPU 15
CPU 11
CPU 16
CPU 12
CPU 13
CPU 14
CPU 10
CPU
CPU
CPU
9
5
1
POWER
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
6
2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
Figure 2-5. The rear panel of a 16 to 1 ServSwitch (SW725A-R4).
Panel Label Conn. Description
CPU N
[N = a number
DB25 F Connect your 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.
from 1 to
either 2, 4, 8,
12, or 16,
depending on
which model
you have]
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.
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SERVSWITCH™
Panel Label
Connector Description
or Control
CPU N
(continued)
DB25 F
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 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 CPU N
connector slots; the slimline-model
chassis has 8 of these slots, and the
full-size chassis has 16 of them. The
extra connector slots in the chassis of
the 2-port, 4-port slim, and 8- and
12-port full-size models are left blank,
but are protected by material mounted
inside the chassis.
MONITOR/ DB25 F
KEYBOARD/
MOUSE
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.
RS-232
RJ-12 F
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.
POWER
[Switch], all
except 2-port
Rocker
switch
Flipping this switch turns the ServSwitch ON
and OFF when the power cord is plugged into
the unit and into a working outlet.
2-port:
5-pin
DIN M
Others:
IEC 320 M
POWER
[Inlet]
Connect the ServSwitch’s power cord or power-
supply cord here. The power supply is autosensing;
it will accept input voltages from 90 to 264 VAC
(on 2-port units, where it is external) or 100 to
240 VAC (on other models, where it is internal).
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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
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 22 for information about maximum
cabling distances.
NOTES
SVGA (over longer distances) and XGA 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 22.
To share an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor on a ServSwitch, 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, 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.
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SERVSWITCH™
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. Connectors will vary
depending on the types of equipment you are installing.
Figure 3-1. Basic system setup for a slimline 8-port unit.
SLIMLINE 8-PORT SERVSWITCH (KV3108SA-R4)
6-wire
modular
cable to
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
CPU
6
2
POWER
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
remote PC
Monitor/
Keyboard/
Mouse
Power
supply
Adapter
Cable
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor
Power
supply’s
input
cord
To keybd port
To mouse port
To video port
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
CPU
8
4
CPU
CPU
5
1
CPU
6
2
POWER
CPU
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
Slimline 8-Port ServSwitch
(KV3108SA-R4) submaster
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CHAPTER 3: Installation
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 RACKMOUNTING (OPTIONAL)
If you want to mount the Switch in a rack, you will need a ServSwitch
Rackmounting Kit. For the 2-port mini model (SW721A-R4), 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 RMK19B, RMK23B,
or RMK24B respectively. For the full-size models, our product code for a 19", 23",
or 24" Kit is RMK19C, RMK23C, or RMK24C respectively. See Appendix E for more
information.
3.2.2 CONNECTING THE MONITOR, KEYBOARD, AND MOUSE
A Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse (MKM) Adapter Cable connects your monitor,
keyboard, and mouse to the ServSwitch. 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 keyboard-line dongles.
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. Plug the cables from your shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the
corresponding connectors on the other ends of the MKM Adapter Cable.
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SERVSWITCH™
3.2.3 CONNECTING CPUS
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 ServSwitch to any attached device
(keyboard, monitor, mouse, CPU, or submaster) should not exceed 20 ft.
(6.1 m); total length of original Serv cabling from any CPU to any
keyboard, monitor, and mouse shouldn’t 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.
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 or CAT5 KVM Extenders (see Appendix B).
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 lowest-
numbered 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 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 5.3.2 to make sure the
Switch is set for the proper keyboard mode.)
CAUTION!
Do not attach docking stations for ThinkPad® or other portable
computers, no matter what type or make, to the ServSwitch. 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 supports only
“stream mode” (continuous) mouse data but the ThinkPad has to see
“prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse data.
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CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2.4 CONNECTING SUBMASTERS (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.
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SERVSWITCH™
3.2.5 POWERING UP THE SYSTEM
1A. 2-port model (SW721A-R4): 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’s input
cord into a working outlet.
1B. Other models: Making sure that the connected CPUs and any connected
submasters are OFF (powered down), take the ServSwitch’s power cord and
plug its IEC 320 female connector into the power inlet on the rear panel of
the Switch. Plug its other end into a working outlet.
2. To power up the ServSwitch, push the ON/OFF button on its front panel (if
it’s a 2-port unit) or move the ON/OFF switch on its rear panel to the “|”
(ON) position (if it’s another type of unit). The ServSwitch should boot
normally, but if the unit’s firmware has become corrupted—probably as the
result of a firmware upgrade going wrong—it will display this message on the
attached monitor:
Kernel is bad, load new kernel through serial port
If you see this, you will need to download correct firmware to the unit as
described in Section 4.4.3, starting at the point at which the unit is ready to
receive the file at 9600 baud (9600 bps). (In this case, you must download the
file at 9600 bps.)
3. Power up any directly 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 bootup. (You might
want to issue a Keep Settings command after initial bootup, so that the Switch
saves the mode settings it has autodetected to nonvolatile memory.)
4. Power up any CPUs connected to submasters one by one, giving each CPU
time to boot completely before turning ON the next one.
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CHAPTER
3.2.6 CHANGING THE KEYBOARD SETTING OF WINDOWS NT 4.0 CPUS
If any CPUs attached to your ServSwitch are running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0,
you must change the keyboard setting in their Control Panel from the default,
“Microsoft Enhanced Keyboard,” to “Standard 101/102 or Microsoft Natural
Keyboard.” Your ServSwitch system will not work with these CPUs unless their
keyboard settings are changed. To do this, take these steps:
1. Click on the icon for “My Computer” (or whatever you’ve named the
computer itself).
2. Click on “Control Panels.”
3. Click on “Keyboard.”
4. Click on the “General” tab.
5. In the Keyboard Type field, scroll from the “Enhanced” setting to the
“Standard” setting.
For more information, consult your Windows NT manual.
3.2.7 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 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.)
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SERVSWITCH™
3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Systems
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 Serv type switches
(ServSwitch Ultras, ServManagers, etc.) as masters and submasters.
2. If you attach any PC-only submasters to a multiplatform master,
make sure you attach only IBM PC compatible CPUs to those
submasters.
3. If you use any PC-only masters, we recommend that you use only
PC-only submasters. If you must use any ServManager or ServSwitch
Ultra submasters, make sure that you have those submasters set for the
keyboard and mouse type you’re using with [Ctrl] Mxx [Enter], and make
sure that those settings are saved in the submasters’ NVRAM with
[Ctrl] K.
4. All of the CPUs attached to any PC-only submaster must use the
same type of keyboard and mouse.
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 compli-
cated. Refer to Figure 3-3 on page 29: 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
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CHAPTER 3: Installation
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 computers,
Width, and Units properly on the master unit; see Sections 5.2.3 through 5.2.5.)
3.3.1 CABLE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPANSION
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 INSTALLING A CASCADE
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 Adapter Cables and Expansion Cables, the distance
from any ServSwitch to any attached device should not exceed 20 ft. (6.1 m);
the total length of original Serv cabling from any CPU to any monitor,
keyboard, and mouse should not exceed 40 ft. (12.2 m). Depending on your
application, these distances might be less; see Section 4.1.3.
• If you use coaxial Adapter Cables and Expansion Cables, the maximum
distance from the ServSwitch to any attached device should not exceed 20 ft.
(6.1 m) with typical monitors and video resolutions, but see the first Caution
notice on page 22. Depending on your application, this distance might vary;
see Section 4.1.3.
• 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.
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SERVSWITCH™
MASTER UNIT
CPU 7
CPU 6
CPU 5
CPU 4
CPU 3
CPU 2
CPU 1
4
3
2
1
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
8
CPU
5
CPU
6
2
POWER
CPU
4
CPU
1
CPU
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
4
3
2
1
Max. Ports = 7
Width = 4
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
SUBMASTER UNIT
Units = 1
CPU 16
CPU 15
CPU 14
CPU 13
4
3
2
1
SUBMASTER 4
SUBMASTER 3
SUBMASTER 2
SUBMASTER 1
CPU 12
CPU 11
CPU 10
CPU 19
4
3
2
1
MASTER UNIT
4
3
2
1
CPU
CPU
7
3
CPU
8
CPU
5
CPU
6
2
POWER
CPU
4
CPU
1
CPU
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
CPU 8
CPU 7
CPU 6
CPU 5
4
3
2
1
ADAPTER CABLES
CPU
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
Max. Ports = 16
Width = 4
SS to SS
MKM
CPU 4
CPU 3
CPU 2
CPU 1
4
3
2
1
Units = 4
Figure 3-2. Basic ServSwitch cascading.
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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.
CPU 9 (B)
MASTER SERVSWITCH B
through
CPU 14 (B)
CPU 8
3-8
4
3
2
1
CPU
7
CPU
8
CPU
5
CPU
6
POWER
2
B
A
CPU 7
CPU
3
CPU
4
CPU
1
CPU
2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
CPU3
CPU1
CPU4
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
B
A
1
POWER
17VAC CT
CPU 6
RS-232
CPU 5
Max. Ports = 14
Width = 4
SUBMASTER MATRIX
SERVSWITCH 2
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
Units = 2
SUBMASTER MATRIX
SERVSWITCH 1
CPU 4
CPU 3
4
3
2
1
B
A
CPU3
CPU4
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
B
POWER
CPU 2
17VAC CT
CPU1
CPU2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
A
RS-232
CPU 1
MASTER SERVSWITCH A
CPU 9 (A)
through
CPU 14 (A)
3-8
CPU
7
CPU
8
CPU
5
CPU
6
POWER
2
1
CPU
3
CPU
4
CPU
1
CPU
2
MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE
RS-232
ADAPTER CABLES
CPU
Max. Ports = 14
Width = 4
SS to SS
MKM
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
Units = 2
Figure 3-3. Cascading with Matrix ServSwitch submasters.
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SERVSWITCH™
• 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 “Expansion width” command/
parameter—the value it uses to calculate how many ports each attached
submaster has (see Section 5.2.5)—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 5.2.3 and 5.2.4), 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.
4. Attach the power supplies to the master(s) and to the submasters. Plug in the
power supplies, but do not turn the master(s) or submasters ON.
5. Turn ON all of the submaster units, then the master unit(s). They should
boot normally, but if the firmware in any of the units has become corrupted—
probably as the result of a firmware upgrade going wrong—the affected unit
will display this message on all attached monitors that have it selected:
Kernel is bad, load new kernel through serial port
If you see this, you will need to download correct firmware to the affected unit
as described in Section 4.4.3, starting at the point at which the unit is ready to
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CHAPTER 3: Installation
receive the file at 9600 baud (9600 bps). (In this case, you must download the
file at 9600 bps.)
6. Turn ON the computer identified as CPU 1. Wait until the boot process is
complete, then turn ON CPU 2, wait until it boots, turn ON CPU 3, etc., until
all of your computers are powered up.
7. Set each master’s Maximum computers, Expansion units, and Expansion
width values so that the master can scan correctly and properly control the
interplay of the submaster units. You can do this with the on-screen display—see
Sections 5.2.3 through 5.2.5.
8. You might need to set some or all of each master’s remaining configuration
parameters, especially the keyboard mode for some of your ports (see
Sections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.6 through 5.2.10).
9. Save the configuration changes you just made to the master unit’s nonvolatile
memory as described in Section 5.1.3.
Your cascaded ServSwitch system should now be ready for operation.
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SERVSWITCH™
4. Operation: Hardware and
Keyboard Commands
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 or upgrade firmware from an
optional computer or terminal connected to the ServSwitch’s RS-232 port.
IMPORTANT NOTES
If, as you prepare to operate the ServSwitch, you see a prompt on your
screen asking you to “Enter password,” you must type in the unit’s
access password before the ServSwitch will allow you to enter
commands. See Section 5.5.2.
