Black Box Computer Accessories ACU3001A User Manual

DECEMBER 2000  
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ACU3001A  
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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  
World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]  
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.  
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY  
Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family!  
®
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX ServSwitch Brand CAT5 KVM  
Extender model! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the  
many ways that your enhanced keyboard/video/mouse system 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  
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desk? Or do you need to share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM PC,  
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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™ Brand CAT5 KVM  
Micro Extender, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an  
introduction to the Micro Extender, see Chapter 2. The Micro Extender product  
codes covered in this manual are:  
ACU3001A  
ACU3009A  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL  
BLACK BOX and the  
logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch, Matrix  
ServSwitch, ServSwitch Affinity, ServSwitch Duo, ServSwitch Multi, ServSwitch  
Ultra, ServSwitch Wizard, ServSwitch Wizard Pro, ServManager, ServSelect, and  
ServShare are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.  
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.  
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks, and PC/XT is a  
trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation.  
Microsoft, IntelliMouse, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks or  
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other  
countries.  
Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the  
United States and other countries.  
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the  
trademark owners.  
2
FCC/IC STATEMENTS  
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA  
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS  
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and if not  
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s  
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested  
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance  
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to  
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is  
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a  
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own  
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the  
interference.  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for  
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.  
Shielded PC-equipment cables must be used with this equipment to maintain  
compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably  
high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital  
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.  
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites  
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le  
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY  
This equipment complies with the requirements of the European EMC Directive  
89/336/EEC with respect to the EN55022 (Class B), EN50082-1, and EN60555-2  
standards, as well as the Low Voltage Directive.  
4
NOM STATEMENT  
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)  
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT  
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD  
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de  
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.  
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para  
referencia futura.  
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de  
operación deben ser respetadas.  
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.  
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca  
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.  
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que  
sean recomendados por el fabricante.  
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea  
recomendado por el fabricante.  
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá  
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser  
referido a personal de servicio calificado.  
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no  
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,  
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar  
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de  
ventilación.  
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor  
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo  
amplificadores) que producen calor.  
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del  
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización  
del equipo no sea eliminada.  
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no  
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,  
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del  
aparato.  
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las  
recomendaciones del fabricante.  
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas  
de energia.  
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea  
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.  
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean  
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.  
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:  
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u  
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o  
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o  
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su  
desempeño; o  
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.  
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Contents  
Chapter  
Page  
1. Quick Start Guide ...................................................................................... 9  
2. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10  
3. Introduction ............................................................................................. 13  
3.1 Compatibility ..................................................................................... 14  
3.2 Key Features ...................................................................................... 15  
4. Checklist of System Components ............................................................ 16  
4.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 16  
4.2 The Cables You’ll Need .................................................................... 16  
4.2.1 To Connect a CPU to the Local Unit .................................... 17  
4.2.2 To Connect a ServSwitch Family KVM Switch to the  
Local Unit ............................................................................. 17  
4.2.3 To Connect a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse to the  
Remote Unit or to the User Ports on the  
Dual-Access Local Unit ........................................................ 19  
4.2.4 To Connect a ServSwitch Family KVM Switch to the  
Remote Unit or to the User Ports on the  
Dual-Access Local Unit ........................................................ 19  
4.2.5 To Connect the Local Unit to the Remote Unit ................... 21  
5. Configuration ........................................................................................... 22  
5.1 DIP Switch 1: Video Distance ........................................................... 22  
5.2 DIP Switch 2: Scroll-Lock Handling ................................................ 22  
6. Installation ................................................................................................ 23  
6.1 Test-Placing the Extender System (Optional) ................................ 23  
6.2 Attaching Devices .............................................................................. 23  
6.2.1 Attaching a CPU to the Local Unit’s CPU Port .................... 24  
6.2.2 Attaching a ServSwitch Family KVM Switch to the  
Local Unit’s CPU Port ......................................................... 24  
6.2.3 Attaching a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse to the  
Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit ............................. 26  
6.2.4 Attaching a ServSwitch Family KVM Switch to the  
Remote Unit or to the Dual-Access Local Unit’s  
User Ports .............................................................................. 27  
6.3 Finishing Your Installation ............................................................... 29  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
Contents (continued)  
Chapter  
Page  
7. Operation ................................................................................................. 31  
7.1 Keyboard and Mouse Emulation ..................................................... 31  
7.2 Normal Operation and Keyboard Typematic Rate ......................... 31  
7.3 The Scroll-Lock Reset ....................................................................... 32  
7.4 Correcting the PS/2 Mouse If It Gets Out of Sync ......................... 32  
7.5 Shared User Access (Dual-Access Systems Only):  
The Inactivity Timeout and Private Mode .................................... 34  
8. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 36  
8.1 Common Problems ........................................................................... 36  
8.1.1 Keyboard .................................................................................. 36  
8.1.2 Mouse ....................................................................................... 37  
8.1.3 Both Keyboard and Mouse ..................................................... 38  
8.1.4 Video ........................................................................................ 39  
8.1.5 Power ....................................................................................... 41  
8.2 General Questions About the Micro Extender ............................... 42  
8.3 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 44  
8.4 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 44  
Appendix: Cable Pinning/Pairing ................................................................. 45  
8
CHAPTER 1: Quick Start Guide  
1. Quick Start Guide  
When you configure the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender, you only  
need to answer two questions:  
• How far will the CAT5 cabling run between the Extender’s Local and Remote  
Units? If will be 25 m (80 ft.) or less, you don’t need to set anything. If it will be  
25 to 50 m (80 to 160 ft.), move DIP switch 1 on the bottom of the Remote  
Unit to the DOWN (ON) setting.  
• Do you need the Scroll Lock key for anything? If not, you don’t need to set  
anything; you’ll be able to press Scroll Lock to reset the Extender. If you need  
Scroll Lock to control your hardware or software, move DIP switch 2 on the  
bottom of the Remote Unit to the DOWN (ON) setting.  
To install your Extender system, refer to the illustration below. A basic  
ACU3009A (Dual-Access) installation with a CPU and monitors, keyboards, and  
mice is shown; ACU3001A Single-Access systems will be set up exactly the same way,  
except that they won’t include the local keyboard, monitor, and mouse.  
Use the included extension cable to attach the CPU to the Local Unit. Plug the  
remote keyboard, monitor, mouse, and serial device directly into the Remote Unit.  
In Dual-Access systems, plug the local keyboard, monitor, mouse, and serial device  
directly into the Local Unit. Connect the Local and Remote Units with straight-  
pinned four-pair solid-core CAT5 cable (not CAT5e, Level 6, etc.). Power the  
Remote Unit with its included power supply. For more information, or if your  
installation includes any KVM switches, refer to Chapter 6.  
Local monitor, keyboard, and mouse  
(ACU3009A Dual-Access systems only)  
Remote  
Unit  
Local  
Unit  
CAT5  
cable  
Included  
KVM-  
extension  
cable  
Remote monitor,  
keyboard, and mouse  
Local CPU  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
2. Specifications  
Cable Required — Between Local and Remote Units: Category 5 solid  
unshielded or shielded twisted pair (UTP or STP),  
wired to the EIA/TIA-568A or (preferred) -568B  
standard, terminated with RJ-45 male connectors; for  
pinning/pairing, see the Appendix  
Compliance —  
CE Class B; FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/  
classe A  
Compatibility —  
Video: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, or RGsB (sync on  
green), although if your system has monitor ID-bit  
requirements, you might need to call Black Box for  
technical support;  
Keyboard: IBM PC/AT or PS/2 compatible (PC/AT  
types require connector adapter);  
Mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible two-button, Microsoft  
IntelliMouse, or Logitech PS/2 compatible 3-button  
Interfaces —  
Resolution —  
To monitor: VGA;  
To keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible;  
To/from CPU and between Units:  
Proprietary composites of the above  
Up to 1280 x 1024  
Video I/O  
Signal Levels —  
0.7 Volts peak-to-peak  
Video  
Compensation — For short- or long-distance (user-switchable)  
Synchronization — H/V or composite, TTL signal levels; sync polarity is  
preserved  
Video Coupling — DC  
10  
CHAPTER 2: Specifications  
Maximum  
Distance —  
5 m (15 ft.) from the Local Unit to the attached CPU or  
KVM switch;  
5 m (15 ft.) from the Remote Unit to the attached  
monitor, keyboard, and mouse or KVM switch;  
50 m (160 ft.) between Local and Remote Units  
Dual-Access (ACU3009A) model only: 5 m (16 ft.) from  
the Local Unit to the attached keyboard, mouse, and  
monitor  
NOTE  
With high-quality cables, it might be possible to run  
farther than 5 m (15 ft.) from the Extender to attached  
equipment.  
