Power button extender

[bpimmerman]

I modded an old dell laptop into a picture frame, except the power button is deep in the box and i have to reach my pinky through a hole i drilled.

I'm looking for something that would allow me to either extend the power button to the outside of the box, or, ideally, a flexible, mountable, power button pusher.

anyone know where I can find something like this?

-Brian

 

[RhoXS]

The power button on a computer is simple a normally open contact that momentarily closes when the button is pushed, just like a door bell button. Buy a normally open button of your choice from Radio Shack or scavenge one from an old computer case, mount it where you want, and wire it in parallel with the existing power button. If you do this, make sure you get a normally open button, not a normally closed button, as Radio Shack probably has both and they both look alike. The big problem you will have is gaining access to the connections on the existing button as it is probably mounted directly to a circuit board. You will need good soldering skills to do this and a low wattage (10 watt) soldering iron.

 

[JamesL]

http://www.mouser.com/Electromechan...0yz8aZ1yzxjgcZ1z0z812Z1yzuohsZ1z0z5fmZ1yzvpjr

most of these would work.. N-O, momentary, panel-mountable switch.

 

[Woofer00]

Maybe, I'm simplifying this a little too much, but why not just remove the switch, solder on some longer leads, and use the one you have?

 

[Cajunheat]

Wouldn't the simplest thing to do is use a metal or wooden rod cut to length?
Ex: O-----0-- <-- rod
button.....hole in case

 

[Majikka]

Wouldn't the simplest thing to do is use a metal or wooden rod cut to length?
Ex: O-----0-- <-- rod
button.....hole in case

that just looks wrong is so many ways....i got a dirty mind.

 

[vsboxerboy]

Just use a chopstick

 

[bpimmerman]

thanks for the quick responses, i'm not sure if i want to go messing with the in innards of the laptop, if it was a desktop then no problem, and of course that is the way to go, but I think i'm just going to stick with a stick for now, I like the idea of a chopstick actually. might give it some flare.

If I do end up opening it up and taking apart the power switch i'll post some pics.

 

[Woofer00]

thanks for the quick responses, i'm not sure if i want to go messing with the in innards of the laptop, if it was a desktop then no problem, and of course that is the way to go, but I think i'm just going to stick with a stick for now, I like the idea of a chopstick actually. might give it some flare.

If I do end up opening it up and taking apart the power switch i'll post some pics.

mmm... fire...
Flare vs. Flair

 

[bpimmerman]

ouch woofer, very ouch.