Security Entry?

[sandman3774]

i dont know if this is meant for this forumn but it says ask questions so im askin. I like security gadgets and all those alarm noises , strobe lights, acess denied etc stuff and i was wondering if its possible to mod a case so thats theres a numeric keybad and lcd screen as well as green/red access lights. So that you have to enter a code to turn on the computer. If you can, can someone help me because i tried lookin around and i am lost so any help would be appreciated

[AKA_RA]

learn to code in Visual Basics or something like that and write a simple program that ran off a second PC. Get a Keypad by either carefully gutting a keyboard or find something else thatll work. run the program on the mini PC and use a small LCD kit or something like a PSone screen for the display. have it so the program runs on start up and runs fullscreen. wen you eneter the correct key combo, have it first activate the first channel on the parallel port in the back, and have that hooked up to a 5volt relay thats connected to the second, larger PC, then have the program shut down the first one.(and possibly use others for LEDs) on the parallel port in the back and have it trigger a 5volt relay.

[xmastree]

learn to code in Visual Basics or something like that and write a simple program that ran off a second PC :eek: :eek: :eek:
Or just use a PIC instead. There will be enough current available from the USB to power it when the PC is off.

Changing the combination would probably involve reprogramming the device (or rewire the keypad...), but hey, it's not really a high security thing is it? So you wouldn't need to change it anyway.

DaveW is the expert here.

[DaveW]

Or just use a PIC instead.

Lol...i was thinking the same thing. It's like overkill city in here.


DaveW is the expert here.

I'm pretty good with the PIC's, but so is CrazyBillyBob now too. A PIC is a tiny computer on a microchip that you can program to do certain things. A Keypad and a PIC would go very well together, it wouldn't be hard to build one up. The only problem is you need a PIC burner. I'd offer mine but i still haven't found the time to actually solder it together yet, which is a pretty bad show on my part.

-Dave

[Bucko]

Get a Keypad by either carefully gutting a keyboard or find something else thatll work.

I've seen small USB numeric keypads available to use with Laptops.
Easier than gutting a full keyboard.

[DaveW]

You can pick up keypads from Maplin.

-Dave

[slytherock]

Have you think of fingerprints reader? (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18793&vpn=DG2-00004&manufacture=Microsoft)

[xmastree]

Erm, don't those require the computer to be actually running?

Although, you could fake one. ;) Merely the presence of a finger could trigger a switch.

Heh, that's not much more than a regular power switch though, is it...

Just ignore me. :rolleyes:

[Airbozo]

You can pick up a security entry keypad pretty cheap. Only requires 5-12 volts to run depending on the model. They operate as an independent device, so you can have it setup to trigger an even when the correct code is entered. Look at some recycled electronic or scrap warehouse and you can get one pretty cheap. You could also pick up things like strobe lights and fire pull alarms cheap too.

[Omega]

I did see a mod where assorted commands were assigned to a key/numberpag mounted to the case itself, however I do not know how one would go about doing that. If I can find the mod, I'll post it.

[AKA_RA]

i really like the fact that i toss out the first couple of ideas that come to mind, knowing that theyre not that great, and the next time i look up here, i see people saying, "na, you can do it this way and itll be better." team work is great ^_^

im pretty sure a PIC is a better idea, and a lot cheaper than a second PC, unless your like me and you have like 4 piece of crap PCs laying around. lol.

the way things seem to be going, you have 3 things to think about: cost difficulty, and presentation.

going with a PIC will definitely lower the cost and difficulty. though i don't think an LCD screen would be an option, access lights would prolly be fine

[onelegout]

http://jap.hu/electronic/combination_lock.html

[THEMONK]

you can just get one form here http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=302025

[AKA_RA]

you can just get one form here http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=302025

now wheres the fun in that? we should have to carve our connectors out of wood, like out ancestors did. though that one may work better. lol.

thanks for posting the blueprints for that combo lock, may come in very useful.