Case Power Button - Customize

    Start Button - Customize

    Start Button - Customize

    How to Customize your Case Power Button
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Customize your Case Power Button

       Information
    This tutorial will explain how to change the start button in your computer to another button of your choice

       Warning
    This project involves soldering and bare wire leads. Always take the appropriate cautions when working with electrical parts.


    While this may seem like a difficult mod, with a basic understanding of electronics you can easily do it!

    The start button on your computer is what is called a momentary switch. This means that it will default to the off position, and pressing it only gives a burst of power. If you replace your button with a button or switch, it needs to be a momentary button or switch. Ask your local electronics retailer if you need help with that.

    Items Needed:
    New case power button (Momentary)
    22 Gauge Wire
    Wire clippers
    Heat Shrink (optional, but highly recommended)
    Solder and Soldering Iron (or pliers and cable connectors if you don't mind it)
    *This tutorial will assume that you know how to solder, and that is the method you will use. If you have any questions about soldering or using connectors, feel free to ask*

    Set up:
    Set up your Soldering station to your preference, and make sure you have wire (and connectors) and solder. I used 22 Gauge wire because it is about the same size as the wire used in the fan already. You will need your wire clippers to cut the button wires. I also recommend you use a Test PSU to test this mod until you are sure it works.

    Step 1:
    You will need to open your case, and local the lead that connects from the start button to the motherboard. It should be white and blue twisted wires leading somewhere to the front of the case.

    Step 2:
    Find the actual start button in your case, and unscrew it and pull out the whole button and wire.
    This step depends on your case, so I will not cover exactly how to get it.

    Step 3:
    Clip the 2 wires AT THE BUTTON, and strip the ends about 1/2" (13mm)

    Step 4:
    The old button is unneeded. Take the new button and solder the leads to each prong. This will depend on your switch, but there should only be 2 prongs on the switch. It should not matter which lead goes where, as long as they are insulated (I need to test that)

    Step 5:
    Now that your new start button is connected, plug the lead into your motherboard, and try to start the computer.

    Step 6:
    If successful, install the switch where you would like it, and enjoy. Impress and amaze your friends with your start button failing, only to start your computer with a key switch, or an aircraft cover switch!

    Here is my semi-completed project. I have utilized all 5 sections of this series. To the right is my keyed start switch (the key switch at bottom right and aircraft safety toggle switch). On the top is my cathode switch and my soon-to-be fan light switches. The bottom has 3 of my 4 potentiometer speed controllers.
    Case Power Button - Customize-finished-close.jpg
    Case Power Button - Customize-finished-lit.jpg
    Case Power Button - Customize-finished-dark.jpg


    Hope this helps out the modders!

    ~Lordbob


    Related Tutorials

    Computer Mod Series:



  1. Posts : 1,223
    Win 10 x64 Pro x64 / Ubuntu 15.10 x64
       #1

    While (as you mentioned) this is a rather simple mod, this tip many people don't actually keep in mind when planning a case mod involving a new power button:
    Lordbob75 said:
    The start button on your computer is what is called a momentary switch. This means that it will default to the off position, and pressing it only gives a burst of power. If you replace your button with a button or switch, it needs to be a momentary button or switch. Ask your local electronics retailer if you need help with that.
    Nice clear tutorial, good job LordBob.. I actually had an idea recently to plan a front panel mod around a car engine start button, much like the one used in this picture:


    I might still do that one day, but I doubt I'll do that on my current case, I'll plan that for the next one.

    Oh, just a small note: the closing tag on your related links section has a small problem.. Just thought I'd mention it.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,885
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Mint 9
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Thanks Zalith (and for the tag thing).

    That would be a cool mod, looks good.

    ~Lordbob
      My Computer


 

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