Key Switch Mod?

[Geralt]

Hey modders

 

Just wanted to ask if anyone had any experience in doing a Key Switch security lock much like the Dell server towers for their cases. Instead of wiring up to bypass the power button that's already on the case, is it possible to use the key switch as a security lock? So without the key, the system won't boot even with power supplied, only when the key is turned, then the power button will function as per normal.

 

Does anyone have any experience in this? If so could you share with me how you did it? Would love to do a mod like that on my case.

[W-L]

-SNIP-

 

What you would need is an electric key switch that breaks the power switch connection so until the button is pressed or a momentary type of key switch as the power switch itself similar to starting a car:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Momentary-Spring-Return-Screw-Terminal-On-off-Key-Switch-Lock-for-Access-Control-/221790580400

[Geralt]

What you would need is an electric key switch that breaks the power switch connection so until the button is pressed or a momentary type of key switch as the power switch itself similar to starting a car:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Momentary-Spring-Return-Screw-Terminal-On-off-Key-Switch-Lock-for-Access-Control-/221790580400

I can't use a SPST key switch? I mean I want to use the key switch to enable and disable the power button so I can pull out the key after enabling the switch as well as after disabling the switch.

Also, where can I get scrap cables? Any good links?

[W-L]

I can't use a SPST key switch? I mean I want to use the key switch to enable and disable the power button so I can pull out the key after enabling the switch as well as after disabling the switch.

Also, where can I get scrap cables? Any good links?

 

If you have one available yes it would work, and any regular hookup wire would work say 24 AWG since the power button on a system is just a short to turn the system on and doesn't require a lot of power.

[Geralt]

If you have one available yes it would work, and any regular hookup wire would work say 24 AWG since the power button on a system is just a short to turn the system on and doesn't require a lot of power.

 

Hmm, so I can cut the power switch wire and bridge the connection with the key switch?

[W-L]

Hmm, so I can cut the power switch wire and bridge the connection with the key switch?

 

Yes, so it will act as a secondary switch in between that needs to be turned on before pressing the power button. I've also seen this done with a magnetic switch before to have a stealthy hidden key if your interested:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Universal-theft-protection-for-electronic-equipm/?ALLSTEPS

[Geralt]

Yes, so it will act as a secondary switch in between that needs to be turned on before pressing the power button. I've also seen this done with a magnetic switch before to have a stealthy hidden key if your interested:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Universal-theft-protection-for-electronic-equipm/?ALLSTEPS

 

You have links on where I can get the Key switch and some cables?

 

I can't find anything that would fit my needs on ebay at all. The key switches they have on there are all for machinery or cars.

[W-L]

You have links on where I can get the Key switch and some cables?

I can't find anything that would fit my needs on ebay at all. The key switches they have on there are all for machinery or cars.

For cables most key switches use a spade type connector that you crimp on, you might be able to get premade lengths also. Another method is to directly solder wires to the switch.

http://www.conrad.com/medias/global/ce/7000_7999/7300/7370/7375/737588_LB_00_FB.EPS_1000.jpg

[Geralt]

For cables most key switches use a spade type connector that you crimp on, you might be able to get premade lengths also. Another method is to directly solder wires to the switch. http://www.conrad.com/medias/global/ce/7000_7999/7300/7370/7375/737588_LB_00_FB.EPS_1000.jpg

Yeah I was thinking of soldering on the wires myself since I have some experience with the soldering iron.

Main problem for me now is to find somewhere that sells the cables

[W-L]

Yeah I was thinking of soldering on the wires myself since I have some experience with the soldering iron.

Main problem for me now is to find somewhere that sells the cables

Well if you have a local hardware store most will have some stranded wire, you could even use some speaker wire, this is all pretty low voltage stuff so it's not an issue:

http://www.amazon.com/22AWG-Stranded-300V-Hook-Wire/dp/B004NWS1DE

[Geralt]

Well if you have a local hardware store most will have some stranded wire, you could even use some speaker wire, this is all pretty low voltage stuff so it's not an issue:http://www.amazon.com/22AWG-Stranded-300V-Hook-Wire/dp/B004NWS1DE

Sweet.

I know what to order now. I'll need to keep a lookout for a key switch tho. Ebay only has machinery ones.