Chapter ACS253A-CT ACS253A-MM ACS253A-SM ACS253A-U-MM-R2 ACS253A-U-SM-R2 ServSwitch™ KVM Extender DVI/VGA Extend analog VGA or digital DVI video signals BOX or over CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 UTPBLACK or multimode single-mode fiber cable. ® Customer Support Information ACS253A-CT Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S.
Trademarks Used in this Manual Trademarks Used in this Manual Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc. Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Sun is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
FCC and IC RFI Statements Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada Radio Frequency Interference Statements This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
NOM Statement Instrucciones de Seguridad (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement) 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.
Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation, please note the following installation guidelines: • Do not use CATx devices to link between buildings—use fiber devices. • Only use in dry, indoor environments. • If the building has three-phase AC power, try to ensure that equipment connected to the Local and Remote units is on the same phase. • Try not to route a CATx link cable alongside power cables.
Table of Contents Quick Setup .................................................................................................................................................................................7 QS1. Video Input/Output..........................................................................................................................................................................8 QS2. Local Video Output....................................................................................
Quick Setup Guide Quick Setup This section briefly describes how to install your KVM extender system and optimize the video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summary in Chapter 4 when following this procedure. Install system 1. Connect remote unit to KVM. 2. Connect local unit to CPU or switch. 3.
Quick Setup Guide QS1. Video Input/Output If possible, always use the DVI output from your computer’s video card and DVI input to a monitor. This provides the optimum video signal. If you use a VGA output from your graphics source, the ACS253A local unit must digitize the signal prior to transmission. Similarly, if your remote TFT screen uses a VGA input, it must digitize the signal from the remote unit.
Quick Setup Guide Table QS-3.
Chapter 1: Specifications 1. Specifications Chassis — Each unit: Metal case Compatibility — ACS253A-CT, ACS253A-MM, ACS253A-SM: Keyboard/mouse: PS/2; Video: VGA, DVI; ACS253A-U-MM-R2, ACS253A-U-SM-R2: Keyboard/mouse: USB; Video: VGA, DVI Video Compatibility — ACS253A-U-MM-R2, ACS253A-U-SM-R2: Analog: VGA to UXGA (separate sync, composite sync, or sync-on-green; Digital: DVI Distance (Maximum) — ACS253A-CT: 328.1 ft. (100 m) over CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 cable; ACS253A-MM, ACS253A-U-MM-R2: 656.1 ft.
Chapter 2: Overview 2. Overview 2.1 Introduction The ServSwitch KVM Extender DVI/VGA system consists of a local unit (transmitter) and a remote unit (receiver). The local unit connects directly to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using the supplied cable(s). The user console (keyboard, mouse and monitor) attaches to the remote unit. The remote and local units communicate video and data information along the interconnecting cable (see Figure 2-7).
Chapter 2: Overview • Transparent serial port (on certain models) enables any serial device to be extended (up to 19.2K Baud). The serial port may be used to extend one device (requiring handshaking lines), or up to three simple serial devices (no handshaking). • Bidirectional stereo audio (16-bit digitized) support on certain models enables high quality, low-noise audio extension. • USB support on certain models; connect up to four USB devices directly to the USB hub on the remote unit.
Chapter 2: Overview All PS/2 models are also supplied with: • KVM CPU cable 6-foot (1.8-m) with PS/2 (6-pin mini DIN male-to-male) keyboard and mouse connector and DVI-I video (DVI-I dual link male-to-male) connector All USB types are also supplied with: • (1) DVI-I video cable (DVI-I dual link male-to-male) • (1) USB cable (USB Type A to Type B) • (1) 5-VDC, 12-W universal power supply for remote unit (only required when connecting two or more high-power USB devices (see Appendix E). • (1) U.S.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.6.2 ServSwitch KVM Extender DVI/VGA, PS/2 Dual Access, CATx (ACS253A-CT) Remote and Local Unit Back Panels ASC253A-CT Remote Unit Back Panel 1 6 2 7 3 4 5 8 9 10 Figure 2-1. ACS253A-CT remote unit back panel. Table 2-1. ACS253A-CT remote unit components.
Chapter 2: Overview ASC253A-CT Local Unit Back Panel 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11 19 20 21 22 23 Figure 2-2. ACS253A-CT local unit back panel. Table 2-2. ACS253A-CT local unit components.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.6.3 ServSwitch KVM Extender DVI/VGA, PS/2 Dual Access, Fiber (ACS253A-MM and ACS253A-SM) Remote and Local Unit Back Panels ASC253A-MM or ACS253A-SM Remote Unit Back Panel 1 6 2 7 3 4 5 8 9 10 Figure 2-3. ACS253A-xM remote unit back panel. Table 2-3. ACS253A-MM and ACS253A-SM remote unit components.
