[Herefordshire] Linux 'V' KVM

[M.E.R.C]

Hi Matt thanks for all that. ill try some different cables and keyboards both KVMs I have are electronic, the 4 port one is a real expensive one that was ripped out of GCHQ about 4 weeks ago, I managed to get my hands on it from a salvage guy I know, all that being said I had to build a PSU for it so maybe its low on power. If that fails I think ill invest some cash in he korega 4 port and invest some time after in keeping the power on with my old ones.

H
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Matt Rhys-Roberts 
  To: Herefordshire Linux Users Group. 
  Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 4:26 PM
  Subject: Re: [Herefordshire] Linux 'V' KVM


  Yes, we do... Inexpensive KVM switching is known to be problematic. Makes me wonder why these things are sold!!!

  Mouse/keyboard outages in this case are caused whenever they lose power due to switching them between PCs, which will almost invariably happen when you use conventional mechanical switching.

  The solution is to use an electronic KVM switch, which keeps the attached mouse & keyboard alive (and keeps the respective ports satisfied) while their data lines are switched between PCs. The electronic KVM switch derives power from one of the attached ports, and/or a separate PSU. You can get quite sophisticated with this stuff and potentially cascade many such devices.

  At work we're happily using a Korega 4:1 KVM switch, cost about £40, between 4 Linux servers. However I dare say there are plenty of DIY ways to achieve the same effect, but it depends on how you price your time!

  How about a project to improve a cheap KVM switch - ie. keep both mouse & keyboard powered by one and/or other attached PCs - so that there's no loss of service? I'll have a think while I'm slacking out at Glastonbury next week...

Best Regards,
Matt Rhys-Roberts


  M.E.R.C wrote: 
    Is any one in the LUG using Linux with a KVM, more to the point can any one suggest why when using a KVM with Linux
    sometimes I switch over and all is fine, a few minutes later however I switch over again and the keyboard fails to work. seems to be related to the shift keys because sometimes when you push them a few times (Bash them more like) it starts to go again, I have tested on different keyboards as well but the hardware at the moment is as follows.

    Keyboard is a micro$oft natural (Sorry) 
    Mouse is a Microsoft optical
    KVM is a belkin 2 port, I also have a 4 port old rackmount KVM that causes the same problems.
    can any one help ?

    PS www.lugradio.org <--- one I have found on my LUG quest today, if you have not seen this site I highly recommend it, download the recent episode and im sure you will love it ! one for the links page on the web site maybe ?

    H
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