Re: Electric Outlet Control Via LAN

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

"EdwardATeller" <sorry_no_email@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1173288355.303531.88370@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I'd like to be able to control a powerstrip over my network.  I
> currently have an X10 outlet with remote control that will switch a
> plug on or off, but I would prefer to have this signal go over my LAN
> to a computer in the basement, which then would control a powerstrip
> via a USB connection.  Not sure if anything like this exists, so that
> is why I am posting here.
>
> The actual application is that I have several routers in the basement,
> and I'd like to be able to power cycle them via a network command from
> upstairs.  I know I can send software reboot commands to routers via a
> browser interface, but occasionally I'd like to be able to simply
> power them off.  Plus, sometimes I need to power cycle the cable
> modem.
>
> A powerstrip with a USB connection that allowed me independent control
> over each outlet would be a nice solution to the problem.  I wonder if
> the market would have much demand for something like this and what its
> price point might be.  I could use Windows Task Manager to set a
> schedule for when each outlet turned on or off.

I have one of these that is controlled via a RS232 link.  It's a neat widget
that never really saw any service.  Its watchdog timer mode is useful to
force an auto-reboot of a locked up device.

http://jeffvolp.home.att.net/refdata/IPC3100_manual.pdf

Jeff