From: bulleid@ku.gro.lioff   
      
   In message <6pru5l-oju1.ln1@q957.zbmc.eu>, Chris Green    
   writes   
   >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?   
   >   
      
   The cheaper option involves cutting the plug off the item, and hard   
   wiring it into the board.  I've got two problems with that.  Firstly, it   
   means that I can't readily reuse that item elsewhere as I'd have to   
   replace the plug (a bit of a faff if it is temporary move), and secondly   
   if I'm trying to control something fed via a wall wart then it gets   
   messy unless I leave the wall wart powered all the time (which I'd   
   rather not do), and switch between it and the device.   
      
   >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.   
   >   
      
   Trust me to be awkward :-)   
      
   >   
   >> 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.   
   >   
      
   No, but USB seemed to be the most likely solution as it works equally as   
   well for Non-Pi situations.  Power may also be an issue.  My initial   
   requirement is for a low power device, which (without checking the   
   numbers) might be within the capability of running directly from the Pi,   
   but I can foresee needs where that won't be the case, so a standard   
   solution has its attractions.   
      
   Thanks   
      
   Adrian   
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