Vetra now has a USB multiplier. $299 - 4 Ports

[Tech249]

Just to check, I emailed asking if they had an item that worked with USB instead of PS/2. They replied with a quote on there new USB multiplier. They don't have the info on thier website yet but I have a part number and price quote. It sounds like they just finished the firmware on this product. It has four USB ports.

USB-844-BC - $269

I'm asking for more info. I'll post what I get.

[hapiguy314]

Mother Fa;lskfja;ldkjfa;dlkfjas;dlk - I'm beginning to hate 'em :( First the 8 port came out shortly after I bought the 4 port ... now a USB capable one is out!

[Xzin]

Wow, hats off to them if this is true. Wonder if it will work with Ergotrons, N52s, etc.

[rieperx]

wow thats great that makes me really hopeful for a couple ideas i'd had for my own budding setup.

[inire]

Hey,

Lurking's usually my style, but I thought I should let you guys know what's going on with this.

I spoke with an engineer at Vetra yesterday and today. He stated that there was a USB-844-BC, that they were still testing it, and that it was going to be out in two to three weeks at the earliest.

Also, he stated that they were having trouble testing the system due to the G15 having a hub, and they were going to go and buy one, which would cause another delay.

So I shipped them one from Amazon, along with an N52.

heh.

Inire

[hapiguy314]

Did they say if this USB multiplier can connect to the original PS2 one? Or will an adaptor from PS2 to USB work just fine to connect the original PS2 Multiplier with the USB Multiplier.

[mmcookies]

Oh wow, this sure changes things : O

[Xzin]

Cool - but heh. Now all I need is a way to connect a USB keyboard to a PS/2 port... because I really don't want to buy a whole ton of new USB multiplexers.

[JesDyr]

I work with inire and have also started 3 boxing EQ2. It is my understanding that they are still working out the details of this product and I am guessing we should have more details once they get to play with the g15 and n52 that Inire sent them. If the product does what I think it is doing, then attempting to send alot of bidirectional data may not work. I fully expect the G15 to be a problem because of the LCD data and not so much the HUB. A G11 on the other hand should work well. I doubt there will be any issues with the n52.



Cool - but heh. Now all I need is a way to connect a USB keyboard to a PS/2 port... because I really don't want to buy a whole ton of new USB multiplexers.

Why ?

Your setup seems like it works very well. The USB multiplexer would work really well for using nostromo's or USB keyboards with macro buttons. The USB multiplexer basicly makes broadcasting keys used by the g15 macro keys or n52 to multiple PCs possible. If you use Xkeys then you have hardware based macros that work over PS/2 without any software needed.

Basicly a USB multiplexer cuts the cost of a multiboxing setup by a good amount. It also opens up some interesting setup options in the macro software used by many gaming devices. PS/2 to USB converters are often a bad idea. Just take one look at show they work and unless you really have to go that way, i would not suggest it.

[Bradster]

Mother Fa;lskfja;ldkjfa;dlkfjas;dlk - I'm beginning to hate 'em :( First the 8 port came out shortly after I bought the 4 port ... now a USB capable one is out!

Doh. Well if it makes you feel better I just got the 8 port one. BTW have you figured anything out with those monitors, on the heat issue? I saw the picture again today and I think I bought the same ones you got lol.

[Xzin]

This one is only 4 ports. Can you daisy chain them together and if not... any chance of an 8 port or 10 port one?

[hapiguy314]

Mother Fa;lskfja;ldkjfa;dlkfjas;dlk - I'm beginning to hate 'em :( First the 8 port came out shortly after I bought the 4 port ... now a USB capable one is out!

Doh. Well if it makes you feel better I just got the 8 port one. BTW have you figured anything out with those monitors, on the heat issue? I saw the picture again today and I think I bought the same ones you got lol.

Just got back from DC. But ultimately, I'll be going to Costco later in the week and just buy one of those $400 portable ACs (and stick the 2 tubes in the window). The heat is more from several of my 8800GTXs now more than my monitors. They still feel like sunbathing at the beach, but not as bad as my feet roasting on a grill :(

[inire]

Welcome back hapiguy, hope you enjoyed your trip.

Spoke with George today at Vetra, and was told that they're working on USB stuff for another project, and that they expect a delay due to this (USB Multiplexing is a side thing for them, they get paid much more for the other work).

So, shucks.... I was all excited, and now nothin.

But they did receive the G15 and the N52, and the preliminary statement was that the G15 was not going to work for the screen.

I said that if they get the N52 or the G keys working I would be a happy camper!

