kvm switch problem with notebook

[Guest_imported]

Hi guys,

We had this strange problem with a kvm switch that we
bought a couple of weeks ago. It works fine with 2
desktops but as soon as we stick a notebook to it, it
starts behaving funny. We can switch to the notebook
screen but the mouse and keyb are gone. But we could
switch back to the other desktops by using the hot key
combination on the keyboard. So we swap different
port on the KVM and cables around, just to make sure
it is not an individual port on the KVM or the cables that
is causing the trouble. Sometimes the KVM can server
the notebook, and sometimes not. We cannot identify the
pattern (boot first and plug the k&m, plug the k&m first
and boot). But if we are not using the KVM, the notebook
can go fine with and extra keyboard and mouse (we all
hate using the notebook keyboard and touch pad). The only
thing that's special with the notebook is that it has only 1
keyboard outlet and we use a splitter to conntect it to extra
mouse & keyboard. Could this be the cause of the problem.
If we dare to make some change to the notebook (say connect
another ps/2 port for the keyboard) do you think it may
work (NB is an old one that we can manipulate it anyway)
I don't think there would be much work involved? right.

 

[edfair]

Suspect that you need to have kvm plugged when the LT is booted since the kvm should report to the BIOS query.
Also suspect that you need some drivers loaded for the external VGA.
You might also try switching to a serial mouse for testing purposes. May require a CMOS change to allow the VGA and Mouse changes. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[garwain]

Personally I'd say it's the splitter that's causing the problem. Between that, and the switch it's bound to cause problems with the signal(s).

Ed's idea of using a serial mouse is good, but since you have the switch I'm sure you'd like to have everything run off it instead of having a second mouse on the desk, so you could also get a ps2->serial converter. This will allow you to use work with the same mouse but on the serial port instead. Only problem I can think of is if you are using a USB mouse. I've never been able to get one of those to convert down to serial.

 

[edfair]

The reason for the serial mouse is because of the KVM. The notebook probably doesn't have provision for external mouse the same way ir has provisions for the external keyboard. And I really was suggesting the serial as the input port on the laptop and external serial for the local mouse when the laptop is disengaged for compatibility purposes. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Guest_imported]

Tks guys, I solve the problem by using one more mouse.
I just use the kvm to switch the keyboard and the monitor
and plug an extra mouse to the splitter. Other desktop stays
the same. Everything seems fine. I have to try using for a
while before I can know if it is OK. Tks anyway.

 

[Guest_imported]

Hi guys, I am back again

No, it seems that way I am trying does not work all the time.
I am thinking of configuring the laptop using a serial mouse
and on the ext. serial port, I would plug an adaptor (serial -
ps/2) and then the KVM. Do you think that may work?

1. How to set a mouse driver to the serial port of the laptop
2. Does the adaptor in question exist? If not, does someone
have the pin assignment that I can do soldering on my own.

Thanks for all your attention.

 

[edfair]

What's the problem? You set it up fine. Only possible problem is KVM power. How about telling us again about the splitter. What splits, and where does it go? Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Guest_imported]

edfair

The laptop has only one port for a external mouse/keyboard.
Before I use the KVM, I use a splitter (Y connector) which splits
the external into two, one goes to the mouse and one goes to
a keyboard. Before I use the KVM, this setting was OK. With
this I connect to the KVM, thinking it would work like other
desktop that I have connected to the KVM, but ....

It is very possible that because the KVM is always scanning
the input ports from the computers, this one-->two must
have messed up the scanning and drive the mouse/keyboard
nuts.

 

[edfair]

I think you'll find that the external keyboard port is intended for keyboard only. Or for keyboard with some mouse derivative put on the keyboard that intends to have software support.
I would expect to have glitches in doing it your way. That was the reason I suggested setting up both machines with serial mouses and then using one through the KVM.
Good luck no matter which way you go. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[dumdum]

I've been having the same problem. I recently purchased a 4 port Belkin. When I contacted Belkin they said there were some issues with their switchs and certain mobos (now they tell me, christ!). Anyway, their only suggestion was to move to a USB config KVM instead. I can get it to work and it appears to be working ok now (I don't know what I did) but 1 fix seemed to be to boot into the 1 box that did recognize the switch first and then switch over to the problem box. I know this really isn't a fix, but what ya gonna do? We are always looking for new members at: forums.jlrforum.net Please come join our community too.

 

[gavrc]

The ps/2 splitter is a valid configuration on a laptop Ed, however KVMs aren't often as smart as we'd like them to be. Unless it can properly replicate the kb/ms when you're not switched on to the other machine it may not recognise them at boot. Or even worse, the input devices can time-out leaving you with no control of the machine (except the reset/repair button).
Serial to ps/2 adaptors are easily available and should sort out the problem. No additional config/driver should be necessary. The LT may ask for your Windows disk the first time you boot with a 'serial' mouse.

Gav
A problem with Windows??? Never...

 

[Guest_imported]

gavrc,

Tks. I plug a serial mouse into the com port and as you say,
the computer asked me for the window installation disk.. bra
bra.. bra. May be I will go to downtown to get the ps2-serial
adaptor later this week (far away from dt) and try if the whole
setup works. Thanks for all the input, guys.