Dell m1730 XPS to Bunn Coffee Maker Desktop Conversion

I am attempting to convert my m1730 into a desktop. More precisely, I'm using a commercial Bunn Coffee Maker for the case :-D. I would like to use the switches on the front of the coffee maker to power up the computer but it appears the power switch is connected to the keyboard. I'd rather not find a mechanical method of pressing the keyboard button and I'd rather not keep the keyboard at all. I presume there is simply somewhere on the motherboard that the keyboard "shorts" upon pressing the button that would then power up the system. In short, anyone know how to power up the motherboard without the keyboard?

 

Well, what I've found so far is that the header from the touchpad to the motherboard is what controls the power. Unfortunately, it's not a simple shorting of two pins. There must be some kind of communication protocol even between the keyboard and touchpad and from touchpad to motherboard. The power supplied to them is 3.3V and applying 3.3V to each of the pins on the header does not turn the power on. I'm sure I won't be privy to the communication protocal. In the end, however, I presume there is a latch somewhere that, once power is applied, it will keep power flowing (i.e. power up). So if I could find that latch I might be golden. Easier said than done of course... But I have noted that residual capacitance of the motherboard will sometimes latch the power just when plugging in the power supply so there is seemingly something simply electrical about powering up.

 

I have further deduced that I can plug in the touchpad without the keyboard then short the 5th and 13th pins of the keyboard slot. I could also do that shorting on the motherboard header for the touchpad, but alas, it appears the touchpad must be plugged in. It would be the 8th and 18th pins if you start counting pin 1 at the cut corner on the motherboard and count down the length and circle around (I believe that is the standard counting method). So I might be able to just tuck the touchpad away somewhere I guess. It's not as bad as storing the whole keyboard and trying to mechanically press the button .

 

Solution to power up Dell XPS m1730 laptop without keyboard and touchpad:

Ok, I got it figured out without using the touchpad. The easiest way to do this (as a permanent solution) is to modify the wires that connect to the plug (from touchpad to motherboard). In order to power up the laptop without the keyboard or touchpad connected, you must have pin 1 shorted to ground. once pin 1 is shorted to ground, you can then short pin 18 to ground as your switch to turn power on and off. Remember, it's only a toggle so you don't hold it there. Short temporarily to turn on and short again temporarily to turn off. Voila.