ulttimac console adaptors+plus a KVM

[KDOG]

I was wondering If anyone has used a kvm with console adaptors(video and controllers) and  a PC. using a d9200 or imperial.

[Minwah]

What's a KVM?

[pmc]

KVM = Keyboard Video Mouse switch. They are used so that a single set of input/output controls can manage many servers/PCs. It's a necessary concept for a world where Windows servers are essentially overgrown PCs and managing zillions of servers would otherwise mean that you need zillions of keyboards, monitors, and mice. The good ones let you use keystrokes to initate a "swtich" rather than requiring a physical switch. Perfect for a cab because you could code the switch to respond to a series of button presses.

I have one that I originally planned on using for switching between two PCs in the cabinet. I now have a Dreamcast and MAME PC in there and would love to use the KVM to switch between the two if it's possible to hack. I haven't thought through how to do it yet but figure that combining hacked controls onto the keyboard and mouse PS/2 interfaces would do it but limits you to 11 controls.

-pmc

[Minwah]

I have one that I originally planned on using for switching between two PCs in the cabinet. I now have a Dreamcast and MAME PC in there and would love to use the KVM to switch between the two if it's possible to hack. I haven't thought through how to do it yet but figure that combining hacked controls onto the keyboard and mouse PS/2 interfaces would do it but limits you to 11 controls.

I have designed a system for my cab which allows a one-switch solution to switch between systems (in my case PC, Dreamcast & Xbox).  I've made custom leads which have a parallel plug on one end, and a VGA plug, audio plug and PS/2 plug on the other.  The parallel end goes into a printer switchbox, and the other plugs into system audio/video outputs, and also keyboard input.  I am using Ultimarc console adaptors which makes switching controls much easier (just PS/2 rather than all button/stick connections).  Also is a connector for the power button.  This works for PC fine, requires modding the xbox and is not possible for DC due to it's non-momentary power switch.

It's a joy just having to switch the switch and have video, audio and controls switched at once.  Haven't quite got the Dreamcast finished yet tho...

Sounds like you could use a KVM to do the same...you could use the mouse connector for audio.

[pmc]

It's a joy just having to switch the switch and have video, audio and controls switched at once.

Sounds awesome. At first, I didn't really care for a "feature" like this. But now I'm getting sick of plugging and unplugging. What happens is that I end up making gaming choices based on how the cabinet is currently set up. Twould be ideal for that to become a "a joy". A KVM is certainly a possible player in that game. Your hack sounds like it does the same thing but in a more interesting way.

Is your switch knob externally mounted?

-pmc

[Minwah]

Sounds awesome. At first, I didn't really care for a "feature" like this. But now I'm getting sick of plugging and unplugging. What happens is that I end up making gaming choices based on how the cabinet is currently set up.

Same here, this was not a consideration when I first built the cabinet.  Then I installed a DC with hacked pads but soon got fed up of unplugging/plugging molex connectors.  This system I now use meant I had to re-wire almost the whole cabinet, but it is much neater and more functional for it.

Is your switch knob externally mounted?

I have the switch just inside the coin door, along with volume control, monitor controls and USB2 hub.  Oh, and also access to the Dreamcast.  I've got a little USB light permanently plugged in to the hub so it is easy to see what you're doing.

I did think about mounting the switch on the top of my cabinet near the power button, but it was too much effort.  Opening the coin door isn't a big deal.  Now I just have to get on and finish my zero-cable swappable control panel idea...

[pmc]

I did think about mounting the switch on the top of my cabinet near the power button, but it was too much effort.  Opening the coin door isn't a big deal.

I supposed you have to get to the DC to swap disks anyway. But the idea of having all three systems simultaneously running and then hitting an external button and having the whole damn cab flop from MAME to DC to Xbox instantly is very appealing to me. And a cool show-off feature too.

In the end, I don't think that KVM is suited to this since it requires hacking anyway. Might as well build from scratch like you did.

-pmc

[Minwah]

I supposed you have to get to the DC to swap disks anyway. But the idea of having all three systems simultaneously running and then hitting an external button and having the whole damn cab flop from MAME to DC to Xbox instantly is very appealing to me. And a cool show-off feature too.

It's pretty cool even through the coin door (even if  say so myself!).  For the xbox and pc I can even use the top mounted power (arcade) button to fire them up...this is switched also.

I just need to make a 'mamewah' xbox dash skin...I nearly threw the xbox out the window earlier tho so I've put it away for a while   

[KDOG]

Minwah you idea sound pretty cool. I just wanted to know mainly about the video part of the kvm. since video adapter only puts out 15khz signal and most of the kvms say min of vga input. thanks for both of your inputs though.

[miles2912]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107242  is the one we use at work.  No problems and you cant beat the price.  You can switch monitors with just the KB.

Don

[Minwah]

Minwah you idea sound pretty cool. I just wanted to know mainly about the video part of the kvm. since video adapter only puts out 15khz signal and most of the kvms say min of vga input. thanks for both of your inputs though.

Not sure as I've never actually seen/used a KVM...but it sounds like the same theory as a VGA switchbox, and these definately work with 15khz signals - I used one before I started using a printer switchbox & custom leads.  My guess is it would probably work fine.