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Q: Intelligent Mains Panel ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   2 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Intelligent Mains Panel
Category: Miscellaneous
Asked by: r2-ga
List Price: $15.00
Posted: 02 Jan 2005 07:48 PST
Expires: 01 Feb 2005 07:48 PST
Question ID: 450404
Where can I buy something like this:

http://shopping.kelkoo.co.uk/sitesearch/go.jsp?offerId=100300013117001uk100300013--Anti-surge+Intelligent+Mains+Panel-Windows-CD&JServSessionIduk=2gfwi5kka1.PAN1uk&orw

for US plugs and current?
Answer  
Subject: Re: Intelligent Mains Panel
Answered By: maniac-ga on 02 Jan 2005 18:59 PST
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
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
r2-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars

Comments  
Subject: Re: Intelligent Mains Panel
From: neilzero-ga on 02 Jan 2005 12:06 PST
 
I looked at your link. My guess is both revelutionary and intellgent
are serious exaggerations. You can buy simlar multiple outlet strips
for USA plugs in Walmart, computer stores etc. If they say they are
surge protected, they likely provide slight protection. Simular units
that claim to do good protecting and promise free replacement of your
computers etc if damaged are more expensive, but you may have to take
them to small claims court to actualy get them to cough up $1000 for
your lightening damaged goodies.   Neil
Subject: Re: Intelligent Mains Panel
From: r2-ga on 02 Jan 2005 13:57 PST
 
The thing that I'm after is not the surge protection, it is that the
unit powers down all other inputs when the main input is powered down

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