User Controls —  
Indicator —  
Remote Unit: (1) Bottom-mounted 2-position DIP switch  
for video distance (cable length)  
Local Unit: Right-side-mounted LED for power and link  
integrity  
Connectors —  
Local Unit:  
(1) Right-side-mounted RJ-45 female for local/remote  
interconnection;  
(1) Left-side-mounted DB25 female for video input  
from, and keyboard/mouse output to, computer;  
Left-side-mounted on Dual-Access (ACU3009A) model  
only:  
(1) HD15 female for video output to local monitor;  
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for input from local  
keyboard and mouse  
Remote Unit:  
Right-side-mounted:  
(1) RJ-45 female for local/remote interconnection;  
(1) 2.5-mm center-positive barrel jack for power;  
Left-side-mounted:  
(1) HD15 female for video output to monitor;  
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female for input from keyboard  
and mouse  
Temperature  
Tolerance —  
32 to 104˚ F (0 to 40˚ C)  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
Humidity  
Tolerance —  
Enclosure —  
Power —  
5 to 90% noncondensing  
Steel  
Local Unit:  
5 VDC at up to 120 mA from CPU’s keyboard port;  
Remote Unit:  
From desktop power supply (certified to meet the  
relevant international safety standards):  
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz from utility-  
power outlet, through detachable power cord and  
IEC 320 male inlet, to external transformer;  
Output (isolated from mains ground): 9 VDC  
regulated, at up to 1 amp, from transformer to  
Remote Unit  
CAUTION!  
If you ever need to replace the Remote Unit’s  
power supply, the replacement power supply must  
have identical output characteristics. Using a  
power supply with different output—even if it’s  
“almost the same”—could damage your Remote  
Unit and the attached equipment.  
Size —  
Each Unit:  
Height:  
Remote Units, ACU3001A Local Unit: 1" (2.5 cm);  
ACU3009A Local Unit: 1.7" (4.3 cm);  
Feet protrude an additional 0.1" (0.2 cm) from  
bottom;  
Width: 4.3" (11 cm); D-shell connectors protrude an  
additional 0.1" from left side;  
Depth: 3.2" (8 cm); additionally, screws protrude less  
than 0.1" (0.2 cm) from the front and less than 0.1"  
(0.2 cm) from the back  
Weight —  
Remote Units, ACU3001A Local Unit: 8.3 oz. (240 g);  
ACU3009A Local Unit: 13.5 oz. (390 g)  
12  
CHAPTER 3: Introduction  
3. Introduction  
By using the Local and Remote Units that together make up the ServSwitch™  
Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender, you can place your VGA monitor, keyboard,  
and mouse as far as 50 meters (160 ft.) from the PC’s CPU. The Local and Remote  
Units are interconnected with a single industry-standard Category 5 UTP or STP 4-  
pair cable. All keyboard, mouse, and video signals are fully buffered to ensure  
consistent remote operation of your PC.  
The Single-Access (ACU3001A) model of the Extender is designed to perform  
KVM extension only. With the Dual-Access (ACU3009A) model, you can attach an  
additional monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the Local Unit; the PC can then be  
operated from either the local or remote user station (they share access on a “first-  
come, first-served” basis—see Section 7.5).  
The Micro Extender is simple to operate and works with all operating systems—  
no software is required. Just connect the Units as described in Chapter 6 and  
you’re ready to work!  
®
Because the Micro Extender performs complete PS/2 keyboard and mouse  
emulation, you can boot the PC without having a keyboard or mouse attached to it.  
Your PC will boot even if the Extender’s Remote Unit is not powered or has no  
keyboard or mouse connected to it.  
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SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
3.1 Compatibility  
The ServSwitch Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender is designed to operate in  
various environments and with a mix of hardware from different manufacturers.  
During development, this product was extensively tested with a wide variety of  
hardware. However, please note that it is impossible for us to guarantee that the  
Micro Extender will interoperate correctly with every keyboard, mouse, monitor,  
and motherboard variant currently on the market. If you suspect that you’re  
having incompatibility problems, please call Black Box Technical Support.  
In general, the Micro Extender is compatible with the following types of  
equipment:  
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CPU: IBM PC/AT , PS/2, and 100% compatible clones. These should be  
desktop machines; laptops and docking stations are not supported.  
Monitor: VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, or RGsB (sync on green). Be aware that a  
few monitors and graphics cards might not work with the “as is” Micro  
Extender—at least in their factory-default settings—because they exchange  
monitor IDs or VESA DDC (Display Data Channel) information. Call Black  
Box Technical Support for help with “ID bit” problems. As for DDC, the  
Extender supports it at the ACU3009A’s local user station but not at any  
remote user station, so either (a) do not use a DDC monitor at your remote  
station, or (b) go into your graphics card’s settings, turn DDC off, and  
manually configure the card for your monitor(s).  
Keyboard: Standard (101- or 102-key) PS/2 type or enhanced PS/2 type (104-  
®
or 105-key, designed for use with versions of Windows starting with  
Windows 95). Although we don’t recommend this, you might also be able to  
use a PC/AT type keyboard with 5-pin DIN connectors; you’ll need adapters to  
attach it and its native CPU to the Micro Extender (see the start of  
Section 4.2). Some older PC/XT™ or PC/AT type autosensing keyboards  
might not be compatible with the Extender. If the keyboard you want to use is  
some other type or has some other type of connector, call Black Box for  
technical support.  
For information about keyboard typematic support, see Section 7.2.  
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Mouse: Standard PS/2 type, Microsoft IntelliMouse compatible, or  
Logitech™ 3-button PS/2 compatible mouse; the CPU should have standard  
PS/2 type mouse ports. If your PC doesn’t have a PS/2 style mouse port, you’ll  
need a special adapter to attach the PS/2 mouse cable to one of the PC’s serial  
ports (see the start of Section 4.2). The Extender is not compatible with serial  
mice or bus mice. If a mouse you want to attach is some other type or has some  
other type of connector, call Black Box Technical Support.  
14  
CHAPTER 3: Introduction  
3.2 Key Features  
The ServSwitch Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender has a number of useful features  
which contribute to the transparent remote operation of your PC. Some of the  
more important ones are:  
Distance up to 50 m (160 ft.)  
Operate your PC from the next room or all the way down the hall.  
Adjustable video equalization  
Compensates for the loss of image quality caused by the signal passing through  
more than 25 m (80 ft.) of cable.  
Fully buffered signals  
Remote operation of the PC is consistently smooth and transparent.  
Intelligent PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation  
With this, the PC boots and operates correctly under most circumstances, and  
you can freely detach and reconnect the keyboard and mouse as necessary  
(the Micro Extender automatically initializes the keyboard and mouse as soon  
as it detects that you’ve reattached them).  
Microsoft IntelliMouse compatibility  
Use this and compatible “wheel mice” with confidence.  
Dual-Access model also supports a local station  
With the Dual-Access (ACU3009A) model, you can operate the PC either  
locally or remotely (but not both at the same time).  
