MPEGBOX 12 Volt DC-DC ATX Shutdown Controller by Jeff Mucha

Overview:

This shutdown controller is used for people who use ATX motherboards in their car. The idea was thought up by some of the people on www.mp3car.com. The basic idea is as follows:You have a computer in your trunk, you don't want to have to push the power button or worry about shutting down the computer correctly. This unit goes in between the cars 12-volt electrical system and a power inverter or to a DC-DC ATX power supply. After a fixed amount of time after the cars ignition goes off, the unit will "push the power switch" and that will tell the computer to shutdown. After that, it will kill all the power to the computer so that it doesn't drain your battery. When the car comes back on (you set your BIOS to boot after power loss) your ready to go again.

Note: When you first power on the shutdown controller it has to go through a complete cycle. It may appear that it is stuck in the on position, but if you wait for the timers to charge up to their operating voltages, the device will behave like expected. To verify, turn R2 to the minimum time, short jumper J1 and wait a few seconds. The device should turn off.

Features:

• Saves Battery Life
• Convenient Automated Control
• 25 Amp Max Load Current
• Load Dump Protection
• Reverse Voltage Protection
• Adjustable Timers
• Optional Kill Switch Connector

 

Operation:

 

Time to Pulse (R1): This is a dial on the unit that will let you set the amount of time it waits to send the "atx power pulse." When power to the ignition line goes low, the unit will wait this amount of time. This time is adjustable and is typically 47 seconds - 9 minutes (or 0 with kill switch.)  Clockwise is less time.

 

ATX Pulse Length (R3): This is a dial on the unit that will let you set the amount of time it asserts the "atx power pulse." You can set it up to effectively push the power button for .5-5 seconds. Clockwise is less time

 

Time to Kill (R2):. This is a dial on the unit that will let you set the amount of time the unit waits to kill all power to the computer after the ATX pulse has been signaled. Basically after the pulse that simulates the power switch press, the computer should power it's self down, then you just want to make sure that functions like "Wake on Lan" don't kill you battery.. Therefore after this timer, the power is pulled by opening the relay. This time is adjustable and is typically .5 seconds to 110 seconds. Clockwise is less time

 

ATX Power Switch (J2): This jumper goes to the power switch on a typical atx motherboard. The - side is just ground and the plus side (pin 1) is the signal path. To figure out which one is plus and minus, use a volt meter and check to see which pin has 5 volts on it. That is the signal. when you hit the power switch, you basically connect that wire to ground and that is what this controller does to generate the "ATX Pulse Length" which is set at (P3). This is also useful if you want to turn the computer on manually and not set up the BIOS to "always power on after power loss." A momentary switch can be wired up in parallel with this jumper to bypass the shutdown controller for what ever reason. 

Optional Kill Switch (J1): To set the "Time to Pulse" length to 0 seconds, short this jumper by connecting a momentary switch. This will immediately send the atx pulse and then initiate a "time to kill" thus killing power to the computer.

Optional Aux Connection (J3): To Connect a toggle switch here if you don't want the computer to come on with the ignition. Instead it will come on with the switch. DO NOT CONNECT THE AUX WIRE if you use this feature.

 

Power LED: Green LED to indicate that the relay is connected and the computer is on.

 

Specifications:
Input Voltage	6-25 volts DC
+12 Ignition threshold	~8 volts DC
Relay Switch Current	25 Amps Max
Operating Current "Relay On"	~80 mA
Operating Current "Relay Off"	~3 mA

Wiring Diagram:

Recommended Supplies:
In the picture below there is some 12 gauge wire, crimp connectors, a fuse holder and the shutdown controller. The Fuse shown is 10 amps. Depending on your system you may want to buy a larger fuse. All of the wiring accessories are available at any auto parts store.

Mounting:

There are two mounting holes on the shutdown controller, It can be bolted to any chassis using screws. Make sure the traces are not shorted out to any metal. The other option is to enclose the device in ~1 inch diameter heat shrink tube and secure the device to other cables in the system.

Ordering:

If you would like to purchase a shutdown controller please go through my PayPal Shopping Cart. You can pay with a credit card through PayPals secure site or with money in your PayPal account. Shipping is included in the prices below for US and International orders. Fuse, connectors, and wire are not included. I highly recommend using a fuse and 12 gauge wire. This device should be installed with someone with electronics experience. By ordering a device from this site you acknowledge that I shall not be held responsible for damages, direct or indirect, for the use or misuse of this device.

This shutdown controller is no longer available. It's replacement is however. Contact orders@mpegbox.com or visit www.mp3car.com to purchase the new micro Shutdown Controller. uSDC20D

©2001 Jeff Mucha. All Rights Reserved.