[Ian]

Please leave your comments about Aten CS62DU KVM in this thread

[Ian]

Excellent review Flops, that's a much smaller unit than the KVM's I've used in the past.

In the bit where you say "Tapping twice on scroll lock and hitting enter does the basic switch", does it need any software to do this on the system or does the KVM unit detect this itself? Very clever stuff.

I would have been tempted by one of these a few weeks ago, but I've now moved by storage server to a NAS after reading a thread about them last week If I end up keeping it for something else, I might end up with one of these as it saves me having to use Remote Desktop (and losing the ability to play games etc...).

[floppybootstomp]

No software required, it just works.

Only requirement is both machines must be turned off from either the mains or PSU switch when you connect everything together.

[solema]

Hi Guys,
I just came across this review for the Aten CS62DU KVM. I was excited to see that you tested it using a Logitech G15 and G5 mouse, but you didn't mention in detail if the G15 keyboard retained all of its functionality while hooked up to the KVM.

This has been a problem with the G15. Every KVM I have tried always converts the G15 into a regular "HID Keyboard" and I am not able to use the LCD, multimedia controls, or G keys. Do all of these functions work when using the CS62DU? If so, I can finally end my search for a good KVM, and get one with DVI to boot!

Also, have you tried running the KVM at 1920x1200 on any monitors? I've heard conflicting reports as to whether or not it's a supported digital resolution.

Thanks for your help.

Nick

[floppybootstomp]

Hi Nick.

Well well well, something I neglected to check. To be honest, it hadn't occured to me some functions may not work.

And the sad news is - the LCD display and the gaming buttons do not work through the KVM

All the media commands work inc the volume control with Nero 8 Showtime, Media Centre (Vista Home Premium); and Windows Media Centre. But only the volume control works in latest version of Winamp.

The profiler 'Configure' command box is greyed out and the gaming commands no longer work.

The Windows Button mute function still works as does the illuminated keys settings.

And that, I'm afraid, is the bad news.

Speaking personally I wish now I'd gone for the G11 keyboard (without LCD display) as I found the LCD display distracting and I never used it.

I do use the media controls and I only rarely used the gaming command keys. But I'm still a bit miffed not to have the use of them.

Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings solema but thanks for bringing that matter to my attention.

[solema]

Well that's certainly a bummer! I find myself using the LCD a lot for seeing what my volume level is at and the date and time. I also keep tabs of my CPU usage since IE7 sometimes likes to eat one of my CPU cores.

Can you update your review to reflect these discoveries? I know there are a TON of G15 users out there just like me trying to find a fully-compatible KVM.

I appreciate you checking it out and promptly responding.

Nick

[floppybootstomp]

Ok, I'll tend to that, although there is a link from the article to this forum thread.

Give me a day or so and I'll amend it to reflect the KVM's inability to use all of the G15's functions.

[solema]

Thanks! And I'll continue my search for a G15-compatible KVM. If I find one I'll post back here!

[floppybootstomp]

Just to cover all bases, all the G5 mouse functions work through the KVM, just checked it out.

[solema]

At least that's a start. Wait a sec. I have an idea. According to the instructions, you can share other USB devices if you add a hub to the black USB connector, right? If so, then I would assume the black connector acts as more of a "straight-through" connector instead of emulating an HID Keyboard. Can you try hooking up the G15 to the black connector instead of the purple keyboard connector and see if it works that way?

If I can get this KVM and a USB hub and have both the mouse and keyboard plugged into the black connector working then I'd be all over this! Even if the KVM won't be able to interpret the hotkey commands through the black USB port as long as the remote button still works I'd be set!