We recommend that you read the remainder of this manual before you install the  
Micro Extender in order to fully familiarize yourself with the system.  
15  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
4. Checklist of System Components  
4.1 The Complete Package  
These items should be included with your ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro  
Extender package (please contact Black Box right away if any are missing or  
damaged):  
• (1) Micro Extender Local Unit.  
• (1) Micro Extender Remote Unit.  
• (1) 9-VDC 1-amp power-supply transformer and output cord.  
• (1) Power-supply input cord suitable for your country or region.  
• (1) 1-m (3.3-ft.) KVM-extension cable (runs from CPU to Local Unit) with a  
DB25 male connector at the Unit end and an HD15 male connector and two  
6-pin mini-DIN male connectors at the CPU end. (If your system uses 5-pin DIN  
keyboard connectors, see the start of Section 4.2 for how you’ll connect it.)  
• (1) Copy of this manual.  
4.2 The Cables You’ll Need  
If you are using the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender to get greater  
distance between a CPU and a VGA monitor, PS/2 keyboard, and PS/2 mouse,  
your Micro Extender package should have included everything you’ll need except  
for your Unit-interconnection cable. Read Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and 4.2.5 carefully,  
then skip ahead to Chapter 5.  
If you are using the Micro Extender to get greater distance between a ServSwitch  
family KVM switch and a CPU, a user station (monitor/keyboard/mouse), or a  
compatible switch, you might need additional non-included cabling. Read the  
relevant sections on the next few pages, from Section 4.2.1 through Section 4.2.5.  
If you are using any equipment with PC/AT style connectors, you might also  
need some combination of these adapters:  
• To attach a CPU or KVM switch with a 5-pin DIN female keyboard connector  
to the Local Unit: A keyboard-port adapter such as product code FA211.  
• To attach a CPU or KVM switch with an RS-232 serial DB9 male mouse connector  
to the Local Unit: A mouse-port adapter such as product code AC244A. (If the  
mouse port is DB25 rather than DB9, you’ll also need an FA521A serial adapter.)  
To attach a keyboard or KVM switch with a 5-pin DIN male keyboard connector  
to the Local or Remote Unit: A keyboard adapter such as product code FA212.  
16  
CHAPTER 4: Checklist of System Components  
4.2.1 TO CONNECT A CPU TO THE LOCAL UNIT  
You’ll use the three-in-one KVM-extension cable included with the ServSwitch™  
Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender.  
4.2.2 TO CONNECT A SERVSWITCH FAMILY KVM SWITCH TO THE LOCAL UNITS CPU PORT  
You would do this to extend the distance you can run from the KVM switch to a  
monitor, keyboard, and mouse. (You could also do this to extend the distance you  
can run between two cascaded switches, but for this to work, each switch must be  
either a ServSwitch Jr. or one of the ServSwitch family models with compatible  
composite interfaces listed in Section 4.2.2.B.)  
The Local Unit’s CPU port is the DB25 connector on the opposite end of the  
Unit from the RJ-45 jack. Which cable(s) you’ll use to connect the switch to it will  
depend on what type of user ports the switch model has, as detailed in the  
following three subsections.  
4.2.2.A Switches Whose User Ports Are a Set of Separate Interfaces  
The user ports of some ServSwitch family KVM switches are a set of separate  
interfaces: Each user port consists of separate interfaces/connectors for video,  
keyboard, and mouse communication. At the time of this writing, some of the  
important ServSwitch family models in this category are:  
• ServSwitch™ Duo  
• ServSwitch™ Wizard  
• ServSwitch™ Wizard Pro  
• ServSwitch™ Jr.  
• Personal ServSwitch™  
• ServSelect™  
• ServSwitch™ Multi Base Unit (“local console” user port only)  
To attach a user port on one of these switches to the Local Unit’s CPU port, you  
can use the three-in-one KVM-extension cable included with the ServSwitch™  
Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender.  
17  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
4.2.2.B Switches Whose User Ports Are Compatible Composite Interfaces  
The user ports of some ServSwitch family KVM switches are composite (all-in-one)  
interfaces that are compatible with the Local Unit’s CPU port. On these switches,  
the user ports are DB25 connectors pinned out the same way as the DB25  
connector on the Local Unit. At the time of this writing, some of the important  
ServSwitch family models in this category are:  
• ServSwitch™  
• ServSwitch™ Ultra  
• Matrix ServSwitch™  
• ServSwitch™ Affinity  
• ServManager™  
• ServShare™  
Order a ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable (product code EHN284) to  
attach this type of KVM-switch user port to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
4.2.2.C Switches Whose User Ports Are Incompatible Composite Interfaces  
The HD62 female user ports on the ServSwitch™ Multi’s User Cards are composite  
(all-in-one) interfaces that are not compatible with the Local Unit’s CPU port. This  
doesn’t mean that they can’t be connected to the Local Unit’s CPU port; you’ll just  
need slightly more complicated cabling.  
Namely, you’ll need a ServSwitch Multi User Cable such as product code  
KV2505, plus the three-to-one KVM-extension cable included with your Extender.  
Refer to Section 6.2.2.C for a description of how this cabling fits together.  
18  
CHAPTER 4: Checklist of System Components  
4.2.3 TO CONNECT A MONITOR, KEYBOARD, AND MOUSE TO THE REMOTE UNIT OR TO THE  
USER PORTS ON THE DUAL-ACCESS LOCAL UNIT  
You’ll be plugging the monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly into the  
corresponding user ports on the Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit.  
4.2.4 TO CONNECT A SERVSWITCH FAMILY KVM SWITCH TO THE REMOTE UNIT OR TO THE  
USER PORTS ON THE DUAL-ACCESS LOCAL UNIT  
You would do this to extend the distance you can run from the KVM switch to a  
CPU. (You could also do this to extend the distance you can run between two  
cascaded switches, but for this to work, each switch must be one of the ServSwitch  
family models with compatible composite interfaces listed in Section 4.2.4.B.)  
On the Remote Unit and the Dual-Access Local Unit, the user ports are the  
HD15 and 6-pin mini-DIN connectors on the opposite end of the Unit from the  
RJ-45 jack. Which cable(s) you’ll use to connect the switch to it will depend on  
what type of CPU ports the switch model has, as detailed in the following three  
subsections.  
4.2.4.A Switches Whose CPU Ports Are a Set of Separate Interfaces  
The CPU ports of some ServSwitch family KVM switches are a set of separate  
interfaces: Each CPU port consists of separate interfaces/connectors for video,  
keyboard, and mouse communication. At the time of this writing, some of the  
important ServSwitch family models in this category are:  
• ServSwitch™ Duo  
• ServSwitch™ Wizard  
• ServSwitch™ Wizard Pro  
• Personal ServSwitch™  
Order individual keyboard-, video-, and mouse-extension cables (such as product  
codes EVMPS03-MM for keyboard and mouse, EVNPS05-MM for video) or a  
specially bonded three-to-three CPU-extension cable (product code EHN408) to  
attach a KVM-switch CPU port of this type to the user ports on the Remote Unit or  
Dual-Access Local Unit.  
19  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
4.2.4.B Switches Whose CPU Ports Are Compatible Composite Interfaces  
The CPU ports of some ServSwitch family KVM switches are composite (all-in-one)  
interfaces that are compatible with the CPU port on the Extender’s Local Unit. On  
these switches, the CPU ports are DB25 connectors pinned out the same way as the  
DB25 connectors on the Local Unit. At the time of this writing, some of the  
important ServSwitch family models in this category are:  
• ServSwitch™  
• ServSwitch™ Ultra  
• Matrix ServSwitch™  
• ServSwitch™ Affinity  
• ServSwitch Jr.  
