CuriousTech Remote PC Controls, Timers, and other embedded solutions

 Quality designs and low cost

Now taking orders as of Jan 1, 2010!

Email for any questions before or after ordering: curioustech@insightbb.com

Options are added when ordered, and units are tested and shipped within 24 hours (Currently U.S./Canada Only).
Although the features are well thought out with over 4 years of testing, many options are not listed, such as reversed logic on timers, more inputs, and custom features so just ask if there's something you want changed.
   
RPC-1 Remote System

Includes Programmable Timer Receiver, Wire, Remote + Battery

Designed for the common intelligent power supply with remote on (IGN) Such as those from Mini-Box, Opus Solutions and Carnetix.  Start your PC long before you enter the car or turn it on and off from the comfort of your home to synchronize files or use remote desktop.

Quick and easy install.  Splice the power (red & black) into your existing PSU or other constant battery source, cut the remote/ACC input wire and attach the green to the PSU and blue to the ACC or IGN wire you currently have connected.

Simply press a button to start your PC without a key, and a timer (Configurable) will turn the PC off if the key is not turned on within the time limit, or the PC is not turned off by remote.
Note: Some PSUs will cut power if the battery gets too low while others will drain the battery completely. Keeping the timer at a reasonable time will ensure it shuts down properly.

Specifications:
   Quiescent current: 6.5mA
   Maximum Range: 650' (This is the MFR range)

 
  While the factory alarm in my car has a range of nearly 2' with the PC on, the aftermarket 1400' alarm gets around 500' but only 5-20' with the PC on depending on it's mood.
This PC remote has shown a reliable range of 380', and hit and miss up to 450' surrounded by metal and tint.  Keep it at least 12 inches away from PC or monitor.

Other transmitters can be special ordered with ranges of 1600 ft, 3200 ft pocket sized, 1.25 mile, 2.5 mile large pocket sized.

Don't waste your money on remote systems that aren't tested with or made for a car PC system, or at least make sure you can return it because you will want to.

Remote: Sleek design with sliding cover, antenna for extended range.
(W 1.5" x L 2.3" x H 0.6"  L 5.1" w/antenna extended)

RX: (W 1"  x L 1.9" x H 1") Keep antenna (short black wire) straight, outside of metal cases and away from devices that may cause interference.  Test multiple locations before permanently positioning.

 

 

4 Buttons:

  • A Key off: Turns the PC on, starts timer.
       Key on: Starts timer as soon as key is turned off, for gas fillups, quick trips into the store, etc.
        LED blips every 2 seconds to show timer is active.
        Press A before timer ends to extend time.
  • B  Key off: Turns the PC off.
  • D Tap: (Valet) Disables IGN(Key) input. Next A press enables it again.
       Valet mode is unaffected by vehicle battery removal. 
    Hold for 5 seconds (1st off-blink interval): Tap D for number of minutes x 10.  0 presses = disable timer.
    Hold for 10 seconds (2nd interval): Tap D for number of minutes multiplied.
    Program mode ends (LED turns off) if idle for 5 seconds.
    LED confirms (see B+D).
    Note:  Do not program while timer is active.  Due to the multitasking OS, the timer and program mode will both blink the LED.
  • B+D Display timer values.  Slow blink of multiplier, 1 sec pause, fast blink of minutes (default is 3 x 10 or 30 minutes).
  • C (yellow wire) is for optional negative momentary output suitable for a window rollup module, other alarm add-ons, horn, etc.  The output is held for as long as you press the button.  200mA max.  Use a relay (with clamping diode) for positive output or more current.  The 5V positive level can also be accessed.
 
ROEM OEM/Aftermarket Keyless Entry Input Circuit
               $19.95
In Stock

Options:  2ft. of color wire or .1" pin headers (straight or angle)
New: ROEM-V: Same price, request in paypal comment. Unlock works the same, as on or toggle, but lock wire replaced with low volt (11.98V under load for 10 seconds) shutoff.  Custom voltage level can be requested before shipping.
 
For OEM / aftermarket door lock / unlock or auxiliary outputs, and a smart PSU with remote on (IGN).

