2 keyboards or 1 with a powered USB?

[Penfold42]

OK....

I have 2 digital playout systems and 1 keyboard.....do i need another keyboard or can i buy a powered USB hub (4 port USB hub) so one keyboard can do 2 systems??
(Cortex and Denon)

I've asked the IT guru at work and he's never tried....has anyone done so??
I've not tried it yet as it's not racked.....

I'm not sure it will work but worth asking....:)

Thanks.

[Excalibur]

OK....

I have 2 digital playout systems and 1 keyboard.....do i need another keyboard or can i buy a powered USB hub (4 port USB hub) so one keyboard can do 2 systems??
(Cortex and Denon)

I've asked the IT guru at work and he's never tried....has anyone done so??
I've not tried it yet as it's not racked.....

I'm not sure it will work but worth asking....:)

Thanks.

I think you actually would need a switching unit, like my mate just acquired. Please bear in mind that I am not at all au fait with these systems in use, and for myself would always take the view that two must be better than one. ;)

[Penfold42]

I think you actually would need a switching unit, like my mate just acquired. Please bear in mind that I am not at all au fait with these systems in use, and for myself would always take the view that two must be better than one. ;)

Thanks mate...but what's a 'switching unit'??

I know you are not au fait with systems like this...make that two....:o
...but boy you seem to know the lingo.....:rolleyes: ;) ;) :D

[Excalibur]

Thanks mate...but what's a 'switching unit'??

I know you are not au fait with systems like this...make that two....:o
...but boy you seem to know the lingo.....:rolleyes: ;) ;) :D

I'm only going on what I have seen, but as far as I know, you would not be able to control INDIVIDUAL items linked to a COMMON hub, since each keyboard instruction would go to both items at once, hence a SWITCHING unit, capable of choosing which one to talk to. ;) Like I said, I'm no expert, but my instinct is to avoid switches wherever possible, and go towards duplicate ( spare/backup ) systems. Some technocrat will give you chapter and verse soon, I hope.

[spin mobile disco]

It will not work. And if you were to try it would probably take out the usb bus on the dennon and cortex. As the usb powers keyboards and peripherals when you connect 2 units together via a hub you will double the availabel power taking it over design limits and blowing the controller chips on both units.
Keyboard switches do work but not with digital decks. Im afraid the only alternative is 2 keyboards on one and switch it between the 2 units by plugging and unplugging it.

[rob1963]

Tony,

Presumably one of the hard drive players is for normal use with the other as back up?

If that's the case, I'd say use the keyboard with your main playout unit, and in the unlikely event that you have to use your back up, just use the buttons on the unit itself.

That's what I was planning on doing when I was going to have two Cortex units (a 1000 & a 500 for back up).

That way, you keep things nice and simple.

:)

[BeerFunk]

Theoretically, from a technical point of view, I don't see why a 2-way USB switch couldn't switch between two USB keyboards - seeing as USB is full plug 'n' play.


Presumably one of the hard drive players is for normal use with the other as back up?

If that's the case, I'd say use the keyboard with your main playout unit, and in the unlikely event that you have to use your back up, just use the buttons on the unit itself.

That's what I was planning on doing when I was going to have two Cortex units (a 1000 & a 500 for back up).

That way, you keep things nice and simple.The man makes sense! (this time :p )

[rob1963]

Theoretically, from a technical point of view, I don't see why a 2-way USB switch couldn't switch between two USB keyboards - seeing as USB is full plug 'n' play.

The man makes sense! (this time :p )

Beerfunk...you finally noticed!!!

:rolleyes: :D :D :D

[sleah]

There are USB switches available, but I don't know what effect it would have if you switched whilst the unit was playing out... (Thinking of how Windows coughs and splutters when you plug USB stuff in and out..).

Do not ever try connecting two devices together by a USB cable, it can't possibly work, and as suggested, would probably blow both units up:eek:

[Penfold42]

It will not work. And if you were to try it would probably take out the usb bus on the dennon and cortex. As the usb powers keyboards and peripherals when you connect 2 units together via a hub you will double the availabel power taking it over design limits and blowing the controller chips on both units.
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: ....good job i asked first then.
Thanks.:)

Keyboard switches do work but not with digital decks. Im afraid the only alternative is 2 keyboards on one and switch it between the 2 units by plugging and unplugging it.
OK and thanks....:)