To start any ServSwitch keyboard command, you must press and
release the left Control Key ([Ctrl]). Pressing and releasing [Ctrl] cues
the Switch to expect command characters from the keyboard. You then
have two seconds in which to start entering a valid command. If no
command is begun within two seconds or if an invalid command is
entered, the ServSwitch aborts the command.
When entering commands that contain numbers or math symbols, use
only the numeral keys located at the top of your alphanumeric keyboard.
Numbers and symbols entered from the numeric keypad to the right will
not be recognized as valid.
4.1 Guidelines for Using the ServSwitch with Your Equipment
4.1.1 CPUS
Use only IBM PC/AT or PS/2 or 100% compatible machines. The ServSwitch does
not support IBM PC/XT™ or compatible machines. It does not support machines
that output CGA or EGA video. SGI machines must output the current type of SGI
video on 13W3 connectors or standard VGA video on HD15 connectors.
4.1.2 MOUSE AND KEYBOARD
When you power up your ServSwitch system, make sure that your CPUs, mouse
(mice), and keyboard(s) are properly cabled to the Switch (or to the appropriate
master or submaster unit). When you boot up your CPUs, the master(s) and/or
submasters to which they are connected should already be ON. Unless it’s
absolutely necessary, don’t disconnect and reconnect a mouse or keyboard from a
ServSwitch while the Switch is ON; if you have to do this, issue the Reset command
([Ctrl] R—see Section 4.3.6) after you reconnect the mouse or keyboard.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
Though the ServSwitch can convert any supported keyboard or mouse protocol
to any other, this is not enough to overcome all of the vast differences between
input devices. If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend that you use
the corresponding type of keyboard and mouse.
Other concerns:
• The ServSwitch supports a variety of mice; for more details, see Section 5.2.2.
• Because the ServSwitch only supports “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data
but the IBM ThinkPad has to handle mouse data in “prompt mode” (burst-on-
request), don’t try to attach any ThinkPad computers to the Switch, either
directly or through docking stations.
• Make sure that the CPUs 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 3.x, this driver must be loaded in Windows as well as in
DOS. 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.
• When you first switch between CPUs, you might notice wide variations in
mouse sensitivity (how far or fast the mouse moves) from CPU to CPU. This is
normal. There are ways to adjust the CPUs’ mouse sensitivity; this is usually
handled through some kind of control panel, but the specifics vary depending
on the operating system and the mouse driver. To optimize mouse movement,
adjust the sensitivity on each CPU according to your individual preference.
• Although the ServSwitch resists minor transient surges that can be caused by
rapidly cycling power, certain keyboards are sensitive to such transients.
Because your shared keyboard’s power is provided by the ServSwitch, wait at
least three seconds after powering down the Switch before powering it up
again, or the keyboard might not reset correctly.
• The ServSwitch is designed to support 101-, 102-, 104-, or 105-key keyboards
and keyboard-scan modes 1, 2, and 3; it’s also designed to work with PC-type
CPUs/keyboards that use 5-pin DIN or 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard connectors.
The Switch will try to pass through keyboard codes that it doesn’t recognize
without altering them, which allows it to support the DEC™ LK461 keyboard
(see Appendix D for the key mappings), Japanese 106- and 109-key keyboards,
and certain other keyboards that use special or proprietary keys. However, we
cannot guarantee that the ServSwitch will be able to fully support—or even
work at all with—any keyboard that uses nonstandard keys, connectors, or
keyboard-scan modes.
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SERVSWITCH™
4.1.3 MONITOR
NOTE
At resolutions up to 800 x 600, the video quality for most ServSwitch
applications will be excellent. At higher resolutions, however, you might
see a little fuzziness on your monitor no matter how close to ideal your
ServSwitch system is.
If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend that you use the
corresponding type of monitor. If your CPUs are of different types, the monitor
must be a multisync model, able to sync to every CPU’s video-output frequencies,
and compatible with all of the CPUs’ video cards.
For maximum compatibility, we recommend a 17" or larger, high-quality
multisync monitor capable of displaying a maximum resolution of not less than
1280 x 1024 at a maximum refresh rate of not less than 75 Hz. The NEC Multisync
®
®
5SG is one such monitor, and others are available from NEC, Sony , CTX , etc.
The higher the resolution you use, the less distance you can run; see Tables 4-2
and 4-3 on the following pages.
The ServSwitch is designed to support standard VGA video, including VGA
monochrome (“page white”). It does not support PCs that use CGA, EGA, or
proprietary versions of VGA that depart from the original specifications. Consult
your PC’s manual, and if that doesn’t tell you whether or not the PC uses standard
VGA, consult with the PC’s or the video card’s manufacturer.
The ServSwitch is also designed to support SVGA, although it doesn’t handle
higher resolutions or longer distances very well without coaxial cabling (see the
next two pages). With coaxial cables, it will also support XGA, RS/6000, and SGI
video (RS/6000 and SGI require cables with 13W3 connectors—see Appendix B).
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
The ServSwitches will support SVGA (Super VGA) video, but with original Serv
cables the video quality will decrease markedly at higher resolutions and distances.
Table 4-2, below, illustrates this. The distances in the table are total cable lengths
measured from the CPU to the monitor. The table assumes that one ServSwitch is
between the CPU and monitor; in a cascaded application with a ServSwitch and
one or more submasters between the CPU and monitor, video quality will always be
lower.
Table 4-2. Video Quality vs. Distance for Original Serv Cables
Distance 5' (1.5 m) 10' (3 m) 15' (4.6 m) 20' (6.1 m) 25' (7.6 m)
Resolution
640 x 480
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
800 x 600 noninterlaced
1024 x 768 interlaced
1024 x 768 noninterlaced
1280 x 1024 interlaced
1280 x 1024 noninterlaced
1600 x 1280 noninterlaced
Quality 3 = Near perfect; screen defects are not conspicuous
Quality 2 = Good to very good; images are clear; there are small reflections around
text lettering depending on the color; screen defects are sometimes
conspicuous
Quality 1 = Fair to poor as distance increases; images run from slightly fuzzy to
badly smeared; text runs from fuzzy but readable to completely
washed out
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SERVSWITCH™
By contrast, coaxial cables (required for XGA applications and recommended for
most other applications) do much better at maintaining video quality, as shown in
Table 4-3 below. (For the meaning of quality numbers 3, 2, and 1, see the bottom
of the previous page.) As before, the distances in the table are total cable lengths
measured from the CPU to the monitor. Also as before, the table assumes a single
ServSwitch is between the CPU and monitor; if there is a submaster as well, video
quality will always be lower.
Table 4-3. Video Quality vs. Distance for Coaxial Cables
Distance 10 ft. 20 ft. 30 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft. 150 ft. 200 ft.
Resolution
(3 m) (6.1 m) (9.1 m) (15.2 m) (22.9 m) (30.5 m) (45.7 m) (61 m)
640 x 480
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
1
3
3
3
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
800 x 600 noninterl.
1024 x 768 interlaced
1024 x 768 noninterl.
1280 x 1024 interlaced
1280 x 1024 noninterl.
CAUTION!
Some CPUs can’t drive or receive keyboard and mouse signals across
longer runs of coaxial cable. Consult with the manufacturers of your
CPUs before installing this cable in lengths greater than 20 ft. (6.1 m).
For CPU-to-monitor distances over 200 feet (61 m), Station Extenders or CAT5
KVM Extenders might be required. Call Black Box for technical support to discuss
this option.
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.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary
Table 4-4 below and on the next page summarizes the commands that can be sent
to the ServSwitch. To enter any command at the shared keyboard, first press and
release the left Control key, represented by “[Ctrl].” (This cues the Switch to look
for commands from that keyboard.) Then enter the command followed by any
arguments you wish to specify (the port number, for example).
Letter commands are not case-sensitive; they are all shown in uppercase for
clarity only.
When you enter numeric commands or arguments, use only the numbered keys
at the top of your alphanumeric keyboard. Numbers entered from the numeric
keypad to the right will not be recognized as valid commands.
All of these commands have a two-second timeout between characters. This
means that if you begin entering a command, but you stop for more than two
seconds at any time before you type the final character, the command is aborted
and the ServSwitch returns to normal operation. This keeps the Switch from
getting stuck waiting for you to finish the command.
The [Ctrl] character is always passed through to the CPU. The command
characters and operands, however, are absorbed by the ServSwitch and are not sent
to the CPU.
Many of these commands have factory-default values (see Appendix A) that can
be reloaded if your Switch becomes badly misconfigured; see Section 6.1.
Table 4-4. The ServSwitch’s Keyboard Commands
Command
Keystroke Sequence
Description
Select Port
[Ctrl] xxx
Connects your shared monitor, keyboard, and
(xxx = a 1- to 3-digit port mouse (user station) to the specified port.
number)
[Ctrl] +
[Ctrl] –
[Ctrl] S
Switch to the
Next Port
Switches to the next port in sequence. (You can
also access the next port by pressing the “ᮡ” or
“+” button on the ServSwitch’s front panel.)
Switch to the
Previous Port
Switches to the previous port in sequence. (You
can also access the previous port by pressing the
“ᮢ” or “–” button on the ServSwitch’s front panel.)
Scan ON
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.
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SERVSWITCH™
Table 4-4. The ServSwitch’s Keyboard Commands (continued)
Command
Keystroke Sequence
Description
[Ctrl] X
Scan OFF
Turns Scan mode OFF (the port being scanned at
the time the command is entered is given access
to the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse).
Note: Scan can also be stopped by entering a
Select Port command.
[Ctrl] K
Keep Setting
Enter this command after you enter the Set
Screen-Saver Delay Time command (it saves the
new setting to nonvolatile memory):
[Ctrl] Vxxx [Enter]
(xxx = delay in seconds)
Set Screen
Saver’s Delay
Time
Sets the time of inactivity, in seconds, after which
the ServSwitch will blank the shared monitor’s
screen. (The monitor is reactivated when the
mouse is moved or any key on the shared
keyboard is pressed.)
[Ctrl] R
[Ctrl] N
Reset
Resets and enables the keyboard and mouse.
Issue this command to correct your keyboard or
mouse if one of them malfunctions or gets stuck.
Send Null Byte
Causes the ServSwitch to send a null byte to the
CPU’s PS/2 mouse port. Issue this command to
correct the current CPU if it gets “out of sync” with
the PS/2 mouse (see Section 4.3.7).
[Ctrl] I
[Ctrl] D
Identify ROM
Display Label
Causes the ServSwitch to report the version of
ROM it is using. Issue this command if you are
asked to do so by a technical-support person.
Causes the ServSwitch to display the on-screen
computer label of the currently selected CPU for
the currently configured fadeout time (or for three
seconds if fadeout is disabled).
[Ctrl] [F12]
[Ctrl] [ESC]
[Ctrl] L
Activate On-
Screen Menus
Causes the ServSwitch to display its on-screen
overlay menus.
Activate Select
Window
Causes the ServSwitch to display its “computer
select window” (see Section 5.5).
Log Out
Logs out the current user if an access password
has been set; video is blanked and keyboard and
mouse input is locked until a user enters the
access password. If no access password has
been set, turns on the screen saver.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
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 9: The ServSwitch will immediately switch to the
desired port when you press the one-digit number’s numeral key.
If “Maximum Ports” is set to 10 to 99: The ServSwitch will immediately switch to
the desired port when you press the two-digit number’s second numeral key. For
single-digit ports, you can enter the number by including a leading zero (“01” for
port 1) or by pressing [Enter] after you press the single numeral key. If you press
the key of only one digit, and do not follow it with [Enter], the Switch will wait two
seconds for you to press [Enter] or another numeral key; then, if no key is pressed,
it will switch immediately to the single-digit port.
