Re: OT hardware question

On Sun, 2005-02-01 at 12:11 -0700, Craig White wrote:
> On Sun, 2005-01-02 at 11:57 -0700, Charlie Bullen wrote:
> > Happy new year.
> >
> > In an effort to save space, and reduce noise, heat and power
> > consumption, I have assebled a computer using a via epia m1000 mini itx
> > motherboard.
> >
> > I also have a computer set up for expierimentation. I have an Airlink 2
> > port KVM swith to share video mouse and keyboard between the 2 boxes.
> > This KVM switch has always worked perfectly with any other combination
> > of boxes, although it certianly is an el cheapo unit.
> >
> > I am using a Viewsonic VG150B lcd monitor and no name mouse and keyboard.
> >
> > With the Mini-itx connected to the KVM switch and the second comuter
> > turned off, I get what I can only describe as a "shakey" display.
> >
> > If I turn on the second computer, the "shakeyness" goes away on the mini
> > itx box.
> >
> > If I connect the mini itx directly to the Monitor Mouse and keyboard,
> > the "shakeyness" also goes away.
> >
> > Any ideas as to how to fix this situation so that I can use the KVM
> > switch would be appreciated.
> ----
> does airlink KVM have the ability to use external power source? Seems
> like a power issue
>
> Craig
>

Just piping in that I agree with this. It seems logical to me that the
mini ITX board, in order to keep its power usage and therefore
heat/noise low, it doesn't provide much power to the keyboard port, from
which the KVM is taking its power. The only solution I can think of
besides an external power adapter for the KVM (something I've never seen
on consumer-grade KVM switches) is to keep the other computer on.
Good luck.

-Bryce