4 Computer Wiring Question?

Right now I have 4 computers downstairs (don't ask) connected via a (4 port) KVM switch so that I can cycle between all 4 using one keyboard, Mouse & monitor.

What I want to do is:

Take one of these computers & run VGA, keyboard & Mouse PS2 cables upstairs so that my wife can use this computer upstairs (via another monitor,keyboard & mouse) but retain the capability of continuing to use it (downstairs) through my KVM switch

I was thinking of doing the following:
Get "Y" adapters (if they make them for this) & splitting the computer's VGA, keyboard & mouse outputs so that ONE set goes upstairs (for my wife to use) & other other set get plugged back into my present KVM switch.

Did I totally confuse everyone?!?

Do they sell such "Y" adapters & will this work?
(I'll make sure only one person is using the computer at any given time)

Hi Dick,
Yes, you can get Y cables for KVM, but if you have a switch, just use that. My concern is the length of "running a set of cables upstairs". That sounds like way too far for KVM cables. Maybe they make a signal booster for this, but I am not awire of one. I'm sure someone else has.
Good luck!

DVC500_at_last wrote:Hi Dick,
My concern is the length of "running a set of cables upstairs".

Thanks for your reply Chris but the upstairs run would be only about 6' as the kitchen table is directly above the (downstairs) computer & I'd be running up through the wall.

DVC500_at_last wrote:but if you have a switch, just use that.

The KVM switch lets me share 2 or more computer using one Monitor, keyboard & mouse. (that's what I already do downstairs)
What I want to do with one of these computers is just the opposite of a kvm switch:...... I want to share one computer using 2 different work stations with their own Monitor, keyboard & mouse. (But still be able to select it with my KVM (4 port) switch for downstairs use.


Diagram below:

Devil505 wrote: the upstairs run would be only about 6' as the kitchen table is directly above the (downstairs) computer & I'd be running up through the wall.

6 feet cables? VERY do-able. I 'll search for a set of "Y"s for you.

Heres a couple video "Y" cables....
http://www.buyextras.com/svspadca.html
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductP ... _Id=470681


Heres the KB/Mouse "Y" cable...
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-Keyboard ... B000067SLZ

DVC500_at_last wrote:

Devil505 wrote: the upstairs run would be only about 6' as the kitchen table is directly above the (downstairs) computer & I'd be running up through the wall.

6 feet cables? VERY do-able. I 'll search for a set of "Y"s for you.

Heres the video "Y"
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductP ... _Id=470681

Heres the KB/Mouse "Y" cable...
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-Keyboard ... B000067SLZ

Thanks for the help Chris. Just wondering if they make a reverse KVM switch allowing the switching of 2 kvm's (keyboards, monitors & mice) sharing one computer?

[quote="Devil505 Just wondering if they make a reverse KVM switch allowing the switching of 2 kvm's (keyboards, monitors & mice) sharing one computer?[/quote]

Hmmmm, I've used One K.M.V. thru a KVM switch, to run a couple dz servers. Never tried to run same computer with two sets of K.V.M. I thought thats what you would use the "Y" cables for?

DVC500_at_last wrote:[quote="Devil505 Just wondering if they make a reverse KVM switch allowing the switching of 2 kvm's (keyboards, monitors & mice) sharing one computer?

Hmmmm, I've used One K.M.V. thru a KVM switch, to run a couple dz servers. Never tried to run same computer with two sets of K.V.M. I thought thats what you would use the "Y" cables for?[/quote]


I'm sure that would work but I was just trying ensure that only one keyboard/mouse would be capable of operating the computer at any one time, through an A/B switch of some type??? (so I guess the ideal situation would be some type of switchable "Y" adapter like the one you found at Amazon)

Devil505 wrote:I'm sure that would work but I was just trying ensure that only one keyboard/mouse would be capable of operating the computer at any one time, through an A/B switch of some type??? (so I guess the ideal situation would be some type of switchable "Y" adapter like the one you found at Amazon)

Yep, a little pricey, but here it is....
http://www.vpi.us/kvm-splitter.html

This one is cheaper....
http://www.warrensys.com/index.php?page ... &Itemid=33

DVC500_at_last wrote:Yep, a little pricey, but here it is....
http://www.vpi.us/kvm-splitter.html

This one is cheaper....
http://www.warrensys.com/index.php?page ... &Itemid=33

Yup...That top is is pricey but will the bottom one work? (I don't see how you connect 2 KVM's to one output for the computer?

Devil505 wrote:Yup...That top is is pricey but will the bottom one work? (I don't see how you connect 2 KVM's to one output for the computer?

Sorry Dick, that second one is not KVM. So far, I only found that first switch, although pricey..

A different approach may be a better solution.

http://www.ncomputing.com/Lseries.aspx

kozel wrote:A different approach may be a better solution.

http://www.ncomputing.com/Lseries.aspx

Thanks but it looks expensive & they don't even give prices.

kozel wrote:A different approach may be a better solution.
http://www.ncomputing.com/Lseries.aspx

VERY nice.... Great alternative. Still pricey at $220.

DVC500_at_last wrote:VERY nice.... Great alternative. Still pricey at $220.

kozel wrote:A different approach may be a better solution.
http://www.ncomputing.com/Lseries.aspx

VERY nice.... Great alternative. Still pricey at $220.

It's not like I really NEED to share that computer, I would just like too........ but not if it's gonna cost me allot of $$$. I could just manually alternate keyboard, mouse & monitors by swapping plugs in back of the PC. (I just hate "Untidy" solutions like that & would rather have a cheap A/B switch if some makes such a thing)
(The only reason why I don't just put the computer upstairs is my wife doesn't want it in the kitchen)

Devil505 wrote:(The only reason why I don't just put the computer upstairs is my wife doesn't want it in the kitchen)

Get her a Laptop for her birthday