If “Maximum Ports” is set to 100 to 256: The ServSwitch will immediately switch
to the desired port when you press the three-digit number’s third numeral key. For
single- and double-digit ports, you can enter the number by including one or two
leading zeros (“001” for port 1 or “027” for port 27) or by pressing [Enter] after
you press the single or second numeral key. As noted above, the Switch will wait
two seconds for you to enter another digit, then will switch to the partially entered
port number.
4.3.2 SWITCHING TO THE NEXT OR PREVIOUS PORT
From the keyboard you can go forward or backward through the ServSwitch’s ports
by selecting either the next or the previous port respectively. To switch to the next
port, press and release the left Control key ([Ctrl]), then press the plus key (the
key at the top of the keyboard marked with [=] and [+]). To switch to the previous
port, press and release [Ctrl], then press the minus key (the key at the top of the
keyboard marked with [–] and [_]). The command is not case-sensitive. Do not use
the [+] and [–] keys on the keyboard’s numeric pad; the Switch doesn’t recognize
these.
You can also select the next or previous port manually from the ServSwitch’s
front panel by pushing the button labeled “ᮡ” or “ᮢ” respectively (“+” or “–” on
the 2-port units). Each time you press the button, the next or previous port in
sequence is selected.
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SERVSWITCH™
4.3.3 SCAN MODE
To start scanning (switching from CPU to CPU in a continuous rotation) from the
keyboard, press and release the left Control key ([Ctrl]), then press [S]. The
ServSwitch will begin scanning sequentially from its currently selected port
through the higher-numbered ports, then begin again at CPU Port 1. As it scans, it
delays 1 to 999 seconds at each port. (This “Scan Time” is user-selectable; see
Section 5.2.6.) To stop scanning, press and release [Ctrl], then press [X]; you can
also stop a scan by entering a Select Port command. ServSwitch letter commands
are not case-sensitive: You can enter upper- or lower-case letters.
To disable scanning, set the scan time to zero; see Section 5.2.6.
4.3.4 KEEP SETTING
The Keep Setting command saves the current state of the next command (Set
Screen-Saver Interval) to nonvolatile memory (NVRAM); once you issue this
command, the current screen-saver interval becomes the new default interval that’s
loaded at power-up. To enter the Keep Setting command, press and release the left
Control key, then type [K].
4.3.5 SET SCREEN-SAVER INTERVAL
This feature reduces the wear on your shared screen and provides security for your
system by blanking the screen when there has been no keyboard activity for a
specified length of time. To set the screen-saver interval, press and release the left
Control key, type [V] followed by the interval time in seconds (1 to 999, or 0 to
disable the screen saver), and press [Enter]. Issue the Keep Setting command after
you enter this command.
To reactivate the screen when it’s been blanked, press any key on the keyboard
or move the mouse. The default setting of this option is 0 (screen saver disabled).
NOTE
When the ServSwitch is in the Screen-Saver state, all of its SELECT
LEDs (the left-hand, red port LEDs) will be OFF.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
4.3.6 RESET
This command, along with the commands described in the next two sections, can
come in handy when certain problems arise. It will reboot your keyboard and
mouse without your having to power down the station or the system, and will also
re-enable PS/2 mouse communication if the selected CPU has previously disabled
it. (With current PCs and operating systems, this command shouldn’t be necessary,
but older CPUs running DOS or Windows might need it from time to time.) Issue
this command if (a) your keyboard gets stuck or begins behaving oddly, (b) you
need to send mouse data to the CPU, but it hasn’t enabled the mouse (this can
happen if you boot up the CPU while the ServSwitch is off or disconnected), or
(c) while using a PS/2 type mouse, you unplug it, plug it back in, then have
problems. To issue the Reset command, press and release the left [Ctrl] key, then
type [R].
If you’re using a PS/2 type mouse with a DOS or Windows 3.x CPU, don’t issue
this command if the CPU doesn’t have a mouse driver loaded—many such CPUs
will crash if you send them unexpected mouse data. (CPUs running UNIX or
Windows 95, 98, or NT don’t have this problem.) If your shared CPU is like this,
and you have chronic problems when you try to run applications that don’t use the
mouse but don’t disable the mouse either, take these precautions:
• If you never actually use the mouse with the CPU (as would probably be the
®
®
case if, for example, the CPU were a Novell NetWare file server), either don’t
plug the mouse strand of the CPU Adapter Cable into the CPU’s mouse port,
or don’t load a mouse driver at all. If you do use the mouse, are running
Windows 3.x, and sometimes exit to DOS, make sure you load a DOS mouse
driver before running Windows.
• If you’ve loaded a DOS mouse driver and are going to use an application such
as NetWare that disables the PS/2 mouse, first REM out any statements in your
startup files (AUTOEXEC.BAT, etc.) that load the mouse driver, then reboot
the computer to remove the mouse driver from memory. (Having the mouse
driver unload itself doesn’t do the job.)
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SERVSWITCH™
4.3.7 SEND NULL BYTE (PS/2 TYPE MICE ONLY)
PS/2 type mice send control data to CPUs in three-byte increments. Sometimes,
because of electronic transients, unusual power-up effects, or plugging and
unplugging of cables from live equipment, the currently selected CPU in a
ServSwitch system can lose one or two bytes of this control information and get
“out of sync” with the shared mouse. In this situation, the mouse might seem to
refuse to move the pointer or cursor, open windows for no reason, or exhibit other
strange behavior. To get the CPU back in sync, send this command to tell the
ServSwitch to send a “null byte” to the CPU’s PS/2 mouse port (this has no other
effect than getting the CPU “caught up”). To issue the Send Null Byte command,
press and release the left Control key, then type [N].
If the mouse still isn’t right after you issue this command, the CPU must have
been two bytes out of sync. Issuing the command again should do the trick.
The CPU will be thrown out of sync if it uses a PS/2 mouse and it’s in sync when
you issue this command. Issue this command two more times to get it back in sync
again. This command has no effect on serial mice, or on CPUs that are not
attached to your ServSwitch system through a PS/2 mouse port.
If you have version 9.01 or higher of the Microsoft mouse driver, the CPU should
never get out of sync. Contact Microsoft if you would like to upgrade your
Microsoft mouse driver.
4.3.8 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 Switch’s ROM. This command causes the
ServSwitch to send the four-character “UPxx” ROM level to the currently selected
CPU as ASCII keyboard data; these characters will be echoed back to the shared
monitor if you are at some type of prompt. (You must be at some kind of prompt or
screen capable of displaying typed-in keyboard characters, or you will not see the
Switch’s response.) To issue the Identify ROM command, press and release the left
Control key, then type [I].
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
4.3.9 DISPLAY LABEL
One of the ServSwitch’s graphic-overlay functions is to display the on-screen “label”
window that contains the number and assigned name of the currently selected CPU
(see Section 5.4.3). If this label is not on screen, you can use this command to
cause the Switch to display the label for the length of time you have configured for
the label’s “fadeout interval” (see Section 5.4.3.D), or, if fadeout is disabled, for
five seconds. (If fadeout is set to 255, the label will be displayed at all times.)
Conversely, if the label is being displayed and you want it to go away, issuing the
Display Label command while the label is on screen will cause it to disappear.
To issue the Display Label command, press and release the left Control key, then
type [D].
4.3.10 ACTIVATE
ON-SCREEN MENUS
You can use this command to cause the ServSwitch to display its on-screen overlay
menus, beginning with the main menu (see Section 5.1.1). To issue the Activate
On-Screen Menus command, press and release the left Control key, then press and
release the [F12] key.
4.3.11 ACTIVATE SELECT WINDOW
You can use this command to cause the ServSwitch to display its “computer select
window” (see Section 5.6). To issue the Activate Select Window command, press
and release the left Control key, then press and release the [Esc] (escape) key.
4.3.12 LOG OUT
If an access password has been set for your ServSwitch system (see Section 5.5.2),
you can use this command to log out (to relinquish access rights) when you’re
finished with a session at a user station. This will cause the ServSwitch to display an
“Enter password” prompt and stop accepting any keyboard and mouse input
except the access password; a few seconds later, it will blank the screen with the
currently selected screen saver. While no one is logged in—that is, until someone
correctly enters the access password—typing at the keyboard will cause the “Enter
password” prompt to briefly become visible, but otherwise, no computer video will
be displayed and no keyboard and mouse access will be allowed.
If no access password has been set for your system, you can use this command to
cause the ServSwitch to display its currently selected screen saver (see
Section 5.4.1.C). Normal video will be restored as soon as someone types at the
keyboard or moves the mouse.
To log out, press and release the left Control key, then type [L].
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SERVSWITCH™
4.4 Using the RS-232 Port
4.4.1 CONNECTING EQUIPMENT TO THE PORT
For your convenience, a computer or terminal with an EIA/TIA RS-232 serial port
can be connected to the RS-232 serial port (RJ-12 connector) on the ServSwitch’s
rear panel (see Appendix C for a pinout of this connector). This allows you to send
switching commands from a non-local keyboard rather than from the shared
keyboard, and is also necessary in order to download future firmware upgrades
into the Switch. You’ll need a straight-through-pinned, flat-satin or twisted-pair
serial cable with RJ-12 (“6-pin RJ-11”) connectors plus the appropriate adapter: for
IBM type PCs and most terminals, either DB25 female to RJ-11 female (our
product code FA044) or DB9 female to RJ-11 female (our product code FA043),
depending on your computer/terminal.
To connect the adapter and cable, take these steps:
1. Connect an adapter of the appropriate type to one of the computer’s (or
terminal’s) serial ports.
2. Plug one end of the cable into the RJ-12 female connector on the adapter,
and the other end into the RS-232 serial port on the ServSwitch’s rear panel.
CAUTION!
Serial cabling in excess of 50 feet (15.2 m) should be routed with
caution. The maximum cable length depends upon the construction of
the cable and its routing. For extended runs, shielded cable should be
used. Avoid routing near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. If you
experience a lot of data errors, use shorter cables. The ServSwitch’s
lowest data rate is 9600 bps; it cannot be lowered any further to alleviate
this problem.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
4.4.2 SWITCHING PORTS REMOTELY (OPTIONAL)
To switch ports on a ServSwitch from a remote computer or terminal attached to
the Switch’s RS-232 port, take these steps:
1. Set your computer for serial communication at 9600 bps, no parity, 8 data
bits, and 1 stop bit.
2. To switch the ServSwitch to a different port, use a terminal-emulation
program and type or send the desired port number followed by [Enter]
(a return).
NOTES
If you type or send a “?” (question mark) rather than a port number, the
single or master Serv unit will send the number of the currenty selected
port minus one back to the remote computer or terminal—as an 8-bit
binary byte. For example, if you currently have port 1 selected, the
Switch will respond to “?” with the byte “00000000” (binary zero); if you
have port 3 selected, the Switch will respond with “00000010” (binary
two); and so on. You must be at some kind of prompt or screen capable
of displaying serially received text characters in order to see the
Switch’s response.
Of course, because most terminal emulators and similar programs
will interpret these values as ASCII codes, they will try to display the
corresponding ASCII characters instead of decimal numbers; and
because binary zero through binary thirty-one are control codes in
ASCII, if you’re running the terminal emulator on an IBM PC you will
probably see the port numbers displayed as odd text-graphics
characters (smiley faces, hearts, etc.) that remain in the PC’s custom
character set as relics of the graphics-poor days when the PC was
invented. You will probably need an IBM PC ASCII-to-decimal translation
table to visually identify which port numbers these displayed characters
stand for.
It is also possible to write a program to run on the computer
attached to the Switch’s serial port that sends “?” to determine the
currently selected port and sends port numbers to switch to desired
ports. If you do so, however, there’s an important fact to keep in mind.
Even though the Switch will respond to “?” with pure binary values,
your program will have to send each digit of each port number (as well
as the question-mark and [Enter] characters) to the Switch the way a
terminal emulator would: as ASCII codes. For example:
• To query the Switch, send it the binary value “00111111”
(hex 63), the code for the ASCII “?” character, followed by the
binary value “00001101” (hex 13), the code for the ASCII [CR]
carriage-return character.
