hedied4u
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Convert USB Keyboard and Mouse to PS2 Kbd and Mouse to work with KVM switch
I currently have an older PS2 KVM 4 port switch. I recently bought a dell 530 which doesn't have ps2 ports. I am using a newer logitech wave USB kbd & mouse combo with that. My preference would be to use my newer kbd and mouse on my old KVM switch but I can't find a female USB to male PS2 kbd and mouse adapter/splitter, because basically I would have to split the wave ( one usb port ) into two distinct signals. So that being said I figured I would just buy a new KVM switch. Well I use dual monitors so I was looking for a USB KVM Dual monitor DVI switch. I can't really afford one of those and how would I split the USB into PS2 for my older computers. So any suggestions on the best setup would be appreciated.
ASKER
I don't see how your suggestion would work out for me. I want to use a USB kbd / mouse combo to control the KVM switch if I am going to buy a new one. I already have an old 4 port startech ps2 switch.
I understand that the USB signal converter on clickykeyboards is actually going to allow me to control my new dell from my older switch, but I would only do that if I could somehow connect my newer wave kbd to the old switch. So I also would need the opposite of what is on clickykeyboards.
So that being said I think I am really in the market for a dual-monitor KVM with USB. My assumpion is that I would be able to USB the kbd and mouse into my older PS2 style Dell computer that also has USB ports.
I understand that the USB signal converter on clickykeyboards is actually going to allow me to control my new dell from my older switch, but I would only do that if I could somehow connect my newer wave kbd to the old switch. So I also would need the opposite of what is on clickykeyboards.
So that being said I think I am really in the market for a dual-monitor KVM with USB. My assumpion is that I would be able to USB the kbd and mouse into my older PS2 style Dell computer that also has USB ports.
Sorry i didn't fully understand you question.
About the USB keyboard to manage a PS2 KVM i found a comment from a user with the same problem:
" I have a really cool USB keyboard that I wanted to use with my KVM switch that only accepts PS/2 connections. I researched and researched and found that typically if your keyboard doesn't ship with a PS/2 adapter, no third party adapter will work with it either. But if the keyboard shipped with one, you'd likely not be looking to purchase one unless you lost the other. "
Did your wave keyboard ships with an PS2 adapter?
About the USB keyboard to manage a PS2 KVM i found a comment from a user with the same problem:
" I have a really cool USB keyboard that I wanted to use with my KVM switch that only accepts PS/2 connections. I researched and researched and found that typically if your keyboard doesn't ship with a PS/2 adapter, no third party adapter will work with it either. But if the keyboard shipped with one, you'd likely not be looking to purchase one unless you lost the other. "
Did your wave keyboard ships with an PS2 adapter?
ASKER
The kbd & mouse combo did not ship with an adapter. The receiver is a combo also, so technically it plugs into one USB port. Which is why I think I would need a SIgnal Converter instead of a adpater.
I had seen that post when I was searching on google for an adapter/converter but I couldn't find anything anywhere. So another issue might be that many of these KVM switches have seperate USB ports for the mouse and keyboard connecter. I am looking at this KVM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107454
IOGEAR GCS1744 KVM. It apears that there is the same model from ATEN
http://www.aten-usa.com/?product&cat=588&Item=CS1744
Does IOgear just re-package ATEN products or vice-versa. Looks like a quality product but I hate to pull the trigger on it if my USB kbd and mouse won't work connected to one port. See attached picture.
Switch.jpg
I had seen that post when I was searching on google for an adapter/converter but I couldn't find anything anywhere. So another issue might be that many of these KVM switches have seperate USB ports for the mouse and keyboard connecter. I am looking at this KVM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107454
IOGEAR GCS1744 KVM. It apears that there is the same model from ATEN
http://www.aten-usa.com/?product&cat=588&Item=CS1744
Does IOgear just re-package ATEN products or vice-versa. Looks like a quality product but I hate to pull the trigger on it if my USB kbd and mouse won't work connected to one port. See attached picture.
Switch.jpg
ASKER
I also have some messages I posted in logitechs forums.
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=hardware&message.id=4480
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=hardware&message.id=7156
Reading these, it seems that I will have issues with most KVM's and wireless kbd & mouse combos, unless I can find a converter/adpater that takes that single USB receiver and switch the signal to PS2.
