Black Box ServSwitch Matrix ServSwitch SW741A-R3, Matrix ServSwitch SW742A-R3, Matrix ServSwitch SW743A-R3, Matrix ServSwitch SW761A-R3, Matrix ServSwitch SW762A-R3, Matrix ServSwitch SW763A-R3 KVM Switch User Manual

APRIL 2001
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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 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
SW741A-R3
SW742A-R3
SW743A-R3
SW761A-R3
SW762A-R3
SW763A-R3
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand KVM switch! We
appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your
new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch will save you money, time, and
effort.
That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the
traditional, expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-sizefits-all-even-if-it-doesn’t model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no
more, no less.” Why not a single user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for
multiple computers—even computers of different platforms? Why not a pair of
user stations, each of which can control multiple computers? Why not multiple
user stations for the same computer?
With our ServSwitch products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line
of robust solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need
an economical alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your
desk? Or do you need to share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM® PC,
RS/6000®, Apple® Macintosh®, Sun Microsystems®, and SGI® compatibles among
multiple users with different access levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a
worktable and use regular everyday cables? Or does it have to be mounted in an
equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables? No matter how large or
small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re confident we
have a ServSwitch system that’s just right for you.
The ServSwitch™ family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVMswitching needs!
*
This manual will tell you all about your new Matrix ServSwitch™, including how
to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Matrix
ServSwitch, see Chapter 2. The Matrix ServSwitch product codes covered in this
manual are:
SW741A-R3
SW761A-R3
SW742A-R3
SW762A-R3
SW743A-R3
SW763A-R3
This manual also includes information about the Matrix ServSwitch’s Terminator
Module, Expansion Module, and Rackmount Kits, but these come with their own
installation guides. Their product codes are:
RMK19B
SW740C-R3-B
RMK19C RMK23B
SW740TC-R3
RMK23C RMK24B
RMK24C
1
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the
logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch,
ServSwitch Ultra, and Matrix ServSwitch are trademarks, of Black Box
Corporation.
Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Compaq and Alpha are registered trademarks, and DEC is a trademark, of
Compaq Computer Corporation.
HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and
PC/XT is a trademark, of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, HyperTerminal, IntelliMouse, Windows, and Windows NT are registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks 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, EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment complies with the requirements of the European EMC Directive
89/336/EEC.
3
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
4
NOM STATEMENT
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
5
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Contents
Chapter
Page
1.
Specifications ........................................................................................... 10
2.
Introduction .............................................................................................
2.1 The Complete Package .....................................................................
2.2 Features .............................................................................................
2.3 The Front Panel ................................................................................
2.4 The Rear Panel ..................................................................................
2.5 Cable Requirements .........................................................................
2.6 Equipment Requirements ................................................................
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3.
Installation and Preconfiguration ............................................................
3.1 Quick Setup Guide ...........................................................................
3.2 Guidelines for Using the Matrix ServSwitch with
Your Equipment .............................................................................
3.2.1 CPUs .......................................................................................
3.2.2 Mouse and Keyboard ............................................................
3.2.3 Monitor ..................................................................................
3.3 Installation Procedure ......................................................................
3.3.1 Placement ..............................................................................
3.3.2 Setting and Installing the Optional Expansion Module .....
3.3.3 Rackmounting (Optional) ....................................................
3.3.4 Connecting the Monitors, Keyboards, and Mice ................
3.3.5 Connecting CPUs ..................................................................
3.3.6 Connecting Other Matrix ServSwitches (Optional) ...........
3.3.7 Powering Up the Switches ....................................................
3.3.8 Changing the Keyboard Setting of
Windows NT 4.0 CPUs .......................................................
3.3.9 Switching and Accessing the Display from the Keyboard ...
3.4 Daisychaining Matrix ServSwitches ..................................................
3.4.1 Expansion Cabling ................................................................
3.4.2 Topologies .............................................................................
3.5 The Power-Up Procedure .................................................................
3.5.1 The Power-Up Diagnostic Screen: Standard Messages .......
3.5.2 Kernel-Halt Error Messages ..................................................
3.5.3 Kernel Serial-Port Messages ..................................................
3.6 Initial Configuration .........................................................................
3.6.1 Initially Configuring a Single Unit .......................................
3.6.2 Initially Configuring Multiple Daisychained Units .............
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
Page
4.
Full Configuration ...................................................................................
4.1 Using the Menu ................................................................................
4.1.1 Navigating the Configuration Pages ....................................
4.1.2 Choosing Names ...................................................................
4.1.3 Saving Configuration Changes .............................................
4.2 Configuring the System ....................................................................
4.2.1 System Settings ......................................................................
4.2.2 Keyboard Settings ..................................................................
4.2.3 Appearance ............................................................................
4.3 Configuring Computers ...................................................................
4.4 Configuring User Stations ................................................................
4.5 Configuring User Definitions ...........................................................
4.6 Configuring User Profiles .................................................................
4.7 Configuring Groups ..........................................................................
4.8 The Status Page .................................................................................
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5.
On-Screen Functions, Same-Port Users, and Connection Modes ........
5.1 Logging In .........................................................................................
5.2 Connection-Status Messages .............................................................
5.2.1 “Connection Successful” .......................................................
5.2.2 “Connection Failed” ..............................................................
5.2.3 Disconnect Status ..................................................................
5.3 User Stations Attached to Same-Numbered Ports ..........................
5.4 Connection Modes ............................................................................
5.4.1 View Mode .............................................................................
5.4.2 Share Mode ...........................................................................
5.4.3 Control Mode ........................................................................
5.4.4 Private Mode ..........................................................................
5.4.5 Connection-Mode Behavior .................................................
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6.
Keyboard Commands ..............................................................................
6.1 Command Summary .......................................................................
6.2 Display Configuration Menu: [Ctrl] [F12] ....................................
6.3 Display CPU List: [Ctrl] [Esc] ........................................................
6.4 Select Computer: [Ctrl] xxxx [Enter] ............................................
6.5 Switch to the Next Port in Sequence: [Ctrl] [+] ...........................
6.6 Switch to the Previous Port in Sequence: [Ctrl] [–] .....................
6.7 Switch to the Prior Port: [Ctrl] [←] or [Ctrl] [Backspace] .........
6.8 Display User-Station Status: [Ctrl] D .............................................
6.9 Log Out: [Ctrl] L ............................................................................
6.10 Disconnect: [Ctrl] Q .......................................................................
6.11 Reset: [Ctrl] R .................................................................................
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7
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Contents (continued)
Chapter
6.
7.
8.
Page
Keyboard Commands (continued)
6.12 Reset/Enable Mouse in Windows NT and UNIX:
[Ctrl] O .........................................................................................
6.13 Send Null Byte to PS/2 Type Mouse: [Ctrl] N ..............................
6.14 Identify Firmware Revision: [Ctrl] I ...............................................
6.15 Start Scan: [Ctrl] S ..........................................................................
6.16 End Scan: [Ctrl] X ..........................................................................
6.17 Pass This Command Through: [Ctrl] X or [Ctrl] [Tab] ..............
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Using the Serial Ports ..............................................................................
7.1 Basic Setup: Establishing a Serial Connection ................................
7.2 The Serial Options Menu .................................................................
7.2.1 Option 1. Change Starting Computer .................................
7.2.2 Option 2. Change Serial-Port Baud Rate (Data Rate) ........
7.2.3 Option 3. Receive New Kernel or Main Program
(Upgrade Firmware) ..........................................................
7.2.4 Options 4 and 5. Send Main Program/Send Kernel
(Distribute Upgraded Firmware) ......................................
7.2.5 Option 6. Reset to Factory Defaults .....................................
7.2.6 Option 7. Save Changes ........................................................
7.2.7 Option 8. Exit and Restart Unit ...........................................
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Troubleshooting ......................................................................................
8.1 Common Problems ...........................................................................
8.2 Calling Black Box ..............................................................................
8.3 Shipping and Packaging ..................................................................
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98
98
87
89
90
90
91
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 99
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes .............................................................. 101
Appendix C: Pinout of Serial Ports .............................................................. 104
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard ............................................................. 105
8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix
Page
Appendix E: Installing Modules in the Matrix ServSwitch .........................
E.1 Setting the RING/BUS Jumper (Jumper JP1)
on Expansion Modules ................................................................
E.2 Swapping In an Expansion Module ...............................................
E.3 Swapping In a Terminator Module (Not Recommended) ..........
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107
108
Appendix F: Rackmounting the Matrix ServSwitch .................................... 109
9
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
1. Specifications
Hardware
Required —
Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video
standard; in multiplatform applications, should be a
multisync model capable of forming video from either
composite sync or separate horizontal and vertical sync
signals (see Section 3.2.3)
Compliance —
CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A, IC Class/classe A
Standards —
With original Serv cabling: VGA (color or monochrome/
page white) video;
With original Serv cabling (minimal) or coaxial cabling
(recommended): SVGA and (with KV99MA adapter)
Mac video;
With coaxial cabling: XGA (color or monochrome),
RS/6000, SGI, or (SW76xA-R3 only) Sun video
Interfaces —
On CPU and KVM ports and on IN and OUT ports of
Expansion Modules:
Proprietary composite of:
• IBM PS/2, PC/AT, or (SW76xA-R3 only) Sun
compatible keyboard;
• PS/2, RS-232, or (SW76xA-R3 only) Sun
compatible mouse; and
• Video (standards listed above);
With the KV99MCON adapter, also supports ADB
(Mac compatible) keyboard and mouse ports;
The IN and OUT ports also carry system-control
information;
On RS-232 ports: EIA/TIA RS-232 proprietarily pinned
on RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) connectors, DTE
Resolution —
Up to 1600 x 1280, but refer to Section 3.2.3
Protocol —
RS-232: Asynchronous
Data Format —
RS-232: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity (fixed)
Data Rate —
RS-232: 9600 or 57,600 bps
10
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Maximum
Distance —
20 ft. (6.1 m) of CPU or User Cable—possibly as much as
100 ft. (30.5 m) of coaxial CPU or User Cable,
depending on CPUs, monitor, and video resolution
(see Section 3.2.3)—from any Matrix ServSwitch to any
device attached to it;
100 ft. (30.5 m) of Expansion Cable between any two
Matrix ServSwitches;
50 ft. (15.2 m) of serial cable from any Matrix ServSwitch
RS-232 port to a computer’s serial port
User Controls —
For system: Keyboard commands and on-screen menus;
On Switch chassis:
(2) Front-mounted “switch to next port” pushbuttons:
(1) for User A (KVM 1), (1) for User B (KVM 2);
(1) Rear-mounted ON/OFF rocker switch;
On Expansion Module: Board-mounted BUS/RING
jumper
Indicators —
All front-mounted LEDs:
All models: (1) for Switch itself: POWER;
SW7x1A-R3: (8) for CPUs: (4) SELECT, (4) POWER;
SW7x2A-R3: (16) for CPUs: (8) SELECT, (8) POWER;
SW7x3A-R3: (32) for CPUs: (16) SELECT, (16) POWER
Connectors —
On Matrix ServSwitches as shipped from the factory:
All rear-mounted;
(2) DB25 female for user (“KVM”) connections;
RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female for serial management:
SW7x1A-R3: (1);
SW7x2A-R3: (2);
SW7x3A-R3: (4);
(1) IEC 320 male power inlet;
Numbered DB25 female CPU ports:
SW7x1A-R3: (4);
SW7x2A-R3: (8);
SW7x3A-R3: (16);
Can be added to Switches by installing Expansion
Modules:
(1) DB15 female for bus (daisychain) input to Switch;
(1) DB15 male for bus (daisychain) output from
Switch
11
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Maximum
Altitude—
10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance—
32 to 113˚F (0 to 45˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance—
5 to 80% noncondensing
Enclosure —
Steel
Power —
From AC outlet through included power cord and power
inlet to internal transformer:
SW7x1A-R3, SW7x2A-R3: 85 to 250 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz;
SW7x3A-R3: 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz;
Consumption:
SW7x1A-R3, SW7x2A-R3: Up to 20 VA (20 watts);
SW7x3A-R3: Up to 45 VA (45 watts)
Size —
SW7x1A-R3, SW7x2A-R3:
1.75"H (1U) x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 42.7 x 12.2 cm);
SW7x3A-R3:
3.5"H (2U) x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (8.9 x 42.7 x 12.2 cm);
Expansion Module:
1.6"H x 2.3"W x 2.6"D (4.1 x 5.9 x 6.6 cm)
Weight —
SW7x1A-R3: 4.3 lb. (1.9 kg);
SW7x2A-R3: 4.9 lb. (2.2 kg);
SW7x3A-R3: 6 lb. (2.7 kg);
Expansion Module: 2 oz. (57 g)
12
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Matrix ServSwitch™. Designed with your needs in mind,
your new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiplecomputer application. With your Switch you can use two keyboards, monitors, and
mice to access a number of IBM® PC compatible computers, so you can
significantly reduce your equipment overhead and end keyboard and monitor
clutter. The multiplatform models of the Switch can also access Sun Microsystems®
compatible computers and other UNIX® based machines. With the right adapters,
you can even attach Apple® Macintosh® computers.
The 4-, 8-, and 16-port IBM PC only Matrix ServSwitches are product codes
SW741A-R3, SW742A-R3, and SW743A-R3 respectively. The 4-, 8-, and 16-port
multiplatform Matrix ServSwitches are product codes SW761A-R3, SW762A-R3,
and SW763A-R3 respectively.
This chapter describes everything that comes with the Matrix ServSwitch, the
external and operating features of the Switch, and the cabling you’ll need for the
Switch.
2.1 The Complete Package
Your Matrix ServSwitch package includes the Switch, its power cord, a modular
cable and adapter for connecting the Switch’s RS-232 ports to a management PC,
and this manual. If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived damaged,
contact Black Box.
The Matrix ServSwitch comes from the factory with a Terminator Module (our
product code SW740TC-R3) and a blank plate installed in the Expansion Port area
on the left end of its front panel. If you would like the Switch to be able to
communicate with other Matrix ServSwitches, you’ll need to install an Expansion
Module (sold separately, our product code SW740C-R3-B) in this port. This
Module comes with a sheet of installation instructions. (These instructions are also
included in Appendix E of this manual.)
13
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
2.2 Features
With the Matrix ServSwitch, you have easy, virtually trouble-free, secure, and
complete access to up to 1000 computers from as many as four keyboard/video/
mouse stations. Here are some of the major features of the Switch:
Upgradability:
• The plug-in Expansion Module gives your Matrix ServSwitch system room to
grow.
• Free lifetime firmware upgrades using flash-memory technology mean you’ll
always have the latest improvements and new features.
Compatibility:
• Several varieties of IBM PC, RS/6000®, SGI, and compatible hardware can all
be used with this Switch. Sun® computers can be used with the multiplatform
models. With adapters, Mac® computers can too.
• Full emulation of keyboard and mouse functions and video resolutions of up
to 1600 x 1280 ensure trouble-free access to most software applications and PCtype hardware.
Security:
• Four connect modes provide flexibility in tailoring Matrix ServSwitch to your
environment’s security policies:
Connect Mode
Your Access
Other Users’ Access
View
View only
Full
Share
Full
Full
Control
Full
View only
Private
Full
None
• User names and passwords protect access to computers with sensitive systems
and information.
• Group definitions allow users to access only those computers that their group
can access.
14
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Flexibility:
• Full-featured command set includes a scan command to automatically switch
through a subset of computers over the course of an adjustable time interval.
• You can use keyboard commands, on-screen menus, or RS-232 devices to
switch computers to your keyboard/video/mouse station.
• Integrated autoswitching power supply can be connected to either 110-VAC or
220-VAC outlets.
On-Screen Display Technology:
• The Matrix ServSwitch can mix its own video output with that of the attached
computers so that its menus “pop up” on top of application screens.
• Easy-to-use menus guide you through configuration.
• Connection-status information can be displayed in any of a large number of
color combinations. You can set it to disappear either after an adjustable time
interval elapses or on demand.
• Choose a computer from a list of computer names and connect instantly.
• Can display any of four screen-saver patterns if no keyboard or mouse activity
has occurred within an adjustable time period.
• Selectable color schemes for menus and windows include many opaque and
translucent colors.
15
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
2.3 The Front Panel
The Switch’s front panel features two pushbutton switches and several LED
indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and indicators, refer to
Figure 2-1 and the descriptions that follow on the next page.
Power
13
14
15
16
9
10
11
12
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
Figure 2-1. The front panel of a 2 x 16 Matrix ServSwitch (SW743A-R3).
16
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Panel Label
Description
POWER (left)
Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that the Matrix ServSwitch is
powered ON.
[Numbered]
CPU Status LEDs: Numbered pairs of LEDs indicate the status of
the CPU connected to the corresponding port on the rear
panel:
Left/Red (Select)
Lights if the corresponding port is currently selected by either station.
Right/Green (CPU Power)
Lights if the device on the corresponding port is powered ON.
NOTE
The 2 x 4 and 2 x 8 chassis have 8 each of the Select
and CPU Power LED windows. The 2 x 16 chassis has
16 each of them. The extra LED windows in the
chassis of the 2 x 4 model are left empty.
User A User A Next-Port Button: Press this button to manually switch
User A’s shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse (the ones
attached to KVM 1) from the currently selected computer to the
next one in sequence.
User B User B Next-Port Button: Press this button to manually switch
User B’s shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse (the ones
attached to KVM 2) from the currently selected computer to the
next one in sequence.
NOTE
The sequence of accessible computers for any given
user will depend on the user’s assigned definition,
profile, and group; see Sections 4.5 through 4.7.
17
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
2.4 The Rear Panel
All cable connections are made at the Switch’s rear panel, as illustrated in Figures
2-2 and 2-3 and described below and on the next page.
Figure 2-2. The rear panel of a 2 x 16 Matrix ServSwitch with an Expansion
Module installed.
Figure 2-3. The same rear panel, board and port numbering shown.
Designation
Connector
Description
IN
DB15 F
On Expansion Module: Carries keyboard/mouse/
video data input from other Matrix ServSwitches to
the local Switch. Run an Expansion Cable from this
port to the OUT port on another Switch.
OUT
DB15 M
On Expansion Module: Carries keyboard/mouse/
video data output from the local Matrix ServSwitch
to other Switches. Run an Expansion Cable from
this port to the IN port on another Switch.
18
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Designation
Connector
Description
N [CPU N]
DB25 F
Connect the sharing computers to these ports with
CPU Cables. At the Matrix ServSwitch end, these
cables have a DB25 male connector; at the other
ends, they have appropriate connectors to plug
into your CPUs’ video, keyboard, and mouse ports.
These cables take the signals that would normally
pass between the CPUs’ ports and the monitor,
keyboard, and mouse, and carry them between the
CPUs’ ports and the Switch instead. You must have
one CPU Cable for each CPU you plan to connect.
See Section 2.5.
[N = a number
from 1 to either
4, 8, or 16,
depending on
which model you
have]
NOTE
The 2 x 4 and 2 x 8 chassis have 8 each
of the CPU-port slots. The 2 x 16 chassis
has 16 of them. The extra slots in the
chassis of the 2 x 4 model are left blank,
but are protected by material mounted
inside the chassis.
