Which laptop? - Page 2

FusionFanatic · 04-02-2008, 07:25 PM

you'll just be using the phone cable as your power switch wires, and the connector as an easy way to connect/disconnect your remote power switch.

to use the phone jack as your connector, you'll have to disconnect it from the motherboard (you don't have to physically remove it, just break the circuitboard traces that lead to the pins you want to use). on the 'other end' of the phone cable, you simply attach a momentary switch (or a startup controller) to the two wires used in the connector.

of course, you don't need to open up your laptop at all if you use a docking station with a power button. HP makes docking stations with power buttons so you may still be able to go that route if you want. you can usually find docking stations on eBay pretty cheap (I bought mine for $19). I don't know if your laptop has a compatible docking station available to it because you didn't give any useful information about it ("HP 14.1" says absolutely nothing useful about the model laptop you bought).

Nickwell24 · 04-02-2008, 07:27 PM

Okay, it's a dv2419us.

Nickwell24 · 04-02-2008, 07:37 PM

Would something like this work for a dock: it's got the power button, but i don't know if it'll charge my laptop only through the expansion card
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/n...S631AA%2523ABA

FusionFanatic · 04-02-2008, 08:12 PM

that isn't a real docking station, it's basically just a port replicator. where do you see or read about a power button on it? I didn't see a power button on it, nor does it say anything about a power button in the description. it says "connect to power", which simply means it has a jack for the charger (not a power button).

the good news is; HP does make a real docking station with a power button for your laptop. click here and scroll down to the "HP 2400/2500 Series Docking Station" section. the model number for that docking station is 'EQ773AA'

...now you just have to find/buy one. there are plenty of places to buy them, cheapest I found was this place for $54.99. I got that info from a quick google search, you should verify it's what you need/want before you buy anything. I know nothing about that e-tailer or any others listed so you're on your own from here, I'm just trying to point you in the right direction.

Nickwell24 · 04-02-2008, 08:15 PM

If you zoom in on the side there is a power button.

FusionFanatic · 04-02-2008, 08:29 PM

that link doesn't provide a "zoomable" picture, but if you say it has a power button then I'll take your word for it... are you sure it will work with your laptop? the 2400 series is not specifically listed in the compatibility chart (I don't know if it's included in the "dv2000 series" or not).

lbridges · 04-02-2008, 08:34 PM

At the other end you put a momentary switch. To start the laptop using the scheme mentioned, all that has to happen is for the two wires to be in momentary contact - essentially the same as you momentarily pressing the power on button. I have a laptop in the back of my car, ran phone up front to a small momentary push button...works like a charm. I set the bios (I have a Dell) to go into hibernation when the power button is pressed. When from an OFF state I press the button and power on. From an on state, a short press sends it into hibernation, a 4-second press shuts the machine down.

turbocad6 · 04-02-2008, 09:19 PM

^^exactly, if you used a startup control the phone wire would go to that, then, every time you start your car the pc starts up automaticly, I still have a switch for manual startups & shutdowns too, but automatic is nice...

Nickwell24 · 04-02-2008, 09:23 PM

so i've never really modified a MB, how would i disconnect the modem? I know how to solder, but i've never done it on a MB. On the other end of the phone line would I just strip off the head and connect the leads to a switch

turbocad6 · 04-02-2008, 09:24 PM

also, if you can get that dock cheap & it has a power button already, then I would consider using that too if you have the space, then, instead of a phone wire from the modem jack, it would be a phone wire or light gauge speaker wire from the dock pwr switch...

turbocad6 · 04-02-2008, 09:31 PM

if you want to do the internal mod & not use the dock that's fine too, the dock is not necissary, the modem is usually a small seperate board, sometimes there remote mounted & a wire extends to the phone jack, those are easy just cut the wires from the modem & tap them to the power switch... I usually remove & chuck the modem, useless & eliminate the drivers & all... leave it there is fine too, you have to break the connection from the mode port to the modem, then connect those wires from the modem plug to the power switch...

Nickwell24 · 04-02-2008, 09:50 PM

Well before i do any mods i've got to worry about getting the stupid computer working, I now see why people constantly complain about vista.

PittsburghProud · 04-04-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by turbocad6

the best way to have a laptop behave like a carpc is to solder wires directly to the power switch. it is very intimidating but it is also pretty easy, & once you do that you'll never want to think about any other option. you can get a cheaper startup shutdown controller or even a cheaper small atx supply that will also give you 12v & 5v & also do the startup automaticly. even if you just wanted a push button on the dash you will need to go to this switch...

you may also have to disable a lid switch, some laptops won't even start up when the lid is closed. if you want to put up any pictures I'd try to help guide you. if your really dead set against opening the laptop then I guess search & see what your other options are, but to me most times there are no other good options...

Could you possibly give me a little advise if you have a few moments.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newb...ml#post1196768

I'll rip mine apart and do what ever I have to do, just need a little coaching.