DP -> HDMI -> PiKVM v3

PiKVM PiKVM V3 Pre-assembled
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Hello,

I have a PiKVM v3 pre-assembled connected to a HDMI to DisplayPort adapter (the video out is only DP). The pikvm v3 clearly thinks there is a video stream, however I only see a blank screen on both WebRTC and DirectH264 modes.

I plugged the HDMI cable into a monitor and see the console, as expected. I plugged a DP cable into monitor and see the console, as expected. Literally do not see the console in the pikvm KVM interface (see 2 screenshots which should show a “login:” prompt.

I’ve read through the FAQ and searched around for answers. I have tried forcing various resolutions as well as tried to research edid issues.

Is this some edid or something else going on? Any pointers to troubleshooting?

Thank you.

Screenshot_2025-09-04_15-44-15
Screenshot_2025-09-04_15-44-15478×117 2.92 KB

The same pikvm works fine on a system with native HDMI, so it’s not the pikvm. Something with resolution or edid is my best guess so far.

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I’m only allowed 1 image per post, so here’s the Direct H264 screenshot showing the same thing,

Screenshot_2025-09-04_15-44-38
Screenshot_2025-09-04_15-44-38306×105 2.43 KB

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Hi deimos, and welcome to the forum.

So, you have already established that the PiKVM is working fine. The only other two pieces of the puzzle are (1) the DisplayPort to HDMI converter and (2) whatever box is the source of the video stream.

First, please make sure that the DisplayPort to HDMI converter is working fine. Test it elsewhere. If it is, tell us more about the video source.

Cheers,
Nick

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New users are limited this way to discourage spam. Sorry about that, but that’s the world we live in.

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Thank you for the response. Sorry if I was unclear, the HDMI into the monitor was via the DP to HDMI adapter, confirming the adapter works fine.

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Okay, good. What video timings does the monitor report from HDMI? resolution? frame rate?

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I ended up traveling 90 minutes to the datacenter and sitting physically with the server and pikvm v3. If only I had a kvm for my pikvmv3! :smiley:

In the end, the issue is if the pikvm reboots (for updates, or whatever) it loses the signal. If I reboot the server, but not the pikvmv3, the pikvmv3 picks up the signal and correctly shows the console. I tested this series of steps three times to confirm it is required. Reboot pikvm, pikvm loses server signal. Reboot server, pikvm sees console fine.

All is working now. I’ve made a note that anytime we reboot servers, to update/reboot the pikvm first, then the server.

Thank you for the help.

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Glad you got to the bottom of it. I just wanna add that PiKVM does not perform updates or reboots on its own. Both have to be initiated manually. Spontaneous reboots are a sign of unstable power supply.

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Correct. Proper system management practices are implied here; therefore we keep the system up to date for relevant security and functionality updates. We’re testing dropping our current KVMoIP solution for all pikvms. We want to support free software and open hardware solutions, rather than the myriad array of proprietary solutions.

1 Like
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Sometimes in these cases an EDID emulator can help keep the PiKVM and the server agreeing on a shared resolution, but going through DP (or VGA or DVI) convertors can certainly introduce additional entropy (and points of confusion) to the mix.