Laptop Converted to 2nd Monitor

Step 7 Power Button

Still rough, but almost done. The power buttons still need to be mounted. As noted earlier, they have already been wired on to twisted pairs.

You can see my original mount for the power button on the lower right of the screen frame. Yeah, it didn't really fit there. LCD in the way and all. Whoops. Also need room for a 2nd button.

So I decided to rivet a small metal plate into the top to hold the Power and Fan Power buttons. I know no one else will agree with me on this, but frankly, I don't see the point of doing a homebrew electronic project unless it's got a ZARKING GIGANTIC RED BUTTON on it.

That, and this fine lil, delicate LCD computer all fast and pretty in its shiny steel plating, zooming along with an atrocious, junk bin "Panic Button" on top like a satellite antenna just makes me smile. Every time I feel that switch and its positive engagement when I turn the fans on, it reminds me of my corporate surplus 286 with a big red toggle on the side, 2400 baud and Jolt Cola. Ah, youth...

So far so good, everything is in place, let's see if it still works...

The Fan Power button controls an independent +12v linear supply driven off a 7812 with a TIP2955 "laddered" in. Once again, UTFSE...

Comments

[Madrias357]

I agree, actually. Everything needs a big red button... Especially homebrew stuff.