T40 as Remote Server

[billmar]

I want to use a T40 as a remote server. To do this it needs to power up when AC power is supplied and completely by pass the power switch (BIOS does not support this option). Does anyone have detailed instructions on how to make the necessary hardware changes to either the system or a docking station?

[RealBlackStuff]

You could try sending a (wired) ethernet signal using WOL (Wake-On-LAN), an option in the BIOS.
I have a HP T5700 Thin Client with embedded OS (XP) that automatically restarts after a power-out.
It has a 6GB MicroDrive inside and 4 USB ports, so you could easily connect a large external drive.
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quic ... 3_div.HTML
PM me if you are interested to buy this for $75.- shipped within the USA.

[rkawakami]

The hacker in me says to use a 555 timer IC in a one-shot configuration and crack open a port replicator and wire the relay contacts across the power button. I don't know what the switch contacts are like in the port replicator so you should probably open one up and see how it's configured. Things would be perfect if it's just a simple "normally open" push button.

Assuming you are looking for a schematic diagram and can wire up the circuit, something like this might work:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LM555.html

Search for Delayed Lockout Circuit. You don't need switch S1, the green LED and its associated resistor for your purposes. Values of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 dictate the relay on time. They need to be selected for a time of about 1/2 second. This should be good enough to simulate the duration of a "button push". If a 100Kohm resistor is used, then the capacitor needs to be 4.7uF. To keep the timer output consistent the capacitor should be a tantalum type (low leakage). Power supplied to the 555 timers can be from 5V to 12V. A general purpose AC/DC adapter can be used as long as it can supply the current necessary to power everything; 500mA should be enough.

ref: http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/555timer.htm
ref: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.p ... tor-Tables