Description:

The VIP-802-B "SwitchCaster"™ 2 port KVM Switch / Multicaster allows one PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse and monitor to switch between or multicast to 2 PCs. Besides being a full function 2 port KVM Switch, the rich multicasting features of the SwitchCaster are tailor made for use in multiboxing applications and our fast channel (PC) switching and low device latency provide optimal performance for on-line games such as World of Warcraft. The multicasting features of the SwitchCaster greatly reduce the amount of additional hardware devices typically required for multiboxing applications. The VIP-802-B 2 port KVM Switch / Multicaster supports all popular PS/2 keyboards and mice, including Microsoft IntelliMouse™, and video resolution up to 1600 by 1200 at 75Hz.

The unique architecture of the VIP-802-B KVM Switch / Multicaster provides a dedicated microprocessor for each PC. This feature makes it possible to "hot-plug" keyboards and mice, at any time, and power the connected PCs up and down, in any order. At the heart of the SwitchCaster is Vetra's advanced keyboard and mouse emulation technology which provides error free boot up and mouse driver loading for each connected PC, and allows the SwitchCaster to operate transparently with all IBM compatible PCs, PC operating systems, and applications. All VIP-802-B KVM Switch / Multicaster models are powered by the connected PCs so no external power supply is required.

The VIP-802-B 2 port KVM Switch / Multicaster comes in a variety of standard configurations, is rugged and compact in design and easy to install and operate. For applications requiring rack mounting, an optional 2U height rack mount tray is available (see Accessories ). All Vetra KVM products are designed and manufactured in the USA for enterprise mission-critical applications for use around the world and are backed by a Limited 3-year Warranty. For more information on this product or our complete line of KVM solutions, please contact us at sales@vetra.com

OPERATION:

When in KVM Switch mode, all VIP-802-B "SwitchCaster" models can select the active PC via a keyboard "hot-key" sequence ([scroll lock] + [1] for PC1, or [scroll lock] + [2] for PC2) or by a push button(s) located on the front panel of the KVM Switch. Direct Entry models (as indicated by -DE in the model number) have an individual push button switch for each PC channel. The non-DE models have a single push button (NEXT PC) which toggles between the two PC channels. Each time the "NEXT PC" button is depressed it switches to the next PC channel in the cycle. All models have an "auto-scan" mode ([scroll lock] +"A"). Auto-scan sequentially switches through each connected and powered PC, pausing for 5 seconds at each PC before automatically switching to the next PC. The selection of any PC channel or ([scroll lock] +"S") terminates the auto-scan mode. Keyboard hot-key selection or direct entry switches will select all PC channels, powered or not. Auto Scan and the next button will skip unpowered channels.

In all cases on either model, when a PC channel is selected, an LED on the front panel illuminates to indicate the selected PC while additional front panel LED's indicate which PC channels are powered. Upon selection, the intelligence in the SwitchCaster correctly sets the keyboard's status indicators, CAPS, SCROLL, and NUM Lock, as these settings may be different for each PC. The keyboard and/or mouse may be disconnected and re-connected (hot-plugged), or exchanged at any time without having to power down the connected PC's. This feature is useful if a connected device fails during a critical application.

There are several useful settings for Multicast mode. Scroll Lock+"B" selects multicasting mode. All PC channels receive keyboard and mouse multicasted output. Scroll Lock+"K" selects keyboard only multicasting. All PC channels receive keyboard multicasted output. The mouse is connected only to one PC channel, the one currently selected. Scroll Lock+"M" selects mouse only multicasting. All PC channels receive mouse multicasted output. The keyboard is connected only to one PC channel, the one currently selected. Any valid Scroll Lock command will override all previous commands. For example, Scroll Lock+"1" will select PC channel 1 and cancel all multicasting. Pressing the NEXT PC button or direct entry buttons, changes the selected channel but does not cancel multicasting. Scroll Lock+"I" enables inversion multicasting. The currently selected channel is blocked from receiving multicasts. Works with keyboard, mouse, and combined multicast. Inversion can only be cancelled by typing Scroll Lock+"O" then all channels receive multicast when multicasting is on. Typing Scroll Lock "I" or "O" does not actually start or stop multicasting. It only toggles the inversion on or off. Inversion can be turned on or off at any time whether multicasting is on or off.

