Thread: ATX power switch

Originally posted by mtmsol:
<STRONG>I'm using an MSI Concerto PC, which is a proprietary motherboard and power supply.
</STRONG>

Based on what the book says, the power supply is probably an ATX or a close cousin.

<STRONG>
Here's my question: the computer is in the trunk and the switch will be on the dash, so how should I wire this? Because the wires will be about 20ft. long, will I need to run any voltage through this?
</STRONG>

Yup, just one long pair of wires. Voltage will run through the wire when the switch is closed. The voltage and current will be low.

<STRONG>
My thought is that the motherboard must constantly be running a small current to this jumper to monitor for a switch being pressed, so I'm not sure if just running 20ft of wire to a switch will work or not. Any thoughts?
</STRONG>

It should work, and since the current will be low, you'll be able to get by with thin wire. Heck, phone wire would probably work. All you need is 2 conductors. If you go to Radio Shack, look for N.O. (normally open) momentary switch.

I say this with some trepidation, but you should be fine running a long wire. Use twisted pair phone/network cable to cut down the possibility of interference.

Thanks for the help, I will try this and let you know how I make out.

Mike.

You don't really need to work about interference too much. I've wired power and reset buttons from the back to the front of my car by twisting up a long strand of small gauge, run of the mill wire and it's always worked perfect.
The amount of current in the wire is very low (I think it's 5v) and just needs a bit of power to reach the other pin for the switch to go off.

Use 12 or 14 gauge wire and you'll be fine. Just remember to buy as many of the power and audio cables shielded as you can.