[CQ-Contest] Cool Widget For Contesters & Remote Contesters

[K6VVA - Rick]

For those with a small footprint operating desk and only room for one
monitor, one keyboard and mouse, but needing to switch these between two
different Confuzzzers, I share this info in hopes that the Cool Widget I
just found will solve a similar need for others.

My quest for one of these goodies several years ago turned up empty handed.
But Saturday was like Christmas, when I let my fingers do the walking again
and struck paydirt at the local Best Buy in town.

What is it?  An IOGEAR Model GCS22U 2-Port USB KVM Switch with a one-touch
remote switch to swap the monitor, keyboard and mouse between two different
Confuzzzers.  The little weenie switch now sits snug up against the left
hand side of my Ergo-keyboard.  I will probably QSY to a foot-switch for
hands-free swapping.

During the past 5 years, each Thursday Night (and for other Contesting
events), I've had to manually disconnect and reconnect the flat panel
monitor, keyboard and mouse cables between my shack Confuzzzer and the
weenie little ASUS Netbook for the Locust Peak SO2R Remote Contest Station
that sits on top of a Gator case off to the left.  This royal PITA is no
more. I now just press the little button switch and BINGO.

The price at Best Buy is $29.99 (I bought 2 of 'em - one for a different 2
Confuzzzer setup for my A/V stuff in another room).  

http://www.bestbuy.com  Type in SKU: 9694463 ......... but shop around, you
might find a better price elsewhere.  I bought the last 2 at the local Best
Buy on Saturday, 'cuz I didn't want to fiddle around ... and get them both
in my hands ASAP :^)

Yes, Christmas came early this year !!!

FYI & 73,

Rick - K 6 V V A * The Locust