KVM Issue - Need some ideas

[Garet Jax]

Hello all,

I recently picked up 3 IBM thinkpad laptops (two R61 and one T60). I have a TrendNet TK-801R 8 port KVM that I use for my existing computers. My plan was to add the laptops to the KVM through IBM port replicators (docking stations).

So far I am having loads of issues and don't know what to try next. The problem is that the replicators only have one PS/2 port and the KVM wants two: one for the keyboard and one for the mouse. Whatever I plug into the PS/2 on the replicator works great. No matter how I plug the other one in - it just doesn't work.

I have tried the following:

1) Used the PS/2 splitter to USB. This allows me to plug two PS/2 devices into the splitter and it uses only one USB port. When plugged directly to the keyboard and mouse (ie. not through the KVM) everything works great, but the minute I introduce the KVM it stops working. I have also tried plugging one device into the splitter and the other into the replicator and the device using the splitter works great until I plug it through the KVM.

1a) I have tried various splitters from various manufacturers and they all work fine until the KVM is involved.

2) I have tried multiple different laptops (have access to various Thinkpads) and none of them have worked.

3) I have tried 4 different replicators. I have two 2504s and two 2505s and they all behave the same.

4) I bought two special adapters that convert male PS/2 connections into a male USB connections. This is the same as the splitter except that it only converts one PS/2 device.

5) I have numerous KVM cables and I have tried 4 different ones all to no avail.

6) I have tried multiple mice and keyboards including wireless ones.

7) I have tried multiple ports on the KVM.

I am at the stage now where the only thing left for me to change is the KVM. The problem is that since I don't know why this is happening I don't know what to look for in the new KVM to fix the problem.

Does anyone have insight or suggestions on KVMs to look for when buying the new one. Thanks.

 

[Garet Jax]

^^^

 

[thegorx]

I think you're going to have issues with that, where does the kvm get it's power ?
did the TrendNet TK-801R come with an adapter ?
my TrendNet TK-401R is very picky and I have to start each machine fully before switching, certain motherboard chipsets don't seem to work and using USB adapters seem to make things screwy. maybe a USB KVM would be a better solution.

 

[Blain]

Although he might be able to run the TK-801R without a PS.
The TK-801R does use an AC adapter for power.

 

[Garet Jax]

As Blain said the TrendNet comes with its own PS.

I just picked up a new Dell 71PXP 8 port KVM from ebay. Hopefully this solves the problem or at least gives me more information to help solve the issue.

Are there KVMs that use USB connections for mice and/or keyboards rather than PS/2?

I expect that this would solve my problem.

 

[kelgamal]

I am going through the same excercise right now with an IBM (Lenovo) T61 + port replicator. The Aten 2-port PS/2 KVM that I have been using for years will not work with the port replicator.
I have tried everything you described here...to no avail (including disabling the touchpad and trackpoint in the BIOS of the T61).
For the moment I am using a separate mouse for my desktop and T61....not very practical!

Previously I had a T42 with a different model port replicator. That one had 2 PS/2 ports (keyboard + mouse) and it worked fine as long as I disabled the touchpad and the trackpoint.

My next move is to replace the Aten 2-port PS/2 KVM with an Aten 2-port USB KVM.
Just ordered it and should get it sometime this week. Will let you know whether that solves the issue. I have my doubts, but it is worth a try.

 

[jaqie]

Belkin omni* (view/cube) are the only ones that have ever worked properly for me even with usb to ps/2 adapters.

 

[kelgamal]

Problem solved. I could not wait for the Aten USB KVM that I ordered online yesterday. So I cancelled that order and purchased a Newstar NS-211Micro-USB KVM. To be on the safe side I also replaced my PS/2 keyboard with a USB keyboard.

The combination of the USB KVM and the T61 sitting in it's port replicator works perfectly. Mind you, first time I had to boot the T61 while docked BEFORE connecting the KVM. Otherwise everything would hang (including my desktop computer on the other side of the KVM connector).
Once the T61 was booted I plugged in the USB dongle of the KVM, logged on and my T61 recognized the new hardware (USB mouse and keyboard via the KVM).

Since then it has been working perfectly!