PIKVM GUIDE: Build KVM Over IP Switch to Control 8 PCs with 1 Raspberry Pi

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Building and Configuring a Remote Access KVM System with Raspberry Pi

Materials Needed:

1. Raspberry Pi board with a small case
2. Type C USB cable for data transfer
3. Type C power adapter
4. Splitter (optional)
5. Power switch (optional)
6. Micro SD card
7. Micro HDMI cable
8. Screwdriver and screws

Step 1: Assembling the Raspberry Pi Setup

1. Place the Raspberry Pi board correctly in the small case.
2. Ensure the HDMI cable is correctly connected for initial setup.
3. Secure the board in place using screws.

Step 2: Flashing the Operating System onto the Raspberry Pi

1. Insert the micro SD card into the reader connected to a laptop.
2. Download the Pi KVM OS image from the official website.
3. Flash the downloaded image onto the SD card using a tool like Etcher.
4. Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi.

Step 3: Configuring Tailscale VPN

1. Boot up the Raspberry Pi and access the terminal.
2. Install and configure Tailscale VPN by following the instructions on the Pi KVM handbook.
3. Use the URL provided in the terminal to log in and authenticate Tailscale VPN.

Step 4: Installing Tailscale VPN on Client Devices

1. Download Tailscale VPN for Windows from the official website.
2. Run the installer as an administrator and follow the installation prompts.
3. Access the Tailscale admin console from the system tray.

Step 5: Setting Up Local and Remote Control with KVM

1. Connect the Raspberry Pi KVM to a traditional KVM setup for local and remote control.
2. Connect laptops and desktop computers to the KVM for video feed.
3. Access the Pi KVM web interface using the IP address provided.
4. Set up remote control and local monitor outputs in the web interface.

Step 6: Testing the Setup

1. Confirm all devices are turned on and connected to the KVM.
2. Access the Pi KVM web interface from a browser.
3. Verify remote and local control functionalities by accessing the KVM interface.

Congratulations! You have successfully built and configured a remote access KVM system using a Raspberry Pi. You can now control multiple devices from anywhere using the Tailscale VPN and the Pi KVM setup.