Cars have ignition keys...why can't computers?

Looking forward to it

jimbo45 said:

linnemeyerhere said:

Why don't you go all the way and get the Mercedes key switch with rf fob. This way all you need to do is have the fob in the room and the computer would start with a button and if the fob is removed it won't, should only cost a couple of grand through the MB dealer if I understand their parts mark up !

Hi there

these type of keys are a real nuisance -- battery fails or receiver in the car fails and you are 100% hosed up. Even your average decent Mercedes dealer can't fix these and short of breaking a window and climbing in that way there is NO way to force the door open.

The new ones can even detect whether you are "DUI" and wont let you start the engine. However if YOU are OK but a colleague with you has had "One too many" the detector still wont let the engine start - it doesn't know WHO is the driver - it just detects the Alcohol.

Think a case of "Too Much technology".

Back to the point however -

Some computers can be fitted with Thumb or finger print detectors for example secure machines for CIA personnel etc etc.

Smart card operation has also been around for "Donkeys Years".

Cheers
jimbo

Clever idea, bad results. I definitely wont be fitting my PC with a DUI sensor... xD I love a drink while i game.

Nigsy said:

Just reading this thread loving the ignition key idea!!

How about:
Pos 1 - Monitor and peripherals start
Pos 2 - PC fires up
Pos 3 - Switch off or restart


Also the Mercedes scenario for DUI no good for a PC, how many of us have been drunk in charge of a keyboard.

Nice idea with the keys, but I want Pos.3 as start
also, it isn't illegal to be DuI of a Keyboard...(yet...)


anybody know how to fire up a monitor without passing 250v through the ignition system?

EDIT
off topic, i know...

I know this is off topic, but I finished Portal 2 this morning. by the look of the ending, portal 3 will not come to existance.. exhilarating though

might implement portal into my build some how...

Maybe I should go into the zip lock baggie sales business at all the exclusive "richie rich bars" so patrons can get themselves home! Just zip up the keys in the baggie and it can't sniff you out so to speak. Now if only technology could find you a clean working bathroom while driving on the road.......talk about "sniff this" ! lol

linnemeyerhere said:

Maybe I should go into the zip lock baggie sales business at all the exclusive "richie rich bars" so patrons can get themselves home! Just zip up the keys in the baggie and it can't sniff you out so to speak. Now if only technology could find you a clean working bathroom while driving on the road.......talk about "sniff this" ! lol

HAHAAA!!! That IS naughty, but i like the idea... surely a re-sealable bag would do?

DrToxic said:

anybody know how to fire up a monitor without passing 250v through the ignition system?

Use a relay. Only requires 12v to switch. Recommended if using any voltages above 48v, just to be on the safe side

xarden said:

DrToxic said:

anybody know how to fire up a monitor without passing 250v through the ignition system?

Use a relay. Only requires 12v to switch. Recommended if using any voltages above 48v, just to be on the safe side

im concidering unsoldering the buttons and putting extension wire in so the buttons go behind the monitors, down the back of the desk and on to the front of the PC case (aprox. 2 meters away!!) of course, i would have to leave the button there for show, but have the "Clicky bit" on the front of my pc and make a switchboard? xD

im not only going to have a keyswitch here..

That would be even better. How many monitors are you running? If more than one, it might pay to have them switched together at the monitors end.

Going a few posts back about the green wire, it needs to be grounded (shorted to a black wire) to enable the PSU to switch on. Breaking the connection will power off.
So bear this in mind if anyone is looking at doing that, and also remember to shut down your PC before you shutdown the PSU!