Is it possible to use a KVM cable - Will this work??

[Nevets]

I have a Bosconian cabinet that I am in the process of setting up for MAME. I have my CP all set (thanks AtomSmasher!), the only problem is that I do not have a computer that I can dedicate solely to this cabinet. I'm sure that I am not the 1st to run into this problem

My cabinet would be about 15 ft from my computer. I'm just looking for a way to get MAME up and running at the cabinet w/o having to go out and buy a computer right now.

Is it possible to use a KVM cable like this one - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330207727322&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=014

Also, would I need a KVM switch? I had thought about just plugging/unplugging in the KVM cable each time I use MAME, but if a switch would work that would be even better.

Any suggestions

[Fozzy The Bear]

It's possible........ but not the greatest idea on the plant for several reasons that have been discussed here over and over.

It's not difficult or expensive to find a computer that could actually fit into the cab. There are a lot of sources of used and unwanted hardware out there. People are always upgrading their machines and dumping hardware.

Try your local rubbish tip / refuse disposal point.... in the UK and the USA they tend to haul out  anything that they think they can sell off. Usually it goes for the price of a couple of pints of beer.

So far I've had three working computers from my local tip... including a complete Mac system with monitor printer and software that cost me £8.  All of the ones I've acquired were perfectly capable of running Mame and 90% of the classics. Go digging!! You never know what you might find.

Try local junk shops, charity shops, local free adds papers, adverts in supermarkets.. etc etc etc.... You will find something that will work well in your cab, and probably for less than the cost of that cable and KVM Switch.

I'm building a bartop at the moment that uses parts from a computer that cost me £3 at the tip.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Avrus]

Keep in mind running video over 10' in length requires specially shielded cables.  Even then you may see some ghosting or blurring on the image.

[Lindner24]

I was actually thinking about the same idea earlier today...

I was thinking of building a desktop arcade that would sit near my main PC,
and using one of these boxes to switch the image.

What about a standard vga switchbox?
http://www.cablesnmor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=631

Avrus: Do you think these shielded cables offered would work ok?
http://www.cablesnmor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=538

[Avrus]

I was actually thinking about the same idea earlier today...

I was thinking of building a desktop arcade that would sit near my main PC,
and using one of these boxes to switch the image.

What about a standard vga switchbox?
http://www.cablesnmor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=631

Avrus: Do you think these shielded cables offered would work ok?
http://www.cablesnmor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=538

Tough to say, they seem to talk to the talk.  I'd just make sure that whomever you buy the cables from has a good return policy if they end up sucking.

When I was in the business I usually advised clients to stick to 10' or less unless they were willing to shell out 30+ bucks on a good shielded cable. 

[BobA]

Depending on your setup you might also want to investigate KVM boxes that switch your USB or Sound as well.   The USB ones tend to replace the KM with USB.

[Nevets]

Keep in mind running video over 10' in length requires specially shielded cables.  Even then you may see some ghosting or blurring on the image.

Thanks - I think I'll save the $$$ that I would spend on the cable and see about a used computer. There are several places that I pass when I go to work....I'll see what they have first.