KVM Suggestion

Any suggestion for a 3 way K(V)M switch? I do not care about video, actually. I think @kas1e has done this sort of thing before and I think for the AmigaOne machine a powered KVM is the better solution?

@rjd324

TESmart is the make he recommended but can't remember which model.

Cheers

@rjd324
I use an ATEN CS1784A, but I chose that primarily to get the video switching with DVI-I support so it could switch both scan-doubled classics, CyberVision64 output and NG Amigas

Thanks so far.

It would be important that it also doesn't have any weirdness during the bootup menu, if I ever need to get into that.

The ones I tried:

- StarTech.com SV431DVIUDDM (does not work in CFE AmigaOne-X1000, CFE hangs when the computer is switched on and the KVM is connected to the keyboard port. If AmigaOS had somehow been booted, then CFE won't freeze after a warm-reset), so you need to plug the keyboard to the 1st USB port or use a second keyboard if you need to do something in CFE.

- StarTech.com SV431DPUA has audio switching too. Needs DVI / HDMI to DP adapter but works really well and supports 2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz. This version is discontinued, there is a version SV431DPUAv2, never had a chance to try it. Works on CFE for most part, but sometimes a reset is needed.

- ATEN CS692, is only 2 port switch, but works without problems on CFE

- ATEN CS22U only 2 port switch, but works on CFE

I would like to know if the tesmart works with CFE, they are on sale right now, DKS402-P23-EUBK would be my kind of thing.

@Tuvok

Got an ATen CubiC CS1794 here for my Win10, RasPI2 and another small thingy. Supports 1920 x 1080. Accomodates 4 computers. Flawless.

Got another ATen CS1844 here for a whole slew of beefier RasPi's: it supports 2 times 3840 x 2160 monitor, 4 computers, flawless.

No Amiga hooked up to a KVM, as I like to work on a 1920 x 1200 screen and don't know if and how the KVM handles that.

ATen is an expensive premium KVM, but I think it's worth the money.

OldFart

@OldFart

How would you feel about actually testing it out? Do you have an X5 and an X1? Uboot/CFE would be interesting.

@OldFart

Thank you for the suggestion.
I'm waiting for the BlackFriday deals to order both the Tesmart DKS402-P23 and an Aten CS1924M, I'm looking forward to test them. Unfortunately the latter one is a bit more expensive as the tesmart, but does have a little less functionality.
Let's see which one works best.

@graff
@OldFart

Hi, I acquired an Aten CS1784A, I installed the latest firmware from the Aten website (version v1.2.111 2025-03-11) the firmware which came with the KVM would not recognise my keyboard, after the update the keyboard works.

Anyway, sadly the X1000 refuses to boot if the KVM is connected to the "keyboard-usb-port".
It waits at the X1000-boot picture forever.

I could use a different USB port, and connect a second keyboard to the Keyboard-USB port to be able to use the CFE-boot menu, or the AmigaBoot menu, but then why use a KVM if I need a second keyboard anyway.

I did notice that if I disconnect the KVM, boot AmigaOS 4, connect the KVM again, then the KVM can be used in CFE too even after a reset using the button on the case.

Maybe there is a CFE variable or command that could be set in the startup variable to make CFE do whatever OS4 does? Something is being written to some register maybe?

what does the "set HID" command do in CFE? Does anybody know?

I know the CFE sources are lost (or something like that) but maybe it is possible to fix this with some trickery?

@Tuvok

Have you tried connecting your keyboard to a USB hub that is plugged into your KVM switch?

Cheers

@Tuvok

I use a CS1784A with some of my machines also, including an X1000.

I have found that it works best if I connect the keyboard not to the socket with a keyboard symbol, but to the "generic" USB socket below that on the back of the KVM switch. I have the mouse receiver for my wireless mouse (Logitech) in the keyboard socket. And I don't know if it matters, but I currently have the X1000 connected to the 4th section of sockets.

Also, I have found that you have to experiment a bit to find the best way of pressing the switching buttons to make sure the USB is also switched; my technique at present is a short press on the middle of the button (on the little groove).

Best regards,

Niels

@Tuvok
I don't have an X1000 myself, only MicroA1, SAM460 and X5020, so can't comment on how CFE uses USB keyboards. Does it stall forever in CFE? What if you switch the KVM away from the Amiga and back? Or presses keys on the keyboard?

I've never upgraded the firmware of my CS1784A, so I guess mine is still running some ancient version :)

@nbache
I always uses the keyboard shortcut for switching the KVM, but that probably requires you to use the keyboard USB port for it to work.

Regards,
Thomas

@graff

And I never thought about upgrading the firmware of the KVM switch, should probably try that some day when I feel lucky .

Maybe the newer firmware would even let me put my keyboard back where it was meant to connect? You never know (unless you try).

Best regards,

Niels