• To switch to port 1, send the Switch the binary value
“00110001” (hex 31), the code for the ASCII “1” character, again
followed by the carriage-return character.
• To switch to port 25, send the Switch “00110010” (hex 32,
ASCII “2”), then “000110101” (hex 35, ASCII “5”), then the ASCII
[CR] again.
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SERVSWITCH™
4.4.3 UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE (FLASH MEMORY)
The ServSwitch has flash memory, which means its firmware may be reloaded
(upgraded) in order to support new features or fix any problems in its operation. To
get new firmware revisions when they become available, you can download them
from our FTP site—at the time of this writing, you would use the
“ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/pub/connectivity” directory—or from our Black Box
BBS—call (724) 746-7120. For regular -R4 level ServSwitches, filenames will follow
these formats: “UPxx.HEX,” where “xx” = the x.x firmware-revision level. Please
make sure you get the right file; the ServSwitch will not let you load firmware
intended for other Serv models (UxxP.HEX, UxxS.HEX, etc.).
There are two ways to load the firmware into the Switch, as described in the
following two subsections.
4.4.3.A Upgrading the Firmware with Terminal-Emulation Software
Take these steps to upgrade the firmware of your ServSwitch with a terminal-
®
emulation program such as ProComm Plus or Windows HyperTerminal™:
1. Connect one of your computer’s or terminal’s serial ports to the Switch’s
RS-232 port as described in Section 4.4.1.
2. Run your terminal-emulation program and set it to use the serial port that’s
connected to the Switch (COM1:, COM2:, etc.) in “direct connect” mode. Set
its serial-communication parameters to 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, and
1 stop bit (“9600,8,N,1”).
3. Make sure the ServSwitch is turned OFF, then turn it ON while holding in
both the “ᮡ” and “ᮢ” buttons (the “+” and “–” buttons on the 2-port unit)
on the Switch’s front panel. Once the Switch has powered up, release the next
port/previous port buttons, then the power button. The Switch should light
LED 1 and send you the message:
Waiting for file at 9600 baud
If you want to download the new firmware file at 57,600 bps instead, change
your terminal emulator’s data-rate setting to 57,600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity,
and 1 stop bit (“57600,8,N,1”), then press the Switch’s “ᮡ” or “+” button
again. The Switch should light LED 4 and send the message:
Waiting for file at 57,600 baud
(If you need to switch back to 9600 bps, change the terminal-emulator
settings back, then press the Switch’s “ᮢ” or “–” button.)
4. Use the terminal program’s “send text file” or “upload” function to send the
new firmware file to the Switch, using the same protocol you would to send an
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
ASCII text file (not XMODEM, ZMODEM, etc.). The Switch will send back a
series of ASCII period (“.”) characters (decimal 46, hex 2E) that shows the
progress of the file-copying procedure. It will also flash LED 1 or 4
(depending on the data rate). Once the file transfer is complete, the Switch
should light LED 2 and send the message:
Receive successful
Hit space to program
If something goes wrong during this process, you might receive any of these
messages instead:
Checksum error or Record error or Data error
Receive failed
Try again Y/N?
These messages are usually caused by one of these problems:
• The RS-232 cable or adapter is loose, too long, defective, or incorrectly
pinned;
• The terminal emulator’s setting for the serial port, data rate, data format,
and/or file-transfer protocol is wrong; or
• Either the PC’s serial port or the Switch’s RS-232 port is defective.
To try again, press “Y” on the PC’s keyboard; the ServSwitch goes back to
step 1 and sends “Waiting for file...”. To abort, press “N” on the PC’s
keyboard; the Switch skips ahead to the “Hit enter to boot” message
shown in step 5, but the firmware will remain unchanged. If the trouble
recurs and you can’t pinpoint it, call Black Box for technical support.
5. If the file transfer is successful, press the space bar on the PC’s keyboard.
LED 2 will go dark briefly while the ServSwitch begins reprogramming its
flash memory with the new firmware. It should send the message:
Programming flash
This will be followed by another series of ASCII periods that shows the
progress of the flash-reprogramming procedure. If this phase is successfully
completed, the Switch will begin verifying the new firmware; it will send the
message:
Verifying flash
This will be followed by a third series of progress-indicating ASCII periods. If
verification is successful, the Switch will light LED 3 and send the message:
Verify successful
Hit enter to boot
If you get an error message at any time during the programming or verifying
phase, call Black Box for technical support.
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SERVSWITCH™
6. Press the Enter key on the PC’s keyboard. (If your keyboard does not have an
Enter key, press the Return key instead.) LED 3 will go dark briefly while the
ServSwitch reboots itself and runs its new firmware. The Switch should then
light LED 4 and send some diagnostic information about itself. (In particular,
make sure that the firmware-revision level it reports matches the revision level
of the new firmware.) It should then send the message:
Hit enter to continue
(If you get an error message at any time during this phase, call Black Box for
technical support.)
7. Press the Enter (or Return) key again. The Switch should return to normal
operation with port 1 selected (LED 1 lit).
This completes the terminal-emulation version of the firmware-upgrade
procedure. Your Switch should now be ready for continuous operation.
4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with the DOS COPY Command
Alternatively, you can, if you choose, upgrade a unit’s firmware with the DOS COPY
command. Use caution: The ServSwitch will attempt to send text messages back to
you during this process, but DOS has no way of properly receiving and displaying
them; what’s more, this “unexpected” serial data could cause your computer to
crash. If you want to use this method anyway, take these steps:
1. Connect one of your PC’s serial ports to the Switch’s RS-232 port as described
in Section 4.4.1.
NOTE
Normally only three wires are necessary to the ServSwitch: transmit,
receive, and ground. However, when you use DOS to copy the
configuration file to the Switch, DOS must see a high DSR signal input
(Pin 6 on PC COM ports, whether they are DB9 or DB25 type) in order for
the COPY command to work. The Switch provides this signal using the
DTR (Pin 2) output from its RS-232 Port; you can use standard cable and
our standard FA043 or FA044 adapter to make this connection.
2. If the MODE command in your version of DOS supports data rates as high as
57,600 bps, send a MODE command to set the data rate of the PC’s serial port
to 9600 or 57,600 bps and its data format to 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop
bit. For example, if you are using port COM1:, you would issue the command
“MODE COM1:9600,8,N,1” or “MODE COM1:57600,N,8,1”.
If your DOS version’s MODE command doesn’t natively support 57,600 bps,
you will have to either upgrade at 9600 bps or get one of the several third-
party utility programs that either extend the MODE command or provide
some other means of setting your serial ports to higher data rates. Call Black
Box for technical support if you have difficulty finding such a utility program.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands
3. Make sure the ServSwitch is turned OFF, then turn it ON while holding in
both the “ᮡ” and “ᮢ” buttons (the “+” and “–” buttons on the 2-port unit)
on the Switch’s front panel. Once the Switch has powered up, release the next
port/previous port buttons, then the power button. The ServSwitch shows, by
lighting LED 1, that it’s ready to accept the flash file at 9600 bps. You can
change to download at 57,600 bps by pressing the Switch’s “ᮡ” or “+”
button—LED 4 will light. (Switch back and forth between the two data rates
by pressing “ᮢ”/“–” for 9600 bps or “ᮡ”/“+” for 57,600 Kbps; LED 1 will be
lit at 9600 bps, while LED 4 will be lit at 57,600 bps.)
4. At the DOS prompt, enter the “COPY [filename] COM1:” command if the
ServSwitch is connected to port COM1: (or “COPY [filename] COM2:” if
the Switch is connected to COM2:, etc.). During the copying process, LED 1
or LED 4 will flash (depending on whether you are copying at 9600 or
57,600 bps). Once the process is successfully completed, LED 2 will light.
If, however, an error occurs, LED 2 will remain dark, and there is a
chance that the computer will lock up (you might have to reboot). If the
computer is OK, you’ll have to go back to step 3. If the second attempt
doesn’t work, call Black Box for technical support.
5. If the copy process works, press and release the “ᮡ”/“+” button again. LED 2
will go dark briefly while the ServSwitch programs and verifies its flash
memory. Once this phase is successfully completed, LED 3 will light.
If, however, an error occurs, LED 3 will remain dark, and you’ll have to go
back to step 3. If the second attempt doesn’t work, call Black Box for
technical support.
6. If the program-and-verify process works, press and release the “ᮡ”/“+” button
yet again. LED 3 will go dark briefly while the ServSwitch reboots itself and
runs its new firmware. Once this phase is successfully completed, LED 4 will light.
If, however, an error occurs, LED 4 will remain dark, and you’ll have to go
back to step 3. If the second attempt doesn’t work, call Black Box for
technical support.
7. Press and release the “ᮡ”/“+” button one final time to return the ServSwitch
to normal operation with port 1 selected (LED 1 lit).
If LED 1 doesn’t light, you’ll have to go back to step 3. If the second
attempt doesn’t work, call Black Box for technical support.
This completes the DOS COPY version of the firmware-upgrade procedure. Your
Switch should now be ready for continuous operation.
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SERVSWITCH™
5. Operation: On-Screen Display
5.1 Overview
You can use the ServSwitch’s on-screen display to:
1. Configure the ServSwitch through a series of configuration menus (triggered
with the [Ctrl][F12]command, where [Ctrl]is the left Control key).
2. Switch to different computers from a window which shows a list of computer
names (triggered with the [Ctrl][ESC]command, where [Ctrl]is the left
Control key). You can change the color and position of this window.
3. See the name of the computer you are currently switched to. (The font, color,
position, and timing of displayed text are all user-selectable.)
5.1.1 THE MAIN MENU
Access the main menu by pressing and releasing the left [Ctrl] key and then hitting
the [F12] key. The menu, shown in Figure 5-1 below, appears. (The “Enter
password” prompt will appear only if you set a configuration password through the
“Configure security” menu; see Section 5.5. If the prompt is on screen, you must
enter this password before the ServSwitch will allow you to make any configuration
changes through the display.)
ServSwitch version UP11
Copyright 1990-1999
Main configuration menu
Configure system
Configure computers
Configure overlay
Configure security
Exit
Enter password
Use arrow keys to highlight
selection and press enter or
press escape to exit
Figure 5-1. Main configuration menu.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
This menu and all other on-screen display windows appear “on top of” your
computer video, assuming you are switched to a computer with active video. (If no
video is present, then the background is black.) If the display is not synchronized,
then you should switch to a computer with active video and configure the
resolution setting from the “Configure overlay” page.
5.1.2 NAVIGATING THE CONFIGURATION PAGES
Using the on-screen display is very easy and intuitive. Use the arrow keys ([←],
[→], [↑], and [↓]) to highlight a menu selection and hit [Enter] to choose that
selection. A help line on the very bottom of each screen explains what each
selection is for.
From the main configuration page, choosing a selection by hitting the [Enter]
key either exits to normal keyboard operation or goes to the “Configure system,”
“Configure computers,” or “Configure overlay” page. From these other pages,
choosing a selection by hitting the [Enter] key will bring up an input box in which
you can type in text, enter a numeric value, or choose from a list of possible
options. Use the [Esc] (escape) key to return to the previous page or to abort an
input box.
5.1.3 SAVING CHANGES MADE WITH THE
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
If you make any changes to any settings, a message box asking if you want to save
the changes will pop up when you exit the main menu. Use the arrow keys to
choose “Yes” or “No” and hit [Enter]. If you choose “Yes,” the changes are saved in
flash memory; if you choose “No,” the changes are not saved. Regardless of
whether you choose “Yes” or “No,” the changed settings will be active until they are
changed again. If you answer “No,” the settings you changed will revert to the last
saved settings as soon as the ServSwitch is turned OFF.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.2 The “Configure System” Page
Use this page, shown in Figure 5-2 below, to view and change keyboard-type,
mouse, expansion, scan, and keyboard-typematic settings. Access it from the main
menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure system” is highlighted.
