VGA Ext. Cables distance limit?

[ztm]

Hello all,
I need to control two PC's located about 30 feet apart with one keyboard/monitor. I've been looking at KVM switches and they say they'll do exactly what I need. However, last year, I needed to place a monitor and keyboard about 60 feet away from the PC. I used pre-made 100 foot extension cables I purchased over the internet. The video was very ghosty, and most often the keyboard didn't work at all. Is there a trick? Special cables? Do KVM switches have amps built in? Thanks for any help.

 

[daronwilson]

We've done KVM for 100 feet or so in an industrial application. It seems there was something special we had to do, actually we had to power both ends of the link if I remember. Out of the box, you can just power the end where the computer is I believe. However if you need to increase the length you need to power both ends (we got this info from the KVM folks).

Good Luck!

It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[AdmanOK]

Try one of these - powered unit at both ends with CAT5 in the middle. I haven't used there KVM model but I have used the video extender with a few hundred feet in the middle and the display was still nice and crisp.

http://www.aten.com.tw/KVM/Extenders/CE_250.html

 

[danomaniac]

Thanks for the responses.
Would either of you consider looking at a somewhat crude diagram of what I need and let me know if I've missed something?

Thanks,

Dan

"It's more like it is now, than it ever has been."

 

[daronwilson]

I'll look at anything, almost. Email it to me if you like.

daron@wilson.org

It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com