8 Wizard
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1378
April 12th, 2022 14:00
Aurora R1, Deluxe Remote Power-Switch install
I though this would be the hard-part, but then I realized I have to do the electrical part also
Initially, I really just need Power-Switch feature to work.
Anyone have any ideas about the optimal way to go about this little project? Can both power-switches work concurrently?
This machine is to be my new Kodi/Windows-gaming box, but that machine is typically in the closet, so this will be a nice upgrade. The larger black connecter will go to the motherboard's free USB-3 Header.
Dell Rockstar Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS Developer (Retired) |
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
1
April 17th, 2022 09:00
The deluxe Remote Power Switch is installed and seems to be working fine.
I spliced into the wires for Pins 6 and 8 (about 3 inches from connector). I added a custom-cable to connect to Remote-Power-Switch.
4 Attachments
custom1.JPEG
custom2.JPEG
splice1.JPEG
connector1.JPEG
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 12th, 2022 18:00
This header should be the same on Aurora R1-R4, so looks like ...
Pin 6 and 8 are the Power-On-Switch. And you can have more than one connected (as they are simple switches in this model).
https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-Desktops/Aurora-R4-wiring-of-MIO-board/td-p/8147996
I'll go along this route for now.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 26th, 2022 11:00
The above works fine for basic remote Power-Switch functionality. All the the machine's original functionality is also retained.
I went ahead and wired-up the Power-Light also (notice it has a defined positive and negative). Works fine. This unit now produces a soft blue-led glow while the machine is powered-up.
Since actual machine ends-up being in the closet in other bedroom ... it's nice to have the real Power-Switch, Power-Light, and full (hard-wired) USB-2.0 port available for use in this room. So far ... also best place for Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse dongle.
This "Deluxe version" also has an on-board USB-based audio-device which I don't use in this Home Theater config.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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June 5th, 2022 09:00
The old Aurora-R1 has been working great in it's new role.
Since this Intel-x58 motherboard only supports (on-motherboard) USB-2.0 and SATA-2/300 (speed maxes-out around 250)...
Long ago I installed a PCIe USB-3.0 Addin card (mine happens to be Renesas chipset based). Been working fine.
I have finally now upgraded the SATA-controller (effectively doubling the SATA thru-put speed to SATA-3/600) for the various 2.5in SATA SSDs now in the system (including the bootable C-Drive SSD).
This little PCIe-card upgrade should also work on other older (but still viable) Dell's that are also Legacy-BIOS based (with no UEFI support) like this one. For example, the Area51-R1 and other circa 2009-2021 XPS and OptiPlex desktops).
Works great. Crystal reports read speeds around 548 . Should have done this long ago.
Brad L (retired)
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2.7K Posts
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July 12th, 2022 17:00
Really great job on this! I am really impressed with the remote power switch addition and that you can boot from the add-on SATA controller card's drive. Allowing you to get SATA 3 speeds is definitely a nice upgrade.