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Thread ID: 66464 2006-02-24 01:32:00 KVM minus the video Mirddes (10) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
433289 2006-02-24 01:32:00 where can i get a kvm switch which doesnt have the video, or a guide on how to make one.

ive got 2 comptuers sittinger here (and abuot 5 moniers)
and its akward switching between 2 mice and keyboards so i want to have a switch i can hit to change between controlign computerA and computerB yet still have the ability to use most of my moniters.

im guessign that a bought solution woudl be simpiler (more compact ect) than one made by myself and that most likly all i woudl haev to do is hit a keyboard keycombo to switch between them. Comes at a cost ofcorse, which is it costign me alot more money.

the whole mouse thing i can handle but the keyboards are just annoying the hell out of me.

-thanks-
Mirddes (10)
433290 2006-02-24 02:35:00 No reason why a KVM switch wouldn't work without video. Most have a keyboard hotkey.

Generally PS/2 KVM are much more robust than the USB KB/mouse models. However I've used a TrendNet 2 port KVM USB switch which has been great.

Avoid the Belkin USB KVM's at all costs! Perhaps they've improved, but it was flaky and painfully slow to switch.
kingdragonfly (309)
433291 2006-02-24 02:51:00 i was under the impression that kvms cost a fair ammount of money Mirddes (10)
433292 2006-02-24 03:19:00 i was under the impression that kvms cost a fair ammount of money

I use a KVM, but no longer for video. just for the keyboard and mouse.

DSE unit is $67 ($62 trade).

Considering that the KVM switch needs to "look like" a keyboard and a mouse to each PC when it boots up, I simply don't see how you could dummy up that hardware and firmware for that small amount of money as DIY.

Its a lot more than just a "switch", as many PCs will not boot if they don't detect a keyboard, but the KVM makes them think one is there (even when its not switched to that PC) in the boot process.
godfather (25)
433293 2006-02-24 03:41:00 www.madkiwi.com

2 PC PS/2 Ultra Compact 1-to-2 KVM

$40 includes GST but excluding shipping fees. Jafa to Chch
bob_doe_nz (92)
433294 2006-02-24 04:13:00 PM me Mirddes, and you can pick up a switch and cables from me, surplus to requirements. Free to a good home - and as we are both in ChCh this may work for you.

The alternative is to buy a software solution called Kavoom, which you can get licenced to however many computers. I use that now instead of the switch, and it works well, even over a WLAN. I can control my laptop and family computer from my desktop. It is quite elegant - no hardware switches and cables necessary.

www.kavoom.biz
John H (8)
433295 2006-02-25 06:05:00 Thanks alot for the KVM John H, Works flawlessly and now i can actually use my desk for somethign otherthan holding my keyboards.
The wires are great aswell and the video part of them will come in very handy when i get around to getting a 5200ultra (pci) to power the rest of my moniters =D

again, thank you for your generosity.
Mirddes (10)
433296 2006-02-25 07:00:00 The alternative is to buy a software solution called Kavoom, which you can get licenced to however many computers. I use that now instead of the switch, and it works well, even over a WLAN. I can control my laptop and family computer from my desktop. It is quite elegant - no hardware switches and cables necessary.

www.kavoom.biz (http://www.kavoom.biz)

There is also a Free Open Source Alternative: Synergy :: http://synergy2.sf.net
Dannz (1668)
433297 2006-02-25 07:50:00 Does Synergy need two monitors? Since I cant fit them in my room. bob_doe_nz (92)
433298 2006-02-25 07:59:00 Does Synergy need two monitors? Since I cant fit them in my room.

Yeah it does.


You could always use VNC..... or Remote Desktop if one is running Xp Professional
Dannz (1668)
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