Searching for ways to activate your computer from a distance.
Searching for ways to activate your computer from a distance.
Start with what you have in mind: powering on your PC from within the same building, not switching towns or countries. Wake-on-LAN isn’t an option. I need my PC up and running, not just waking it from sleep, so WOL won’t do. My PC is in another room, connected via Thunderbolt 3—similar setup to Linus’s configuration. Unfortunately, connecting my Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 dock to the kit doesn’t seem feasible. Silverstone offers a kit for around 25€ that matches what I need, though I’m not a big fan of the included remote. I might be able to build a custom solution, like adding a button to my desk, but I’m curious if anyone has a better idea. I’m open to any suggestions.
Supporting the "really long wire" concept means you can use any length you need for your power button and LED. I’m not limited by practical constraints on cable length—what matters is functionality. I’d likely 3D print a PCIe slot cover with room for a header, create a splitter for the front header so the case remains usable, and run a long cable from there to the desk. Mount a high-brightness power button then. For extra features, add multiple power rails, maybe front audio, and some visual effects like RGB lighting.
I’m really going to support the Silverstone gadget. Just attach the remote to your desk—it’s simpler than hiding a long wire.
The long cable concept seems ideal. Sourcing the wiring would be straightforward—I can obtain it from work. Alternatively, a Cat.3 cable could add some aesthetic appeal. I’d also include two extra wires for the LEDs. Sounds good overall. Edit: If using Cat.3, I could connect it directly to my existing patch panel without needing new wiring, thanks to the available RJ45 jack. Or perhaps the stick would be more appealing!
I appreciate the big stick concept, even though it's gaining traction. It's quite adaptable, and when it's brown, it makes a great topic for humor. "It's brown and sticky..." "I don't know" – that's a solid punchline.
I rely on PiKVM in my home lab—it's a highly efficient remote management IPMI setup you can assemble for roughly $90 total. It includes guidance for ATX power control via a breadboard, though I haven't used it much since my servers stay on continuously. https://pikvm.org/