[geeks] Unusual Problem with KVM

[Sridhar Ayengar]

Mark wrote:
>> Hi.  I have a monitor (Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 2040u) which has a 
>> built-in USB KVM switch.  When one of the computers on the switch
>> puts it into power-save mode, and the other is still providing
>> signal, its normal behavior is to automatically switch to whichever
>> computer is still providing signal.
>> 
>> This is normally just fine, but it leads to a problem.  One of the
>>  boxes I have connected to the switch has fallen asleep.  If I hit
>> the switch-upstream button on the front of the monitor, the monitor
>>  detects that it isn't getting signal from the other input, and
>> immediately switches back to the machine I was just working on.
>> This means I can't wake up the other machine.
>> 
>> I don't even think it gets to the point of reconnecting the USB 
>> devices to the other upstream, so I don't believe that a USB
>> doohickey that would wake up a computer as soon as it is plugged in
>> would work.  It just wouldn't even have the chance.
>> 
>> Any ideas?  This seems really stupid.
> 
> Cheap keyboard on the wall and a softball on a string. ;)

I just *knew* someone would suggest that.  8-)

> Seriously though... have you tried hitting a key repeatedly (like 
> shift) as you switch the KVM over?  It might be reconnecting for a 
> fraction of a second and you are missing it.

Yeah.  That was the first thing I tried.  However, I have USB logging 
turned on and the USB keyboard and mouse drivers don't load.  That's how 
I know they never get connected.

Peace...  Sridhar