Hi Guys,
Sorry - another OT one, but once I have my computing issues sorted I can
use the computers to scan and post some images taken with OMs !!! And I
know at least some of you guys will know the answers to my questions ..
I have a cabling nightmare. I have 2 computers. One is a PC with PS/2
ports and USB ports (and more). The other is a Mac-Mini with no PS/2
ports. I want to share one keyboard, mouse, and monitor via a KVM
switch.
The monitor is no problem. Done that already.
My mouse, to which I am rather partial, is a Microsoft Intellimouse
Explorer Wireless. The receiver for this unit has a USB connector.
My keyboard, which I also quite like, is a PS/2 keyboard.
My KVM switch has PS/2 sockets for Mouse & Keyboard, and PS/2 plugs for
the same on both cables that go to the computers.
So, I figured that if I bought an adaptor with a USB socket and a PS/2
plug, I could use the USB mouse through the KVM switch. But it doesn't
work. And it doesn't work when plugged directly into the PCs PS/2 port
either.
Upon further investigation, it seems that USB uses a differential data
signal (that is, 2 data lines - a Data+ and a Data-) whereas PS/2 uses
one data line and a clock line. Currently, the adaptor I have connects
USB Data- to the PS/2 Data line, and USB Data+ to the PS/2 Clock line.
Is there any way I can make this work ? If it is true "balanced" data
(like audio) can I just connect the USB Data+ line to the PS/2 Data line
and ignore the USB Data- line ? What about the PS/2 Clock line ?
If I get my USB mouse to talk to my PS/2 port, what about my Mac-Mini ?
Will I suffer similarly awful problems trying to plug the 2x PS/2 plugs
from the KVM switch into the USB socket of the Mac-Mini, via a standard
adaptor ?
Assuming this isn't going to work at all (shame, as I was hoping to use
the stuff I already have without eating into the OM fund !), what's my
best option ? I have a couple of USB keyboards, so is there such a
thing as a KVM switch that works on USB mice and keyboards ?
Sorry for the number of questions. Am drowning in cables here, and my
desktop has just too many mice / keyboards. I'm utterly sick of typing
away only to discover that I'm typing on the wrong machine !!
Thanks for any help you can throw my way,
Jon
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