Configure system
Keyboard and mouse type
PC 101/102
Keyboar
PC 104/105
PC 104/105
Mouse
PS/2
Expansion
Maximum computers
Expansion units
Expansion width
8
0
16
Scan settings
Scan time (seconds)
Scan mode
5
Off
Off
Power on scan
Keyboard typematic
Rate (keys/sec)
Delay
20
Fast
This model supports the PC keyboard only
Figure 5-2. The “Configure system” page.
5.2.1 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: KEYBOARD
Normally the ServSwitch will autodetect the keyboard type, but you can set it
differently in this field if you need to. You can choose between either “PC
101/102” (regular IBM PC compatible) or “PC 104/105” (IBM PC Windows
compatible) keyboard. (If you power up a Switch when no shared keyboard is
attached to it, this setting will default to “PC 104/105.”)
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.2.2 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: MOUSE
The ServSwitch will also autodetect the mouse type unless you boot the Switch
without a mouse attached, in which it will default to the “PS/2” setting. To change
the mouse type, press [Enter] while “Mouse” is highlighted. An input-selection box
will pop up as shown in Figure 5-3 below.
Configure system
Keyboard and mouse type
Keyboard
PC
Mou
PS/2 wheel
Serial 2-button
Serial 3-button
Expansion
Maximum computers
Expansion units
Expansion width
8
0
16
Scan settings
Scan time (seconds)
Scan mode
5
Off
Off
Power on scan
Keyboard typematic
Rate (keys/sec)
Delay
20
Fast
Type of mouse auto detected
Figure 5-3. Changing the mouse type.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select the desired mouse type and hit [Enter].
Once [Enter] is pressed, the input box disappears and the new setting appears in
the “Mouse” field.
“PS/2 mouse” refers to those IBM PS/2 compatible mice that have a 6-pin mini-
DIN connector and either two or three buttons. They use an interface integrated
onto the CPU’s motherboard, completely independent of the CPU’s serial
interface. Choosing the “PS/2 mouse” option also resets the shared PS/2 mouse
and enables data to be sent from it, even if you didn’t attach the PS/2 mouse to the
ServSwitch until after the Switch had been powered on.
“PS/2 wheel” mice, such as the Microsoft IntelliMouse, are similar to regular
mice, but have a clickable and scrollable wheel control instead of a middle button.
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SERVSWITCH™
“Serial 2-button mouse” refers to those mice that have serial RS-232 interfaces
(usually with a DB9 connector), are Microsoft compatible, and use a 3-byte, 7-bit,
1200-bps, no-parity data format. Most PC serial mice with two buttons fall into this
category.
“Serial 3-button mouse” refers to those mice which have serial RS-232 interfaces
(usually with a DB9 connector), are Mouse Systems compatible, and use a 5-byte,
8-bit, 1200-bps, no-parity data format. Most PC serial mice with 3 buttons fall into
this category.
Certain commonly available serial mice made in Asia have the usual three
buttons and a switch on the bottom. This switch is usually labeled “MS/PC”; when
it is in the “MS” position, the mouse is compatible with the “serial 2-button” setting,
and when it is in the “PC” position, the mouse is compatible with the “serial
3-button” setting.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.2.3 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: MAXIMUM COMPUTERS
This setting corresponds to the number of computers (CPUs) connected to the
ServSwitch system. It comes in handy when you are cascading, or are only using
some of the CPU ports on a single Switch: When the Switch knows how many CPUs
there are, it can handle switching and scanning more intelligently.
Actually, the Switch will usually autodetect this value, but if for whatever reason
you have no CPUs attached the first time you boot the Switch, it will use its factory-
default values instead (“4” for 2-port units, the number of CPU ports on the box
for other units).
To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Maximum computers” is
highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears, as shown in Figure 5-4 below.
Configure system
Keyboard and mouse type
Keyboard
Mouse
PC
PS/2
Expansion
Input new value
Maximumcomputers
Expansion units
Expansion width
8
0
16
Scan settings
Scan time (seconds)
Scan mode
5
Off
Off
Power on scan
Keyboard typematic
Rate (keys/sec)
Delay
20
Fast
Total number of computers connected to switch (2-256)
Figure 5-4. Changing the maximum number of computers.
Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a new value from 2 to 256 and hit
[Enter]. The input box disappears and the new setting appears in the “Maximum
computers” field.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.2.4 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: EXPANSION UNITS
This setting corresponds to the number of “submaster” (expansion) Serv units that
are connected to the main master ServSwitch. It helps to determine which CPU
number is associated with which physical connector. If you aren’t cascading, this
number should be set to zero. If one submaster is connected, the value should be
set to one, and so on.
To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Expansion units” is highlighted. An
“Input new value” box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a
new value from 0 to 16 and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new
setting appears in the “Expansion units” field. (The factory-default value is zero.)
5.2.5 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: EXPANSION WIDTH
This setting correpsonds to the number of CPU ports that each submaster attached
to a ServSwitch master has. It helps to determine which CPU number is associated
with which physical connector. For example, if you are using four-port submasters,
then the expansion width should be set to four. (Do not use submasters that have
different numbers of CPU ports—both 4-port and 8-port submasters, for
example—because this will cause switching and scanning problems.)
To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Expansion width” is highlighted. An
“Input new value” box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a
new value from 1 to 16 and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new
setting appears in the “Expansion width” field.
An example: Suppose your system consists of 32 computers that you’d like to
cluster in four groups of eight. You connect each group to an 8-port submaster,
and each of the four submasters to an 8-port master. You would then set maximum
computers to 32, expansion units to four, and expansion width to eight. If at some
point you connected four more computers to the four extra CPU ports on the
master, units and width would not change, but you would set maximum computers
to 36.
The factory-default value for this option is 16.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.2.6 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: SCAN TIME
This item determines the time, in seconds, that the ServSwitch will pause at each of
the computers when scanning. The factory-default setting is 5 seconds. To change
the scan time, press [Enter] while “Scan time” is highlighted. An “Input new value”
box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a new value from 1
to 999 seconds and hit [Enter]. (You can also set this value to zero to disable
scanning completely.) The input box disappears and the new setting appears in
the “Scan time” field.
5.2.7 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: SCAN MODE
This item turns scanning on or off. (Factory default is off.) To change the scan
mode, press [Enter] while “Scan mode” is highlighted. An off/on input box
appears. Use the arrow keys to select “on” or “off” and hit [Enter]. The input box
disappears and the new setting appears in the “Scan mode” field.
5.2.8 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: POWER-ON SCAN
This item determines whether the ServSwitch operates normally when it is powered
up or begins scanning immediately. To change the power-on scan setting, press
[Enter] while “Power on scan” is highlighted. An off/on input box appears. Use
the arrow keys to select “On” (Serv unit defaults to scan mode at power-up) or
“Off” (unit operates normally at power-up) and hit [Enter]. The input box
disappears and the new setting appears in the “Power on scan” field. (You must
save this change, as described in Section 5.1.3, for it to be effective. The factory-
default value for this option is “off.”)
5.2.9 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: TYPEMATIC RATE
This item determines how quickly repeated keystrokes are sent to the attached
CPUs when a key on the shared keyboard is held down. The factory-default setting
is 20 characters per second. To change the typematic rate, press [Enter] while
“Typematic rate” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears. Use the shared
keyboard’s number keys to input a new “rate value” from 0 to 31 and hit [Enter].
(This rate value corresponds to a certain number of keystrokes per second, as
shown in Table 3-1 on the next page.) The input box disappears and the new
setting appears in the “Typematic rate” field.
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SERVSWITCH™
Table 3-1. Typematic Rate
Rate Value Actual Rate in Rate Value Actual Rate in
Keystrokes per
Second
Keystrokes per
Second
0
1
2
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
8
2.1
2.3
2.5
2.7
3
8.6
9.2
10
2
3
4
10.9
12
5
6
3.3
3.7
4
13.3
15
7
8
16
9
4.3
4.6
5
17.1
18.5
20
10
11
12
13
14
15
5.5
6
21.8
24
6.7
7.5
26.7
30
5.2.10 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: TYPEMATIC DELAY
This item determines how soon keystrokes will begin to repeat after the operator
begins holding down a key on the shared keyboard. There are four possible
settings: slow (1 second), medium (750 msec.), fast (500 msec.—the factory
default), and fastest (250 msec.).
To change the typematic delay, press [Enter] while “Typematic delay” is
highlighted. A typematic-delay input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select slow,
medium, fast, or fastest, then hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new
setting appears in the “Typematic delay” field.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page
Use this page to set the name, keyboard type, and mouse type for each of the
ServSwitch’s CPU ports. Access it from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when
“Configure computers” is highlighted. The page is shown below in Figure 5-5. (The
arrow in the column after the computer number points to the currently selected
computer.)
Configure computers
Number Computer name Keyboard Mouse
1>CComputer 1
2 Computer 2
3 Computer 3
4 Computer 4
5 Computer 5
6 Computer 6
7 Computer 7
8 Computer 8
9 Computer 9
10 Computer 10
11 Computer 11
12 Computer 12
13 Computer 13
14 Computer 14
15 Computer 15
16 Computer 16
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
Name of computer up to 16 characters
Figure 5-5. The “Configure computers” page.
Use the left- and right-arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the column you
want to change: the computer name, keyboard type, or mouse type. Use the up-
and down-arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the row (that is, to the individual
CPU port) whose setting(s) you want to change. Use the page-up and page-down
keys to access computers 17 through 256.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.3.1 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: COMPUTER NAME
Each computer can be given a name consisting of up to 16 characters. These
names appear as labels in the “Computer select” window (see Section 5.6). To
change a computer name, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Computer
name” field is highlighted. An “Input new name” box appears, as shown in
Figure 5-6 below. (The default computer names are “Computer n,” where n is the
port number, also as shown below.)
Configure computers
Number Computer name Keyboard Mouse
1>CCoommppuutteerr 11
2 Computer 2
3 Computer 3
4 Computer 4
5 Computer 5
6 Computer 6
7 Computer 7
8 Computer 8
9 Computer 9
10 Computer 10
11 Computer 11
12 Computer 12
13 Computer 13
14 Computer 14
15 Computer 15
16 Computer 16
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
Input new name
Name of computer up to 16 characters
Figure 5-6. Changing a computer’s name.
Type in a new name at the shared keyboard. All ASCII characters are valid in the
name field. The backspace key can be used to edit the field. When you have
finished typing in the name, hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new
name appears in the appropriate “Computer name” field.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.3.2 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: KEYBOARD
Use this field to tell the ServSwitch what type of keyboard mode (PC mode 1, 2, or
3) a given CPU uses. To change a CPU port’s keyboard mode, press [Enter] while
the corresponding “Keyboard” field is highlighted. A keyboard-mode input box
appears, as shown in Figure 5-7 below.
Configure computers
Number Computer name Keyboard Mouse
1>Computer 1
2 Computer 2
3 Computer 3
4 Computer 4
5 Computer 5
6 Computer 6
7 Computer 7
8 Computer 8
9 Computer 9
10 Computer 10
11 Computer 11
12 Computer 12
13 Computer 13
14 Computer 14
15 Computer 15
16 Computer 16
PCPC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PC1
PC2
PC3
Type of computer keyboard used
Figure 5-7. Changing a CPU port’s keyboard mode.
Use the arrow keys to select the desired keyboard mode and hit [Enter]. The input
box disappears and the new setting appears in the appropriate “Keyboard” field.
There are three possible keyboard modes: mode 1 (PC1), mode 2 (PC2—the
factory default), or mode 3 (PC3). Most regular PCs are mode 2 and don’t require
®
you to change the default setting. Most RS/6000 and SGI computers and other
UNIX workstations and servers use mode 3. Certain IBM brand PCs, especially
PS/2 models, can be either mode 1 or mode 2; short of rebooting, there is no way
to know for sure except by trial and error. (If you are able to reboot the computer
while it is connected to the Serv unit, the unit should autodetect which mode it is
and display it in this field.)
