James Fraser wrote: >on 1-11-05 7:08 PM, Colin at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > >>7. Get a keylock (like on old x86 PC's) and wire that to your Mac's >>power switch. Without the key in, the system won't boot, and you can't >>bork a powered-down system. >> >> >This one I like best of all. Um, know of a good page with a walk-through >for this? > (Warning: PC terminology! Beware!) None that I know of. I haven't seen a power lock since the old days of the AT power supply, which leads me to believe that with the advent of the soft-power software-controlled ATX power supply, it's become impossible to do.
Just kidding! It's not done the same way, but it's still very doable. From http://linear1.org/gm/archives/00000180.php (covering PC power supplies, but Macs work similarly, just with the wires in different places): Oh yeah, and I won't be held responsible for damages if you go through with this. --- *Q: Can I use an ignition-style, or key switch?* A: Absolutely, as long as it meets the requirement of being momentary, it will work as an ATX power switch. *Q: I'd like to lock the kids out, or keep them from powering the machine off while I'm using it. What sort of switch is best?* A: You can use a non-momentary key switch in series with the power button. When the key switch is closed, the power button will work normally. When the key switch is open (and presumably the key removed), the power button will neither power on or power off your system. Soft shutdown will work like normal however. *Q: Can I use a military-style covered toggle switch?* A: Usually, the flip covers are separate from the switches. So if you can buy a momentary toggle switch that fits your flip cover, you can use that directly. Several online retailers will sell you this combination. However, you may also choose to use the toggle as a "arming" switch for the real power button. For this trick, place the toggle in series with the real power button, so that it interrupts the connection made by the power button (you may interrupt either wire to the power switch). This is especially effective if you have a lighted power button, since you can "arm" the power button more visibly by having the toggle light up the power button at the same time. That would require a DPST or DPDT toggle to close both the switch and the light circuit simultaneously. --- On a Mac, the power key on the keyboard would automatically defeat these three options (but if you don't have a Power key on your keyboard, go for the ignition! That would be so cool!). However, if you install the switch on the PS_ON# wire coming from the power supply, it should work. To do that, you would need a momentary (ignition) type switch. Pros: - Really cool. - Secure. - No way to defeat this short of opening the case, shorting the circuit and hitting the Power key. Cons: - Never tried it. Especially not on a Mac. - Installation is a pain. - Voids your warranty. - Keys can be lost. - Your keyboard's Power key won't work (unless you replace the Power key with the switch instead) You will need: - A Mac (or a friend's Mac) - A keyswitch - Must make momentary contact (not a toggle switch), like starting a car. - Must be push-to-make (normally open), as opposed to the common push-to-break. - A hole-creating tool (drill, Dremel, shotgun...) - Time - Patience - 18 AWG wire, insulated - Soldering iron and soldering accessories (especially solder) - Testosterone highly recommended for adventurous, possibly dangerous mods like this. 1. Turn off your Mac and cut the power. Disconnect any cables that could have power in them. Hell, disconnect them all. 2. Tap the power button on the case a few times to drain any flea power remaining.. 3. Cut a hole in your Mac and mount the switch. Close the case to make sure it will close. If not, oops; time to improvise something. 4. Find out where your PSU's PS_ON# wire is. (It's on the 20-pin connector, should have a unique color.) 5. Cut the wire and splice in your switch. If you need more wire, you can solder on normal, *insulated* 18 AWG wire. Make sure you do it right. 6. Leave your Mac open (if you can). Plug in your octopus of cables. 7. Cross as many fingers as possible. 8. Hit the Power key. Nothing should happen. 9. Insert the key and turn it. Make obligatory engine noises if you so desire. Listen for the startup sound. 10. Make sure nothing is shorted, smoking or flaming. Run your Mac for a while to confirm this, preferably something that will tax the PSU. Try burning a disc, defragging your hard drive and running some Photoshop filters. Your computer should not shut down during all this. 11. Turn the key again. The Mac will shut itself down as it normally would (or should). 12. Shut the case and pat yourself on the back (or have a friend do it), you've just modded your Mac! Note that if you wanted your warranty, you should not have done the preceding steps. Guess I should have put that first, huh? :-) 13. Put the key where you won't lose it, like on your keychain or under one of those plastic key-hiding "rocks." 14. Brag extensively. You've earned it. Just don't lose the key. Play around with your Mac, see what works and what doesn't (the Power key not starting the Mac likely being the only major change). Be sure to service your Mac every 3,000 gigaflops or every six months, whichever comes first. Check all the fluid-bearings, rotate the hard drives, tighten all hoses, clamps and cables, et cetera. >>(Make sure your great-niece doesn't have a screwdriver or else this will be >>all for naught.) >> >> >Sorry, I don't follow. Are the mounting screws for the keylock you've >described exposed? Is that what you mean? > > What I meant was you can use all the software security you like to protect your Mac. But if she finds a screwdriver and opens your Mac, you'll be in some potentially costly trouble. I'm sure to a twelve-year-old, the inside of a Mac would be far more entertaining than software. Especially the games of "let's see if this hard drive bounces" or "does a PPC 604e float?" My PC case has a lock for the side door (protecting the inside) and the front (protecting the drives and power/reset switches. All that's missing is something to keep people from ripping the cables out of the back. You possibly can fit your Mac into a PC case, I know a G4 will fit in an ATX case, kinda. But you might be exiled from the Mac community for something like that :-P -- Colin Webmaster, Zeonline <http://www.zeonline.net/> <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... 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