lifekludger

USB Power bar surfaces

Last June I wrote about a USB controlled power bar that seemed like it would be beneficial for environmental control in a ‘plug and play’, off the shelf package.

However the device written about was in Japan.

Since then I’ve had multiple people contact me asking about where to get it and over the time we have been hunting for it.

Well I got a comment on the original post a couple days ago from one of the people I’ve been corresponding with who pointed out this device called a Powerkey Pro USB being available from Sophisticated Circuits. This is a USB device controllable from Mac computers only. That’s fine for me as I use a Mac - someone out there surely could write control program for Windows, Linux. It is also only a 120v version.

The device has the following features:

o Six individually-controllable outlets with manual switches and indicators
o Easy control of peripherals via control panel and “hot keys”
o Telephone control for computer and peripherals
o Scheduling capabilities to run your computer when you’re away
o Upgradeable to add crash recovery, logging and system automation capabilities

I found the listed Australian distributor for the company’s product, Press Digital, and emailed them to see if there was a 240 volt version for the Australian market. I’ve had a response and while at first it was doubtful seeing it was a 120v device, further contact sugests we will look deeper. I will follow it up.

I had a further email pointing me toward this device called the IP Power 9258, but that appears more an IP based remote reboot system, along the lies of the APC units I use at work in the server environment - more an enterprise product (though from first reports the IP Power 9258 seems extremely well priced).

From the responses I’ve had, it seems a more consumer oriented product with USB control is what people want to see.

Still, it looks like a solution might be closer. Thanks to those who keep an eye out and make contact. It’s great to see the ‘net’ working.