Cross-Platform KVM Switch Results
Art Taylor
A few weeks ago, I was looking for experiences on tying together SGIs
with PCs (without any special video card support), under a single
monitor. I have succeeded, with a few minor problems, so I thought
I'd summarise my experience.
Luckily, since all of the machines used a ps/2 interface for keyboard
and mouse, I was able to buy a Belkin OmniView SE 4-Port KVM switch,
and use it as the basis for my integration. The unit ran US$115.99 at
egghead.com. At the same time, I also ordered three OmniView ps/2
cable kits (US$9.91 each), since they are not included with the
switchbox. Each kit includes two ps/2 extension cables, and one HD15
SVGA extension cable.
The first problem I had was with the video cable. The Belkin SVGA
cables are not very well shielded (if at all), and this caused an
unstable display on the monitor I was using, a GDM20D11. I ended up
ordering three triple-shielded HD15 SVGA extension cable from
jandr.com, for US$11.99 each. This has solved the flickering problem.
As for adapters, I needed to purchase 13W3-HD15 adapters to interface
the SGIs to the switchbox. Since the monitor was going to be an SGI
Sync-on-Green monitor, I assumed almost any 13w3 adapter would be fine.
I ordered two "VGA MONITOR ADAPTER TO SUN SPARC" kits from daldo.com,
for US$21.70 each.
I decided to place a sync-on-green adapter between the PC and the
switchbox, so that all signals coming from the switchbox would be the
same. si87.com provided me with their "Adapter 7041: Sync on green
adapter", for US$50. I also acquired the last element, their "Adapter
7012: M VGA to 13W3 F", which tied the KVM switch output to the SGI
monitor cable.
You could undoubtedly achieve the same result with a lower expenditure
of cash, but I played it a bit by ear, and valued ready acquisition of
parts over digging around to find the least expensive deal. If you
have any questions, please feel free to email me and ask.
Thanks for everyone's help!
-a.