Turning a PC "ON" via keyboard power switch....

[waynebruce]

I am installing a computer in a car which will not be easily accessible. While turning it off is not a problem via windows gui, I do not know an easy way to turn it back on without physically pressing the power switch. I imagine there is a way to locate a power switch physically near the driver and wire it into the hardware, but I am looking at a cleaner solution. Does anyone know if the "Power" button on a keyboard can turn a computer back on?? I have seen various that connect via PS2 or usb, but have my doubts that this button will power on the pc.

Any thougts appreciated...thanks!!!

 

[micker377]

Some motherboards have a setting in bios to "turn on with any key". The computer has to have a ATX power supply and the power supply must have a +5 v. at minimum 2 amp.

 

[waynebruce]

thanks for that tip. unfortunately, my bios does not have that option and is the latest offered.....

anyone have any other ideas???!!!!

 

[franklin97355]

If you are running the keyboard cable back to the computer why not run an extra pair of wires for the power switch along with it? You could drill a spot for the switch in the keyboard.

 

[waynebruce]

the computer is actually a laptop, and I don't want to open it up and attempt to solder wires to the power switch. i'm starting to think that outside of a "wake on" solution via usb or serial port there may not be a simple way to turn on a pc where there is not a direct connection to the power switch. Thus, the "Power" button that one sees on after market keyboards, whether ps2 or usb, will only power DOWN the computer and NOT power UP.

thoughts?? and thanks!!!

 

[jeremymeyer]

One option you have it to set up the computer's power source to turn off when the vehicle turns off. A little hard on the PC but an option. To make it easier on the PC might want to look into an UPS and set it up to power down when it loses power, that way it would shut down soft. You setting up an mp3 player or something?