KVM 1 and
KVM 2
DB25 F
Connect the shared monitors, keyboards, and mice
to this port using User Cables. At the Switch end,
these cables have a DB25 male connector; at the
other ends, they have appropriate connectors to
plug into your monitor, keyboard, and mouse
cables. See Section 2.5.
RS-232 N
RJ-12 F
If you connect a more distant computer or
terminal to this RS-232 serial port, you’ll be able to
send switching commands to the Matrix ServSwitch
from a secondary location. You would also connect
a computer to this port to upgrade the Switch’s
firmware. Refer to Chapter 7.
IEC 320 M
Connect the Matrix ServSwitch’s power-supply cord
here. The Switch’s internal transformer is autosensing
and can handle either 110-VAC or 230-VAC input.
[N = a number
from 1 to 1, 2, or
4, depending on
which model you
have]
[POWER
INPUT]
19
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
2.5 Cable Requirements
Many switches of this type have what seems like ten million connectors on their
rear panels: one for each CPU’s video cable, one for each keyboard cable, and a
third for each mouse cable. The potential for tangling or mismatching cables is
high.
By contrast, you can connect the Matrix ServSwitch to your CPUs with one CPU
Cable (also called a “CPU Adapter Cable”) for each CPU. This single cable reaches
the CPU’s video-output, keyboard, and mouse ports.
To connect other Matrix ServSwitches, you need two Matrix ServSwitch
Expansion Cables for each chassis-to-chassis connection. (Each chassis also needs
to have an Expansion Module installed in it.)
Finally, you can connect the Matrix ServSwitch to the shared monitors,
keyboards, and mice with one User Cable (also called an “MKM Adapter Cable”)
for each keyboard/monitor/mouse user station.
The exact variety or varieties of these cables that you’ll need will depend on the
equipment you are connecting for your application. Refer to Appendix B for the
available types of these cables and the corresponding product codes. Also refer to
Chapter 1 and the Caution notice in Section 3.3.1 for information about maximum
cabling distances.
NOTES
SVGA (over longer distances) and XGA video place special demands on
cabling that the regular CPU Cables and User Cables typically cannot
meet. For these applications, you should use coaxial cables that can
carry video signals not only farther but also at higher resolutions. See
Appendix B and the Caution notice in Section 3.3.1. You’ll also need a “Mac
Adapter for ServSwitch” (KV99MA) for each Mac CPU outputting high-res
(greater than 640 x 480) video.
2.6 Equipment Requirements
If the CPUs you will be controlling through your Matrix ServSwitch are not all of
the same type—especially if you’re using multiplatform Switches and the CPUs
represent completely different hardware platforms (IBM, Sun, etc.)—you will have
to be careful to choose a common monitor, keyboard, and mouse that adequately
support all of the CPUs. For full details, see Section 3.2.
20
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3. Installation and Preconfiguration
3.1 Quick Setup Guide
Figure 3-1 shows a basic example of taking a Matrix ServSwitch and connecting it
to a CPU, a user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse), another Switch, and AC
power. IBM PC equipment is shown, but the principles will be similar for all
equipment types. Connectors will vary depending on the types of equipment you
are installing.
Primary 2 x 16 Matrix
ServSwitch (SW743A-R3)
User Cable
Power
cord
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
CPU Cable
Expansion Cable
Expansion Cable (forms ring, optional)
6-wire
modular
cable to
remote PC
Keyboard
Mouse
Video card
Secondary 2 x 16 Matrix
ServSwitch (SW743A-R3)
Figure 3-1. Basic system setup.
21
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.2 Guidelines for Using the Matrix ServSwitch with Your Equipment
3.2.1 CPUS
If you will be attaching IBM PC type computers, use only IBM PC/AT, PS/2,
RS/6000®, or 100% compatible machines, or recent SGI® machines. The Matrix
ServSwitch does not support IBM PC/XT™ or compatible machines. It also does
not support machines that output CGA or EGA video. (Because the basic hardware
design used by Apple and Sun has remained largely backward-compatible, the
multiplatform Matrix Switches support most Sun machines and—with adapters—
Apple machines.)
3.2.2 MOUSE AND KEYBOARD
When you power up your Matrix ServSwitch system, make sure that your CPUs,
mice, and keyboards are properly cabled to the system. When you boot up your
CPUs, the Matrix ServSwitches to which they are connected should already be ON.
(You should be able to freely disconnect and reconnect the mouse or keyboard
from a Matrix ServSwitch while the Switch is ON, but if you experience problems
when you do this, issue the Reset command [CTRL] R—see Section 6.11.)
Though the Matrix ServSwitch can convert any supported keyboard or mouse
protocol to any other, this is not enough to overcome all of the vast differences
between input devices. If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend
that you use the corresponding type of keyboard and mouse. (However, the Switch
doesn’t support Apple keyboards or mice, even though you can use adapters to
attach Mac CPUs.) If your CPUs are of different types, certain limitations tend to
favor the use of certain keyboard and mouse types:
Standard PC keyboards have 101 or 102 keys; PC keyboards designed specifically
for modern versions of Microsoft® Windows® have 104 or 105 keys. At this time
there is no way for a 101-/102-key keyboard to emulate the functions of the
Windows Start ( ) and Windows Application ( ) keys on a 104-/105-key
keyboard. And Type 5 Sun keyboards have 118 keys as well as keyclick and beep
features. We have mapped several of the Apple and Sun keys to the PC keyboards
(see Table 3-1 at the end of this section), but many of the Sun keys simply cannot
be mapped to IBM keyboards. Similarly, standard PC mice have two or three
buttons. At this time there is no way for a two-button mouse attached to the
ServSwitch to emulate a mouse with three buttons.
For these reasons, we recommend that you use Sun Type 5 (not Type 6)
keyboards and Sun mice with multiplatform Switches for mixed-platform
applications that include Sun CPUs. Use IBM keyboards and mice for PC-only
Switches, or with multiplatform Switches to which no Sun CPUs are attached. In
22
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
particular, use Windows keyboards if any of your applications require the Windows
keys, and use three-button mice if any of your applications require the center
mouse button.
Other concerns:
• The Matrix ServSwitch emulates several types of mice for the attached
computers, but the actual mice used at your user stations must be the same
type as the stations’ keyboards: Sun mice with Sun keyboards or PS/2 mice
(not serial mice) with PC type keyboards. For more details, see Section 4.3.
• Because the Switch currently only supports “stream mode” (continuous)
mouse data, but older IBM ThinkPad models have to handle mouse data in
“prompt mode” (burst-on-request), don’t try to attach any older ThinkPad
computers to the Matrix ServSwitch, either directly or through docking
stations. Some newer models should work with the Switch, but there’s no good
way to tell other than by trial and error. (You can’t damage your equipment by
trying—if you have the wrong kind of ThinkPad, it just won’t work.)
• If you’re using a PC mouse as the common mouse, make sure that your IBM
PC CPUs use only the generic Microsoft® mouse driver MOUSE.COM, version 4.0
at least and preferably version 9.01 or higher. If you’re running Windows 3.x,
this driver must be loaded in Windows as well as in the base operating system.
Do not, on any of your switched IBM PC CPUs, run any programs or TSRs, or
enter any DOS commands, that change the settings of the mouse port after the
driver has been loaded.
• When you first switch between CPUs, especially CPUs of different platforms,
you might notice wide variations in mouse sensitivity (how far or fast the
mouse moves) from CPU to CPU. This is normal. There are ways to adjust the
sensitivity of the mouse. (This is usually handled through some kind of
software “control panel,” but the specifics vary depending on the operating
system and—in IBM applications—on the mouse driver.) To optimize mouse
movement, adjust the sensitivity on each CPU according to your individual
preference.
• Although the Matrix ServSwitch resists minor transient surges that can be
caused by rapidly cycling power, certain keyboards are sensitive to such
transients. Because your shared keyboard’s power is provided by the Matrix
ServSwitch, wait at least three seconds after powering down the Switch before
powering it up again, or the keyboard might not reset correctly.
23
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
• The Matrix ServSwitch is designed to support IBM PC compatible 101-, 102-,
104-, or 105-key keyboards and IBM PC keyboard-scan modes 1, 2, and 3; it’s
also designed to work with PC-type CPUs/keyboards that use 5-pin DIN or
6-pin mini-DIN keyboard connectors. The Matrix ServSwitch will try to pass
through keyboard codes that it doesn’t recognize without altering them, which
allows it to support the DEC LK461 keyboard (see Appendix D for the key
mappings), Japanese 106- and 109-key keyboards, and certain other keyboards
that use special or proprietary keys. However, we cannot guarantee that the
Switch will be able to fully support—or even work at all with—any PC-type
keyboard that uses nonstandard keys, connectors, or keyboard-scan modes.
• If you are using a Sun keyboard, it must be a Type 5 or Type 5c model, not
Type 6 (the Matrix ServSwitch isn’t yet fully Type 6 compatible). If the
keyboard is designed for a keyboard language other than “US” (standard
North American English), you’ll need to select the language under “Keyboard
settings” in the Configure System page of the configuration menu (see
Section 4.2.2).
24
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
Table 3-1. Keyboard mapping by the Matrix ServSwitch.
Generally, the Matrix ServSwitch interprets keys by their positions on the keyboard, so any keys
that occupy more or less the same positions and perform more or less the same functions
across platforms will map one-to-one. However, certain keys available on certain keyboards do
not correspond well or are not available on other types of keyboards, so the Switch maps the
more important of these as shown below. (The Switch does not support Apple keyboards, but
with the proper adapter it will emulate an Apple keyboard to an attached Mac CPU.)
On the Sun
keyboard, the
___ key:
Control
Alt
Left Command (◆)
Right Command (◆)
Compose
Alt Graph
Power ( |)
Emulates the
PC 101/102-key
keyboard’s ___ key:
Left Ctrl
Left Alt
N/A
N/A
Right Ctrl
Right Alt or Alt Graph
N/A
Emulates the
PC 104/105-key
keyboard’s ___ key:
Left Ctrl
Left Alt
Left Win Start (
)
Right Win Start (
)
Right Ctrl
Right Alt or Alt Graph
Windows App ( )
Emulates the
Apple keyboard’s
___ key:
Left Control
Left Option (alt)
Left Command ()
Right Command ()
Right Control
Right Option (alt)
Power (
)
On the IBM PC 101/ (Maps to same
102-key keyboard,
key on PC 104/
the ___ key:
105-key keyboard.)
Left Ctrl
Left Alt
Right Alt or Alt Graph
Right Ctrl
Emulates the
Apple keyboard’s
___ key:
Left Control
Left Command ()
Right Option (alt)
Power (
)
(Not recommended)
Emulates the Sun
keyboard’s ___ key:
Left Control
Left Command (◆)
Alt Graph
Power ( |)
On the IBM PC 104/ (Natively supports
105-key keyboard,
PC 101/102-key
the ___ key:
keyboard functions.)
Left Ctrl
Left Win Start (
)
Left Alt
Right Alt or Alt Graph
Right Win Start (
)
Windows App ( )
Right Ctrl
Emulates the
Apple keyboard’s
___ key:
Left Control
Left Command ()
Left Option (alt)
Right Option (alt)
Right Command ()
Power (
)
Right Control
(Not recommended)
Emulates the Sun
keyboard’s ___ key:
Left Control
Left Command (◆)
Alt
Alt Graph
Right Command (◆)
Power ( |)
Compose
25
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.2.3 MONITOR
If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend that you use the
corresponding type of monitor. If your CPUs are of different types, the monitor
must be a multisync model, able to sync to every CPU’s video-output frequencies,
and compatible with all of the CPUs’ video cards.
While PC-type CPUs and VGA monitors normally use two separate leads to
send/receive sync signals (one lead for horizontal sync and one for vertical sync,
referred to as “H/V”), Mac and Sun CPUs/monitors normally send/receive a
composite sync signal on a single lead. (So do some otherwise PC-compatible
CPUs, including many SGI models.) If you attach both H/V and composite-sync
CPUs to your system, either your monitor must be capable of accepting both H/V
and composite-sync input, or you’ll have to use a sync converter and special cables
to convert H/V to composite sync or vice versa (call Black Box Technical Support
for a special quote).
For maximum compatibility, we recommend a 17" or larger, high-quality
multisync monitor capable of (a) displaying a maximum resolution of not less than
1280 x 1024 at a maximum refresh rate of not less than 75 Hz, and (b) accepting
both relevant types of sync input (H/V and composite). Such monitors are
available from many manufacturers. (However, since these monitors usually have
an HD15 video-input connector, you will need a special User Cable to use them
with Sun keyboards and mice; this cable is product code EHN059 [original] or
EHN225 [coax].) The higher the resolution you use, the less distance you can run;
see Tables 3-2 and 3-3 on the following pages.
Other concerns specific to IBM PCs:
• The Matrix ServSwitch is designed to support standard VGA video, including
VGA monochrome (“page white”). It does not support PCs that use CGA,
EGA, or proprietary versions of VGA that depart from the original
specifications. Consult your PC’s manual, and if that doesn’t tell you whether
or not the PC uses standard VGA, consult with the PC’s or the video card’s
manufacturer.
• The Switch is also designed to support SVGA, although it doesn’t handle
higher resolutions or longer distances very well without coaxial cabling (see
the next two pages). With coaxial cables, it will also support XGA, RS/6000, and
SGI video (RS/6000 and SGI require cables with 13W3 connectors—see
Appendix B).
If you have Mac CPUs attached, you’ll need a Mac Adapter for ServSwitch
(product code KV99MA) for each CPU that outputs video in a format other than
VGA (640 x 480).
26
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
The Matrix ServSwitch will support SVGA (Super VGA) video, but with original
Serv cables the video quality can decrease at higher resolutions and distances.
Table 3-2 illustrates this. The distances in the table are total lengths of CPU Cable
and User Cable (but not Expansion Cable) measured from the CPU to the
monitor. The table assumes that one Matrix ServSwitch is between the CPU and
monitor; in a daisychained application with multiple Matrix ServSwitches between
the CPU and monitor, video quality will always be lower.
This table also applies to Mac video in Matrix ServSwitch systems in which the
Mac version of the original Serv type CPU Cable (product code EHN215) has been
installed.
Table 3-2. Video quality vs. distance for original Serv cables.
Distance 5' (1.5 m) 10' (3 m) 15' (4.6 m) 20' (6.1 m) 25' (7.6 m)
Resolution
640 x 480
3
3
3
3
3
800 x 600 noninterlaced
3
3
3
3
2
1024 x 768 interlaced
3
3
3
2
2
1024 x 768 noninterlaced
3
3
2
2
2
1280 x 1024 interlaced
3
2
2
2
1
1280 x 1024 noninterlaced
2
2
2
1
1
1600 x 1280
2
2
1
1
1
Quality 3 = Near perfect; screen defects are not conspicuous
Quality 2 = Good to very good; images are clear; there are small reflections around
text lettering depending on the color; screen defects are sometimes conspicuous
Quality 1 = Fair to poor as distance increases; images run from slightly fuzzy to
badly smeared; text runs from fuzzy but readable to completely washed out
27
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
By contrast, coaxial cables (standard for Sun applications, required for XGA
applications, and recommended for most other applications) do much better at
maintaining video quality, as shown in Table 3-3. (For the meaning of quality
numbers 3, 2, and 1, see the bottom of the previous page.) As before, the distances
in the table are total adapter-cable lengths (not including Expansion Cable)
measured from the CPU to the monitor. Also as before, the table assumes a single
Matrix ServSwitch is between the CPU and monitor; if there are other chained
Switches as well, video quality will always be lower. (Where “interlaced” or
“noninterlaced” isn’t specified, noninterlaced video is implied.)
Table 3-3. Video quality vs. distance for coaxial cables.
Distance
Resolution
10 ft. 20 ft. 30 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
150 ft. 200 ft.
(3 m) (6.1 m) (9.1 m) (15.2 m) (22.9 m) (30.5 m) (45.7 m) (61 m)
640 x 480
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
800 x 600
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
1024 x 768 interlaced
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
1024 x 768 noninterl.
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1280 x 1024 interlaced
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1280 x 1024 noninterl.
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1600 x 1280
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
CAUTION!
Some CPUs can’t drive or receive keyboard and mouse signals across
longer runs of coaxial cable. Consult with the manufacturers of your
CPUs before installing this cable in lengths greater than 20 ft. (6.1 m).
If all of your CPUs are IBM PC compatible, and you want to drive signals across
CPU-to-Switch or Switch-to-monitor distances over 100 feet (30.5 m), you might
require Station Extenders or CAT5 KVM Extenders (see Appendix B). Please call
Black Box Technical Support to discuss your application.
28
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3.3 Installation Procedure
This section provides complete instructions for the hardware setup of a single
Matrix ServSwitch. (For detailed instructions on installing a daisychained Matrix
ServSwitch system, see Sections 3.3.6 and 3.4.) For an illustrated example of the
elements of a basic setup, see Figure 3-1.
For the procedure you should use to power up the system, see Section 3.5. For
the initial configuration procedure, see Section 3.6.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Initially configuring a Matrix ServSwitch will require you to either attach
a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to one of its KVM ports or to attach a
complete computer system to one of its serial ports. If this attachment
will be difficult to make after a particular Switch has been physically
installed in a given location, you should configure that Switch before
you install it; see Section 3.6.
3.3.1 PLACEMENT
The Matrix ServSwitch is best located as close as possible to the CPUs that are
attached to it. This reduces the length of CPU cables and provides a more costeffective, neater installation. You should also place the Switch as close as possible to
the AC outlet you want to plug it into.
CAUTION!
Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. Total length
of original Serv type CPU or User Cable (not including Expansion Cable)
from the keyboard, monitor, and mouse to any given CPU should not
exceed 40 ft. (12.2 m). For typical equipment and video resolutions,
length of coaxial CPU or User Cable (again, not including Expansion
Cable) should not exceed 20 ft. (6.1 m) from a Matrix ServSwitch to any
attached device (keyboard, monitor, mouse, CPU, or other KVM switch).
However, we do provide coaxial cable in lengths up to 100 ft. (30.5 m),
because some CPUs can drive and receive keyboard and mouse signals
at greater distances than others. To go even farther, you might want to
use Station Extenders or CAT5 KVM Extenders (see Appendix B).
3.3.2 SETTING AND INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL EXPANSION MODULE
At any time, you can swap in an Expansion Module for the Terminator Module in
the Matrix ServSwitch’s Expansion slot, in order to prepare the Switch to be
daisychained. Depending on the topology of your daisychained system, you might
need to set the Expansion Module’s JP1 jumper before you do this. For directions,
see Appendix E.
29
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.3.3 RACKMOUNTING (OPTIONAL)
If you want to mount the Matrix ServSwitch in a rack, you will need a ServSwitch
Rackmounting Kit. Our product code for a 19", 23", or 24" Kit that fits the 2 x 4
and 2 x 8 Matrix ServSwitches is RMK19B, RMK23B, or RMK24B respectively. Our
product code for a 19", 23", or 24" Kit that fits the 2 x 16 Matrix ServSwitch is
RMK19C, RMK23C, or RMK24C respectively. See Appendix F for more
information.
