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Troubleshooting tips for the Cat 5 to USB extender for SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboards

This document describes how to troubleshoot the Cat 5 to USB extender that connects your computer and a SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard.

Overview

The Cat 5 to USB extender for SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboards enables you to extend the USB connection an additional 50' (15 m), using a Cat 5 cable.

There are three components to the Cat 5 to USB extender:

• A USB connection adapter connecting the Cat 5 cable to your computer

• A pen tray extension module connecting the Cat 5 cable to the SMART Board interactive whiteboard

• A Cat 5 cable (not included) connecting the USB connection adapter from your computer to the pen tray extension module installed on the interactive whiteboard

  Important  

  Use a Cat 5, Cat 5e or Cat 6 communication cable (Cat 5e ground-shielded cable is recommended), which can be plenum rated if required.

Details

Before troubleshooting

You might be able to solve the issue with your interactive board by performing these checks.

• Ensure that the cable doesn’t exceed 50' (15 m). The Cat 5 cable can include multiple segments of cables through wall plates or passive connectors. However, the combined length of all cables must not exceed 50' (15 m). If touch and writing are slow, use a shorter Cat 5 cable.

  Note  

  The more segments you use, the slower the performance.

• Ensure that the computer’s USB connection provides sufficient power for the bus-powered Cat 5 to USB extender. Passive USB hubs or laptops running on batteries might not provide sufficient power.

• Ensure that the Cat 5 cable isn’t close to power cables. Interference between a Cat 5 cable and power cables can reduce performance.

• Check the condition of the Cat 5 cable. A worn or damaged cable reduces performance.

• Update to the latest version of SMART Product Drivers from the following links:

• smarttech.com/SBX800Win (for Windows computers)

• smarttech.com/SBX800Mac (for Mac computers)

Troubleshooting tips

The pen tray extension module has two status lights that you can use to troubleshoot your Cat 5 to USB extension.

To view the status lights, you must remove the pen tray from the interactive whiteboard.

To view the pen tray extension module status lights

1. Disconnect the audio and camera cables, but don't disconnect the power cable.

   Note  

   Do not disconnect the Cat 5 to USB extender.

2. If you secured your interactive whiteboard using a security cable lock, remove the cable lock.

3. Remove the pen tray by reaching under the pen tray, pulling down on the two large plastic clips, and then sliding the pen tray toward you.

   You're able to view the status lights.

• The green Device light indicates whether the pen tray extension module and the interactive whiteboard are communicating.

• The amber Link light indicates whether the pen tray extension module and your computer are communicating.

The following table describes how to interpret the pen tray extension module lights.

For information on how to troubleshoot the interactive whiteboard, see the SMART Board X800 series interactive whiteboard user’s guide (smarttech.com/kb/144817).

If the issue persists, contact SMART support.

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