Re: One keyboard for 2 computers

[David.Empson@bbs.actrix.gen.nz]

In article <1993Jan5.203139.13991@zip.eecs.umich.edu> grover@emunix.emich.edu (Grover Thomas) writes:
> In article <1993Jan5.184359.18595@src.honeywell.com> shankar@src.honeywell.com (Subash Shankar) writes:
> >
> >I have a Mac IIci and an Apple IIGS (please, no computer flames), which both
> >use ADB keyboards.  To clear up desk space, is there any way of using the
> >same keyboard for both computers?  Surely, somebody else has a similar
> >problem?
> 
> While I have never tried this, I have heard that connecting two machines
> to the same keyboard is a great way to burn out either your keyboard,
> or the ADB controller chips inside the computers.

The keyboard should be OK, but the computers wouldn't.

> Perhaps you are looking for an 'A-B switch box' kind of connection.  That
> way you can use one keyboard and mouse, and use it between the two
> computers with a quick turn of a knob.

Not a good idea.  A-B switch boxes are fine for serial connections,
but ADB also supplies power to the peripherals.  It isn't designed to
have devices being connected and disconnected while the power is on
(which is effectively what you do when you switch the device over).

Apart from power, the computer might not like having a keyboard appear
or disappear suddenly (from a protocol point of view).
-- 
David Empson

Internet: David.Empson@bbs.actrix.gen.nz    EMPSON_D@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand