Turning computer on and off w/out opening cabinet

[adajmk]

I have a dedicated computer running mame with GameEx as my front end. Right now whenever I want to turn on my computer and start playing games I have to open up the front of my cabinet to hit my computer power button.

I would rather not leave the computer on all the time and was thinking that one way to do this would be to set up GameEx to hibernate my computer directly from the front end.

I know GameEx has the ability to enter directly into Stand By from the program. Unfortunately, whenever I try to set my computer to standby it goes into standby and then restarts immediately.

Does anyone know how to change this so that instead of going to standby I can hibernate my computer instead?

Is there a better way to turn my computer on and off without having to open the front of my cabinet each time?

[MtDew12oz]

I'm using a power strip that has a master outlet sensor that triggers the other outlets to go on/off when whenever the computer is turned on or off. Cost was just a couple more bucks then a high quality power strip, well worth it when you got everything crammed in a cabnet and you don't want to mess with all the plugs and switches. I have this plugged into a small battery backup with a power sensor that will trigger a shutdown in the event of a power outage - working great for some time now.

Check http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Hardware-Cable/Item/LCG1/

[Mike_Fu]

Depending on how tech saavy you are; it might not be a bad idea just to re-route your PC's power button to a button on the outside of your cabinet. Not sure what you cab looks like but that's what I did and it works great for me.

[eXo]

Depending on how tech saavy you are; it might not be a bad idea just to re-route your PC's power button to a button on the outside of your cabinet. Not sure what you cab looks like but that's what I did and it works great for me.

Thats exactly what I did. I extended the power switch and hid it under the coin drop-box. It's practically invisible, and is hidden by the coin door anyways.

[Rustynutts]

Depending on how tech saavy you are; it might not be a bad idea just to re-route your PC's power button to a button on the outside of your cabinet. Not sure what you cab looks like but that's what I did and it works great for me.

Same as i re wired the power button to a standard arcade button it work a treat

[macroman]

Same as i re wired the power button to a standard arcade button it work a treat

Just buy one of these http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/images/obsfgreenbig.jpg

Drill hole in cabinet, fit button.

Disconnect the cable from power switch on PC front and reconnect to the button ensuring other end is still attached to motherboard.

Instant solution.

[Brian Hoffman]

Most new PC's support Keyboard poweron. set this in your bios I use an Xarcade but most controlpanels go through PS2. once this is enable all you should have to do is wiggle your joystick to poweron and use Gameex to power off.

Good luck

Brian Hoffman

[MattyMame]

Most new PC's support Keyboard poweron. set this in your bios I use an Xarcade but most controlpanels go through PS2. once this is enable all you should have to do is wiggle your joystick to poweron and use Gameex to power off.

Good luck

Brian Hoffman

Thanks for this. It's so simple yet very effective. I had no idea you could do this. Thanks again Mate!!!

[rygars#1#fan]

I,m not that tech savvy but can follow instructions.When you say that you can use a standard arcade button-does that include using the microswitch as well.If one of the replers could list a few simple steps to achieve this like which wire goes on which and a couple of basic directions i would be most appreciative.

Thanks in advance.

[shbon]

I,m not that tech savvy but can follow instructions.When you say that you can use a standard arcade button-does that include using the microswitch as well.If one of the replers could list a few simple steps to achieve this like which wire goes on which and a couple of basic directions i would be most appreciative.

Thanks in advance.

Look at Brian Hoffman's suggestion. It's the easiest if you've a newish PC. When you boot your PC it normally tells you which key to press to enter the BIOS - sometimes it's the DEL key. Once in the BIOS setup screen look for a item like 'Power-On' (maybe several levels down the menu structure somewhere). It may have a value something like 'On/Off Button only'. Change this to 'Any Key' or similar and F10 to save and exit. Then, after a windows shutdown, you should be able to restart the PC by pressing any button (which simulates a keypress).

The other way is to wire up a button (switch) to the Power (and mayble also the Reset) jumpers on the motherboard (or reuse the existing wiring from your case power-on button). Obviously, this requires a bit of (reasonably simple) electrical knowledge, a couple of push-buttons and jumper connectors and maybe the motherboard manual if you don't know where the jumpers are located (Normally a block of 'prongs' on the edge of the motherboard, front side).

Hope this helps.

Shaun

[rygars#1#fan]

Thanks again,just what i needed.

More power to you for helping the less tech minded.

[Tom Speirs]

Hi I just have my cab and PC connected to the same outlet in the wall. I jus turn off the switch.

This is what I did.

1. Turned off write caching on all the drives (or set for quick removal), so it does not screw up windows too much.

2. Set the BIOS option on the PC, so when it looses power abnormally it will turn back on.

Not that I recommend this solution, but it works for me. I just turn on/off one switch on the wall.

If you do this though, make sure you exit GameEx before turning off so it can save any newly added favorites.