Deadman Switch

A Python-based system tray application that monitors user activity and sends periodic notifications to ensure the user is awake and active. If the user fails to respond, the system will trigger a shutdown.

Features

• Dual Monitoring Modes

  • Notification Mode: Sends periodic notifications at configured intervals
  • Activity Mode: Monitors keyboard and mouse activity, triggers notification after inactivity threshold

• System Tray Integration: Runs quietly in the background with easy access via system tray icon

• Configurable Settings

  • Target start time
  • Notification duration
  • Notification interval
  • Inactivity threshold
  • Hot-swappable monitoring modes

• Audio Alerts: Plays sound notification when alerting the user

• Activity Logging: Tracks all user interactions in a log file

• Graceful Shutdown Prevention: Countdown timer with option to cancel shutdown

Installation

Setup

1. Install required dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

2. (Optional) Add a notification.mp3 audio file to the project directory for custom alert sounds

3. (Optional) Add an icon.ico file for a custom system tray icon

Usage

Starting the Application

Run the main script:

python main.py

The application will start minimized to the system tray.

System Tray Menu

Right-click the tray icon to access:

• I'm Awake: Manually confirm you're active
• Settings: Configure monitoring parameters
• Exit: Stop the application

Configuration

Access settings through the system tray menu. Available options:

Setting	Description	Default
Target Time	Time to start monitoring (HH:MM format)	02:00
Notification Duration	Seconds before auto-shutdown	60
Notification Interval	Seconds between notifications	600
Script Version	notification or activity mode	notification
Inactivity Threshold	Seconds of inactivity before alert (activity mode)	900

Monitoring Modes

Notification Mode

• Waits until the target time
• Sends periodic notifications at the configured interval
• Requires user response to prevent shutdown

Activity Mode

• Monitors keyboard and mouse activity continuously
• Triggers notification after the inactivity threshold is exceeded
• Automatically resets when activity is detected

Customization

Custom Audio

Replace notification.mp3 with your preferred alert sound.

Custom Icon

Replace icon.ico with your preferred tray icon (64x64 recommended).

Logging

All user interactions are logged to wake_log.txt with timestamps:

[2024-11-22 14:30:45] User clicked 'I'm Awake' via notification.
[2024-11-22 14:45:30] User clicked 'I'm Awake' via tray menu.