3.3.4 CONNECTING THE MONITORS, KEYBOARDS, AND MICE
User Cables (also called Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse [“MKM”] Adapter Cables) run
from each user’s monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the Matrix ServSwitch. Because
various styles of electrical connectors are used by different classes of equipment, we
supply this cable in various styles to match (see Appendix B). This cable also comes
in the different lengths supported by different applications (see Section 3.2.3,
Appendix B, and the Caution notice in Section 3.3.1).
CAUTION!
Make very sure that each monitor, keyboard, and mouse you plan to use
can meet the demands of your application—see Section 3.2. Also, note
that the Matrix ServSwitch doesn’t support most keyboard-line dongles.
1. After you verify that the Matrix ServSwitch is turned OFF, plug the DB25 male
connectors of the two User Cables into the KVM ports on the Switch’s rear
panel.
2. If your common equipment is IBM compatible, plug the cables from your
shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the corresponding connectors on
the other ends of the User Cable. If your common equipment is Sun compatible,
plug the mouse cable into the keyboard, and plug the monitor and keyboard
cables into the corresponding connectors on the other ends of the User Cable.
30
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3.3.5 CONNECTING CPUS
CPU Cables run from the Matrix ServSwitch to the keyboard port, mouse port (if
this is separate), and video-output port of each CPU you want to directly attach to
it. Different types of this cable fit the connectors on different computers (see
Appendix B). This cable also comes in the different lengths supported by different
applications (see Section 3.2.3).
1. Make sure that the Matrix ServSwitch is turned off and unplugged.
2. For Mac CPUs: Plug a ServSwitch Micro Mac Converter (KV99MCON) into
each of the CPU ports on the Switch’s rear panel that you’ll be connecting to
a Mac CPU.
3. Take the CPU Cable you’ll be running to the first CPU and plug its DB25
male connector into one of the CPU ports on the Switch’s rear panel
(preferably the lowest-numbered one—refer to Figure 2-3 in Section 2.4), or
into the Mac Converter attached to the port if the cable is going to a Mac. Use
the other (consecutively higher-numbered) CPU ports for the rest of the CPU
Cables.
4. For Mac CPUs that don’t output VGA-compatible video: As described on its
installation sheet, set a Mac Video Adapter for ServSwitch (KV99MA) to
emulate the proper monitor for each of your Mac CPUs, then attach the
Adapter to the Mac CPU’s video port. (Keep in mind that unless all of your
CPUs are Mac type, you’ll need multisync monitors at your user stations.)
5. If all of the CPUs you will be attaching to your Matrix ServSwitch system are Sun
models, and none of the monitors you want to use support 640 x 480 resolution: Take
the CPU Cable attached to the Switch’s lowest-numbered CPU port. Plug the
video strand of this cable into the video port of a powered and operating Sun
CPU that is outputting video in a resolution that at least one of your userstation monitors supports. (You can also unplug this CPU’s keyboard and
mouse and attach the keyboard/mouse strand of the CPU Cable instead, but
be aware that this will cause the CPU to suspend normal operation and go
into a locked-up “panic mode.” To recover the CPU from this mode when
you’re ready to power the system, turn the Switch system ON, select that CPU,
and type in the proper character sequence—usually “OK” [Enter].)
This step is necessary in order for the Switch’s on-screen display to be
properly synchronized when the Switch is powered up, so that it will then be
possible to configure all of your CPU ports for Sun keyboard and mouse. If
you skip this step, it will cause a series of hardware and firmware
incompatibilities that will prevent your Switch system from working. To avoid
this complication altogether, we strongly recommend that you use multisync
monitors rather than monitors that don’t support 640 x 480 resolution.
31
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
6. Plug each (remaining) CPU Cable’s video-, keyboard-, and (on IBM type
cables) mouse-port connectors into the corresponding ports on each CPU (or
into the Video Adapter on a non-VGA Mac). For various reasons, the CPU
should be OFF when you do this. (The Switch also needs to be configured
before you turn ON the CPUs; see Section 3.6.) Avoid plugging CPUs into the
Switch if they are already ON; if you accidentally do so with an IBM type CPU,
see Section 4.3 to make sure the Switch is set for the proper keyboard mode.
CAUTION!
Do not attach docking stations for older models of the ThinkPad® or
other portable computers to the Matrix ServSwitch. The Switch currently
supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data but older
ThinkPad models have to see “prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse
data. Some newer docking stations and some newer ThinkPad models
might work with the Switch, but determining whether a particular device
will do so will probably require trial and error.
3.3.6 CONNECTING OTHER MATRIX SERVSWITCHES (OPTIONAL)
To connect one or more other Matrix ServSwitches together, all of the chassis must
have Expansion Modules installed. You will need to run Expansion Cables (see
Appendix B for product codes) between the Expansion Modules, always from the
IN port of one Module to the OUT port of another Module (never IN to IN or
OUT to OUT). How you lay out your daisychained system and connect your
cabling will depend on where your users are; see Section 3.4 for more detailed
information. (Just remember that IN and OUT refer to video-signal flow, so for a
user station to display a CPU’s video, Expansion Cable must lead from OUT on the
CPU’s Switch to IN on the user’s Switch.) We recommend that you configure and
check each Switch in the chain either before or as you install it, rather than installing
everything and then working on the entire chain; see Section 3.6. Before installing
an advanced configuration, please call Black Box and discuss your application with
a technician.
32
CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3.3.7 POWERING UP THE SWITCHES
1. Making sure that the connected CPUs are OFF (powered down)—except for
at least one CPU in an all Sun installation where the monitor doesn’t support
640 x 480 (see step 5 in Section 3.3.5)—take the power cord of a Matrix
ServSwitch in your system and plug the cord’s IEC 320 female outlet end into
the Switch’s rear-mounted IEC 320 male power inlet. Then plug the other
end of the cord into a working outlet. If your CPUs are on uninterruptible
power supplies (UPSes), the Switches should be on UPSes as well.
2. Move the ON/OFF rocker switch on the back of the Switch from the OFF
(“O”) position to the ON (“|”) position to power up the chassis. (In the
aforementioned all Sun installation, make sure that the operating Sun CPU is
selected; it should be, by default, if it’s connected to the Switch’s lowestnumbered CPU port.) The Switch should briefly display a diagnostic screen
(at the resolution of the video output of any selected CPU, or at 640 x 480 if
no CPU is selected) on all attached monitors. For a description of this screen,
the possible diagnostic messages you could see, and the procedure for
powering up your CPUs, see Section 3.5.
If the Switch is operating properly, after the diagnostic screen fades away
you can do initial configuration for that Switch as described in Section 3.6.
3.3.8 CHANGING THE KEYBOARD SETTING OF WINDOWS NT 4.0 CPUS
If any CPUs attached to your Matrix ServSwitch are running Microsoft
Windows NT® 4.0, you must change the keyboard setting in their Control Panel
from the default, “Microsoft Enhanced Keyboard,” to “Standard 101/102 or
Microsoft Natural Keyboard.” Your Matrix ServSwitch system will not work with these
CPUs unless their keyboard settings are changed. To do this, take these steps:
1. Click on the icon for “My Computer” (or whatever you’ve named the computer).
2. Click on “Control Panels.”
3. Click on “Keyboard.”
4. Click on the “General” tab.
5. In the Keyboard Type field, scroll from the “Enhanced” setting to “Standard.”
For more information, consult your Windows NT manual.
33
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.3.9 SWITCHING AND ACCESSING THE DISPLAY FROM THE KEYBOARD
If your Matrix ServSwitch system has been properly preconfigured (see
Section 3.6), it is now ready for operation using its default settings.
To take full advantage of the Switch’s keyboard-command features, refer to
Chapter 6, which gives detailed information about each of the Switch commands,
describing each command’s function and keystroke sequence. For your
convenience, this information is summarized in Section 6.1.
To begin switching immediately, however, just press and release your keyboard’s
left Control Key ([Ctrl]), then—within the next two seconds—type in your desired
port number with the regular number keys (not the numeric keypad) and press
[Enter]. Or, to review the configuration settings of your Matrix ServSwitch system,
press and release left [Ctrl] followed within two seconds by the [F12] key; this will
bring up the Switch’s on-screen display (see Chapter 4).
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3.4 Daisychaining Matrix ServSwitches
Chaining multiple Matrix ServSwitches together adds capacity for more computers
and, optionally, more user stations. When you plan a daisychained system, keep in
mind that Switches attach to each other:
• From output to input.
• In a bus or ring topology.
• With one or two cables.
Each Switch must have its “starting computer” configuration parameter set
correctly before you attach it to other Switches. See Section 3.6 for how to do this.
Also be aware that if you are using the ring topology (see Section 3.4.2), you must
set the RING/BUS jumper on the Expansion Modules in two adjacent Switches to
RING (see Section E.1 of Appendix E).
NOTE
If you’re very careful, you can attach Matrix ServSwitches to daisychains
of ServSwitch Affinity (product code KV13xA) chassis. See the “Mixed
Chains” section of the Affinity manual for details, and please call Black
Box Technical Support before installing such a mixed daisychain.
3.4.1 EXPANSION CABLING
You’ll use Expansion Cables (product codes KV140010, etc.) to interconnect
Matrix ServSwitches. These Expansion Cables, which are all exactly alike except for
their lengths, carry computer and KVM signals from one Switch’s ExpansionModule output ports to another’s input ports. Each Expansion Module must be
installed in the blank-plated slot on the left end of the Switch chassis’ rear panel.
The Module’s input and output ports are labeled IN and OUT, as shown in
Figure 3-2. The IN port receives video signals from other Switches; the OUT port
transmits video signals to other Switches.
The maximum distance that Expansion Cable can be run between any two
Switches is 100 ft. (30.5 m). See Appendix B for cable and Extender product codes.
IN
OUT
Figure 3-2. The Expansion Module and its input and output ports.
35
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.4.2 TOPOLOGIES
IMPORTANT NOTE
A standard Matrix ServSwitch system can support two independent
users, but each of the user stations has to be attached to a differentnumbered KVM port (one to KVM 1, the other to KVM 2), even if the
stations are attached to different Switches. If you have users on stations
attached to same-numbered ports (both on KVM 1, for instance), the
users will share a video bus. Refer to Section 5.3.
Figure 3-3 below and Figure 3-4 on the following page show the two main
topologies (patterns) in which you can interconnect Matrix ServSwitches: bus and
ring. (The arrows in the figures indicate video-signal directions from output to
input.) Which of these topologies you use will depend on where your users are, as
explained in the following paragraphs.
Unit 3:
CPUs 33 to 48
Cable runs from OUT on
Unit 3 to IN on Unit 2
Unit 2:
CPUs 17 to 32
Cable runs from OUT on
Unit 2 to IN on Unit 1
User B (KVM 2)
Unit 1:
CPUs 1 to 16
User A (KVM 1)
Figure 3-3. The bus topology.
Use a bus arrangement if all of your users are on a Switch at the end of the chain.
In this topology, the OUT ports of all Switches except the first one are attached to
the IN ports of the previous Switch in the chain. (The first Switch is the end of the
video-signal path, where the user-station monitors are.) The bus topology is also
useful if your users are on different Switches but you want to restrict a user’s access
to certain CPUs. For example, if a user were on Unit 2 in Figure 3-3, they would
only be able to switch to CPUs on Units 2 and 3; they would not be able to switch to
CPUs on Unit 1.
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
Unit 3:
CPUs 33 to 48
Cable runs from
OUT on Unit 1 to
IN on Unit 3
User B (KVM 2)
Cable runs from OUT on
Unit 3 to IN on Unit 2
Unit 2:
CPUs 17 to 32
Cable runs from OUT on
Unit 3 to IN on Unit 2
Unit 1:
CPUs 1 to 16
User A (KVM 1)
Figure 3-4. The ring topology.
Use a ring arrangement if you have user stations attached to two different Matrix
ServSwitches and you want both of the users to have access (or at least potential
access) to all CPUs. Run Expansion Cables from the OUT ports of each Switch to
the IN ports of the previous Switch in the chain, just like the bus topology, but
then add another cable from the OUT port of the first Switch to the IN port of the
last Switch. Because it interlinks the first and last Switches instead of making them
the endpoints, the ring configuration lets either user reach any CPU.
To use the ring topology, you’ll need to remove a jumper on two of your
Expansion Modules; see Section E.1 of Appendix E.
37
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.5 The Power-Up Procedure
About three seconds after you plug in and turn on a Matrix ServSwitch as
described in Section 3.3.7, a diagnostics screen running a self-test will appear on
user-station monitors and serial devices attached to the Switch. (In an all Sun
installation with a monitor that doesn’t support 640 x 480 resolution, the video
port of a powered and operating Sun CPU needs to be connected to the Matrix
ServSwitch’s lowest-numbered CPU port in order for the Switch to display this
screen properly—see Section 3.3.5.) This screen and its standard messages are
discussed in Section 3.5.1. Error messages that might appear instead are discussed
in Section 3.5.2, and the special set of information that appears on serial
connections is discussed in Section 3.5.3. After a few more seconds, the screen
disappears and either a login box or a connection-status box appears.
If your system is a Matrix ServSwitch daisychain, power up each Switch
separately, waiting approximately 15 seconds for diagnostics to complete. You will
also want to initially configure each Switch separately as described in Section 3.6.
If any mouse that’s not attached to the Switch at power-up is plugged in later, the
Switch will not be able to autodetect its type and will, by default, try to interact with
it using the PS/2 mouse protocol. Likewise, the Switch will default to PC mode 2 if
you attach a keyboard after power-up. This protocol will not work with Sun
keyboards and there’s no way to change the default setting, so if you need to attach
a Sun keyboard after power-up, you’ll have to turn off the Matrix ServSwitch, plug
in the keyboard, and turn the Switch back ON.
Once you’ve plugged in and turned ON all of the Switches in your system, and
have also initially configured them, power up the remaining CPUs connected to
the system one by one, giving each one time to boot completely before turning ON
the next one. When the CPUs are powered up after the Matrix ServSwitch, the
Switch emulates all keyboard and mouse functions for automatic boot-up. (You
might want to issue a Keep Settings command after initial bootup, so that the
Switch saves the mode settings it has autodetected to nonvolatile memory.)
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3.5.1 THE POWER-UP DIAGNOSTIC SCREEN: STANDARD MESSAGES
The diagnostic screen that appears when you turn ON the Matrix ServSwitch is
shown in Figure 3-5; standard messages you might see on it are shown in Table 3-4
on the next page.
Welcome to Matrix ServSwitch
Power on diagnostics
Kernel version
KX14E
Overlay version O42B
Kernel program
Good
Static RAM
Good
Configuration
Good
Board number
2
Communication ID
6
Communication
Good
Local ports
8
Program version MX16H
Main program
Good
PC keyboard detected
PS2 mouse detected
Figure 3-5. The diagnostic screen.
39
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Table 3-4. The standard diagnostic-screen messages.
Diagnostic Messages
Description
Kernel Version
Indicates version ID of kernel program being run by the
Switch’s bottom port board (all of the port boards
should be running the same version). A new kernel may
be downloaded into the Switch through one of its serial
ports; see Section 7.2.3.
Overlay Version
Indicates version ID of the firmware of the on-screen
display board.
Kernel Program
Reports results of checksum calculation of kernel program
memory. Any result other than GOOD terminates the
diagnostic sequence, indicating a hardware failure.
Static RAM
Reports results of static memory test. Any result other
than GOOD terminates the diagnostic sequence,
indicating a hardware failure.
Configuration
Reports results of checksum calculation of configuration
memory. Any result other than GOOD terminates the
diagnostic sequence, indicating a hardware failure.
Board Number
Indicates unit-level board number (“1” through “4”) of
the KVM port or serial port through which the
diagnostics are being reported. See Figure 2-3 in
Section 2.4.
Communication ID
Indicates the system-level board number (“1” through
“256”) of the KVM port or serial port through which the
diagnostics are being reported.
Communication
Reports result of communications test among all the
boards in network.
Local Ports
Reports number of CPU ports detected in this Switch.
Program Version
Indicates revision ID of the main program being run by
the Switch’s bottom port board (all of the port boards
should be running the same version). A new main
program may be downloaded into the Switch through
one of its serial ports; see Section 7.2.3.
Main Program
Reports results of checksum calculation of main
program memory. Any result other than GOOD
terminates the diagnostic sequence, indicating a
hardware failure.
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
Table 3-4 (continued). The standard diagnostic-screen messages.
Diagnostic Messages
Description
Keyboard Detected
If the diagnostics are being reported through a KVM
port, displays the keyboard type/mode detected at that
port’s user station.
Mouse Detected
If the diagnostics are being reported through a KVM port,
displays the mouse type detected at that port’s user station.
3.5.2 KERNEL-HALT ERROR MESSAGES
The following messages may appear in the on-screen display (or, in the case of the
Kernel Error message, instead of the on-screen display) during the Matrix ServSwitch’s
power-up sequence. The meanings of “Main Program,” “Static RAM,” “Configuration,”
and “Communication” are spelled out in the table on the previous page; the other
parts of these messages are discussed on the following pages. Before calling Tech
Support, try cycling power to the Switch and see if the message goes away.
Kernel Error
Kernel is bad, load new kernel through serial port
Main Program Error
Main program
BAD Address = nnnn
Unit must be serviced
SRAM Error
Static RAM
BAD Address = nnnn
Unit halted
Refer to operation manual or call technical support
Configuration Checksum Error
First time:
Configuration
BAD Address = nnnn
Resetting unit to factory defaults
Second time: Configuration
BAD Address = nnnn
Unit halted
Refer to operation manual or call technical support
Communication Initialization Error
Communication
BAD
Error reason
Unit halted
Refer to operation manual or call technical support
41
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Here is what the parts of these messages mean:
Kernel is bad, load new kernel through serial port
The Matrix ServSwitch sends this message at bootup instead of the power-up
diagnostic screen when it detects that its own kernel is corrupt. The Switch will wait
to receive a replacement kernel file through the serial port on its bottom port
board—the one with CPU ports 1 through 4 on it—using the serial parameters
9600, N, 8, 1. Connect the serial cable supplied with the Switch as described in
Section 7.1 and start your terminal emulator. Transfer the file using an ASCII filetransfer protocol. This procedure, and the accompanying messages that will
appear on your terminal-emulator screen, are described in Section 7.2.3. If the file
loads successfully, cycle power to the Switch; if the problem recurs, call Black Box
Tech Support.
BAD Address = nnnn
The kernel loader writes this message when kernel memory is corrupted,
indicating a hardware failure. The corrupted memory address is represented by the
variable “nnnn.”
Unit must be serviced
The error is unrecoverable. Call Black Box Tech Support and arrange to have the
Switch repaired; see Sections 8.2 and 8.3.
Resetting to factory defaults
The kernel writes this message at power-up when a memory error is detected
during a read from configuration memory. This also indicates a hardware failure,
but the system may continue to initialize successfully. The configuration from
another Switch should be saved to this Switch as soon as possible.
Unit halted
Refer to operation manual or call technical support
The error is major and has forced the kernel to stop processing. The Switch will
have to be serviced. Call Black Box Tech Support as directed in Sections 8.2 and
8.3.
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
Error reason
When a communication error occurs, one of these “reason” messages will be
displayed:
Receive/network problem
The Expansion Cables in your system might be loose, misconnected, broken,
or defective. First make sure that all of your Expansion Cables are firmly seated
in the Expansion Module connectors, and that the cables are connected from
Module to Module in one of the ways shown in Section 3.4.2. If you can’t
resolve the problem, call Black Box Tech Support.
