The C.A. Designs PC keyboard sharing system KB4B enables any IBM-compatible computer to be operated with up to 4 keyboards, situated up to 200m away from the system unit.

Keyboards may be AT (5-pin DIN connectors) or PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN connectors), but all must be the same type.

The unit uses low-cost 4-core screened cable and requires a demultiplexer module for each remote end, as follows:

• KB1KL
  Boxed unit suitable for an AT-type PC (5-pin DIN connector)

 
• KB1K
  Boxed unit suitable for a PS/2-type PC (6 pin mini-DIN connector)

Keyboards demand control by any keystroke action. The keyboards operate a contention system with control on a "first come, first served" basis. When control resides with one keyboard, the others are locked out while it is in use and for a short time afterwards.

Note that commands from PC to keyboard will only be passed to the currently connected keyboard. This means that status lights, typematic rate and any software-programmed keys will not be updated on both keyboards. In the case this proves to be a problem, we offer the KMS2* series product which will update all functions of all attached keyboards.

The unit may have both local and remote keyboards on each unit. For example:

• One local and three remote keyboards
• Two local and two remote keyboards
• Three local and one remote keyboards
• Four local keyboards

Power is derived from the computer, limited to 1A maximum.

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