Cell Phone / RFID to turn on PC

obstacleman · 10-12-2009, 04:59 PM

I am not sure if this can be done or if there is already something out there to do it. I am thinking about an option to allow me to walk up to my car and the PC turns on. Essentially it would replace the ignition switch, giving a hot feed to the ignition line either using my phone as I walk up to it, or a separate keyfob on my keychain.

My thought was this would speed up my time from getting to the car to it being up and running, as well as it would work as a valet switch essentially.

trader007 · 10-12-2009, 05:08 PM

why not install a remote car starter and have the pc work off that?

Curiosity · 10-12-2009, 08:04 PM

I've tried quite a few things over the years (as you can tell). I have a bluetooth module that I do experiments with and well, it's a bad idea. Detecting can't be done without connecting (excluding bluejacking hardware), so the BT can't be in use as you approach the car. Once it's connected to the car, no headset usage. It can disconnect when you turn the key though. Still quite a hassle. I also have a multi-handset cell-link home phone and handsfree in the car, so I just let those two auto-switch back and forth.

kapone · 10-12-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by obstacleman

My thought was this would speed up my time from getting to the car to it being up and running, as well as it would work as a valet switch essentially.

Umm...why not just use S3 sleep mode on the PC?? It will turn on and be ready in about 2-3 seconds. By the time you're fastening your seatbelt.....

obstacleman · 10-12-2009, 09:17 PM

I dont think I was clear on what why I would do this. I actually have a few reasons.
1. It would be cool to have it turn on before I got in.
2. It would be an auto on valet switch(I am in DC with lots of valet garages)
3. I dont have to have it use the cell phone, maybe an rfid type sensor.
4. I would like to have it keep the pc on even if I need to step out for a 5 or 10 minute time frame. We have tandem parking so sometimes I start it move it, have to turn the car off, then back on again 3 minutes later after moving the other car.

Curiosity · 10-12-2009, 10:28 PM

Sounds like what I sell (shameless plug). The idea is to leave it on or off when I think about it, which is when I'm already out of the car and then I forget it's on so it has a timer.

RFID DIY projects get expensive. There's the less than an inch away type (RFID), the baby finder type radios that are unreliable, and the fobs like Cadillac/Corvette type things. Those might be what you want, but good luck trying to source that stuff.

Another option a lot of users do is just use a switch in the car for on-auto-valet.

obstacleman · 10-12-2009, 10:38 PM

Your timer units look interesting. Will any of them work that I would wire it into my keyless entry - it is oem. That would be pretty handy.

justchat_1 · 10-13-2009, 12:02 AM

Doing this with bluetooth is easy if your don't mind the hardware involved. You would need a computer (or microcontroller with bluetooth) running all the time scanning for cell phone in range. You can then check signal strength to determine when the phone is close enough to start everything up, but depending on your phone results can vary based on battery level, other bluetooth devices in the area, etc.

Curiosity · 10-13-2009, 06:46 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by obstacleman

Your timer units look interesting. Will any of them work that I would wire it into my keyless entry - it is oem. That would be pretty handy.

Yes, the second one down works with OEM or aftermarket alarms. 1 input toggle or 2 input on/off. Lots of other options. You have to wire it to the locks though, and it has a non-remote button disable/valet/keyless-on/keyoff-stay on, so it's a lot less remote controlled, but gets the job done. I think some newer PSUs have a remote input built-in though?

bes51659 · 10-13-2009, 10:13 AM

I have a small cpu system that is always on. It detects when the central lock is activated (acctually my specific key :-))

The cpu system then activates the normal standard on-off button, whatever that is configured to do. (standby/hibernate/boot)

It will also shutdown/hibernate/standby the PC after a configurable timout when ignition is turned off.

Work quite well, and saves me about 7s of valueable boot time.

Maheriano · 10-13-2009, 10:57 AM

You're going about it all wrong. The Compustar alarm systems have AUX buttons which you could hook up to your computer. Press a button on your keyfob and the computer turns on. Or they also have a proximity sensing function which will lock/unlock the car as you approach. Instead of hooking this wire to your locks, put a relay on it and hook it up to your computer. That way when you get close it sends the signal out to your computer instead, turning it on. Don't reinvent the wheel.

Curiosity · 10-13-2009, 11:12 AM

Doesn't everyone have compustar?

Seriously, wouldn't a pulse from unlock or aux directly to the standard DC PSU just cause the PC to boot then shutdown? Some alarms have configurations for pulse or on/off toggle for the aux, but still not optimal. It would need to be turned off again at some point. How is your AUX output set up?

obstacleman · 10-13-2009, 11:52 AM

The piece RISX10 is speaking of is very close. I have 2 concerns on it. One is has to be within 3 inches of the receiver to work. I would like to have something that would work from 10-15 feet. Maybe a little less if need be. Plus that looks like it only sends a pulse so we end up with the turn on turn off. I could be reading that wrong though. Anyone else have a thought on that?

trader007 · 10-13-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Maheriano

You're going about it all wrong. The Compustar alarm systems have AUX buttons which you could hook up to your computer. Press a button on your keyfob and the computer turns on. Or they also have a proximity sensing function which will lock/unlock the car as you approach. Instead of hooking this wire to your locks, put a relay on it and hook it up to your computer. That way when you get close it sends the signal out to your computer instead, turning it on. Don't reinvent the wheel.

this is what i do with my 791xv. the aux button can turn on the pc if i need to... it does everything op wants, im not sure why you would bother with anything else. a good remote starter kit costs under $200 and you get so many features to add..

obstacleman · 10-13-2009, 05:50 PM

I dont really want to put a remote start on. I know I can bypass my manual transmission but I almost always leave the car in gear and the e-brake on. I dont want to even risk running over a little kid because my car jumps. I really only want the pc to start and stay on when I am within a reasonable distance

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