• ServManager™  
• ServShare™  
You can use the three-to-one KVM-extension cable included with your Extender to  
attach a KVM-switch CPU port of this type the user ports on the Remote Unit or  
Dual-Access Local Unit. If you’ve already used that cable to attach a CPU to the  
Local Unit, order the same type of cable (product code EHN230) to make this  
connection.  
4.2.4.C Switches Whose CPU Ports Are Incompatible Composite Interfaces  
The CPU ports of some ServSwitch family KVM switches are composite (all-in-one)  
interfaces that are not compatible with the CPU port on the Extender’s Local Unit.  
This doesn’t mean that these ports can’t be connected to the Remote Unit; you’ll  
just need different cabling:  
• The CPU ports on the CPU Cards of the ServSwitch Multi are HD44 female  
connectors. You’ll need a ServSwitch Multi Server Cable such as product code  
KV2020-R2 to attach a ServSwitch Multi CPU port to the user ports on the  
Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit.  
• The CPU ports on the ServSelect are DB25 connectors pinned differently from  
the DB25 connectors on the Local Unit. You’ll need a ServSelect Cable  
(product code EHN056) to attach a ServSelect CPU port to the user ports on  
the Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit.  
20  
CHAPTER 4: Checklist of System Components  
4.2.5 TO CONNECT THE LOCAL UNIT TO THE REMOTE UNIT  
To interconnect the Local and Remote Units of the Micro Extender, you’ll need  
industry-standard structured cabling (Category 5 UTP or STP, 4-pair) terminated  
with RJ-45 plugs. This cable is not included with the Extender. Order CAT5 patch  
cables such as our product code EYN737MS or CAT5 bulk cable such as our  
EYN840A. The bulk cable should be terminated with high-quality RJ-45 plugs such  
as those included in our FM732 25-pack.  
CAUTION!  
This cable must be solid-core type; stranded patch cable will give poor  
results over longer distances. The pairing of the cable and pinning of its  
connectors must be in accordance with EIA/TIA-568A or (preferably)  
EIA/TIA-568B. (Refer to the wiring chart in the Appendix. Please note that  
failure to wire the twisted pairs correctly will dramatically impair video  
quality and possibly prevent correct operation.)  
We don’t recommend using CAT5e cable, although it might perform well  
in some applications. Avoid using “Level 6” or “Level 7” cables, or other  
types of cable rated for data rates higher than 100 Mbps (bandwidths higher  
than 100 MHz). This is because the wires in these cables are twisted much  
more tightly than those in regular CAT5, which is great for high-speed data  
but really bad for video signals.  
Also, even though your network might use the same type of 4-wire  
twisted-pair cabling, do not connect the Micro Extender to 10BASE-T  
Ethernet devices or any other network equipment. Doing so will virtually  
destroy the Extender’s circuitry and could also damage the attached  
equipment.  
The Micro Extender is designed for use up to a maximum cable length of 50 m  
(160 ft.). At this length the video quality should be acceptable even at a screen  
resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels.  
Although a single continuous length of interconnect cable is preferable, it’s  
possible to operate a Micro Extender system if the Local and Remote Units are  
connected through multiple patch panels. However, the more patch panels the  
cable is routed through, the greater the probability that the video signal will be  
degraded.  
NOTE  
The Micro Extender has been tested and found to work, in certain  
situations, with 4-pair Category 3 cable or with four pairs of 25-pair UTP  
trunk cables instead of 4-pair Category 5 cable. We do not recommend  
such installations; if you want to experiment with them, do so at your  
own risk.  
21  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
5. Configuration  
There are a pair of DIP switches on the bottom of the Remote Unit of the  
ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender. You might need to set these  
differently if you are running CAT5 cable to longer distances or if you need to use  
the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard for something other than an Extender reset.  
5.1 DIP Switch 1: Video Distance  
The Remote Unit contains video-equalization circuitry which compensates for the  
loss in image quality that occurs when you drive video across cables longer than  
25 m (80 ft.). If you’ll be running cable between the Micro Extender’s Units to  
such distances, you need to configure the Extender for extra equalization before  
you install it.  
Leave DIP switch 1 in the factory-default UP (OFF) setting if you’ll be running  
cable up to (but not more than) 25 m (80 ft.) between the Units. To boost the  
equalization if you’ll be running cable between 25 and 50 m (80 and 160 ft.), move  
DIP switch 1 to the DOWN (ON) setting.  
If you are not running the cable too far but your video looks bad no matter how  
you set this DIP switch, the problem is almost certainly being caused by one of two  
things. First, check your interconnect-cable routing—does the cable pass close to a  
motor, generator, fluorescent lights, etc.? Second, check the wiring of the  
interconnect cable. Compare its pinning and pairing with those shown in the  
Appendix. (Please realize that signal equalization cannot be exact; regardless of  
the setting of this DIP switch, the remote video image might never appear quite as  
sharp as it would appear with the monitor directly attached to the CPU.)  
5.2 DIP Switch 2: Scroll-Lock Handling  
Normally, pressing the Scroll Lock key on the keyboard attached to the Remote  
Unit causes the Micro Extender to reset itself (see Section 7.3) or, in Dual-Access  
systems, to go into Private Mode (see Section 7.5). But the Extender treats this  
keypress as a command and absorbs it, so there’s no way to send Scroll Lock to the  
PC or KVM switch attached to the Local Unit.  
Leave DIP switch 2 in the factory-default UP (OFF) setting if Scroll Lock isn’t  
necessary for your application and can continue to be used to trigger reset/Private  
Mode. If you need to be able to use the Scroll Lock key for something else, move  
DIP switch 2 to the DOWN (ON) setting to disable reset and Private Mode and  
cause the Extender to pass Scroll Lock through to the attached PC or switch.  
22  
CHAPTER 6: Installation  
6. Installation  
To install your ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender system, first test-  
place it (if you want to) as described in Section 6.1, then attach devices as  
described in Section 6.2, then finish your installation as described in Section 6.3.  
6.1 Test-Placing the Extender System (Optional)  
We recommend testing your Micro Extender system with a test setup confined to a  
single room; that way, if any components are bad, you can find out before you run  
cable halfway across your campus. If you want to do this, gather your equipment in  
your test site; otherwise, place the Extender’s Local and Remote Units, and the  
equipment you’ll be attaching to them, in your desired locations.  
6.2 Attaching Devices  
For instructions on making device connections, refer to these subsections:  
Section 6.2.1 for attaching a CPU to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
Section 6.2.2 for attaching a KVM switch to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
Section 6.2.3 for attaching a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the user ports of  
the Remote Unit or the Dual-Access Local Unit.  
Section 6.2.4 for attaching a KVM switch to the user ports of the Remote Unit  
or the Dual-Access Local Unit  
.
As you attach devices to the Extender, here are some things to keep in mind:  
Use caution if you’re attaching KVM switches: Different ServSwitch family KVM  
switch models use different proprietary signaling between cascaded switches.  
The only ServSwitch family switch models whose cascade signals the Micro  
Extenders can carry are those with a compatible composite interface (see the  
list in Section 4.2.4.B), so these are the only models for which you can install a  
Micro Extender between two cascaded (master and submaster) switches.  
Under no circumstances should you ever try to use a Micro Extender to connect  
two incompatible ServSwitch models. Having an Extender between them will  
not make them compatible.  
• Each powered device should be powered OFF when you attach it.  
• Make sure you don’t attach your keyboard and mouse, or the keyboard and  
mouse strands of any multi-stranded cable, backwards. (Fortunately, the  
strands of the KVM-extension cable included with the Extender—and the  
similar EHN230 cable—are fairly easy to identify: The keyboard strand is  
orange and labeled with the picture of a keyboard, while the mouse strand is  
green and labeled with the picture of a mouse.)  
23  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
6.2.1 ATTACHING A CPU TO THE LOCAL UNITS CPU PORT  
Run the included KVM-extension cable from the Local Unit’s CPU port to the  
keyboard, video, and mouse ports on your PC.  
