> > I am working on a small gadget to remotely turn on and off appliances
> > through Internet. The first test will be done with my PC so as
> to be able
> > later to remotely connect to it. My question is : what is the best
> > electronic switch to use ? Conventional relays ? Solid-state
> relays ? Any
> > other type of relays ? The signal driving the unit will be, of course,
> > digital.

Switching on and even off a PC basing on a ATX-Power-Supply, is very simple.

Normaly, you use a button at the front off the PC-housing, to start the
system. Therefore, there is a 2 pin connection on the motherboard. You can
connect several buttons there, or even a mosfet (like an electronic button)
in a parallel manner.

You only have to control this mosfet with a pulse of about a second max. to
became electroconductive to switch on the PC. And, if W2K or newer, you can
also close down the PC with the same button.

Best Jens

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