after
Control the PC remotely, even if it cannot boot into the OS.
If you need remote access to your PC, you can try VPN or other applications, such as TeamViewer. However, this software can only run in the OS of the remote computer, which means it cannot access the BIOS, reboot, install the operating system, or power on the computer. There are a variety of solutions that allow you to perform remote control independent of the PC operating system, but using an IP-based KVM is one of the most convenient and economical methods.
Although a store KVM purchased on an IP device may cost hundreds of dollars, using
Create your own. A developer named Maxim Devaev designed his own system called
, He plans to sell the kit for $130. However, if you have the right parts, you can use the software he developed and your Pi, and it costs less to combine them.
Below, we will show you how to build your own Raspberry Pi-based IP KVM, the KVM can output full HD video, control GPIO ports and USB relays, use the ATX function to configure the server power supply, etc. You will be able to control the entire settings through a web browser, through another device on the Internet, through a web browser
Or on your local network.
The software required for the Raspberry Pi is all included in a custom disk image, which you must download and burn to a microSD card. This is the way to use Raspberry Pi Imager, but you can also use other burning software, such as balenaEtcher.
1.
. The first thing we need to do is to download
From pikvm.org. Please note that there are different versions depending on the Pi you are using and whether you are using an HDMI to CSI bridge or HDMI to USB capture dongle. The image file is in BZ2 format, so you need to unzip the file.
2.
Download from the BZ2 file you downloaded. If you use Windows, there will be no built-in BZ2 support, but you can use
go a head.
3.
. If it has not been installed, you can download from
.
4.
And find the Pi-KVM image.
Select the SD card by clicking on it. right now we
, Please make sure it is the correct one you choose.
5.
.
Now that we have completed the microSD card burning, we can continue to install the HDMI to CSI-2 bridge or USB to HDMI dongle, and prepare the OTG USB-c cable
From HDMI to CSI-2 bridge to Raspberry Pi's CSI camera port. Make sure that the blue mark faces the black clip. If you are using an HDMI to USB dongle, please connect it to the USB port on the Pi. If you are using
, You need a microUSB to USB Type-A hub.
2. Disable the 5V pin on one of the USB Type A male connectors on the distributor. The easiest way is to put a small piece of Kapton tape on the rightmost pin of the connector. You can also try to cut the cutter that caused the needle, but this is more complicated.
This will be the connector that connects to the USB port of the PC you want to control. If you do not disable the 5V pin, it will feed back power from the wall power supply to the PC, which may damage its USB port.
3. Connect the USB C-to-A cable to the Type-A female connector on the splitter. This will provide power to the Pi. Your cable should look like the picture below.
4. Connect the USB-C cable to the USB-C port of Raspberry Pi 4.
5. Connect the unmodified Type A male connector to the power source.
6.
Go to the PC you want to remotely control.
7
We created
At this point, we are ready to start using Pi-KVM. At the first startup, since the initial microSD card enlargement process will take longer than expected, please be patient and it will start.
. You can check it through the router's control panel to see which devices are logged in, or use a small method called ARP that I like to do.
To find Pi's IP using this method, start Windows PowerShell, run the command "arp -a", and you will see a list of devices on the local network. Any with
: Or
It's Raspberry Pi.
In the browser on the client computer (the browser used to control another PC). You will be redirected to the login page.
. The default user name is admin, and the password is also admin.
You should now see a screen like the one shown below, which allows you to access the remote PC and many other menus. . I have other options, you can go to
For more instructions.
Remember, the more storage space on the SD card, the more ISO images you can store and use for future PC settings.
You can also enable ATX control using appropriate GPIO hooks
To extend the functionality of PI-KVM to allow more display inputs, you can connect it to an HDMI 4-port switch with USB control.
Pi-KVM is always getting new features, so keeping the software up to date is very important. Fortunately, you don't need to refresh the microSD card. Update:
On the main menu of Pi-KVM. The CLI shell will appear.
By entering "su" and then "root" as the password.
Make the file system read/write.
4.
Get updates.
When finished, use "ro" in the command line to set the file system back to ReadOnly.
you can use it
Access Pi-KVM via the Internet. This is a convenient and free (for private use) tool for organizing small VPN networks.
Choosing the solo plan will be free for personal use
On the main menu of Pi-KVM.
5.
Install tailscale VPN service on PI-KVM.
Perform a soft restart on Pi-KVM
7
We will need to access the terminal again, so please follow steps 1-4
8.
Enable service
9.
Start the boot process
10.
Authorize this installation
11.
You will see "Success" appear on the terminal.
12
Check the IP address assigned by tailscale VPN.
This will show you how to install tailscale on the workstation side. Tailscale supports most operating systems, including Windows, mac and linux.
From
Given by the tailscale on the browser. It will connect you to your PI-KVM
This is a very economical way to build a very modern and very fast IP-based KVM without high cost. The software is also provided to you for free. I did not cover more functions in this tutorial, such as VPN, shared network from PI to PC, VNC, etc. If you want to know more functions, please visit
Or join Discord.
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