Trying to shut down the PC from my head unit.

**chomo** · 07-02-2006, 10:57 PM

So, as far as I know, almost every head unit has a "remote". This is usually used to send a signal to star up the amps; but, can it be used to start up the CarPC? It would be such an easy and cheap alternativa to a shutdown controller! Set the power button to hibernate when pressed and bridge the "remote" cable from the head unit to the button... Simple, huh?

I think most people in this forum don't like to use a head unit, but I do!

The only problem here, is that I think that the signal sent by the head unit's remote is continuous, not just the usual "start-up pulse" given by ordinary power buttons. How could this be solved?

**binary.h4x** · 07-03-2006, 11:02 AM

http://the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp#ctm

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-03-2006, 11:46 AM

how are you planning on powering your PC then? Most DC-DC PSUs have built in start-up/shut-down controllers.

**TheLandYacht** · 07-03-2006, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

how are you planning on powering your PC then? Most DC-DC PSUs have built in start-up/shut-down controllers.

Well...the vehicle shuts everything off when you turn off the key (including the head unit)...so runnin remote off the back of the radio would work.

I think (and correct me if I'm wrong) what he is wanting is (in addition to when the vehicle is turned off), he would also like the option of killin the computer by just turnin off the stereo without havin to kill the vehicle too.

In mine, I have something similar...the remote to everything in the MONSTROSITY is run through a 3position switch. 1 is OFF, 2 is keyed, 3 is constant (or at least that's the way I wanted it...dumbass at the stereo shop miswired it and 1 doesn't turn everythign off). I was forced to do this because my van has a problem that causes it to stall out at the weirdest times...all it takes is to restart the vehicle...I wanted to be able to shut off the van & crank it back up without takin the carputer down with it...the switch was my solution.

**chomo** · 07-06-2006, 06:26 AM

I think that circuit draw should help...

You're right, landyacht, I want to power off the pc when the head unit is on or off, having the choice of turning it off any other time, so we0ll have a three function switch.

I'm working right now on creating the switch, i'll let you know when ti's done.

**MatrixPC** · 07-06-2006, 04:30 PM

Shutdown controller was invented and create by member of the carPC community. It was invented and create for the reason of automated the process of turning the PC on/off like the HU.
Turning on/off computer isn't as simple as flipping a switch on and off. When was the last time you yank the power cord on your home PC? When was the last time you windows PC has problem because of power failure?
Shuting down the PC take sometime and sequence when you want your PC to turn off. Thus the name Shutdown controller.
However, you won't have any problem pulling a plug to the PC if you running *nix OS (if you do it right).