Before ordering, check the range of your remote first with your computer on. PC interference often reduces range.  This will affect turning the PC off, but not on.

The inputs are negative pulse only
. If initial startup detects ground on either input, that input's logic will be reversed (unground as trigger).  To use a positive/open type signal, resistors can be used to pull to ground when no power is applied. Or as a last ditch effort if coil resistance interferes, use relays to short inputs to ground and isolate the input. Diagram with alternate input examples.

How it works:
Unlock:
   Starts PC without key in ignition and starts timer.
   Press again before timer ends to extend time (2-wire mode.  1-wire turns back off).
   Press with key on, turn key off to start stay-on timer, for fill-ups and such.
       (check if your alarm unlocks with the key on)

Lock:
   Shuts down PC if key off.

Button:
   Tap button to turn PC on or off with key off, starts timer.
   Tap button with key on, then turn key off to start stay-on timer.
   Tap again (or lock) with key off to turn PC off.
   Turn key on before timer ends to resume as normal.
   Press for 2 seconds (1st LED off-blink) to turn valet on or off. LED blinks 1 for off, 2 for on.
      (disables REM when key is turned on or doors are unlocked).
   Press for 5 seconds (2nd blink interval) to enter timer program mode (LED stays on).
      Then tap for number of minutes x 10 (default) up to 255 (42 hours).
      5 seconds of no input will end program mode (LED turns off).
      0 presses disables timer.
      LED will blink slow (minutes), pause, fast (multiplier).
   Press for 10 seconds (3rd blink) to change minutes multiplier.
      Then tap for number of times up to 255.
      Examples: 0x### = disabled, 1x1 = 1 min, 6x10 = 1 hour, 24x60 = 1 day
   Press and hold, then press unlock to toggle input mode.
       1 Blink:  1 wire input toggles PC on/off with unlock wire.  Lock wire always turns off (optional).
       2 Blinks (default): 2 wire input uses lock/unlock or 2 AUX outputs.


Connect power last.  NC/NO button and lock polarity is determined at power-up.
Connect (BLACK) to Ground
Connect LED/Button black wire to ground
<Important: Disconnect PSU remote/IGN wire from car's IGN>
Connect (GREEN) to remote wire on PSU
Connect (BLUE)  to ACC or IGN (where original PSU remote was wired)
Connect (YELLOW) to door unlock wire
Connect (WHITE) to door lock wire
Note: On ROEM-V model connect WHITE to +12V
Connect (RED)  to +12V constant power

If you don't prefer the included LED button, there are many options. LED Illuminated buttons can run from $2.35 to $30, or a separate LED and button can be used.  Determine whether you want the button hidden or not.  The LED shows status for button presses, programming, timer activity and other things, so it's best to keep it visible.

For lock/unlock, using 1-wire toggle is much less intuitive in situations where the state of the PC can't be seen.  With 2-wire, pressing several times can insure the proper state if the remote is nearing out of range.  The lock/unlock triggers can be configured many ways. For example, if the system has 1 AUX output, it can be used as a toggle along with lock as a turn-off, or as 2-wire with AUX & unlock as on and off.

All settings are saved in EEPROM and can be pre-programmed by request.  Timer, valet, 1/2 wire are unaffected by battery removal.
 
Timer Modules
Less expensive, smaller, uses less power, and more versatile than any timer on the market.   No relays, no guesswork or waiting an hour to see if the timer knob was turned right.  Solid state, digital programming and accurate.

In Stock


Not sure what timer you need?  Describe the application and get the perfect timer. Easy as that.

Timer modules are highly versatile:
  Input voltage: 7-30VDC or 2.0-5.5VDC by request
  Quiescent current, regulated: 2.2mA
  Output: 200mA Darlington Optocoupler: 1-40VDC open collector/open emitter
  3 Inputs: 2-20VDC (or 5V 20mA logic out for customized designs)
  250us debounce on inputs (can be ordered with longer times)

Order any timer and request your own design within the possible specifications for no additional charge.  Note: Design-a-timer may take extra time depending on the changes required.
   
