KVM switch

[redvette]

Hi gang

Got this KVM switch a IOGEAR GCS632U. I am using a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse. I plugged in every thing as directed, but I cannot get the keyboard to work or the switching of the computers. It is pretty straight forward how they are hooked up, so I double checked every thing and still can it it to work right. The directions as to how to set up the switching of the computers leaves a little to be desired.

The wireless sensor has a USB and the conventional key board connector, that plugs into the KVM switch. This KVM switch has the audio too. I have hooked up KVM switches before, and they seem to be plug and play, but this one is giving me trouble.

Any help appreciated......Gunny

[shadowpr]

I would try to use a wired keyboard with the kvm switch. See if that changes anything.

[EzyStvy]

The wireless sensor has a USB and the conventional key board connector,

What do you mean by the above? Are you using a USB to PS2 adaptor? If so, they can cause problems with KVM switches.

[redvette]

Hi Shadow...Yes I will try that suggestion of yours.

Ezy....Yes I had to go with the adapter, the KVM switch only accepts USB connections. So I had to get a Female PS2 (thanx for reminding me what that was called) to male USB connector. If I go for the wired keyboard I will still have to use it. All my wired keyboards are with the PS2 connectors. When I was shopping for the connector/adapter I seen a Female USB with a two PS2 connectors a Keyboard and a mouse connection. A Y connection I guess you would call it. I thought this would be a snap deal, a Plug and Play devce they call it. ha ha ha

Like I said this keyboad/mouse sensor, has a USB and a PS2 connector, there again a Y connection, a male USB, and a female PS2 connector. So I can plug the USB right in to the KVM, but have to use the adaptor for the PS2 connection.

Thanx....Gunny

[glc]

If it's a pure USB KVM, use USB straight to it with no adapters. If your keyboard and mouse uses PS/2, return the KVM and get a PS/2 KVM.

[EzyStvy]

http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/yeahthat.gif

KVM's are touchy.
Adaptors are Real touchy.
Combine the two and you're asking for headachs.

[redvette]

Hi all

Well I don't really have a choice, I have to use the adaptor, so it looks like even if I go the PS2 type KVM switch I will still have to use an adaptor. So I am going to have to use an adaptor either way I go. The Microsoft keyboard and mouse are too new and work great to change them.

I sure had no idea this was going to be such a big deal, it says plug and play right on the box. ha ha ha I sure did the plug but the play is not wroking. :-(

Thanx........Gunny....:-(

[glc]

If the Microsoft kit came with adapters to dual PS/2, you can use them with a PS/2 KVM. You must use the adapters they came with if you do that.

[redvette]

Hi GLC aka retired person

No the Microsoft keyboard and mouse did not come with any extra's. And like I said the keyboard uses a PS2 connection and the mouse uses a USB coonnection. I thought that was kind of unusual to have them be different like that. All the other key board/mouse sets I have bought before had either both PS2 connections or adaptors.

Thanx...Gunny

[redvette]

Hi Gang

I presented this problem to the people that make the KVM switch IOgear, and this is what they replied back to me with.

<<<<Hello,



The GCS632U runs a keyboard and mouse emulation that may not work correctly with all keyboards and mice. We do not recommend the use of any PS/2 to USB adapters with the GCS632U. If possible try using a standard USB wired keyboard and USB wired 2 button scroll wheel mouse in the KVM. If the KVM performs as it should then we would know that the KVM will not function correctly with your Microsoft combo.>>>>

Now since this device is only made two ways, either using 2 USB connections, or 2 PS2 connections, how do they expect it to be used with out using an adapter.? How many thousands out there have the very same configuration I have, using the latest wireless Mouse and Keyboard.? In short they are telling us to get this unit to work right we have to go out and purchase old style electronics, a wired keyboard and mouse. Backward thinking, in my opinion to make some thing that is sold in todays market place, that in order to work properly you have to go backward. This to me is lame thinking, I am not the sharpest pencil in the box, but I am not the dullest either, unless I am missing some thing here, I would appreciate any and all opinions on this please.

Thanx....Gunny

[glc]

Your configuration - one PS/2 and one USB - is actually the NON standard way to do things. Leave it to Microsoft to kluge it up like that.

I have had no issues with using a Logitech cordless set - which COMES with dual PS/2 adapters - and a Linksys PS/2 KVM.

Using a PS/2 KVM requires that BOTH motherboards have dual PS/2 - you CANNOT adapt on that side of the switch at all.

[redvette]

Hi GLC

I understand what you are saying. This seems to be a very nice combo, (keyboard and mouse) from Microsoft, and it works great. I like the lay out of the keyboard especially. And it is fairly new, less then a year old.

I think I still have an older Logitech combo that has a single USB coming from the sensor. Maybe I will give that a try just to see if that works.

Thanx...Gunny

[glc]

If it's a USB KVM, the Logitech should work.

If the IOgear is both USB and PS/2, I'm betting it MIGHT work with the MS *IF* you use a working USB to PS/2 adapter on the mouse connection, and use dual PS/2 to BOTH computers. I have a MS wired mouse on my Linksys, and it's using a USB to PS/2 adapter. The adapter came with the mouse.

[redvette]

Hi Glc

No both the connections on the KVM areUSB. and the connections coming from the sensor are keyboad is a PS2, and the mouse is a USB.

Thanx...Gunny

[EzyStvy]

This pretty much sums it up:

KVM's are touchy.
Adaptors are Real touchy.
Combine the two and you're asking for headachs.

There isn’t a Universal Standard when it comes to Adaptors and how they are wired.

