Quote from Hangar45 Admin on December 17, 2017, 8:06 pm

(Original thread started on 04-21-15 by Will Sasse)

I am assembling my primary P3D + Visuals PC at the moment. This will be the 3rd PC in my sim system and its should be a right ripper! (i7 5820, 2x 4mb GTX970's...)

 

I was wondering what solutions people have for controlling (Mouse and keyboard) their multi-PC setups? One keyboard per PC, or linked keyboard to multiple PC's?

 

I would like to use one keyboard and a trackball for all 3 PCs knowing that I can only type or mouse on one PC at a time regardless.

 

I have seen this [url=http://synergy-project.org/]Synergy Mouse and Keyboard sharing software[/url], open source network based mouse and keyboard sharing program. Very interesting!! But wasn't sure if the extra traffic between the sim PC's will affect WideFS?

 

(Posted by Alan Norris on 04-22-15)

I use this free program that Eric T. recommended. Works great. You decide which computer is the "master" and install the software and then install the "slave" software on all the others.

 

http://www.realvnc.com/download/viewer/

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 04-22-15)

Your new computer sounds fast! I opted to go the route of one keyboard and mouse for each computer. I have three sets total. It is a little crowded but it is one less thing I have to try to figure out why it is not working right. All three of my keyboards are mini and work great. If I have to do any extensive typing, I simply plug a full size keyboard into the computer I am using.

 

I also have a second wireless keyboard for my main computer. This wireless keyboard comes in handy if I am sitting inside the sim and want to do some FSUIPC programming or if I am running around the sim trying to adjust the visual system. (I can't see the screen system from the instructor station)  One keyboard or multiple keyboards. It's users preference.

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 04-22-15)

I really like RealVNC that Alan posted. Works well and still allows you to have the additional keyboards and mouse too, since it's virtual.

 

(Posted by Will Sasse on 04-23-15)

Alan, thanks for the reference, similar function, but tested - I like that!

 

Ron, yes, I currently use two Logitech K400 mini keyboard and scratch pads on my 2 PC setup. Personally it is not my preference.

 

I'd like to have a single full size keyboard and have been a long time proponent of trackballs, especially when mouse space is not available. So a software solution seems good for me!

 

(Posted by Eric Williams on 04-24-15)

I use Input Director for mine. One keyboard and mouse (hooked to the main FSX PC) can control all PC's. You just mouse off the side of the main display and it jumps to the appropriate slave PC. Really handy when Jet45 DU's crash etc. No need to open up a remote desktop for the simple things.

 

I use Teamviewer as well running on every PC. From anywhere (in the world) I can open up any of the PCs to do mods. I routinely do this from another room of the house even (transferring files etc). Really handy. From any PC on your account you just double click the PC you want to work with and up it comes.

 

(Posted by Chris Capkalu on 04-24-15)

My absolute recommendation: Mouse without borders.

It's a small program from Microsoft and freeware. It runs via network and works seamless and without any lag between all your clients. I use one keyboard and one mouse for three PCs and it works like a charm.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 04-24-15)

Does any of these programs come with a mouse trap? In other words, is there an option to hit home and the mouse will return to a known location?

 

I ask this because I have ten monitors/projectors and it is a challenge trying to find the mice as it is now, knowing each one of them (three total) can only go so far. There are times that one of my mice is back behind the sim on the wall and you can't see it, or tucked in behind the MIP somewhere.

 

As your project expands, things can get complicated. Simple things like trying to find a mouse on your desktop, in your sim or on the wall can be challenging. These programs have to have a mouse trap right?

 

(Posted by Will Sasse on 04-24-15)

Plenty of options! I like it!

KVM switch: the good old cable based mechanical switch... hard to beat

 

Keyboard & Mouse only: Software over the network to share from server PC to clientPS. Includes drag&drop and shared clipboard across all PC's. Links:

http://download.cnet.com/Mouse-without-Borders/3000-2072_4-75788880.html

https://symless.com/synergy

http://www.inputdirector.com/

 

Full PC Remote Control:  Anywhere, anytime full PC control. Links:

https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/vnc/

https://www.teamviewer.us/

 

I am going to give 'Mouse without Borders" a go.  Ron, I also have the issue of locating the mouse, I right click the mouse to bring up the larger context menu which is normally easier to find. If there is a mouse-trap program, would be very useful.