Hi all,
Great forum btw.
I need some help please.....
For days now I've been searching for a Parental Control hardware solution to keep the kids from spending too much time on the PC. Ive already tried various PC software shut-down timers, but these are very easily bypassed by the kids - and by myself when I'm up late some nights gaming on the PC![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
So what I'm after is an electronic hardware timer that would shut down the PC after a given time - of say three hours use, and not allow it to start again for a specified time. Ideally I'd like to be able to programme the timer to shut off over lunchtime, and then again around 10pm, and not come back on until around 9am the next day.
I realise that this project may be a tough nut to crack, but Ive seen various attempts at it already, the best solution being this one (I reckon) >
http://www.pcmoderator.com/wooglabs3_012.htm
http://www.pcmoderator.com/wooglabs3_008.htm
(Screenshot closeup)
Note: The reason why I havent bought this device is because its not available in the UK, only the USA, and I cant persuade the company to ship one to me (damn!)
So can anyone think of a simple way to limit the usage time on a PC without using Windows software? Perhaps a timer soldered onto the motherboard or the PSU?
Or maybe you have something even simpler in mind?
(An earlier thread on this forum mentioned a coin operated PC ...but the kids (and myself) would just put in more coins Wink
Just to mention that I'm not an electronics buff. I do repair PCs for a living, but I'm not an expert with a soldering iron and ciurcuit boards. Hence I'm asking for your help and advice.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Rob
UK
--
Great forum btw.
I need some help please.....
For days now I've been searching for a Parental Control hardware solution to keep the kids from spending too much time on the PC. Ive already tried various PC software shut-down timers, but these are very easily bypassed by the kids - and by myself when I'm up late some nights gaming on the PC
So what I'm after is an electronic hardware timer that would shut down the PC after a given time - of say three hours use, and not allow it to start again for a specified time. Ideally I'd like to be able to programme the timer to shut off over lunchtime, and then again around 10pm, and not come back on until around 9am the next day.
I realise that this project may be a tough nut to crack, but Ive seen various attempts at it already, the best solution being this one (I reckon) >
http://www.pcmoderator.com/wooglabs3_012.htm
http://www.pcmoderator.com/wooglabs3_008.htm
(Screenshot closeup)
Note: The reason why I havent bought this device is because its not available in the UK, only the USA, and I cant persuade the company to ship one to me (damn!)
So can anyone think of a simple way to limit the usage time on a PC without using Windows software? Perhaps a timer soldered onto the motherboard or the PSU?
Or maybe you have something even simpler in mind?
(An earlier thread on this forum mentioned a coin operated PC ...but the kids (and myself) would just put in more coins Wink
Just to mention that I'm not an electronics buff. I do repair PCs for a living, but I'm not an expert with a soldering iron and ciurcuit boards. Hence I'm asking for your help and advice.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Rob
UK
--