Hello R2,
Hmm. What you describe sounds like the Heathkit GD-1295 Smart Outlet
Box. That unit had a single "unswitched outlet", a "control outlet"
(max 250 watts), and ten "switched outlets". A search using the
phrase
heathkit gd-1295
brings up several sites with manuals (on how to build one from the
kit). I built mine about 15 or 20 years ago so the concept is not
really "revolutionary". The unit I have does have the disadvantage
that the computer was more power than allowed for the control outlet
(and my printer was too little - alas) so I used a desk lamp as the
control instead.
For a current (pre built) unit, there are several available that I
found using phrases like
"switched outlet" control
"remote control" outlet
For example:
http://www.bitsltd.net/SmartStrip/index.htm
BITS Ltd produces a 10 outlet strip (one control, 3 always on, 6
switched) which was reviewed at
http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/smartstrip1.html
for more information. There are several different models at this
vendor with different capabilities - about $30 for a pretty capable
power strip.
There are certainly more capable outlet strips such as those at
http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV.process?Section_Id=202494
which include "remote control" along with several other capabilities.
The manuals I found at Belkin included a description of a external
control of the switched outlet from a single unit.
The second search phrase I listed above brings up several pages that
describe other methods for controlling outlets. I mention that to
provide some alternatives if you do not want to pursue one of the two
specific solutions I described.
If you need more alternatives to the control outlet / switched outlet
solution ore related suggestions, please make a clarification request.
I should be able to find a few more alternatives that should meet your
needs, especially if you run into a problem similar to the one I
described (finding an item suitable for the control outlet).
--Maniac |