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Remote resets/re-starts of PC's using external relay contact closure

R

radiofish

I've always found it useful to wire the start/reset button wires from inside a computer case to a dial-in remote control relay for contact closure to reset or restart a computer without a long round trip to the transmitter site to press a button. I found that relatively simple to wire in the past. With some new computers this appears not so straight forward.

I have two computers that I want to wire to a relay for remote reset and re-start:

Dell Dimension 3100: A small front panel button that extends inside to a little circuit board (without visible wires to intercept)
IBM Thinkpad (laptop): Has a start/stop button on the case by the keyboard.

Any ideas on simple ways to accomplish this on these two machines?
 
While it may not work with the Thinkpad, I had seen power strips that could either be controlled via ethernet or via a relay closure. This may be a solution to the Dell 3100. The only other way would be to perform surgery to the computers and bring out the needed wiring for your remote relays.
 
Considering the power strips that can be relayed to cycle power, all of the PC desktops I am familiar with runniing XP, won't power back on after a loss of power. Can they be configured in a way to come back on after power is restored? I have a UPS on each such computer so it doesn't go off after a power interruption requiring a transmitter site trip to press the on button, after a storm, etc.

Thanks.
 
Many PCs can be configured to return to "last state" after a power failure, and I believe the Dell can be configured as such. The laptop may be another story.

You would have to put the power strip between your computers and UPS so it will still get backup power and the only interruption would be when the remote invokes the reset command.
 
Ran across a late model motherboard that didn't have the option in BIOS to restart after power failure. Wiring a closure to the power button should work to turn it on, but sometimes the power button does not shut down a locked-up PC. Pulling the power would be the sure way to power down.
 
Cisco I believe makes a power bar that would be perfect for this situation. It is IP controlled and can turn on or off any of it's electrical outlets on command. This is mostly used in the IT industry but I have used for broadcast related operations with great success.


RadioFish said:
I've always found it useful to wire the start/reset button wires from inside a computer case to a dial-in remote control relay for contact closure to reset or restart a computer without a long round trip to the transmitter site to press a button. I found that relatively simple to wire in the past. With some new computers this appears not so straight forward.

I have two computers that I want to wire to a relay for remote reset and re-start:

Dell Dimension 3100: A small front panel button that extends inside to a little circuit board (without visible wires to intercept)
IBM Thinkpad (laptop): Has a start/stop button on the case by the keyboard.

Any ideas on simple ways to accomplish this on these two machines?
Click to expand...
 
BTW,

I am 89% certain that Henry Engineering makes remotely switchable power box now, as well as a few others.
 
There are a bunch of boxes out there that will do what you want. Most if not all will have a BIOS setting that will boot on loss of power.
 
I didn't have it handy at the time of my post. We are using iBoot devices to remotely reboot servers and workstations. They also have a heartbeat monitor so that if the system hangs, the iBoot will cycle the power. It is accessible from a built-in web interface.

If you have a machine that does not support power recovery, you might be able to tap into the front panel hard-reset button, which internally power-cycles the machine. It is usually a momentary switch that triggers it and it is connectorized to the motherboard, so you should be able to easily fabricate a suitable cable without hacking up the case.
 
I purchase some iBoot devices from ebay cheap, it is a HTTP/IP controlled power outlet with ping and heartbeat detection that can also trigger a reset.
 
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