lapisnev

Lapis the Nevrean

@lapisnev

Don't squeeze me, I fart

Things that make you go 🤌. Weird computer stuff. Artist and general creative type. Occasionally funny. Gentoo on main. I play rhythm games!

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lapisnev
@lapisnev

I have a Computer Connectivity Conundrum

I have a number of computers and video game consoles packed into a very small space and I want to be able to switch between them with a few button presses.

The computers:

  • 2008 Gaming Desktop with lots of DVI-I (i.e. works with passive VGA adapters!) video outputs
  • 2003-ish Gaming Desktop with DVI-I and VGA
  • 2022 Sleeper Desktop in an old ass-case with DVI-D (D is for Digital!) and HDMI only (that I am expecting and willing to use adapters with)

The displays:

  • VGA-only CRT
  • VGA-only LCD
  • An old pro-grade LCD with literally every video connector. All of them.

The devices:

  • Old Gamer Keyboard that is itself PS/2 but integrates a USB hub and headphone/mic extension
  • Old Gamer Mouse that is USB

... And various consoles, but the important part about them is that I have stereo audio to pass to a headphone amp and either CVBS or S-Video to pass through to the pro LCD.

I'd like to be able to have one or two computers running at a time with the main one using the pro LCD and possibly a second display, and a second running on the third display, but be able to switch the keyboard and mouse and audio as needed, and I don't have to reach around and replug everything to use the space differently.

My idea for a Really Elegant But Overkill Solution goes something like:

  • 4x4 DVI-I video matrix that is actually independent DVI-D and VGA matrices in a trenchcoat
  • no-video KVM switch that can do USB and PS/2
  • 4ch two-way audio mixer (mix the headphones and split the mic)
  • 4x1 CVBS+S-Vid+audio switcher
  • All of the above have Remote ports
  • The only part I actually want to design myself, the lil bitch baby MSP430 SBC with an assload of RS-232 ports to remote control everything

So the questions are:

  1. Am I overthinking this?

Yes.

  1. Do the parts of this solution actually exist?

I found a 4x2 VGA matrix switch that would at least let me thotplug the VGA displays but I'm stuck on finding literally any KVM with a remote port that isn't also $2000

  1. Should I just say "fuck it" and have the one computer I use a lot set up and leave everything else gathering dust until we can move to a bigger place where I will probably have the room to set them up in a normal way?

Maybe..? Where's the fun in that?

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