Anyone built a Pi-KVM? HDMI/CSI adapter question

TangoEchoAlpha

TangoEchoAlpha

TangoEchoAlpha

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Wondering if anyone has built a Pi-KVM on the forums? I am thinking about it as a project, so I could VNC into my work laptop from my main computer. Really it has to be a KVM solution as I can't install any extra software/run any software on the work laptop.

I'd be very interested if anyone has done it - in particular, which HMDI to CSI-2 bridge you used. The official docs suggest to use a HDMI/CSI adapter based upon the Toshiba TC358743XBG chipset and links to an adapter on AliExpress. I would rather buy an adapter/bridge more locally if I can and was wondering if something like the Waveshare HDMI to CSI adapter on the rainforest would work?

Or can I use any CSI/HDMI adapter? If anyone can suggest one to get from the usual Pi places, would be very grateful :)
 
jrwagh333 said:
Unfortunately it's too rich for my blood. I'm going to try and do it DIY
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Yes, I felt the same. I'll quite happily donate / Patreon the Pi-KVM project if it turns out to be something I find useful, but felt that HAT was a bit pricey. Same for the TinyPilot, great idea but also more than I'd like to spend on a home KVM. I guess relatively speaking though, it's still cheap compared to a 'proper' IP KVM.
 
TangoEchoAlpha said:
@jrwagh333 I have just ordered one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-C-PWR-Splitter-/203570218304

As Pi Hut and Pimoroni were sold out. Looks like one guy making them and perhaps the interest in Pi KVM of late has used up all his stock?

I've also got a HDMI/CSI2 adapter, went for the Waveshare one - so once the splitter arrives I should be in a position to try it out :D
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Had my eye on that USB splitter from PiHit, but like you said it keeps going out of stock.

Please let me know how you get on
 
I built one to use in the same way as you - remote into work laptop which is completely locked down.

I used the Waveshare adapter you mention above and it works well.
 
Buffalo2102 said:
Nice try though.
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:D I did make the point about the cost to Amazon in terms of processign the return and a new order, even played the 'environmental impact' card. Customer rep wasn't having any of it, be he's good at poker is all I'll say :D

What solution did you use for powering your Pi-KVM? I was getting ready to splice two cables together, but if that power adapter arrives then it might be a more elegant solution for not a lot of cash.
 
Buffalo2102 said:
I bought one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DS2RJY1/ref=pe_27063361_487055811_TE_dp_1

Then cut the power to the USB data leg. You could just tape over the power conductor in the connector but I though that was too fiddly and too unreliable.
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Do you not get any low current warnings on your Pi? I ask as I had looked at other similar Y cables, but couldn't find any that were rated for ~3 amps like the official Raspberry Pi 4 power adapter?

The Pi-KVM project also recommends one of these if you don't want to start hacking cables, like a data 'condom' to prevent juice jacking, but this one removes the power pins - https://www.amazon.co.uk/PortaPow-USB-Power-Blocker-Cased/dp/B094FYL9QT
 
I get an amber warning for undervoltage detected but I've been using it for around 10 hours a day, 5 days a week for more than a month now and haven't had a single hiccup with it. YMMV I guess.
 
Buffalo2102 said:
I get an amber warning for undervoltage detected but I've been using it for around 10 hours a day, 5 days a week for more than a month now and haven't had a single hiccup with it. YMMV I guess.
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:)

Thanks, useful to know. Will wait and see if that £3 adapter turns up, otherwise I'll get a Y cable or get my soldering iron out (probably the latter)
 
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