Black Box Switch SW178A User Manual

SEPTEMBER 1998  
SW178A  
SW179A  
Compact Bidirectional  
Dual Bus Autoswitches  
2 to 2  
4 to 2  
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION  
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX  
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746  
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018  
 
COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
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 classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le  
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
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.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
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.  
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la  
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.  
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que  
no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,  
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen  
del aparato.  
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo  
a las recomendaciones del fabricante.  
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos  
de las lineas de energia.  
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo  
no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.  
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos  
no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.  
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:  
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u  
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro  
del aparato; o  
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o  
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra  
un cambio en su desempeño; o  
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
1. Specifications  
SW178A  
SW179A  
2
Autoswitch Device Output Ports  
2
Autoswitch Computer Input Ports 2  
Cable Type Required  
4
Computer to Autoswitch  
Device to Autoswitch  
Maximum Cable Distance  
Maximum Transfer Rate  
Number of Device LEDs  
Computer Input Port LEDs  
Input/Output Port Selection  
Timeout Selection  
DB25 M/M  
DB25 M/Centronics® 36 M  
5 meters  
2 megabytes/second  
2
4
Auto/manual  
5, 10, 20, or 40 seconds  
File Transfer  
A, B  
A–B, C–D  
Software  
DOS; Windows 3.1, 95, 98;  
Windows NT  
Size  
SW178A: 7"H x 3.7"W x 1.1"W  
(17.9 x 9.3 x 2.7 cm);  
SW179A: 7.3"H x 3.7"W x 1.1"W  
(18.5 x 9.3 x 2.7 cm)  
Weight  
7 oz. (200 g) 8.5 oz. (240 g)  
41 to 104°F (5 to 40°C)  
9 VDC, 500 mA  
Operating Temperature  
Optional Power Adapter  
Certification  
FCC, CE  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
2. Introduction  
2.1 Description  
The IEEE 1284 standard interface is found on most  
printers today. It enables bidirectional communication  
between the PC and the printer, allowing the printer to  
send information back to the host PC using its built-in  
microprocessor.  
The Compact Bidirectional Dual Bus Autoswitch  
supports full compatibility with IEEE 1284, including  
Centronics, nibble, special nibble, byte, Enhanced  
Parallel Port (EPP), and Extended Capabilities Port  
(ECP). The dual-bus design allows simultaneous access  
of both devices to the attached computer. It also  
features manual and auto channel-port selection, and  
works with DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98,  
and Windows NT.  
The Autoswitch supports IEEE 1284 parallel devices  
®
such as Zip drives, scanners, CD-ROMs, back-up tapes,  
digital CCD cameras, external hard drives, and Ethernet  
adapters.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
2.2 Function Descriptions  
2.2.1 AUTO-LINK MODE  
When powering the Autoswitch, you will see the LEDs of  
the Computer Input Port circularly scanned from LED A  
to D. The Printer Output Port LEDs will remain lit. Your  
Autoswitch constantly scans its computer input ports,  
looking for a job to send to one of its output ports. You  
will see the input ports’ LEDs blink in sequence as the  
switch goes through its scan cycle.  
Device Out Ports LED Indicator:  
PA & PB LED Remain Lit  
PA & PB LED are Lit OFF  
Auto-Link Mode  
File Transfer Mode  
2.2.2 MANUAL MODE  
The Switch has two input push buttons labeled Device  
and Computer. When you power on the switch, the  
switch is in Auto-Link Mode. After you press the  
Computer button, it is in manual-setting mode. Press the  
Computer button several times and you will see the  
LEDs light in order as the active selection moves from  
AutoScan to LED A, B, C, and D. Stop pressing the  
button when the LED lights for the computer input port  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
you want to set up. You can press the Printer button  
several times to cycle through the three level of available  
choices (PA, PB, or File Transfer). Finish the cycle to go  
back to Auto-Link Mode.  
2.2.3 FILE TRANSFER MODE  
Use the software selection utility to set up the  
Autoswitch to File Transfer Mode. The SW179A dual bus  
permits only that the computer attached to Port A can  
do file transfer with the computer attached to Port B.  
The same goes to Port C and Port D.  
2.2.4 SOFTWARE SELECTION  
See the README file on the driver disk for complete  
instruction. This software driver will run an application  
in the background and will not do any modification to  
your system .INI settings.  
2.3 Autoswitch Dual-Bus Design  
The Autoswitch has two independent channels for the  
switch which provide simultaneous access of either  
device by any of the two attached computers. If two PCs  
send their jobs simultaneously to two different ports, the  
print job will be processed at the same time. But if the  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
two PCs send their jobs to the same output port, the  
first-come, first-serve rule will follow.  
2.3.1 AN EXAMPLE OF SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION WITH THE  
SW178A  
NOTE  
PA is the print device on port PA.  
PB is the print device on port PB.  
Computer A sends a print job to PA and Computer B  
sends a print job to PB. Computer A and Computer B  
run the File Transfer Program.  
2.3.2 AN EXAMPLE OF SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION WITH THE  
SW179A  
Computer A sends a print job to PA and Computer C  
sends a print job to PB. Computer A and Computer B  
run the File Transfer Program while Computer D sends  
a print job to PA.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
3. Quick Start  
Listed below are four easy steps to set up your  
Autoswitch.  
1. Be sure to turn off the power to your computers and  
printers.  
2. Using an IEEE 1284 straight-through DB25 M/M  
cable, connect your computers to the Autoswitch.  
3. Using an IEEE 1284 parallel cable, connect your  
printer to the Autoswitch.  
4. Turn on the power to your Autoswitch, computers,  
and printers. All computers will print to the printer  
on a first-come, first-served basis.  
Please print the README file on the diskette for  
Autoswitch software-driver setup instructions.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
4. Peripheral-Sharing and File-  
Transfer Setup  
IEEE 1284  
Printers  
IEEE 1284  
Printers  
CCD  
Camera  
CCD  
Camera  
Scanners  
Scanners  
Zip Drive  
Zip Drive  
PA  
PB  
D
PA  
PB  
D
DEVICE  
PA  
DEVICE  
PA  
DEVICE PB  
DEVICE PB  
C
C
B
B
SW178A Setup  
A
A
Compact Bidirectional  
Dual Bus Autoswitch  
Compact Bidirectional  
Dual Bus Auitch  
COMPUTER  
DEVICE  
COMPUTER  
IE  
B
C
B
C
Peripheral Sharing  
“AutoLink Mode”  
Two Computers  
“File Transfer Mode”  
IEEE 1284  
Printers  
IEEE 1284  
Printers  
CCD  
Camera  
CCD  
Camera  
Scanners  
Scanners  
Zip Drive  
Zip Drive  
PA  
PB  
PA  
PB  
DEVICE  
PA  
DEVICE  
PA  
DEVICE PB  
DEVICE PB  
D
D
C
C
B
B
A
A
Compact Bidirectional  
Dual Bus Autoswitch  
Compact Bidirectional  
Dual Bus Autoswitch  
COMPUTER  
COMPUTER  
DEVICE  
DEVICE  
B
C
B
C
SW179A Setup  
Computer attached to Port A can  
only initiate File Transfer with Port  
B; Computer attached to Port C can  
only initiate file transfer with Port D  
Peripheral Sharing  
“AutoLink Mode”  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
4.1 Auto-Link Mode  
The Autoswitch will constantly scan its input ports and  
send the job to the selected attached parallel device.  
The cycle goes from Port A, B, C, D, then A again.  
4.2 Manual Mode  
The Autoswitch has a Select button for manual port  
selection (Device or Computer). When the Autoswitch  
is first powered on, it’s in Auto-Link Mode. After you  
press the Computer button, it will be in Manual Mode.  
Pressing the Computer button again will put the  
Autoswitch back in Auto-Link Mode.  
4.3 Reset Mode  
Sometimes the Autoswitch might lose synchronization  
between the computers and parallel devices. Your  
Autoswitch might have lost synchronization if you  
notice any of these problems:  
• The Computer Input Port LEDs are not flashing  
alternately.  
• None of the computers can access the attached  
devices.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
• One of the computers has been running parallel-  
device software that locks the port all the time.  
If you have any of these problems, try resetting the  
Autoswitch to default mode:  
1. Turn off the Autoswitch.  
2. Set DIP switch #1 to the ON position.  
3. Turn on the Autoswitch, then turn it off again.  
4. Set DIP switch #1 to the OFF position.  
5. Turn on the Autoswitch.  
13  
 
COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
4.4 Device Out Ports LED Indicator  
PA & PB LED Remain Lit  
PA & PB LED are Lit OFF  
Auto-Link Mode  
File Transfer Mode  
4.5 DIP-Switch Settings  
14  
 
COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
5. Troubleshooting  
1. Check all the cables. Use IEEE 1284 rated cables.  
2. Check the computer BIOS. Make sure that the BIOS  
parallel setup is set to EPP or EPP/SPP mode for  
faster data transfer and bidirectional communication.  
3. If you’re working with portable drives, the Autoswitch  
must be in Manual Mode when selecting the port  
where the portable drive is attached until the driver  
software recognizes and assigns a logical drive. After  
the driver has been loaded, you can put the  
Autoswitch back into Auto-Link Mode.  
4. Using the optional AC power adapter. The  
Autoswitch is usually powered by the signal drawn  
from the computer and parallel-device parallel ports.  
However, if the computer or the device fails to supply  
enough power to the Autoswitch, a 9-VDC, 500-mA  
power adapter can be used. We recommend using  
the power adapter if you’re connecting inkjet and  
DeskJet printers.  
5. Adjust the timeout. If you print long document files  
with graphics, or use a printer spooler, adjust the  
15  
 
COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
timeout to a higher value. This is because as the  
computer processes complex files, it will pause more  
often. If the pause is longer than the time out  
window, the Autoswitch will assume that the  
transmission is over and prematurely finish the job.  
5.1 Calling Black Box  
If you determine that your Autoswitch 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.  
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES  
5.2 Shipping and Packaging  
If you need to transport or ship your Autoswitch:  
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use  
the original container.  
• If you are shipping the Autoswitch for repair,  
make sure you include everything that came in the  
original package. Before you ship, contact Black  
Box to get a Return Materials Authorization  
(RMA) number.  
17  
 
© Copyright 1999. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746  
 

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