Once all of your CPU ports have been configured for the proper keyboard
mode, make sure you save the changes.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.3.3 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: MOUSE
Use this field to tell the ServSwitch what type of mouse a given CPU uses. The
factory default is “PS/2” (non-wheel). To change a CPU port’s mouse type, press
[Enter] while the corresponding “Mouse” field is highlighted. A mouse-type input
box appears, as shown in Figure 5-8 below.
Configure computers
Number Computer name Keyboard Mouse
1>Computer 1
2 Computer 2
3 Computer 3
4 Computer 4
5 Computer 5
6 Computer 6
7 Computer 7
8 Computer 8
9 Computer 9
10 Computer 10
11 Computer 11
12 Computer 12
13 Computer 13
14 Computer 14
15 Computer 15
16 Computer 16
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PS/PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2
PS/2 wheel
Serial 2-button
Serial 3-button
Type of computer mouse attached (change for PCs only)
Figure 5-8. Changing a CPU port’s mouse type.
Use the arrow keys to select the desired mouse type and hit [Enter]. The input
box disappears and the new setting appears in the appropriate “Mouse” field.
The appropriate mouse driver must be loaded and configured on the CPU for
mouse communication to work properly. The differences between the various
mouse types are discussed in Section 5.2.2.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page
Use this page to set the color of the configuration menus, the resolution of
ServSwitch-generated video, the type and timing of the Switch-generated screen
saver, the appearance of the “Computer select” window, and the appearance of the
Switch-generated computer label (see Section 5.4.3.A). Access this page, shown in
Figure 5-9 below, from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure overlay”
is highlighted.
Configure overlay
Miscellaneous
Color scheme
Resolution
Screen saver
Aquarium
PC1 640x480x60Hz
Black screen
Screen saver time (seconds)
0
Computer select window
Background color
Text color
Transparent blue
White
Position
X= 3 Y= 3
Computer label
Background color Transparent magenta
Text color
Position
Show computer number
Fade out (seconds)
Font
Yellow
X= 3 Y= 90
Yes
20
16x32 classic
Colors of the configuration menu
Figure 5-9. The “Configure overlay” page.
5.4.1 CONFIGURE OVERLAY: MISCELLANEOUS
5.4.1.A Color Scheme
This item determines which colors the ServSwitch uses for the configuration
menus. There are four color-scheme choices: “Aquarium” (cyan, magenta, white,
and blue—the factory default), “Tuxedo” (black, red, and white), “Festival”
(yellow, magenta, blue, cyan, and white), and “Forest” (green, black, cyan, and
blue).
To change the color scheme, press [Enter] while “Color scheme” is highlighted.
A color-scheme input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select the desired color
scheme and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new setting appears in
the “Color scheme” field.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.4.1.B Resolution
This item gives you maximum monitor-type flexibility by determining the
resolution and refresh rate of the video signal that the ServSwitch sends to the
shared monitor while the unit isn’t receiving any video from the CPU. The possible
choices—all using 640 x 480 resolution—are “PC1” (60-Hz refresh rate—the
factory default), “PC2” (72 Hz), and “PC3” (75 Hz).
To change the resolution/refresh rate, press [Enter] while “Resolution” is
highlighted. An input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select the desired
combination of resolution and refresh rate and hit [Enter]. The input box
disappears and the new setting appears in the “Resolution” field.
5.4.1.C Screen Saver
The ServSwitch has a built-in screen saver that reduces the wear on your screen.
When there has been no shared-keyboard or -mouse activity for the length of time
specified in the “Screen saver time” field (see the next section), the screen saver
turns on. You can blank the screen or choose one of three possible display
patterns: “Fireflies” (the factory default), “Weaving,” or “Bounce.” Normal video is
restored when any key on the shared keyboard is pressed or the shared mouse is
moved. If you are not in an on-screen display menu, then the computer name
(label) is also displayed as if you had just switched to a new computer. While the
screen saver is on, all of the Serv unit’s “SELECT” LEDs (the left-hand red port
LEDs) will be turned off.
To change the screen-saver setting, press [Enter] while “screen saver” is
highlighted. A screen-saver input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select the
desired screen saver and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new setting
appears in the “Screen saver” field.
If an access password has been set (see Section 5.5.2), this screen saver also
appears when no user is logged in. The screen saver will remain on-screen,
blocking view of any computer video, until a user enters the access password
correctly.
5.4.1.D Screen-Saver Time
This item determines how long (in seconds) the ServSwitch waits for shared-
keyboard or -mouse activity before turning on its screen saver. The factory-default
value for this option is 600 seconds (10 minutes). To change the screen-saver time,
press [Enter] while “Screen saver time” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box
appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a new number of
seconds from 0 to 999, then hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new
setting appears in the “Screen saver time” field.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.4.2 CONFIGURE OVERLAY: COMPUTER SELECT WINDOW
5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color
These items determine the background and text colors of the “Computer select
window” (see Section 5.6). The “solid” colors available are black, red, green,
yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are opaque and cause the window to
hide part of the video coming from the CPUs. The “transparent” colors available
are clear, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are translucent,
so the video coming from the CPUs is tinted but can be seen through the window.
(In fact, the “clear” setting makes the background or text completely transparent;
don’t set both to clear, or the window will become totally invisible, and you will
probably have to reset the Switch to its factory defaults to get the window to
reappear.)
To change either of these colors, press [Enter] while “background color” or
“text color” is highlighted in the “Computer select window” box. A color-selection
input box appears. Use the arrow keys to point to the desired color. As you move
the pointer, the name of each color is shown in that color so you can see how it
looks. Hit [Enter] to select the color pointed to. The input box disappears and the
new setting appears in the appropriate “Background color” or “Text color” field.
The factory-default settings for these options are “transparent blue” for the
background color and “white” for the text color.
5.4.2.B Position
This item determines where the “Computer select window” pops up. You can put
the window anywhere on the shared monitor’s screen; it will automatically scale to
the resolution of the incoming video and maintain a constant position on screen.
To change the window position, press [Enter] while “Position” is highlighted in
the “Computer select window” box. The overlay page disappears and the computer
select window is shown. Use the arrow keys to move the window and hit [Enter]
when it reaches the desired position. The overlay page returns with the horizontal
(X) and vertical (Y) position numbers updated in the appropriate “Position” field.
The range of horizontal (X) movement is represented by the numbers 0 to 64.
The range of vertical (Y) movement is represented by the numbers 0 to 99. The
window will wrap around the edge of the screen at minimum and maximum
points. Factory defaults are X=3, Y=3.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.4.3 CONFIGURE OVERLAY: COMPUTER LABEL
5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color
These items determine the background and text colors of the computer label. The
ServSwitch displays this label on the shared monitor’s screen as you switch between
CPUs to identify individual CPUs. The “solid” colors available are black, red, green,
yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are opaque and cause the label to
hide part of the video coming from the CPUs. The “transparent” colors available
are clear, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are translucent,
so the video coming from the CPUs is tinted but can be seen through the window.
(In fact, the “clear” setting makes the background or text completely transparent;
don’t set both to clear, or the label will be totally invisible.)
To change either of these colors, press [Enter] while “background color” or
“text color” is highlighted in the “Computer label” box. A color-selection input box
appears. Use the arrow keys to point to the desired color. As you move the pointer,
the name of each color is shown in that color so you can see how it looks. Hit
[Enter] to select the color pointed to. The input box disappears and the new
setting appears in the appropriate “Background color” or “Text color” field.
The factory-default settings for these options are “transparent blue” for the
background color and “white” for the text color.
5.4.3.B Position
This item determines where the computer label pops up. You can put the label
anywhere on the shared monitor’s screen; it will automatically scale to the
resolution of the incoming video and maintain a constant position on screen.
To change the label position, press [Enter] while “Position” is highlighted in the
“Computer label” box. The overlay page disappears and the computer label is
shown. Use the arrow keys to move the label and hit [Enter] when it reaches the
desired position. The overlay page returns with the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y)
position numbers updated in the appropriate “Position” field.
The range of horizontal (X) movement is represented by the numbers 0 to 64.
The range of vertical (Y) movement is represented by the numbers 0 to 99. The
label will wrap around the edge of the screen at minimum and maximum points.
Factory defaults are X=3, Y=90.
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
5.4.3.C Show Computer Number
This item determines whether or not the computer number is displayed along with
the computer label. To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Show computer
number” is highlighted. A yes/no input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select
“Yes” or “No” and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new setting
appears in the “Show computer number” field. Factory default is “Yes.”
5.4.3.D Fade Out
This item determines how long the ServSwitch continues to display the computer
label after you switch to a different CPU before allowing it to “fade out.” If you set
“Fade out” to anything from 1 to 254, the Serv unit will wait that number of
seconds before fading out the computer label. If you set “Fade out” to 255, the unit
will display the label at all times. If you set “Fade out” to 0, the unit will never
display the computer label at all.
This item also determines how long the Switch displays the computer label after
receiving a Display Label ([Ctrl][D]) keyboard command (see Section 4.3.9).
The Switch will display the label for five seconds if “Fade out” is set to 0, for the
corresponding number of seconds if “Fade out” is set to 1 to 254, or always if “Fade
out” is set to 255. Factory default is 5 seconds.
To change the fadeout setting, press [Enter] while “Fade out (seconds)” is
highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number
keys to input a new value from 0 to 255 and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears
and the new setting appears in the “Fade out (seconds)” field.
5.4.3.E Font
This item determines in which font the ServSwitch displays the computer label.
The choices are: 8x16 modern, 8x16 classic, 16x24 modern (the factory default),
16x24 classic, 16x32 modern, and 16x32 classic.
8x16 is the size of the text in the configuration menus. 16x24 is twice as tall and
half again as wide. 16x32 is both twice as tall and twice as wide. The “modern” font
®
is a sans-serif font similar to Helvetica . The “classic” font is a serifed font similar to
®
Times . The actual size of the font on the screen depends on the resolution of the
input video from the CPUs. At higher resolutions the fonts are proportionally
smaller, so use larger sizes to keep the labels legible.
To change the font, press [Enter] while font is highlighted. A font-input box
appears. Use the arrow keys to select the desired font and hit [Enter]. The input
box disappears and the new setting appears in the “Font” field.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.5 The “Configure Security” Page
Use this page to set security options for the ServSwitch. Access this page, shown in
Figure 5-10 below, from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure
security” is highlighted.
Configure security
Security
New password
Configuration passwor********
Access password
Access time
********
999
Protects access to configuration menu, up to 8 characters
Figure 5-10. The “Configure security” page.
5.5.1 THE CONFIGURATION PASSWORD
This option protects the configuration settings of the ServSwitch system from
unauthorized changes. To lock the main configuration menu activated by [Ctrl]
[F12], set a configuration password here, using the procedure spelled out in
Section 5.5.4. Once you do, an “Enter password” box will appear whenever the
configuration menu is requested, and the ServSwitch will not permit any changes to
options in the menu until the user enters that password. Factory default is no password.
5.5.2 THE ACCESS PASSWORD
This option protects your CPUs from unauthorized viewing or access. To secure
the CPUs, set an access password here, using the procedure spelled out in
Section 5.5.4. Once you do, an “Enter password” box will pop up on a user station’s
monitor as soon as the user at that station logs out with the [Ctrl] [L] command
(see Section 4.3.12) or is logged out automatically when the access timeout expires
(see the next section). If no password is entered within a few seconds, the
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CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display
ServSwitch will begin displaying its currently selected screen saver (see
Section 5.4.1.C) over the whole screen. The Switch will not display any computer
video, nor will it accept any keyboard commands, until a user logs in by entering
the access password. (The “Enter password” box—but nothing else—will reappear
as soon as a user begins typing in a password.) Factory default is no password.
