Remote Control Server RCS

A friend requested the design of a circuit to remotely power up a server. He has two servers and prefers not to keep both powered on while traveling. The goal is to enable him to turn on a server as needed. One of the servers, a web server, remains on continuously for occasional Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access. The project involves a microcontroller circuit with an RS232 interface and a simple application for real-time message transmission. Given that the microcontroller has multiple I/O pins, the design accommodates control of up to five servers or devices. Initially, power was considered from a PCI socket, but this was discarded due to frequent changes in motherboard slots. Instead, a card that can be used in any PC or server was preferred. The selected microcontroller is the PIC16F628, notable for its internal oscillator, eliminating the need for additional crystals or capacitors. The Remote Control Server application is developed in Visual Basic 6 (VB6) and communicates real-time button state messages to the microcontroller via a standard RS232 serial port (a USB to RS232 cable can be used if the computer lacks serial ports). The application opens in Mini mode by default. All settings are saved in the registry, negating the need for reconfiguration upon each launch. The button names can be customized in the Configuration window. The labels "Momentary" or "Latched" allow toggling between two operational modes. Pressing the "Cancel" button on the configuration screen applies changes without saving them to the registry, ensuring that the application returns to the last saved settings upon the next start. The application reflects the current button state, where in "Momentary" mode, holding down the button activates the corresponding relay, and releasing it turns the relay off. In "Latched" mode, pressing the button toggles the relay between ON and OFF states, with the button caption indicating the current relay state.

The proposed circuit design for remotely powering servers incorporates a microcontroller (PIC16F628) interfaced with an RS232 communication protocol, facilitating control over multiple devices. The microcontroller's architecture allows for the management of up to five independent relays, each corresponding to a server. The RS232 interface serves as a reliable communication channel between the microcontroller and the Remote Control Server application, which operates on a Windows platform utilizing Visual Basic 6.

The circuit can be powered through a universal power supply, ensuring compatibility with various PC or server configurations. The application developed in VB6 features a user-friendly interface that allows for real-time control of each relay. The configuration window enables users to customize button labels and operational modes, which can be set to either "Momentary" or "Latched." In "Momentary" mode, the relay remains active only while the button is pressed, providing temporary control. Conversely, "Latched" mode permits toggling the relay state with each button press, enhancing operational flexibility.

The application’s design includes a registry-saving feature that retains user settings, streamlining the user experience. The ability to apply changes without saving them allows for temporary adjustments without permanent alterations to the configuration. The implementation of a visual representation of the button state enhances user interaction by providing immediate feedback regarding the status of each relay.

Overall, this circuit design and application provide an efficient solution for remote server management, combining advanced microcontroller capabilities with a straightforward user interface for effective control and monitoring.One of my friends asked me if I could design a circuit for him to be able to remotely power up a server. He has 2 servers and he didn`t want to keep them both on whilst he travelled. He wanted to be able to turn on a server when he needed it. He has one server which is on all the time (web server) to which he RDPs occasionally. The project involve d a microcontroller circuit with RS232 interface and a simple application to send messages to it in real time. Since the MCU has multiple I/O pins it would be a waste to control only one server, so I have designed this project to control up to 5 servers/devices.

I have thought about getting power from PCI socket but opted against it as the motherboard slots change very often. This way you can use this card in any PC or Server. I have chosen to use PIC16F628 for the project as it is the first one to introduce an internal oscillator.

This saves cost as there is no need for crystal or caps. The Remote Control Server application is written in VB6. It sends real time button state messages to the MCU over a standard RS232 serial port (USB to RS232 cable can also be used if your laptop or PC has no serial ports). By default the application will open up in Mini mode (second picture above). All the settings are saved in the registry so you don`t need to configure the settings every time you run it up.

The names for the buttons are configurable in the Configuration window. By clicking the labels "Momentary" or "Latched" will toggle between the two modes of operation. By pressing "Cancel" button on configuration screen will apply the changes but will not save them in registry so next time you start the application it will revert to last saved settings. Application is designed to reflect the current state of the button. In "Momentary" mode if the button is held down the corresponding relay is ON, when the button is released the corresponding relay is OFF.

In "Latched" mode if the button is pressed down the corresponding relay is toggled between ON and OFF state. The button caption will reflect the current relay state ON or OFF. 🔗 External reference