OT:using KVM switch w/ USB wireless keyboard/mouse

Randy Brown wrote on 4/14/2008, 1:56 PM
I feel sure this has been addressed here but couldn't find it in search;
I use a KVM switch that I use with my edit PC and internet PC that accepts serial keyboard and mouse. I just bought a MS wireless keyboard/mouse and the receiver has one male usb.
My question is are there "Y"s or adaptors out there that will split the usb from the wireless keyboard/mouse receiver to the 2 female serials on the KVM?
I had no problem finding male USB to female serials but not the opposite.
Thanks and sorry for the OT.
Randy

Comments

Jeff_Smith wrote on 4/14/2008, 3:01 PM
I can not answer your question about Y connectors. But I can tell you that I have an IOGear KVM switch that use for 2 non-networked PCs, one kybd and dual monitor setup. I use a USB to serial adapter to connect my Logitech wireless optical mouse reciever to the KVM. The mouse works but I can not access the mouse software tools for customizing the controls when the KVM is being used. Logitech confirms that they do not support use with KVM switches. I would be concerned that even if you found the connectors it may not work with any of the USB adapters
Randy Brown wrote on 4/14/2008, 3:48 PM
Thanks Jeff,
I think you're right about the adaptors...at this point I'm just looking for a KVM that will work with the MS wireless keyboard/mouse combo. They gotta be out there but so far I haven't been able to find one.
Thanks again,
Randy
craftech wrote on 4/15/2008, 6:14 AM
Randy,
For adapters, cables, switch boxes, etc no one beats Monoprice. One of the reviewers said that $4.00 adapter worked with his Belkin KVM and Logitech Wireless Keyboard/Mouse combination.

Power may be a problem.
I know Microsoft recommends the Belkin Omniview SE for their optical mouse and keyboard. The original is being discontinued as far as I know and it's replacement is what I just linked. The original model that Microsoft recommended was the F1D074.
According to Belkin, F1DG102WWireless Flip or the Belkin F1DF102UFlip USB will work.

Take a look at these Monoprice KVM and switch boxes for alternatives. They are usually much cheaper, of high quality, and have a great return policy. You can also call "Joe" in Tech support before you buy and tell him your problem. He is really helpful.

John
Randy Brown wrote on 4/15/2008, 8:10 AM
Thanks very much John, I've posted this on 2 other forums with no luck.
I'll check out your links and report back.
Thanks again,
Randy
Randy Brown wrote on 4/15/2008, 3:41 PM
Well, after not being able to find one even at Monoprice's site I talked to one of their techs....he said they're working on one but it could be a while. Kinda hard to believe as long as the combos have been around.
Anyway I guess I'll go back to my old PS/2 and put my combo in storage until such an animal exists.
Thanks again John,
Randy
John_Cline wrote on 4/15/2008, 4:10 PM
As long as were on the subject, does anyone know of a 4-port KVM that doesn't cost a fortune and supports dual 1920x1200 DVI monitors?
craftech wrote on 4/15/2008, 8:00 PM
John,
If the displays are inputting digital resolutions and not analog and/or are 19 inches or larger you may have a problem finding one that supports 1920x1200 DVI-I. Gefen makes them, but talk about overpriced?

John
JJKizak wrote on 4/16/2008, 5:38 AM
I thought I had one in the "Linkskey" dual monitor 4 port 7.1 USB switch after I called them up and asked them if it would pass 1920 x 1080P and they said yes but it does not (after spending 600 big ones). DVI 1360 x 768 max at this format but a lot more at 4 x 3. So I just bypassed it going 1920 x 1080P to the monitors while still using the USB and audio functions.
JJK
richard-courtney wrote on 4/16/2008, 6:59 AM
We don't even bother with KVMs.

If they are networked (you don't need a gateway or router to the internet just
IP set) you can use a software solution UltraVNC.

Works with Windows and Linux.
LReavis wrote on 4/16/2008, 1:05 PM
I agree with RCourtney. I have a KVM, but it's only good for up to 1600x1200. So I use my 1920x1200 monitor permanently connected to my main computer, then use the KVM to switch the old 1600x1200 monitor between my main Q6600 and my old P4. But I use free software to move the mouse freely between the two computers. When KVM is switched to the old computer, the keyboard works on that computer when the mouse is in that monitor; merely sliding the mouse to the 1920x1200 monitor makes the keyboard work on that monitor. The sofware I use is

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

Incidentally, this setup is great for a 2-camera studio setup. Using the 1394 port to the computers, I capture with HDVsplit on one computer, while I use Vegas on the other. When I get ready to capture, no need to punch the KVM button to switch computers - I just slide the mouse and click the "record" buttons.

Both files go to separate hard drives in my main computer (I've never seen a dropped frame even though my old computer's capture is going over the gigabyte network to that hard drive in my new computer, which also is simultaneously capturing). It's easy as pie to sync & trim the two captures in Vegas by matching the audio waveforms. Even long captures (30 min. or longer) seem to stay in sync - I have never noticed any drift. I wonder - is this due to luck?