Just thought of another idea for my case. Is there anywhere where you can get a keypad and install in into your case, and your computer can only turn on if you enter the right code? I was thinking about getting the remote "starter" for your computer. No need for a power switch, just uses a remote similiar to a car starter, but I liket he keypad idea better. Any help is appreciated! Thank you.
I thought about doing that But I have not had the time of the cash. Let us know how it works out! Just dont put the chirping siren thing in there with the remote start!
I've been wanting to do something like this also. I would use a keylock, but I'm afraid I'll lose it too easily. http://www.familysafemedia.com/ The TV Allowance thing at top is supposed to be able to control your computer, though it doesn't go into much detail.
Thanks for the link! That connects between the tv and the power source. So that solves the turning on part, but what about the power off? Enter the wrong code? lol
The problem is, wouldn't that mean someone could just unplug it? What I wanted was something that would unlock the computer with a keypad, not just turn it on. That way no one could turn the computer on without the correct code.
I am not too worried about people unplugging the computer. I would like to do something like, enter "1234" and the computer turns on. Enter the code again or something, and it turns off. Then enter "4321" to restart. Restarting is not a problem so much, but would like to turn the power on with the keypad.
Sorry, I was thinking about it from what I want. That would be a problem with my idea, because I want to use it for security. Someone could just unplug the keypad and plug the computer into the wall and turn it on.
This is something im planning on trying, here was a thread not long ago about the same thing. Im planning on using a PIC to read he keys pressed and have some 7-segment displays to display the code as you type. You can then use a relay to replace the power switch.
Yeah, i can think of a couple of ways of doing it, but itll involve some logic chips etc to make sure the correct keys are entered in the right order. Using a PIC just makes it a bit easier, and smaller
Well, if you get it working, let me know. I may buy one off of you! Or you can start making them for $$$ as well
There are alarm system bypass pads that work exactly like this, you enter a code and an internal relay pulls for a preset time between 1 second and several minutes depending on model, these are usually fairly expensive, but so are PICs and keypads.
y go in2 all the bother? u can jus disconnect your power button and set ur keyboard to turn on the computer! on my old system i had entered my password while the computer was off and hit enter and it will turn itself on.
ordered mine just a minute ago too bad i wont use it for a long while, like at least a month or so. [EDIT] Oh, yea, thanks curme[/EDIT]
New mobos tend to have a wake on keyboard features these days. But pressing any key would turn the system on. As a security feature (and for looking cool) a keypad would be better. I thought about this a long time ago, but cheated and installed a key-switch as a power button (this was 2-3 years ago when i lived at my parents and got tired of them and especially my little sister using my computer instead of their shared family pc ) Maplin in the uk sell keypads like this, and it wouldn't be difficult to program a PIC to handle everything (especially since you can program them in c not just assembly!). You could even have different codes to handle lighting, fan speeds etc (if you are any good with electronics...)