I don't know much about USB, but could I somehow split the USB input into two USB outputs? So basically USB hubs collect mutiple inputs and send the output down one path, so I would want to reverse this process.
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=hardware&message.id=4480
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=hardware&message.id=7156
Reading these, it seems that I will have issues with most KVM's and wireless kbd & mouse combos, unless I can find a converter/adpater that takes that single USB receiver and switch the signal to PS2.
I don't know much about USB, but could I somehow split the USB input into two USB outputs? So basically USB hubs collect mutiple inputs and send the output down one path, so I would want to reverse this process.
Whether the keyboard came with a PS/2 adapter isn't particularly relevant -- the PC requires a USB input ... NOT a PS/2 input like the current KVM supports.
There's no simple solution to this short of buying a 4-port USB dual-monitor KVM and simply using USB connections for your other PC's. Virtually any PC from the last decade will work with USB keyboard/mice ... the Windows drivers absolutely will. The only issues I've seen with some of the older PC's is you need to (temporarily) plug in a PS/2 keyboard if you need to access the BIOS.
Bottom line: The answer to your question [to paraphrase: "Can I convert a USB keyboard and mouse to work with a PS/2 KVM?"] ... is simply No, you can't. Even if it has a PS/2 adapter, it won't work through a KVM (at least I've tried quite a few and NONE would work through a KVM with the adapter).
The best approach is to buy a USB KVM. If that's not economically feasible, then you could use a simple video switch and manually switch the monitors when you need to use the Dell -- and simply use two keyboard/mouse combos (one for the new system; one for all the others). A pair of these would let you easily switch the monitors: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707101 (assuming they're VGA connections -- DVI switches cost a bit more)
You didn't indicate whether you need a VGA or DVI KVM ... so I assumed VGA (since you can always just use a DVI-VGA converter if needed; and the VGA switches are much less expensive). This would do the trick nicely: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107454
There's no simple solution to this short of buying a 4-port USB dual-monitor KVM and simply using USB connections for your other PC's. Virtually any PC from the last decade will work with USB keyboard/mice ... the Windows drivers absolutely will. The only issues I've seen with some of the older PC's is you need to (temporarily) plug in a PS/2 keyboard if you need to access the BIOS.
Bottom line: The answer to your question [to paraphrase: "Can I convert a USB keyboard and mouse to work with a PS/2 KVM?"] ... is simply No, you can't. Even if it has a PS/2 adapter, it won't work through a KVM (at least I've tried quite a few and NONE would work through a KVM with the adapter).
The best approach is to buy a USB KVM. If that's not economically feasible, then you could use a simple video switch and manually switch the monitors when you need to use the Dell -- and simply use two keyboard/mouse combos (one for the new system; one for all the others). A pair of these would let you easily switch the monitors: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707101 (assuming they're VGA connections -- DVI switches cost a bit more)
You didn't indicate whether you need a VGA or DVI KVM ... so I assumed VGA (since you can always just use a DVI-VGA converter if needed; and the VGA switches are much less expensive). This would do the trick nicely: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107454
You don't need to split the USB into two inputs => you can simply connect the single output to the keyboard input and it will work fine for both keyboard and mouse. In fact, the connections to the computers only include one connector. The KVM's provide two inputs in case you're using a separate mouse and keyboard.
As for wireless devices ... yes, some won't work through KVM's. In general, they're much more likely to work if you're using a powered KVM -- such as the IOGear I suggested above (the same one you had been looking at). I've used a setup with a wired USB keyboard and wireless mouse that worked just fine through a KVM ... but there's virtually no way to know for sure whether a specific wireless keyboard/mouse combo will work with a specific KVM except to try it. Worst case is you either "eat" a 15% restocking fee for the KVM ... or you have to switch to a wired keyboard/mouse.
It's likely that the ATEN is the same model ... or at least is produced by the same OEM ... since they look so similar.
As for wireless devices ... yes, some won't work through KVM's. In general, they're much more likely to work if you're using a powered KVM -- such as the IOGear I suggested above (the same one you had been looking at). I've used a setup with a wired USB keyboard and wireless mouse that worked just fine through a KVM ... but there's virtually no way to know for sure whether a specific wireless keyboard/mouse combo will work with a specific KVM except to try it. Worst case is you either "eat" a 15% restocking fee for the KVM ... or you have to switch to a wired keyboard/mouse.
