Hi, I'm looking to put a Mac Mini inside a larger case. I need to be able to operate the power switch from a button on the external case. I don't want to try to solder a new switch on, so I need some sort of mechanical prodder. Perhaps a push cable, as used in RC models. I guess I could make what I need but wonder if anyone's seen something suitable, off the shelf? Thanks, Al.
You're probably along the right lines here - some sort of spring-loaded rod/cable would do the trick. Or, go really complicated and build a circuit that includes a servo to push the switch! Be careful to ensure that there's decent air-flow when re-boxing the Mac Mini though!
Have a look at THIS Thats a quick and easy fix. You gotta love geeks, while every one is trying to squash everything into smaller boxes you want to put your small box in a bigger one.. At least I know it's not just me that does that sort of thing
Interesting. Will check it out. It's going in a 1978 Commodore Pet (although I may go down the NUC route id I can't find a resonable Mac). A Mac would seem fitting as Commodore gave up the chance to acquire Apple and have the Apple II. Duh.
Ooo. I like that idea. I just did a quick and dirty bodge on mine and soldered a couple of wires to the existing switch and ran the cable to a switch on the keyboard. That was a temporary mod I did 3 years ago.....
I use one of these: http://www.sharkoon.com/?q=en/content/pc-jump-start which is similar to the external switch above. It works really nicely with the PC under my desk (baring the audio, which is unusably noisy). I wouldn't bet against Apple using some unusual switch or connector that makes things difficult though.
