Re: USB controlled mains switch

In message <6pru5l-oju1.ln1@q957.zbmc.eu>, Chris Green <cl@isbd.net> writes

Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> 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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