Chapter 2: Overview ASC253A-MM or ACS253A-SM Local Unit Back Panel 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11 19 20 21 22 23 Figure 2-4. ACS253A-xM local unit back panel. Table 2-4. ACS253A-MM and ACS253A-SM local unit components.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.6.4 ServSwitch KVM Extender DVI/VGA, USB Dual Access, Fiber (ACS253A-U-MM-R2 and ACS253A-U-SM-R2) Remote and Local Unit Back Panels ASC253A-U-MM-R2 or ACS253A-U-SM-R2 Remote Unit Back Panel 1 2 7 3 8 4 5 9 6 10 11 Figure 2-5. ACS253A-U-xM-R2 remote unit back panel. Table 2-5. ACS253A-U-MM-R2 and ACS253A-U-SM-R2 remote unit components.
Chapter 2: Overview ASC253A-U-MM-R2 or ACS253A-U-SM-R2 Local Unit Back Panel 12 13 14 15 11 16 17 18 19 20 Figure 2-6. ACS253A-U-xM-R2 local unit back panel. Table 2-6. ACS253A-U-MM-R2 and ACS253A-U-SM-R2 local unit components.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.7 Compatibility Interface Compatibility • P S/2 Keyboard: Compatible with all standard keyboards. Certain keyboards with enhanced features may also be supported with custom firmware. • PS/2 Mouse: Compatible with all standard 2-button, 3-button, and wheel mice. • Audio: Input and output are line-level. Amplified speakers are required. A microphone may be directly connected to the Remote unit (optional pre-amplification). • Serial: Transparent up to 19.2K Baud.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.9 How to Use This Guide Connection and Compatibility The Extender Kit contains all the cables required to connect the local unit to your PC or KVM switch. The remote console (keyboard, monitor and mouse) and any audio and serial equipment connects directly to the remote unit. For information about connection and installation, see Chapter 3.
Chapter 3: Installation 3. Installation For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identify and solve any cabling problems, and experiment with the KVM extender system more conveniently. Your package should include the items listed in Section 2.5 of this manual. 3.
Chapter 3: Installation 3.3 Diagnostic LEDs Each extender unit is fitted with four indicator LEDs: Communication Error, Link Status, Device Ready and Video Signal. The Indicator LEDs are located in the same positions on all models in the ACS253A range. The Communication Error and Link Status LEDs are to the left and right, respectively, of the Interconnect sockets. The Device Ready and Video Signal LEDs are next to the Power socket.
Chapter 3: Installation Table 3-2. ACS253A local unit LEDs. Number Component Appearance Description Off No communication errors for more than 60 minutes Indicates number of communication errors during previous 60 minutes.
Chapter 4: Device Control 4. Device Control If you are using the DVI output from your video card and the DVI input to a TFT monitor, no adjustment should be required. In other cases, when the video signal is converted between analog and digital formats, either by the local unit and/or the monitor, you may need to optimize the video signal using the Extender’s on-screen display (OSD). Version information Screen resolution and refresh rate Main menu icons Submenu/command icons Menu title Figure 4-1.
Chapter 4: Device Control • Press the key to exit the OSD mode. Using our Windows program On all devices, you can use our small Windows program, running on a Windows computer for OSD access: 1. Download the program from our Web site (www.blackbox.com) by searching for the product code ACS253A. 2. Connect the programming cable to the programming port of the local unit. 3. Connect the programming cable to the serial port of your computer, where the program is running. 4.
Chapter 4: Device Control • Press the key to exit the OSD mode. 4.2 Using the OSD The OSD is an icon-based utility. The top line of symbols on the OSD screen shows the main menu categories: Table 4-1. OSD main menu categories. Icon Main Menu Category Input Select Description Specify whether the input is analog (VGA) or digital (DVI). Choose whether transmission occurs at the original screen resolution Scale Mode (“transparent”) or the extender imposes a fixed resolution.
Chapter 4: Device Control 6. In many cases, after you have chosen a new setting, the OSD displays the following confirmation message: Figure 4-3. Confirmation message. 7. Highlight the Yes button and press the Enter key ( key in Windows program) to confirm your choice. Alternatively, highlight the No button and press the Enter key ( key in Windows program) to discard the new setting and restore the previous value. 8. Select the Exit icon to close a submenu. 9.
Chapter 4: Device Control VGA video input to local unit DVI video input to local unit Return to main menu Figure 4-4. Input Select menu. Scale Use the Scale menu to specify whether the Extender system changes the resolution of the input video. You can set the device for transparent transmission. In this case, the remote unit generates a screen resolution and refresh rate to match that of the source.
Chapter 4: Device Control Brightness/Contrast Use this menu to adjust the brightness and contrast of the video image, or to adjust the black level of an LCD display. Adjust black level Adjust brightness Return to main menu Adjust contrast Figure 4-6. Brightness-Contrast menu. Select Colors and Color Temperatures Use the Colors menu to adjust the color balance of the video image.
