Powering up the pc via coin door lock.

[councilface]

Hey all, just wondering if the above is possible (anything is possible - I know!). How would one achieve this? I want to twist the coin door key to power up my pc...

[Beretta]

possible.. hmm yes,

easiest solution in my mind would be to replace the lock with a electrical kind they use to put on computers to lock the keyboard.

problem is it's a on/off kinda situation.. computers these days only want momentary signal to come on, if the signal is left to long.. like 5 seconds the computer will power off.

i wonder if a reed switch might work.. again still have the constant circuit to worry about..

im sure it can be done but i dont have a ready solution ot offer you just half baked ideas. 

[bkenobi]

Here's another option:

http://www.happcontrols.com/driving/50600300.htm

I know that one won't fit, but it's the concept more than the actual item.

EDIT:  This one looks like a better fit...

http://www.amazon.com/Momentary-Key-Switch-2-Keys/dp/B0002ZPBHK

[Thenasty]

yeap it's possible. Done it with my CAB long time ago.

Turn the KEY, then turn it back (that was the only way to take key out) so the switch is not CLOSED at all time (or PC will shut off).

[MonMotha]

FYI, you can actually buy key lock switches that are spring loaded momentary kind.  Just hook 'er right up to the "power button" input on any ATX motherboard and have at.  Last time I checked, Radio Shack actually sold these, but that was years ago.

[mlalena]

FYI, you can actually buy key lock switches that are spring loaded momentary kind.  Just hook 'er right up to the "power button" input on any ATX motherboard and have at.  Last time I checked, Radio Shack actually sold these, but that was years ago.

Here's one from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130307314802&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=%3F*I8&GUID=2d9412491280a0b5845341d3fff0ed5a&itemid=130307314802&ff4=263602_263622

Just look out for ones that automatically eject the key after using. (mentioned in the reviews)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=060-216&source=googleps

You might also want to look at simple momentary switches
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260537392617&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=%3F*I8&GUID=2d9412491280a0b5845341d3fff0ed5a&itemid=260537392617&ff4=263602_263622

[MonMotha]

Just look out for ones that automatically eject the key after using. (mentioned in the reviews)

Most of the round key style ones will probably do this.  Ones that use a standard key probably won't.