KVM and random repeating characters

TeetimeNC wrote on 2/25/2013, 11:25 AM

I read with interest the recent thread here about controlling two computers with one keyboard and recommending the StarTech KVM switch. I was interested because after seven years I have started getting random repeating characters when using the keyboard on either of my computers through my IOGear GCS932U KVM. So the first NewEgg review of the StarTech complains about getting random repeating characters!! This makes me wonder if it is something other than KBVMs that could be causing this problem. It isn't the keyboard because I replaced mine with a spare of a different brand and have the same problem. Has anyone here had this experience and have any advice to offer?

/jerry

Comments

videoITguy wrote on 2/25/2013, 12:07 PM

I don't think the thread you are referring to went far enough to cover this topic. Of course, there are really good KVM's and really cheap poor KVM's.

While I can't say exactly about your repeating characters - iF you have a good quality upto standards KVM - repeating characters do not come from that area.

Most keyboards bought today for $19 etc. are cheap throwaways - my original Keyboards made to typewriter standards - with basic key layout cost over $250.00 in today's money.

Test your keyboard hard (?) meaning punishingly so - without the KVM in-line - chances it will show the slightest tendency to repeat characters - and with that throw it away.

TeetimeNC wrote on 2/26/2013, 5:58 AM

I found a post from IOGear that appears to have fixed my problem:

First, thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. The product should not behave as you described. You can try to power cycle the KVM and this can be done by powering down the attached computers and unplugging the KVM cables from each computer. Once this done allow the KVM to sit for a few moments and then plug the KVM cables back into each computer. Then boot computer one up and allow it to come to a desktop then switch to computer two, boot it and allow it to come to a desktop, etc.

/jerry

DrLumen wrote on 2/26/2013, 11:59 AM

Ugh, that is a pretty much a worthless "fix".

Like was said, it is worth your time and ease to your frustration levels if you at least get a good KVM. As you found with the IO Gear review/bug reports, it is worthwhile to check out whichever KVM you are thinking about.

I have no doubt that all KVM's can get glitchy at times. I have found that when I switch between systems without pushing a key or using the mouse between switches that the mouse scroll quits working. But I just switch systems and do something (anything) there and switch back and all is fine. It doesn't happen often. That is really my fault though for being a doofus and changing without any real need. <shrugs>

TeetimeNC wrote on 2/26/2013, 3:41 PM

Dr, I've probably misled you. My IOGear was one of the middle to higher end KVM's when I bought it seven or so years ago. It has worked flawlessly for all that time. Only recently did I have this one problem which a "reboot" seems to have fixed (knocking on wood). My original post was referring to a StarView bug report that sounded like the same problem I was having, which made me wonder if there was something else going on, like maybe a USB problem.

/jerry

PeterDuke wrote on 2/26/2013, 4:53 PM

I have a basic D-Link KVM. It occasionally drops characters. I must do somtin abt it ...

DrLumen wrote on 2/26/2013, 5:08 PM

Jerry, I misunderstood. My bad.

The only time i have had issues with recurring characters was when using a keep alive type utility on an old windows system. If I happen to be typing when the timer fired it would sometimes repeat characters.

The other time was when a system board was going bad. It had more issues other than just repeating characters though.

Does it repeat characters on all the systems or just one?

-KeithB

TeetimeNC wrote on 2/26/2013, 5:52 PM

Both systems, two different keyboards.