Multiple KVM switches

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ken Briscoe
  • Start date Start date
K

Ken Briscoe

Hi all,
I have a few computers set up here in one room. My main computer, a "test"
machine, and I was just given a couple low-end PCs. I was considering
turning one of them into a media PC. Basically, it would just be a server
that held all my media. I'd play the music or video over the network on
other computers we have set up throughout the house. Basically just a file
server, nothing too fancy. However, my main computer and my test machine are
both plugged into a Belkin 2-port KVM switch. I have to hit Scroll Lock
twice to have the KVM switch change between systems. I was wondering if I
could get another one and plug that into the existing switch. So it would
look something like this:

KVM
/ \
Main KVM
/ \
Test Server

I'm curious to know what would happen if I was using the "Server" computer
and hit scroll lock twice. Which computer would it switch to? Main or Test?
Anyone have any experience with anything like this? Maybe I'll just go get
a 3 or 4 port KVM.

KB
 
Ken Briscoe said:
I have a few computers set up here in one room. My main computer, a "test"
machine, and I was just given a couple low-end PCs. I was considering
turning one of them into a media PC. Basically, it would just be a server
that held all my media. I'd play the music or video over the network on
other computers we have set up throughout the house. Basically just a file
server, nothing too fancy. However, my main computer and my test machine are
both plugged into a Belkin 2-port KVM switch. I have to hit Scroll Lock
twice to have the KVM switch change between systems. I was wondering if I
could get another one and plug that into the existing switch. So it would
look something like this:
Click to expand...

[Next time use a fixed-width font for diagrams -- I'm fixing your diagram
below:]
KVM
/ \
Main KVM
/ \
Test Server

I'm curious to know what would happen if I was using the "Server" computer
and hit scroll lock twice. Which computer would it switch to? Main or Test?
Anyone have any experience with anything like this? Maybe I'll just go get
a 3 or 4 port KVM.
Click to expand...

It depends upon whether your KVM is made to be daisy-chained or not.
If not, who knows what might happen. If you can adjust the Scroll Lock-
Scroll Lock time window, you might be able to hack it so that you switch one
or the other. On the other hand, if you do have one that is made to be
daisy-chained (and daisy-chain it to one that is compatible), then it will
work. But this feature is likely to appear only on units that have 4 or more
ports in the first place. Probably best to get a cheap 4-port unit and sell
the 2-port unit.

Of course, considering my experience with Belkin KVM switches at my
old job, all bets are off even if you have just one of them . . . .

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or the other. On the other hand, if you do have one that is made to be
daisy-chained (and daisy-chain it to one that is compatible), then it will
work. But this feature is likely to appear only on units that have 4 or more
ports in the first place. Probably best to get a cheap 4-port unit and sell
the 2-port unit.
Click to expand...

IOGear makes a 4-port model (GCS14) that works very well, although it is
not daisy-chainable, IIRC. Four sets of KVM cables are included with the
purchase price.

See here http://iogear.com/products/product.php?Item=GCS14 for details.

CompUSA sells this model for $97. I bought one earlier this year for $70
after rebate.
 
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