CPU  
Included KVM-  
Local Unit  
extension cable  
Figure 6-1. Attaching a CPU to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
6.2.2 ATTACHING A SERVSWITCH FAMILY KVM SWITCH TO THE LOCAL UNITS CPU PORT  
The way you’ll do this will depend on what kind of user ports the KVM switch has:  
multiple connectors (see Section 6.2.2.A), single connectors compatible with the  
Local Unit’s (see Section 6.2.2.B), or single connectors that aren’t compatible with  
the Local Unit’s (see Section 6.2.2.C). (Refer to the listings in Section 4.2.2 for  
which ServSwitch family models are in which category.)  
6.2.2.A Attaching a Switch with Multiple User-Port Connectors  
Run the included KVM-extension cable from the Local Unit’s CPU port to the  
video, keyboard, and mouse connectors of one of the KVM switch’s user ports.  
ServSwitch Wizard Pro (SW648A)  
(To CPUs)  
Included KVM-  
extension Cable  
Local  
Unit  
Figure 6-2. Attaching a KVM switch with multiple user-port connectors to  
the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
24  
CHAPTER 6: Installation  
6.2.2.B Attaching a Switch with a Single Compatible User-Port Connector  
Run a ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable (product code EHN284) from  
the Local Unit’s CPU port to one of the KVM switch’s user ports, which will be  
DB25 connectors.  
Regular ServSwitch  
(KV3108SA-R4)  
ServSwitch-to-  
ServSwitch  
Expansion Cable  
(To CPUs)  
(EHN284)  
Local  
Unit  
Figure 6-3. Attaching a KVM switch with a single compatible user-port  
connector to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
6.2.2.C Attaching a Switch with a Single Incompatible User-Port Connector  
First plug the included three-to-one KVM-extension cable into the Local Unit’s  
CPU port. Then plug a User Cable designed for the KVM switch into one of the  
switch’s user ports. (For the ServSwitch Multi, you could use product code  
KV2505.) Connect the matching strands of the KVM-extension cable and User  
Cable together as shown in Figure 6-4.  
ServSwitch  
Multi EXP  
(KV160A-R2)  
Included KVM-  
extension Cable  
Local Unit  
User cable KV2505  
(plugs into User Card)  
Figure 6-4. Attaching a KVM switch with a single incompatible user-port  
connector to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
25  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
6.2.3 ATTACHING A MONITOR, KEYBOARD, AND MOUSE TO THE REMOTE UNIT OR DUAL-  
ACCESS LOCAL UNIT  
Plug the monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly into the matching ports on the  
Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit.  
Remote Unit  
Figure 6-5. Attaching user equipment to the Remote Unit.  
26  
CHAPTER 6: Installation  
6.2.4 ATTACHING A SERVSWITCH FAMILY KVM SWITCH TO THE REMOTE UNIT OR TO THE  
DUAL-ACCESS LOCAL UNITS USER PORTS  
The way you’ll do this will depend on what kind of CPU ports the Switch has:  
multiple connectors (see Section 6.2.4.A), single connectors compatible with the  
Local Unit’s (see Section 6.2.4.B), or single connectors that aren’t compatible with  
the Local Unit’s (see Section 6.2.4.C). (Refer to the listings in Section 4.2.4 for  
which switch models are in which category.)  
6.2.4.A Attaching a Switch with Multiple CPU-Port Connectors  
Run extension cabling from the monitor, keyboard, and mouse connectors on the  
Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit to the matching CPU-port connectors on  
the KVM switch. This extension cabling can be individual keyboard-, video-, and  
mouse-extension cables (product codes EVMPS03-MM for keyboard and mouse,  
EVNPS05-MM for video), but we recommend our specially bonded three-to-three  
CPU-extension cable (product code EHN408):  
• If you’re using individual extension cables, run the video-extension cable  
between the two video/monitor ports, the keyboard-extension cable between  
the two keyboard ports, and the mouse-extension cable between the two  
mouse ports.  
• If you’re using one of our three-to-three bonded extension cables, run the  
cable’s video strand between the two video/monitor ports, the cable’s  
keyboard strand between the two keyboard ports, and the cable’s mouse strand  
between the two mouse ports, as shown in Figure 6-6.  
ServSwitch Wizard Pro (SW644A)  
Remote Unit  
(To master Switch or  
EHN408  
monitor, keyboard,  
and mouse)  
Figure 6-6. Attaching a KVM switch with multiple CPU-port connectors to  
the Remote Unit.  
27  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
6.2.4.B Attaching a Switch with a Single Compatible CPU-Port Connector  
Run the included KVM-extension cable from one of the switch’s CPU ports to the  
monitor, keyboard, and mouse ports on the Remote Unit or Dual-Access Local  
Unit. If you’ve already used the included extension cable to attach a CPU or switch  
to the Local Unit’s CPU port, use a similar cable such as product code EHN230.  
Regular ServSwitch (KV3108SA-R4)  
Remote Unit  
Included KVM-  
extension cable  
or EHN230  
Expansion Cable to  
master Switch or  
User Cable to monitor,  
keyboard, and mouse  
Figure 6-7. Attaching a KVM switch with single compatible CPU-port  
connector to the Remote Unit.  
6.2.4.C Attaching a Switch with Single Incompatible CPU-Port Connectors  
Get a CPU cable or server cable designed for the switch, then run it from one of  
the switch’s CPU ports to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse ports on the Remote  
Unit or Dual-Access Local Unit.  
ServSwitch Multi EXP  
(KV160A-R2)  
Remote Unit  
User cable from  
User Card to monitor,  
keyboard, and mouse  
KV2020-R2  
(plugs into  
CPU Card)  
Figure 6-8. Attaching a KVM switch with a single incompatible CPU-port  
connector (ServSwitch Multi shown) to the Remote Unit.  
28  
CHAPTER 6: Installation  
6.3 Finishing Your Installation  
To finish installing your Micro Extender system after attaching devices to it as  
described in Section 6.2, take these steps:  
1. Attach the output cord of the Remote Unit’s power supply to the Unit’s  
power jack. Then plug the IEC 320 end of the power supply’s input cord into  
the IEC 320 inlet on the power supply’s transformer. Finally, plug the other  
end of the input cord into a utility (mains) power outlet. The Remote Unit  
should power up immediately; it has no ON/OFF switch. (If the Remote Unit  
is in the location you want it to be, you can leave it plugged in and powered  
up more or less indefinitely.)  
CAUTION!  
If you ever need to replace the power supply of the Remote Unit, the  
replacement power supply must have identical output characteristics  
(see the “Power” specification in Chapter 2). Using a power supply with  
different output—even if it’s “almost the same”—could damage your  
equipment.  
2. Power ON the monitor or KVM switch attached to the Remote Unit. Dual-  
Access systems: Power ON any monitor or switch attached to the Local Unit’s  
user ports.  
3. Interconnect the Local and Remote Units by running CAT5 cable between  
their right-side-mounted modular jacks (the ones labeled “Interconnect”).  
Refer to the guidelines for this cable in Section 4.2.5.  
4. Power ON the PC CPU or KVM switch attached to the Local Unit’s CPU port.  
If the CPU or switch provides enough DC voltage on its keyboard port/leads,  
the Local Unit will begin operating immediately; like the Remote Unit, it has  
no ON/OFF switch. The LED on the Local Unit’s right-side panel should  
light steadily (to show that it’s powered). Once the Local Unit has detected  
both (a) the presence of the Remote Unit and (b) initial keyboard commands  
from the PC, this LED should start flashing regularly (to show that the link  
between the Units is working).  
If this LED doesn’t light, check the CPU or switch (is it actually on?) and  
the KVM-extension cables (are they securely connected to the proper ports at  
both ends?). If this LED lights but remains steadily lit, even after more than a  
minute (it might take some older CPUs that long to boot to the point at  
which they attempt to communicate with the keyboard), check the CAT5  
cable between the Units (is it secure at both ends? is it intact, or is it broken?).  
