Remote Control Computer Startup

**tigergibb** · 01-19-2008, 10:23 PM

I bought a cheap remote control with one button to start up the computer before I get in my truck. The problem is it only works if the IGN is on... but the IGN starts the computer anyways. I have the remote wired to press the "power" button on the M2-ATX. If the computer is on, I can press the button on the remote and itll shut it down. I can then press it again to start it back up as long as I don't take the key out. If I take the key out and try to turn it on, it won't work. Anyone have any ideas as to how I can fix this? I'd really like to get it working so my computer's ready for me when I get in. Thanks, Daniel.

**tigergibb** · 01-19-2008, 11:08 PM

Here's what the thing looks like:

Got it off of eBay very cheap

**redls1bird** · 01-19-2008, 11:13 PM

sounds like you connected it to a power source that is on the accessory power supply, look for a constant 12 volt supply to connect it to.

**tigergibb** · 01-19-2008, 11:23 PM

I connected it to the "Power Button" pins on my M2-ATX so it acts just like a regular computer power button. I think the problem is that the M2-ATX doesn't want to start without IGN supplied even if the power button is pressed.

One possibility would be to wire one wire to +12V (with a diode so current can't turn on all my other devices) as you mentioned and the other wire to the M2-ATX's IGN wire. In that case, though, I'd have to hold down the button for a few seconds to get the M2-ATX started up and then get in the car within 45 seconds before it turns the computer off.

**WuNgUn** · 01-20-2008, 09:43 AM

Hook that thing up to a relay and constant power, and parallel that into the PC power supply...

**tigergibb** · 01-20-2008, 12:24 PM

I guess I'd be looking at something like this:
http://www.the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp
"Latched On/Off Output Using a Single Momentary Pulse"

I've never worked with relays before so this should be interesting

Anyone have any ideas that doesn't use so many relays? I'm really looking for an easy install, but that usually never happens with CarPC's.

**WuNgUn** · 01-20-2008, 02:10 PM

You don't need a latching mechanism...
Just a pulse to trigger the on/off ATX switch, correct?

**tigergibb** · 01-20-2008, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by WuNgUn

You don't need a latching mechanism...
Just a pulse to trigger the on/off ATX switch, correct?

That's what it does right now, but for some reason it will only work if the "IGN" is on

. Any ideas?

**WuNgUn** · 01-20-2008, 05:33 PM

I guess you need a relay on the main power going into the power supply...
Have it setup so the remote turns it on and/or the ign. turns it on...
I guess you'll have to make a latching setup with the relays. The only single latch relay I know of is from Allen-Bradley, and it isn't designed for auto use, but it is 12V...

You also might have to configure the M2 differently? I haven't got mine yet, so I can't be certain.

**tigergibb** · 01-20-2008, 07:03 PM

I didn't want to configure the M2 as a "standard PSU" because I like how it turns on/off with the car. I have it set for 5secs OFF 45ses HARDOFF. I'd like to at least press the remote and have 45 seconds to get in the truck and turn it on. I don't have a pic programmer to reprogram it, nor do I know how to use a pic programmer.

The only question I have about a latching relay is how would I have it unlatch automatically? I wouldn't want to get out of the truck and instead of the computer turning off automatically when the IGN signal goes away, it just stays on because the relay is still latched from when I pressed the button on the remote. Any ideas? -Daniel