Chapter 4: Device Control Color Temperature Use the Color Temperature submenu to set up the color profile in RGB color space or by using one of five predefined color temperatures. To view this menu, select the Colors icon from the main menu and then select the Color Temperature icon. Set up colors in RGB space – automatically adjusts settings in CMY space Choice of five color temperature settings: 4200k, 5000k, 6500k, 7500k, 9300k Back to Color menu Figure 4-8. Color Temperature submenu.
Chapter 4: Device Control Tools Use the Tools menu to set the position and size of the OSD window, adjust the sharpness for a fixed resolution setting, set the color depth, reset the Extender system to its factory default settings or provide a test pattern. Set the position of the OSD window. Reset extender to factory default settings. Adjust sharpness (fixed resolution modes only). When resolution is changed by an imposed fixed resolution, sharpness can be affected.
Chapter 4: Device Control Auto Configuration Use the Auto Configuration submenu to define whether the Local unit carries out automatic detection of the number of pixels per line and the best phase after a mode change (a change of screen resolution and/or refresh rate at the graphics source). Using automatic detection (while displaying an appropriate test pattern) ensures an optimized image, but the procedure introduces a delay in the picture appearing on the remote console screen.
Chapter 4: Device Control Select low color mode/ higher fps Select high color mode/ lower fps Back to Tools menu Figure 4-13. Color Depth submenu. Page 34 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 5: Monitor Setup 5. Monitor Setup This procedure is designed to correct for discrepancies in the video signal from analog/digital video conversion by the monitor. You do not need to follow this procedure if you have: • A CRT monitor connected to the remote unit through the VGA input. • A TFT monitor connected to the remote unit through the DVI input.' In these cases, there is no need to adjust the monitor because the video format is not converted.
Chapter 6: Extender Setup 6. Extender Setup 6.1 Overview You need to optimize the video signal across your Extender system if it undergoes one or more conversions between analog and digital formats. The exact procedure depends on your Extender setup: Table 6-1. Extender Setup options. Graphics card Monitor type Monitor Input used Video Optimization Procedure(s) TFT adjustment (see Monitor Setup, Chapter 5). VGA TFT VGA Optimization using OSD (see Setup Instructions for VGA Input, Section 6.
Chapter 6: Extender Setup 4. Select the Image menu option: . 5. Select the first command icon: Automatic detection of number of pixels per line and the best phase. 6. Assess the desktop test pattern. If the vertical stripes are sharp and without jitter or smearing, the adjustment has been successful. Go to Step 10. 7. If the picture quality is not acceptable after the automatic adjustment, you will have to manually adjust the pixel clock and pixel phase (in this order). 8.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting 7. Troubleshooting 7.1 Video Problem: There isn’t a picture. Possible Causes/Solutions: Check the power supply connection at the local unit. Is the Device Ready (Red LED) at the local unit illuminated (see Section 3.3)? If not, the internal power-supply may be damaged or there may be an internal error. Check the power supply connection at the remote unit. Is the Device Ready (Red LED) at the Remote unit illuminated (see Section 3.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Problem: Colored areas of the screen look like an oil film. Possible Cause/Solution: In some circumstances, the Extender’s internal video processor may lose its firmware. In this case, it is necessary to reset the unit. A power cycle is NOT sufficient! Please use the OSD to make a factory reset. 7.2 Keyboard and Mouse Problem: The keyboard or mouse doesn’t work. Possible Causes/Solutions: Is there a picture? If not, check the solutions suggested in the previous section.
Appendix A: Example Applications Appendix A: Example Applications This section illustrates some specific applications using Extender units: • USB fiber with local access (Figure A-1). • CATx with audio/serial support (Figure A-2). • Multiple-head application with PS/2 keyboard/mouse, USB support, and audio/serial in 19”/1U (Figure A-3). For more details, please discuss suitable extension architecture with Technical Support (see Section 7.3, Contacting Black Box).
Appendix A: Example Applications CPU, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, graphics and audio/ serial output Local console ACS253A-CT Local unit ACS253A-CT Remote unit Remote console Figure A-2. CATx application with local access. (3) CPUs DVI-I USB ACS253A-U-MM-R2 Local unit and RMK253A ACS253A-U-MM-R2 Remote unit and RMK253A (3) remote consoles Figure A-3. Multiple video head application.
Appendix B: Rackmount Options Appendix B: Rackmount Options Extender units can be mounted in a 19” rack using the mounting kit: The ACS253A-Rackmount Kit contains the following parts: Narrow strip Wide blanking plate Two small blanking plates Base plate M3x5 Screws (14) Figure B-1. Rackmounting Kit To mount a unit: 1. Align the holes on the base plate with the empty screw holes on the base of the extender unit. 2. Fasten the base of the unit to the plate of the mounting kit using the supplied screws. 3.