29  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
5. If the Local Unit’s LED shows that the link between the Units appears to be  
working, make sure that the remote keyboard functions and that you’re  
getting video at the remote site.  
6. Make sure the remote mouse functions. (If your PC normally boots up in  
DOS, you will need to run Windows or some application that supports the  
mouse.)  
If everything works in your test setup, repeat the above steps for your actual  
installation. If everything works in the actual installation, your ServSwitch™ Brand  
CAT5 KVM Micro Extender system should be ready for continuous operation.  
30  
CHAPTER 7: Operation  
7. Operation  
7.1 Keyboard and Mouse Emulation  
The ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender uses a microprocessor to  
emulate the presence of a directly connected keyboard and mouse for the attached  
PC. This means that you don’t have to connect a keyboard or mouse to the PC in  
order for it to boot; in fact, the PC will boot with only the Local Unit connected.  
This feature makes several other things possible:  
• Your PC can operate continuously regardless of whether or not the Micro  
Extender’s Remote Unit (or any local user equipment in a Dual-Access system)  
is powered, connected, or even present.  
• You can “hot-plug” or “hot-swap” keyboards and mice attached to the Extender  
at any time; that is, you can unplug and replug the keyboard and mouse  
without disrupting the operation of the PC.  
• You can connect the Local Unit of one Micro Extender system to the Remote  
Unit of a different Micro Extender system—effectively creating a KVM-  
switching matrix—by swapping the systems’ interconnection cables. (We do  
not recommend that you do this; if you feel that you need to, please call Black  
Box for technical support first.)  
7.2 Normal Operation and Keyboard Typematic Rate  
The ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender should operate continuously  
and transparently, maintaining the long-distance connection between the local  
CPU or switch and the remote switch or monitor/keyboard/mouse user station.  
Note that the remote keyboard’s typematic rate—the rate at which a held-down  
character will repeat—is fixed at 30 characters per second, which is also the default  
typematic value for Windows.  
31  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
7.3 The Scroll-Lock Reset  
When a ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender system is set to its factory  
defaults, you can press and release the Scroll Lock key once on the keyboard  
attached to the Remote Unit (or twice on the keyboard attached to a Local Unit in  
a Dual-Access system—see Section 7.5) in order to reinitialize the keyboard and the  
associated mouse after you detach and reconnect either of them. You can also  
press and release Scroll Lock to attempt to reset the keyboard and mouse if either  
of them ever lock up. Note that the Micro Extender will automatically reinitialize  
the keyboard and mouse whenever you attach them. If a Scroll-Lock reset doesn’t  
help your remote keyboard or mouse, try cycling power to the Remote Unit.  
Very few applications today make extensive or important use of the Scroll Lock  
key/function. If you are using such an application, and you need the Micro Extender  
to pass Scroll Lock through to the device attached to the Local Unit, disable the  
Extender’s Scroll-Lock reset by setting DIP switch 2 to ON (see Section 5.2).  
7.4 Correcting the PS/2 Mouse If It Gets Out of Sync  
On rare occasions, you might notice that, instead of behaving normally, your  
mouse pointer is moving and jumping erratically all over the screen (and possibly  
selecting things at random). This is usually a sign that the PS/2 mouse has gotten  
“out of sync” with the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender or that the  
Micro Extender has gotten out of sync with the CPU’s PS/2 mouse port.  
To explain: PS/2 mice send mouse data in 3- or 4-byte packets. As long as the  
CPU knows which bytes mark the start and end of each packet—which it virtually  
always does as long as the mouse is directly connected to it—it can correctly  
interpret the mouse signals. But when mice are disconnected and reconnected, or  
when mouse signals pass through other devices on their way to the CPU, it is  
sometimes possible for the CPU or the intervening devices to lose track of where  
the mouse-data packets begin and end, with the result that the cursor/pointer  
begins behaving bizarrely.  
32  
CHAPTER 7: Operation  
If this happens in some mouse extender/switch systems, the only solution is to  
either kill and reload the mouse driver or reboot the PC. But the Micro Extender  
has a feature you can use to painlessly recover from this kind of glitch. First try to  
reset the mouse by pressing and releasing Scroll Lock on the keyboard as described  
in Section 7.3. If this doesn’t work, send the “Null Mouse Command” in order to  
resynchronize the CPU’s mouse port:  
1. Press and hold down both the left and right mouse buttons.  
2. Press and release the Scroll Lock key on the associated keyboard, then release  
the mouse buttons.  
3. Check mouse operation.  
4. If the mouse isn’t yet operating correctly, repeat steps 1 through 3 as many as  
two more times. (If this still doesn’t help, call Black Box Technical Support.)  
When the Micro Extender receives the Null Mouse Command, it sends a “null  
byte” of mouse data to the CPU; this has no effect other than to get the CPU  
“caught up” with the mouse. You might have to issue the command as many as  
three times in order to get a PC with a 4-byte mouse back on track. Note that,  
unless your mouse driver is an auto-correcting type, sending this command while  
the mouse is in sync will throw it out of sync.  
If the PS/2 mouse frequently gets out of sync in your system, and you are  
®
running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT , we  
recommend that you install a Microsoft IntelliMouse driver on your PC, regardless  
of whether you are actually using an IntelliMouse or not. The Micro Extender will  
translate the mouse signals for this driver, and the driver will auto-correct the  
synching problem if you let go of the mouse for a second or two.  
33  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
7.5 Shared User Access (Dual-Access Systems Only): The Inactivity Timeout  
and Private Mode  
Because two user stations (one local, one remote) can be attached for each CPU,  
the Dual-Access Extender system has these “shared access” features:  
• The two stations normally contend for access. When there has been no  
keyboard or mouse activity on one station two seconds, the Extender will  
switch to the first station from which it detects a keyboard keypress or mouse  
movement.  
This “inactivity timeout” prevents a user at the other station from  
interrupting work in progress at the active station. Because this timeout is in  
effect, when the Extender system boots up, the Extender gives control (and its  
total attention) to the local station for at least the first two seconds; this means  
that the remote monitor might be blank, and the remote keyboard and mouse  
inactive, for that long.  
• For applications in which the remote station is not in a secure location, or  
must be temporarily kept from accessing the PC, the local user can trigger the  
Extender’s “Private Mode,” which disables the remote monitor, keyboard, and  
mouse.  
Here’s how it works: A user station is activated by pressing a key on its keyboard or  
by moving the mouse. This first keypress, or the first packet of mouse data, is  
absorbed by the Extender and is not passed on to the PC. The Extender “latches  
onto” this user station; users at the other station can see what’s happening on their  
monitor, but can’t control the PC with their keyboard or mouse while the active  
station is in use. Once the active station’s keyboard and mouse are idle for more  
than two seconds, the Extender “lets go” of that station, and will switch to  
whichever station it next detects keyboard input from.  
When they have control of the Extender, users at the local station can force the  
Extender into Private Mode by pressing Scroll Lock once on the local keyboard.  
The Scroll Lock LED will light on both the local and remote keyboards. Other than  
this indication, the remote station is completely disabled: the monitor goes blank  
and the keyboard and mouse stop working. Local users must press Scroll Lock  
again to re-enable the remote user station; when they do so, the Extender also  
re-initializes the local keyboard and mouse. (To reset the local keyboard and  
mouse without going into Private Mode, quickly press and release Scroll Lock  
twice, as directed in Section 7.3.)  
34  
CHAPTER 7: Operation  
Very few applications today make extensive or important use of the Scroll Lock  
key. But if you are using such an application on a PC attached to the Extender, you  
can force the Extender to pass Scroll Lock through to the PC, disabling both  
Private Mode and the reset function (see Section 7.3) by setting DIP switch 2 on  
the Remote Unit to OFF (see Section 5.2).  
