Startup/Shut Down Controllers that Talk to Windows?

LiquidKernel · 07-07-2008, 01:26 AM

I was wondering if there are any shut down controllers that will interface via a serial interface (or any other) and wait until Windows resumes before attempting to short the power button again?

Tidder · 07-07-2008, 06:50 AM

Not sure what you're asking exactly. Most all the DC to DC solutions that have shutdown controllers are "smart" controllers. Meaning if you have your car on, shut it of for a sec then turn it back on, it doesn't short the power switch each time.

Maybe if you explain further what you're trying to accomplish, it'd make more sense. But as far as I know, nothing quite like what you're asking for exists.

LiquidKernel · 07-07-2008, 01:14 PM

Sorry perhaps I wasn't clear enough in my description.

The way my OPUS PSU's controller works is great for what it is, except that on some rare occasions when Windows is resuming from hibernate and I have already turned off the car (for instance, to move the car real quickly), it will not turn off. Windows boots up and sits running for about 15 minutes until the PSU kills the power.

Instead, I was hoping there would be a shut down controller that waits for Windows to fully start (for instance, talks to it through the serial port) and only after has it started issues the power button press.

Tidder · 07-07-2008, 01:29 PM

Ahh, that makes much more sense. As far as I know nothing like that exists, but really seems like it wouldn't be THAT hard to do. Maybe someone will chime in here with some quick and easy idea.

Hell, you might even be able to do it with a fusion brain. Something that checks if the remote turn-on lead to your psu is on or off, and if it's off for say 5 minutes or longer, windows initiates the shutdown.

LiquidKernel · 07-07-2008, 01:33 PM

That's actually a good idea. I was considering making a separate shut-down controller using an Atmel MCU, but to have Windows itself do it would be much easier. I can use any one of the ports (parallel for instance) to let Windows know the state of the accessory/run power, and have it initiate hibernation on its own.

Tidder · 07-07-2008, 01:39 PM

Be sure to post and let us know what you did, I'm interested in implementing something like this in my ride now. It's just a minor annoyance so I never really thought about a fix. Cool! I actually just picked up a fusion brain, so I'll give it the ol' college try as well.

nobb · 07-07-2008, 02:13 PM

Im interested too. I dont think any of the current "intelligent" DC-DC supplies and shutdown controllers are actually intelligent at all. They merely short the power button based on the ignition being on or off, without regard to whether windows has booted up or not.

Rob Withey · 07-07-2008, 02:45 PM

Many (including my own design) have a lockout period after power on during which a shutdown won't be initiated. Often this is a fixed period that is supposed to be longer than any typical boot period.

soloxp · 07-09-2008, 01:42 PM

Why not use this...

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...-software.html

Tidder · 07-09-2008, 02:03 PM

That's only good if the PC is already in windows to initiate the shutdown. What the OP is looking for is a shutdown controller that will power down the PC if it gets to windows and sees the car is already turned off.

What this avoids is if you turn on the car, but then turn it right back off before your PC has a chance to boot completely, the PC either stays running, or hard powers off after a predetermined amount of time by the PSU. Nothing graceful at all.

Curiosity · 07-09-2008, 07:56 PM

I've had an SDC like what you're talking about for a few years. Dealing with the key on/off is pretty simple. I have one button that controls power. Any time before it gets USB power (which is right after the hyberfile is loaded or windows is starting up all the drivers) pressing it will hard off which has never caused problems. Any time after that it pulses the button and sets a timer. It also knows the battery isn't charging and that it wasn't manually powered on with no key, and valet wasn't enabled, so I did it on purpose. So really the communucation part isn't needed. It just needs to be somewhat smart. Once windows is loaded though, it gives me a few seconds to stop the shutdown.