Power on my PC with RFID

by nbear1

Electronics In Progress

Electronics Journey Overview

Follow this step-by-step electronics journey to see real progress updates, challenges overcome, and practical experience.

Progress Updates (3 total)

Update #1: Power on my PC with RFID

10% complete
I have an older PC that I think would be cool if I made it be able to power on with an RFID module.
Challenges Overcome: Purchased the Arduino Nano and RFID modules.
Obstacles Faced: Electronic wizardry is magic and I am no wizard.
Next Steps: Do some benchtop testing with these two parts.
Looking Back: Both modules will work off of 3.3v which can be permanently provided by a PC power supply, even when the PC is off. Allowing the Arduino to always be on and "listening" for the RFID signal to power on the PC.

Update #2: proto-circuitry magic

40% complete
Prototyped the circuit and got the code working. The white LED in the foreground is a stand-in for a relay that would functionally power on the PC.
Challenges Overcome: Chatgpt did my code, I'm not a wizard Harry and I'm not affriad to admit it.
Obstacles Faced: Crappy breadboards and wires lead to loose connections. I didn't WANT to solder the headers on the nano, but for testing reliability I did.
Next Steps: Design a case for the nano and RFID reader to mount to the PC. Also cannibalize the PC power supply to wire in the arduino. Procure a relay for power stuff.
Looking Back: RFID is cool

Update #3: Relay switch

65% complete
Added a relay to the circuit. Now when a valid RFID tag is detected the relay will activate. This will be crucial for actually powering on the PC.
Next Steps: Connect to a PC Power Supply I think and test with the PC.
Looking Back: Relay module wiring Relay Module Pin (Nano ESP32 Pin) S (D2) + (VBUS / 5V) - (GND) Screw terminal side Relay Terminal (Use) COM (One side of mock button / future PWR_SW) NO (Other side of mock button / future PWR_SW) NC (Not used)

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