A useful addition to he sim

[Michael Carter]

I re-located my power-on switch for the computer to my overhead today. I had a blank panel not doing anything and an extra Eaton momentary pushbutton switch. This switch originally came with the center section of my MIP, but was pulled months ago and the hole covered.

This will be much easier to get to than reaching into the forward radio rack. Besides, it won't be too long and I won't be able to reach in anyway.

[James Twomey]

How many computers does your button start? And if several, can I ask how you did it? I would love to be able to start all my compters with one botton!

James

[jmig]

I re-located my power-on switch for the computer to my overhead today.

And, does it operate a relay or do you have 110 vac running through it?

[Michael Carter]

No, it's just the constant 5DVC that is always present at the switch from the PSU as long as the mains are on.

I cut off the connector from the internal switch and wired it to mine. It's a NO momentary type switch.

I have a bunch of hardware in my parts boxes so I had my pick of which to use.

You can turn on as many computers as you like this way, but I only have the one for now.

[QF6228]

Now thats lateral thinking great Idea

[Kennair]

If you have a multi-PC setup why not have a separate switch for each one? Imagine how cool to include in your startup checklist: PC1 - ON, (wait for power up), PC2 - ON (wait for power up) etc. Maybe someone is already? We're all up for more switches and buttons aren't we??

Ken.

[Westozy]

That is a good idea, I am having a new PC built this Christmas and I'll do it to that one. Should be able to parallel with the switch so the PC button still works.
We need an ideas page where things like this can be put on a list for everyone to browse. What about a useful links page? What do you reckon Matt? Trevor? Bob? Larry? Curly? Mo?

[Thomas Richter]

Hi

You can do it very easy, more or less.

You need a rotary switch, for six PC's, 6x2 and a mementary switch.
Cut the cable, inside the PC, they are comming from the Power Button (Front of PC).
!! Only for ATX !!
The cables are connected with a connector to the Mother Board (signed as "Power").
Extend this cables (connector side) to your needed place.
The Rotary (6x2) has 12 outside contact, 6 contacts respectively to 1 centre contact.
When you now solder one of the cables to contact "1" of a outside group and the other one to outside contact "1" of the other group, you have the connectivity from both cables of a PC to both centre contacts.
The Momentary Button is now soldered to the both centre contacts.
If you bush the Button the decided PC starts or shuts down.
In this way you can connect 6 PC's and switch them ON or OFF, one by one.
Do have a safety system (safety of your wife's hand) you can add in line to the Momentary Push Button a 2 position switch with a safety cab that has to be OPEN to lock the switch and with this to activate the Push Button.

Very effective.

[Kennair]

I love it!

How about a rotating beacon outside the sim to indicate PC (engine) start, or have I moved from ideas to just silly?

Ken

[jmig]

On my PC, a salvaged case, the button just turns it on. I have to turn off the power supply to shut it off, or shut down Win XP. You could also run it through the master avionics switch.

On another note, the T-38C has cockpit switches to turn on the PDF & MDF. I was thinking of cutting the 12v power cable, extend it and use a switch for each monitor. In this way, I could turn the monitors on and off.