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USB Switch?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:06 pm
by ChrisStone
I'd like to get some kind of switching device that will allow me to use one keyboard and one trackball between my Renommee and my S4000. I've looked at kvm switches on newegg.com but haven't seen anything just for usb ports (and cheap!)

Anyone have/use such a device?
Thanks

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:36 pm
by TimKennelly
Hi Chris,

This looks like what you are after:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2

I have never used one, but have purchased from this company satisfactorily before.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 3:57 pm
by ChrisStone
Thanks Tim I'll look into it.

And Lowell, thanks for the call. I'll get back with you.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:29 pm
by ShadowVision
I use a KVM switch for this between my S4KP and my AVIO. Works with the monitors too. I used to use it between the AVIO and a PC. Bought it at Best Buy, it is an Iomega I think. Cost me about $50.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 6:36 am
by LouBruno
I initially had a USB PASSIVE switch to work one mouse between the Solitaire Plus and my "S"4000 PRO. I had a problem when switching back and forth that sometimes the "S" unit would not recognize the switch. I even tried the same with another PASSIVE switcher for the KEYBOARD. I settled for TWO wireless mouse systems instead and two wired keyboards.

Curious how this works out.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:51 am
by HansJoachimKoenig
Hi Lou,
active switching of USB-units between Solitaire and S4K is OK without trouble.
I use an USB hub which enters all USB periphals ( Keyboard, Trackball, Cardreader,ext.HD)
so I only have to swap one USB connector between Solitaire and S4K.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 2:25 pm
by ChrisStone
So Hans, what is the make and model of the switch you use.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 5:25 pm
by TimKennelly
Chris,

You misunderstood what Hans has/does.

He just uses a USB hub for the keyboard, trackball, etc and swaps the hub output between S4P and Solitaire.

I was doing that myself when I was using two units.

I had those USB extension cables like Chet showed at MGT and just physically swapped between them to the USB hub which is what Hans is doing also.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:36 pm
by HansJoachimKoenig
Yes, as Tim explained I just swap "by hand" the output of an ext. powered USB-Hub between the edit units.
There are switches on the German market which can do VGA monitor and PS/2(mouse&Keyboard) switching electronically
at the same time using the pin 4 power of +5VDC.
Since somewhat PS/2 and USB are compatible so it's an obvious thought to connect USB-cables via adapters to PS/2 jacks of that switch.
Will have a try of one and report about what happens.

Re: USB Switch?

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:23 pm
by HansJoachimKoenig
Hi Chris,
sorry to say but my test of a KVM-Switch for PS/2 mouse/keyboard failed to operate using PS/2---USB adaptors.
KVM(Keyboard,Video,Mouse)-switches for USB periphals are available at BESTBUY.
Goto BESTBUY and search for KVM-Switch.
You will find a IOGEAR-2 Port KVM-Switch model GCS 632 U.
I think this is what you are looking for.