PcCredit "Watchdog" Board

PcCredit Watchdog Board is designed to reset a PC (by interrupting the Mains Supply), should the Operating System of that PC crash or Hang.

"How it works"

How The Hardware Works

The PcCredit Watchdog Board connects to the PcCredit9 via a 5 way lead. The PcCredit board sends a "PC Alive" signal to the Watchdog board, every time a valid communication has been made between PC and PcCredit. The Watchdog board constantly monitors these "PC Alive" signals and detects when they stop (PC has crashed or Hung). If they stop for long enough (time set using DIP Switches on the Watchdog board), then the board will interrupt the Mains Supply to the PC, putting the PC into full reset. After a pre-defined period (also set by DIP Switches on the board) it issues a second signal to the "Power" button* of the PC, thus turning on the Later Models of PC that support Power Management Systems. PcCredit Watchdog waits for the PC to fully reset (runscandisk etc.) before automatically resuming its Watchdog function.

The Green LED on the Watchdog PCB, flashes every time the "PC Alive" signal is received.

Notes

The Watchdog Board has four connectors.

J1 Is for connecting to the "PC Alive"  signal connector, on PcCredit9
J2 Is for connecting in Parallel with the "Power" button of PC's using "Power Management" systems*
J3 Is for the "Mains In"
J4 Is for the "Mains Out" to the PC

*Please note that connection J2 is not to be used for switching Mains Power. The front panel "Power" button on PC's using the new "Power Management" system, are only low voltage, low current devices.

"Watchdog" Board

The Watchdog can be used with many other types of applications, including those not using the PcCredit System. Watchdog can monitor any system that has a continuously pulsing 5V Output and is capable of supplying a clean +5V DC power supply to power the Watchdog Board. The Watchdog board uses a 16Amp Rated Power Relay, enabling it to interrupt the Mains (or almost any other voltage) supply to any system.

Due Notice to other Electronics Companies. Please do not stifle innovation by copying my ideas. The above Manuals are for downloading by bona fide end customers. They and their contents and all parts of the PcCredit System are the Copyright Property of the Mark Scotford. I/We will pursue by any means we feel fit, any company found poaching our ideas. DON'T DO IT.

DM Kent, don't bother to copy

Click here to go Back To Main Page