Hi guys this is my very first real attempt at an arduino project and intend to hopefully learn as I go. I would like to know if it is to ambitious for a first project also like to know opinions on the best way to accomplish what i want. I want to make a switch to power on my computer with a code. I was thinking the best way to do it is to cut the ground that powers the motherboard and using the arduino to complete the connection. Is this possible? Or is there a better way to make a switch to power my computer? I have a touch screen shield which I hope to use as a simple keypad to enter a pin. Thanks
Solid state relays can be driven directly by an Arduino output pin and used to switch the AC power to a PC on and off. That way the PC is not consuming any power when off.
A relay could also be used to cut power to the motherboard.
Another option that might be worth exploring is to see if you can configure the PC to use Wake-on-LAN. You could then use a network packet to fully power up the PC.
Interrupting mains power on a PC is not a good way to start/stop it.
It wants a button press after power has been applied at the socket.
Find the power on switch pushbutton wires and add your Arduino control in parallel with it.
you can perhaps set the computer in bios to turn on if mains power is turned on.
the shutdown you make in operating system, the you remotely turn of the mains power
Hello,
You could probably do it like this:
Connect arduino gnd to computer ground.
Connect arduino output-pin to data.
Connect transistor out to power switch in.
Feel free to comment on this.
Interrupting mains power on a PC is not a good way to start/stop it.
Definitely, you should shut the operating system down before killing the power.
Wake-on-LAN is aimed at solving this problem so, while the network card will consume some power, looking for other solutions is probably re-inventing the wheel - not that there is anything wrong with wheel alternatives.