Duplicate id
Two or more Matrix ServSwitches in your system have been set to the same
“starting computer” number. Either set the starting computer number of all of
the Switches in your system differently (see Section 3.6), or remove the
Switches with the duplicate number from your system.
Reset failed or
Microsequencer operation failed or
Id set to 0 (broadcast) or
Memory test failed or
Insertion failed or
Unknown error
Indicates faulty communication hardware. Try cycling power to the Matrix
ServSwitch to see if this message goes away. If it doesn’t, the Switch will have to
be repaired or replaced; call Black Box Tech Support as described in
Sections 8.2 and 8.3.
43
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3.5.3 KERNEL SERIAL-PORT MESSAGES
The Matrix ServSwitch’s kernel writes this message to the serial port at power-up:
Hit space bar within 5 seconds to get serial options menu
If the Switch receives a [Space] character at the serial port during the next
5 seconds, the standard Matrix ServSwitch initialization terminates after writing the
Local ports diagnostic message (see Section 3.5.1), and a serial options menu
appears as described in Section 7.2.
During a firmware upgrade after a kernel error has occurred, any of the
following messages may appear at the serial port:
• Waiting for file
• Receive successful
• Checksum error
• Record error
• Data error
• Receive failed
• Address =
• Try again ?
Y/N
• Error in programming flash
• Please try again
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
3.6 Initial Configuration
Once you plug in and turn on a Matrix ServSwitch and it passes the power-up
diagnostic tests, you’ll need to set an important initial configuration parameter for
it. You’ll be able to fully configure all of the Switches in your system later from a
single user station, but it’s very important for your system operation that each
Switch at least have “starting computer” set properly before you do anything else
with it. How you’ll do this will depend on whether your Switch system consists of a
single unit (see Section 3.6.1) or a daisychain of multiple units (see Section 3.6.2).
In an all Sun installation with a monitor that doesn’t support 640 x 480 resolution,
when you power up the first of your Matrix ServSwitches with user stations attached
to it, you must use the Switch’s “Configure Computer” page in the Switch’s menu
system to change the keyboard settings for all of the CPU ports you’ll be using to
“Sun.” Save this configuration and copy it to your other Switches later—after all of
your Switches are powered up, but before your CPUs are powered up. Refer to the
start of Chapter 4 and to Sections 4.1 and 4.3.
3.6.1 INITIALLY CONFIGURING A SINGLE UNIT
Take these steps:
1. Bring up the on-screen display:
a. Make sure that a keyboard, monitor, and mouse are attached to one of the
Matrix ServSwitch’s KVM ports through a User Cable, as described in
Section 3.3.4. The monitor must be able to support either 640 x 480
resolution or the resolution of any powered CPU attached to the Switch’s
lowest-numbered CPU port. (If you don’t have such a monitor, use a serial
connection instead; see Chapter 7.)
b. If you haven’t already done so, power up the Switch and wait for the
diagnostics screen (see Section 3.5) to fade away.
c. Press and release the left [Ctrl] key, then within two seconds press and
release the [F12] key. The on-screen menu should appear. Using the upand down-arrow keys, highlight the “Configure System” field and press
[Enter].
2. Verify the “Starting computer number.” This is the system-sequence number
that has to be assigned to the first CPU port on each Matrix ServSwitch. It
should be “1” for a single standalone Switch—and in fact that’s what the
default setting should be on all new Switches—but if your Switch is set to
something different, change it this way: Highlight the “Starting computer
number” field using the up- and down-arrow keys; press [Enter], type “1,” and
press [Enter] again.
45
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
3. Save the configuration: Press the [Esc] key to return to the main menu, then
press the [Esc] key again. Highlight “YES” in the pop-up “Save” selection box
and press [Enter] to save the configuration.
3.6.2 INITIALLY CONFIGURING MULTIPLE DAISYCHAINED UNITS
For each Matrix ServSwitch, take these steps:
1. Bring up the on-screen display:
a. Make sure that a keyboard, monitor, and mouse are attached to one of the
Matrix ServSwitch’s KVM ports through a User Cable, as described in
Section 3.3.4. The monitor must be able to support 640 x 480 resolution.
(If you don’t have such a monitor, use a serial connection instead; see
Chapter 7.)
b. If you haven’t already done so, power up the Switch and wait for the
diagnostics screen (see Section 3.5) to fade away.
c. Press and release the left [Ctrl] key, then within two seconds press and
release the [F12] key. The on-screen menu should appear. Using the upand down-arrow keys, highlight the “Configure System” field and press
[Enter].
2. Verify the “Starting computer number,” the system-sequence number that has
to be assigned to the first CPU port on each Matrix ServSwitch. This setting
must be unique for each Switch in a daisychain. The starting computer
number for the first Switch should always be “1.” The starting number for the
second Switch should be “total CPU ports on the first Switch plus one,” so if
the first Switch is a 2 x 8 model (has eight CPU ports), the starting number
for the second Switch should be “9,” etc. And the starting computer number
for the third Switch should be “total CPU ports on the first and second
Switches plus one,” and so on. See Table 3-5 on the next page for the starting
computer numbers for a sample system (as well as the “maximum computer”
number for the whole system—see Section 4.2.1).
To change the starting computer number, highlight the “Starting computer
number” field using the up- and down-arrow keys, press [Enter], type “1,” and
press [Enter] again.
3. Save the configuration: Press the [Esc] key to return to the main menu, then
press the [Esc] key again. Highlight “YES” in the pop-up selection box and
press [Enter] to save the configuration.
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CHAPTER 3: Installation and Preconfiguration
Table 3-5. Starting computer numbers and maximum computer in a sample
four-unit daisychain.
Matrix ServSwitch
Unit Number
Switch
Model
CPU Ports
Starting
Computer
1
2x4
4
1
2
2 x 16
16
5
3
2x8
8
21
4
2 x 16
16
29
Maximum computer (sum) = 44
47
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
4. Full Configuration
Once your Matrix ServSwitch system is up and running, you can configure the
system from any attached user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse). To do so,
press and release the left [Ctrl] key, then press the [F12] key to access the
configuration-menu screen shown in Figure 4-1. (After your initial access, if you’ve
set a configuration password, a text box prompts for it.) The configuration menu
displays on top of the currently connected computer’s screen if you are switched to
a computer with active video. If no computer is supplying video, the background is
black. If the display is not synchronized, switch to a computer with active video,
and change the on-screen display-resolution setting using the Configure KVM page
(see Section 4.4).
Matrix ServSwitch version MX16H Copyright 1990-2000
Main menu
Configure
System
Computer
KVM
User
Profile
Group
Status
Save
Exit
Use arrow keys to highlight
selection and press enter or
press escape to exit
Configure password box numbers, keyboard settings, appearance
Figure 4-1. The configuration menu.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.1 Using the Menu
4.1.1 NAVIGATING THE CONFIGURATION PAGES
A help line at the bottom of each screen explains what each selection does. From
the configuration main page, use arrow keys to highlight the desired configuration
menu, and press the [Enter] key. New text or numeric values may be entered in an
input box, or a list of possible choices will appear. Enter the appropriate
information and press [Enter] key. Return to the previous page or abort an input
box by pressing the [Esc] key.
4.1.2 CHOOSING NAMES
You assign text strings to passwords, computers, KVM stations, users, profiles, and
groups. These strings and names are case sensitive and may have embedded special
characters. Choose names wisely. For example, including terminating space
characters may confuse other users.
4.1.3 SAVING CONFIGURATION CHANGES
Saving to flash memory ensures that configuration changes will be active after the
next power up—not only in this Switch, but also in all attached Switches. Choose
the Save option on the main menu, press [Enter] or exit the main menu after
you’ve changed at least one parameter, and a text box will ask if you want to save
changes (see Figure 4-2 on the next page):
• Choose “no” for temporary or incorrect changes. The new settings become
active in this Switch and all attached Switches, but old settings become active
the next time a Switch is restarted.
• Choose “yes” to save changes to the flash memory of all powered-on Matrix
ServSwitches in the system. The number of port boards in all of the Matrix
ServSwitches in your system is calculated and displayed in a message that reads,
Boards to update - n
Before responding “yes,” make sure that the number of boards in the message
above (“n”) agrees with the number of boards in the system (that is, the
number of CPU ports divided by four) minus one. If the number does not
agree, then reply “no,” turn on any inactive Switches, and choose the Save
option of the main menu again.
49
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Matrix ServSwitch version MX16H Copyright 1990-2000
Main menu
Configure
System
Computer
KVM
User
Profile
Group
Status
Save
Exit
boards to update=3
Saving to flash
Use arrow keys to highlight
selection and press enter or
press escape to exit
Configure password box numbers, keyboard settings, appearance
Figure 4-2. Saving configuration changes.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.2 Configuring the System
The “Configure System” page provides settings that affect the Matrix ServSwitch
attached to the KVM station from where changes are initiated. Changes take effect
when you exit the main menu or choose the Save option. Unsaved changes are lost
if the Switch is powered down.
Configure system
System settings
Configure password
Starting computer number
Maximum computer
********
0
64
Keyboard settings
PC keyboard rate (chars/sec)
PC keyboard delay
Sun keyboard language
20
Fast
US
Appearance
Menu color scheme
Night sky
Screen saver
Weaving
Screen saver time (seconds)
1200
Background color
Cyan
Text color
Black
Position
X= 25
Y= 45
Fadeout
(seconds)
5
Password to configure box
Figure 4-3. “Configure System” page.
4.2.1 SYSTEM SETTINGS
Configure password
Prevents unauthorized access to the configuration main menu. Passwords are casesensitive and may be up to 8 ASCII characters long. When typed, the password is
not displayed in the password field. Saving the configuration permanently stores
the password in flash memory for this Switch. Factory default is no password.
Don’t lose or forget your configuration password, or you will have to reset the
Matrix ServSwitch to its factory defaults and all configuration information will be
lost.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Starting computer number
Use this field to define the “system-reference number” of the first CPU port on this
Matrix ServSwitch; that is, the unique number that the Switch system will use to
differentiate that port (and, by numbering upward from there, the other CPU
ports on the Switch) from the otherwise identical CPU ports on all other Switches
in the system. For a standalone Switch, the starting computer number should
always be 1 (which is the factory-default value); for daisychained Switches, the
starting computer number should be one greater than the highest-numbered CPU
port on the “previous unit”—but see step 2 in Section 3.6.2 for more detailed
instructions for calculating this number, and Table 3-5 in Section 3.6.2 for the
starting computer numbers in a sample daisychained system.
Keep in mind that changing a chassis’ starting computer number will not only
cause all of the CPUs on that chassis to be renumbered, it will also cause the KVM
stations to be renumbered as well. See Sections 4.3 and 4.4.
Maximum computer
Use this field to define the total number of computers that could potentially be
attached to the system. This number does not reflect the actual number of
computers connected to the system at any given time. Rather, it represents the
total number of CPU ports in the system, which will be equal to the sum of the
second numbers in the model name of each switch installed in the system. (For
example, if a Matrix ServSwitch system consists of one 2 x 8 Switch and two 2 x 16
Switches, set maximum computer to 8 + 16 + 16 = 40.) See Table 3-5 in
Section 3.6.2 for the maximum computer value of a sample system. Factory default
is 64.
4.2.2 KEYBOARD SETTINGS
The following parameters apply to all keyboards attached to a Matrix ServSwitch.
PC keyboard rate
Adjusts the action of the PC keyboard when you hold down a key to repeat a
character. The rate is the speed, in characters per second, at which repeated
characters are sent to the selected computer. Use the numeric keys to enter a new
value from zero to 31 keys per second. Entering a rate of zero is the same as
entering a rate of one. Factory default is 20 characters per second.
PC keyboard delay
Adjusts the delay of a PC keyboard after a key is pressed before it begins to send
characters repeatedly to a computer. In other words, this delay is the time it takes
for a key to repeat when being held down. The options are “Slow,” “Medium,”
“Fast,” and “Fastest.” Factory default is Fast.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
Sun keyboard language (multiplatform models only)
Determines response to a Sun computer’s query for language type used. Factory
default is “US” (standard North American keyboard language). Other available
values are “US UNIX,” “French,” “Danish,” “German,” “Italian,” “Netherlands/
Dutch,” “Norwegian,” “Portuguese,” “Spanish,” “Swedish/Finnish,” “Swiss French,”
“Swiss German,” “UK,” “Korean,” “Taiwanese,” “Japanese,” and “French Canadian.”
This option appears in the menu for multiplatform Matrix ServSwitches only.
4.2.3 APPEARANCE
The following parameters apply to all user stations (monitor, keyboard, and mouse
sets) attached to a Matrix ServSwitch.
Menu color scheme
Sets the colors of the configuration menus. There are four choices:
• Night sky – cyan, magenta, white, and blue
• Tuxedo – black, red, and white
• Aquarium – yellow, magenta, blue, cyan, and white
• Forest – green, black, cyan, and blue
Factory default is “Night sky.”
Screen saver
Reduces monitor burn-in and provides security. The Matrix ServSwitch’s screensaver function automatically activates when there has been no keyboard or mouse
activity for a user-adjustable period or after a forced connection. When any key is
pressed or the mouse is moved, normal video is reactivated, and a connection
status message is also displayed unless the on-screen display was active.
This parameter sets which video pattern the Switch displays when the screen
saver is active. The options are:
• Black screen
• Fireflies
• Weaving
• Bounce
A black screen turns off the computer’s video entirely. Factory default is
“Weaving.”
Screen saver time
Determines the period, in seconds, of keyboard and mouse inactivity before the
Matrix ServSwitch activates the screen saver. Value may be from 0 to 9999 seconds.
Entering 0 disables the screen saver. Factory default is 1200 seconds (20 minutes).
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Background color, text color
Use these fields to set the background colors and text colors, respectively, of the
connection-status and computer-select screens. The “solid” colors available are
black, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, and white; these are opaque and
cause the window to hide part of the video coming from the CPUs. The
“transparent” colors available are clear, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan,
and white; these are translucent, so the video coming from the CPUs is tinted but
can be seen through the window. (In fact, the “clear” setting makes the
background or text completely transparent; don’t set both to clear, or the window
will become totally invisible, and you will probably have to reset the Matrix
ServSwitch to its factory defaults to get the window to reappear.)
Factory defaults are solid cyan for the background color and black for the text
color.
Position
Sets and maintains the position of the connection-status box, which can be
anywhere on-screen, even at different video resolutions. Use arrow keys to move
the position box, and press [Enter] when the desired position is reached. The
position setting wraps at the edges of the screen. Horizontal (X) and vertical (Y)
positions are updated in the position field. Range of horizontal movement is 0 to
64. Range of vertical movement is 0 to 99. Factory default is X=25 and Y=45.
Fadeout
Sets the time that the connection-status box is displayed before it disappears. If you
set this parameter to 0, the connection-status box will not be displayed at all. If you
set it to 255, the connection-status box will always be displayed. Some monitors will
not display the connection-status box if the fadeout time is less than the time it
takes to synchronize to a new video signal. If you aren’t seeing the connectionstatus box when you switch CPUs, try setting the fadeout to a longer time. Factory
default is 5 seconds.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.3 Configuring Computers
The “Configure Computer” page assigns names to computers and defines
keyboard and mouse types.
Configure computer
Computer Name
1♦Computer
1
2 Computer
2
3 Computer
3
4 Computer
4
5 Computer
5
6 Computer
6
7 Computer
7
8 Computer
8
9 Computer
9
10 Computer
10
11 Computer
11
12 Computer
12
13 Computer
13
14 Computer
14
15 Computer
15
16 Computer
16
Keyboard
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
PC2
Mouse
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
PS2
Name of computer up to 16 computers
Figure 4-4. The “Configure Computer” page.
Here are the computer-configuration parameters:
[Computer Number]
The numbers in this unlabeled field represent the CPU port in the Matrix
ServSwitch system assigned to each computer. This value isn’t changeable through
this menu; the Switch system will automatically calculate it based on the chassis’
starting computer number and the number of the physical CPU port that the
computer is attached to. The system recalculates this number when CPUs are
moved to different ports or the chassis’ starting computer number is changed.
Computer Name
Use this field to assign names up to 16 characters long to the attached computers.
These names appear on the computer select list and in the connection status box.
All ASCII characters are valid in the name field. A diamond character next to the
name identifies the computer you currently have selected. Factory-default names
are “Computer 1” through “Computer 16” (with several spaces embedded between
the word “Computer” and the number).
55
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Keyboard
Use this field to assign one of the following keyboard modes.
• PC1: PC mode 1. Appropriate for most IBM compatible PCs that do not use
mode 2; in particular, several PS/2 models.
• PC2: PC mode 2. Appropriate for the vast majority of IBM compatible PCs.
• PC3: PC mode 3. Appropriate for most UNIX workstations and servers,
including IBM RS/6000, SGI, HP 700 or 9000 series, DEC Alpha®, etc.
• SUN: Sun mode (available with multiplatform Matrix ServSwitches only).
Appropriate for Sun computers. (If you choose this keyboard mode, you also
force the Sun mouse type.)
Most PCs are PC2, so you probably don’t need to change the setting. Some IBM
PCs can be either PC1 or PC2; for these PCs, there are two ways to find out the
correct mode:
• If the computer you’re configuring is currently ON: If you can’t get proper keyboard
communication with the computer using the current setting, try the other.
• If the computer you’re configuring is currently OFF: Boot the computer and type in a
few keystrokes; the correct mode will be autodetected, and if you still have the
“Configure Computer” page displayed, the correct setting will automatically
appear in this field.
Mouse
Use this field to assign one of the following PC mouse types (with multiplatform
Matrix ServSwitches, the Sun mouse is forced when you select the Sun keyboard
and is not available when you choose a PC keyboard mode):
• PS/2
• PS/2 wheel
• Serial, two-button
• Serial, three-button
A PS/2 mouse has a 6-pin mini-DIN connector with either 2 or 3 buttons. A PS/2
wheel mouse incorporates a small wheel to perform special functions. Choosing a
PS/2 mouse resets the computer’s PS/2 mouse port and enables data to be sent
from it. Factory default is regular PS/2 mouse.
Unlike PS/2 mice, which require dedicated motherboard interfaces, serial mice
have DB9 or DB25 female connectors and attach to a computer’s COM port. If you
have a serial mouse, select the serial mouse type that reflects the number of
buttons on your mouse.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.4 Configuring User Stations
Using the “Configure KVM” page, you can assign names to your keyboard/video/
mouse user stations, choose stations’ default resolutions and refresh rates, choose
startup computers, and enable or disable login procedures. If a login is not
required, you can also assign “user profiles” to given stations (see Section 4.6).
Configure KVM
ID Bus
1
1
2
2
KVM Name
Resolution
KVM Station
Station 11 640x480@60
KVM
KVM Station 2 640x480@60
Start
0
0
Profile
User 1
User 2
Name of keyboard-video-mouse station (KVM), up to 16 characters
Figure 4-5. The “Configure KVM” page.
Here are the station-configuration parameters:
ID
The “ID” field contains the unique “communication ID” number assigned to the
user station in the Matrix ServSwitch system. This value isn’t changeable through
this menu; the Switch system will automatically calculate it based on the chassis’
starting computer number and the number of that station’s user port. The system
recalculates this number when the chassis’ starting computer number is changed.
