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Show HN: TinyPilot – Build a KVM over IP using a Raspberry Pi

(mtlynch.io)
756 points mtlynch | 5 comments | 23 Jul 20 13:56 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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dukoid ◴[23 Jul 20 15:27 UTC] No.23928345[source]▶
I have given up on KVMs altogether and I am using the following approach now:

- Most monitors have multiple digital inputs. Connect each computer to one of them

- Use a USB switch keyboard and mouse

- Before switching the USB switch, press the "lock screen" key combination and make sure locking the screen drops the video signal

- After switching the USB switch, pressing shift should bring up the login dialog and re-activate video output. Since the monitor has just lost the signal in the previous step, it will scan the inputs and switch to the desired signal.

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_1qd4 ◴[23 Jul 20 15:32 UTC] No.23928396[source]▶
I did this for a while, the problem is that there's really no such thing as a high-quality USB switch. They are all garbage and mess with USB devices in some way (at least at the consumer level).
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1. GordonS ◴[23 Jul 20 15:37 UTC] No.23928442[source]▶
I switched from a KVM to a USB switch a few years back, and haven't had any real issues with it. I don't think it was expensive either, just a standard USB 3 switch with only 2 ports. Occasionally it takes more than a few seconds after pressing the button for the switch to happen, but that's about it.
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2. BoysenberryPi ◴[23 Jul 20 15:44 UTC] No.23928539[source]▶
This is my experience as well. I currently use a USB switch that I got off of Amazon for about 15 bucks. It typically "just works." Press the button, wait 2 seconds and my input devices have switched.
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3. TacticalTable ◴[23 Jul 20 15:51 UTC] No.23928632[source]▶
Care to share it? The one I have will work for a few switches, then both Windows/Mac will eventually stop recognizing the port its connected to until a reboot.
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4. HEHENE ◴[23 Jul 20 16:09 UTC] No.23928861{3}[source]▶
I have been using one from IOGEAR (SKU GUS432CA1KIT) for the last 6 months and I haven't had a single problem with it.

I use it to switch all of my peripherals (keyboard, mouse, wireless headset dongle, webcam, and mixer) between my desktop and my MacBook several times per day and have not had a single failure yet.

5. GordonS ◴[24 Jul 20 10:51 UTC] No.23937935{3}[source]▶
One I use is a brand called "Plugable". I don't think they still make the model I have, but they have a newer version of the same: https://plugable.com/products/usb3-switch2

I've used it with Windows 10, MacOS and an RPi, with no issues.