It's likely that the ATEN is the same model ... or at least is produced by the same OEM ... since they look so similar.
ASKER
The main reason I am doing this is because I am tired of dinking with two seperate keyboards and mice. I am a developer and I am constantly having to flip flop back and forth. I have three monitors sitting on my desk now one for my newer dell and the other two connected to my old dell. I have another computer hooked up to the switch but it ony uses the monitor that is connected to the switch. Its a mess plain and simple.
Ok so lets assume that I am going to buy the Dual Monitor USB KVM.
So lets change my question to .. can I use a USB kbd and mouse combo with a switch like the one I posted the picture of, because the logitech forum threads don't give me a lot of hope.
Ok so lets assume that I am going to buy the Dual Monitor USB KVM.
So lets change my question to .. can I use a USB kbd and mouse combo with a switch like the one I posted the picture of, because the logitech forum threads don't give me a lot of hope.
ASKER
I guess we just posted at the same time.
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... Note that both MaxiVista and Synergy also virtualize the clipboard ==> so you can "cut and paste" between computers just by dragging the mouse => just as you would on a single PC.
ASKER
The products both look like a possibility, but it seems that I might have issues with my dual boot Vista Ultimate / Server 2008 64 bit on the newer dell using either program. I obviously can try before I buy with MaxVista and also try the freeware Synergy, but I do not have the time nor the patience at this point. Terrific idea though !!!! :) I guess your rank of Genius is deserved.
The dual-boot shouldn't be a problem as long as one of two things is true:
(a) That's the system the keyboard/mouse is actually connected to;
or
(b) You use a boot manager like Boot-It NG, which has a "Boot Now" feature that would let you have an icon on the desktop of each boot item that would automatically boot to the other -- so you wouldn't need to use the keyboard during the boot process between the OS's. [Boot-It is another story .. but suffice it to say it's a GREAT product for multi-boot systems => the OS's can be totally isolated from each other; it's a superb partition manager; and a great image/restore utility ... all for $35] The Boot Now feature lets you set up icons like the following: [This is just a simple example ... on this system, for example, I can boot XP Home, XP Pro, XP MCE, Vista Ultimate, Vista Ultimate x64, XP x64, Ubuntu, and Kbuntu]
It does take an hour or two to get everything set up ... a bit of patience is useful :-)
Boot-Now-Icons.jpg
(a) That's the system the keyboard/mouse is actually connected to;
or
(b) You use a boot manager like Boot-It NG, which has a "Boot Now" feature that would let you have an icon on the desktop of each boot item that would automatically boot to the other -- so you wouldn't need to use the keyboard during the boot process between the OS's. [Boot-It is another story .. but suffice it to say it's a GREAT product for multi-boot systems => the OS's can be totally isolated from each other; it's a superb partition manager; and a great image/restore utility ... all for $35] The Boot Now feature lets you set up icons like the following: [This is just a simple example ... on this system, for example, I can boot XP Home, XP Pro, XP MCE, Vista Ultimate, Vista Ultimate x64, XP x64, Ubuntu, and Kbuntu]
It does take an hour or two to get everything set up ... a bit of patience is useful :-)
Boot-Now-Icons.jpg
I have in the past used two kvm's when things where changing from vga-dvi and ps/2 - usb
I agree with Garycase the only real need of a ps/2 input would be to access the bios if you only do that once a blue moon you can keep a ps/2 keyboard in the cupboard also bear in mind that most bios's don't usually use the mouse (I have seen some though)
What I do now is use a ps/2-vga with ps/2 + mouse to usb adapter and vga - dvi-d adapter I have no problems using wireless at all the only thing that will not work is keyboard with special keys that use a driver to enable
I agree with Garycase the only real need of a ps/2 input would be to access the bios if you only do that once a blue moon you can keep a ps/2 keyboard in the cupboard also bear in mind that most bios's don't usually use the mouse (I have seen some though)
What I do now is use a ps/2-vga with ps/2 + mouse to usb adapter and vga - dvi-d adapter I have no problems using wireless at all the only thing that will not work is keyboard with special keys that use a driver to enable
ASKER
So assuming that if I go with option A and use my kbd and mouse in the vista / server 2008 machine will I not have problems using it under server 2008. On maxivista's website it says
Windows Vista x64 disallows to install software with unsigned drivers "for your safety". As MaxiVista drivers are not signed, it does not work under Windows Vista 64 Bit OS.
