Re: [chat] Keyboard & mouse switches

[Terry Collins <terryc@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter Faulks wrote:

> So, I have a spare box, I am looking at these keyboard/mouse/monitor
> switches. They seem to start at around $250, surely they can't be that
> complicated? or is it simply a case of 'what the market will bear' - ie as
> long as it cheaper than a monitor....
> 
> Could one be built? Any idea where I could get a circuit diagram?

At the basic level, they are just multiway switches and you could adapt
an old serial/parallel switcher, but be wary of noise induction. These
have a habit of having your keyboard, etc become disconnected, i.e. they
are good if you only run one boxen at a time.

The better quality ones have electronics that prevent keyboard
disconnection, etc.

Lower end are in a loop between choices. Higher end allow direct
selection of desired boxen.

The old Master View have been rather reliable (except for the switch).
Microgram (http://www.mgram.com.au) sell switchers where buy an adapter
cable to suit (PS2/PS2/D15 or Din/D9/D15).

Admittedly a bit hare to justify for 2 boxen, but easy to justify
sharing of the 19"/21" monitor amongst 6 or 8 boxen.

-- 
   Terry Collins {:-)}}} Ph(02) 4627 2186 Fax(02) 4628 7861  
   email: terryc@xxxxxxxxxx  www: http://www.woa.com.au  
   WOA Computer Services <lan/wan, linux/unix, novell>

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