hello,

is there such a thing as a network controllable power switch?

of so, where can i get one?

thanks
antken

Don't know if this is what your are talking about, but have you checked out X-10? Radio Shack carries it and there is a linux app. to run it.

i have heared of X-10, is it something to do with stuff like automating your home ( switching your lights on and off via your computer)?

Yes.. X10 has a serial interface to a controller that can be programmed to switch lights (or wall outlets) on and off. You can also write macros that will turn on or off several appliances in sequence. There are also remotes to turn things on and off and motion detectors, cameras, a whole lot of things. Some other manufacturers also make X10-compatible devices.

excellent

i have just done a quick search on google ( ) for x10 and i have found alsorts of stuff.

at the moment i am only wanting to to switch one wall outlet on and off, in the future i may want to use this in my whole house.

my basic problem is that every once in a while my cable modem falls over and needs to be disconnected from the power and then re-conneceted to re-start it, so i thought maybe i could use a cron job, every 10 minutes or so that pings the outside world and if it fails send a command to the network switch (x10 device) to pull the plug, wait 30 seconds and re-connect the power.

do you think this could work?


could you recommend any supplyers of these x10 devices?

thanks
antken

I am pretty sure it could be done. I've only used X10 under Windows. I did some investigating of X10 under Linux, and there is some software out there for it that would do what you want. Rather than rewire an outlet, you could just get an appliance module that you plug in, then plug the cable modem into it. You can visit x10.com for the Starter kit. That gives you the controller, the remote control unit, a couple remotes and some appliance modules. It used to cost 50.00 US, not sure what it is now. I have a starter kit still in the box I would be willing to sell. We can talk about the price if you want. I could probably throw in some extras I have.

**edit
That probably wouldn't work though. Checked your bio - you are in England. shipping would be rather pricey.
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