Hullo there,
I fixed a problem that has introduced another problem.
I admin a bank of 8 computers running debian stable, kernel 2.6.1, which were connected to a Belkin KVM via PS2. From there we have an ordinary PS2 mouse, and a PS2 keyboard with splitter to a barcode reader. We started getting problems with the mouse going completely bananas. I googled the problem being a known one with Belkin KVM switches and 2.6 kernels, and Belkin then suggested we tried using a USB connection between PC and KVM to stop the problem. This has stopped the mad mouse kernel problems, but now I find that the barcode reader isn't working properly - either no string at all or only half the code is appearing when I bleep. I can't find any errors reported ithe logs, so it seems that the information maybe isn't even getting past the KVM. The keyboard seems to be working correctly.
Has anyone any idea of what could be going on?
Thanks, Jenny
On 7/3/06, Jenny Hopkins hopkins.jenny@gmail.com wrote:
I admin a bank of 8 computers running debian stable, kernel 2.6.1, which were connected to a Belkin KVM via PS2. From there we have an ordinary PS2 mouse, and a PS2 keyboard with splitter to a barcode reader.
Much as I would love to say "Don't use Belkin KVMs", it probably wouldn't be very helpful as other KVMs might have the same problem.
Is the barcode reader only powered from the PS2 port? Is the KVM only powered from the PS2 ports? The KVM might not be providing enough juice.
Does the barcode reader need to be used on 8 different computers?
Good luck, Tim.
On 03/07/06, Tim Green timothy.j.green@gmail.com wrote:
Much as I would love to say "Don't use Belkin KVMs", it probably wouldn't be very helpful as other KVMs might have the same problem.
Ha! We've got a DLink on the other bank of 8, and don't have any problem. But KVM are the only ones who do a sensible switching arrangement - on the DLink we have to tab round from one button rather than being able to select any screen.
Is the barcode reader only powered from the PS2 port? Is the KVM only powered from the PS2 ports? The KVM might not be providing enough juice.
The KVM is powered from the mains.
Does the barcode reader need to be used on 8 different computers?
Yes. To avoid data entry errors between chair and keyboard.
Thanks,
Jenny
Jenny,
If your Belkin KVM was one of the ones that came with a serial management cable then there are some firmware updates on Belkin's site that address this problem. If your switch has the necessary port then you will need to locate the special lead that came in the box and update the firmware from a Windows PC.
They are actually offered as a fix for a particular range of IBM servers and a seemingly unrelated issue, but I have found them to resolve the missing mouse problem at a clients before.
In my tests switching to USB only made the problem worse.
On 03/07/06, Wayne Stallwood ALUGlist@digimatic.plus.com wrote:
Jenny,
If your Belkin KVM was one of the ones that came with a serial management cable then there are some firmware updates on Belkin's site that address this problem. If your switch has the necessary port then you will need to locate the special lead that came in the box and update the firmware from a Windows PC.
They are actually offered as a fix for a particular range of IBM servers and a seemingly unrelated issue, but I have found them to resolve the missing mouse problem at a clients before.
In my tests switching to USB only made the problem worse.
Wayne - many thanks for this pointer. I've now got the hardware guy talking to Belkin about the firmware. They're asking what make/model the PCs are at the moment so much delving through old paperwork. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks, jenny
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Jenny Hopkins -
Tim Green -
Wayne Stallwood