INTL 3:770/1 3:770/3
REPLYADDR dave@davehigton.me.uk
REPLYTO 3:770/3.0 UUCP
MSGID: <423fc3e15b.DaveMeUK@BeagleBoard-xM> bc834b52
REPLY:  a83d6c09
PID: SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
In message 
          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.
>
> 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 did a bit of searching around.  AliExpress sell various models of
USB mains-rated relay boards.  Various models offer 5V, 12V or 24V
operation.  I see from a later posting that your RPi is in an IP55
plastic box, so I'm jumping to the conclusion that you're happy with
a bit of DIY to turn it from a board into a solution.

If I were doing it this way, I think I'd go for a 12V powered board
and have a separate PSU, rather than burden the RPi's supply further
as many people have problems that are traceable to inadequate power
supplies.

It sounds like you may have to build a USB library for the relay
boards - I don't know.

If I were doing the overall job that you're doing, I wouldn't use
USB, I'd use a GPIO pin to switch a different relay board on/off.
Much easier (and I've done lots of work on USB firmware and drivers).

David

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