I am assuming that this would be the same for Server 2008, I really don't know.
Would I also need to install it two times once booted in to vista and another time booted into server What 2008?
I guess I am thinking this actually could be a nice setup if this software will work. I dig my 3 monitors, what was driving me crazy was having two keyboards and mice and always typing on the wrong one. The software seems like a much better solution than a KVM and I could save myself $200. Thats always nice.
Windows Vista x64 disallows to install software with unsigned drivers "for your safety". As MaxiVista drivers are not signed, it does not work under Windows Vista 64 Bit OS.
I am assuming that this would be the same for Server 2008, I really don't know.
Would I also need to install it two times once booted in to vista and another time booted into server What 2008?
I guess I am thinking this actually could be a nice setup if this software will work. I dig my 3 monitors, what was driving me crazy was having two keyboards and mice and always typing on the wrong one. The software seems like a much better solution than a KVM and I could save myself $200. Thats always nice.
Yes, I'd assume the same thing -- hadn't realized MaxiVista didn't work with x64 (I'm reasonably sure Server 2008 x64 would have the same issue ... it's the same codebase as Vista x64 => simple enough to find out ... just try it and see if it "balks")
If it does work, then Yes, you'd need to install it on both Server 2008 and Vista.
... It sounds like there are several unresolved issues with Vista --> MaxiVista may not work nearly as "slick" as it does with earlier OS's in that environment. Worth trying ... but clearly there are restrictions that may hamper its usefulness when used with Vista.
Clearly Vista's "enhanced security" makes it tough for both MaxiVista and Synergy to "do their magic" ... here's a few tips on getting Synergy to work with Vista (it also has some restrictions with Vista): http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/fixing-problems-with-synergy-on-windows-vista/
If it does work, then Yes, you'd need to install it on both Server 2008 and Vista.
... It sounds like there are several unresolved issues with Vista --> MaxiVista may not work nearly as "slick" as it does with earlier OS's in that environment. Worth trying ... but clearly there are restrictions that may hamper its usefulness when used with Vista.
Clearly Vista's "enhanced security" makes it tough for both MaxiVista and Synergy to "do their magic" ... here's a few tips on getting Synergy to work with Vista (it also has some restrictions with Vista): http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/fixing-problems-with-synergy-on-windows-vista/
ASKER
Yeah I just tried to install maxi on my Vista machine and it installs but doesn't run, gives me a "could not initialize the VGA driver" error message.
MaxiVista only supports the 'classic' display mode under Windows Vista using legacy XPDM display drivers. MaxiVista does not work with WDDM because Vista does not allow multiple WDDM adapters of different vendors on the same PC. Aero display mode is consequently also not supported as it would require WDDM.
I am reading through the documents and following links, but I really don't know?
MaxiVista only supports the 'classic' display mode under Windows Vista using legacy XPDM display drivers. MaxiVista does not work with WDDM because Vista does not allow multiple WDDM adapters of different vendors on the same PC. Aero display mode is consequently also not supported as it would require WDDM.
I am reading through the documents and following links, but I really don't know?
That's the same issue folks with multiple video cards are discovering about Vista -- it only allows one WDDM driver ... so if, for example, you have an ATI and an nVidia card in your system driving 3 or 4 displays; and then upgrade to Vista -- Bingo !! The cards stop working !! Even if both cards are made by the same manufacturer, they have to use the same driver to work.
So you lose Aero with Vista. Sounds to me like MaxiVista is simply not yet ready for Vista -- and may never be because of the Vista restrictions (although there may be a way around it with some clever "fakery" -- i.e. virtualizint the driver to "look" like an ATI or nVidia display).
So you lose Aero with Vista. Sounds to me like MaxiVista is simply not yet ready for Vista -- and may never be because of the Vista restrictions (although there may be a way around it with some clever "fakery" -- i.e. virtualizint the driver to "look" like an ATI or nVidia display).
