Come-on and switch,
The idea behind it is very simple. When using 2 computers, from which each one is outputting a resolution of 2 x 3072 by 768 in horizontal span mode and split by two analog versions of the Matrox TripleHead2Go into 6 signals showing one continuous picture you will run into the problem of switching between them. The initial idea was to switch directly after the computers, which would have left us with only two signal ways for master and backup solution. Unfortunately we couldn’t find a KVM-switch processing the necessary resolution. The best solution in terms of performance would have been to take 6 Folsom HD ImagePRO and get them remote controlled by a small Encore system or something in that line. But the lack of availability and budget forced us to come up with a new and cheaper idea. So we kept the thought of remote controlled switches. After some research we found the Pocket KVM Switch SW0206C from Equip. This model has a spring-loaded switch that lets you toggle between PC 1 and PC 2. When turning it on it will reset to the default input PC 1. That was exactly what we needed. To make a long story short, all we needed from there was a sure hand, a soldering set, some cable, a new spring-loaded switch, some heat shrink tubes and a power supply. We bought 6 SW0206C opened them and removed the original switch. On each of the KVMs we put a green cable on (+) and a red cable on (-). Then combined all red and green cables and led them into our new spring-loaded switch. And here are some pictures:
Everything worked extremely well. The result was amazing. There was just one little issue. How do you get a little white box with many green and red cables sticking out and that looks like a bomb through the security check of the world’s supposedly best secured airport? That’s very simple. You don’t, at least not without getting asked a great deal of questions. Well, after we finished building it everybody thought it looked like a bomb and I should carry it in my hand luggage to be at least able to explain what it is or show its functionality. We agreed on that because we thought that if there was no one to explain they would just detonate it without the risk of even opening it. Everything came as we had expected. Of course we got pulled out and yes we had to open it and show what it was. Someone was with me that translated into Arabic. Maybe it was in his translation, but one of the Ladies in the room took her hand and tried to grab into the box and pull one of the KVMs out. I was moderately nervous and didn’t want her to destroy our master/backup switch, so I shouted “Stop!-Don’t”! That again must have scared the crap out of them because everybody jumped back and took on a protective pose. So in case you ever end up in a situation like this. Do not shout or even make unpredicted moves with a box in your hands when you are standing on an airport for security questions. Try to remember not to shout. This is very important. Very important!