From: tnp@invalid.invalid   
      
   On 19/01/2025 09:04, Chris Green wrote:   
   > Adrian  wrote:   
   >> I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can   
   >> connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.   
   >>   
   >> I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to   
   >> fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to   
   >> rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one   
   >> that sits in line (between the device and the supply).  The latter   
   >> appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I   
   >> want to pay.   
   >>   
   > I don't understand the difference. Surely anything that's going to   
   > turn something on/off needs to be "one that sits in line (between the   
   > device and the supply)" doesn't it?   
   >   
   > Do you mean (the ones that cost 100 Euros or more) something that   
   > already has a mains plug and socket on it?  I think they're going to   
   > be expensive simply because they aren't much in demand.  What 'the   
   > world' wants is a WiFi connected switch and they're two a penny of   
   > course.   
   >   
   >   
   >> Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless   
   >> solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not   
   >> reliable.   
   >>   
   > I think you'll probably have to bite the bullet and get a relay board   
   > of some sort. Does it **have** to be USB?  There's lots of quite neat   
   > relay hats for the Pi.   
   >   
      
   They aren't especially able to handle 230V at sane currents.   
      
   I made my own board up.  Featuring onboard PSU and mains chokes and   
   filers and a fuse, a 13A capable relay and a pi PICO. Also has an   
   optional temperature sensor hooked up to the ADC   
      
   Can send you the Gerbers if interested   
      
      
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