WTB: USB Mains switch

Vortex · 2007-12-31T08:45:27+00:00

I'd better explain:I am looking for some kind of mains switch that I can use to automatically power down computer peripherals that are unnecessary when my PC is "sleeping".For example I have a scanner, printer and powered USB hub, all of which (if not manuallly turned off) have warm "wall warts"....and use expensive Watts during the 20+ hours per day my PC sleeps.My first thought was to build something using a relay ( and DIN rail bits and bobs from TLC....BUT this must be a common requirement and somebody must have thought of this before. Casual "Googling" has not turned up any commercial products. It's the sort of thing that you might expect to be able to obtain from MAPLIN...but their infuriatingly crappy search engine has turned up nothing (as well as causing me anger issues).Any suggestions?David

Dec 31, 2007 25 Replies

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Cicero 18 years ago

================================== Depending on how you use your computer you might find it easier and cheaper to use a separate trailing lead with individually switched sockets for your peripherals - e.g. :

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- but also available from Woolworths and other places.

If you don't like trailing leads consider 'Master plugs' from B&Q which have three individually switched outlets. :

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Neither of the above is automatic but if you only use a printer / scanner / speakers intermittently then there is no need to switch on *any* peripherals until actually needed and can be switched on / off completely independently of the computer.

Cic.

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Dave Liquorice 18 years ago

On New Years Day?

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OG 18 years ago

These are also useful when using circular saws, power sanders and similar tools. Where the tool has a facility for attaching a vacuum cleaner hose to remove dust, shavings etc, the 'intelligent' socket can be used to switch on the vacuum cleaner only when the power tool itself is in use.

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Roger Mills 18 years ago

According to

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they won't be open!

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Dave Liquorice 18 years ago

The monitored socket or the switched ones don't object to a rather large inductive loads? Is there a delay between the controling device being switched off and the switched sockets going off, that is useful in the power tool/vac operation to clear the dust or WHY that is in the pipe.

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Skipweasel 18 years ago

The bloody awful B&Q "McAllister" vac I inherited has (had) a controlled socket. It didn't work for long, and when it did there was a 5 second delay between starting the power tool and the vacuum starting - but no delay on shutdown. Exactly the opposite of what was required. Using the chopsaw you're almost always done in less than five seconds so unless you hung about waiting it never did anything.

Still - the motor uses the air that's passed through the filter to cool the motor instead of having a seperate fan, so I don't suppose it'll plague me for long and then I'll get a proper unit with an induction motor.

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