Appendix B: Rackmount Options Figure B-4. Three regular units. Figure B-5. One double-width unit (using wide plate). Figure B-6. Double-width and regular unit (using narrow strip).
Appendix C: System Upgrade and Dual Access Appendix C: System Upgrade and Dual Access System Update/Onboard Programming You might need to update the system firmware. Normally, this procedure is carried out in the factory. If you want to update the firmware yourself, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com. You will need a programming cable and software to carry out the update. Follow the supplied instructions carefully. Dual Access NOTE: For PS/2 devices only.
Appendix D: Video Modes and Frame Rates Appendix D: Video Modes and Frame Rates The following table shows the video modes supported by the DVI KVM Extender series and the expected frame rates over fiber and CATx interconnects at both high color (hiCol) and low color (loCol) settings. The Extenders are able to synchronize video modes that do not differ by more than 10% from those listed below. Table D-1. Supported video modes and expected frame rate.
Appendix D: Video Modes and Frame Rates Table D-1 (continued). Supported video modes and expected frame rate. Visible Resolution Clock Rates Frame Rate Fiber Vertical Hz Dt Ck MHz Frame Rate CATx Video Mode Pixels Lines Horiz. kHz hiCol loCol hiCol loCol DMT127A 1280 960 75.0 75 126 25 25 15 25 VESA standard 1280 960 85.9 85 148 21 28 17 21 VESA standard 1280 1024 63.9 60 108 20 30 15 20 Sun mode 1280 1024 71.7 66 117 22 33 17 22 SXGA 1280 1024 74.
Appendix E: USB—High Power/Low Power Appendix E: USB—High Power/Low Power The USB specification allows low power and high power devices to be attached to, and powered through, the USB hub. Power consumption may exceed the internal power capabilities of the Extender if you attach more than one high power device to the Remote Unit hub. In such cases, we recommend that you use the supplied power supply unit for powering the USB hub.
Appendix F: Audio/Serial Upgrade Appendix F: Audio/Serial Upgrade The Audio/Serial Upgrade option consists of daughterboards that allow bidirectional stereo audio and a full-duplex serial data link to be sent across the regular interconnection cable in addition to keyboard, mouse and VGA/DVI video. To set up the extender’s audio and serial link, please follow all the instructions detailed in this appendix. If you have any questions, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables Appendix G: Connectors and Cables G.1 Extender Connector Pinouts DVI-I female connector (on all units) Figure G-1. DVI female connector. Table G-1. DVI female connector pinnings.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables Mouse In/Out Figure G-2. 6-pin mini DIN mouse connector. Table G-2. 6-pin mini DIN female mouse connector pinning. Pin Signal 1 Mouse data 2 Not connected 3 GND 4 +5 V 5 Mouse clock 6 Not connected Keyboard In/Out Figure G-3. 6-pin mini DIN female keyboard connector. Table G-3. 6-pin mini DIN female keyboard connector pinning.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables Programming Figure G-4. RJ-22 programming connector. Table G-4. RJ-22 programming connector pinning. Pin Signal 1 TxD (to PC RxD) 2 RxD (from PC TxD) 3 DTR from PC 4 GND Power Figure G-5. 4-pin power connector. Table G-5. 4-pin power connector pinning.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables G.2 Adapter Cables DVI/VGA adapter Remote/Local Unit: DVI-I male connector Figure G-6. DVI-I male connector. Table G-6. DVI-I male connector pinning. Page 52 Pin Signal 6 DDC input (SCL) 7 DDC output (SDA) 8 Analog VSYNC C1 Analog red C2 Analog green C3 Analog blue C4 Analog HYSNC C5 Analog GND 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables Monitor: HD15 female connector Figure G-7. HD15 female connector. Table G-7. HD15 female connector pinning.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables Local unit VGA/DVI Adapter CPU graphics card: HD15 male connector Figure G-8. HD15 male connector. Table G-8. HD15 male connector pinning. Page 54 Pin Signal 15 DDC input (SCL) 12 DDC output (SDA) 14 Analog VSYNC 1 Analog red 2 Analog green 3 Analog blue 13 Analog HYSNC 6, 7, 8 Analog GND 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables Figure G-9. DVI-I male connector. Table G-9. HD15 male connector pinning.
Black Box Tech Support: FREE! Live. 24/7. Tech support the way it should be. Great tech support is just 30 seconds away at 724-746-5500 or blackbox.com. About Black Box Black Box provides an extensive range of networking and infrastructure products. You’ll find everything from cabinets and racks and power and surge protection products to media converters and Ethernet switches all supported by free, live 24/7 Tech support available in 30 seconds or less. © Copyright 2011. Black Box Corporation.
