Black Box KV162A manual Audio and Serial Functions Audio Cables Only, Operation

CHAPTER 8: Operation

8.5 Audio and Serial Functions (Audio Cables Only)

The ServSwitch Multi supports attaching speakers/headphones and a microphone to every console in the system. If you have installed User Cables and Server Cables with audio capabilities, then you will have access to these features. The speakers and/or microphone that you have connected to your console will work exactly as if they were connected directly to your computer. When your console has independent keyboard/mouse control for a computer channel, then you will also have audio.

For example, suppose that two consoles are sharing a computer: Console 1 has control and console 2 is just “along for the ride.” The speakers and microphone at console 1 are active, but the headphones at console 2 aren’t; the user at console 2 can see the computer’s video signal, but that’s about it. When all keyboard and mouse activity at console 1 stops for the duration of the inactivity timeout (see Section 4.2.2), the user at console 2 may take control of the computer by simply moving the mouse or typing on the keyboard. Once user 2 takes control, his or her headphones become active, and the speakers and microphone at console 1 go dead.

When you are using audio-type User and Server Cables, the ServSwitch Multi also supports input/output between computers’ RS-232 serial ports and any RS-232 serial peripheral that uses hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control at data rates up to 9600 bps or software (inband, X-ON/X-OFF) flow control at data rates up to

115.2 kbps. Examples of such peripherals include most modems, serial printers, and serial touchscreens.

As with the audio devices, users will be able to conduct serial I/O with a computer only when they have independent control over that computer. This means that while users in multiuser ServSwitch Multi systems are transmitting files across the serial link, they might want to continue to move their mouse or tap non-disruptive keys on their keyboard to prevent other users from taking control of that computer and accidentally breaking the serial connection. For transmission of large files or any other extended serial-only activity, users should establish Privacy-Mode connections (see Section 8.10).

NOTE

The ServSwitch Multi Hub does not carry the audio or serial signals. ServSwitch Multi users connected to a computer through a Hub will have keyboard, mouse, and video access only; they will not be able to establish audio or serial links with that computer.

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