NoVA-JC
12-20-2007, 02:00 PM
Update in RED below...
Greetings all...
As many of you know, AMX discontinued the KC/2R (Keyboard Commander) years ago, which has left many government customers in a bind - being unable to use VNC or sometimes USB devices on secure networks.
I have developed a work-around which I will detail below, but would like to hear some feedback from other engineers who've had the same problem - and how they resolved.
Here's the scenario:
Customer has an integrated A/V suite with presentations and vc capability. They have an operator's workstation in the room with several computers that feed both a local monitor (through a Cybex SwitchView SC KVM) and a larger A/V matrix via Extron RGB interface boxes. The customer would like to keep using a KVM with a local keyboard and mouse to control the computers however, they would also like the ability to advance powerpoint slides from the AMX touch panel at the conference table.
Here's what I worked out:
First, I connected a Belkin reverse KVM (2 keyboards to 1 computer) to the keyboard port of the Cybex KVM.
Next, I connected the IR receiver from a Sejin Wireless Keyboard to one of the keyboard ports on the Belkin KVM. I connected the hard-wired keyboard to the other port.
I captured the IR codes sent from the Sejin IR keyboard for PgUP and PgDN, and programmed buttons on the AMX touch panel to simulate and send those signals to the Sejin IR receiver (via an IR emitter.)
This DOES work well, but I would think there HAS to be an easier/better way!?! Has anyone else come up with a work around for a situation like this?
Does anyone know of a product out there that could substitute for the discontinued AMX Keyboard Commander?
Any help is appreciated!
Happy Holidays!!
[UPDATE!!! I think I've found a viable alternative!]
Take a look at the Vetra VIP-335 on Vetra's Website (http://www.vetra.com/335text.html). Instead of the whole Sejin keyboard and additional hardware, I can simply insert the VIP-335 in front of the KVM, connect the control system via RS-232 and send a simple ASCII code as a keyboard command. The normal keyboard can still be connected to the VIP-335, thus eliminating the need for the reverse KVM (2 kb to 1 computer) situation. The VIP-335 works as a "wedge" in this instance.
Woo hoo! I knew there was a better way!
Greetings all...
As many of you know, AMX discontinued the KC/2R (Keyboard Commander) years ago, which has left many government customers in a bind - being unable to use VNC or sometimes USB devices on secure networks.
I have developed a work-around which I will detail below, but would like to hear some feedback from other engineers who've had the same problem - and how they resolved.
Here's the scenario:
Customer has an integrated A/V suite with presentations and vc capability. They have an operator's workstation in the room with several computers that feed both a local monitor (through a Cybex SwitchView SC KVM) and a larger A/V matrix via Extron RGB interface boxes. The customer would like to keep using a KVM with a local keyboard and mouse to control the computers however, they would also like the ability to advance powerpoint slides from the AMX touch panel at the conference table.
Here's what I worked out:
First, I connected a Belkin reverse KVM (2 keyboards to 1 computer) to the keyboard port of the Cybex KVM.
Next, I connected the IR receiver from a Sejin Wireless Keyboard to one of the keyboard ports on the Belkin KVM. I connected the hard-wired keyboard to the other port.
I captured the IR codes sent from the Sejin IR keyboard for PgUP and PgDN, and programmed buttons on the AMX touch panel to simulate and send those signals to the Sejin IR receiver (via an IR emitter.)
This DOES work well, but I would think there HAS to be an easier/better way!?! Has anyone else come up with a work around for a situation like this?
Does anyone know of a product out there that could substitute for the discontinued AMX Keyboard Commander?
Any help is appreciated!
Happy Holidays!!
[UPDATE!!! I think I've found a viable alternative!]
Take a look at the Vetra VIP-335 on Vetra's Website (http://www.vetra.com/335text.html). Instead of the whole Sejin keyboard and additional hardware, I can simply insert the VIP-335 in front of the KVM, connect the control system via RS-232 and send a simple ASCII code as a keyboard command. The normal keyboard can still be connected to the VIP-335, thus eliminating the need for the reverse KVM (2 kb to 1 computer) situation. The VIP-335 works as a "wedge" in this instance.
Woo hoo! I knew there was a better way!