5.5.3 THE ACCESS TIMEOUT
Along with the access password (see the previous section), this option protects your
unattended user stations from unauthorized use. If you’ve set an access password,
specify a time of keyboard and mouse inactivity in minutes after which the user at
any idle station is automatically “logged out.” When a user is automaticaly logged
out this way, the “Enter password” box comes up, and so forth (again, see the
previous section).
Possible values for the access timeout range from 1 minute to 999 minutes
(16 hours 39 minutes; this is actually the factory-default value). You can also disable
the timeout by setting it to zero; in this setting, users will never be automatically
logged out, so the “Enter password” box will only be displayed when users log out
manually with the {ctrl] [L] command (see Section 4.3.12) and when you cycle
power to the ServSwitch.
5.5.4 SETTING THE PASSWORDS
When you select either “Configuration password” or “Access password” from this
menu, this prompt appears:
New password
After you type in a password (up to eight ASCII characters long, case-sensitive—
only asterisks will appear on your screen) and press [Enter], the ServSwitch
displays this prompt:
Confirm password
If you type in the same string of characters at this prompt, the new password is
accepted and saved. Otherwise, this message is displayed:
Invalid password
Hit escape to exit
Once you have successfully set these passwords, you should keep a record of them
in a secure location; if nobody can remember a given password, you will have to
call Black Box Technical Support for help to recover your system.
To remove either of these passwords, delete the password and press Enter with
no text in the “New password” box.
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SERVSWITCH™
5.6 The “Computer Select Window”
You can bring up a “computer select window” on the shared monitor’s screen to
select a specific computer from a list of computers attached to the ServSwitch.
Access the window, shown in Figure 5-11 below, by pressing and releasing the left
[Ctrl] key and then hitting the [Esc] (escape) key. The arrow in the column after
the computer number points to the currently selected computer.
Computer select window
1>Computer 1
2 Computer 2
3 Computer 3
4 Computer 4
5 Computer 5
6 Computer 6
7 Computer 7
8 Computer 8
Figure 5-11. The “computer select window.”
Just as it does with the configuration menus and computer labels, the ServSwitch
overlays the “computer select window” on top of your current video. Use the up-
and down-arrow keys on the shared keyboard to select the desired computer; when
it is highlighted, hit [Enter] to immediately switch to that computer (its label will
be shown). If you have more than 16 computers in your ServSwitch system, use the
[PageUp] and [PageDown] keys to access the other computers, at up to
16 computers per window. Hit [Esc] to exit the window and remove it from the
screen.
Use the “Configure overlay” page to set the position and color of the window
(see Section 5.4.2). The height of the window will vary depending on the current
“maximum computers” (maximum ports) setting. For instance, if maximum
computers is set to 6, the window will have slots for only 6 computer names.
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting
6. 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
Section 6.1 before doing anything else. The second section of this chapter suggests
possible causes of and solutions to frequently encountered problems; if the trouble
is chronic, see Section 6.2. Sections 6.3 and 6.4 discuss what’s involved in calling
Black Box and shipping your Switch.
CAUTION!
Do not open the ServSwitch’s cover. You could easily damage the
Switch and attached devices, and if the Switch is powered you could
hurt yourself as well.
6.1 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, any submasters attached to it, and all CPUs
directly or indirectly connected to it are turned OFF.
2. Press and hold in the ᮢ or “–” (previous port) button on the front of the
Switch. While holding in this button, turn the Switch back ON.
3. Wait until the red (SELECT) LED of the Switch’s highest-numbered port
(port 4 on a 4-port unit, port 12 on a 12-port unit, etc.) lights up, then release
the minus button.
4. Cycle power to the Switch (push the ON/OFF button once to turn the Switch
OFF, then push it again to turn the Switch ON).
5. Select Port 1 on the ServSwitch. Power up the device on Port 1; if the device is
a CPU, wait for it to go completely through its boot-up process. Then select
Port 2, power up that device, and so on.
6. Starting with the lowest-numbered CPU and proceeding to the highest-
numbered one, power up the CPUs on the Switch’s submasters one at a time,
waiting for each to boot completely before going to the next.
Now reconfigure the box to your desired settings. If you’re still having difficulty,
refer to Section 6.2. If it doesn’t help you to solve your problem, call Black Box for
technical support.
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SERVSWITCH™
6.2 Common Problems
6.2.1 A CPU CONNECTED TO YOUR SERVSWITCH OR A SUBMASTER DOESN’T BOOT, AND YOU
GET A KEYBOARD OR MOUSE ERROR
A. First make sure your ServSwitch and (if one is involved) your submaster are
plugged in and powered up.
B. If the Switch and submaster are ON, check the master’s configuration. The
keyboard and mouse settings for that CPU might not be correct.
C. If the configuration is OK, check your cables. Tighten any loose connections. If
the keyboard and mouse strands of either the CPU cable or the MKM cable have
been reversed, plug them into the proper ports.
D. If you don’t find a cable error, try swapping in different keyboards and/or mice
one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a device, the old one
might have gone bad.
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. If swapping ports doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging a known-good
keyboard and mouse directly into the CPU that’s having the problem. If the CPU
boots, the ServSwitch or submaster might be defective; call Black Box.
H. If the CPU still doesn’t boot, the CPU’s keyboard or mouse port (or other
components) might be defective. (If the CPU’s power LED doesn’t light, the fuse
on the CPU’s motherboard might be blown.) If you still have them, plug that
CPU’s original monitor, keyboard, and mouse into it and try again. If the CPU
does not boot with its original equipment, something in the CPU is defective; call
the CPU’s manufacturer. If the CPU does boot, there is some kind of unusual
mismatch between that CPU and the shared monitor, keyboard, or mouse; call
Black Box for technical support.
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting
6.2.2 YOU CAN’T SWITCH PORTS FROM THE KEYBOARD
A. Can you do anything from the keyboard? If not, the keyboard strand of your
MKM cable has probably come loose. Reconnect it.
B. The ServSwitch might have lost power for less than three seconds. (This can
cause the keyboard to lock up.) Disconnect the keyboard and plug it back in.
C. The keyboard might simply have gotten a little off kilter. If the Switch can see
the keyboard at all, try reinitializing the keyboard with the Reset command,
[Ctrl] R (see Section 4.3.6).
D. The keyboard mode that the currently selected CPU port is set for might not
match the mode that the CPU on that port expects. Use the on-screen display to
change the port’s mode (see Section 5.3.2). Sometimes this situation can confuse
the CPU or keyboard so badly that it is necessary to reboot the CPU or to reset the
keyboard by unplugging it and plugging it back in.
E. For PS/2 type equipment, if the keyboard and mouse strands of either the CPU
cable or the MKM cable have been reversed, plug them into the proper ports.
F. 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, Caps Lock, or Alt.
6.2.3 CHARACTERS THAT YOU TYPE COME
UP
WRONG OR MISSING
The keyboard mode that the currently selected CPU port is set for might not match
the mode that the CPU on that port expects. See item C under Section 6.2.2.
6.2.4 YOU CAN’T SEEM TO SCAN OR SWITCH TO CERTAIN PORTS AT ALL
A. The “Maximum computers” setting is too low. (If any of the CPUs you can
access are receiving garbage characters, this is a good indicator.) Set “Maximum
computers” to match the number of CPUs in your system (see Section 5.2.3).
B. The “Expansion units” and/or Expansion width” setting is wrong. To reach all
ports, set Units equal to the number of submasters in your system, and Width equal
to the greatest number of CPUs you have on any submaster (see Sections 5.2.4 and
5.2.5).
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SERVSWITCH™
6.2.5 THE SERVSWITCH SCANS OR SWITCHES TO EMPTY OR NONEXISTENT PORTS
A. The “Maximum computers” setting is too high. (If any of the CPUs you can
access are receiving garbage characters, this is a good indicator.) Set Maximum
Ports to match the number of CPUs in your system. See Section 5.2.3.
B. The “Expansion units” and/or “Expansion width” setting is wrong. To reach
only occupied ports, set Units equal to the number of submasters in your system,
and Width equal to the smallest number of CPUs you have on any submaster (see
Sections 5.2.4 and 5.2.5).
6.2.6 YOUR MOUSE DRIVER DOESN’T LOAD
A. What type of mouse are you using? If it’s an RS-232 serial mouse, see steps B and
D. If it’s a PS/2 or PS/2 wheel mouse, see steps C and D. If it’s a Microsoft
BallPoint mouse, see step D. At the time of this writing, the ServSwitch does not
support other types of mice.
B. RS-232 serial mouse: Make sure that you’re using the right COM port, and that
the mouse driver is looking for the correct port.
C. PS/2 or PS/2 wheel mouse: To recognize the mouse, the CPU must be directly
connected to it, or indirectly connected to it through the ServSwitch and (if one is
involved) the submaster, at boot-up time. Make sure that all cables are properly
seated and that the Switch and submaster are ON, then reboot the CPU.
D. Your mouse driver might be old or incompatible with your mouse. Try the latest
version of the Microsoft mouse driver.
6.2.7 YOU CAN’T ACCESS ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF YOUR MOUSE
A. What type of mouse is it? If it is any other type than those listed as being
supported in item A under Section 6.2.6, chances are that the ServSwitch doesn’t
support it.
B. If your mouse is a Microsoft BallPoint, you need the latest version of the
Microsoft mouse driver.
C. If your mouse is a Logitech mouse, the ServSwitch supports the two-button
models but not the three-button models.
6.2.8 YOUR PS/2 MOUSE GETS OUT OF SYNC
Cabling might have been disturbed during mouse movement. Issue the Send Null
Byte command (see Section 4.3.7) 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.
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting
6.2.9 YOUR MOUSE DOESN’T MOVE THE POINTER/CURSOR
A. What type of mouse is it? If it is any type other than those listed as being
supported in item A under Section 6.2.6, chances are that the ServSwitch doesn’t
support it.
B. The mouse might not be configured properly.
C. Your mouse must be connected to a powered ServSwitch when the CPUs are
booted and when mouse applications are run. Try exiting and re-entering your
application; if this doesn’t work, issue the Reset command (see Section 4.3.6).
6.2.10 YOUR MONITOR DISPLAY
IS
FUZZY
A. Check the settings of your monitor, especially the sharpness control.
B. If you can’t solve the problem by changing the monitor settings, you might have
run cable too far. No single original Serv cable in your system should be longer
than 20 ft. (6.1 m), and the maximum total length of original Serv cable from any
CPU to any monitor, keyboard, and mouse is 40 ft. (12.2 m). (If you’re using SVGA
or high-res Mac video, even these distances might too far.) No single coaxial cable
in your system should be longer than 100 ft. (30.5 m), and this assumes that your
CPUs can drive keyboard and mouse signals that far—you might only be able to
run 20 ft. (6.1 m).
Bottom line: If you’re running IBM or Mac video over original Serv cable, you
might need to upgrade to coaxial cables that carry the video signal better. If you
are already using coax cables, you might need to add Station Extenders (our
product codes AC253A etc.) or CAT5 KVM Extenders (our product codes
ACU9001A etc.); call Black Box for technical support. See Section 4.1.3 and
Appendix B.
6.2.11 YOUR VIDEO
IS
NOT SYNCHRONIZED OR IS THE WRONG COLOR
A. If you are trying to use an IBM 9515, 9517, or 9518 monitor, you need special
cables to carry the video correctly. Call Black Box for technical support.
B. Check the settings of your monitor, especially the sync or color controls.
C. Your monitor might not be capable of synching to the selected video resolution
or frequency (refresh rate). Try a lower resolution or frequency or a more
powerful monitor.
D. The CPU is sending video with composite sync and the monitor only accepts
horizontal or vertical sync, or vice versa. Change the settings of the CPU or
monitor so that the two are compatible. If this is not possible, swap in a different
monitor that can handle all of your CPUs’ synchronization types.
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SERVSWITCH™
E. The CPU is sending video with sync on green, which the ServSwitch does not
currently support. Call Black Box for technical support.
