Split System?

Hi all,

I was wondering something.

I have a extensive computer which operates a large assembly machine. I have the computer built into a large cabinet which includes the monitor, keyboard, CPU and mouse.

I would like to be able to attach a second monitor, keyboard and mouse about 25 feet away and be able to use it on the same computer. So, the computer, when all is said and done, will have 2 keyboards, 2 mice and two monitors.

What I need to know is how and is this something that can be accomplished? How can I have the computer recognize the two keyboards, mice and monitors and allow them to both be used.

My only concern is how to make it so when one keyboard or mouse is in use, the other cannot be so two people can't mess each other up.

Anyone have a solution to this?

Thank you in advance and I look forward to anyone's assistance.

 

Good afternoon, What you want to do can be easily accomplished with a kvm switch. If you take a look at this link from newegg:http://www.newegg.com/store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=143&Tpk=kvm
I think it'll give idea of what you need to do.....

 

No, a KVM switch is not the solution. A KVM switch is to attach one mouse, one keyboard and one display to two computers. The OP wants to attach two mice, two keyboards and two displays to one computer.

 

Ahh, my bad. me be bassackwards.....

 

Well most Video Cards will support 2 Displays and I know I can have a mouse plugged in at the back as well as my wireless USB Keyboard/mouse plugged in and both will work, so I am assuming that will be the same for the Keyboard. Only problem I can note is the distance. If you can get a wireless USB with a 25' setup and a 25' monitor lead I believe they should all be able to work, frankly I think you will still need these cables to be ~25'.

 

Another possibilty - Reverse KVM switch
As Bold Eagle noted you will have to check into specs on cable lengths.
http://www.google.com/products?hl=e...a=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title
Maybe put switch half way in between and have 12.5' cables to both consoles?

 

If you have another PC just run a remote session to the controller.
Remote desktop or VNC.

 

lcsmith39 and lbmest: I don't want to go the route of a KVM switch. I would prefer to have the computers be working at the same time and like plodr said, I don't think that would even do what I'm trying to do.

Bold Eagle: Anymore info you can give me on this? I might have to go this route if there's no other solution.

lbmest: In response to your response to BE, huh?

foogoo: I really don't want to do that because if the computer ever has to shut down then the operator would have to restart a remote session. They don't have access to the CPU, just the keyboard and external accessories. I think having to restart the RS each time would be a hassle. Any other thoughts?

Everyone, thank you for coming up with these great ideas. If you can give me anymore info on something that would work perfectly, i would appreciate it. Money isn't a object if it makes the system work correctly.

Thanks.

 

How about you provide some system specs and maybe we can work on a solution.

What Motherboard and Video Card do you have?

 

As of right now there aren't any specs. We're building the computer from the ground up. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

 

Well here are a couple of items to consider:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200093

http://www.ncomputing.com/home.aspx

I think it is important for you to clarify is this for single or potentially dual users? In other words do you anticipate to have 2 people using it at the same time? I am still looking into this for the better solutions.

 

Only one user will be using the system most of the time. I'm sure times will arise when there will be an assistant on the line helping out, but overall one should be it.

In response to your two options, I wouldn't want to go with the ncomputing one solely due to the fact this system will be used on many manufacturing systems in the future and I don't want a third party company to be involved with them all. Something we can utilize and attach, install or combine that can be purchased continuously would be best. I hope that made sense.

Thanks for your continued help with this one.

 

If you want more then one user on a machine, you need some sort of terminal server setup or more then one machine.