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Software Setup | Openterface KVM Extension for uConsole

Installation Overview

The Openterface App enables your uConsole to function as a KVM interface, allowing you to control target devices through the built-in screen, keyboard, and trackball.

Requirements

  • uConsole: Requires Openterface App installed
  • Target: No app needed - supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
  • Video: Use standard HDMI cable. With a powered HDMI converter, it also supports other formats such as VGA, DP, and more. Tip: Ensure the converter is properly powered; otherwise, you may experience a black screen.
  • Recommended Video Backend: For best performance and compatibility with arm64 GPUs (such as in the Raspberry Pi ecosystem), use GStreamer as the video backend. However, please note that Kali Linux may not support GStreamer well.

Installation Methods

Download the latest Openterface App release for arm64 directly from our GitHub Releases page.

  1. Visit the Openterface_QT Releases page.
  2. Download the latest .deb package for arm64 (e.g., openterfaceqt_*_arm64.deb).
  3. Install the package:
    Bash
    sudo apt install ./openterfaceqt_*_arm64.deb
    (Replace the filename with the actual downloaded file name if different.)

Option 2: Flatpak Installation

Follow our Flatpak Installation Guide for detailed setup steps.

Option 3: Community Repository

If you prefer the community build maintained by Rex:

  1. Add Repository:

    Bash
    wget -q -O- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ak-rex/ClockworkPi-apt/main/bookworm/KEY.gpg | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/ak-rex.gpg
sudo add-apt-repository -y "deb [arch=arm64] https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ak-rex/ClockworkPi-apt/main/bookworm stable main"

  2. Install Package:

    Bash
    sudo apt update
sudo apt install openterfaceqt

Repository Notes

These commands require sudo. The repository targets arm64 Bookworm packages; verify compatibility with your device before installing.

Important Reminders

Power & First-Time Setup

  • Ensure your uConsole is sufficiently charged or connected to a stable power source. Low power may cause unreliable operation or connection issues.
  • If you cannot control the target device on your first attempt:
    1. Fully shut down the uConsole.
    2. Wait at least 10 seconds.
    3. Power it on again and retry. This can help initialize the hardware and resolve first-time connection issues.

Serial Communication Baudrate

  • Set the baudrate to 9600 when using serial communication. This helps reduce error rates, as the uConsole often cannot deliver enough power to reliably maintain 115200 baudrate.

Usage Instructions

Starting the KVM Session

  1. Launch the Openterface App on your uConsole
  2. The app will automatically detect the KVM Extension board
  3. Connect your target device via HDMI
  4. Use uConsole's built-in keyboard and trackball to control the target device

Control Features

  • Keyboard: Full keyboard emulation including multimedia keys
  • Mouse: Absolute and relative mouse positioning
  • Audio: HDMI audio passthrough to uConsole speakers

Advanced Features

  • Text Transfer: Quickly transmit text by simulating keystrokes—ideal for usernames, passwords, and code snippets
  • Switchable USB: Easily switch USB access between the uConsole and the target device using the host app