KVM4*
The KVM4 is a 4 port switch which allows the use of up to 4 PCs/ Servers using only one keyboard, monitor and mouse.
Features
Does not require mains power supply:
The KVM4 is powered directly from the keyboard power supply of the attached computers, Therefore an external mains power supply is not required
Computer selection made easy from front panel or from the keyboard:
A 'Hotkey' can be used to select a specific computer from the keyboard. This means that the KVM4 does not have to be physically accessible by the user in order to select a different computer. An 'Index' button is located on the front panel of the KVM4 to change to the next available computer
Complete control of all the KVM features directly from the keyboard:
User programmable features such as 'Scanning' and setting Scan Times can aslo be programmed via the physical keyboard attached to the KVM4. Scanning on the KVM4 automatically selects the next powered computer attached to the KVM4. Computers that are not powered will automatically be skipped by this process. Scan Time can also be set to vary the time that each computer is viewed before switching to the next computer.
Downloads
Product/ Technical Specifications
Product catalogue
(updated: 07 Apr 2005)
User Manuals
KVM User Manual
(updated: 05 Jan 2005)
Fequently Asked Questions
General
What types of cable do I need to attach a PC Switch KVM Switch or Extender product to my computer?
All PC Switch products require a single proprietary cable to connect to the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and audio connectors of your computer. Currently there are two options, the CA240H (no audio support) and the CA240H (full audio support). Both cables only support PS/2 connections for keyboard and mouse.
The proprietary cable specification has never changed since its devlopment for the orignal PC Switch CLM100 released in the early 1990's. Therefore any previous SY Electronics KVM cable purchased previously will work with any of the current PC Switch products. Please remember though that the the current PC Switch products do not support serial mouse connections, and using an older cable with such connectors will not add such support.
NOTE: The KVM_IP and KVM_IP_Lite products use an alternative cable that is supplied in the box when these products are purchased.
(updated: 11 Feb 2005)
Can I use PC Switch products with any operating system?
All PC Switch products emulate PS/2 peripherals and VGA video, therefore any computer which has these connectors can use the products.
(updated: 10 Sep 2004)
Functionality
Can I boot up several computers at the same time?
All PC Switch products allow you to boot all attached computers simultaneously. This is because the PC Switch emulates a keyboard, mouse and video, even when that particular computer is not selected. The PC Switch will hold individual keyboard, mouse and video settings for each of the attached computers.
However when using an XKVM8 without an additional power supply it is advisable to boot the server/PC attached to channel 1 first and thereafter the subsequent servers/PCs.
(updated: 05 Jan 2005)
Can any channel on the PC Switch be selected, even if there is no computer connected or powered?
Yes, all PC Switch products will allow you to select any channel regarding of its connection or power state, although in situations such as indexing through channels, where selecting 'dead' channels would not be appropriate they will be skipped.
(updated: 10 Sep 2004)
Why can I not use a simple mechanical switch instead of paying extra for a PC Switch?
Mechanical switches are simpler and therefore cheaper, however they have a major drawback. Mechanical switches only make direct connections to each computer from a common keyboard, monitor, and mouse. There is NO capability to emulate the attached peripherals. This means you must select a computer when you want to power-up, or boot-up errors WILL occur. Even if shared computers are up and running, changing from one to another can cause the system to hang. Serious IT professionals no longer consider mechanical switches to be an option.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)
Do I need a power supply?
No KVM product in the PC Switch product range requires a power supply to be attached in order for them to operate. As soon as a single computer is connected and powered up these units will operate. Some optional extras do require a power supply, and in these cases it is mentioned in the individual product descriptions.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)
Sales
Where do I purchase PC Switch products?
PC Switch products can be purchased from SY Electronics Ltd online e-commerce website SYRetail.co.uk. Those products that are available here contain a direct link to there appropiate product page within SYRetail.co.uk.
You may want to contact SY Electronics direct, see Contact Us page for details.
(updated: 11 Feb 2005)
Miscellaneous
If I need to un-plug the physical keyboard or mouse will the PC Switch be affected?
NO, un-plug you devices as required.
(updated: 07 Nov 2003)