[hapiguy314]

Just bought another computer to replace one of my old machines (couldn't stand the lag anymore hehe). Hmm I need to buy another 4 port multiplier since i'm out of ports...I guess i'll have to buy another 844-BC since the USB is unknown as far as ETA.

PS
Trip was good inire :) Was a hike from capitol hill all the way to lincoln memorial and then back to washington memorial (for subway) but it was great :lol:

[Borogove]

You can indeed chain them together. I asked directly.

He mentioned that it was still at least 2-3 weeks off (as of 14 Aug).

[Jezebel]

Cool - but heh. Now all I need is a way to connect a USB keyboard to a PS/2 port... because I really don't want to buy a whole ton of new USB multiplexers.

you can buy small USB>PS2 (and vice-versa) adapters for like AU$5. its simply a small plastic adapter, your USB device plugs in one end and it has a PS2 adapter in the output end.

[Slats]

Ooo from AU =)

Is anyone from AU using the Vetra KM and the 8 Port Multiplexer? If so roughly how long did it take to get to you and how much did it all end up costing including shipping?

Talked to the shop that supplies X-Key Pro/X-Key Stick/YKey and man there prices are pretty high - I am tempted to ship them from the US with how good the exchange rate is. :/

[Xzin]

Cool - but heh. Now all I need is a way to connect a USB keyboard to a PS/2 port... because I really don't want to buy a whole ton of new USB multiplexers.

you can buy small USB>PS2 (and vice-versa) adapters for like AU$5. its simply a small plastic adapter, your USB device plugs in one end and it has a PS2 adapter in the output end.

Not really. Some kb/mice do that if they have chips that support it. N52s, G15s... Ergodexes... no dice.

[inire]

Spoke yesterday with the folks from Vetra.

Here's the list of what he stated, with the usual caveat that any product statements are preliminary data.

1. the G15 is actually 3 USB devices, the G keys, the regular keys, and the screen.

2. all the computers recognized the G15 and the N52 when they were plugged in.

3. They were testing with two and four computers connected.

4. since the G15 is three devices, it will require more USB chips within the mutiplexer. Vetra seemed to think that this was possible, with two separate hardware options. The first option would be able to do one USB device multiplied to 4/8 machines, and the other option would be able to do three USB devices to 4/8 machines. There would be two products, with the one USB/4 machines being the lowest cost, and the three USB/8 machines being the highest cost. Note that they did not actually SAY anything about an eight way, but a guy can dream, right?

5. The G15 screen appears to be a major issue due to the amount of bidirectional data going across it. Since getting the time from four machines would be very hard on the screen (or getting CPU data from four machines) the most likely solution would be to run the LCD software on the primary machine, and disable it on the other machines. The two way communication apparently better than they expected.

6. Mouse broadcast apparently works. Yeah, I really did not know what to say about this. Looks like a hardware solution for mouse multiplexing is possible. Recommended that a "use USB only to primary" button be created, or some key command/mouse button to detach mouse from other screens.

7. The G15 keys G keys were not tested yet. However, the N52 keys worked great for typing the qwerty set.

8. They're going to test the N52/G15 macro software this week.

That's the basics of the call. Personally, I am very excited by this, especially since Jesder and I have been talking about how difficult the two way communication would be for things like the G15. Looking forward to seeing this in action!

[hapiguy314]

Great post and follow up sir. M'hat's off to you! :P

[Steph]

That sounds very very enticing.

I do not care about the G15 LCD working or not working really.

A couple of status LEDs for connected units, broadcast on/off and a key combination or buttons to switch broadcast on/off or address only a single computer would round the product to a 'must have'.

[JesDyr]

broadcast on/off and a key combination or buttons to switch broadcast on/off or address only a single computer would round the product to a 'must have'.

Remember this isn't only about keyboards. Keystroke combo to enable/disable broadcast may not be easy to do without limiting the device type. Personally if just an N52 works with it I would be happy. I dont need the rest. I will have to see what the various model prices end up being (based on the info we have the 3 device version has to have alot more hardware than the single device).

With that said .. it seems the N52 uses a basic HID driver and actually is sending "weird" keycodes (unassigned codes). The G15's Gkeys do not seem to work this way.

This is 2nd hand info I got from talking with Inire about what he was told from Vetra :)

[inire]

Man, that's the last time I talk to you at lunch.

lol.

anyways, yeah, forgot to include that in the post.

[mmcookies]

oh i hope they come out with this soon, and that KVM with multicasting capabilities

[JesDyr]

Man, that's the last time I talk to you at lunch.


Not my fault you are slow :P

[Tealuin]

Ordered myself an 8 port multiplexer and an 8 port KM.

