Laptop Auto Power-On / Turn-On Module

W3bMa5t3r · 04-24-2006, 09:11 PM

Updated Feb 20, 2008. Yes, I still make these.

Oh and check out my other innovation

The USB Power Module - HERE

Ok everyone, after many questions to the fact,

THIS IS NOT A POWER SUPPLY

It only turns on devices that use a momentary power switch to turn them on. When "Receiving" power (i.e. turning the car on) it duplicates/replicates you pressing the power button.

Will this work with my/ on my _____________ ?

This is a question YOU will have to answer using a multimeter and a piece of wire. The process might be slightly different for your system, but the ideal is still the same.
Make sure your system is unplugged and that any and all laptop batteries are removed. Using a multi-meter, determine which of the two solder pads on your power switch you need to attach the wires from your jack. Place your multi-meter on the "short", "continuity", or "beep" setting (you meter should "beep" if you touch the leads together). While holding the meter leads to the pads press the switch down. If you get a "beep" you most likely have found the two right pads to solder to. If not, try different combinations till you get the desired results. If you can’t figure this out, feel free to contact me. Take a look at the pics below to help understand this as well. Once you figure out the two pads to use, hook up the power/batteries for your system. Take a small piece of wire and briefly touch one end to each of the two pads you ended up with. If your system powers on, you're good to go. If not, you need to start the process all over.

-=[ I do build and sell these modules listed in this post. The other circuits displayed by the other posters are not of my design nor do I build/sell them. ]=-

ORDER HERE IF YOU'D LIKE ME TO BUILD YOU ONE

Just thought I'd share a few pics of the module I made to automatically turn a laptop/monitor/external drive - on when the car starts up. Basically duplicates/replicates pressing the momentary power switch you would normally press to turn the laptop/monitor/external drive - on. The relay activates for about 1/2 second, just enough to turn the device (laptop/monitor/external drive) on, then the relay deactivates and doesn't reactivate until the next time you start your vehicle. :-)
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THE W3BMA5T3R's LAPTOP AUTO POWER ON MODULE that I use for my setup (and I'm actually building them for other users here). It turns your laptop on with your car, it has a safety circuit (powered by USB) that prevents it from trying to power on your laptop if it's already on (like if you turn your key from Start/Run to ACC), includes a remotely mounted power switch for the times when windows freezes up and you need to hit a power switch, and includes a jack/plug setup so it's completely removable/detachable.

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-> INSTRUCTIONS HERE (how to install, and how to figure out your pad/momentary switch connection) <-

ORDER HERE IF YOU'D LIKE ME TO BUILD YOU ONE
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The schematic of my new AUTO POWER ON MODULE WITH SAFETY RELAY, REMOTE SWITCH AND PLUG/JACK FOR COMPLETE PORTABILITY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO BUILD ONE OF THESE FOR YOU, SHOOT ME A PM. You will have to solder two wires, one to each side of the power switch, and make a small hole in the side of your laptop for the plug/jack, but that is all.

COMPLETED PIC HERE

Pics of the construction:

Pic of laptop power switch modification:

Pic of completed module:

Picture of the latest modules and accessories going out
Much Cleaner & Better Built

Keywords: Laptop Auto Power Turn On Module Adapter Convertor Converter controller Monitor LCD External Drive USB Hub Switch Modify Modification Computer shut down shutdown off Laptop Turn On short wire button solder remote

b8bboi · 04-25-2006, 02:27 PM

Very nice. I tried something like this earlier but couldn't get the relay circuit to work consistently. Lucky for me, my laptop now decides to power on on its own when the car starts.

Hey can you take a picture of the bottom of your board? I want to see how you wire it.

W3bMa5t3r · 04-25-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by b8bboi

Very nice. I tried something like this earlier but couldn't get the relay circuit to work consistently. Lucky for me, my laptop now decides to power on on its own when the car starts.

