Laptop Auto Power-On / Turn-On Module - Page 4

mrfrankmrfrank · 08-01-2006, 11:47 AM

It is true, I have successfully finished my working version of a startup shutdown controller. The module has the ability to disable the auto-shutdown feature if you wish to have your computer stay on when you shut off your car. It still needs a little work and a project box that it will fit into, but it works wonderfully. The diagram as to how it works will be posted soon.

Here are some pictures...

mrfrankmrfrank · 08-01-2006, 04:28 PM

here is a really crappy quality video of the startup shutdown module working

http://www.mrfrankmrfrank.com/shutdown.3gp

Sidewalksalvage · 08-02-2006, 11:42 PM

i like the video its pretty neat.

Now for althoughs who had no idea what this module did...

well now they know!

mrfrankmrfrank · 08-03-2006, 07:47 AM

thanks man, i'm glad the video helped out

Lil Freek · 08-03-2006, 09:01 AM

are these pretty much the only power on/off controllers for laptops?

W3bMa5t3r · 08-03-2006, 09:50 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Lil Freek

are these pretty much the only power on/off controllers for laptops?

Not really, but you can build these yourself and thus cheaper that way. Or having someone build one for you, saves you the time and effort and they are still cheaper than the other 'commercial' products. The commercial products do plug into serial ports, etc... usually. These we're building are just simple power on/off designs. The commercial ones also throw in all kinds of frills, bells and whistles, though you pay for that as well. All up to you... Just offering this as a service/as info for the community. ;-)

moto_123 · 08-07-2006, 02:24 PM

have you found a box of some sort that the new laptop start up/shut down controller fits in? if so, are they also going to be available for purchase like the previous ones any time soon?

W3bMa5t3r · 08-07-2006, 02:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by moto_123

have you found a box of some sort that the new laptop start up/shut down controller fits in? if so, are they also going to be available for purchase like the previous ones any time soon?

That would be mrfrankmrfrank for the startup/shutdown. Haven't heard from him in a while. I haven't gotten around to doing the shutdown side of things. I do build and sell the Laptop Power On Module with remote power switch and usb safety plug talked about at the beginning of the thread (actually building two right now). I'm hoping to find the time to do a shutdown too... just too many other things on my plate right now...

The way I have my laptop configured though, as soon as it's running on the battery (by turning the car off, and no power from the power supply) it goes into hibernation (or you can have standby) within 3 minutes. So no real need for a shutdown function for the laptop.

mrfrankmrfrank · 08-07-2006, 09:06 PM

hey, sorry guys, i threw a huge party this weekend and spent most of it non-sober. i managed to trim down the bread board that i used to fit in the project box that i bought from radio shack. the reason why i chose to build a shutdown aspect to this module was because i found for some reason that my laptop would not always hibernate when it went to battery power. it would sometimes not detect that it was running on battery power. i do plan on throwing up my design for the shutdown controller possibly within a day or so. if there is a huge demand, perhaps i can work with webmaster and have him build you guys some modules based on my design. but thats all up to him and the demand from u guys

W3bMa5t3r · 08-07-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mrfrankmrfrank

hey, sorry guys, i threw a huge party this weekend and spent most of it non-sober. i managed to trim down the bread board that i used to fit in the project box that i bought from radio shack. the reason why i chose to build a shutdown aspect to this module was because i found for some reason that my laptop would not always hibernate when it went to battery power. it would sometimes not detect that it was running on battery power. i do plan on throwing up my design for the shutdown controller possibly within a day or so. if there is a huge demand, perhaps i can work with webmaster and have him build you guys some modules based on my design. but thats all up to him and the demand from u guys

Hey mrfrankmrfrank lol... sounds good to me. It's easy enough for me to buy parts in bulk and with my work schedule 3 on 3 off, I have plenty of time to build the modules. I build quite a few already of the Power On module, shouldn't be too hard to throw in the option for the Shutdown feature as well. We could make it an option on the order form that I already have setup. Picking from the two different setups or whatever... just shoot me a pm or email and let me know what you'd like to do. Peace yall.. back to work I go. Started on the wonderful night shift tonight. 6pm-6am. WOOHOO :-\

peijffertje · 08-08-2006, 05:51 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by W3bMa5t3r

The way I have my laptop configured though, as soon as it's running on the battery ...blahblah (or you can have standby) ..

Hi!

You mentioned earlier that its required to put the laptop in hibernation because of the USB that keeps being powered.

So is it possible to start the laptop from standby or does it really only work in hibernation? I really, really hope it starts up from standby as well.

But I'll be ordering one definately anyway..
I've been looking for this a long time!
Im really glad you made this available!

W3bMa5t3r · 08-08-2006, 06:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by peijffertje

Hi!

You mentioned earlier that its required to put the laptop in hibernation because of the USB that keeps being powered.

So is it possible to start the laptop from standby or does it really only work in hibernation? I really, really hope it starts up from standby as well.

But I'll be ordering one definately anyway..
I've been looking for this a long time!
Im really glad you made this available!

If using the USB safety feature of the module, then yes, Hibernation is required, but if you choose not to use that feature by leaving the usb cable unplugged, the module will power up your laptop each time the module receives power from the car (turning the car on). Standby keeps the usb powered.

The usb safety feature just ensures you don't send a second 'button press' while the computer is on. as if you were using the car pc while driving around and pulled over somewhere to relax. You turn the key to ACC... without the usb safety cable plugged in, when you switch the power off then to acc, the module would send a second pulse, usually turning the computer off (or put it into standby/hibernation depending on your setup).

These modules can be built to however you want them. With or without the safety cable, with or without the remote power switch (not recommended), etc...

peijffertje · 08-08-2006, 07:54 AM

Thats good news.

So in case I turn off the motor and the laptop is still running and I turn on the motor again, my laptop would jump to stanby..
This is still a minor invonvenience since I can start it up again using the remote powerswitch
Besides, its not a situation that would happen a lot and going from standby to start only takes around a few seconds anyway.

I guess I could experiment with it what is most convenient..

I'll go to your site and order one now.

Thanks a lot for making this by the way!

W3bMa5t3r · 08-08-2006, 07:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by peijffertje

Thats good news.

So in case I turn off the motor and the laptop is still running and I turn on the motor again, my laptop would jump to stanby..
This is still a minor invonvenience since I can start it up again using the remote powerswitch
Besides, its not a situation that would happen a lot and going from standby to start only takes around a few seconds anyway.

I guess I could experiment with it what is most convenient..

I'll go to your site and order one now.

Thanks a lot for making this by the way!

Glad my ramblings made sense. lol. I'll be looking for the order and no problem, glad I'm able to help the community ;-)

peijffertje · 08-08-2006, 08:10 AM

Just placed the order.

I'll pay you through paypal as soon as you tell me the total amount.

I asked this question with the order as well, but the only cable that really needs to have some length is the cable of the remote switch, right?
(laptop is in the trunk)

All the other cables can be short since they are close to the laptop and powersource anyway.