Depending on the Macintosh model you have, there are different software and
hardware solutions available. Many Desktop (examples: Macintosh IIcx, IIci)
and PowerBook models are capable of being remotely powered up or restarted.
Below are a few examples of some solutions.
* Farallon Timbuktu/Remote Pack includes a cable and software that allows a
Macintosh to be started remotely. For further details, contact the vendor,
Farallon. To obtain contact information, use "Farallon" as a search string.
* PowerKey is a hardware and software solution for compact and modular desktop
Macintoshes. For further details, contact the vendor, Sophisticated Circuits.
To obtain contact information, use "Sophisticated Circuits" as a search
string.
* If a Macintosh is powered on and is connected to an AppleTalk network, you
can use third party network management software to restart Macintoshes over
the network. GraceLAN Update Manager by TechWorks and Status*Mac by
ON Technology are two examples. Use the vendor as a search string for
contact information for these companies.
* For PowerBook computers, you can use the Auto Wake Up feature in the
PowerBook control panel to set a time for your PowerBook to automatically
"wake up."
Macintosh II, IIx computers: Special Information
------------------------------------------------
The information below describes how to modify the Macintosh II and IIx models,
which don't have the auto power capability. One of the scenarios suggested is
how the PowerKey product works.
If you want to modify the Macintosh, consider the following. The way to power
up the Macintosh II without pressing a button requires a modified power supply
or a completely different one. There is circuitry in the Macintosh II power
supply that senses a level transition from the logic board, initiated by
pressing either the button on the back of the machine or the reset key on the
ADB keyboard. If this transition does not occur, the power-up sequence does
not start. If a steady voltage is applied to the Power Fail signal line into
the power supply, the sequence will not start. The power supply must see the
transition to begin the power-up cycle. A modified power supply that powers up
with a voltage applied steadily, instead of level-shifted, would work in this
case.
To replace the switch on the back with a power-sensing switch, you must ensure
the proper connections are made, because the switch is a double-pole,
double-throw switch. Also, the new switch needs to perform the same function
as the existing mechanical one. That is, it must switch ground into the
shutdown circuit to shut off the system. Likewise, to turn the system on, it
must switch power in. This is not to say it cannot be done. Just make sure
the functions of the power-sensing switch are the same as the current
mechanical one.
Another possibility may be to create a circuit that plugs into the ADB port and
generates pulses of a sufficient amplitude (between 3.0 and 6.8VDC) and
duration (>1.5 seconds) on the proper pins (2 and 4) to operate the Power Fail
circuit in the present power supply long enough to bring it up. Perhaps a
remote ADB switch would work, too. It would need to momentarily connect pins 2
and 4 on the ADB port.
Article Change History:
22 December 1993 - Added new third party information, removed old info.