What computer device should I be looking for?

AggieMike88

AggieMike88

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The original "I don't know it all" of aviation.
I want to set up a computer workstation built around my treadmill. Since I'm ([/sarcasm]just slightly [/sarcasm]) addicted to WoW, I figured walking while playing would be one way to pass the time plus actually exercise.

I have an extra monitor, keyboard, mouse, and required cables.

What I need is a device that will allow me to easilly switch my single computer box between the desktop monitor/kb/mouse to the ones on the treadmill.

I know a KVM switch is used for one kb/mouse to multiple computer boxes. But I am seeking the reverse without having to constantly unplug and replug cables.

What is it I should be looking for?

(edit: A bit of googling found
If you go with the USB Mouse and Keyboard along with a second monitor then you will want to create a second Hardware Profile to make it easier.

Copy the current profile and restart the PC into the newly created profile named "Other KVM"

Change the settings to work with the alternate devices. Shut down and when you restart you will have the choice of which profile you want to use."
Click to expand...

Appreciate input on any ideas that would provide a solution.)
 
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Well, hardware profiles would do the trick.... *IF* I was using Windows XP.

The system I want to do this on is running Vista Home Premium.

Still looking for good ideas and input.
 
How far away from the computer is the treadmill?

If it's less than ten feet just buy a couple of extensions and another kb/mouse. Get the same size/resolution monitor and run WoW in windowed mode. Just drag it to the other screen.

Edit,

You could run the second monitor in "clone" mode so it displays the same thing as the primary monitor. Still, only works for the same resolution monitor.
 
I have multiple keyboards and mice and touch screens hooked to my bridge computers including a KVM, Microsoft seems to handle it all by itself.
 
ScottM said:
That is all a very interesting project description. But I am pretty sure none of it will fly. :D
Click to expand...

But if I were to submit it Mythbusters...maybe it could fly?

As much as you run around Azeroth and Kalimdor in WoW, you'd think I'd in pretty good shape by now if I had to walk that far in real world to get my character to move.

Which is sorta what I want to accomplish. It's easy to lose total track of time when playing... be a good way to keep occupied while I walk a mile or 3 a night.
 
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JesseD said:
How far away from the computer is the treadmill?

If it's less than ten feet just buy a couple of extensions and another kb/mouse. Get the same size/resolution monitor and run WoW in windowed mode. Just drag it to the other screen.

Edit,

You could run the second monitor in "clone" mode so it displays the same thing as the primary monitor. Still, only works for the same resolution monitor.
Click to expand...

Close enough to do this. While not the preferred solution, It's one that will have to do. I was just hoping for a simple hardware switch that redirects the I/O between the two stations within the room.

After looking about the net for how Vista could handle this, I discovered that it was one of the very useful feature that wasn't carried over from XP.

I wonder if I can run a 2nd wireless KB/Mouse setup on the same system and not have a conflict.... Then I can leave that plugged in all the time to a powered USB hub near the treadmill. And it's just using move the window to the preferred monitor...


Henning: Can you describe your solution in more detail?


Once I get the station set up, I'll post a photo or two.
 
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never heard of it before now. But will investigate it tonight.
 
AggieMike88 said:
Henning: Can you describe your solution in more detail?


Once I get the station set up, I'll post a photo or two.
Click to expand...

It's not so much a solution as just plugging things in. I have 4 computer/servers on the bridge. I can control any of them through the KVM and keyboard in my cabin while displaying a "clone" on my TV screen. Now lets take my nav computer for instance. It displays on a touch screen on the main bridge panel as well as as a secondary touch screen on the stbd side. I then have a 4 button trackball mouse on the stbd side as well as a keyboard and mouse combo that can serve from either screen position and then there is also my keyboard and mouse and display through the KVM. All of these controls can work simultaneously, and that is just the control inputs. Then I also have multiple data inputs including multiple GPS and RADAR for the overly as well as video stuff for my FLIR system and shipboard CCTV to display on the Starboard monitor.

I didn't do anything special to rig this. I just kept plugging more stuff in and let Windows do its thing. It runs quite stable.
 
As long as the others receive no input Windows will just ignore them.

If you want wireless don't go cheap. Cheap wireless devices and gaming don't get along well due to input lag. A couple of companies have wireless display tech too, but that's a bit pricier.

Edit,

Cheap KVMs have input lag too.
 
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