hi, sorry this post may not appear in the thread it should. I only have access to google to post, (no newsserver) and google says it's 'unable to retreive the message' (google fails like that sometimes).
I should have given more info. The device is a KVM Switch (also known as a CPU switch)
meaning: (plug many computer boxes in and then plug in one actual Keyboard Video(monitor) and Mouse, and you can switch between them - choosing which computer to access).
The button on the KVM Switch will let me cycle between computers.
The KVM switch is connected to a KVM Extender which boosts 30 meters, hence the KVM switch is downstairs. meaning: The system I have, is that the KVM Switch - instead of plugging directly into a Keyboard monitor and Mouse, is plugged into a KVM Extender - boosting the signal along a 30 meter cable, into my room, where my Keyboard monitor and monitor plug in.
I opened up the KVM Switch to have a look. Posts mentioned something about 4 contacts, I can see them. I could find the correct pair (via experimenting with a screwdriver or little wire, to see which activates the switch), and then I could solder one end of a wire to those 2 contacts, and the other end to an actual switch.
The KVM switch does plug into the mains.
Should I use 30 meters of shielded cable or just normal wire? I have heard that normal wire may act like an antenna and confuse the kvm. Though i've also heard that normal wire is fine 'cos it's just a switch.
I intended to get 24AWG wire - shielded, but the technical sales guy was convinced that I didn't need shielded, and that shielded would be harder to solder on. He didn't have the info available to him to tell me what the AWG of the wire he sold me was, but he said it'll be fine.
thanks