KVM switch problem

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:22 pm

I've been using a Iogear #CGS612A KVM switch which connects a monitor and PS2 mouse and keyboard to two computers.

I purchased a new computer that uses a USB mouse and keyboard.

So I purchased two adapters that switched the PS2 to a USB connections so I could use that side with my new computer.

Also because the adapters are wide I could not fit the USB connectors side-by-side so I used a USB extension.

So I have connected my monitor, mouse and keyboard to the main part of the KVM switch and then plugged the extensions into both computers.

My new computer does not recognize the mouse or keyboard.

The only thing I didn't try was not using the USB extension and trying to plug a mouse and keyboard in directly.

What am I missing?

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:44 am

The signals that the USB sends may not be compatible with the switch. This is an issue with more than one switch that I've heard of. Even here at work, our switches cna't use optical mice. They have to be ball mice. Thank god it's only for our classified systems which we don't use much.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:18 am

The USB mouse is optical so I'll try that isn't and I'll try an older USB keyboard to see if that helps.

I wonder if the newer KVM switches would work if I could adapt back to PS2 on one side?

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:47 am

I would assume most newer KVMs should work. I have a Linksys KVM a while ago anjd the onyl thing that wouldn't work is the custom features of the mouse.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:14 am

With a newer KVM can I adapt to PS2 on one side?

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:35 am

Depends on the KVM, there are many different kinds. Some even have USB but they are costly.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:52 am

That's a bummer. I normally either have a \"test\" computer or one I'm working on using a KVM switch with my main computer.

I can \"LogMeIn\" with my test computer which still isn't as handy as the KVM but I just got a friends computer that won't bootup all the way so LogMeIn won't work and I don't have enough space for another setup.

I guess it's crawling around on the floor switching cables.

Thanks for the posts.

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:15 pm

In my experience, it depends on the USB/PS2 adapter. When I got my Belkin 4-port KVM, it didn't work with the optical mouse I was using. However, when I later got an MS mouse with its own adapter, I found that it works just fine with the KVM.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:09 pm

I'm still trying to figure out a solution for the KVM switch that no longer works because of PS2 and USB incompatibility.

I have room for another mouse and keyboard is there some kind of a switch I can use to go back and forth between two computers with one monitor?

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:00 pm

If the monitor has two inputs and a switch to go between them, sure.

Otherwise, I highly suggest just trying a different mouse/adapter. My KVM didn't work with my old mouse and adapter, either. But then I got this one, it works fine through the KVM.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:02 pm

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:12 pm

Foil, to make sure I understand what you are using and how your setup is.....

So if I understand you correctly, you have a PS2 mouse and keyboard plugged into the main part of the KVM switch. And then you have two extensions one is a standard PS2 connector for mouse and keyboard and then the other connector you adapted for a USB mouse and keyboard?

Again, my new computer is USB by other computer is PS2.

This is the KVM switch I'm using http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS612A/

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:36 pm

Ah, I see. My misunderstanding.

No, regarding the mouse connection, my KVM is PS2-only (it's almost exactly like this one), hooked up to four machines, all via PS2. I'm using the USB optical mouse I linked to above, with the PS2 adapter it came with, and it works just fine.

I'm not sure about using a PS2 KVM without a PS2 port on the machine. Good luck.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:38 pm

I e-mail iogear about my problem and they suggested http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC10KM/

What do y'all think?

fliptw · Post by **fliptw** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:28 pm

a ps2 mouse probably would be cheaper...

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:14 am

Foil, what does your PS/2 adapter look like?

Here's a site I found. http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf ... /id/124184

Sounds like an adapter/converter would work.

I'll also try another mouse but my ps2 keyboard is not recognized either.

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:00 am

I think you'd probably be able to find a USB KVM cheaper than going for odd adapters.

thewolfe wrote:Foil, what does your PS/2 adapter look like?

Like the adapter in this pic:

[As I said, my setup is not like yours. The connection from my KVM to my machines is all via PS2. It's the connection from my mouse to the KVM that needed the adapter.]

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:33 pm

Tried different keyboards and mice with no success.

Thanks for the posts.

I'm stuck at this point unless I try what IOGEAR suggested.

KVM switch problem

KVM switch problem

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