Bus
The “Bus” field contains the station’s “video bus” number KVM n (the video path
that the station is assigned to). This number can’t be changed. It will always be
either “1” or “2” (KVM 1 or 2) depending on which KVM port the station is
attached to.
57
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
KVM Name
Use this field to assign a name up to 16 characters long to either user (KVM)
station on the Matrix ServSwitch. Factory defaults are “KVM Station 1” and “KVM
Station 2” (with spaces embedded between the word “Station” and the number).
Resolution
Use this field to select the resolution and refresh rate of the on-screen menu when
no computer video is shown. Factory default is 640x480 pixels at 60 Hz. Other
available options are 640x480 at 67, 72, or 75 Hz. With multiplatform Matrix
ServSwitches, you can also choose 832x634 at 75 Hz or 1152x900 at 66 or 76 Hz.
Start
Use this field to assign a default computer that will be selected by the station at
startup or login. If you set this field to zero (which is the factory default for all
stations), no default connection will be made; the display will be blank until the
user manually selects a computer.
Do not assign the same computer, or more than one computer attached to the
same port board (row of ports) in the chassis, to be the startup computer for
different stations. For example, if you make CPU 1 the startup computer for one
station, don’t make CPU 1, 2, 3, or 4 the startup computer for the other station. If
you do, it might cause contention-related errors at startup.
Profile
When you place the cursor on this field, a separate menu appears that displays a
list of usernames (like those in Figure 4-6 on the next page) followed by the word
“Login” at the bottom.
If you select “Login,” users at this station will have to log in in order to access
attached computers.
If you select one of the usernames, logins will be disabled and anyone will be
able to access the system from this station; the username’s user profile (see
Section 4.6) will determine the type of computer access that users at this station
will have. The factory-default username for each station is the name appearing in
the same-numbered row in the “Configure User” page (see Section 4.5); that is,
station 1 is assigned the username in the first row in the “Configure User” page
(“User 1” initially) and station 2 is assigned the username in the second row in the
“Configure User” page (“User 2” initially). If you go into the “Configure User”
page and change any username assigned to a station—whether it’s one of the
defaults that’s still in effect, or a different name you’ve manually assigned that’s
listed in some other row—the username appearing in this User field will be
automatically updated, but only after you save the configuration and exit and reenter the configuration menu.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.5 Configuring User Definitions
You can use the “Configure User” page to assign a username, password, and profile
for each user.
Configure user
User name
User 1
User 2
User 3
User 4
User 5
User 6
User 7
User 8
User 9
User10
User11
User12
User13
User14
User15
User16
Password
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
********
Profile
Profil 1
Profil 2
Profil 3
Profil 4
Profil 5
Profil 6
Profil 7
Profil 8
Profil 9
Profil10
Profil11
Profil12
Profil13
Profil14
Profil15
Profil16
User login name, up to 8 characters
Figure 4-6. The “Configure User” page.
Here are the user-configuration parameters:
User name
Use this field to define a name for each user that will be associated with that user’s
access rights and characteristics. At any user station that has logins enabled (see
Section 4.3), users must enter their usernames and passwords to log into the
Matrix ServSwitch system. Usernames may be up to 8 characters long. Duplicate
names may be used; however, all persons with the same username will have the
same access rights. Factory defaults are “User 1” through “User16”.
Password
Use this field to assign a password to each user. At any user station that has logins
enabled (see Section 4.3), users must enter their usernames and passwords to log
into the Matrix ServSwitch system. Passwords can be up to 8 characters long and
are case-sensitive. Passwords are not shown when you type them in the password
field. Factory default is no password.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Profile
Use this field to assign users to “user profiles,” which are definitions of how users
can access the Matrix ServSwitch system. Profiles are configured on the Configure
Profile page (see Section 4.6).
The factory-default profile for each user is the profile appearing in the samenumbered row in the “Configure Profile” page (see Section 4.6); that is, the first
user is assigned the profile in the first row in the “Configure Profile” page
(“Profil 1” initially), the second user is assigned the profile in the second row in the
“Configure Profile” page (“Profil 2” initially), and so on. If you go into the
“Configure Profile” page and change the name of any profile assigned to a user—
whether it’s one of the defaults that’s still in effect, or a different profile you’ve
manually assigned that’s listed in some other row—the profile name appearing in
this Profile field will be automatically updated, but only after you save the
configuration and exit and re-enter the configuration menu.
4.6 Configuring User Profiles
You can use the “Configure Profile” page to assign security procedures, access
levels, and CPU-connection type to users.
Configure profile
Name
Profil 1
Profil 2
Profil 3
Profil 4
Profil 5
Profil 6
Profil 7
Profil 8
Profil 9
Profil10
Profil11
Profil12
Profil13
Profil14
Profil15
Profil16
Access
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group 1
Group10
Group10
Group10
Group10
Group10
Group10
Group10
Connect Share Scan Logout
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Share
2
5
240
Profile name, up to 8 characters
Figure 4-7. The “Configure Profile” page.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
Here are the profile-configuration parameters:
Name
Use this field to assign a name up to 8 characters long to each user profile. This
can be, for example, a descriptive term such as “Staff” or the name of a person or
an area of business. Factory-default names are “Profil 1” through “Profil16”.
Access
Use this field to assign each user profile to a group. Users whose profile is in a
certain group can access only those computers that also belong to that group.
The factory-default group for each profile is the group appearing in the samenumbered row in the “Configure Group” page (see Section 4.7); that is, the first
profile is assigned the group in the first row in the “Configure Group” page
(“Profil 1” initially), the second profile is assigned the group in the second row in
the “Configure Group” page (“Profil 2” initially), and so on. If you go into the
“Configure Group” page and change the name of any group assigned to a
profile—whether it’s one of the defaults that’s still in effect, or a different group
you’ve manually assigned that’s listed in some other row—the group name
appearing in this Access field will be automatically updated, but only after you save
the configuration and exit and re-enter the configuration menu.
Connect
Use this field to select the “connection mode” in which users with a given user
profile will communicate with selected CPUs (see Section 5.4 for more
information):
• View - If a profile is set to this mode, users with that profile can’t take keyboard
or mouse control of any computers. (They can still see computers’ video.)
• Share - The factory-default setting. If a profile is set to this mode, users with
that profile can take keyboard and mouse control of computers on a first
come, first served basis. Computer availability is based on the Share-mode
timeout (see the Share heading on the next page).
• Control - If a profile is set to this mode, users with that profile can take exclusive
keyboard and mouse control of computers. While someone is accessing a
computer in this mode, users at the other station can’t take control of that
computer, but they can still view its video.
• Private - If a profile is set to this mode, users with that profile can take exclusive
keyboard and mouse control, and have exclusive view, of a computer. While
someone is accessing a computer in this mode, users at the other station have
no keyboard, mouse, or video access to that computer at all.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Share
Use this field to set the “Share-mode timeout,” in seconds, for each user profile. If
the connection mode for a given profile is “Share” (see the Connect heading
above), this timeout determines how long users with that profile have to leave their
keyboard and mice idle before another user can take keyboard and mouse control
of the computer they were using. Factory default is 2 seconds; available settings are
0 seconds (instant timeout) to 9999 seconds (roughly two and three-quarter
hours). This setting is irrelevant if the profile is set to connect in a mode other
than Share.
Scan
Use this field to set the scan rate in seconds for each profile. When a user is
scanning the CPUs (see Section 6.15), the scan rate is the length of time that the
Matrix ServSwitch shows each computer’s video on the user’s screen before
changing to the next computer in sequence. Be careful: It is possible to set the
scan rate low enough that a slower-synchronizing monitor may not display any
video at all. If this occurs (typically at settings below 4 seconds), raise the scan rate
accordingly. Factory default is 5 seconds; available settings are 0 seconds (no scan
delay at all, not recommended) to 9999 seconds (roughly two and three-quarter
hours).
Logout
Use this field to set the automatic logout timeout for each profile. When logins are
enabled (see Section 4.4), this setting determines how long a user with this profile
can leave their keyboard and mouse inactive before being logged out of the system.
(Users at user stations where logins are disabled can remain connected to their
selected computers indefinitely, regardless of this setting.) Factory default is
240 minutes (4 hours) of inactivity; available settings are 1 minute to 9999 minutes
(roughly a week). You can also set this timeout to zero, which will disable
automatic logouts; if logins are enabled but automatic logouts are not, users
remain logged in until they manually log out with the [Ctrl]-L command—see
Section 6.9.
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.7 Configuring Groups
You can use the “Configure Group” page to assign computers to specific groups.
Users that belong to a certain group can access computers that belong to the same
group.
Configure Group
Computer
1♦Computer
2 Computer
3 Computer
4 Computer
5 Computer
6 Computer
7 Computer
8 Computer
9 Computer
10 Computer
11 Computer
12 Computer
13 Computer
14 Computer
15 Computer
16 Computer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Group
+ ++ +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
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+ means computer belongs to group PAGE UP/DOWN-more computers
SPACE BAR-adds/removes computer from group ENTER-renames group
Figure 4-8. The “Configure Group” page.
Here are the group-configuration parameters:
Computer
Displays the names of the attached computers (as defined on the “Configure
Computer” page—see Section 4.3). This field may not be changed.
Group n (where n = 1 through 16)
Use these fields to assign computers to various groups; only users that belong to a
group in which the computer is also a member may access that computer. (This
allows you to specify which users are allowed to access which computers.) To add a
computer to a group or remove a computer from a group, use the arrow keys to
move the highlight to the field where the computer’s row and the group’s column
intersect. A “+” (plus sign) in this field indicates that the computer is a member of
the group. A blank space in this field indicates the computer is not a member of
the group. Press the space bar to toggle between the two states. Factory defaults are
memberships in all groups for all computers.
63
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Group Name
Group names are displayed above the group-membership indicators (plus signs).
To change a group’s name, use arrow keys to move the highlight to the group’s
column and press [Enter]. A box will appear beside the page; type a new name in
this box and press [Enter] again. The new name will be displayed on this page and
(after you save the configuration) on any other page where the group name
appears. Factory-default names are “Group 1” through “Group16.”
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CHAPTER 4: Full Configuration
4.8 The Status Page
This page displays status information for each port board (set of four CPU ports)
in the Matrix ServSwitch system. This information is an invaluable tool when
expansion or reconfiguration is necessary.
Status
Computers Power Slot Ver KVM
1-4
1 16H PC
5-8
2 16H PC
9-12
3 16H PC
12-16
4 16H PC
17-20
21-24
25-28
29-32
33-36
37-40
41-44
45-48
49-52
53-56
57-60
61-64
CPU
14
5
14
1
User
Bob
David
Sharon
Bob
Status
View mode
Share mode
View mode
Share mode
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
No response
Name of keyboard-video-mouse station (KVM), up to 16 characters
Figure 4-9. The Status page.
These are the status-information fields:
Computers
Indicates the numbers of the CPU ports on each port board.
Power
Green squares indicate that the corresponding CPUs attached to the port board
are powered up. The CPUs are shown from left to right, in the order of their CPU
ports (from lowest-numbered to highest-numbered).
Slot
Displays the unit-level numbers of the port boards, listed in the order of their slots
in the Switch’s backplane, from 1 (the bottom board) through 4 (the top board).
65
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Ver
Displays last three characters of the version ID of the main program in the board’s
firmware.
The last four fields apply only if (a) the port board is one of the bottom two on a
Switch and thus includes a KVM port, and (b) there is a user (KVM) station
attached to that KVM port:
KVM
This field indicates the type of mouse and keyboard detected for that station.
CPU
This field displays the number of the CPU (if any) currently selected by that
station.
User
This field displays the name of the user that’s accessing the system from that
station.
Status
This field displays the last line (the connection mode or the failure or disconnect
reason) of the most recent connection-status message (see Section 5.2) received at
that station.
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CHAPTER 5: On-Screen Functions, Same-Port Users, and Connection Modes
5. On-Screen Functions, Same-Port
Users, and Connection Modes
This chapter discusses various operating functions of the Matrix ServSwitch that
involve the on-screen display. It also discusses the restrictions involved when there
are more than two users in the system (so that more than one user occupies the
same slot number), as well as the four “connection modes” that determine the level
of control users have over CPUs they select.
5.1 Logging In
The Matrix ServSwitch system can be configured to require users at any user
(KVM) station to type in a username and password in order to log into the system.
If you’ve set the system to do this, the login box shown in Figure 5-1 appears
whenever a Switch is powered on, a user logs off, or when the automatic-logout
(keyboard/mouse inactivity) timeout expires (see Section 4.6).
Login Control Room 2
User ID
Password
Figure 5-1. The login box.
To log in, users must type in their user ID (username) and press [Enter]. If no
user ID has been defined for a given user (see Section 4.4), any user ID they enter
is simply deleted and ignored. If the user ID is correct, they must then type in their
password and press [Enter]. A user may log in with the same user ID at more than
one KVM station.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
5.2 Connection-Status Messages
A connection-status message provides information about a connection between a
KVM station and a selected computer. There are three types of these messages:
• “Connection successful” message
• “Connection failed” message
• Disconnect-status message
The user-station (KVM) name, computer name, and username are displayed in
each type of message.
5.2.1 “CONNECTION SUCCESSFUL”
A “connection successful” message provides, in addition to the KVM name,
computer name, and username, the mode of the connection: View, Share, Control,
or Private (see Sections 4.6 and 5.4).
Status MIS Console
Connection successful
to NT Server
on Admin
share mode
Figure 5-2. “Connection successful” message.
5.2.2 “CONNECTION FAILED”
When a connection to a selected computer fails, one of the reasons listed in
Table 5-1 (on the next page) is included in the connection-status message.
Status Control Room 5
Connection failed
to Mail Server
on Richard
Not in access group
Figure 5-3. “Connection failed” message.
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CHAPTER 5: On-Screen Functions, Same-Port Users, and Connection Modes
Table 5-1. Reasons for connection failure.
Reason
Description
Possible Remedies
Can’t find
computer
Unable to communicate
with the Switch that the
computer you’re trying to
select is attached to.
Change invalid starting-computer
number, fix incorrect expansioncable placement, or power up
other Switch.
Computer is
private
Another user is connected
to that computer in private
mode.
Wait for the private user to
disconnect and retry the
connection request.
No response
Communications error
Cycle power to the Switch that
during connection attempt. the computer you’re trying to
select is attached to.
Not in access
group
The computer you’re trying Connect to another computer,
assign your user profile to a
to select does not belong
different group, or add the
to your profile’s group.
computer you’re trying to select
to your profile’s group.
Out of range
You entered a computer
number greater than the
“maximum computer”
parameter.
Connect to a computer with a
lower number than the maximum
or reconfigure the system with a
higher maximum.
Queue is full
Two user stations (the
maximum) are already
connected to the CPU.
Wait until a user disconnects
from that CPU.
Unknown
computer
Request a valid computer (one
You entered a computer
number greater than 1024. with a number less than 1024).
Unknown
reason
Internal error occurred
during connection or
disconnection.
Cycle power to all involved
Switches. (This error message
should never appear. If you see
it—even if the problem goes
away—please call Tech Support
and report it.)
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
5.2.3 DISCONNECT STATUS
You may be disconnected from a selected computer in the middle of an activity,
depending on how your system is configured. For instance, when a private-mode
user connects to a computer, another user connected to the same computer
receives a disconnect-status message labeled “Private mode cancel.” Table 5-2 (on
the next page) lists the reasons for disconnection that can appear in these
messages.
Status App Station 1
Disconnected
from Payroll
on Sharon
Timed out
Figure 5-4. Disconnect-status message.
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CHAPTER 5: On-Screen Functions, Same-Port Users, and Connection Modes
Table 5-2. Reasons for disconnection.
Reason
Description
Possible Remedies
User request
Response to a logout
([Ctrl][L]) or disconnect
([Ctrl][Q]) command.
(This is normal.)
No response
Communications error
during disconnection.
Cycle power to the Switch that
the computer to which you were
connected is attached to.
Private mode
cancel
A private-mode user has
Wait for the private user to
connected to the computer disconnect and retry the
you had selected.
connection request.
Timed out
Keyboard and mouse have Use a keyboard command to
reselect the computer.
not been used for the
duration of the logout
timeout.
Video path
cancel
Wait for the other user to finish
Another user station
what they’re doing or select the
attached to the same
KVM-port number as yours computer in private mode.
is using your video path,
forcing the Switch to
disconnect in order to
avoid carrying multiple
video signals on the same
path.
Unknown
computer
Internal error occurred
during disconnection.
Cycle power to all involved
Switches.
Unknown
reason
Internal error occurred
during disconnection.
Cycle power to all involved
Switches.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
5.3 User Stations Attached to Same-Numbered Ports
When there are no more than two users in a Matrix ServSwitch system, both of
these users have completely independent global access: that is, each of them can reach
any computer in the system, and their actions have no effect on each other, unless
one tries to select the same CPU that the other is using (see Section 5.4). This is
true as long as the user stations are attached to different-numbered KVM ports:
One user must be on KVM 1 and the other must be on KVM 2, even if the user
stations are attached to different Switches.
In a daisychained Matrix ServSwitch system with multiple Switches, it is possible
to attach additional user stations to the system, so that three or more users can
share access to the Switches. This can obviously be very useful when more than just
two people need to access your CPUs, or if your CPUs need to be accessible from
more than one or two locations. What you must keep in mind when you do this,
however, is that all of the users on KVM ports with the same number (all of those
on KVM 1 and all of those on KVM 2) have to use the same keyboard/video/
mouse bus that’s carried from Switch to Switch over the Expansion Cables that
connect them.
What this means is that as long as users on same-numbered KVM ports remain
local users—that is, as long as they only select CPUs that are directly attached to
their local Switch—they can continue to operate independently of one another.
But when any of these users makes a global connection to a CPU on some other
Switch in the system, they must make exclusive use of the Switch system’s KVM bus
for their port (KVM 1 or KVM 2); all other user stations on the same KVM port
receive a “video path cancel” message and are disconnected from any CPU they
currently have selected. None of these users can select any CPUs until the global
user relinquishes control of the CPU he or she just selected.
This being the case, we recommend that in any Matrix ServSwitch system with
three or more users, you reserve one KVM port or the other (KVM 1 or KVM 2) for
a single global user: Connect one and only one user to the ports with this number,
and he or she will always be able to access any computer in your system. Let the
other port number be for multiple local users who will normally work with the
computers attached to their own Switch only, not making global connections to
computers on other Switches unless it’s absolutely necessary.
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CHAPTER 5: On-Screen Functions, Same-Port Users, and Connection Modes
If your application requires that more than two users be able to independently
access any computer in the system at all times, there are a couple of solutions you
might want to investigate, although each of them involves an additional investment
in hardware:
1. You can purchase one or more ServSwitch Affinity units. These are extremely
similar to the Matrix ServSwitches, but they support as many as sixteen fully
independent global users. (Matrix ServSwitches can even be added to a
daisychained Affinity system, although only two of the Affinity-system users
would be able to reach the CPUs attached to the Matrix Switch at any given
time.) In most cases, this option will be vastly easier and more cost-effective.
2. You can purchase a set of ServShare switches. These switches are designed to
allow multiple users to share a single computer, so if you attach one of these
to each computer in your system as shown in Figure 5-5, users can contend for
access to the computers through the ServShares instead of across the bus.
