switch on network

Hi All Got a media server in the loft (old low power computer running Freenas) I can use the admin webpage to close the server down but looking for a way to start it up without having to climb into the loft. Got some of those wireless sockets from ASda (3 for £5) so can use that to get it off standby.

Options for turning it on :

A) Little module to connect to the network with hardwired i/p address so I could somehow close a relay momentarily to start the server - like to be able to do this but need a fw pointers where to start (not got the right search terms for google as yet lol)

B) plug another of the asda sockets with a homemade timed relay plugged in connected to the server startup so I can use one wireless remote to power up the server

C) run bellwire down with a push button ....

can any elctronics enthusiasts help here .... can manage b) or C) but would like some pointers for A

Nik

Reply to
nnk
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Is it too old to have S3 sleep and wake on LAN? It reduces the power to a couple of watts and you turn it on using a WOL utility.

Most BIOS allow you to select what happens when you return the power to the machine, just set it to startup and use the asda remote switch.

Reply to
dennis

well its got wake on pme and wake on modem - I assume i have to suspend to s3 rather than shutdown, I would also assume that I couldnt remove the power completely (would need to stay on stand by at least

Reply to
nnk

Indeed.

Do modern PCs have enough smarts to capture the BIOS output (and early stages of OS boot) and dump that onto the network? One thing I've found in the past that's a pig is when the machine goofs during boot for some reason, and you're none the wiser as to the cause until you physically plug a display and keyboard into it - maybe that drawback is catered for on modern systems though?

(I seem to recall lots of noise about replacing the entire BIOS with cut- down Linux a few years ago, which might do the job, but I'm not sure what came of it)

Reply to
Jules Richardson

How about D - use Wake on LAN, tis what it was designed for!

Reply to
John Rumm

have tried but cant seem to get it to work :-( plus for the few days/week I dont have my kids I would like to disconnect the power rather than leave on stand by)

Reply to
nnk

Set BIOS power section to 'always on' and use a wireless remote adaptor or X10 gadget. All our PCs at work are set to power up instantly to recover from power failure.

Reply to
Chris Oates

Yes and No.

If you buy nice expensive server boards, then some of them will run the BIOS over a serial line. Most won't. Linux (and it's bootloaders) can be persuaded to use a serial line - which is what I use for all my own servers - connected to a serial line terminal server...

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Reply to
Gordon Henderson

To ensure surges when the power returns, you mean? :-)

Do desktops really need that at work? Servers, maybe, but surely the desktop has somebody next to it.

Reply to
Clive George

If you can't get Wake On LAN to work, then ...

If those wireless sockets can switch mains on & off, then you're all set:

Connect Screen & Keyboard up to it and enter the BIOS - See if the BIOS has an option to auto turn on when powered up. Most have. Set it.

Remotely turn it off via the control panel, then turn the plug off via the wireless controller. Turn it on again and the PC will boot when the power comes on.

Or do you have a master power control for the whole loft? On it's own circuit/breaker? Use that...

Gordon

Reply to
Gordon Henderson

How much power do these use?

Reply to
Clive George

very dangerous

Nothing destroys a disk faster than just booting up as the automatic breakers cut in after a line short, only to trip out JUST at the point of maximum disk access, during boot. Or he roomful of PCS trips the main breaker as ALL the SMPS'es take maximum current to charge up the capacitors.

I've lost two machines completely to that. Head crash.

Now I leave machines off till I KNOW the power is properly restored.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

There are home automation products that will do what you want:

This is an example though perhaps a bit expensive for what you want.

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My Netgear ReadyNAS Duo media server has On and Off times for each day of the week. It lives in my loft next to my broadband router. Hopefully it uses a bit less power than a PC.

Modern mobos often allow you to set a time at which they will wake up. My old Dell one did not have that facility, which was one reason I bought the ReadyNAS

Reply to
Michael Chare

I didn't say they were desktops and I didn't recommend that the OP shut down his PC abruptly - he can do this softly from anotherc PC - his problem is starting it again - setting the Bios to always on will do this if he then powers up by wireless.

Reply to
Chris Oates

I tend to call servers servers, not PCs...

(yes, I know exactly what you were recommending - sounds entirely sensible for his situation, unlike a room full of PCs)

Reply to
Clive George

Bugger all. According to one of those little plugin power meters one her uses 1W ( which may not be accurate but I've no reason to think it's anythign very much)

Reply to
chris French

worked a treat

thank-you

Reply to
nnk

thank - you that is rather expensive but looking under home automaton turned up

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is half the price ... very interesting

I am still wondering how to do a DIY version with one channel (solved server problem though)

Nik

Reply to
nnk

Yes, I found a manual for the Aviosys product:

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have not found a voltage/current rating for the contacts.

Reply to
Michael Chare

lol I particurlarly like " cool in summer or WORM in winter "

at £42 I may try it

Reply to
nnk

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