KVM switch compatibility

[EJMichaels]

As I get new equipment, more devices are connected by USB and I have to use adapters to connect them to my KVM switch (which takes PS/2). The problem is that some won't work and have to be connected directly to the computer. So far, some of the mice and some of the keyboards I've tried are like this. Is there something I should be checking or looking for to avoid this problem? I really don't want two keyboards on my desk, plus taking up a USB port. Running Win XP. (for now)

 

[Corny]

Not sure if I read this right .. is your setup like this:

two machines
one kvm switch
one set of periphals such as keyboard and mouse

?

now .. what confuses me: you said the kvm switch takes up one ps2 port, but you want to connect the periphals via USB.

so the kvm switch is connected via ps2 to the two machines, and you connect the USB periphals to the switch

there are many KVM switches, but those that i have used acted as a USB hub, and were connected via usb - and sometimes via ps2, too.
to me it kinda sounds like you are using some kind of ps2-usb adapter to connect your periphals to the kvm switch. this might work for some simple mice and keyboards, but not for many of the newer ones

 

[EJMichaels]

setup like this:

two machines
one kvm switch - with PS/2 ports
one set of periphals such as keyboard and mouse


to me it kinda sounds like you are using some kind of ps2-usb adapter to connect your periphals to the kvm switch.
YES, as of recently

this might work for some simple mice and keyboards, but not for many of the newer ones

Exactly, but we're talking about plain mice and keyboards - no special buttons. One keyboard is several years old. So, they have some unknown newness inside?

It seems I'll have to get a USB KVM switch if new devices are like that. I won't be able to use my AT keyboards, but that's okay - they're just spares.

Thanks

 

[blueyedvl]

Maybe try a new KVM that is designed for a USB keyboard and Mice. Monoprice has them for $26
http://www.monoprice (dotcom) /products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10102&cs_id=1010201&p_id=8583&seq=1&format=2

Just make sure it plugs directly into your computer and not a USB hub. If you need more USB ports, they also carry the HUBs here:
http://www.monoprice (dotcom) /products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10307

 

[EJMichaels]

Thanks. If I buy a new one, I'd want a 4-port, and those are more than I want to spend now (plus wasting a working switch). At least I know there's a reason for them not working.

 

[blueyedvl]

KVMs are typically just for switching your keyboard and mouse, that's the reason they only have 2 ports and are not powered by anything but your computer's usb port. Most other devices are going to draw more power than the KVM can provide. The KVMs job is to trick the computer that is not active into thinking the keyboard and mouse is still plugged in. Its not setup to do that for other devises like printers.

If you are trying to share something other than a keyboard/mouse you need something separate from the KVM. There are USB hubs that are switchable, but they don't tend to work very well. The other option would be a network USB hub. You plug your usb devises into it and then connect it to your network. It then makes those devises available to both computers.

http://www.monoprice (dotcom) products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10521&cs_id=1052106&p_id=7527&seq=1&format=2

 

[T-Rexx]

As I get new equipment, more devices are connected by USB and I have to use adapters to connect them to my KVM switch (which takes PS/2). The problem is that some won't work and have to be connected directly to the computer. So far, some of the mice and some of the keyboards I've tried are like this. Is there something I should be checking or looking for to avoid this problem? I really don't want two keyboards on my desk, plus taking up a USB port. Running Win XP. (for now)

The PS2 to USB adapters will only work with hardware (mice and keyboards) that is specifically designed for dual-mode use (as either a PS2 or a USB device). Most newer devices are probably only being built for USB service alone. Even most older mice and keyboards were only ever designed for use in one mode or the other - not both.

Apart from actually trying them out, I don't think there is any way you can tell which devices will work in dual mode and which will not.

 

[EJMichaels]

KVMs are typically just for switching your keyboard and mouse, that's the reason they only have 2 ports and are not powered by anything but your computer's usb port. Most other devices are going to draw more power than the KVM can provide. The KVMs job is to trick the computer that is not active into thinking the keyboard and mouse is still plugged in. Its not setup to do that for other devises like printers.

If you are trying to share something other than a keyboard/mouse you need something separate from the KVM. There are USB hubs that are switchable, but they don't tend to work very well. The other option would be a network USB hub. You plug your usb devises into it and then connect it to your network. It then makes those devises available to both computers.

http://www.monoprice (dotcom) products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10521&cs_id=1052106&p_id=7527&seq=1&format=2

Thanks for all the info. I mean three computers. Or four. I'm not trying to share any other peripherals (although I've considered buying something for sharing the printer).

While I'm here -
The monitor resolution is worse with the newer computer, so I'm assuming it's something in the computer that needs an upgrade or change in settings or something (since it looks okay with the older computer). Is this a matter of drivers or the video card, or what? You probably don't have enough info to tell me that.

 

[T-Rexx]

The monitor resolution is worse with the newer computer, so I'm assuming it's something in the computer that needs an upgrade or change in settings or something (since it looks okay with the older computer). Is this a matter of drivers or the video card, or what? You probably don't have enough info to tell me that.

The new computer is probably mis-identifying the monitor, causing Windows to drop back to a lower display resolution as the default.

You can change this by going into the display properties manager.

Click: Start>Control Panel>Display>Settings

Change the default display device and/or the screen resolution and/or the color quality.

 

[EJMichaels]

Thanks again. I had tried all of that before. I've been using the best one (which is the same as on the other computer). The difference between the two computers is slight, but noticeable. It's tolerable, but on my list of things to deal with eventually.