Do KVM switches work with ONLY the monitors connected?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dean
  • Start date Start date
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dean

Anyone know if, in general, KVM switches work (switch properly) with
the monitors attached, but without keyboard or mouse? I have 2 PCs
next to each other, and the wife uses one while I use the other (hence
two KBs / mice). Of course, we also have separate monitors. But I want
to 'borrow' her monitor when she's not using it, and expand my desktop
to it in a dual-monitor setup on my PC. (A simple monitor cable Y-
switch would be great, but I don't think anyone makes these).

I've ordered one of these, btw: TRENDnet TK-207K.

Thanks!
 
In message
<dd60e747-77b4-4098-8b5b-73aa3b466da3@s24g2000vbp.googlegroups.com> dean
Anyone know if, in general, KVM switches work (switch properly) with
the monitors attached, but without keyboard or mouse? I have 2 PCs
next to each other, and the wife uses one while I use the other (hence
two KBs / mice). Of course, we also have separate monitors. But I want
to 'borrow' her monitor when she's not using it, and expand my desktop
to it in a dual-monitor setup on my PC. (A simple monitor cable Y-
switch would be great, but I don't think anyone makes these).

I've ordered one of these, btw: TRENDnet TK-207K.
Click to expand...

If the KVM is completely mechanical, then it should work.

If it's electronic (and most/all are these days) then it likely won't
work without one PS/2 or USB connection because that's where the KVM
receives it's power. In this case it receives power via USB.

If your KVM accepts an external power supply then VGA-only should work,
if not, connect the USB port to an external 5V power supply, or even a
USB port, it should just work.
 
Anyone know if, in general, KVM switches work (switch properly) with
the monitors attached, but without keyboard or mouse?
Click to expand...

In general: no. They need power.
And they get that from either the PS/2 mouse, PS/2 keyboard or
USB.

Next to that: most KVM switches switch by a key combo.
Trust me: they peek the keyboard connection for that, not the
display :-)
So you would at least need a type that also supports a physical
button on the device. (And you cannot hide the stuff under your
table :-)
I have 2 PCs
next to each other, and the wife uses one while I use the other (hence
two KBs / mice). Of course, we also have separate monitors. But I want
to 'borrow' her monitor when she's not using it, and expand my desktop
to it in a dual-monitor setup on my PC. (A simple monitor cable Y-
switch would be great, but I don't think anyone makes these).
Click to expand...

Actually, I wouldn't hold my breath for this to work :-)
 
Now that I have seen a picture of the Trendnet TK-207K, it
appears to have the USB integrated into the cable which
inputs to the (normally a video-only) DB-15 socket on the
KVM.  Because of how the cable is made you may need a USB
extension cable to get the USB input from the cable
connected to her video output to be long enough to reach
your system's USB socket, unless the systems (case rear) are
sitting practically side-by-side.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -
Click to expand...

Thank you all very much for the replies - you are all correct. The
thing switches the monitor fine. I just plugged the two USBs into
empty slots and it does not complain, and it switches well.

Unfortunately I have a stupid graphics card that won't allow me two
different resolutions (though its supposed to), so its all a mute
point right now. (Its the NVidia 8600 GTS, and it has forgotten about
its DualView capability, though that's not a discussion for this
thread).

Once again, thanks all.
-Dean
 
In message
<20b71f31-9e9d-4c49-bd9a-e1372512d17a@l16g2000yqo.googlegroups.com> dean
Unfortunately I have a stupid graphics card that won't allow me two
different resolutions (though its supposed to), so its all a mute
point right now.
Click to expand...

What exactly is a mute point?
 
Thank you all very much for the replies - you are all correct. The thing
switches the monitor fine. I just plugged the two USBs into empty slots
and it does not complain, and it switches well.

Unfortunately I have a stupid graphics card that won't allow me two
different resolutions (though its supposed to), so its all a mute point
right now. (Its the NVidia 8600 GTS, and it has forgotten about its
DualView capability, though that's not a discussion for this thread).

Once again, thanks all.
-Dean
Click to expand...

IIRC you should be able to assign different resolutions when you use them
as 2 separate view monitors. Some combination of Windows and nVidia's
Control panel software.
 
In message
<20b71f31-9e9d-4c49-bd9a-e1372512d...@l16g2000yqo.googlegroups.com> dean


What exactly is a mute point?
Click to expand...

Good catch - I should have said 'moot' point. lol
 
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