 
TMR-1  Hold-On Timer / Safety Timer / Shutdown Timer
   $19.95   (Purchase above)

Shutdown timer example:
Input 1 -> ACC
Input 2 -> PC internal power (5V or 12V)
Output -> Relay or circuit requiring <200mA

Programmable timer: 1 minute to 45 days. Same programming as remote systems above.

Input 1 ON turns output ON, stops timer.
Input 1 OFF starts timer if input 2 is ON.  Timer or input 2 will turn output off.
Button tap turns output ON, but not off.
 
TMR-2  Standby Timer
 
 
$19.95 (Purchase above)

Can be used with a digital output or serial DTR line from PC to wake it back up after entering standby.  The software (not provided) will need to pulse the output, set a flag, enter standby, then upon resume, hibernate or shutdown if the flag is set and ACC is off.


2-Wire Output -> ACPI power button
Input 1 -> Software controlled output
Input 2 -> PC power when on

Programmable timer: 1 minute to 45 days.  Same programming as remote systems above.

Input 1 pulse <500ms starts timer.
Input 1 pulse >500ms stops timer.
Input 2 (PC status) change stops timer.
Output is pulsed for 500ms at end of time.
Button tap pulses output and disables timer.
 
TMR-3  On/Off to Pulse with on-sense and on-delay
  
$19.95 (Purchase above)

Options when ordering:
  On-sense enabled/disabled
  Time scale (seconds, minutes, or hours)
  Output pulse width
  External button with LED

Example applications would be turning a laptop on/off with ignition, or turning a monitor on/off when the PC turns on/off while not getting out of sync. Plus a manual button.

Programmable delayed on-timer (disabled or 1 second to 18 hours):
  Hold button for 5 seconds. Tap for number of seconds. 0-255 (default 10)
  Hold button for 10 seconds. Tap for number of multiplier. 1-255 (default 1)
  Hold button for 15 seconds. Tap for number of output pulses. 1-255 (default 1) 250ms on, 250ms off.

Input 1 -> Source that turns on and off.
2-Wire Output -> The momentary switch to control.
Input 2 -> Controlled device's internal power when on (2-20VDC).

When input 1 turns on, (immediate or after timed delay) generates a 250ms pulse if input 2 is off. (2 pulses per second)
When input 1 turns off, (immediate or after timed delay) generates pulse if input 2 is on.

Button tap pulses output always.
 
TMR-4  A multitude of timers. On-Delay, Off-Delay, Pulse, etc.
  
$19.95 (Purchase above)

Dual second/minute timer with exact times from 1 second to 42 days.
Delayed on timer for devices such automotive amplifiers, for anti-thump / speaker pop elimination.
Delayed off timer for extending powered time, ignoring short power-offs, or as a timed-on from a pulse.
Delayed pulse from constant or pulse

Note: Use the same precautions as with most head units. Powering devices without a remote-on input may require a relay.  The maximum limit for remote-on inputs is 50mA and is typically much lower, so at least 4 amplifiers may be safely connected.  The standard Bosch automotive relay consumes 160mA, so this can safely power only one large clunky relay or several more efficient ones.

Default:
  Input1 ON  starts on-timer, turns output ON at end of time
  Input1 OFF starts off-timer, turns output OFF at end of time

Button tap toggles output and cancels timers. (Compatible with C output of above PC Remote)

Basic connection for amplifiers:
  GND (Black)      -> Ground
  +12V (Red)        -> Constant, or Input source (No off-delay or manual switching)
  Input (Blue)     -> Trigger: (2-20V source HU, USB, ACC, IGN, remote output, etc.)
  Collector (White)-> +12V source normally (or 2 sides of switch/button)
  Emitter (Yellow) -> Amp remote input      ("                   ")
Programming:
   Hold button, LED will off-blink at 5, 10, 15, 20 second intervals. Release after 5 for option 1, etc.  Tap for desired number.  No input for 5 seconds ends programming, and confirms with on-time, off-time, multiplier. No input disables timer.

