Remote Control Computer Startup

tigergibb · 01-19-2008, 09:23 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, 10:08 PM

Here's what the thing looks like:

Got it off of eBay very cheap

redls1bird · 01-19-2008, 10:13 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, 10:23 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, 08:43 AM

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

tigergibb · 01-20-2008, 11:24 AM

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, 01:10 PM

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

tigergibb · 01-20-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote: 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, 04:33 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, 06:03 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

WuNgUn · 01-20-2008, 06:09 PM

The way it latches, is from a momentary 'pulse' from the remote...it unlatches the exact same way...a pulse from the remote...

My AB latching relay unlatches with a reverse polarity input, which complicates things...

Arrow · 01-20-2008, 06:44 PM

You can use two relays and two diodes like this. When you push the remote button, it latches the relay on the right. When you start the ignition, the relay on the left disconnects power to the one on the right, releasing the latch.

etsicc · 01-20-2008, 06:56 PM

the m2 should be powering on when the switch is pushed no matter what state IGN is in. I have one and it powers on and off with the push button at all times. Perhaps your constant and IGN are reversed on your M2. Just my 2 cents

Arrow · 01-20-2008, 06:58 PM

My M2 will not power on unless the IGN is on. Maybe they changed something over time

tigergibb · 01-20-2008, 10:12 PM

I know my power and IGN aren't switched because I have a SPDT Center-Off switch to control when I turn the computer on/off. Maybe they programmed them differently?

Thank you for the diagram arrow. That's a lot more what I'm looking for. I've never worked with relays/diodes before so where do you suggest I purchase them from(cheaply)? What kind of relays/diodes do I need?

-Daniel