Pi-Cast adds ATX signaling to KVM

A KVM is a great tool for administering a number of different computers without cluttering up your desk with extra peripherals, or having to reconnect keyboard, video, and mouse to each new machine as needed. For the local administration, it can save a ton of time and headaches. For remote administration, however, a virtual KVM is needed, and while these solutions are expensive, it's possible to build one around a Raspberry Pi for a fraction of the cost. This one adds even more functionality by also switching the ATX signals from the motherboard and simplifying cable management to boot.

Although the PiKVM we showed before includes the ability to switch these signals to turn the computer on or off or reset it remotely, as well as monitor status lights, this [vileer] project simplifies something little design. Using the built-in USB 3.0 multiplexer, these signals can be integrated with the necessary USB 2.0 for keyboard and mouse in the same RJ45 cable, eliminating the need for USB cables and simplifying cable management. Of course, this means the PiKVM hat won't work the same way, so [vileer] has created a new breakout board that also fixes these issues.

A real networked KVM like this or the PiKVM it is inspired by are indispensable tools, as they not only allow computers to be reset or restarted remotely, but also to interact with their BIOS or the startup settings without having to physically access the computer. Being able to do this effectively with a Raspberry Pi has surely reduced the cost and complexity of deploying solutions like these for many people.