KVM Leads - Wierdness

[Andrew_C]

Bit of a strange one.

We've put PCs in some rooms into racks against the wall and run plug-socket KVM leads out to the teachers' desks. In most cases this needs a 5m cable, but in one or two we need more. The problematic room has a 10m lead.

When installed it worked, however we got sporadic reports of the PC stopping and needing a reboot. Changed the PC, and it wouldn't start. Suspected a nail through the mouse cable, and bypassed it. All starts up and is OK.

This morning, I take a new 10m KVM lead down to finish up and this doesn't work either!

So, thoughts please; Is there a maximum length of cable for a PS2 mouse? Have you ever bought duff KVM extensions? Any other clues?

[kmount]

We've had problems in the past as some KVM's only accept their "own" cables are some pins are crossed etc. This might explain your problem.

[BaccyNet]

I might be wrong but I dont think a PS2 cable is going to work very well (or at all as your experiencing) at those lengths. Are you able to swap to USB perhaps? (for long runs, a USB to CAT5 convertor may work)

[Andrew_C]

Firstly, it worked with the first PC, and still works with a separate extension lead...

I am mighty confused!