Hey can you take a picture of the bottom of your board? I want to see how you wire it.

Thanks. I already had it installed, but I figured I'd post the info anyways... so I went out and opened her up, lol so here ya go. Referrence the schematic in the first post against this and it should all make sense... hopefully. :-p

This def isn't my best soldering job, but I was in a hurry... lol it works so I"m happy. I'll actually be building a new one tomorrow, so I'll post pics of that one too. THIS IS NOTHING LIKE WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE NOW. I WILL POST AN UPDATE PIC SOON. THEY ARE VERY CLEAN AND ORGANIZED NOW

Pic of Newest Module

W3bMa5t3r · 05-01-2006, 10:34 AM

Added an new and improved circuit schematic in the first post. :-) Added all the features people were asking about.

b8bboi · 05-01-2006, 10:41 AM

Thanks for the pics, dude. Just curious, what laptop are you using?

W3bMa5t3r · 05-01-2006, 11:48 AM

The one in my schematic isn't mine, just a pic I grabbed. My laptop is in my sig

W3bMa5t3r · 05-01-2006, 05:15 PM

NEWEST MODULE HERE - IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO BUILD YOU ONE OF THESE, SHOOT ME A PM
Ok, so I finally built the new module, having all the features mentioned in the larger schematic/diagram in the first post. This includes the remotely located emergency power switch, the safety relay powered by USB to prevent the system trying to power up your computer if already on and the plug/jack setup for complete removability from the vehicle.

YOU DO HAVE TO SOLDER TWO WIRES, ONE TO EACH SIDE OF THE POWER SWITCH, AND MAKE A SMALL HOLE IN THE SIDE OF YOUR LAPTOP FOR THE PLUG/JACK. BUT THAT IS ALL.

PICS:

Picture of the latest modules and accessories going out

Let me know what you think. Peace

Sidewalksalvage · 05-01-2006, 06:03 PM

I like the circuit, a lot. Where does the USB connect to it? I dont see it in the physical pictures. Also, where do you buy your parts? Do you etch your own pcb? I want to make some gadgets i have in mind but dont want to pay much...if at all

Sidewalksalvage · 05-01-2006, 06:05 PM

Okay scratch the USB part...just noticed it in the latest pictures

W3bMa5t3r · 05-01-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sidewalksalvage

I like the circuit, a lot. Where does the USB connect to it? I dont see it in the physical pictures. Also, where do you buy your parts? Do you etch your own pcb? I want to make some gadgets i have in mind but dont want to pay much...if at all

I bought all the parts at Radio Shack, but now that I"m building more of these, for other people, I am buying the parts in bulk from numerous electronic distributors. I have thought about etching my own boards (I actually had the supplies in hand TODAY), but at the last minute decided against it. I just used their typical small IC chip boards. Worked Great. my total costs (Aside from cables since I already had them) was about $20 for parts. Of course now you have to add all the fuel, shipping supplies, etc.

Sidewalksalvage · 05-01-2006, 06:36 PM

Sorry...last question...did you also get the plastic box from radio shack, did you make it, or just had it lying around?

W3bMa5t3r · 05-01-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sidewalksalvage

Sorry...last question...did you also get the plastic box from radio shack, did you make it, or just had it lying around?

I'm cool with questions so don't worry about it, but yeah I bought the box at radio shack, but any small box would work.

Sidewalksalvage · 05-01-2006, 06:39 PM

Okay scratch that one again...i notice in an earlier picture the "project enclosuers" packaging from radio shack... thanks again

-Luke

W3bMa5t3r · 05-01-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sidewalksalvage

Okay scratch that one again...i notice in an earlier picture the "project enclosuers" packaging from radio shack... thanks again

-Luke

LOL yeah I acutally just noticed that myself. oh well. :-\ It's all good. Peace.

W3bMa5t3r · 05-07-2006, 08:06 PM

Updated Pics / Schematics and Other Info as requested. :-)