While it is true that this kind of installation can be used to create large
switching matrices with many users, there are several things to keep in mind
about it: Administering and maintaining such a hardware configuration can
be very challenging. We strongly recommend using one or more ServSwitch
Affinity units instead. Before installing an advanced configuration like this,
please call Black Box and discuss your application with a technician.
User
stations
Matrix
ServSwitch 1
Matrix
ServSwitch 2
Optional*
Matrix
ServSwitch 3
Optional*
4-Port
ServShares
CPUs
Figure 5-5. A 6-user-by-8-computer Matrix ServSwitch/ServShare system.
*Linked Switches can all be configured from the same station, but port numbering and selection are not as simple.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
5.4 Connection Modes
The Matrix ServSwitch has four “connection modes” that can be assigned to user
profiles in order to give users with varying security clearances the corresponding
level of access to the computers in the system. These connection modes, discussed
in the following four subsections, are:
• View mode
• Share mode
• Control mode
• Private mode
Be aware that there can never be more than two users connected to the same CPU
at the same time, no matter what connection mode any of the users are in.
5.4.1 VIEW MODE
A user connected to a computer in view mode sees that computer’s video, but has
no keyboard and mouse access. This mode allows a non-interactive broadcast of a
computer’s display to multiple monitors.
5.4.2 SHARE MODE
A user connected to a computer in share mode can not only see a computer’s
video, but also has keyboard and mouse access. Multiple share-mode users may use
different keyboards and mice to access the same computer; however, only one user
has keyboard and mouse control at any given time. When a user’s keyboard or
mouse hasn’t been active for the duration of the share-mode timeout (see
Section 4.6), another user may assume keyboard and mouse control of the shared
computer.
5.4.3 CONTROL MODE
A user connected to a computer in control mode takes complete control of a
computer. Another user connected to the same computer (either before or after
the control-mode user connects) may view the control user’s screen, but can’t take
keyboard and mouse control of that computer until the control-mode user
disconnects.
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CHAPTER 5: On-Screen Functions, Same-Port Users, and Connection Modes
5.4.4 PRIVATE MODE
A private-mode user connects to a computer knowing that, while they are
connected to that computer, no other user may access that computer in any way,
even to view the computer’s screen. Non-private users already connected to a
computer are immediately disconnected when a private user connects. Attempts to
connect any user, including another private-mode user, will fail until the privatemode user with the existing connection disconnects.
5.4.5 CONNECTION-MODE BEHAVIOR
Connection modes determine the behavior of more than one user station
connecting to the same computer, as shown in Table 5-3.
Table 5-3. Connection dynamics between users.
Connection
Mode of
Current User
Connection Mode of
Requesting User
VIEW
SHARE
CONTROL
PRIVATE
VIEW
View only
OK
OK
Disconnects
all others
SHARE
View only
Requester:
View only
until
current user
times out
Sharemode users:
View only
until
requester
disconnects
Disconnects
all others
CONTROL
View only
Requester:
View only
until
control user
disconnects
Requester:
View only
until
control user
disconnects
Disconnects
all others
Not allowed
Not allowed
Not allowed
Not allowed
PRIVATE
As mentioned earlier, no matter what the connection modes of the users are, two is
the maximum number of users that can access the same computer at the same
time.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
6. Keyboard Commands
This chapter covers the keyboard commands that can be sent to the Matrix ServSwitch:
Section 6.1 explains how to enter commands and lists all of the available
commands. Sections 6.2 through 6.17 describe the commands more fully.
6.1 Command Summary
To enter any command at the shared keyboard, first press and release the left
Control Key, represented by “[Ctrl].” (This cues the Matrix ServSwitch to look for
commands from that keyboard.) Then press the command-character key(s). (Letter
commands are not case-sensitive; they are all shown in uppercase for clarity only.
Do not use the [Shift], [Caps Lock], or [Alt] keys while you type in commands.)
Important: Use the keypad plus and minus keys ([+] and [–]) for the [Ctrl][+]
“switch to next port” and the [Ctrl][–] “switch to previous port” commands (see
Sections 6.5 and 6.6). For other commands composed of numbers or math
symbols, however, don’t use the keypad keys; use only the number and symbol keys
at the top of your alphanumeric keyboard instead.
All of the Switch commands have a two-second timeout between characters. This
means that if you begin entering a command, but you stop for more than two
seconds at any time before you type the final character, the command is aborted
and the Matrix ServSwitch returns to normal operation. This keeps the Switch
from getting stuck waiting for you to finish the command.
The [Ctrl] character is always passed through to the CPU. The command
characters, however, are absorbed by the Switch and are not sent to the CPU.
Table 6-1. The Matrix ServSwitch’s keyboard commands.
Command
Keystroke Sequence
Description
Display Menu
[Ctrl] [F12]
Causes the configuration menu to be displayed.
Display CPUs
[Ctrl] [Esc]
Causes a list of CPU ports to be displayed.
Select
Computer
[Ctrl] xxxx [Enter]
(xxxx = a CPU number
from 1 to 1024)
Connects your user (KVM) station to the
computer with the CPU number you specify.
Switch to the
Next Port
[Ctrl] [+]
Switches to the next CPU port in sequence in
your group.
Switch to the
Previous Port
[Ctrl] [–]
Switches to the previous CPU port in sequence in
your group.
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CHAPTER 6: Keyboard Commands
Table 6-1 (continued). The Matrix ServSwitch’s keyboard commands.
Command
Keystroke Sequence
Description
Switch to the
Prior Port
[Ctrl] [←] or
[Ctrl] [Backspace]
Switches back to the CPU port you were
connected to before you selected the current one.
Toggle Station- [Ctrl] D
Status Display
Causes the most recent status message about
your user station to be redisplayed, or removes
the message if it’s currently on screen.
Log Out
[Ctrl] L
Logs user out if their user station has logins enabled.
Disconnect
[Ctrl] Q
Disconnects user from (that is, deselects)
currently selected computer.
Reset
Keyboard and
Mouse
[Ctrl] R
Resets and enables the keyboard and mouse;
also enables the PS/2 mouse port of the currently
selected computer, if it has one. Issue this
command to correct your keyboard or mouse if
one of them malfunctions or gets stuck.
Reset Mouse
(Windows NT
and UNIX)
[Ctrl] O
Resets the PS/2 mouse port of the currently
selected computer running Windows NT or UNIX.
Also switches the NT mouse driver from “nonwheel” mode to “wheel” mode.
Send Null Byte [Ctrl] N
Causes the Switch to send a null byte to the
CPU’s PS/2 mouse port. Issue this command to
correct the current CPU if it gets “out of sync” with
the PS/2 mouse.
Identify
Firmware
Revision
[Ctrl] I
Causes the Switch to report the version of ROM it
is using. Issue this command if you are asked to
do so by a technical-support person.
Start Scan
[Ctrl] S
Turns Scan mode ON, causing the Switch to start
scanning sequentially from the current CPU port
through the remaining ports in your group and
then begin again at the lowest-numbered port.
End Scan
[Ctrl] X
Turns Scan mode OFF; the user station is given
access—as much as the user’s profile allows—to
the CPU port being scanned at the time the
command is entered.
Note: Scan can also be stopped by entering a
Select Computer command.
Pass Through
Command
[Ctrl] X or
[Ctrl] [Tab]
Bypasses the Matrix ServSwitch, passing the
command through to an attached KVM switch.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
6.2 Display Configuration Menu: [Ctrl] [F12]
This command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release function key
[F12]) causes the Matrix ServSwitch to display its main configuration menu on
screen. For more information about this menu and all of the configuration
functions accessible through it, see Chapter 4.
6.3 Display CPU List: [Ctrl] [Esc]
This command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the escape key
[Esc]) causes the Matrix ServSwitch to display, as shown below, a list of all CPU
ports attached to the system—at least all of the ones whose CPU numbers are less
than the system’s current “Maximum computer” setting (see Section 4.2.1). (In
order to fill the display, even CPU ports with numbers higher than the maximum
computer will sometimes be displayed.) A diamond will appear next to the number
of the computer you currently have selected. To select a different computer,
highlight its name and press [Enter]. Press the [PageUp] and [PageDn] keys to
scroll through the list. If you want to remove this list from the screen without
selecting a computer, press [Esc].
If you select a computer from the list, and the selection goes through, you will
see a “Connection successful” message (see Section 5.2.1), and you will have as
much access to that computer as your user profile’s connection-mode setting
allows (see Sections 4.6 and 5.4). If your selection fails, you will see a “Connection
failed” message stating the reason why (see Section 5.2.2).
Computer select menu
Mail Server
Server
1 Mail
2 NT Server 1
3 NT Server 2
4♦NT Server 3
5 Inventory
6 Inventory 2
7 Sales domain
8 Computer
8
9 Computer
9
10 Computer
10
11 Computer
11
12 Computer
12
13 Computer
13
14 Computer
14
15 Computer
15
16 Computer
16
Figure 6-1. The CPU list.
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CHAPTER 6: Keyboard Commands
6.4 Select Computer: [Ctrl] xxxx [Enter]
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release
each of the numeric digits of the port number, then press and release [Enter]) as a
shortcut for directly selecting computers instead of doing so through the CPU list.
In this command, xxxx stands for the number of the CPU port that the computer is
attached to, up to a maximum of 1024. So, for example, if you wanted to select the
“3Flr Bkup Server”, CPU #27, you would press and release the left [Ctrl] key, then
press and release [2], then press and release [7], and finally press and release [Enter].
If your computer selection goes through, you will see a “Connection successful”
message (see Section 5.2.1), and you will have as much access to that computer as
your user profile’s connection-mode setting allows (see Sections 4.6 and 5.4). If
your selection fails, you will see a “Connection failed” message stating the reason
why (see Section 5.2.2).
6.5 Switch to the Next Port in Sequence: [Ctrl] [+]
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the
keypad plus [+] key at the right-hand end of your keyboard) to disconnect from
your currently selected computer and connect to the next-higher-numbered CPU
port that belongs to your user profile’s group. If the currently selected computer is
the highest-numbered computer in the group, the lowest-numbered computer in
the group is selected. If the currently selected computer is the only computer in
the group, this command has no effect other than briefly blanking the screen.
6.6 Switch to the Previous Port in Sequence: [Ctrl] [–]
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the
keypad minus [–] key at the right-hand end of your keyboard) to disconnect from
your currently selected computer and connect to the next-lower-numbered CPU
port that belongs to your user profile’s group. If the currently selected computer is
the lowest-numbered computer in the group, the highest-numbered computer in
the group is selected. If the currently selected computer is the only computer in
the group, this command has no effect other than briefly blanking the screen.
6.7 Switch to the Prior Port: [Ctrl] [←] or [Ctrl] [Backspace]
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the
[←] key or—depending on how your keyboard is labeled—the [Backspace] key) to
disconnect from your currently selected computer and reconnect to the computer
you were formerly connected to. This command is useful for toggling back and
forth between two computers. (If your currently selected computer is the only one
you’ve been connected to since logging in, this command has no effect.)
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
6.8 Display User-Station Status: [Ctrl] D
This command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the letter [D]
key) causes the Matrix ServSwitch to display the most recent connection-status or
disconnection-status message (see Section 5.2) sent to your user station. (If such a
status message is currently on the screen, entering this command causes the
message to disappear.)
6.9 Log Out: [Ctrl] L
If your user station has logins enabled (see Section 4.4), you can log out of a
Matrix ServSwitch session with this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then
press and release the letter [L] key). A login box (see Section 5.1) will then appear.
6.10 Disconnect: [Ctrl] Q
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the
letter [Q] key) to deselect (disconnect from) your currently selected computer,
allowing other users a chance to access that computer. You will receive a
disconnect message saying “User request” (see Section 5.2.3), and your video will
go blank until you select another computer.
6.11 Reset: [Ctrl] R
This command can come in handy when certain problems arise. You can use it to
reboot your keyboard and mouse without your having to power down the Matrix
ServSwitch, as well as to re-enable PS/2 mouse communication if the currently
selected CPU has previously disabled it. (With current PCs and operating systems,
this command shouldn’t be necessary, but older CPUs running DOS or Windows
might need it from time to time. Also, if the problem is strictly mouse-related and
is occurring with one or more computers running Windows NT or UNIX, use the
[Ctrl] O command instead—see Section 6.12.)
Issue this command if (a) your shared keyboard gets stuck or begins behaving
oddly, (b) you need to send mouse data to the CPU, but it hasn’t enabled the
mouse (this can happen if you boot up the CPU while the Matrix ServSwitch is off
or disconnected), or (c) while using a PS/2 type mouse, you unplug it, plug it back
in, then have problems. To issue the Reset command, press and release left [Ctrl],
then press and release the letter [R] key.
If you’re using a PS/2 type mouse with a DOS or Windows 3.x CPU, don’t issue
this command if the CPU doesn’t have a mouse driver loaded—many such CPUs
will crash if you send them unexpected mouse data. (CPUs running UNIX or more
recent versions of Windows don’t have this problem.) If your selected CPU is like
this, and you have chronic problems when you try to run applications that don’t
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use the mouse but don’t disable the mouse either, take these precautions:
• If you never actually use the mouse with the CPU (as would probably be the
case if, for example, the CPU were a Novell® NetWare® file server), either don’t
plug the mouse strand of the CPU Cable into the CPU’s mouse port, or don’t
load a mouse driver at all. If you do use the mouse, are running Windows 3.x,
and sometimes exit to DOS, make sure you load a DOS mouse driver before
running Windows.
• If you’ve loaded a DOS mouse driver and are going to use an application such
as NetWare that disables the PS/2 mouse, first REM out any statements in your
startup files (AUTOEXEC.BAT, etc.) that load the mouse driver, then reboot
the computer to remove the mouse driver from memory. (Having the mouse
driver unload itself doesn’t do the job.)
6.12 Reset/Enable Mouse in Windows NT and UNIX: [Ctrl] O
This is the best command for recovering a non-working mouse if the selected CPU
is running Windows NT or any variant of UNIX. When you press and release left
[Ctrl], then press and release the letter [O] key, the Matrix ServSwitch sends “reset
codes” to the PS/2 mouse port of the currently selected CPU. This will cause the
CPU to reinitialize its Windows NT or UNIX mouse driver, which will reset or reenable the mouse.
If the selected CPU has gotten into a state in which it doesn’t recognize the
“wheel” on a Microsoft IntelliMouse or other supported wheel-type PS/2 mouse,
you can also use this command to force the CPU’s mouse driver from non-wheel to
wheel mode.
6.13 Send Null Byte to PS/2 Type Mouse: [Ctrl] N
PS/2 type mice send control data to CPUs in three- or four-byte increments.
Sometimes, because of electronic transients, unusual power-up effects, or plugging
and unplugging of cables from live equipment, the currently selected CPU in a
Matrix ServSwitch system can lose one or two bytes of this control information and
get “out of sync” with the shared mouse. In this situation, the mouse might seem to
refuse to move the pointer or cursor, open windows for no reason, or exhibit other
strange behavior. To get the CPU back in sync, send this command (press and
release left [Ctrl], then press and release the letter [N] key) to tell the Switch to
send a “null byte” to the CPU’s PS/2 mouse port. This has no other effect than
getting the CPU “caught up.”
If the mouse still isn’t right after you issue this command, the CPU must have
been two or three bytes out of sync. Issuing the command up to two more times
should do the trick.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
The CPU will be thrown out of sync if it uses a PS/2 mouse and it’s in sync when
you issue this command. Issue this command up to three more times to get it back
in sync again. This command has no effect on serial mice, or on CPUs that are not
attached to your Matrix ServSwitch system through a PS/2 mouse port.
If you have version 9.01 or higher of the Microsoft mouse driver, the CPU should
never get out of sync. Contact Microsoft if you would like to upgrade your
Microsoft mouse driver.
6.14 Identify Firmware Revision: [Ctrl] I
Unfortunately, as with all complex equipment, problems might arise with your
Matrix ServSwitch that require the assistance of technical-support personnel. One
of the things technicians might want to know when they attempt to diagnose and
correct your problem is the revision level of your Switch’s main-program firmware.
This command causes the Switch to send the four-character “MXxx” or (in older
Switches) five-character “MXPxx” main-program level to the currently selected
CPU as ASCII keyboard data; these characters will be echoed back to the shared
monitor if you are at some type of prompt. (You must be at some kind of prompt or
screen capable of displaying typed-in keyboard characters, or you will not see the
Switch’s response.) To issue this command, press and release left [Ctrl], then press
and release the letter [I] key.
6.15 Start Scan: [Ctrl] S
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the
letter [S] key) to start scanning through the video being displayed by all of the
computers in your group, one computer at a time. You can set the length of time
that the Matrix ServSwitch pauses at each computer independently for each user
profile (see Section 4.6). Any keystrokes and mouse input you enter during a scan
are directed to the computer you are currently viewing, if no one else is using it
and if you have higher than “view mode” rights to that computer (see Sections 4.6
and 5.4). However, be aware that this data input does not reset the scan-rate timer,
so when the pause time expires you will be switched to the next computer, even if
you’re not finished typing. For this reason, we recommend that you stop the scan
temporarily if you need to input data to a certain computer.
NOTE
If two other people are already connected to a computer in your group
when you start your scan, you will see a “Connection failed” message
saying “Queue is full” every time the Matrix ServSwitch attempts to
scan that computer’s port. This behavior is normal.
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CHAPTER 6: Keyboard Commands
6.16 End Scan: [Ctrl] X
You can use this command (press and release left [Ctrl], then press and release the
letter [X] key) to stop a scan in progress. You will be connected to the computer
whose video you were viewing when the scan ended; you will have the level of
access to that computer that your user profile’s connection mode allows (see
Sections 4.6 and 5.4). Alternatively, you can end a scan by entering a Select
Computer command (see Section 6.4).
You can also use [Ctrl] X to pass a keyboard command through to an attached
ServSwitch family KVM switch. See Section 6.17.
6.17 Pass This Command Through: [Ctrl] X or [Ctrl] [Tab]
Although doing so sometimes causes port-numbering difficulties, it is possible to
connect certain other types of ServSwitch family KVM switches to the Matrix
ServSwitch’s CPU ports or user ports. Some of these other switches use a set of
keyboard commands that’s very similar to the Matrix ServSwitch’s, but the switch that’s
closer to the user will normally absorb commands sent to it without passing them
through. For example, if you select a ServSwitch™ Ultra attached to CPU port 12 on a
Matrix ServSwitch, and you want to switch to CPU port 3 on the Ultra, you can’t just
type in left-[Ctrl] 3 [Enter], because the Matrix Switch will switch to its CPU 3 port.
This is where the Matrix ServSwitch’s pass-through command—shared by most
of the compatible ServSwitch family KVM switches—comes in. Using the same
example, you can select CPU port 3 on the ServSwitch Ultra by typing in [Ctrl] X 3
[Enter] or [Ctrl] [Tab] 3 [Enter] within the space of two seconds. Here’s how it
works: The Matrix Switch receives the [Ctrl] character and passes it through to the
attached switch, which will wait for two seconds to receive a valid command character
(and, in the meantime, passes the [Ctrl] character through to the next device in
line). The Matrix Switch then receives the X or [Tab] character, recognizes it as a
valid command character that completes a (nonfunctional) command, and
absorbs it. The Matrix Switch regards the number 3 and the [Enter] character that
follow as data characters and passes them through. The ServSwitch Ultra, however,
sees the 3 and [Enter] as completing the [Ctrl] 3 [Enter] port-selection command,
absorbs those characters, and switches to its CPU 3.
