[mythtv-users] powering on a laptop frontend

[bhaskins at chartermi.net]

---- Iain Buchanan <iaindb at netspace.net.au> wrote: 
> Hi all,
> 
> I have a semi-old laptop that I'm using as a frontend.  It has
> integrated IR and a reasonable graphics card with TV-out, so it works
> fine for the job.
> 
> Problem is, I don't want to leave it on all the time, as it can get hot
> here.  I can hibernate and resume fine with the power button, but I want
> to close the lid and hide all but the front in my cabinet.  I can
> hibernate with some IR code, but how do I resume?
> 
> WOL works so long as I suspend to disk in ACPI S4 (not in S5), but only
> while there is AC power.  As soon as the AC is removed, even though the
> battery is fine, WOL stops working.  And ideally I don't want to go to
> another computer to turn on my frontend!
> 
> There is no power on via IR or serial (IR is com1) in the BIOS.  Perhaps
> if I enable "power on after AC loss"?
> 
> So ultimately: how do I power it on with an IR remote or a remote
> button?
> 
> The only things I can think of are: 1. create a IR-to-WOL micro, or 2.
> an IR-to-digital relay and connect to the power button terminals inside
> the laptop, and 3. just extend the power button with a longer cable (but
> this isn't "remote")... any other ideas?

FWIW The only laptops that I know about or care about are IBM Thinkpads.
 and I use one of mine as a backend.
I go DCH3200 -> firewire > Thinkpad.
This buys me two things, a extra capture station and a almost totally silent
means of recording shows that happen during bedtime hours.
Many new "vistas" open up as soon as you use a docking station.
For example it's much nicer to keep the display powered off and the
computer alive in standby this way.
Mine stays cool and takes very little power used that way.
If you wanted to do a IR this way you could just use the RS ir module and
wire it to the on button in the dock and thereby avoid "butchering" or even
opening up  the LT.
I do have a lot to learn/figure out about transfering the recorded shows  to my 
other boxes though.
My best,
  Bert

> 
> thanks!
> 
> thanks!
> -- 
> Iain Buchanan <iaindb at netspace dot net dot au>
> 
> This ae nighte, this ae nighte,
> Everye nighte and alle,
> Fire and sleet and candlelyte,
> And Christe receive thy saule.
> 		-- The Lykewake Dirge
> 
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