Mac Mini M1 with Aten KVM switch

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Level 1

8 points

Mac Mini M1 with Aten KVM switch

I am using an ATEN 4k HDMI switch with 2 LG monitors to switch between my work Lenovo Thinkpad and my private Mac Mini M1.

Whenever I switch to Mac I have to reconfigure all display settings, sizing, arrangements etc. Once done the screens work without any issues. But after switching back to the Mac after using the Lenovo, all settings are gone and the screens are not working probably until I do all the configuration again.

Screens are connected via 1x HDMI cable and 1x HDMI to USB C cable.

What can I do to save the settings and avoid the reset at each computer switch .?

Thanks

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Feb 5, 2021 10:41 PM

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Answer 1

Forsom Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2021 3:18 AM in response to hcsitas

That doesn't change anything. Starting to suspect whether the USB-C-HDMI dongle is not up to the task and I need a different one.

Currently using this one

https://www.apple.com/sg/shop/product/HKQ22ZM/A/belkin-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter?fnode=7bca62517aae576bd1610ae1bcb399c33833678b61d73c8ffdc27ec91239988fa8a885dd778c8eaef1476ae010f3dc87e52220ba8fc423444c9efdfaae4a1d513564c7ff2af4a9886d0c28b5c70d64952c1ffe780a284e3bb89701afb43493389f610930fe89f7c13e12731875f76924&fs=f%3Dadapter%26fh%3D4595%252B45b0

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

11,492 points

Feb 6, 2021 3:11 AM in response to Forsom

Well, one mystery solved, it ain’t your ATEN. Using the same mini to 1 dual HDMI monitor setup, try and resolve it on the LG by turning off:

super resolution
response time
freesync
smart energy saving

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Answer 3

Forsom Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2021 12:03 AM in response to hcsitas

Its a Aten CS1842 2-Port USB 3.0 4K HDMI Dual Display KVMP Switch (2 Port USB3.0 True 4K HDMI 2.0 Dual Display KVMP SW, HDCI 2.2, 2 port USB 3.1 hub.

Once the setting is adjusted, the dual monitor setup works without issues on both Mac Mini and my Lenovo. But when I either switch between the 2 or if the Mac Mini goes to sleep, I need to reconfigure the display settings on the Mac. No issues on my Lenovo

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

11,492 points

Feb 6, 2021 2:09 AM in response to Forsom

Two HDMI ports, promising. Try this:

Mac mini HDMI port———————-—->HDMI1 LG1

Mac mini TB3 port—USB C to HDMI——->HDMI1LG2

Lenovo——————————————->HDMI2 LG 1&2

Rest of the connections remain on ATEN. Use ATEN to switch keyboard/mouse and LG OSD to switch displays.

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

11,492 points

Feb 6, 2021 2:37 AM in response to Forsom

That’s puzzling. Try eliminating the ATEN and Lenovo entirely, use both HDMI ports of one monitor to the mini and see if OSD toggle on the LG works perfectly. Don’t instant toggle, say after 15 minutes. The results might point additionally point to the LG. We’ll see where to take it based on that.

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Answer 6

Forsom Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2021 2:56 AM in response to hcsitas

So... toggling between the HDMI-HDMI input and USB-C-HDMI input using 1 monitor only, shows that only the USB-C-HDMI connection requires the display settings to be re-configured. HDMI-HDMI input stays constant.

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

11,492 points

Feb 5, 2021 11:37 PM in response to Forsom

“Allows up to four HDMI A/V sources to be connected to one HDMI display“ - not sure how you’re rigging your two sources to two displays (?) but the ATEN doesn’t support dual displays. Details, please

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Answer 8

hcsitas

Level 6

11,492 points

Feb 6, 2021 1:08 AM in response to Forsom

Well, the issue is with the HDMI to USB-C dongle which neither ATEN or Apple will attempt to solve. There might be a workaround possible with the monitors. What make/model?

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Answer 9

Forsom Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2021 1:56 AM in response to hcsitas

2 x LG 27MK600M 27'' Class Full HD IPS LED Monitor with Radeon FreeSync™)

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Answer 10

Forsom Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2021 2:30 AM in response to hcsitas

Sadly didnt work.

Its is definitely the USB-C to HDMI connection that causes the issue. I could toggle between the 2 computers using 1 monitor only without any issues using the HDMI port only.

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Answer 11

hcsitas

Level 6

11,492 points

Feb 6, 2021 3:22 AM in response to Forsom

Can’t help you with that as I’m a heavy anti-dongler myself. However, loads of experienced recommendations on this forum, wait for a response or post separately. Good luck.

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Mac Mini M1 with Aten KVM switch

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