Question 1

What power supply (adapter) will work with this product.  I know it is 5 volts, but how many amps?  Thanks in advance.

Accepted Answer

According to the user manual, the power consumption is 5V and 1.2 Watts - that would yield 4.17 Amps - but that is consumption.  The power adapter will typically only give what the device demands, if the power adapter is close to the specs.  Just make sure that you have the pin-type connector (cylinder-like connector with a hole in the center - and these will vary in size).  The manual gives no specific power adapter models.  It only says that it is optional because it can be powered by the USB connections (if your computer has USB with power).  If you want a "guaranteed" adapter to match, I would call IOGear support.

Question 2

How long are the KVM cables?

Accepted Answer

The GCS1724 comes with two 4-foot and two 6-foot cables. They are proprietary, and no other cables will fit the KVM ports. If you need additional cables, they cost a fortune, far more than a separate vga, ps2 and usb cable would cost. If you need longer cables, use extensions. It's cheaper.

Question 3

Does this device have hotkey capability or do you have to press a button on the device to switch between laptops?

Accepted Answer

Yes, use the Scroll-Lock to cycle through ports, see the manual for more details
Links are not allowed so go to the IO Gear site to see the full manual.
Port Switching
All port switches begin with tapping the Scroll Lock key twice. The tables below describe the actions that each combination
performs.
Note: If using the Scroll Lock key conflicts with other programs running on the computer, the Ctrl key can be used, instead.
See Alternate Port Switching Keys, page 16 for details.
Hotkey Action
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll
Lock] [Enter]
Brings the KVM focus from the port that
currently has the KVM focus to the next
port on the installation (1 to 2; 2 to 1 for
the GCS1722; 1 to 2; 2 to 3; 3 to 4; 4 to
1 for the GCS1724).
Cycling Through the Ports
Hotkey Action
[Scroll Lock] [Scroll
Lock] [n] [Enter]
Brings the KVM focus to the computer
attached to the port corresponding to
the specified Port ID
Going Directly to a Port
Note: The n stands for the computer’s Port ID number (1, 2, 3, or 4). See “Port ID Numbering”on page 12. Replace the n
with the appropriate Port ID when entering hotkey combinations.

Question 4

If you use the PS/2 cables for Keyboard and Mouse on the Computers Ports (1-4), does it require a PS/2 keyboard and mouse to be used on the console port? Or can I use a USB Keyboard and Mouse on the Console, but use PS/2 on the computer connections?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Sorry the devil made me say that.

Each cable allows you to connect to the computers using either a PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard or USB.

The console connection has PS/2 ports for both the mouse and keyboard plus a USB port.

I'm using a combination of connections.  I have a PS/2 keyboard and a USB mouse connected to the console ports.

I'm using the cable PS/2 mouse and keyboard connections on two of my computers and the USB cable connection to the third computer.

Everything works well and I have been very happy with the quality of the KVM and the problem free use.  Good luck.

Question 5

Will this work with wireless mouse/keyboard combination - for example Logitech K270?

Accepted Answer

Most likely yes.  Have been doing it for 6 mos with Logitech LX6, but cannot be certain for K270.  Worked so well, we bought a second for our test area where we have used various hardwired and wireless mice.  Love the USB and PS2 capability; we mix freely.  Both have provided flawless operation for 6 mos.  Work better than any KVM we have ever had except Protec Bytelan.  We hung onto those units for 13 years, but gave them up last year because we needed higher resolution than those old units can handle.  Highly recommended.

Question 6

Does it allow dual displays or single display on dual monitors?

Accepted Answer

I haven't tried that but ... there is only one DB-15 video connector on the "Client" end of the special purpose cable (e.g., USB, PS2 x 2, video).  So, I would conclude that it doesn't support two monitors.

Questions & Answers