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Switching Symbolics and Apple Macintosh keyboards

    Date: Fri, 27 Apr 90 17:13 EDT
    From: Mike McMahon <MMcM@titania.oberon.dialnet.symbolics.com>
    The ADB connector on the back of the Macintosh is only rated for 500
    switches.  I understand that replacing it, should it break, is a bit of
    tricky soldering.

    We have located a company called Network Technologies, Inc. which makes
    a two-way ADB switch (none of the bigger outfits, who make similar
    serial line and centronix switchers, do).  I honestly don't know why --
    perhaps it's for education (like dual steering wheels).  They are in
    Ohio, and their "number" is 1-800-RGB-TECH.  This is a brand-new
    product, not yet in their catalogue.  In fact, I'm guessing from the
    serial number that we have the first production one.  Its number appears
    to be SW-4M-2, but I'm sure a functional description of what you want
    should be unique.  The cost was less than US$100.

    You still have to restart the Mac after switching (the mouse switches
    successfully, so that's not as much of a timing feat as it sounds, given
    the menu).  But that's still a lot easier than reaching around behind
    all the noise insulation.

Why bother?  The Mac is perfectly happy to have multiple keyboards
and pointers.  On mine, I have two Apple keyboards, two trackballs,
and 1 mouse for handicaped souls who can't handle trackballs.

(This duplication is so I can move my monitor over by my music
equipment without shutting down.)
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