Geneve KVM switch

[+jedimatt42]

6 hours ago, Shift838 said:

I maybe it was because I tested with a USB keyboard and my USB Keyboard adapter gets its power from the selected 9640.  Let me pull out my original Geneve keyboard and test.

 

If that is the case that they both receive keystrokes even though only one Geneve is selected, then it would require more relays or maybe go to a video IC switch solution completely, which I am currently looking at anyway.  Just waiting on parts to proof it out.

 

I would expect the USB keyboard adapter to exhibit the same problem. Odd that it doesn't... I certainly don't understand why it could work at all by just switching the power. 

[Shift838]

2 hours ago, jedimatt42 said:

I would expect the USB keyboard adapter to exhibit the same problem. Odd that it doesn't... I certainly don't understand why it could work at all by just switching the power. 

I'm not sure either, i would have thought the same thing, but I read somewhere on the internet during my KVM research that someone did the same thing and it worked so I decided to try it and it worked.  I was a bit baffled to since the keyboard had power I figured I would see characters on both Geneve's, but when I switched between the two Geneve PC's I only saw the characters that I typed on the Geneve that was selected.  I would still like to figure it out.  

 

I have some Video switching IC's coming in the mail tomorrow to see if I can work on getting a KVM working with those.  I have spoken with some developers over at TI about this chip and they believe it will work for the needs of the KVM for all signals including KB, Mouse and Audio.  I'm still planning on possible using an Arduino to control the switching between these chips.  They are pretty inexpensive, and each chip can control 8 signals, so I should be able to get away with 3 chips for a dual KVM switch.

 

Hopefully I will have time this weekend to work on that.

 

[Shift838]

so I got around to building a test circuit just for both Geneves for RGB and Sync signals using the TS5v330 video switcher IC.

 

I got it working but, the colors are off.  I used a LM1881 Sync Seperator and also tried it with 1k pots inline for all the signals.  But both avenues produced the same result in color issues.  I know how each geneve can be different and I will throw in another TS5v330 to have one control each Geneve.  And I'll see if this helps, but not sure if it will.

 

If not, then my original idea of just using relays may be the best option.

[Shift838]

Update.

 

I have been able to get the colors correct using the TI TS5V330 IC, my cable became loose on the back of the monitor!

 

I did notice some interference on the video, specifically it was coming from the GREEN signal.  To clear up the picture, I have added 220uF capacitors in line with the RGB lines and since the interferences was on the Green signal I added a 75Ω resistor and it seems to have cleared it up.  I had to work my way up on the resistance value to find which one produced the best result without cutting the signal too much.  I started testing it with a 100 ohm trimmer and found the value to be right at 75Ω.

 

I have the arduino code working to cycle between 2 inputs and route accordingly.

 

Making progress..

 

 

[Shift838]

Another update.

 

I got it all working and proved out on the breadboard.

 

• RGBS and Composite video
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Audio
• Line filtering

 

So, time to design a board that will utilize the TI TS5V330 IC.  Here is my breadboard mess...

When powered, the unit starts up on input #1, pressing the red button takes you to input #2, pressing it again goes back to one.  Only a one button KVM to cycle through.

 

With the code and the design, it's easy to use this design to expand it further.  I may put a expansion port IDC connector on the back to be able to do that.

 

[Shift838]

made a quick video demonstration.

 

 

[Shift838]

Here is a rendering of both the KVM 1.0 and the expansion board that will allow for 2 more Geneve's.  (Still need to code the expansion code in the arduino)  The expansion board is on the same footprint so they can be stacked with standoffs.  With the expansion board you will be able to have a total of 4 Geneves hooked up to 1 monitor, 1 mouse, 1 keyboard and 1 set of speakers.

 

 

I need to update the labels on the expansion board to show Geneve 3 and 4, Mouse 3 and 4, Keyboard 3 and 4.

 

Edited January 31 by Shift838

[Shift838]

Prototype boards have been ordered

[Shift838]

Update...

 

I had 2 signals crossed but it all works.  I just severed the traces and ran 2 jumper wires to the correct pins.  The production boards will be correct.

 

So now we have the first ever KVM + Audio designed for the Myarc Geneve 9640.

 

Features:

 

• Use 1 monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers for use with two Myarc Geneve 9640 Computers
• The brain is an Arduino Nano microcontroller to easily update firmware when needed.
• Single switch selection on both main board and expansion board.
• Internal/External Audio selectable via DIP Switch
• Built in LM1881 sync separator circuit.
• RGB Power mode selector to supply 1.5v of power to put certain monitors (like the Samsung 910MP) into RGB mode, or bypass completely if your monitor does not require this.
• Filtering capacitors for RGB signals for better signaling.
• Expansion port to attach the expansion module to go up to 4 Geneve computers total.  (Code still in progress for controlling Geneve #3 and #4)
• All signals are enabled and disabled by the microcontroller switch the TS5V330 inputs and/or disabling the Geneve 1/2 TS5v330 IC or Geneve 3/4, depending on which button has been pressed.
• Geneve Out for users that already have a Geneve monitor cable not using SCART such as a Magnavox or other 15kHz enabled monitor.

 

This unit pictured is not controlling both my personal Geneve and the Geneve that runs Heatwave BBS. 

 

It has been tested with:

• Samsung 910MP monitor.
• Original Geneve Mouse
• Logitech Series 9 bus mouse with the 838 Bus mouse adapter
• XT Keyboard
• USB Wired Keyboard
• USB Wireless Keyboard
• PS2 to XT keyboard with 838 PS2XT adapter
• Internal monitor speaker audio
• External PC Speakers

 

I have not worked up a price yet but will next day or so.

 

See the attached photos..

[+9640News]

I got to ask one question.  Have you found a case that would enclose everything?  

 

The reason I ask, I have 4 cats, and enough cat hair floats around, I do not want something to short the electronics.

 

 

[Shift838]

2 hours ago, 9640News said:

I got to ask one question.  Have you found a case that would enclose everything?  

 

The reason I ask, I have 4 cats, and enough cat hair floats around, I do not want something to short the electronics.

 

 

I have not found a case, but I can design a case to 3D print that will completely enclose it.

 

With the size of this board, it would be a long print time.  i will start working on the case design, i don't think i will offer to print it, but will distribute the STL files for users to be able to print if they want to.  There would be a different case if one chooses to get the expansion board and this would make the case even taller by about 22mm.

 

I chose to use some acrylic sheets as they are fairly cheap to keep the price down.

 

 

Edited February 19 by Shift838

[+9640News]

Ok. I understand. 

[Shift838]

On 2/19/2023 at 1:32 PM, 9640News said:

Ok. I understand. 

So I have designed some pieces to 3D print to make it pretty well enclosed.

 

see photos

 

[Shift838]

Update..

 

I have worked out the code to have the expansion module attached to be able to use 4 Geneve computers to one RGB video output, 1 keyboard, 1 mouse and 1 Audio output.  One button will cycle through all 4 channels.