A useful example of inversion multicasting for multiboxing would be having the currently selected channel blocked from receiving multicasts. If selecting keyboard-only multicasting, for example, the keyboard is locked out, but the mouse is not. The user can use the mouse to control the selected PC channel and simultaneously use the keyboard to control the other PC.

Features:

• Designed and manufactured in the USA for use around the world
• Backed by a Limited 3 Year Warranty
• KVM Switch and Multicaster in one unit
• Unique Multicasting features for MMORPG multiboxing applications!
• Hot Plug feature allows keyboard and mice to be swapped at any time!
• Auto-scan feature sequentially scans all powered PC channels
• Supports all popular keyboards and mice including Microsoft IntelliMouse™
• Supports 1600 by 1200 at 75Hz video resolution
• The SwitchCaster is completely transparent to all PC's, operating systems, and programs
• Each PC boots error free, and PC's can be powered up or down in any sequence
• The VIP-802-B is powered from the connected PC's, no external power supply is required
• Keyboard LED's and parameters are correctly set when switched from PC to PC
• PC selection via the industry's easiest hot key selection sequence, no scrolling through complicated menus
• Uses inexpensive standard cables, eliminating the need for costly multi-port cables
• A 2U height rack mount tray is available for rack mount installation

Models:

All VIP-802-B "SwitchCaster" models can select the active PC via keyboard "hot-key" sequence. Direct Entry models (as indicated by -DE) have an individual push button switch for each selectable PC channel, while non-DE models have a single push button (NEXT PC) that switches sequentially through the connected PCs.

VIP-802-KM-B: 2 port KVM Switch / Multicaster. Switch or multicast one PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse between two PCs. PC selection via keyboard "hot-key", or sequentially via "NEXT PC" push-button. You will need four  6-pin mini-DIN male-male cables, such as our VIP-300-6MM-06 cables, to connect to the PCs.
$159.00 

VIP-802-KM-B-DE: 2 port KVM Switch / Multicaster. Switch or multicast one PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse between two PCs. PC selection via keyboard "hot-key", or direct entry front panel switches. You will need four  6-pin mini-DIN male-male cables, such as our VIP-300-6MM-06 cables, to connect to the PCs.
$179.00 

VIP-802-KMV-B: 2 port KVM Switch / Multicacster. Switch or multicast one PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse and monitor between two PCs. PC selection via keyboard "hot-key", or sequentially via "NEXT PC" push-button. You will need two of our VIP-305-KVM-06 combo cables to connect to the PCs. Or you may use four 6-pin mini-DIN male-male cables, such as our VIP-300-6MM-06 cables, and two HDD15 video cables, such as our VIP-302-VGA-06, to connect to the PCs.
$199.00 

VIP-802-KMV-B-DE: 2 port KVM Switch / Multicaster. Switch or multicast one PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse and monitor between two PCs. PC selection via keyboard "hot-key", or direct entry front panel switches. You will need two of our VIP-305-KVM-06 combo cables to connect to the PCs. Or you may use four 6-pin mini-DIN male-male cables, such as our VIP-300-6MM-06 cables, and two HDD15 video cables, such as our VIP-302-VGA-06, to connect to the PCs.
$219.00 

All prices are subject to change without notice.
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Connections:

Standard PS/2 male-male extension cables are used to connect the SwitchCaster to the PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse ports of the PC's, and standard HDD15 Male-female video cables are used to connect to the video ports of PC's. Using standard cables eliminates the need to replace an entire multi-port cable if one connection is damaged or fails, thereby reducing the overall cost of maintainence. You may use your cables, or ours (see Accessories ). The captive cables that are part of the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are used to connect these devices to the SwitchCaster.

Specifications:

Dimensions for all models of the VIP-802-B KVM Switch / Multicaster are 2.63 in H x 6.06 in W x 6.32 in D (6.68 cm x 15.39 cm x 16.05 cm). The housing is molded of black GE Cycolac-T, a high impact ABS material, and is internally shielded with an acrylic base nickel coating for RFI attenuation. Front and rear panels are fabricated from .062 in thick aluminium and finished with low gloss paint. All VIP-802-B KVM Switch / Multicaster models are powered from the connected PC's PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse ports, so no external power supply is required. FCC and CE marked. Shipping weight is less than 3 lbs per unit.