Need help w/ making a PC Power Switch extender

[noctcrawler]

I tried attaching my computer's power switch to the end of a network cable, and the other end of the cable to the computer, but it wouldn't turn the computer on or off. And I tested the cable; it works fine. I'm guessing that the length of wire is too long, and that there's some kind of simple electronic component fix for this; but since I'm a complete electronics noob, I don't know what that would be. Hence, coming here to pick the brains of people who know more than I do.

The reason I'm wanting to have the power switch to my computer in one room, and my computer in another, is because of the heat it (the computer) generates. I like it cool at night when I sleep, so I thought I'd relocate my computer to the room w/ the thermostat in it.

[Al_The_Man]

How are you switching it? with the momentary switch that goes to the P.S.? which leaves the PC M.B. in the standby mode?
What do you mean by network cable?
Al.

[noctcrawler]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man How are you switching it? with the momentary switch that goes to the P.S.? which leaves the PC M.B. in the standby mode? What do you mean by network cable? Al.

It's a momentary switch that runs to the MB.

The switch, depending upon the settings in Windows, will either turn the Comp off, put it in Hibernation Mode, or sleep mode.

And the network cable is a home-made Cat 5e patch cable. I have some RJ45 circuit board mountable sockets I was using to make the connections with.

BTW, my MB is the ASUS P5N-E SLI.

[Al_The_Man]

I would doubt that the length of cable run would affect it, especially of twisted cable.
But what you could do is place a small PCT or cube relay at the computer end and switch it from the remote end, if necessary the relay circuit could be fed from the PC, either 5v or 12vdc coil.
Use a contact on the relay to locally switch the PC.
This would provide a very low impedance circuit that would not be affected by noise etc.
Place a reverse EMF diode across the coil and probabally a 25uf electrolytic across the 5 or 12v where you tap it off.
Al.

[noctcrawler]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man I would doubt that the length of cable run would affect it, especially of twisted cable. But what you could do is place a small PCT or cube relay at the computer end and switch it from the remote end, if necessary the relay circuit could be fed from the PC, either 5v or 12vdc coil. Use a contact on the relay to locally switch the PC. This would provide a very low impedance circuit that would not be affected by noise etc. Place a reverse EMF diode across the coil and probabally a 25uf electrolytic across the 5 or 12v where you tap it off. Al.

I think I might try to do some research and see if I can figure all of this out, but it may take some time. My knowledge of electronics could probably be compared to a computer illiterate person who barely knows how to turn a computer on. I can recognize and identify some of the basic electronic components, such as: resistors, capacitors, transistors, ICs, transformers, LEDs, and diodes. I can make a simple circuit w/ a batt, some wires, and a LED; but that's pretty close to the extent of my knowledge in electronics. I know of Ohm's law, but I've never fully understood it enough to design a circuit any more complex than what a cave man could devise. lol So any diagrams, component specs, and anything else would be greatly appreciated!

[noctcrawler]

How's this for the relay?, Is this overkill for the Diode? And if it is, then what should I use? What diode specs am I looking for?

What voltage rating should the capacitor be? 6, 25, or 50?

And can you elaborate on what "tapping off" means in regards to electronics? I'm thinking that it means something like "cutting" or "turning" off, but what would that end/connection look like on a schematic?