  1. On-timer (0-255)  Timed delay after input ON to turn output ON or pulse
  2. Off-timer (0-255)  Timed delay after input OFF to turn output OFF
  3. Multiplier (1-255) Multiplies on and off timer by number of minutes/seconds.
  4. Mode (0-5) 0=Second, 1=Minute, 2=Out-Pulse (Seconds), 3=Out-Pulse(Minute), 4=Input pulse
                5=In-pulse(minute)

Examples:
On Off Mult Mode Description
10 10 1 0 In-High = 10 sec delay to ON, In-Low = 10 sec to OFF (Default)
           In < 10 seconds = never ON 
10 20 6 1 In-High = 1 hour delay to ON, In-Low = 2 hour delay to OFF
0 30 1 1 In-High = Instant ON, In-Low = 30 min delay to OFF
            In-Pulse = 30 minutes on  
10 0 1 0 In-High = 10 sec delay to ON, In-Low = Instant OFF
             In < 10 seconds = never ON
10 2 1 2 In-High/Pulse = 10 sec delay to pulse, In-Low = 2 sec delay to pulse
10 0 1 2 In-High/Pulse = 10 sec delay to pulse, In-Low = nothing
0 10 1 2 In-High/Pulse = pulse, 10 second delay, pulse
10 10 1 3 Same as mode 2 but minutes instead of seconds
1 10 10 4 In-High/Pulse = 10 sec delay to ON, ON for 100 sec
10 0 1 4 In-High/Pulse = 10 sec delay to Toggle
1 60 1 5 In-Pulse = 1 min delay to ON, ON for 60 min
 
TMR-5   Valet Switch and ACC Override
  
$19.95 (Purchase above)

Similar to the ROEM module above, but without lock/unlock inputs.
Onboard LED and button can be replaced with remote button-LED for free.

Connect blue wire to ACC, and green wire to PSU remote-on.

Button works exactly like Button description for ROEM above excluding 1/2-wire programming.

Optional pulse output (please specify when ordering) for connecting to laptop. White and yellow to laptop power button.
 
 
TMR-H High Current Timer
$23.95   Only 10 left
Red: 7-40VDC
Black: Ground
Blue: Input 2-20V (as trigger or connect to power for auto start)
Second Red: (unless I find another color) 8 Amp Output


Programming is exactly the same as TMR-4

(Yes, 2 inputs are possible and an opto-coupler secondary output)

 
DMR  PWM Lighting Dimmer w/ Off-Delay Timer

Available by purchasing the TMR-4 above for now, just mention it in the comment.

1KHz 100 step PWM smooth fade-on fade-off dimmer for interior lighting

Input 1: Negative door pins
Input 2: IGN or ACC
Input 3: Neg/Pos door unlock (local/remote)

Programmable fade speed (1-255 seconds):
  Hold button for 5 seconds. Tap for speed count.
  There are 100 PWM increments (1% step) so 1 = 100 steps/sec, 2 = 50/sec
Programmable off-delay timer (0-255 x 5 seconds):
  Hold button for 10 seconds. Tap for number of 5 second multiples.

Door open fades on
Door close starts timer, ends by fading off
IGN on fades off
IGN off fades on, no timer
Unlock fades on, starts timer, ends by fading off

Button tap toggles fade on or instant on (off remains fade-off).
 
Rev.4 (year 5) of my 2nd ever PIC project.  The crazy USB SDC thing.  0 available unless there's interest in the future.

USB interface for monitoring all inputs and controlling all outputs, plus standby real-time clock wake, 4 user optocouplers (i.e. amp, monitor, antenna, HUB/external power control).

Service button and 2 status LEDs
Alarm AUX input
ADC for dual steering wheel controls or single and car volts.
Switchable Valentine 1 input
27A MOSFET for secondary output
ACPI pulse

4 button RF remote bypasses PSU IGN for on/off/valet and sends up to 15 button combinations to software via USB when the PC is on, actually over 100 with single/double tap, long hold, press 2/release 1 and such.

Remote can be programmed to control optos as momentary/toggle without PC on.