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Quick question for EE guy, 5volt, USB, soldering, etc (solved)
spystyle:
OK, I figured out how to make a "smart strip" for like $4.50 :) Ultra-cheap.
This one is 5v so it can connect to USB or 5v molex.
This relay "SRD-5VDC-SL-C" can be had $3.99 for 5 (79 cents each)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=%22SRD-5VDC-SL-C%22+%225+pcs%22&_sacat=0&_odkw=SRD-5VDC-SL-C&LH_BIN=1&_sop=15&_osacat=0&_from=R40
And this power strips from walmart "pps1060r/17". It cost only $3.27 and has a 15amp breaker, so it doesn't seem to be missing anything.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-Power-Sentry-6-Outlet-Cord-Strip-2.5/21109368
Here is a pic of the price from my local walmart (Auburn Maine) :
So, $3.27, 20 cents tax, 79 cents for the relay = $4.26 ultra cheap "smart strip"
Pretty funny huh ? I am soldering one up today to USB :
http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml
If you go with USB, and don't have any USB wires laying around, a USB extension cable can be used (99 cents)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=usb+extension+cable+-retractable+-mini+-webcam+-splitter+-connector+-micro&_sacat=44932&_odkw=usb+extension+cable+-retractable+-mini+-webcam+-splitter+-connector&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=44932&_from=R40
OK, have fun :)
Craig
EDIT :
Dang ! The computer I tried to use this with has "always hot" USB, apparently. In other words, the USB is constantly outputting 5 volts when the computer is plugged in, regardless if the computer is on or off.
So I have to connect it to the computer's 5volt molex rather than a USB cord (male)
EDIT 2 : Well the $4.26 ultra cheap "smart strip" was a success :) But I had to connect it to 5v molex, I was not able to connect it to USB.
However, I consider a sub-five-dollar "smart strip" to be a milestone in thrifty-hacking :)
EDIT 3 : OK, here are pics of the $4.26 ultra cheap Smart strip". This time I was more precise and did not lose a socket.
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