I just stumbled across this forum and thought that it would be the perfect place to share my slightly mad idea with like minded modders. I have a Belkin Omniview KVM at work that only supports PS/2 keyboards, which is annoying because we're getting rid of them with piles of old Dell Precision 340s. It simply doesn't support USB, so I plan to change that. Initially I thought about ripping an old PS/2 keyboard apart, cutting the board so that the only remaining keys are 1, 2, 3, 4 and Scroll Lock to operate the switching between the four inputs but that just seems like far too much trouble and doesn't help with USB. Admittedly I could nag for a new one but I have a far better idea. I thought about it some more and realised that the four buttons on the front are simply microswitches, which in theory could be removed and replaced with a toggle switch (holding the button down has no effect), or a simple contact plate to make the circuit. This leads neatly on to the idea with the USB. Quite simply the 4 output switch 1 input would be using 4 or 5 small copper contacts on a block, which will connect with 1 of 4 corresponding blocks wired into a USB plug to the machine. This is where the 'Mechpunk' comes in, because I want to mount it all on one of those gated plates that old lawn mowers had for setting the height. To change to another machine, simply yank the lever to the left (or right, whichever way the plate works) and move it up or down to the desired machine, the contact block on the bottom of the lever will make the circuit for the switch, and connect the USB. I think I'm safe with USB at such a low voltage and the KVM isn't mains powered so H&S shouldn't need to get involved. Well that's my idea, if you like it or are concerned about it then let me know, or if you think it's completely mad then I already know but you can let me know anyway. If anyone can come up with a clever way of making the contact blocks I would appreciate it.