F. If the video problem is not centered on the monitor, check the video strands of
your cables. Tighten any loose connections.
G. If no cable connectors are loose, begin swapping your cables one at a time. If
the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable is probably
defective.
H. If swapping cables doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging the CPU into a
different CPU port on the ServSwitch or submaster. If the problem goes away when
the CPU is connected to a different port, the old port is probably defective.
6.2.12 YOUR VIDEO
RESOLUTION MODE
IS
OK IN LOW-RESOLUTION MODE, BUT YOU CAN’T GET INTO HIGH-
A. If you’re using XGA, you must use coaxial cables (see Section 4.1.3 and
Appendix B).
B. Check your video driver or control panel. It might not be set up correctly for
your desired resolution.
6.2.13 YOUR
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
IS
NOT SYNCHRONIZED
A. This can happen when no video is coming from the currently selected port or
CPU and the “Configure overlay: Resolution” setting is wrong. Set the resolution
properly (see Section 5.4.1.B).
B. The CPU is sending video with composite sync and the monitor only accepts
horizontal or vertical sync, or vice versa. Change the settings of the CPU or
monitor so that the two are compatible. If this is not possible, swap in a different
monitor that can handle all of your CPUs’ synchronization types.
C. The CPU is sending video with sync on green, which the ServSwitch does not
currently support. Call Black Box for technical support.
6.2.14 ONE OR MORE OF YOUR CPUS LOCK
UP
WHEN YOU LOAD WINDOWS 3.X
The usual cause of this problem is that the affected CPUs are set to load a Logitech
or other type of mouse driver when Windows starts up. Set the CPU to load the
generic Microsoft mouse driver instead.
6.2.15 THE SERVSWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR DOCKING STATION
The ServSwitch does not support docking stations for portable computers.
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting
6.2.16 THE SERVSWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR DONGLE-PROTECTED SOFTWARE
The ServSwitch does not support keyboard-line dongles (the devices required to be
inserted into the keyboard line by some software for copy protection).
6.2.17 THE SERVSWITCH DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR IBM THINKPAD
The Switch supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data. It doesn’t
support the “prompt mode” (burst-on-request) method for handling mouse data
that the IBM ThinkPad uses, regardless of whether the ThinkPad is connected to
the Switch directly or through a docking station (and see Section 6.2.15).
6.2.18 YOU’VE LOST YOUR PASSWORD
If you’ve lost your access password or configuration password and you have no
record of what they are set to, you will have to call Black Box Technical Support.
They will help you to recover your system.
6.3 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your ServSwitch 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.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse.
• the results of any testing you’ve already done.
6.4 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your ServSwitch:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are shipping the ServSwitch for repair, make sure you include its power
supply and the adapter cables you’re using with it. If you are returning the
Switch, make sure you include everything you received with it. Before you ship,
contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.
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SERVSWITCH™
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults
A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings
The tables below shows, for the ServSwitch’s keyboard-command configuration
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 Switch’s current operating period, as well as what
commands or actions (if any) can save changed settings to NVRAM, so that they
become the new defaults.
Option
Factory-Default Setting To Change
To Save
Changes
Caps/Scroll/
Num Lock
Num Lock ON (fixed)
OFF
Select port, then press the
corresponding button on the
keyboard
Can’t be
saved
Scan
Type [Ctrl] S (to turn ON) or
[Ctrl] X (to turn OFF)
Can’t be
saved
[Ctrl] K
Screen-Saver 0 (disabled)
Delay Time
Type [Ctrl] Vxcx [Enter]
(xxx = any 1- to 3-digit number,
time in seconds, or 0 to disable)
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APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults
A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings
The table below and on the next page shows, for the ServSwitch’s saveable on-
screen display options, the default values stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM)
when the ServSwitch is shipped from the factory.
Option
Default setting
System
Keyboard .......................................PC 104/105
Mouse ............................................PS/2
Maximum computers...................2-port models: 4;
Other models: No. of ports on unit
Expansion units ............................0
Expansion width...........................16
Scan time.......................................5 seconds
Scan mode.....................................Off
Power-On Scan .............................Off
Typematic rate..............................20 characters per second
Typematic delay............................Fast
Computer
Computer name ...........................Computer n (n = CPU-port number)
Computer keyboard .....................PC2 (PC mode 2)
Computer mouse..........................PS/2 (non-wheel)
Overlay
Color scheme................................Aquarium
Resolution.....................................PC1 (640x480 at 60 Hz)
Screen saver ..................................Fireflies
Screen-saver timeout ....................600 seconds (10 minutes)
Computer-select window
Background color.........................Transparent blue
Text color......................................White
Position..........................................X=3, Y=3
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SERVSWITCH™
Option
Default setting
Computer label
Background color.........................Transparent blue
Text color......................................White
Position..........................................X=3, Y=90
Show computer number..............Yes
Fade out ........................................5 seconds
Font ...............................................16 x24 modern
Security
Configuration password...............None
Access password............................None
Access time....................................999 seconds (16 hours, 39 minutes)
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APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes
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 = 30.5 cm).
For most of these cables, xxx’s are shown in place of the last three digits of the
product code because the cables come in several stock lengths. For original
(standard) CPU and MKM adapter cables, these last three digits can be “001”
(MKM cables only), “005,” “010,” or “020” for 1-foot (0.3-m), 5-foot (1.5-m), 10-foot
(3-m) or 20-foot (6.1-m) cables respectively. For coaxial cables, these last three
digits can be “005,” “010,” “020,” “035,” “050,” “075,” or “100” for 5-foot (1.5-m),
10-foot (3-m), 20-foot (6.1-m), 35-foot (10.7-m), 50-foot (15.2-m), 75-foot (22.9-m),
or 100-foot (30.5-m) cables respectively.
The table also lists the product codes for the Station Extenders and CAT5 KVM
Extenders. Depending on your equipment and the video resolution you’re using,
you might be able to use the one of the Extender types to connect the ServSwitch
to monitor/keyboard/mouse stations or CPUs as much as 200 ft. (61 m) away.
If your monitor/keyboard/mouse-sharing system has cabling requirements that
can’t be met by what you see here, call Black Box for a possible quote on custom
cables or adapters.
Standard Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cables:
Monitor Type
Keyboard Type
Mouse Type
Product Code
(Connector on Cable)
(Connector on Cable)
(Connector on Cable)
VGA (HD15 female)
VGA (HD15 female)
IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN female)
Serial RS-232 (DB9 male)
EHN052-0xxx
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) EHN054-0xxx
Coaxial Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Adapter Cables:
Monitor Type
Keyboard Type
Mouse Type
Product Code
(Connector on Cable)
(Connector on Cable)
(Connector on Cable)
VGA (HD15 female)
VGA (HD15 female)
IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN female)
Serial RS-232 (DB9 male)
EHN270-0xxx
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) EHN283-0xxx
RS/6000 (13W3 female) IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) EHN521-0001
SGI (13W3 female)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) EHN501-0001
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SERVSWITCH™
Standard CPU Adapter Cables:
Video Type
Keyboard Type
Mouse Type
Product Code
(Connector on Cable)
(Connector on Cable)
(Connector on Cable)
VGA (HD15 male)
VGA (HD15 male)
IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN male)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
Serial RS-232 (DB9 female) EHN048-0xxx
PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
EHN051-0xxx
Coaxial CPU Adapter Cable:
Video Type
Keyboard Types
Mouse Types
Product Code
(Connector on Cable)
VGA (HD15 male)
RS/6000 (13W3 male)
SGI (13W3 male)
IBM PC/AT and PS/2
RS-232 and PS/2
EHN282-0xxx
EHN520-0001
EHN500-0xxx
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
Original ServSwitch to ServSwitch Expansion Cable: EHN055-0001
Coaxial ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable: EHN274-0xxx
6-wire straight-through-pinned flat-satin cable with RJ-12 connectors for
communicating with ServSwitch through its RS-232 port: EL06MS-MM (specify length)
Station Extenders:
CPU to ServSwitch (RS-232 Mouse): AC254A
ServSwitch to Station (RS-232 Mouse): AC255A
CPU to ServSwitch (PS/2 Style Mouse): AC257A
ServSwitch to Station (PS/2 Style Mouse): AC258A
Station-Extender Cables: EHN250-0zzz, where “zzz” = 050, 100, 150, or 200
CAT5 KVM Extenders (Kits include local and remote modules and interconnecting cables):
Single-Access Kit (remote user station only): ACU1001A
Dual-Access Kit (local and remote user stations contend): ACU1009A
AT→PS/2 Mouse Ghost (for PC/At connections): AC244A
Keyboard Adapter (for PC/AT connections): FA212
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APPENDIX C: Pinout of RS-232 Port
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.
1
6
Pin Signal Name
Abbrev. Direction Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
Data Set Ready
Data Terminal Ready DTR
DSR
Input
Reserved (not used)
Output
Output
N/A
Pulled high with 1-KΩ resistor
Serial data from port
Transmit Data
Signal Ground
Receive Data
Request to Send
TD
SGND
RD
DC ground reference
Input
Serial data to port
RTS
Output
Pulled high with 1-KΩ resistor
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SERVSWITCH™
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard
®
Some of the computers manufactured by Compaq subsidiary Digital Equipment
Corporation come with a special keyboard called the DEC LK461. The ServSwitch
supports this keyboard by passing through unaltered the scan codes of certain
proprietary keys (such as [Help] and [Do]) and remapping others (such as [PF1]
through [PF4]). The ServSwitch maps the special keys of the LK461 as shown in
the table below. Note that the LK461 has no Num Lock LED and its Hold Screen
LED is equivalent to the Scroll Lock LED on other keyboards.
Key Pressed on
LK461 Keyboard
Scan Code
Sent to U.S. CPU
[Find]
[Home]
[Insert Here]
[Remove]
[Select]
[Insert]
[Delete]
[End]
[Prev]
[Page Up]
[Next]
[Page Down]
[F13]
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
[Print Screen]
[F14]
[F15] / [Help]
[F16] / [Do]
[F17]
[F18]
[F19]
[Scroll Lock]
[F20]
[Pause]
[PF1]
[Num Lock]
[PF2]
Keypad [/] (slash or divide key)
Keypad [*] (asterisk or multiply key)
Keypad [–] (minus key)
Keypad [+] (plus key)*
Keypad [+] (plus key)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Right [Control]
[PF3]
[PF4]
Keypad [–] (minus key)
Keypad [,] (comma key)
Left [Compose]
Right [Compose]
[<] / [>] (grtr. than/less than key) [`] / [~] (accent grave/tilde key)**
*Keypad [–] is always mapped this way in Mode 2; in Mode 3, the mapping varies by country.
**This mapping varies by country; that is, the key is mapped differently depending on what
keyboard country or language the CPU is configured to accept.
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APPENDIX E: Installing the 4-Port Expansion Board
Appendix E: Rackmounting the
ServSwitch
If you want to mount your -R4 ServSwitch in a 19", 23", or 24" rack, make sure you
get the right ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit: product code RMK19M, RMK23M, or
RMK24M respectively for the mini-chassis Switch models, RMK19B, RMK23B, or
RMK24B respectively for the slimline-chassis models, or RMK19C, RMK23C, or
RMK24C respectively for the full-size-chassis models. Each of these Kits consists of
two rackmounting “ears” and four screws. To use a kit to mount a ServSwitch, take
these steps, referring to Figure G-1 below:
1. Match up the two holes in the “Switch end” of each Kit ear with the two empty
screwholes on the side of the Switch, then fasten the ear to the Switch with
two of the screws included with the Kit.
2. Once you’ve attached both ears, match the holes in the “rack end” of each ear
to an appropriate set of matching holes on your equipment rack, then screw
the Switch assembly to the rack using your own screws, bolts, or cage nuts (not
included).
Figure G-1. Rackmount assembly.
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