KVM Switches

Raistlin · 24-06-2005, 15:30

Hi Guys,

I have a Laptop (with its own Keyboard and a USB mouse) and two desktops/towers (which have PS2 mice and keyboards).

I'd like to buy a KVM switch which I can connect all three of these machines to. So far it seems that most KVM switches do either USB or PS2.

Can anybody suggest a good KVM switch that would accomodate all three of my systems?

I would like, if possible, some sort of positive switching method (an actual switch/button).

I also want to set it up so that the monitor is the primary screen for the two desktops but will act as a secondary screen for the laptop (this is support by the graphics card), will this be possible with the KVM?

Thanks

**Rob** · 24-06-2005, 15:47

Might be a roundabout way of doing it. If you get a KVM that only has PS2 connectors.

You can get adaptors that convert a USB plug into a PS2 plug. (many USB mice are supplied with them) If you then get a USB extension lead (male USB one end, female USB at the other) will that do the trick to connect your lappy mouse?

Raistlin · 24-06-2005, 15:54

Don't need to connect the lappy mouse, need to connect the KVM (PS/2) to the Laptop (USB only) some how.

I could get a PS/2 > USB adaptor though..........in fact.....thought I had one, but I was wrong. The one that came with the Laptop was a USB > PS/2 one, the wrong way round.

I'll look for an adaptor though, that might be the best idea.
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Reckon this will do the trick (first item).

http://www.aria.co.uk/ProductsList.a...ps%2F2+adaptor

**Rob** · 24-06-2005, 16:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Don't need to connect the lappy mouse, need to connect the KVM (PS/2) to the Laptop (USB only) some how.

I could get a PS/2 > USB adaptor though..........in fact.....thought I had one, but I was wrong. The one that came with the Laptop was a USB > PS/2 one, the wrong way round.

I'll look for an adaptor though, that might be the best idea.
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Reckon this will do the trick (first item).

http://www.aria.co.uk/ProductsList.a...ps%2F2+adaptor

Make sure the adaptors work the right way round. That lead you show has PS2 sockets rather than plugs. You want to be sure it's going to match up with whatever the KVM offers. Oh, and I suspect the length of that is rather short too, an extension might be needed dependent on your setup.

SMHarman · 24-06-2005, 16:25

The bits you don't want switched just don't get plugged in. So if you don't plug the laptop screen into the KVM then it will not be part of the switching.
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http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...FSohoSeries%2F

altis · 24-06-2005, 20:06

There's a VAST selection here:

http://www.kvmswitchdirect.co.uk/

...although I'm still not sure that they have any suitable.

Jonboy · 24-06-2005, 20:14

what ever kvm switch you decide to get make sure its a ps2 type steer clear of usb TRUST ME
this is mine remember you get what u pay for
http://www.cjemicros.co.uk/micros/in.../REX-MH2.shtml

altis · 24-06-2005, 20:30

Some more here:
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=gensearch&y=0

And I've just had another thought. If you can't find a suitable switch, why not get a USB to PS2 adaptor (eg CS09345 in link above) and then use a PS2 only switch?

Raistlin · 24-06-2005, 21:10

Cheers for all the help guys.

Think I'm gonna have to give this some thought and work out what adaptors/cabls I need.....

mick70 · 24-06-2005, 21:37

If it is any help, I just bought a Linksys one to link up two pc's and its the nuts

Raistlin · 24-06-2005, 21:39

It might be a help (although I actually needed to link three).

Where did you buy it from? If it's the net could you provide a link please?

Thanks

mick70 · 24-06-2005, 21:45

I don't know about linking 3 machines bit mine is a PS/2 version bought from E-Buyer for less than ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£30 (nearly ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£50 in PC world). Have a look on the Linksys website, might have one their to sort you out.
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What about the audio output? The dearer ones come with that facility, I just bought a cheap set of speakers for the other pc.

Raistlin · 24-06-2005, 21:50

Nah, only have audio on the Laptop.

The other two machines are a test machine and a server, just need to be able to control them.

LSainsbury · 24-06-2005, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick70

If it is any help, I just bought a Linksys one to link up two pc's and its the nuts

Is that one of the ProConnect's? Do you have a problem with the mouse scroll wheel being very slow? It's a known fault!

Lee