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[Abyss]

You might want to get a replacement for that card.  It looks a little... used.  

[Skylined]

It looks like if I did it quickly just using a hot knife.
Looks like I've used a pen to know where to "drill".
Looks like I've used a phone card.

[timid1]

Am I they only one who thinks this could be done with a microcontroller and relay? I doubt that the one you looked at would be suitable as it doesn't give a direct digital output, instead the reader is integrated into a phone, somehow. The Credit card ones at the supermarket (they also have keypads which would also be cool) would be a better choice. All you need is a microcontroller to recognize the digital output (it's probably in R232 serial) and then if it matches a number stored in the EEPROM of the microcontroller activate a relay that connects the ATX power switch for a second. Your could program it by swiping a card and seeing what output you got, then setting that one to memory, (meaning you could use your license). The downside is that this is not very secure and any idiot could still turn on the computer by crossing the ATX control wires together. The reader would be purely for show.

If by secure, you mean that the card information is stored in the clear, you are correct.  There's not a whole lot that you can do to protect the contents of that memory.  Short of technology that I can't talk about, you're really up a creek.  The idea is neat, but far from feasible.

[zarbon7]

im not too concerned about security, its just a cool idea to implement. i think that TemplaraPheonix and i are thinking about the same thing. there's no need to get too complicated since its not [/i]actually for tight butt security purposes. but thanx for all the ideas, anypne else have any others?

[MindHacker]

I like skylined's, use a couple leds, phototransiters, im sure someone could whip up a circuit where some have to let light pass and some not.  Put holes in a card and there ya go!

[robomatic12]

There is no need to do all those things you've said.
Mine is a simple circuit, works with 12V.
See it working.

got any schematics?

[Wingrad]

I'd like to see how you did that too man... that would be a sweet mod.

[robomatic12]

Yeah, i can imagine it on my tower right now, although i would make it a little neater no offence

[Wingrad]

I have a spot that would be perfect for it... and that would be nice for lan parties when people try to mess with my stuff..

[robomatic12]

You could discuise it as a smart card reader or something that way no one would even know what startes the computer up