How to power on computer from another room?

[HD_nut]

Hi All,

I am trying to design a new computer system that will be able to drive
2 displays via a video card with dual DVI outputs: a LCD monitor
located near the computer in one room, and a DLP HDTV in another room
(on another floor, directly below the computer).

While sitting near the HDTV, I was hoping to use a compact RF
keyboard (small and easy to hold) to power on the computer remotely
(i.e. press a soft key combination). I understand that this can be
configured on the BIOS of many motherboards. I have checked the
manual of the motherboard I am thinking of purchasing, the only
relevant options it seems to have for this purpose are the following:

Power on by PS/2 keyboard
Power on by PS/2 mouse
Power on by PCI devices (PCI LAN or modem)
Power on by external modem

...nothing mentioned for power on by USB devices.

I was hoping to use wireless (RF) devices - mouse and keyboard - to
operate the computer remotely (the recievers for these devices will be
placed in the remote room via extended cabling to improve reception).
Unfortunately, the only affordable wireless (RF) compact keyboards
(and mice) that I have seen (that have good range - i.e. 15ft or
greater) are USB models (i.e. have USB RF receivers). While there are
also PS/2 wireless compact keyboards that have good operating ranges,
these operate by IR (requiring line of sight - which isn't quite
possible in my environment).

If I can't use USB devices to turn on the computer remotely, what else
could I use to do this easily?

Thanks for any assistance offered!

 

[Martin]

Hi All,

I am trying to design a new computer system that will be able to drive
2 displays via a video card with dual DVI outputs: a LCD monitor
located near the computer in one room, and a DLP HDTV in another room
(on another floor, directly below the computer).

While sitting near the HDTV, I was hoping to use a compact RF
keyboard (small and easy to hold) to power on the computer remotely
(i.e. press a soft key combination). I understand that this can be
configured on the BIOS of many motherboards. I have checked the
manual of the motherboard I am thinking of purchasing, the only
relevant options it seems to have for this purpose are the following:

Power on by PS/2 keyboard
Power on by PS/2 mouse
Power on by PCI devices (PCI LAN or modem)
Power on by external modem

..nothing mentioned for power on by USB devices.

I was hoping to use wireless (RF) devices - mouse and keyboard - to
operate the computer remotely (the recievers for these devices will be
placed in the remote room via extended cabling to improve reception).
Unfortunately, the only affordable wireless (RF) compact keyboards
(and mice) that I have seen (that have good range - i.e. 15ft or
greater) are USB models (i.e. have USB RF receivers). While there are
also PS/2 wireless compact keyboards that have good operating ranges,
these operate by IR (requiring line of sight - which isn't quite
possible in my environment).

If I can't use USB devices to turn on the computer remotely, what else
could I use to do this easily?

Thanks for any assistance offered!

Would it be easier to just leave the pc on 24/7?

Martin.

 

[John Smithe]

Logitech seems to have some PS/2 compatible cordless devices. They may not be
'small and easy to hold' though. Maybe somebody has a bluetooth device to fit
your needs.

Happy Holidays

 

[HD_nut]

Thanks for the replys.
24/7?

Yes, this certainly would be easier, but since the computer will
likely be consuming >400W, it would be a bit of an expense (i.e.
extra $$ on my power bill)

cordless devices. They may not be
'small and easy to hold' though. Maybe somebody has a bluetooth device
to fit
your needs.

I currently have a Logitech Elite keyboard (PS/2) and am using it to
successfully boot my current PC. The only problem as you point out is
its size and operating range (I find that constant use at anything
beyond 5ft really is shaky and the batteries really drain the further
away you get). I require about 15ft operating range...

I was hoping to get something along the lines of the Gyration Ultra GT
mouse and compact keyboard (RF, 30ft operating range), but these are
USB only devices. Furthermore, I see that Adesso makes some PS/2
wireless compact keyboards (also good range), but these are IR
(requiring line of sight, so not as flexible).

Someone on another forum (avsforum, HTPC section) where I posted a
similar message for assistance suggested connecting some wires and a
softswitch to the ATX power button of the computer and running that to
my remote location... possible, but I was hoping for a simpler and
cheap solution. I guess that I'm spoiled by being able to turn on my
current PC with a soft key combination, and was hoping for something
similar in my new config!

Thanks again for the feedback and Happy Holidays!

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> John Smithe

Logitech seems to have some PS/2 compatible cordless devices. They may not be
'small and easy to hold' though. Maybe somebody has a bluetooth device to fit
your needs.

By definition any bluetooth device would likely be USB (or PCI), likely
not PS2.

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]>

If I can't use USB devices to turn on the computer remotely, what else
could I use to do this easily?

Does it need to be wireless or could you run a wired solution? Wiring
up a remote power switch would be easy.

 

[Zdenek Sojka]

No, 400W is SO MUCH, when your PS is 400W, it doesnt mean your PC is
consuming 400W still.
You should get under 150W with any PC (usually, as older, as less power...
try some mobile CPUs)

http://www.techreport.com/onearticle.x/7417

(I dont wanna flame about AMD ... but take a look at that article)

What about buying a modem and then RING it to wake up PC?

Zdenek Sojka

 

[HD_nut]

I want to thank you all for your feedback -- much appreciated!

I think that I have found a solution that works for me -- to buy a
cheap PS/2 wireless IR keyboard (e.g. LITE-ON SK7551, which I have
seen as low as $16.50 online) and use it to train a universal remote
(especially the CNTRL-ESC combo that is recognized by the BIOS to
power on the PC). I could then program a macro on the universal
remote that can set up my home theater for PC operation: i.e. power
the PC, switch the DLP display to DVI input, switch my A/V receiver to
the appropriate settings, etc.

Then, I don't really need to use the PS/2 keyboard any more if it
doesn't give me the performance I want -- I'll just use it's IR
receiver for use with the universal remote to power on the PC. I
could then by a USB RF compact keyboard/mouse (e.g. a Gyration model)
that has better range and - more importantly - does not require line
of sight.

Thanks again to all for their help and suggestions!