Mouse + KVM Issues [with fix]

[Rick Olson]

Hi Jordan,

Thanks for the explanation, makes complete sense.  The primary scenario 
that I've been reading on this issue, which matches my setup, is people 
behind a _cheap_ KVM using a USB mouse with a PS/2 converter (maybe also 
vice versa).

A sysctl setting would be a sufficient workaround, if it's even 
applicable (not sure that it is).  Something like:
sysctl 
hw.my_cheap_kvm_and_usb_to_ps2_converted_mouse_makes_my_scrollwheel_stop_working_please_fix=1

Obviously a less verbose and more catchy name would be used.  My 
personal favourite is the dev.emujoy family, perhaps *.scrollwheeljoy.* 
would be appropriate. :p

Alternatively, is there currently any way for me to force my box to use 
what I know to be my mouse, and not do any form of autodetection that it 
appears to be doing at the time of my KVM switching?  Something that 
wouldn't require myself or someone else to recompile the kernel (even 
though I already did)...

Thanks,

Rick
http://www.sensual.jp



Jordan Sissel wrote:
> On 3/5/07, Rick Olson <rick at napalmriot.com> wrote:
>> I'm really not sure which list to post this to, and this is my first
>> post on any of the official FreeBSD mailing lists, so pardon my
>> ignorance.  This was a tossup between arch & hackers.
>>
>> A long time ago, way back in May of 2005, there was a bug/change-request
>> posted by a Tim H. regarding increasing compatibility of the psm driver
>> with KVM switches.  That post is located at:
>> http://lists.freebsd.org/pipermail/freebsd-bugs/2005-May/012848.html
>>
> <snip>
>>
>> Is there any way that simple change could be implemented into the base,
>> or are there other issues that would arise by implementing that fix?  I
>> can verify that it works, and I've noticed there are quite a few people
>> that experienced the same issue.
>
> kern/80844 changes probe order. However, probe order is important, and
> this will break people who have mouseman ps/2 mice and want to use
> horizontal scrolling.
>
> Mouseman protocol supports horizontal scrolling. Intellimouse does
> not. Maybe a sysctl knob to say "I'm behind a kvm" that always makes
> it use either generic ps/2 or intellimouse? Most mice support one or
> both, it seems, along with whatever other proprietary protocol they
> use.
>
> -Jordan
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