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Please Read Before Ordering
Or Call Us Toll Free at 877-856-4542
Identifying
your computer style and whether you can use the PowerJack with it:
Laptops: The PowerJack is designed to work
with Desktop computers, since laptops do
not have the same internal design they cannot use the PowerJack.
AT vs. ATX: PowerJacks rely on a motherboard
development implemented in the ATX style of motherboard. This can be
found as far back as late model Pentium class motherboards, but it is
required for Pentium II or later
systems.
The best way to tell if you have an ATX motherboard is to use the Shut
Down option from the Windows Start Menu, if your computer shuts down
completely, it must be an ATX motherboard. If it shuts
down to the point of showing the message, "It is now safe to turn your
computer off" and waits for you to use
the Power button you almost certainly have an AT computer. For AT
computers you can create the same
effect as a PowerJack by using an X-10 switch to turn the power on and
off at the wall. (If you are unsure
how that would work please call us and ask.)
Brand Name PC's: Another issue has recently
been created by some of the major brand name computer manufacturers.
Rather than use the generic standard for motherboard and case they are
having a custom motherboard and case pair made that do not allow us to
install the PowerJack.
The best way to be sure is to look inside the case:
With the case open and the front of the computer facing away from you,
you should find two rows of small pins in
the bottom corner closest to you. This bank of pins should be two rows
with about ten pins each. If there are several
plugs with wires connected to the pin-bank, you have a standard
motherboard and can install a PowerJack.
If there is a single ribbon cable connected to the block of pins we are
unable to connect the PowerJack at this time. We are working on
solutions for these types of computers so feel free to let us know if
you would like to be advised when we have that problem solved.
To install the PowerJack: with the system
turned off and unplugged, simply locate the plug marked something like,
"PowerSW" or "PWR SW". (see images below) remove that plug, plug in the
PowerJack to the same pins and then
plug the PowerSW plug into the PowerJack. If your plugs are not labeled
check the board itself, in the worst case you will
need to check the motherboard manual. (If you are not sure, please call
us with the computer in front of you or
if you can.)
Next remove one of the small backplane plates from the back of the
computer just like you would when installing a modem or sound-card,
screw the PowerJack backplane into the opening. You are now ready to
close up the case, plug in your switch, plug in the power and start
using the PowerJack. There should be no software or setting to change
at all!
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