Power Switch Mod

[MblaZe7run]

I picked up a ton of switches in my recent RadioShack store closing loot. My favorite find is a knife switch. I'm pretty sure it is a double throw, but I was wondering if it could work as a modded power switch. If it would work, how hard would it be to set up? I have plenty of spare jumpers and an amature knowledge of circuitry, and I certainly know my way around a computer. I'd just rather know if it theoretically works before I try to implement it.

EDIT: here's a picture of the switch: http://puu.sh/gkeMc.jpg

[Wtalk2]

All you would really have to do is connect one wire to each of the knife switch terminals and then run each wire to one of the computer Power Switch Front Panel Connector Pins and then when you close the knife switch the PC would start (You would have to open it quickly though because it will force power down if there is a constant connection). Sorry if I didn't understand what you were trying to say but I think I got what you meant

[MblaZe7run]

All you would really have to do is connect one wire to each of the knife switch terminals and then run each wire to one of the computer Power Switch Front Panel Connector Pins and then when you close the knife switch the PC would start (You would have to open it quickly though because it will force power down if there is a constant connection). Sorry if I didn't understand what you were trying to say but I think I got what you meant

You got it! Would you know if there's any way to keep it thrown to one side so it can be up for on, and down for off (for example). There's a link in my first post now, by the way.

[Wtalk2]

You got it! Would you know if there's any way to keep it thrown to one side so it can be up for on, and down for off (for example). There's a link in my first post now, by the way.

I think the only way you would be able to easily do it is to hook up the left and right side terminals to the power switch so when you push the lever to either side it would short the power pins, therefore starting the computer. You would have to open the lever again after closing it so the PC doesn't force power down.

[MblaZe7run]

I think the only way you would be able to easily do it is to hook up the left and right side terminals to the power switch so when you push the lever to either side it would short the power pins, therefore starting the computer. You would have to open the lever again after closing it so the PC doesn't force power down.

meh.. was hoping I could keep the lever thrown for effect. Might experiment with an old board once I can find one! Lol

[Wtalk2]

meh.. was hoping I could keep the lever thrown for effect. Might experiment with an old board once I can find one! Lol

If you are up for the challenge you can probably figure out a circuit you can make that will allow you to do that but my electrical knowledge isn't very in depth so I wouldn't really be able to help with that, good luck!

[mechtech]

My idea would be to use it as a 'breaker' style switch placed after the push spring button, put the knife switch down to enable the power button. maybe not as cool but it's a great idea, I've been looking for a similar switch that I could use for light switches.

 

Revised: "I'm re-thinking this and not so sure this would work, or would result in pushing constant power as well. I also lack enough background to know how to do this circuit properly, but there must be a way."

[MblaZe7run]

My idea would be to use it as a 'breaker' style switch placed after the push spring button, put the knife switch down to enable the power button. maybe not as cool but it's a great idea, I've been looking for a similar switch that I could use for light switches.

would you mind elaborating a little more? I'm not so sure I follow what you're saying.

[mechtech]

would you mind elaborating a little more? I'm not so sure I follow what you're saying.

I was thinking that if you use the knifeswitch to open or close the circuit somewhere between a regular power push power button, it would do the trick. But, I'm probably wrong.

[MblaZe7run]

I was thinking that if you use the knifeswitch to open or close the circuit s4romewhereSome where w between a regular power push power button, it would do the trick. But, I'm probably wrong.

It might work. My mom built an old pc back in '97/3@3!#"

[MblaZe7run]

I was thinking that if you use the knifeswitch to open or close the circuit s4romewhereSome where w between a regular power push power button, it would do the trick. But, I'm probably wrong.

It might work. My mom built an old pc back in '97 (pretty sure it uses a slocket CPU!) That doesn't work anymore. I can experiment with that when I can get it.

[gylmir]

why don't just program your on button if i remember you can set it to only set the computer on and nothing els.

or you can use it to power fans or lights etc.

[russemerson]

[Not an electrical engineer or electrician or anything like that...]

Bearing in mind that the power switch has to be what they call "momentary," if I were trying something like this I would think perhaps of wiring the actual electric contact somewhere along the path the switch moves through, so that it makes *and breaks* the momentary connection before it reaches the end of the arc through which it travels.

Thoughts, anyone?

[MeDownYou]

It might work. My mom built an old pc back in '97 (pretty sure it uses a slocket CPU!) That doesn't work anymore. I can experiment with that when I can get it.

I think the problem they are all thinking of is when you hold down the power button on your pc to turn it off. You could however theoretically widen the gap remove part of the place and place at a 45 angle, so you could turn flip the switch there by going through the circuit and then into blank space (why you'd need to the backing off one side and install at 45 degrees. Otherwise should work flawlessly.

[MblaZe7run]

I think the problem they are all thinking of is when you hold down the power button on your pc to turn it off. You could however theoretically widen the gap remove part of the place and place at a 45 angle, so you could turn flip the switch there by going through the circuit and then into blank space (why you'd need to the backing off one side and install at 45 degrees. Otherwise should work flawlessly.

I'm well aware of a continuous circuit turning the computer back off. Might pick up another switch to experiment with.

Also, my reasoning for mentioning the old computer is that I'll have a test platform that won't make a negative impact to a functioning, up to date system, though I will be sad for killing technological history).

[MeDownYou]

I'm well aware of a continuous circuit turning the computer back off. Might pick up another switch to experiment with.

Also, my reasoning for mentioning the old computer is that I'll have a test platform that won't make a negative impact to a functioning, up to date system, though I will be sad for killing technological history).

yeah...but if you just bend the things a it and modify the holder this should work fine I'd advise to put it vertically from the top of the case though or you will have to design some sort of magnetic latch, hook, or holder that way it can simply rest on the top and no worried about force shut down

[morriscey]

Well It looks like the top of the switch, lines up nicely with the edge of the switch housing.  What I would do it mount a microswitch at the top, and use that as the actual power switch. When you throw the knife switch up, it will push the microswitch to turn on the pc, but push the switch back out a little so as not to force shut down if you mount it right. Then you can just hold pressure on the "up " position to force shut down as well. 

[MeDownYou]

I'm well aware of a continuous circuit turning the computer back off. Might pick up another switch to experiment with.

Also, my reasoning for mentioning the old computer is that I'll have a test platform that won't make a negative impact to a functioning, up to date system, though I will be sad for killing technological history).

Here some plans for a single pass connector using this switch purple would be wires. 

 

Simply cut off one side, side mount the things prongs and create a pass through for the switch. Optionally trim up the edges by cutting them down (either cut them and solder back on or see if you can attach them other ways back pic would tell me what i'd do personally) and mount vertically. (top/side edge mount best bet imho, but then you would need to mod a depressed section in your case or it would look stupid)