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TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting

Blank Screen | No video | Monitor not working | Flashing/Blinking | Only one computer displays | Port # not working |

If you're having video issues it could be one of the following issues: 

1. Adapter From/To conversion

2. USB-C Port capabilities

3. Desktop with Graphic Card 

4. Old Docking Station 

 

In this video we go over how to troubleshoot all of these possible issues. Many adapters will not work in a KVM environment, even if the adapter works fine when not using the KVM or if the adapter worked for while then all of a sudden stopped. We see this issue all the time, we highly recommend to choose adapters from our tested and approved adapter list. 

 

Pinpointing the issue: Is it a bad KVM or bad connections?

 

To pin point the exact issue (either the KVM port or cable/adapters) we swap the connections.

Using a reliable connection we swap it over to the problematic input, if the reliable connection works fine on all ports then the KVM is working fine and it may be a connection issue with the problematic device. 

The problematic device can be connected to another input, if the issue follows it to another input the issue may be in the connections stream (adapter or incompatible dock).

    Refresh Rate issues | Resolution is incorrect | Bad resolution 

     

    We see refresh rate/resolution issues all the time when using adapters to connect to the KVM. Its important to remember the connection flows FROM the computer TO the KVM. For example if you need to convert a Type C connection, it would be Type C to HDMI Adapter. Here is our approved adapter list, we are aware that not all adapters work well in a KVM environment.  

     

     

    A common issue we hear about is monitors not displaying the correct high refresh rate. This can be checked on the manual of your monitor it will demonstrate what refresh rates are supported via HDMI or Display port.

     

        This is the most common misstep users encounter when setting up a KVM for the first time.

        • HDMI cables carry video signals only; they do not transmit keyboard or mouse data.
        • A separate USB cable is required to connect your keyboard and mouse properly.
        • Most keyboard and mouse issues can be resolved quickly by checking your USB cable connections.

        Quick Check: Avico KVM's USB Diagnostic Feature

        The Avico Dual Monitor KVM Switch simplifies troubleshooting KVM USB connection issues with a built-in diagnostic feature:

        • A blinking USB connection indicator light clearly signals when the USB connection is not active.
        • Verify your USB cables are firmly connected at both the KVM switch and your computers to fix keyboard and mouse connection problems.

        Use the provided images as a quick visual reference to easily identify and resolve keyboard and mouse not responding issues.


        Step-by-Step: Fix Keyboard and Mouse Issues with Your KVM

        Most keyboard and mouse issues occur because users mistakenly believe HDMI cables carry all necessary signals, causing keyboard and mouse not recognized problems. HDMI cables handle only video signals. For proper keyboard and mouse function, follow these clear steps to solve common KVM troubleshooting issues:

        1. Connect an HDMI cable from each computer to your KVM switch for video.
        2. Separately connect a USB cable from each computer to the KVM switch.
        3. Plug your keyboard and mouse into the USB peripheral ports on the KVM switch.

        Refer to this diagram to confirm proper setup and resolve keyboard mouse issues with your KVM switch.

        Keyboard and Mouse Still Not Responding?

        If keyboard and mouse problems persist after verifying connections, restart your KVM switch and devices. Should mouse or keyboard issues continue, complete our Intake Form for personalized support from Avico's USA-based team.

        Your computer will transmit audio via the video connections. If audio is not working, please go to your sound settings and choose the correct output device. This is typically listed as the monitor that is connected to the KVM because the audio is transmitting via the video connections. If you have an external device plugged into the audio mini-jack, the switch duplicates the audio signal from the HDMI input to the monitor and mini-jack out. Generally we just try all of the outputs one of them is correct.  

            Hotkeys not working | Hotkey Issues | No Scroll Lock on keyboard 

             

            Make sure the keyboard is connected to the dedicate keyboard/mouse ports for the hotkeys to function. Make sure you have the correct hotkey trigger command this can be Scroll Lock, H, Cap Lock, ESC, F12 or Num Lock. Check out out Hotkey Guide here; HKU-A1B-0202 Hotkey Switching Guide 

            Some keyboards have the Scroll Lock button as dual functions meaning they share 1 button, you may have to press FN+ Scroll Lock to activate the scroll Lock key. We go over this on this video

              Flashing Monitor | Snow screen | Blank Monitor

              Here are some common reasons that would cause this is 

              • Bad Cable- Its pretty rare but sometimes the video connection could fail. Try testing this connection directly to a monitor to confirm the connection works outside of the KVM.
              • Bad ports- Either on the KVM or computer side. On the computer side, swap it with another computer if available. On the KVM test the failing port with another computer that is known to be working with the KVM. It the issue is USB(keyboard/mouse) failure, make sure you have the Online Light on, this indicates that the USB connection is active.
              • Generic Adapter/Converters- If you are using adapters/converters is the connection stream this is often a point of failure. We are aware that not all adapters work well in a KVM environment. Make sure you're choosing the correct FROM and TO connection. 
              • Non-standard resolution than the other working monitor- Try to change resolution for the problematic monitor to the same as the other working monitor. Its possible that the selected resolution is not supported by the KVM therefore this will result in a blank screen or flickering. 
              • Docking station issues-Its pretty rare to have incompatible docks but it does happen with some older docking stations for example the HP Ultraslim Dock 2013
              • Monitor-Make sure the monitor is set to the right input source.

              What do I need | What adapter | Adapter guide 

               

              Please be aware that a lot of cable do not support bi-directional video transmission.

              Even though you might be able to get all connections to connect right it will still not work!

               

              For example if you have a VGA out from your laptop and a HDMI in on the KVM, you will need a VGA TO HDMI cable which will only transmit one way from your laptop to the monitor. Let's say the the scenario was reversed and you have an HDMI out from the laptop and a VGA in on your monitor, the same cable will not work.

               

              We are aware that some generic adapters/converters will not work with the KVM even though its the right adapter and works independently when not connected with the KVM.

              Hence we have complied a list of all the adapter/converters from different video inputs to different outputs and make it as easy as possible for you to pick the right one.

              All the converters/adapters listed in the link are tested in our labs with our devices and are recommended to work well with all of our product line up. Check it out here: Approved adapters