In general, the format of this command is a single left-[Ctrl] character, as many
X’s or [Tab] characters as there are layers of switches to “skip,” and the character(s)
that would normally follow [Ctrl] to form a complete command. More examples:
[Ctrl] X S causes one KVM switch attached to another to start scanning; [Ctrl] X X
stops that scan; [Ctrl] [Tab] + causes an attached KVM switch to switch to its next
CPU port; and [Ctrl] X X [F12] brings up the menu of an attached KVM switch’s
attached switch.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
7. Using the Serial Ports
Each port board installed in the Matrix ServSwitch is equipped with an RS-232
serial port that you can use to:
• Configure the Switch;
• Flash-upgrade firmware, and send kernel and system upgrades to the entire
system; or
• Restore factory defaults.
7.1 Basic Setup: Establishing a Serial Connection
In order to access the serial ports of a Matrix ServSwitch, you’ll need these things:
• A straight-through-pinned, flat-satin or twisted-pair serial cable with modular
RJ-11 (4-pin) or RJ-12 (6-pin) connectors. (One of these is included with your
Switch.)
• An appropriate adapter. For IBM type computers and most terminals, either
DB25 female to RJ-12 female (product code FA044) or DB9 female to RJ-12
female (product code FA043), depending on your computer/terminal. (An
equivalent to the FA043 is included with your Switch.)
• A dedicated (not attached to the Matrix ServSwitch system) computer or
terminal. You must use a computer if you will be upgrading the Switch’s
firmware.
• If you are using a computer, you will also need a communications program
such as Windows HyperTerminal™.
To connect the adapter and cable, take these steps:
1. Connect the adapter to the serial port on your terminal or to one of the COM
ports on your computer. (If you are using a computer, the computer must not
be connected to the Matrix ServSwitch in any other way; do not run CPU
Cable between it and the Switch.)
2. Plug one end of the cable into the RJ-12 female connector on the adapter,
and the other end into the serial port on the Matrix ServSwitch. If you are
changing the system’s “starting computer” or “maximum computer” settings,
you must use the serial port of port board 1 (the bottom board that includes
CPU ports 1 through 4—see Section 7.2.1).
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CHAPTER 7: Using the Serial Ports
CAUTION!
Serial cabling in excess of 50 feet (15.2 m) should be routed with
caution. The maximum cable length depends upon the construction of
the cable and its routing. For extended runs, shielded cable should be
used. Avoid routing near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. If you
experience a lot of data errors, use shorter cables. The Matrix
ServSwitch’s lowest data rate is 9600 bps; it cannot be lowered any
further to alleviate this problem.
7.2 The Serial Options Menu
Once you have connected the dedicated terminal or computer running a terminal
emulator to one of the Matrix ServSwitch’s serial ports, make sure the data rate of
the terminal or emulator is set to match that of the Switch port. (If you’re not sure
how to do this for your emulator, refer to its manual or online help for
instructions. If you’re not sure whether the serial port on the Switch is set to
operate at 9600 bps or 57,600 bps, try 9600 bps first. That is the factory-default rate,
and should be the rate that all of the serial ports on new Matrix ServSwitches start
out using.) Then turn on or cycle power to the Switch. This message should appear
on your screen:
Hit the spacebar within 5 seconds to get serial options menu.
If garbage characters appear instead, your terminal or emulator is set to the wrong
data rate; switch to the other one and cycle power to the Switch again. When the
message appears as it should, press the spacebar. The serial options menu will
appear after the Switch finishes displaying its power-up diagnostic messages. This
menu enables you to manipulate certain configuration settings and (if you’re using
a computer rather than a terminal) to perform flash upgrades. The subsections on
the following pages detail the serial menu options:
1. Change starting cpu number..........1
2. Change the serial port baud rate....[current rate, either
"9600" or "57,600"]
3. Receive new main program or kernel from serial port (this
card only)
4. Send this unit’s main program to other units
5. Send this unit’s Kernel to other units
6. Reset Configuration data to factory defaults (this card
only)
7. Save changes made in 1 and 2 (this card only)
8. Exit (restart the unit)
Enter choice →
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
7.2.1 OPTION 1. CHANGE STARTING COMPUTER
This option can only be changed if your computer or terminal is attached to the
serial port of port board 1 (the bottom board that includes CPU ports 1
through 4—see Figure 2-3 in Section 2.4 for board numbering).
The serial options menu displays the currently configured starting-CPU number
in option 1. To change option 1 (starting CPU), press 1; you’ll see this prompt:
Enter the starting cpu number →
Type the new number and press [Enter]. The serial options menu will be displayed
again. Use option 7 to permanently save this change to the flash memory of the
port board (see Section 7.2.6), then cycle power to the Switch to distribute the
change to all of the other port boards in the Switch.
7.2.2 OPTION 2. CHANGE SERIAL-PORT BAUD RATE (DATA RATE)
Change the setting of this option to change the baud rate (data rate) of the Matrix
ServSwitch port board you are communicating with. Before you select it, this
option will show the current speed of the port board’s serial port as either “9600”
or “57,600” (bps). You can change this rate just by pressing 2 to select this option,
so be careful about doing that. After you do select this option, these messages will
appear (still at the old data rate):
Baud rate changed to 9600 [or 57,600]
Set baud rate of your terminal to 9600 [or 57,600] and press
return
If you’re using a terminal or a better communication program, you will be able to
change your terminal’s or communication program’s data rate on the fly to match
that of the Switch’s port board. (Refer to the comm program’s manual or online
help for instructions on doing this.) If you’re using Windows Hyperterminal,
however, you’ll need to temporarily disconnect from the Switch, change the data
rate, then reconnect:
1. Select “Disconnect” from the “Call” pulldown menu.
2. Select “Properties” from the “File” pulldown menu.
3. Select “Configure” and change the data rate in the field labeled “Baud rate.”
4. Press “OK” to save your new PC data rate.
5. Select “Connect” from the “Call” pulldown menu.
Once you’ve changed the data rate on your end, press [Enter]. The serial
options menu will be displayed again, at the new port-board data rate. Use option 7
to permanently save this change to the port board’s flash memory (see
Section 7.2.6).
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7.2.3 OPTION 3. RECEIVE NEW KERNEL OR MAIN PROGRAM (UPGRADE FIRMWARE)
NOTE
You must be using a computer rather than a terminal to perform this
function.
Occasionally we might release upgrades to the Matrix ServSwitch’s firmware: either
its kernel (the “operating system,” so to speak) or its main program, or both. If we
do, you will be able to get the upgrade from us and download the new firmware to
your Switch(es). To check which versions of the kernel and main program your
Switch is using, look at “Kernel version” and “Program version” on the diagnostics
screen displayed when you power up the Switch (see Section 3.5.1). You should be
able to get the most recent available versions of these on our Web site at
www.blackbox.com; if you can’t find them, or if you have questions about them,
contact Black Box Tech Support.
To download a flash-upgrade file from the computer to the Matrix ServSwitch
port board you’re communicating with, press 3 at the serial options menu. This
message will appear:
Waiting for file.........................
Send your file using a simple ASCII text-file protocol. While the file is being sent,
the board sends ASCII period characters back to the computer, as shown above, to
indicate copy progress. Once the file has been sent, you should see the message:
Receive successful
Downloaded kernel code [or] Downloaded main code
The new program will now be downloaded from the port board’s receive memory
into its flash memory, and the flash will be reprogrammed. You should see these
messages:
Flash programming.........................
Flash programming successful
Serial options menu
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
What you do now depends on whether the download succeeds or fails:
If something goes wrong during file transmission, you might receive an error message
advising you that a “checksum error,” “record error,” or “data error” has been
detected. This message will be followed by:
Receive failed
Try again Y/N
Error messages may be caused by any of these problems:
• Corrupted firmware-upgrade file
• Loose, broken, or defective RS-232 cable
• RS-232 protocol not configured correctly
• Bad transmit or receive levels
• Hardware problem on transmit or receive side
Press “Y” and then [Enter] to try again, and you will be returned to the initial
message, at which point you can resend the file:
Waiting for file...
Or press “N” and then [Enter] and the prompt "Hit enter to boot" will appear.
Press the [Enter] key to launch the Switch’s diagnostics with the port board’s
firmware unchanged.
If reprogramming seems to succeed, the procedure is finished if you’re using a single
2 x 4 Matrix ServSwitch, which only has one port board. But if you’re using a
daisychained system with more than one Switch, or even if you’re using a single
2 x 8 or 2 x 16 Switch (which have more than one port board), you must use
option 4 or 5 of this menu to copy the new firmware to the other port boards in
your Matrix ServSwitch system, as described in Section 7.2.4. (If you leave different
versions of these programs running on different port boards in your Switch system,
the system will probably malfunction, and to fix it you’ll have to redownload and
distribute the firmware anyway.)
Once you’ve copied the new firmware throughout the system, restart the
Switch(es) (see Section 7.2.7) and watch the power-up diagnostic screen (see
Section 3.5.1) to make sure that the “Kernel revision” and/or “Program revision”
now match the revision number of the file(s) you just downloaded. Then test how
the system performs. If it seems to behave properly, you’re in business. (And you
can continue configuring the port board if you need to.)
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CHAPTER 7: Using the Serial Ports
7.2.4 OPTIONS 4 AND 5. SEND MAIN PROGRAM/SEND KERNEL (DISTRIBUTE UPGRADED
FIRMWARE)
You only need to use the procedure in Section 7.2.3 to upgrade the main program
or kernel of one port board in one Matrix ServSwitch. Afterward, unless the Switch
is a standalone 2 x 4 model (which only has one board), you’ll need to use the
procedure described in this section to send the upgrade simultaneously to all other
port boards in your Switch system.
At the serial options menu, to send the main program systemwide, press 4; to
send the kernel program, press 5. These messages will appear for either option:
Boards to update - n
You are about to copy the firmware from this board to all
other boards in the system.
Are you sure? Y/N
Before responding “Y,” make sure that all other Switches in your system are
attached and powered on. Also make sure that the number of port boards—the
number that will appear where the variable “n” is shown in the message above—
agrees with the actual number of port boards in the system minus one. (The
number of port boards should equal the total number of Matrix ServSwitch CPU
ports divided by four.) If the number does not agree, reply with “N”; turn on any
inactive Switches, make sure all Expansion Modules and cables are firmly seated,
and press 4 or 5 again. If there is still a mismatch, call Black Box for technical
support. But if the number of port boards is now correct, reply with “Y.” This
message will appear:
Sending flash program code to system......................
When the transmission is complete, the system returns you to the serial options
menu; wait at least 10 seconds, then cycle power to all of your Switches. Check
their power-up diagnostic screens (see Section 3.5.1); if the new “Kernel revision”
and/or “Program revision” number(s) match those of the file(s) you just
distributed, all Switches in the system should now be operational.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
7.2.5 OPTION 6. RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULTS
Use this option to restore the Matrix ServSwitch port board you’re communicating
with to its original factory configuration (see Appendix A for a full list of factorydefault configuration settings). There are several reasons you might want to do
this. For example:
• to recover from losing a configuration password;
• to more quickly reconfigure a daisychained Switch for standalone operation; or
• to erase sensitive or invalid configuration information.
Press 6 at the serial options menu; this message will appear:
Flash programming....................
When the procedure is complete, you will see this message and then be returned
to the menu:
Reset to default successful
You should restore all of the port boards in a Switch if you restore one, because a
Switch whose boards are configured differently will probably malfunction. To do
this, simply turn the Switch off and back on again; the configuration will
automatically be copied to the other boards in the Switch.
To go one step further and restore all of the Switches in a daisychained system
(which, once you’ve restored one board, we highly recommend), press [Ctrl][F12]
on the keyboard at one of the user stations attached to the Switch you’ve just
restored. This will bring up the configuration menu. Select Save to save the default
configuration to all of the Switches in the system.
7.2.6 OPTION 7. SAVE CHANGES
Use this option to save the configuration changes made in menu items 1 and 2 to
the Matrix ServSwitch port board you’re communicating with. Press 7 at the serial
options menu; this message will appear:
Flash programming....................
When the procedure is complete, you will see this message and then be returned
to the menu:
Configuration saved successfully
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7.2.7 OPTION 8. EXIT AND RESTART UNIT
To exit the serial options menu, press 8. The Matrix ServSwitch will reinitialize
itself and launch its self-diagnostics program. If it passes its diagnostic tests, the
Switch should be operational and ready for use; alternatively, if you have more
configuration to do, you can hit the space bar and bring the menu back up.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
8. Troubleshooting
The first section of this chapter, Section 8.1, discusses things to try when problems
arise in a Matrix ServSwitch system. Sections 8.2 and 8.3 discuss what’s involved in
calling Black Box and shipping your Switch.
8.1 Common Problems
NOTE
It might be possible—although this is unlikely—to resolve some
problems by restoring the Matrix ServSwitch to its factory-default
configuration settings, then carefully rebuilding your configuration,
testing along the way to see if any particular setting seems to cause the
problem. To reset to factory defaults, see Section 7.2.5.
A CPU connected to your Matrix ServSwitch doesn’t boot, and you get a keyboard
or mouse error.
A. First make sure that each of your Matrix ServSwitches is plugged in and powered
up.
B. If the Switch is ON, check its configuration. The keyboard and mouse settings
for the CPU (see Section 4.3) might not be correct.
C. If the configuration is OK, check your cables. Tighten any loose connections. If
the keyboard and mouse strands of either the CPU Cable or the User Cable have
been reversed, plug them into the proper ports.
D. If you don’t find a cable error, try swapping in different keyboards and/or mice
one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a device, the old one
might have gone bad.
E. If swapping input devices doesn’t solve the problem, begin swapping your cables
one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable
is probably defective.
F. If swapping cables doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging the CPU into a
different CPU port on the Switch. If the CPU boots when it’s connected to a
different port, the old port is probably defective.
G. If swapping ports doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging a known-good
keyboard and mouse directly into the CPU that’s having the problem. If the CPU
boots, the Switch might be defective; call Black Box.
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H. If the CPU still doesn’t boot, the CPU’s keyboard or mouse port (or other
components) might be defective. (If the CPU’s Power LED doesn’t light, the fuse
on the CPU’s motherboard might be blown.) If you still have them, plug that
CPU’s original monitor, keyboard, and mouse into it and try again. If the CPU
does not boot with its original equipment, something in the CPU is defective; call
the CPU’s manufacturer. If the CPU does boot, there is some kind of unusual
mismatch between that CPU and the shared monitor, keyboard, or mouse; call
Black Box for technical support.
You can’t switch ports from the keyboard.
A. Can you do anything from the keyboard? If not, the keyboard connector of your
User Cable has probably come loose. Reconnect it.
B. Are you trying to reach a computer on a remote Matrix ServSwitch? The port
might be busy; try again later. If repeated attempts are unsuccessful, make sure that
the Expansion Cables running to that Switch haven’t come loose and that the
Switch itself hasn’t been powered down.
C. The Matrix ServSwitch might have lost power for less than three seconds. (This
can cause the keyboard to lock up.) Disconnect the keyboard and plug it back in.
D. The keyboard mode that the currently selected CPU port is set for might not
match the mode that the CPU on that port expects. Go into the Configuration
Menu and change the keyboard-mode setting for the CPU (see Section 4.3).
Sometimes this situation can confuse the CPU or keyboard so badly that it is
necessary to reboot the CPU or to reset the keyboard by unplugging it and
plugging it back in.
E. For PS/2 type equipment, if the keyboard and mouse connectors of either the
CPU Cable or the User Cable have been reversed, plug them into the proper ports.
F. You might be using the keyboard incorrectly. Make sure to use the left Control
key to start port-switching commands. Make sure to use the numeric keys at the top
of the keyboard rather than the numeric keypad when you type in port numbers.
Make sure to release the Control key before you start typing in a port number.
Make sure you don’t wait too long before you enter a port number. Make sure you
don’t accidentally hit keys such as Shift, Caps Lock, or Alt.
Characters that you type come up wrong or missing.
The keyboard mode that the currently selected CPU port is set for might not match
the mode that the CPU on that port expects. See item D under the “You can’t
switch ports from the keyboard” section above.
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
You can’t seem to scan or switch to certain ports at all.
A. Are other users accessing the CPU ports you’re trying to reach in “private
mode”? If so, you won’t be able to use those ports until the private-mode users
release them—even if you are a private-mode user yourself. See Sections 4.6 and
5.4.
B. You can only reach CPU ports that belong to your group. If you need to access a
computer that is not in your group, you’ll have to add the computer to your group
(see Section 4.7) or change the group membership of your user profile (see
Section 4.6).
C. The system’s “Maximum computer” setting is too low. Set this to match the
number of CPUs in your system; see Section 4.2 for how to do this through the onscreen display or Section 7.2 for how to do this through the serial port.
The Matrix ServSwitch scans or switches to empty or nonexistent ports.
The system’s “Maximum computer” setting is too high. Set this to match the
number of CPUs in your system; see Section 4.2 for how to do this through the onscreen display or Section 7.2 for how to do this through the serial port.
The Matrix ServSwitch keeps displaying “Connection failed, queue is full” when
you scan.
There are already two users connected to one of the ports you’re trying to scan.
You will keep getting this message until someone disconnects from that port.
An IBM compatible computer’s mouse driver doesn’t load.
A. What type of mouse is the CPU looking for? If it’s an RS-232 serial mouse, see
steps B and D. If it’s a PS/2 or PS/2 wheel mouse, see steps C and D. If it’s a
Microsoft BallPoint mouse, see step D. At the time of this writing, the Matrix
ServSwitch does not support other types of mice.
B. RS-232 serial mouse: Make sure that you’re using the right COM port, and that
the mouse driver is looking for the correct port.
C. PS/2 or PS/2 wheel mouse: To recognize the mouse, the CPU must be directly
connected to it, or indirectly connected to it through the Matrix ServSwitch, at
boot-up time. Make sure that all cables are properly seated and that the Switch and
submaster are ON, then reboot the CPU.
D. Your mouse driver might be old or incompatible with your mouse. Try the latest
version of the Microsoft mouse driver.
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CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting
You can’t access all the functions of your mouse.
A. What type of mouse is it? If it’s any other IBM PC type than those listed as being
supported in item A under the section on the previous page headed “An IBM
compatible computer’s mouse driver doesn’t load,” chances are that the Matrix
ServSwitch doesn’t support it.
B. If your mouse is a Microsoft BallPoint, you need the latest version of the
Microsoft mouse driver.
C. If your mouse is a Logitech mouse, the Switch supports the two-button models
but not the three-button models.
Your PS/2 mouse gets out of sync.
Issue the Reset command (see Section 6.11). You need the latest version of the
Microsoft mouse driver to stop this from happening.
Your mouse doesn’t move the pointer/cursor.
A. What type of mouse is it? If it’s any other IBM PC type than those listed as being
supported in item A under the section on the previous page headed “An IBM
compatible computer’s mouse driver doesn’t load,” chances are that the Matrix
ServSwitch doesn’t support it.
