Wirelessly Triggering a transistor

[sl1solo76]

I use my computer a lot for watching movies and at night i really don't like getting up and having to manually hit the power switch, so i was thinking it could be possible to do it wireless.

Now i have a general concept here, maybe an IR reciever going to the base, a line feeding from the power supply somehow connecting to the collector, and the emitter tied to the PS_ON line. Connecting the +v from the power supply and the PS_on is the same as pushing the power button.

The only thing is I am not sure how to make the receiving LED trigger the transistor... directly hooking it up sounds way to simple...

any ideas? or IS it that simple?

 

[zeitghost]

Simplest way is to use an encoder/decoder pair...

You need an encoder to generate a pattern that only the decoder will respond to, rather than all the IR devices in your bedroom (tv, video, dvd player etc etc).

Holtek do some suitable encoder/decoder pairs, HT12A, HT12D, HT12E, HT12F...

Download the datasheets from their site & see if they are suitable.

 

[oswaler]

I can say that your idea of wirelessly triggering a transistor to turn on your computer is definitely possible. In fact, there are already products on the market that use wireless technology to turn on devices remotely. The basic concept you have described is correct, where an IR receiver would detect a signal and activate the transistor, which would then complete the circuit and turn on your computer.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when implementing this idea. Firstly, the transistor needs to have a high enough current rating to handle the power supply line and the PS_ON line. Additionally, you would need to ensure that the IR receiver and the transistor are compatible in terms of voltage and current.

Another important factor to consider is the security of your computer. With wireless technology, there is always a risk of interference or someone else triggering your computer to turn on. Therefore, it would be wise to add some form of security measure, such as a password or authentication process, to prevent unauthorized access to your computer.

In terms of directly hooking up the IR receiver to the transistor, it may not be as simple as it sounds. The IR receiver may require a specific voltage or current to function properly, and this may not be compatible with the transistor. It would be best to consult the datasheets of both components and possibly use additional circuitry, such as resistors, to ensure proper functioning.

In conclusion, wirelessly triggering a transistor to turn on your computer is a feasible idea, but it requires careful consideration of various factors such as compatibility, security, and proper circuit design. It is always recommended to consult a professional or conduct thorough research before attempting to implement such a project.