KVM question

[TheJTrain]

I just acquired a Linksys KVM switch (the kit that includes the cables), and I absolutely love it (running my desktop and laptop/docking station from one console - priceless), but I am having one problem with it, and am hoping someone might be able to offer some advice.

I have a Logitech Trackball with scroll wheel, and it works just fine whether plugged directly into my desktop or laptop/docking station. However, when I plug the trackball into the KVM switch, it no longer works at all on the laptop/docking station (which has two PS/2 ports). The laptop disables the integral touchpad, so I know it "sees" the external mouse through the KVM switch, but the pointer does not respond to any movement. Therefore, with the KVM switch connected, I have zero pointer movement capability.

Things I tried:
1) Swapping the two KVM cables between machines, same result (meaning the cables are both ok)
2) Swapping which KVM ports (PC 1 vs. PC 2) are connected to which machine, same result (meaning the ports are both ok)
3) Using a different mouse, plugged into the KVM switch, same result
4) Plugging the trackball directly into the docking station while still using the KVM for monitor and keyboard, everything works (but now the desktop can't "see"/use the trackball)

What I haven't tried yet:
Plugging the two PS/2 cables from the KVM switch to a PS/2 splitter and directly into the single PS/2 port on the back of the laptop (undocked), which worked for the keyboard/trackball combo before I had the docking station.

End result: I have the KVM all connected, save for the mouse cable on the docking station side, where I have a crappy old beat-up Acer mouse directly connected to the docking station - so I have one monitor and one keyboard for both machines (yay), but have to use two different mice. I'm thinking tolerance/attenuation buildup between the trackball, KVM switch, KVM cable, docking station, and laptop is the culprit, but I have no idea how to solve or circumvent the problem.

Now, assuming y'all can follow all my incessant rambling, anybody got any ideas?

Jason

 

[ojai00]

Have you tried updating your mouse drivers? Some mice will not work with some KVMs...I have no idea why.

 

[Studdyman]

Read your instuctions, I don't know about Linksys KVM, but I own a OMNI Cube 4port KVM, and in the instructions it tells you that some features of mice may not work. I use a Logitec trackball FX (4 button), it and all the buttons work fine through my kvm.

 

[TheJTrain]

Thanks for the replies, but I'm no closer to a solution. I can't update drivers 'cause if I install the Logitech drivers at all, then the scroll feature of the integrated touchpad (similar to a scroll wheel except you drag your finger down the right edge) won't work, ever. Before the KVM switch, the trackball would work, just without the wheel 'cause I couldn't install the drivers. Now not even the ball works.

But I know it's not a trackball/KVM compatibility problem, 'cause it works just fine through the KVM to my desktop, scroll wheel and all - without even putting the Logitech drivers on! I might just be screwed.

 

[DocDon]

I have used KVM switches on a variety of machine and operating systems. One common problem (on some systems) is that the mouse needs to be connected to the machine (even via a KVM) and then the machine has to be turned on for the mouse to work. Having a machine running and then connecting the mouse (or using a switch to connect the mouse) will cause the mouse not to work.