Remote power up?

[Ploki]

I just figured it seems like a horrible oversight to not have remote power for a machine such as this. Is there any way to do this (aside setting up a schedule?)

 

[leo-tech]

Wake-on-LAN comes to mind ... but, failing that, I guess it shouldn't be too difficult to create a simple remotely controlled device, capable of briefly pushing and releasing (exactly as human finger does) Power On button on Mac Mini, and physically attached to MM to do just that.

Also you may need to enable Automatic login (under System Preferences - Login Options - Automatic login), so your computer can boot completely without the local user present (optional, may present a security risk).

Some ideas for parts of such a device:

ezOutlet2 - Internet Enabled IP Remote Power Switch with Reboot
(AC Power/Single Outlet/iOS/Android/Cloud/Web Controllable)
https://3gstore.com/product/4186_single_outlet_remote_power_switch.html
https://www.amazon.com/ezOutlet2-Internet-Enabled-Android-Controllable/dp/B0792S1DGZ

Adafruit Mini Push-Pull Solenoid 5V
https://www.amazon.com/Adafruit-Mini-Push-Pull-Solenoid-ADA2776/dp/B0722JK1L1

 

[Ploki]

haha ;D physical remote. that just looks too cool

 

[leo-tech]

Well, but surely it can replace your physical self, pushing your Mac Mini Power On button, when the need arises?

 

[Ploki]

Well, but surely it can replace your physical self, pushing your Mac Mini Power On button, when the need arises?

I now want it even if i'm gonna sit next to mini

 

[wardie]

Get an IoT-enabled power socket (e.g. Zigbee, Z-wave) and cheap hub to control it however you want?

 

[Ploki]

Get an IoT-enabled power socket (e.g. Zigbee, Z-wave) and cheap hub to control it however you want?

I'm really not happy with killing the power off with disks and everything connected

 

[wardie]

I'm really not happy with killing the power off with disks and everything connected

Ah I thought you were interested in power up not down! Maybe another idea is a ups that you could remotely control - they link via USB to the mac and can tell it to shut down etc

 

[Ploki]

Ah I thought you were interested in power up not down! Maybe another idea is a ups that you could remotely control - they link via USB to the mac and can tell it to shut down etc

I mean, it wont power up automatically if it's just connected to an outlet that turns on and off
only way to achieve that is to select "power up after power failure"

 

[wardie]

I mean, it wont power up automatically if it's just connected to an outlet that turns on and off
only way to achieve that is to select "power up after power failure"

um yes I see your point... sounds like only way is LAN wake up? Now I get the physical button thing below. Sounds unreliable. Are there any ways to Hotwire the power buttons and then use something like a IoT relay?

 

[leo-tech]

Another theoretically possible solution: a small remotely accessible robot, which can be trained to approach MM and push Power On button on request (for convenience it can also be equipped with video camera).

BTW, the intuition tells me that there must be some micro relay in MM2018 somewhere inside, connected to its Power On button, and it can be triggered from the outside (by properly placed external magnet, or by some signal on USB etc), causing the same power on effect, but it remains to be seen whether or not it is the case.

 

[wardie]

Another theoretically possible solution: a small remotely accessible robot, which can be trained to approach MM and push Power On button on request (for convenience it can also be equipped with video camera).

BTW, the intuition tells me that there must be some micro relay in MM2018 somewhere inside, connected to its Power On button, and it can be triggered from the outside by properly placed external magnet, but it remains to be seen whether or not it is the case.

Here you go.. just ask Walker.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/ubtech-walker-hands-on,38389.html

 

[leo-tech]

What would be the best way to measure the actual force, required to push MM Power On button all the way in? (I think the micro solenoid solution can actually work, there is a simple way to make its action reasonably reliable).