KVM Switch

[graham101]

Just received my KVM switch from eBay, I wanted to use one screen from my Mac Mini to switch to the CCTV recorder - no joy!

Is the use of this switch limited to PC's only?

Cheers,

Graham.

[arco_iris]

I know nothing about Macs (though I have an Android tablet, on which what I refer to wouldn't work) and nothing about CCTV. You have not specified make & model or further details so this could be barking up the wrong tree.

But in the nineties & noughties, a KVM switch, to me using them then, meant Keyboard Video Mouse so you could connect two separate computers to one desktop. (Conversely a Reverse KVM meant you could connect keyboard, video and mouse in one room to a single computer (with ditto also connected) in another room. I used both with positive results.

Then, keyboard & mouse were either PS2 or USB connections and video, VGA. What is that you've bought?

[Someone-Else]

If your CCTV DVR has a VGA output it should work.

I have a 4 way KVM switch, i just tried it, it does work.

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The date is when I received it, so I know when it fails how long it lasted.

[graham101]

Just trying with the displays at present, but cant get the CCTV on the display.

The display flickers about 1Hz when using the switch (Apple Mac Mini) - also cant get individual screen just a mirror.

[Someone-Else]

(Apple Mac Mini)

erm................

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I have one of those too.

But I don't use it much, my KVM switch is also connected to a pc and sometimes my laptop. Have you a laptop or another pc you could try?

[Bob225]

Whats the make and model of the KVM ?

The mac is dvi, what is the output of the cctv ? composite ? if so what convertor are you using ?

Be aware there are 2 types of dvi, DVI-I and DVI-D

[graham101]

Thanks Bob, I am using a Apple converter, which I think came with the Mac Mini (5years old now).

I may abort as cant get the CCTV working at all using the VGA output.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253484546711 ... 3484546711

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Port-TV-Bo ... 2749.l2649

[Bob225]

The VGA on the DVR may not be sending the correct sync signal - I take it that you get a signal if you plug the DVR directly into the monitor ? If not have you enabled the vga in the setup ?

edit, have you set the screen resolution in setup ?

Have you tried the hdmi out ? (on the dvr)

[Someone-Else]

Thanks Bob, I am using a Apple converter, which I think came with the Mac Mini (5years old now).

if you mean one of these

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Then, I can't see that being the problem.........i have one too.

As bob said, what happens if you connect your dvr VGA output to your monitor VGA input?

[graham101]

Yes that is the converter (Apple's supplied output to VGA), the monitor that I am trying to use only has VGA so not tried the DVR's HDMI but it works connected directly to the monitor via VGA.

I just thought this switch would save space and money by not buying another monitor!

[Someone-Else]

Not been asked yet, so..............

Will your mac's display show on your monitor if you use the KVM switch?

[graham101]

Yes, but just a mirror of the other display, cant get it to be 2 indy displays like I usually have set up. No control of this switched display.

When I switch it comes back to the Mac display after 1/2 seconds!

[Someone-Else]

I know this sounds daft, but its only an idea, can you post a picture of your KVM switch as it is set up right now. (like I did with mine)

[graham101]

Sorry someone-else, packed it away as needed to setup the CCTV system.

Perhaps I need to find another solution or buy another monitor!

[Someone-Else]

I am wondering is it your KVM switch

New one on ebay less than £10

But that said a separate monitor for your CCTV is always a good idea. You can "watch from the corner of your eye" and just look at it.

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