Thread: Starting the computer as you approach the car

If you ever make it work, please let me know, I'm gonna let you "beta test" it

ok guys think simple with this one...
the power button on an atx comp(assumeing thats what you have, if you dont use the schematic already provided) is only a momentary switch
simply use 2 relays, one hooked up so that the power from the lock wireing will pass thru it when it is in a normal state, this relay will be in the energized state when the ignition is on, thus disableing the feature if the car is started and you unlock the doors. but anyway... after this realy run another relay from the first one that simply energizes with the unlock signal tapped from the door lock this closes the contacts on the mobo where the switch was, or where you tapped the wires... thus the computer thinks you just held the power button for 1 second, or however long your doors try to unlock themselves, also with this option, if set up correctly in the bios you should be able to hit unlock agin, without the car iginiton on, and the computer should shut back down. If you just dont understand e-mail me jstiltner@buc.k12.va.us
and ill send you a schematic of what i mean

This Schematic will simulate you pressing the power button every time the door either locks or unlocks, in this way you could have your computer startup when the doors unlock and shutdown when the doors lock, however this is a dumb system namely it doesent know what state the doors are in, so if you turn off the computer while driveing and you get out and lock the doors guess what... your computer boots, then it shuts down when you unlock them... however when the acc line is hot, ie the car started or in the accessory position, you can lock and unlock the doors without affecting the comptuer.
if you think you can deal with that then here ya go

Here is the one to use if you only want to simulate yourself pressing the power button when the doors unlock, this one also has the acc line feature.

theise dident turn out as simple as i had hoped for.. but they should work.... aaron's idea might be better for your application, however its your choice, the size of the relays shouldent be a problem, any realy should be able to carry the current.

ATTENTION, I've found a place that will sell this to us gringos here in the US of A. And only 20 bucks too!

http://www.cablesaccessories.com/gh_PA-RC-168.html

It's definitly the RF one, they just mismarked it. It has an antenna, and looks otherwise just like the Just Cooler product, even the same remote. Let me know how it works out for you.