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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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Switching a Keyboard Between Two Computers
Hi,
I recently hooked up two computers side by side. I do not have room for two keyboards. I have a data transfer switch box. Is there any danger that might damage the keyboard controller by switching the keyboard between one computer and the other while both computers are turned on? Thanks in advance, Brad Before you type your password, credit card number, etc., be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC. |
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There shouldn't be any damage to the keyboard. Iv'e done it myself and it
worked fine (actually, I've built a KVM switch from a data transfer switch, and the only problem it has was the video signal - too noisy). Just make sure you turn on one computer at a time with the switch directed to it, so it can recognize the keyboard, then you can switch over to the other computer. Regards, Michael "Brad" wrote in message ... Hi, I recently hooked up two computers side by side. I do not have room for two keyboards. I have a data transfer switch box. Is there any danger that might damage the keyboard controller by switching the keyboard between one computer and the other while both computers are turned on? Thanks in advance, Brad Before you type your password, credit card number, etc., be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC. |
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Hi!
Yes, there is. And even worse: many PC's will not work with a keyboard that is switched this way. Not likely on a well designed motherboard using a *decent* switchbox. Most boards have no problems with an "unexpected keyboard disconnect" so long as a key wasn't being pressed when it happened. There is the odd system that doesn't handle it well (beeping, garbage key entries, incorrect key functions, or total keyboard lockout) but these are not as common. Causing a permanent failure is even more unlikely, but with today's "Super I/O chips" that hold all basic I/O functions in one large packaged IC, this may be a gamble you aren't willing to take. And as a KVM also switches your mouse and display, you will end up with even more free space on your desk :-) Some KVMs do not work well with some kinds of equipment. You don't have to look very hard to find equipment that doesn't work well or at all with one, a few or all types of KVMs out there. William |
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Some KVMs do not work well with some kinds of equipment. You don't have to
look very hard to find equipment that doesn't work well or at all with one, a few or all types of KVMs out there. William I have a Mac G4 and a PeeCee that I am switching with a IOGear Mini-View USB-KVM. I have an Apple USB keyboard, Kensington USB Expert Mouse Pro trackball, Dell 21" monitor, and several other USB devices, and all switches well. Only downside, it only supports USB 1.1, not the faster 2.0. Maybe they've upgraded by now. Raymond |
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"Quadrajet1" wrote in message
... Some KVMs do not work well with some kinds of equipment. You don't have to look very hard to find equipment that doesn't work well or at all with one, a few or all types of KVMs out there. William I have a Mac G4 and a PeeCee that I am switching with a IOGear Mini-View USB-KVM. I have an Apple USB keyboard, Kensington USB Expert Mouse Pro trackball, Dell 21" monitor, and several other USB devices, and all switches well. Only downside, it only supports USB 1.1, not the faster 2.0. Maybe they've upgraded by now. I've got 4 SGI Octanes and 2 SGI Indigo2 workstations along with 6 or so PC's of various manufacturers including Dell and several generic ones and I have absolutely no problems with my Belkin Omniview Pro KVM switches. I had several other brands of smaller ones (I have 2 8-port now) and while mice were sometimes not properly supported, I've never had a single computer complain about switching keyboards or monitors. Norm |
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