B. The mouse might not be configured properly.
C. The Switch might have been turned off, or the mouse might not have been
attached to it, when the computer booted or when the application began trying to
use the mouse. Exit and restart the application or issue the Reset command (see
Section 6.11).
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Your monitor display is fuzzy.
A. Check the settings of your monitor, especially the sharpness control.
B. If you can’t solve the problem by changing the monitor settings, you might have
run cable too far; maximum distance of original Serv type CPU or User Cable (not
including Expansion Cable) from any CPU to the shared monitor, keyboard, and
mouse is 25 ft. (7.6 m)—or less, if you are using SVGA video. You might need to
upgrade from original Serv cables to coaxial cables that carry the video signal
better. If you are already using coax cables, you might need to add Station
Extenders (our product codes AC253 etc.) or CAT5 KVM Extenders (our
ACU1000 and ACU3000 series of product codes); call Black Box for technical
support. See Section 3.2.3 and Appendix B.
Your video is not synchronized or is the wrong color.
A. Check the settings of your monitor, especially the sync or color controls.
B. Your monitor might not be capable of synching to the selected video resolution
or frequency (refresh rate). Try a lower resolution or frequency or a more
powerful monitor.
C. There might be a sync mismatch between a CPU and the monitor; for example,
perhaps the CPU is sending video with composite sync or sync on green and the
monitor only accepts horizontal or vertical sync. Change the settings of the CPU or
monitor so that the two are compatible. If this is not possible, swap in a different
monitor that can handle all of your CPUs’ synchronization types.
D. If the video problem is not centered on the monitor itself, check the monitor
cable and the video strand of the CPU Cable. Tighten any loose connections.
E. If no cable connectors are loose, begin swapping your cables one at a time. If
the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable is probably
defective.
F. If swapping cables doesn’t solve the problem, try plugging the CPU into a
different CPU port on the Matrix ServSwitch. If the problem goes away when the
CPU is connected to a different port, the old port is probably defective.
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Your video is OK in low-resolution mode, but you can’t get into high-resolution
mode.
A. If you’re using XGA, you must use coaxial cables (see Section 3.2.3 and
Appendix B).
B. Check your video driver or control panel. It might not be set up correctly for
your desired resolution.
Your on-screen display is not synchronized.
There might be a sync mismatch between a CPU and the monitor; for example,
perhaps the CPU is sending video with composite sync or sync on green and the
monitor only accepts horizontal or vertical sync. Change the settings of the CPU or
monitor so that the two are compatible. If this is not possible, swap in a different
monitor that can handle all of your CPUs’ synchronization types.
The Matrix ServSwitch doesn’t work with your docking station.
The Matrix ServSwitch does not support most docking stations for portable
computers.
The Matrix ServSwitch doesn’t work with your dongle-protected software.
The Matrix ServSwitch does not support most dongles (the devices required to be
inserted into the keyboard line by some software for copy protection).
The Matrix ServSwitch doesn’t work with your IBM ThinkPad.
The Matrix ServSwitch supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data. It
doesn’t support the “prompt mode” (burst-on-request) method for handling
mouse data that some older IBM ThinkPad models use, regardless of whether the
ThinkPad is connected to the Switch directly or through a docking station (and see
the text under “The Matrix ServSwitch doesn’t work with your docking station”
above).
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
8.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Matrix ServSwitch is malfunctioning, do not attempt to
alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box
Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:
• the nature and duration of the problem;
• when the problem occurs;
• the components involved in the problem;
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse; and
• the results of any testing you’ve already done.
8.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Matrix ServSwitch:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are shipping the Switch for repair, make sure you include its power
cord, any Expansion or Terminator Module installed in it, and the CPU
Cables, User Cables, and Expansion Cables you’re using with it. If you are
returning the Switch, make sure you include everything you received with it.
Before you ship, contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization (RA)
number.
98
APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults
Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults
The table below and on the next page shows the Matrix ServSwitch’s factory-default
configuration options. To reload these values, you’ll need to access the Switch’s
serial options menu (see Chapter 7).
Option
Default setting
System
Configure password......................None
Starting computer number..........1
Maximum computers ...................64
PC keyboard rate ..........................20 characters per second
PC keyboard delay ........................Fast
Sun keyboard language................US
Menu color scheme......................Night sky
Screen saver ..................................Weaving
Screen-saver timeout ....................1200 seconds (20 minutes)
Background color.........................Cyan
Text color......................................Black
Position..........................................X=25, Y=45
Fadeout .........................................5 seconds
Computer
Computer name ...........................Computer n (n = computer number)
Keyboard .......................................PC2 (PC mode 2)
Mouse ............................................PS/2 (non-wheel)
KVM
ID ...................................................derived from hardware
Bus .................................................derived from hardware
Name .............................................KVM Station n (n = station ID)
Resolution .....................................640x480@60 (640 x 480 pixels, 60 Hz)
Start (Default startup comp.) ......Zero (no startup computer) for all
Profile ............................................From “User name” in User page
User
User name.....................................User n (n = user number)
Password ........................................None
Profile ............................................From “Name” in Profile page
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Option
Default setting
Profile
Name .............................................Profile n (n - profile number)
Access ............................................From “Name” in Group page
Connect.........................................Share (share mode)
Share (share-mode timeout) .......2 seconds
Scan (scan rate) ............................5 seconds
Logout (logout timeout) .............240 minutes (4 hours)
Group
Membership..................................All computers belong to all groups
Name .............................................Group n (n = group number)
100
APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes
Appendix B: Cable Product Codes
The table below and on the following pages lists the product codes for all the types
of cables we currently offer for use with the Matrix ServSwitch. The four digits that
follow the dash in each product code indicate how long each cable is in feet
(one foot = 30.5 cm).
For most of these cables, xxx’s are shown in place of the last three digits of the
product code because the cables come in several stock lengths. For original
(standard) CPU and User cables, these last three digits can be “001” (User Cables
only), “005,” “010,” or “020” for 1-foot (0.3-m), 5-foot (1.5-m), 10-foot (3-m) or
20-foot (6.1-m) cables respectively. For coaxial cables, these last three digits can be
“005,” “010,” “020,” “035,” “050,” “075,” or “100” for 5-foot (1.5-m), 10-foot (3-m),
20-foot (6.1-m), 35-foot (10.7-m), 50-foot (15.2-m), 75-foot (22.9-m), or 100-foot
(30.5-m) cables respectively.
You’ll also see the product codes for the Station Extender and CAT5 KVM
Extender equipment listed at the end of this appendix. Depending on your
equipment and the video resolution you’re using, you might be able to use the
Extenders to connect the Matrix ServSwitch to a CPU or user station as much as
1000 ft. (300 m) away.
If your Matrix ServSwitch system has cabling requirements that can’t be met by
what you see here, call Black Box for a possible quote on custom cables or
adapters.
Standard User Cables:
Monitor Type
(Connector on Cable)
Keyboard Type
(Connector on Cable)
Mouse Type
(Connector on Cable)
Product Code
VGA (HD15 female)
IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN female)
Serial RS-232 (DB9 male)
EHN052-0xxx
VGA (HD15 female)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) EHN054B-0xxx
Multisync (HD15 female) Sun (8-pin mini-DIN female)
N/A
EHN059-0xxx
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MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Coaxial User Cables:
Monitor Type
(Connector on Cable)
Keyboard Type
(Connector on Cable)
Mouse Type
(Connector on Cable)
Product Code
VGA (HD15 female)
IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN female)
Serial RS-232 (DB9 male)
EHN270-0xxx
VGA (HD15 female)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female)
EHN283-0xxx
Sun (13W3 female)
Sun (8-pin mini-DIN female)
N/A
EHN200-0xxx
Multisync (HD15 female) Sun (8-pin mini-DIN female)
N/A
EHN225-0xxx
RS/6000 (13W3 female)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female)
EHN521-0001
SGI (13W3 female)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female)
EHN501-0001
Standard CPU Cables:
Video Type
(Connector on Cable)
Keyboard Type
(Connector on Cable)
Mouse Type
(Connector on Cable)
Product Code
VGA (HD15 male)
IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN male)
Serial RS-232 (DB9 female)
EHN048-0xxx
VGA (HD15 male)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
EHN051B-0xxx
Mac (DB15 male)
Mac (4-pin mini-DIN male)
N/A
EHN215-0xxx*
Mac G3 (HD15 female)
Mac (4-pin mini-DIN female)
N/A
EHN550-0xxx*
Coaxial CPU Cables:
Video Type
(Connector on Cable)
Keyboard Type
(Connector on Cable)
Mouse Type
(Connector on Cable)
Product Code
VGA (HD15 male)
IBM PS/2 and PC/AT
PS/2 and serial RS-232
EHN282-0xxx
Mac (DB15 male)
Mac (4-pin mini-DIN male)
N/A
EHN208-0xxx*
Mac G3 (HD15 female)
Mac (4-pin mini-DIN female)
N/A
EHN560-0xxx*
Sun (13W3 male)
Sun (8-pin mini-DIN male)
N/A
EHN205-0xxx
Sun (HD15 male)
Sun (8-pin mini-DIN male)
N/A
EHN515-0xxx
RS/6000 (13W3 male)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
EHN520-0xxx
SGI (13W3 male)
IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN male)
EHN500-0xxx
*A ServSwitch Micro Mac Converter (KV99MCON) must be used with any of these cables. A Mac Video
Adapter for ServSwitch (KV99MA) will also be required if the Mac CPU outputs non-VGA-compatible video.
102
APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes
4-User Matrix ServSwitch Expansion Cable: KV140www, where “www” = 010, 020, 035, 050, or 100
8-/16-User Matrix ServSwitch Expansion Cable: KV180www, where “www” = 010, 020, 035, 050, or 100
6-wire straight-through-pinned flat-satin cable with RJ-12 connectors for
communicating with Matrix ServSwitch through its RS-232 ports: EL06MS-MM (specify length)
Station Extender Kits (include local and remote modules and
CPU- and station-extension cables):
CPU to ServSwitch Jr.:
PC CPU with PS/2 mouse port: AC258A
PC CPU with RS-232 mouse port: AC254A
Sun CPU: AC279A
Mac CPU: AC269A
ServSwitch Jr. to Station:
PC station with PS/2 mouse: AC259A
PC station with RS-232 mouse: AC255A
Sun station: AC278A
Mac station: AC268A
Station-Extender Cables:
PVC: EHN250-0zzz, where “zzz” = 050, 100, 150, or 200
Plenum-rated: EHP250-0zzz, where “zzz” = 100 or 200
CAT5 KVM Extender Kits (include local and remote modules
and CPU-extension cables):
Single-Access Kits (remote user station only):
Micro Extender for PC, for distances up to 50 m (160 ft.): ACU3001A
Regular Extender for PC, for distances up to 300 m (1000 ft.): ACU1001A
Regular Extender for Sun, for distances up to 300 m (1000 ft.): ACU1004A
Dual-Access Kits (local and remote user stations contend):
Micro Extender for PC, for distances up to 50 m (160 ft.): ACU3009A
Regular Extender for PC, for distances up to 300 m (1000 ft.): ACU1009A
Regular Extender for Sun, for distances up to 300 m (1000 ft.): ACU1005A
(Other Extender types are available for use with PC equipment. Call for more information.)
4-wire solid-core Category 5 UTP bulk cable, 1000-ft. (304.8-m) spool: EYN840A-1000
AT→PS/2 Mouse Ghost (for PC/AT connections to the Extender): AC244A
Keyboard Adapter (for PC/AT connections to the Extender): FA212
103
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Appendix C: Pinout of Serial Ports
The table below shows the pinout of the Matrix ServSwitch’s RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”)
female RS-232 serial ports.
2
Pin
5
1
1
6
Signal Name
Abbrev.
Direction
Description
1
Data Set Ready
DSR
Input
Reserved (not used)
2
Data Terminal Ready
DTR
Output
Pulled high with 1-kΩ resistor
3
Transmit Data
TD
Output
Serial data from port
4
Signal Ground
SGND
N/A
DC ground reference
5
Receive Data
RD
Input
Serial data to port
6
Request to Send
RTS
Output
Pulled high with 1-kΩ resistor
104
8
APPENDIX D: The LK461 Keyboard
Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard
Some of the computers manufactured by Compaq® subsidiary Digital Equipment
Corporation come with a special keyboard called the DEC LK461. The Matrix
ServSwitch supports this keyboard by passing through unaltered the scan codes of
certain proprietary keys (such as [Help] and [Do]) and remapping others (such as
[PF1] through [PF4]). The Switch maps the special keys of the LK461 as shown in
the table below. Note that the LK461 has no Num Lock LED and its Hold Screen
LED is equivalent to the Scroll Lock LED on other keyboards.
Key Pressed on
LK461 Keyboard
[Find]
[Insert Here]
[Remove]
[Select]
[Prev]
[Next]
[F13]
[F14]
[F15] / [Help]
[F16] / [Do]
[F17]
[F18]
[F19]
[F20]
[PF1]
[PF2]
[PF3]
[PF4]
Keypad [–] (minus key)
Keypad [,] (comma key)
Left [Compose]
Right [Compose]
[<] / [>] (grtr. than/less than key)
Scan Code
Sent to U.S. CPU
[Home]
[Insert]
[Delete]
[End]
[Page Up]
[Page Down]
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Same (passed through unaltered)
[Print Screen]
[Scroll Lock]
[Pause]
[Num Lock]
Keypad [/] (slash or divide key)
Keypad [*] (asterisk or multiply key)
Keypad [–] (minus key)
Keypad [+] (plus key)*
Keypad [+] (plus key)
Same (passed through unaltered)
Right [Control]
[`] / [~] (accent grave/tilde key)**
*Keypad [–] is always mapped this way in Mode 2; in Mode 3, the mapping varies by country.
**This mapping varies by country; that is, the key is mapped differently depending on what
keyboard country or language the CPU is configured to accept.
105
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
Appendix E: Installing Modules in
the Matrix ServSwitch
E.1 Setting the RING/BUS Jumper (Jumper JP1) on Expansion Modules
Before you install Expansion Modules (our product code SW740C-R3-B) in a
daisychained Matrix ServSwitch system, you might need to set their RING/BUS
jumpers. If the daisychain is laid out in a bus topology (see Section 3.4.2), you
won’t need to set them—skip ahead to Section E.2. But if your daisychain is laid
out in a ring topology (see Section 3.4.2), you’ll need to set the RING/BUS
jumpers to the RING (off) setting on the Expansion Modules you’ll be installing in
any two adjacent Switches in the ring (units one and two, or two and three, or three
and four, etc.).
As shown in Figure E-1, the RING/BUS jumper (labeled “JP1”) is just behind the
DB15 IN and OUT connectors at the front of the Module. In the jumper’s original
shipped-from-the-factory state, it is set to BUS (the jumper covers both posts),
which is the appropriate setting for the bus topology. Set it to RING on the Modules
that will go in two adjacent Switches only by moving the jumper so that it covers just
one of the posts and leaves the other open. (You could just remove the jumper
entirely, but it’s a better idea to leave it “hanging” on one post so it can be easily set
back to BUS if your system topology changes.) Do not set this jumper to RING on
only one Switch, on more than two Switches, or on Switches that are not adjacent
(that is, not directly linked with an Expansion Cable).
JP1
Figure E-1. The RING/BUS jumper.
106
APPENDIX E: Installing Modules in the Matrix ServSwitch
E.2 Swapping In an Expansion Module
Making sure that the Matrix ServSwitch is turned OFF and unplugged, unscrew
and remove any blank plate over the opening of the Matrix ServSwitch’s Expansion
slot. (You should always have a plate covering this slot when a Terminator Module
is in it. If there is a plate, you can save it if you want to, but you shouldn’t need it
any more; the Expansion Module has its own termination circuitry, so you wouldn’t
normally ever have to replace it with a Terminator Module, even if you go back to
operating the Switch by itself.)
Now, using needlenose pliers or a similar tool, reach far back in the slot (at the
level of the slot’s widest point) and gently remove any Terminator Module installed
in it, as shown at the top of Figure E-2. (You should never leave the Switch without
any module at all installed in this slot, because the Switch will be totally disabled.)
Carefully push the Expansion Module into the now-vacant slot, as shown at the
bottom of Figure E-2—being careful not to pinch the wiring near the internal
block connector—and screw the Module on securely.
Once the Expansion Module is installed, you can run Expansion Cables from the
Module’s IN and OUT ports to your other Switches; see Section 3.4.
Figure E-2. Removing the Terminator Module (top) and plugging in an
Expansion Module (bottom).
107
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
E.3 Swapping In a Terminator Module (Not Recommended)
It should never be necessary to swap a Terminator Module back in for an
Expansion Module; the Expansion Module can terminate a non-daisychained
Switch. But if you ever need to do this for whatever reason, your first step should be
to unscrew the Expansion Module and gently remove it from the slot, as shown at
the top of Figure E-3.
Now proceed as follows: Using needlenose pliers or a similar tool, reach far back
in the slot (at the level of the slot’s widest point) and carefully push the
Terminator Module into the now-vacant slot—being careful not to pinch the
wiring near the internal block connector—as shown at the bottom of Figure E-3.
Once the Terminator Module is firmly seated, replace this slot’s blank plate.
If you lose a Switch’s original Terminator Module and/or the original blank
plate for the Expansion slot, a replacement Module and plate are available as our
product code SW740TC-R3.
Figure E-3. Removing the Expansion Module (top) and plugging in a
Terminator Module (bottom).
108
APPENDIX F: Rackmounting the Matrix ServSwitch
Appendix F:
Rackmounting the
Matrix ServSwitch
You can use a ServSwitch Rackmount Kit to mount a Matrix ServSwitch in a 19",
23", or 24" rack. Use the RMK19B, RMK23B, or RMK24B Kit respectively to mount
a 2 x 4 or 2 x 8 Switch; use the RMK19C, RMK23C, or RMK24C respectively to
mount a 2 x 16 Switch. Each of these Kits consists of two rackmounting “ears” and
four screws.
Keep these guidelines in mind when you mount the Switch:
• The Switch is designed to work in ambient temperatures up to 50˚C (122˚F).
• Leave at least one rack unit (1U, 1.75", 4.4 cm) of empty vertical space
between Switch chassis and each other or other equipment.
• Consider installing 1U-size rack-vent panels between Switches to provide them
with adequate airflow.
• Keep the front and rear doors closed on racks equipped with forced-air
blowers or fans.
• Tighten all connectors securely and provide adequate strain relief for all
cables.
• Provide a grounded power source for all Switches. Pay special attention to the
load ratings of all equipment you plug into this power source: Overloaded
circuits are potential fire hazards and can cause equipment failure and poor
performance.
109
MATRIX SERVSWITCH™
To use a Kit to mount a Matrix ServSwitch, take these steps, referring to Figure F-1:
1. Match up the two holes in the “Switch end” of each Kit ear with the two empty
screwholes on the side of the Switch, then fasten the ear to the Switch with
two of the screws included with the Kit.
2. Once you’ve attached both ears, match the holes in the “rack end” of each ear
to an appropriate set of matching holes on your equipment rack, then screw
the Switch assembly to the rack using your own screws, bolts, or cage nuts (not
included).
Figure F-1. Rackmount assembly.
110
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
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