Power Button on Dell Dimension 4600c

[katuuuz]

Hey guys.

I picked up this dimension 4600c because it was nice and compact for my smaller sized cab. problem is, now that the software end is finished, I'm left wondering if I can even wire a cherry switch to the power button so I can turn the pc on from the outside of the cabinet. Did some looking around at the dell guides to figure out how to do this, when I found out the power button isn't wired to a microswitch at all. Apparently it is somehow connected to a cable that runs to the I/O panel if that makes any sense to anyone else. Here is a link to the I/O removal instructions:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600c/sm/iopanel.htm

any idea if I can in fact do this?

[Hunk_4TH]

If your trying to do what I'm thinking you are. This is pretty easy. I did it on my cab when I had one. What I did on my motherboard was cut the end of the power button and just connect it to the arcade button or whatever your using for a power button. I had to extend my power button wire. Anyway I hope this helps. Post back!

[IMBerzerk]

Hey guys.

I picked up this dimension 4600c because it was nice and compact for my smaller sized cab. problem is, now that the software end is finished, I'm left wondering if I can even wire a cherry switch to the power button so I can turn the pc on from the outside of the cabinet. Did some looking around at the dell guides to figure out how to do this, when I found out the power button isn't wired to a microswitch at all. Apparently it is somehow connected to a cable that runs to the I/O panel if that makes any sense to anyone else. Here is a link to the I/O removal instructions:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600c/sm/iopanel.htm

any idea if I can in fact do this?

Yes, you can. What Hunk is referring to is possible to do. BUT... might be easier to leave it alone. Look at that drawing, you need to find which pins that connector engages on that panel, and match them to the ports on the ribbon. You can do this with the conductive setting on a voltmeter (the setting that beeps when you touch the leads together). Follow the wires down the ribbon to the switch, stick the leads in the connector and press the button, when it beeps you know you have them, then match the posts on that board. Most of the wires on that ribbon are probably LED's anyway, so once you find the right ones, you can most likely toss that ribbon aside and not use it.

Now if you have an old pc laying around, snip the leads off the power switch, go to Radio Shack, buy a single push, single throw switch (or you can use an arcade button), and solder the wires to it... it should do the trick for you.

It can be a frustrating process, but I've done it more than once, and it always worked out OK. Good luck.

IMB

PS... or you can mount the PC directly in front of the coin door, and reach your hand in to turn it off/on.

[Draco1962]

I think I actually saw on a cab design where someone installed a spring loaded plunger-style button [)------(] [) is exterior button on cab, ------- plunger or spring-loaded stick , and (] button on front of PC . That way they didn't have to open the coin door or jury-rig wiring to accommodate.

[Brian Hoffman]

Some BIOS's have the ability to poweron the pc from a keypress. The option is KBPOWERON.. However Dell isnt know for leaving in many options in the BIOS.. Worth a look

[katuuuz]

Interesting. I figure If I can't figure out how to wire it up, maybe I'll set the pc bios to power up when I actually plug it in. I forget what the option in the bios was called, I think it's something like boot upon dc recovery or something like that. That's what I did on my first cab and although it's not my preferred method, it worked out.

[katuuuz]

Some BIOS's have the ability to poweron the pc from a keypress. The option is KBPOWERON.. However Dell isnt know for leaving in many options in the BIOS.. Worth a look

Yeah bri, I remember people posting about this too. As you implied (or rather, as I comprehended) dells are dumb like that so I doubt it but it is worth a look.

[Draco1962]

My home server (built on a Gateway P4) boots on power-up. Important when lightning and squirrels take down the power.

[katuuuz]

Lol damn squirrels!

[Draco1962]

We probably have as many squirrels as people here in Jax. Also, with Florida being the lightning capitol of the world, we have our share of browns and outs. Even had lightning come in though the faucet on the side of the house and take out my surround system, a few PCs, a TV, a router, and the garage door opener. our electric is underground, but there are raised lines a few blocks away on the same grid, so occasionally a squirrel with create a nice ground across a transformer and take out power for an hour or so.