I was asked what game I play ... apparently we've created a "cottage market" for Vetra. lol

Cottage Market was his term ... cottage industry wouldn't really apply ... can't remember what came to mind when he said that would actually be more correct.

[Xzin]

You should tell him about this site :)

[beyond-tec]

call me freaky but could that work as an USB Multiplexer?

Printer Sharing Switches.
Used for sharing an USB printer or scanner to multiple PCs:

* You can press button to switch
* or software switching (Installed driver)

I think there could be some without this switching stuff which set up a constant signal to the PCs


DESCRIPTION

* 100% Brand New
* Dimension : 10cm X 5cm X 1.9cm
* USB Sharing Switch - Share your Printer/Scanner/Hub/More USB peripheral
* Easy to use
* User friendly interface
* Cost-effective solution and user smart choice
* Support USB 2.0 and backward to USB 1.1 too.
* USB devices Hot pluggable
* Bus Powered - No external power supply needed.
* Plug-n-play: No driver needed.

Sharing Switch

* You can press button to switch
* or software switching (Installed driver)

Interface:

* 4x USB Type B which connect to 4 computers
* 1x USB Type A which connect to USB device
* LED Indicator

You can sharing the following:

* Sharing USB Printer
* Sharing USB Webcam
* Sharing USB HUB
* Sharing USB Modem
* Sharing USB Scanner
* Sharing portable HDD Drive
* Sharing other compatible USB device too.

[Wilbur]

Its a switch, not a Multicaster. There are HUGE differences.

[beyond-tec]

Its a switch, not a Multicaster. There are HUGE differences.


hmm.. ok :/

back to Vetra :)

[freakyspider]

almost 2 months since the last post of this thread. Has vetra made any progress with this piece of hardware?

[freakyspider]

Toll Free 1-800-537-9296

Give em a buzz. :)

hehe, I would if I wasnt in Iraq right now. Just trying to plan my layout for when I get back home.

[JesDyr]

I will see if I can talk Inire into calling them for an update :P

[Herc130]

Can something like this:

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8880/cablesonline196868438da6.gif (http://imageshack.us)
split N52's or X-keys to multiple computers? Not sure how it's wired, but physically you can input 1 devices and output it to two computers unless I am not thinking correctly. Has it already been tried? Might just get one and guinie pig it with an N52 to two of my computers on it's last legs. http://cablesonline.stores.yahoo.net/12usbdaandex.html Will see if I can find it locally.

[Xzin]

I don't believe that would work.

[Borogove]

It's official, Vetra is taking orders on their USB keyboard replicator.

I spoke to them today. The base model that supports only one USB device (read: not the N52, use a normal keyboard) is finished. There's a lead time, but they'll put you in line for one.

USB multi-boxing, here I come!

[Herc130]

The base model that supports only one USB device (read: not the N52, use a normal keyboard) is finished

That's too bad, was hoping to get an X-key 128 board and broadcast it to 3 computers/accounts splitting all the keys between them with some being for all three and many being specific to each of the three. Think I'll just get 2 more X-key pro's, have the desk space for it anyway. Probably about the same cost wise for 3 X-key pro's vrs 1 X-key 128 and the broadcaster.

[Borogove]

How much, how many ports?

$299, 4 ports.

That's too bad, was hoping to get an X-key 128 board and broadcast it to 3 computers/accounts splitting all the keys between them with some being for all three and many being specific to each of the three. Think I'll just get 2 more X-key pro's, have the desk space for it anyway. Probably about the same cost wise for 3 X-key pro's vrs 1 X-key 128 and the broadcaster.

This may not be an issue. The reason why the N52 isn't compatible is that it is actually 2 separate USB devices that are connected via an internal hub. That means the box would have to replicate two separate devices. The base model does not.

From looking at the X-keys website, I'd wager that all of the devices that are listed as "PC-keyboard or USB" would work. The "USB only" ones look like that all have a mouse input of some sort, which might imply an internal hub. Then again, this is all complete hand-waving and opinion. In the end, ask the Vetra guys. They'll probably know, and if they don't, they can probably find out.[/i]

[JesDyr]

The reason why the N52 isn't compatible is that it is actually 2 separate USB devices that are connected via an internal hub. That means the box would have to replicate two separate devices. The base model does not.

I am fairly sure you are confused. The N52 is one device and the initial reply from Vetra was it was easy. The G15 was the problem because it is 3 devices and a HUB.

[Borogove]

Yep. Confused. I despise the accursed things, so one mysterious designation got confused with another. I use keyboard. Normal ones.

s/N52/G15/g in all of my posts.