PC Remote Control for computer in the ceiling

[Eg0Death]

It is our plan to place the PC in the conference room above the ceiling tiles to (hopefully) prevent inept executives from dumping coffee, pulling cords, etc., etc,. etc.  It will be attached to a ceiling mounted projector.  Access to USB ports will be available via a wall plate (http://www.datapro.net/catalog/face-plates.html. 

We are still undecided regarding the power on/off switch.  We considered extending the wires that run from the motherboard to the powerswitch through the wall to the wall plate.  The idea of a remote control to power the PC on/off is also appealing, but I'm having trouble finding a good one.  Anyone know of a good one?

Note: We want the executives to be able to turn the PC On/off WITHOUT contacting the IT department (me).

[patio]

I would consider simply having a wireless mouse/keyboard combo so the machine could be powered down properly when not in use.
You may also want to consider adding an UPS unit as well for protection.

[Eg0Death]

Powering it down when not in use wasn't the primary concern;  Windows pitching a fit and sending an exec into a frenzy is the greater concern.     We don't want a keyboard with the ability to shut down/sleep/hibernate the computer.  It would no doubt generate another helpdesk ticket when an unwitting individual accidentally pushes the button. (I had to disable the scroll wheel on a mouse at the user's request; it was too high tech for him.  These are the people I work with . . . .) 

[homer]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15760&vpn=FP-800-BK&manufacture=Logisys%20Computer

wireless power on and reset, its also a fan controller. i second the use of a wireless keyboard and mouse as well.

[Eg0Death]

Thanks homer, that has potential!  Have you used one of these?  I'm wondering if the external gauge displays can be done away with.  There won't be much use for them if the PC is above the ceiling tiles and most of our PCs are small form factor and don't have 5.25" bays.  (I should have mentioned that from the start.)

[homer]

my last post was the only thing i could find regarding wireless starting. you may be able to physically modify it by removing all the unnessesary features/functions. Ex. stripping it down to nothing but the wireless reciever and placing the CCT somewhere within the computer.

[dahlarbear]

It is our plan to place the PC in the conference room above the ceiling tiles to (hopefully) prevent inept executives from dumping coffee, pulling cords, etc., etc,. etc.  It will be attached to a ceiling mounted projector.  Access to USB ports will be available via a wall plate

For USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed), I believe the specification for max cable length is 5 meters.  (Don't know if wall plate connection will further reduce this length.)  You might want to test this configuration on the work bench before you install it above the ceiling tiles.

[Eg0Death]

For USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed), I believe the specification for max cable length is 5 meters.  (Don't know if wall plate connection will further reduce this length.)  You might want to test this configuration on the work bench before you install it above the ceiling tiles.

15 ft (5 meters) is the maximum length panel mount cable provided.  I intend to keep the run to 10ft or less to be on the safe side.