ASKER
Well I un-installed maxi, un-installed my nvidia drivers and rebooted. Vista re-installed their WDDM driver on reboot. So I tried to install the nvidia drivers for xp, wouldn't do it because I wasn't using the correct OS. So I set the setup.exe file to run in XP compatibility mode, ran as administrator, got the xp drivers installed. Rebooted, installed maxivista. Rebooted. Installed the client on my xp machine and viola .. extended desktop. Not what I really wanted, check that feature off, check on remote control mode and bingo. Only problem is now I have to figure out how to do the dual monitor support, becaus the mouse won't go over to the 2nd monitor where I have the extended desktop. Not bad for an hour. So to make a long story short, with some fakery I got it to work. Your a Genius garycase
ASKER
I installed synergy and it also works pretty well. The kbd and mouse are just slightly slluggish in MaxiVista. I will play around with both and as of now I would agree that " both work slick ", just like you said. Thanks for all your advice and especially saving me 200-300 dollars for a new KVM switch.
ASKER
Thanks again!!
You're most welcome. The switch is still the "best" solution ... as it would let all of the connected PC's have dual displays; but in most cases you don't really need that, so the nifty control focus technique of MaxiVista & Synergy does very well.
On my desktop I have dual displays (a 22"widescreen next to a 19" standard aspect) ... my main system is set for dual displays using both; my other systems (actually one other, plus an input I use when working on systems for friends -- a pretty frequent occurrence) are switched through a KVM that only controls the 19" => so a tap of the keyboard switches the 19" to any system ... but the 22" is always showing the primary PC. Works fine for me ... since I'm almost always on the primary system. It also lets me put a web page; document with notes I want to reference; PDF file; etc. on the 22" monitor ... then switch to another system and still reference those notes while working on that system.
... if something like that would work, you could use a MUCH less expensive single-monitor KVM.
On my desktop I have dual displays (a 22"widescreen next to a 19" standard aspect) ... my main system is set for dual displays using both; my other systems (actually one other, plus an input I use when working on systems for friends -- a pretty frequent occurrence) are switched through a KVM that only controls the 19" => so a tap of the keyboard switches the 19" to any system ... but the 22" is always showing the primary PC. Works fine for me ... since I'm almost always on the primary system. It also lets me put a web page; document with notes I want to reference; PDF file; etc. on the 22" monitor ... then switch to another system and still reference those notes while working on that system.
... if something like that would work, you could use a MUCH less expensive single-monitor KVM.
ASKER
That is actually how I had my setup before I bought the DELL. Dual monitor on my primary PC. My nice 22" widescreen on the DVI output from the graphics card and then the VGA output going to the KVM. I had my 19/20" widscreen hooked to my KVM. My problems all started when I bought the DELL 530 with another 22" widescreen and a new USB wave kbd and mouse combo.
I have been using the synergy and I think it will work out great with my 3 monitor setup. It seems like I have one big computer instead of two. Very Nice!! If I need to switch to my third computer on the KVM I can still do that. When I eventually get everything I have off my XP machine onto my vista, I'll make it my primary PC will dual monitors. I will probably use maxivista since I can extend the desktop over to the secondary PC. So I would have three monitors for my one computer.
I also like the sysnergy because I could setup my laptop and just control it with my kbd and mouse. I use something like this http://www.stacksandstacks
I have been using the synergy and I think it will work out great with my 3 monitor setup. It seems like I have one big computer instead of two. Very Nice!! If I need to switch to my third computer on the KVM I can still do that. When I eventually get everything I have off my XP machine onto my vista, I'll make it my primary PC will dual monitors. I will probably use maxivista since I can extend the desktop over to the secondary PC. So I would have three monitors for my one computer.
I also like the sysnergy because I could setup my laptop and just control it with my kbd and mouse. I use something like this http://www.stacksandstacks
Definitely sounds like a nice setup -- I've actually thought about adding another 22" widescreen => that would make my desktop stretch across my entire desk :-) I agree both MaxiVista and Synergy are "slick" ... as I noted earlier :-) Takes a bit of planning to get it all set up like you want ... but then it's SO cool to be able to just use a collection of PC's almost like they were one !!
http://www.startech.com/item/SV221DVI-2-Port-StarView-DVI-KVM-Switch.aspx
We had very bad experience with the Belkin Dual Port switches so i i won't recommend Belkin.
I it is not USB capable but you could use a PS2 to USB converter for you DELL machines. For more information on that check the following site:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/124184