 PToN
join:2001-10-04
Houston, TX | Turning off external device via a computer Hello,
Let me first give a little background on the setup. I have this machine that runs a task that lasts x amount of times for y times. After reaching Y counts, i need to turn off this machine. The machine is not a computer.
I am looking for some sort or relay that can be connected to a PC via USB and the other end connected to the power source of the other machine.
I can write a simple program that let's me enter X and Y, but i am looking for device that allows me to send the signal. Preferable, something that has an API...
Can anyone recommend anything?
Thanks |
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 boognishPremium
join:2001-09-26
Baton Rouge, LA
kudos:6 | You could use an arduino to this pretty easily. There may be better solutions though.
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don't get 2 close 2 my fantasy |
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 leiboldPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-09
Sunnyvale, CA
kudos:6
 ·SONIC.NET
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How about Relay8net ?
If it is a low-power machine you may be able to directly switch its power from one of the 8 relay contacts. Otherwise you can use those relay contacts to drive a contactor. You can choose to either use separate On and Off commands or you can program a specific duration (1 second to 250 minutes) and only issue a start command (leaving it to the Relay8net box to turn off the machine without further input from the computer).
I'm using a similar product from the same company to use my computer to control my lawn sprinklers (Rain8net).
The serial API (RS-232, not USB) is documented and you could create your own software but both open-source as well as commercial software exists.
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PToN
join:2001-10-04
Houston, TX | reply to PToN
Would something like this link work? »www.sealevel.com/store/i-o/digit···usb.html |
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leiboldPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-09
Sunnyvale, CA
kudos:6 Reviews:
·SONIC.NET
| They appear to have multiple products with relays. The ones with reed relays are unlikely to be suitable for your purpose since reed relays are typically only rated for very small currents (often used to switch analog signals).
Their products with form-c relays might be able to turn on/off the power to your machine without intermediate contactor (depending on the power requirements of your machine).
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PToN
join:2001-10-04
Houston, TX | reply to PToN
Cool. Thanks!! |
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| reply to PToN
Other options, in order by increasing price....
»www.electronickits.com/kit/compl···1610.htm
»www.controlanything.com/Relay/Re···ntroller
»www.controlanything.com/Relay/Re···trollers
»www.controlanything.com/Relay/Re···trollers
»www.controlbyweb.com/webrelay/ |
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| reply to PToN
You can do this pretty cheaply with X10. Use the UM506 for the relay and a TM751 wireless receiver. Connect a CM17A to your computer and find free software to control the CM17A. You will need a USB to RS232 converter if you don't have a serial port on your computer. The Plugable USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter available from Amazon is a good choice.
The CM17A sends a wireless signal to the TM751, which sends a powerline signal to the PUM10.
All the components are available on Ebay for about $10 each. |
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lutful... of ideasPremium
join:2005-06-16
Ottawa, ON Reviews:
·TekSavvy DSL
| reply to PToN
said by PToN:I am looking for some sort or relay that can be connected to a PC via USB and the other end connected to the power source of the other machine. Have a look at the inexpensive USBmicro stuff sold by »www.circuitgizmos.com/ |
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 SmokChsrWho let the magic smoke out?Premium
join:2006-03-17
Saint Augustine, FL | reply to PToN
Here's another option..
Oops it would help if I put in the link..
»www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Relay-Board···26rk%3D4 |
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