Avocent KVM with broadcasting mode

[thinus]

Hi,

I recently got an old Avocent Outlook 180DX from a friend that works in a data warehouse. They basically replaced all their KVMs with new ones and these are just gathering dust in their storeroom.

Interesting feature for multi-boxing:

• Broadcast mode
  You can configure the KVM to broadcast keyboard, mouse or both to all connected ports. Could be a KVM + Multiplexer all in one solution.

Not so good:

• No front panel buttons to select active port or any indicators as to which port is active
  
• Standard VGA ports, no DVI
  
• OSCAR - onscreen configuration and activity reporting tool
  This is slightly annoying for multi-boxers. Basically the KVM has a GUI that pops up on the console monitor. You use the GUI to select your active port and to configure the KVM.

Hardware obviously manufactured as a server management tool, if it had DVI it might have been very useful though. My main monitor I would use as the console monitor. All machines will have graphics cards with dual ports. One port will go to the KVM and the other to its own monitor.

This will allow you to switch between the machines and see each machine on your main (console) monitor while simultaneously showing all the machines on their own monitors as well except your main machine which you will be driving most of the time.

However, not having front panel indicators or buttons for active ports is a serious drawback. Especially if you do not have a monitor plugged into the console port and therefore cannot see the OSCAR menu. You run the risk of getting lost in the menu if you press the wrong key trying to switch ports.

I haven't looked at the specs of their newer models but if anyone is interested in a possible KVM + Keyboard/Mouse Multiplexer all in one then it might be worth investigating.

OutLook 180DX Manual
Avocent homepage

[Wilbur]

Great find :-D Thanks