35  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
8. Troubleshooting  
8.1 Common Problems  
This section discusses difficulties that people sometimes have with the ServSwitch™  
Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender, and suggests possible remedies. If the  
recommended actions don’t help, or if you don’t see your problem here, or if your  
problem keeps recurring, call Black Box Technical Support as directed in Section 8.3.  
8.1.1 KEYBOARD  
The PC boots correctly with no error messages but the keyboard does not work at all.  
1. Check the keyboard cable and (if necessary) the keyboard-extension or KVM-  
extension cable; if it’s loose, or if you have the keyboard and mouse cables  
reversed (plugged into each other’s Micro Extender ports), plug the cable(s)  
in properly and press and release Scroll Lock (once at the remote station,  
twice at the local station in a Dual-Access system) to reset the keyboard.  
2. Check the interconnect cable between the Micro Extender’s Local and  
Remote Units. Is it intact along its length and securely connected at both  
ends? And is it wired correctly? (Compare its wiring with that shown in the  
Appendix.)  
®
3. If the PC is a Pentium class machine, see the entry for the “My Pentium class  
PC...” problem in Section 8.1.3.  
4. Try a different model of keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original  
one might be incompatible (some older autosensing keyboards don’t work  
with the Micro Extender).  
When I press keys on my keyboard the wrong characters appear.  
1. Your keyboard might be in the wrong mode. Try pressing Scroll Lock (once  
at the remote station, twice at the local station in a Dual-Access system) to  
reset it.  
2. Power down and reboot the entire system.  
The PC always comes up with “Keyboard Error.”  
1. If the system appears to work fine after you press [F1] or [ESC], adjust your  
BIOS setup so that the PC doesn’t test the keyboard.  
2. If the PC is a Pentium class machine, see the entry for the “My Pentium class  
PC...” problem in Section 8.1.3.  
36  
CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting  
Connecting a keyboard to the Remote Unit has an adverse effect on the remote video.  
Try using a newer keyboard. (Some older keyboards require too high a current for  
the Remote Unit to properly drive the video signal.)  
I’m not using a keyboard, but the Extender doesn’t work at all.  
See Section 8.1.5.  
8.1.2 MOUSE  
There is a mouse cursor/pointer on the screen, but the mouse does not work.  
1. Press Scroll Lock on the associated keyboard (once at the remote station,  
twice at the local station in a Dual-Access system) to reset the mouse.  
2. Check the mouse cable and (if necessary) the mouse-extension or KVM-  
extension cable; if it’s loose, or if you have the keyboard and mouse cables  
reversed (plugged into each other’s Micro Extender ports), plug the cable(s)  
in properly and press and release Scroll Lock to reset the mouse.  
3. If the PC is a Pentium class machine, see the entry for the “My Pentium class  
PC...” problem in Section 8.1.3.  
4. Check the interconnect cable between the Micro Extender’s Local and  
Remote Units. Is it solid-core cable? Is it intact along its length and securely  
connected at both ends? And is it wired correctly? (Compare its wiring with  
that shown in the Appendix.)  
5. Try powering the Remote Unit OFF and then ON again.  
6. Try using a different model of mouse.  
The system does not detect a PS/2 mouse, or the application cannot find the mouse.  
1. Check the mouse cable; if it’s loose, or if you have the keyboard and mouse  
cables reversed (plugged into each other’s Micro Extender ports), plug the  
cable(s) in properly and press and release Scroll Lock to reset the mouse.  
2. Make sure that the cable running from the keyboard port of the CPU or KVM  
switch to the Micro Extender’s Local Unit is intact and securely attached, so  
that it provides power to the Local Unit.  
3. If the PC is a Pentium class machine, see the entry for the “My Pentium class  
PC...” problem in Section 8.1.3.  
4. Reboot the PC.  
37  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
The mouse is behaving erratically.  
1. Press Scroll Lock (once at the remote station, twice at the local station in a  
Dual-Access system) to reset the keyboard and mouse (see Section 7.3).  
2. Issue the Null Mouse Command up to three times (see Section 7.4).  
3. If your PC is running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME,  
®
or Windows NT , regardless of what type of mouse you have, install install the  
latest Microsoft driver for a standard mouse or (even if you have a standard  
mouse) the IntelliMouse. The Micro Extender will translate the mouse signals  
for this driver, and the driver will auto-correct the synching problem if you let  
go of the mouse for a second or two.  
4. If you’re using the Micro Extender in conjunction with one of our ServSwitch  
family of KVM switches, command the switch to reset the mouse.  
5. Quit and restart the application.  
6. Reboot the PC.  
8.1.3 BOTH KEYBOARD AND MOUSE  
Neither the keyboard nor the mouse operates, or both have locked up.  
1. If they have both locked up, first try a Scroll-Lock reset of the keyboard and  
mouse (see Section 7.3).  
2. Reset the PC and try again.  
3. If the problem is happening at a remote station, cycle power to the Remote  
Unit.  
My Pentium class PC will not boot properly due to keyboard or mouse problems, or  
After my Pentium class PC boots, the keyboard and/or mouse won’t work.  
Try “crossing” the keyboard- and mouse-extension cables running from the  
Extender to your PC. That is, plug the keyboard cable into the mouse port and the  
mouse cable into the keyboard port.  
If this works, here’s why: The BIOS installed in some Pentium, Pentium Pro, and  
Pentium II machines, especially those of more more recent make with clock speeds  
of 300 MHz and up, checks the PC’s keyboard and mouse ports at boot time. If it  
detects anything that leads it to suspect that the user has plugged the keyboard and  
mouse in backwards—that is, into each other’s CPU ports—it “remaps” the ports,  
so that the keyboard port functions as the mouse port and vice versa. BIOS of this  
type sometimes mistakenly activates port remapping when the PC is attached to an  
Extender.  
38  
CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting  
8.1.4 VIDEO  
The picture is not sharp, or is badly smeared.  
1. DIP switch 1 on the Remote Unit might not be set for the correct distance.  
See Section 5.1.  
2. Check the interconnect cable between the Micro Extender’s Local and  
Remote Units. Is it solid-core cable, rated as Category 5? Is it intact along its  
length and securely connected at both ends? And is it wired correctly?  
(Compare the cable’s specs with those listed in Section 4.2.5 and its wiring  
with that shown in the Appendix.)  
3. Check the video-extension cables, patch-panel video connections, and other  
video connections in the system. Make sure everything is properly and  
securely attached.  
4. Are you using an LCD panel? You might need to reduce the refresh rate of  
your graphics card’s output.  
Each character has separated into overlapping sets of red, green, and blue pixels; the effect is  
like trying to watch a 3-D movie without 3-D glasses.  
1. Check the interconnect cable between the Micro Extender’s Local and  
Remote Units. Is it solid-core cable, rated as Category 5? Is it intact along its  
length and securely connected at both ends? And is it wired correctly?  
(Compare the cable’s specs with those listed in Section 4.2.5 and its wiring  
with that shown in the Appendix.)  
2. Check the video-extension cables, patch-panel video connections, and other  
video connections in the system. Make sure everything is properly and  
securely attached.  
3. DIP switch 1 on the Remote Unit might not be set for the correct distance.  
See Section 5.1.  
The monitor sometimes loses sync, causing it to go blank for a second or two.  
This could happen if your electrical power system is very noisy (particularly on the  
ground lead). Also, don’t route your interconnect cable anywhere near power lines  
or other powerful sources of interference such as generators, motors, or  
fluorescent lights. If this is a persistent problem, please discuss it with Black Box  
Technical Support.  
39  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
I only need video—not keyboard or mouse control—but I can’t get a picture.  
