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FAQs for Openterface Mini-KVM

Welcome to the FAQ for our flagship Openterface Mini-KVM.
If you don’t find what you need, email us at info@openterface.com or join our community on Discord or Reddit.

⚠️ FAQs may be outdated — please let us know if you see anything that needs updating.

Quick Navigation

USB Port & File Transfer

Can it transfer files?

Yes — via the switchable USB-A port shared between host and target.

Can I toggle the USB port in software?

Yes, on hardware version v1.9+.

Why USB 2.0 instead of 3.0?

USB 2.0 is sufficient for 1080p@30Hz video + HID + standard-speed file transfer while staying compact, cooler, and more affordable.
USB 3.0 may appear in future pro models.

Technical

Open-source?

Yes — certified by OSHWA. Hardware and software are on GitHub.

BIOS access

Direct USB connection allows full BIOS-level control, unlike remote-only tools (VNC, TeamViewer).
Older machines may have BIOS issues recognizing our USB hub — please report cases.

Video/data transmission

Video is captured via HDMI and sent over USB 2.0.
The switchable USB port lets you share drives or other devices.

Power handling

The Mini-KVM can draw power from either side (host or target). The side with the shorter cable usually becomes the main power source. For low-power targets (e.g., Raspberry Pi), use a dedicated power supply instead of back-powering via Mini-KVM.

Cable length limits

  • Keep orange host USB-C cable ≤1.5m.
  • For longer cables, inject power via:
  • Same rule applies to black target cable.

Control

Keyboard and mouse cannot control the target computer

If you can see the target desktop but keyboard and mouse inputs are unresponsive, this usually means HID communication isn't established. Try these steps:

  1. Check cable connections — Ensure the Target Type-C cable is connected to the target computer; the Host cable to your control computer.
  2. Avoid unpowered USB hubs — Use direct connection or a powered hub.
  3. Reset the HID chip — If the device seems "frozen," use Advanced Menu → Factory Reset HID Chip (OpenterfaceQt) or Serial Reset Tool (macOS).
  4. Try another USB port or reboot — The host OS may disable a port after USB errors.
  5. Lower baud rate — In noisy environments, switch to 9600 bps for more reliable communication.

For full details, see Troubleshooting Keyboard and Mouse Control Issues.

Wireless or Ethernet version?

Not built-in. Use a headless computer (e.g., Raspberry Pi) + remote desktop for remote control.

PS/2 compatibility?

No — PS/2 support may be explored in future versions.

Multiple Mini-KVMs on one computer?

Yes, experimental feature in QT app (Windows/Linux).

Power on/off control?

Not directly, but extension pins allow future ATX control modules.

Video

Latency & resolution

  • Capture at 1080p@30Hz
  • Latency under 140ms → smooth control

Input vs capture resolution

  • Accepts input up to 4K@30Hz
  • Captures at 1080p, higher inputs are downsampled (may look slightly blurry).
  • Best practice: Set target to 1080p.

Gaming suitability

Not for AAA gaming. Works fine for lighter games like Minecraft or emulators.

Remote control over the internet

Not built-in, but pair Mini-KVM with remote desktop software on the host.

Other video formats

Use adapters for VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, etc.

Troubleshooting

How do I run diagnostics to check if my Mini-KVM is working?

Run the built-in diagnostic self-check to verify USB connections and detect hardware issues:

The diagnostics test Target/Host Plug & Play, Stress Test, and more. If all tests pass, your device is working correctly.

How do I report a hardware issue to support?

If the diagnostic self-check shows FAIL on one or more tests:

  1. Complete the remaining diagnostic steps (the tool will guide you).
  2. When an issue is detected, a Support Email or Defect Report window opens.
  3. Enter your Order ID and Name, then copy the email address and draft.
  4. Attach the requested log files (the tool indicates which ones) and a setup photo (Mini-KVM + host/target connections clearly visible).
  5. Send the email to support.

See the Diagnostic Self-Check Guide (macOS) or Diagnostic Self-Check Guide (Windows) for step-by-step instructions.

USB hub issues

Use a powered hub to avoid voltage drops causing instability. Unpowered hubs can lead to insufficient power delivery and erratic HID (keyboard/mouse) behavior. See Keyboard and Mouse Control troubleshooting for details.

App shows no video or control unresponsive

  1. Disconnect all cables, wait a few seconds, reconnect.
  2. Check Keyboard and Mouse Control troubleshooting for HID issues (cables, hubs, HID reset).
  3. Run the diagnostic self-check (macOS) or Hardware Diagnostics (Windows) to verify the device.
  4. If unresolved, check firmware or update the host app.

Weird resolutions like 43184x24228@44Hz

Capture firmware likely reverted to factory.
Re-flash firmware via GitHub releases.

Re-flashed but still broken?