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How are you automating auto-boot on "soft-power" HDD enclosures after a power cut?
Hey folks,
I’m trying to solve an auto power-on issue for a 3.5” external HDD enclosure in a home server setup, and I’m curious how others have handled this.
Setup
- Mini PC (Ubuntu, self-hosting services)
- External 3.5” HDD enclosure (with its own power adapter)
- Everything connected to a UPS
Problem
After a power cut:
- Mini PC comes back automatically
- HDD enclosure does NOT turn back ON automatically
- Requires manual button press on the enclosure
This breaks my setup since services depend on the mounted drive.
What I observed
- The enclosure power button is a momentary switch
- Shorting specific pads (A ↔ D diagonally) simulates button press
- Holding it too long causes shutdown again (toggle behavior)
My Plan for Automation
I am planning to move the automation to the hardware logic layer using an ESP32 coupled with a PC817 2-Channel Optocoupler Isolation Board. (Still exploring)
For those running similar home labs with soft-power external enclosures, how did you solve the auto-turn-on problem? Did you go down the microcontroller/relay route, or did you find an elegant software/hardware alternative?
Looking forward to hearing how everyone else handles these stubborn standby loops!
u/dawn_to_earth — 5 days ago