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JUNE 1999
SW177A
Compact Bidirectional
Reversible Autoswitch
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
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL Centronics is a registered trademark of GENICOM Corporation. DeskJet is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners. 1
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 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
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 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 debe
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 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 elimi
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 1. Specifications Function #1 (Default) and #2 (File-Transfer Mode) No. of Parallel Device Output Ports 1 No. of Computer Input Ports 2 Cable Type Required IEEE 1284 Cables Computer to Autoswitch DB25 M/M ® Device to Autoswitch DB25 M/Centronics 36 M Maximum Cable Distance 5 meters (16 feet) Maximum Transfer Rate 2 megabytes per second No. of Device LEDs None Computer Input Port LEDs 2 Computer Input Port Selection Auto/Manual Time Out Selection 5, 10,
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH Function #3 (Reverse Mode) No. of Parallel Device Output Ports 2 No. of Computer Input Ports 1 Cable Type Required IEEE 1284 Cables Computer to Autoswitch DB25 M/M Device to Autoswitch DB25 M/Centronics 36 M Maximum Cable Distance 5 meters Maximum Transfer Rate 2 megabytes per second No. of Device LEDs None Computer Input Port LEDs 2 Computer Input Port Selection Manual/Software Size 4.1"H x 3.7"W x 0.8"D (10.4 x 9.3 x 2.1 cm) Weight 4.6 oz. (130 g) Op
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 2. Introduction The IEEE 1284 standard is found on most printers today. It enables bidirectional communication between the PC and the printer, which allows printer information to be sent back to the host PC using its built-in micro- processor. The Compact Bidirectional Reversible Autoswitch 2 to 1 supports full compatibility with IEEE 1284 modes, including Centronics, nibble, s pecial nibble, byte, Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP), and Enhanced Communicat
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 3. Quick Start This chapter contains 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. If you’re letting two computers share one printer, the computers will
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 4. DIP-Switch Settings The four DIP switches on the side of the Autoswitch control Reverse Mode and the time-out settings. 4.1 Time-Out Settings 4.2 Reverse Mode The factory-default mode is DIP-switch #1 set to OFF. When set to ON, the switch will be in Reverse Mode. 9
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 4.3 Reset Push Button If the two LEDs for the computers do not flash alternately and at the same time, none of the computer ports can communicate to the parallel device. Reset the switch for synchronization between computers and parallel devices. Or if one computer runs the parallel device’s software and locks, the port at all times, use the reset function to force the switch to return to Auto-Link Mode. 4.4 Auto-Link Mode The Autoswitch will constantl
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B B COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 4.6 Typical Applications Two PCs Sharing One Parallel Device. (Set the DIP Switch #1 to OFF, Factory Default.) Flatbed Printer scanner Zip drive CCD Camera COMMON B Compact Bidirectional Reversible Autoswitch A One PC Accessing Two Parallel Devices. (Set the DIP Switch #1 to ON.) COMMON B Compact Bidirectional Reversible Autoswitch A 11 A A
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 5. Driver Software 5.1 Software Selection Mode This Autoswitch comes with a driver diskette that ® contains driver software for DOS, Windows , and Windows 95/98 to set the appropriate AutoSwitch working mode, which includes Function #1 (Default), Function #2 (File Transfer Mode), and Function #3 (Reverse Mode). The printer selection utility for the Autoswitch lets you change your parallel device selection from your computer. Print the README file on th
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 6. Troubleshooting 6.1 Common Problems 1. Check all the cables. We recommend you use IEEE 1284 cables. 2. Use the optional AC power adapter. The Autoswitch is usually powered by the signal drawn from the computer and parallel device parallel port. 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 on inkjet ® printers like the DeskJet
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 6.2 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.
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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL REVERSIBLE AUTOSWITCH 6.3 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. 15
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© Copyright 1999. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746