You could seek out and purchase adaptors from different companies and hope n pray you find one that works OR

Get a USB Keyboard.

[glc]

1. Do both motherboards have dual PS/2?

2. If YES, send the IOgear back and get a Linksys KVM2KIT.

3. Use a green USB to PS/2 adapter on the sensor's mouse cable.

4. This will not switch the audio.

[redvette]

GLC....Ya both MOBO's have PS2 connections. Long story short but I cannot send it back, But that does not change my desire to get this working. I will look up that one you refer to.

I understand what you are saying about the adapters, but it still don't seem right that they cannot make such a simple device better then that. I mean these are used all the time, because every one has their own idea of how some thing should be made or done. I mean after all we are not building a Space craft here just a simple adapter. Is it the people that are making the adapters or the people making the stuff that forces you to need one of these adapters. Where are the standardization standards. :-)

This is stupid, every time you turn around you have to change some thing or buy some thing new to make something new to work right. This reminds me of Vista. :-)

Thanx...Gunny

[glc]

Just remember what "USB" stands for........

Unpredictable Serial Bus. :D

[redvette]

Ha ha ha ha very funny, did you just make that up.? Don't tell me you actually like Vista. ha ha ha

Well any way, I was talking to this guy that has a Dlink KVM switch that has the same set up as me his sensor for his keyboard and mouse has the PS2 and USB connections. His KVM switch has the same there too like my IOgear 2 USB connections. He said he uses a adapter on the keyboard side like me and it works great, switching and every thing. he bought 2 of these units and he said his wife don't want to use hers so he is selling it for $15, still in the box. Now what do you think of that.?

Take care....Gunny...retired too.

[EzyStvy]

It's very possible to find an adaptor that will work. 15 bucks sounds hi, but if it works...

[glc]

15 bucks for a working KVM is dirt cheap as long as it includes cables.

[redvette]

Ya Ezy.. I think you misunderstood my last post, this is not an adapter but A KVM switch. The last adapter I bought was $3.

GLC... Ya it comes with the cables, it is very similar to the one I have now but made by Dlink

Thanx....Gunny

[redvette]

Well it looks like evey one is in agreement that you cannot use adapters with these KVM switches, and that leaves me with out a KVM switch to connect my fine computers together. Almost makes we want some one to not be in agreement with this... :-) The KVM switch is now up for sale.

Thanx...Gunny

[glc]

Try your buddy's D-Link. It may work.

[redvette]

Ha ha ha I see a ray of sunshine there. IT MAY WORK. The boss is implying that I am posting to PCmech too much, and I am out of control. I told her I cannot help it I have all these problems that are piling up on me. I told her too I have to keep you guys busy, keep that old gray matter working. Remember what you don't use you loose. I think she just wants me to help with the Christmas shopping. ha ha ha ha

Thanx.....Gunny

[glc]

Just hand her your wallet - she's gonna clean it out one way or another anyway.

[redvette]

WOW sounds like some one has been down that road. I would not touch that with a 20' pole. :-)

Any way I am going to be getting a different KVM switch today or tomorrow. I will post what I have come up with after I get it installed. I know you all are waiting with baited breath, to know the results of this.

Thanx...Gunny

[EzyStvy]

If all else fails - get a different keyboard:p

[redvette]

Hi EZY

Right at the moment it is easier to come by a different KVM switch, then if that don't work then the keyboard.

Thanx and take care....Gunny

[glc]

The Logitech EX110 kit comes with a receiver that has dual PS/2 capability and it should work with any dual PS/2 KVM.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126174

[redvette]

GLC...That set up has the same kind of leads coming from the sender, like mine now. Only difference is instead of using two USB connection on the KVM, it would be 2 PS2 connections, you still have to use an adapter. Are you saying there is a better chance of using a USB to a PS2 adapter working then using a PS2 to a USB adapter. That is the only difference I can see, or am I missing some thing here.?

I have not had very good luck with Logitech keyboard/mouse setups, had 2 of them and they both started using the batteries up by the ton or some of the keys on the keyboard stopped working, that is why I switched to this Microsoft setup. And I am very easy on things like this, like how can a 2 fingered typist really wear out a keyboard. Thanx for the suggestion.

Thanx....Gunny

[glc]

The Logitech set has one PS/2 and one USB attached. It comes with an adapter to convert the USB to PS/2, so it can be used with dual PS/2 motherboards (and KVM's). If your M$ set *CAME* with an adapter to convert its USB to PS/2, it *SHOULD* also work the SAME way.

You are trying to adapt a PS/2 device to a USB KVM, and that is NOT going to work. You need a PS/2 KVM. USB KVM's require USB keyboards AND mice, and cannot be adapted off PS/2.

[redvette]

Hi Glc... Now I understand what you are saying, sorry about being slow on the uptake. I was thinking what is the difference an adapter is a adapter. but using a adapter to go from USB to PS2 is ok, but going the other way don't work. Just one of those things you say don't question it if it works, just move on.

Thanx...Gunny

[glc]

When I build my new box last summer, I specifically bought a motherboard that still had dual PS/2 so I could use a KVM. My keyboard and mouse are both wired, the keyboard is pure PS/2 but the mouse is USB. It's a M$ mouse, and it came with a USB to PS/2 adapter, and it works fine.

[Valdeam]

I've had several mouses that were USB to PS/2 on my old computer and had no problems.

Valdeam http://www.image-jump.com/img/5cce8dede893813f879b873962fb669f.gif

[glc]

However, do you use a KVM switch, Valdeam?