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Question about a KVM

 
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dharbert
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Joined: 28 Oct 2000
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:41 pm    Post subject: Question about a KVM Reply with quote

If I have multiple computers connected to a KVM, does the KVM act as a constant "active" signal to all of the video cards it is connected to, or only to the computer I currently have selected?

In other words, does the KVM complete the "loop" that the video card needs to recognize that it is connected to a monitor all the time, or only on the computer that I currently have the KVM switch selected to?
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Pette Broad
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

They are all active, doesn't matter which one is selected. I have several KVM's and I use Remote-Anything to access and control all the machines attached to them.

Pete
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dharbert
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Joined: 28 Oct 2000
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Location: Oklahoma, USA

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you for the reply. I was just making sure how the systems would act before investing in any more rackmount equipment.
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Karlsweldt
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The better KVM models will have a "shunt" that represents the monitor to any other unit which powers up and has no monitor connected. But the keyboard and mouse feature require a feedback echo to the system, for them to be recognized.
Most KVMs will be bridge-powered from whatever unit is active or not, as long as there is a +5v stand-by source detected.
There may be interaction problems when using different mouse drivers on other OS types.. so ensure the drivers are compatible, if different.
When you switch to another PC for use, shunts are switched in on the non-used port for the mouse and keyboard, to keep their presence retained.
Very old KVMs with only a mechanical switch will have no shunts or carry-over features. The best KVMs that have their own power supply may also have on-board 'clones' to represent keyboard or mouse features. Having a hot-key 'soft' switch from the keyboard is the most convenient.
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