Remote Power Control¶
Front panel buttons are mapped to FlexKVM's ATX controller, letting you power on/off or reset the host as if you were pressing the case buttons yourself.
Only want WoL without opening the case? Skip to Step 3. Prerequisite: the target host has an Ethernet cable plugged in and WoL is enabled in BIOS.
Before You Begin¶
| You need | Notes |
|---|---|
| FlexKVM online with working Web interface | → Quick Start |
| ATX controller | Included in the package, for physical power control |
| ATX Dupont wires | Included in the package, connects to motherboard headers |
| Phillips-head screwdriver | For opening the case (if the motherboard headers are hard to reach) |
Step 1: Install the ATX Controller¶
💡 This is a simplified guide. For full pin definitions, two wiring methods with diagrams, and expansion → ATX Power Control
1.1 Locate the Motherboard Power Headers¶
Open the case and find the front panel header on the motherboard — the row of pins behind the case's power button and reset button. Usually in the bottom-right corner, labeled JFP1, F_PANEL, or PANEL.
You need two pairs of pins:
| Header | Motherboard label | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Power switch | PWR_SW, PWRBTN | Shorting it = pressing the power button |
| Reset switch | RST_SW, RESET | Shorting it = pressing the reset button |
Can't find them? Check your motherboard manual's "Front Panel Connector" section, or search your motherboard model +
front panel pinout.
1.2 Connect the Dupont Wires¶
Use Dupont wires to connect the ATX controller's two channels to the corresponding motherboard headers:
- Channel 1 → Power switch header
- Channel 2 → Reset switch header
Dupont wires are not polarized — orientation doesn't matter, just plug them in securely.
1.3 Connect to FlexKVM¶
Plug the ATX controller's Type-C cable into FlexKVM's ATX port.
Verify: The ATX icon appears on the OLED status bar. The ATX controller's power LED lights up.
Step 2: Control Power from the Web Interface¶
In FlexKVM's top bar, click the peripherals icon to expand the ATX panel:
| What you want | Action |
|---|---|
| Power on | Click power button → Short press |
| Graceful shutdown | Click power button → Short press (handled by the OS) |
| Force shutdown | Click power button → Long press (~4 seconds) |
| Reboot | Click reset button |
⚠️ Force shutdown and reset may cause data loss. When the system is responsive, always try a short press for normal shutdown first.
The two indicator lights at the top of the panel show the target host's status in real time: 🟢 Power LED (running) / 🟡 HDD LED blinking (read/write activity).
Long-press duration, indicator meanings, expansion installation → ATX Power Control
Step 3: Configure Wake-on-LAN (WoL)¶
ATX handles physical switching, WoL handles network wake — together they cover every scenario:
- Device is off → WoL wakes it
- Device is on → ATX shuts down or reboots
- System is frozen → ATX force-shutdown, then WoL wakes it
3.1 Enable WoL in BIOS¶
Enter the target host's BIOS via FlexKVM's remote display (press Del / F2 during boot). Find and enable these options:
| BIOS option | Set to |
|---|---|
| Wake on LAN / WOL | Enabled |
| PCIe Wake / Power On By PCI-E | Enabled |
| ErP / EuP Ready | Disabled (this must be off, otherwise WoL won't work) |
Most motherboards: Advanced → Power Management. Save, exit, and shut down normally. The Ethernet port light should stay on or blink — that means WoL is active.
3.2 Add a WoL Device¶
In FlexKVM's top bar, click the Wake-on-LAN icon:
- Click + to add a device
- Enter a device name (e.g.,
OfficePC, ASCII and numbers only) and MAC address (e.g.,AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF) - Confirm and save
Where to find the MAC address? Windows:
ipconfig /all→ "Physical Address". Linux:ip addr.
3.3 Wake It Up¶
In the WoL device list, click the lightning icon → FlexKVM sends a Magic Packet → device wakes up.
WoL only works for devices with a wired Ethernet port. WiFi-connected devices are not supported.
Add/remove devices, multi-device management → Wake-on-LAN (WoL)
FAQ¶
| Issue | Most likely cause | Try this first |
|---|---|---|
| Power button does nothing | Dupont wires loose or wrong position | Check motherboard headers, confirm atx shows in peripherals panel |
| WoL won't wake | ErP not disabled in BIOS | Enter BIOS and confirm ErP is Disabled |
| Turns back on after shutdown | "Restore on AC Power Loss" enabled in BIOS | BIOS → Power Management → disable Restore on AC Power Loss |
| ATX controller not detected | Type-C cable loose | Re-plug, confirm ATX icon appears on OLED |
Next Steps¶
- Control power from outside → Remote Access
- Need to reinstall the OS → Remote OS Install