Even if you are only using the Micro Extender for video extension—to drive video  
to a remote monitor—the Micro Extender’s Local Unit must still be attached to  
the PC’s keyboard port, because that’s where it gets its power. If your application  
makes it impossible to connect the Micro Extender to a keyboard port, call Black  
Box Technical Support about getting an alternative power supply for the Local  
Unit.  
I get a constant vertical wobble down the screen. What is the cause of this interference?  
1. The interconnection cable could be located too close to a source of very  
strong electrical-power interference; reroute the cable if possible.  
2. If the wobble forms a standing “beat pattern,” the Micro Extender is probably  
being affected by a very strong signal from a nearby broadcast transmitter. Try  
changing the vertical refresh rate slightly (for example, from 60 Hz to 70 Hz  
or vice versa).  
3. You might require an alternative power supply for the Remote Unit. Call  
Black Box Technical Support.  
I get black & white instead of color video.  
Your CPU probably needs to see monitor ID in order to boot into the correct video  
mode. Please contact Black Box Technical Support.  
Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or  
Windows NT will only boot into a low-resolution graphics mode.  
1. If your graphics card supports VESA DDC (Display Data Channel), configure  
the graphics driver by explicitly telling it which make and model of monitor  
you’re using, rather than letting the driver configure itself automatically (and  
probably erroneously) through DDC, which the Extender doesn’t support.  
2. The CPU might need to see monitor ID in order to boot into the correct  
video mode. Please contact Black Box Technical Support.  
Connecting a keyboard to the Remote Unit has an adverse effect on the remote video.  
Try using a newer keyboard. (Some older keyboards require too high a current for  
the Remote Unit to properly drive the video signal.)  
The Extender doesn’t seem to work correctly with my LCD panel.  
Try reducing the refresh rate of the video signal that your graphics card is  
outputting. (The maximum refresh rates supported by most LCD panels are less  
than those supported by most monitors.)  
40  
CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting  
8.1.5 POWER  
I don’t need to use keyboards in my application, but the Extender doesn’t work at all unless I  
have a keyboard line running from the Local Unit to the PC or KVM switch.  
The Extender’s Local Unit normally operates using the 5 volts of DC power that  
the attached CPU or KVM switch supplies on its keyboard and mouse ports. Even if  
you’re not using a keyboard or mouse, run a cable from the Local Unit’s CPU port  
to the keyboard port of the CPU or switch in order to power the Local Unit. If this  
is not possible, call Black Box Technical Support about getting an alternative  
power supply for the Local Unit.  
41  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
8.2 General Questions About the Micro Extender  
Is it possible to use an interconnection cable longer than 50 meters (160 feet)?  
The standard-from-the-factory Micro Extender has been designed to produce  
acceptable results with SVGA resolutions at the maximum cable length of 50 m  
(160 ft.). You can try running cable farther, but not very far beyond 50 m the video  
quality begins to degrade rapidly. If you need to run longer distances, please  
contact Black Box Technical Support; they might be able to suggest more powerful  
alternative equipment.  
Can Micro Extender Units be daisychained to allow operation across a distance greater than  
50 meters (160 feet)?  
We do not recommend doing this, because the Micro Extenders’ video  
equalization can’t be fine-tuned and can easily break down over the length of a  
daisychain.  
Can the Micro Extender be used between buildings?  
No. Ground loops could destroy the Extender and attached equipment.  
Can I rackmount the Micro Extender?  
The Micro Extender is designed for desktop use. You could set it on a rack shelf,  
but there are not currently any rackmount or wallmount kits available for it.  
Is the Micro Extender VESA DDC compatible?  
No. It cannot carry the special DDC data lines.  
Can the Micro Extender be used with RGB video?  
As long as the video has sync on green (the composite sync signal superimposed on  
the green color signal), there should be no problem.  
Which cable type is better: UTP (unshielded twisted-pair) or STP (shielded twisted pair)?  
In electrically quiet environments, UTP cable will give the best quality video over  
long distances because it has less capacitance per unit length. However, STP is  
usually better in electrically noisy environments, because it resists interference  
more strongly.  
42  
CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting  
When using UTP, what’s the best way to make sure that the system does not suffer from any  
interference?  
The Micro Extender is designed to withstand high levels of interference while  
driving signals over UTP. To further reduce the potential for interference,  
consider taking these actions:  
a) Make sure that the Micro Extender’s Remote Unit, the remote monitor or  
KVM switch, and the local CPU or KVM switch are all connected to the same  
utility-power (mains) phase.  
b)Make sure that the AC voltage across the utility-power (mains) grounds (at  
both the local PC or switch and remote monitor or switch) is less than 2V.  
c) Use a “clean earth” or “clean grounding” system (if your site has one  
installed).  
d)Route the interconnection cable away from generators, motors, compressors,  
fluorescent lights, and other cables.  
e) Try STP cable if you think noise could be a problem.  
This interconnect cable is exactly like the cable I use on my LAN. Can I connect the Micro  
Extender to my network?  
Absolutely not. Regardless of the cable similarities, the data signals and voltages  
used by the Micro Extender are totally different from those used by Ethernet and  
other types of networks. Connecting the Micro Extender to a LAN hub, switch,  
repeater, or other network device, or exposing it to the signal levels present on  
network data lines, is a sure way to blow out the Micro Extender, and could  
damage other devices attached to the Micro Extender as well.  
43  
SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER  
8.3 Calling Black Box  
If you determine that your ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender is  
malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair it 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 firmware-revision level printed on the bottom of the Micro Extender’s  
Local and Remote Units (very important, especially for keyboard and mouse  
problems);  
• the nature and duration of the problem;  
• when the problem occurs;  
• the components involved in the problem—that is, what type of computers,  
what type of keyboard, brand of mouse, make and model of monitor, type and  
make of CAT5 cable, etc.;  
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or  
make it worse; and  
• the results of any testing you’ve already done.  
To solve some problems, it might be necessary to upgrade the Micro Extender’s  
firmware. If this turns out to be the case for your difficulty, our technical support  
technicians will arrange for you to receive the new firmware and will tell you how  
to install it.  
8.4 Shipping and Packaging  
If you need to transport or ship your ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro  
Extender:  
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.  
• If you are shipping the unit for repair, please include all parts of its external  
power supply. If you are returning the unit, please include everything you  
received with it. Before you ship it back to Black Box for repair or return,  
contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.  
44  
APPENDIX: Cable Pinning/Pairing  
Appendix: Cable Pinning/Pairing  
The cable you will use to interconnect the Local and Remote Units of your  
ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM Micro Extender should be terminated with RJ-45  
plugs and should be wired according to the EIA/TIA-568 standard (preferably  
568B rather than 568A). See Section 4.2.5 for a more complete set of cable  
recommendations.  
Looking into the interconnect socket on either Micro Extender Unit, or looking  
at the cable plug from behind, Pin 1 should be on the left and Pin 8 on the right,  
and the wires should be arranged this way:  
Pin  
1
Color  
Function, Pair  
TX, Pair 2  
RX, Pair 2  
TX, Pair 3  
RX, Pair 1  
TX, Pair 1  
RX, Pair 3  
TX, Pair 4  
RX, Pair 4  
White/Orange  
Orange/White  
White/Green  
Blue/White  
White/Blue  
Green/White  
White/Brown  
Brown/White  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
NOTES  
The Micro Extender has been tested with all major makes of CAT5 cable  
®
®
including Black Box, Berk-Tek , Mohawk , and AT&T . The Extender has  
also been tested and found to work, in certain situations, with 4-pair  
Category 3 cable or with four pairs of 25-pair UTP trunk cables instead  
of 4-pair Category 5 cable. But we do not recommend such installations;  
if you want to experiment with them, do so at your own risk.  
We don’t recommend using CAT5e cable, but it might work in some  
applications. Avoid using cables rated “Level 6,” “Level 7,” etc.  
45  
NOTES  
NOTES  
NOTES  

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