Smart power strips

[slug54]

Hey I'm looking for a smart power strip that works well with mame cabs so I can power on the PC and it power on the light speaker system etc..

I just tried the Rocketfish green power strip from best buy which did not work for me. Aparently the idle current from my PC is too high and it keeps the strip powered up all the time.

I will be returning the rocketfish strip and would like to get something else that people have had good results with.

Thanks

[emerica]

I built my own following the spystyle tutorial. Works well and I have been using it for the past six years to power everything up.

I am having trouble finding the tutorial but basically you take your run of the mill power strip and solder in a 12v relay switch behind the first outlet. Computer goes in first outlet and you run a lead from the 12v power supply from computer to relay in power strip to turn on the other outlets.

[Nephasth]

I use a Belkin and am happy with it.

[drventure]

Walmart has the philips smartstrips for around 20$

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=philips+smart+powerstrip&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=git&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1440&bih=675&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12079581742279381328&sa=X&ei=0YfbTrPXCO6K4gTv9uDRDQ&ved=0CHEQ8wIwAA

Model SPP4061I/17

You can tell it because it has a single unswitched plug higher by itself and a "master" plug on the left end.

I've used it in 2 builds now (my buffet and my radio cab) and it's worked perfectly. You can usually find them online even cheaper, but every walmart I've been in has em.

[drventure]

Plus they were awfully easy to work with when my house got struck by lightning and it fried everything behind that strip (can't really fault the strip in this case, I had devices behind very nice APC UPS units get fried, along with the UPS).

[Blanka]

The smart strips I know have a pot-meter to set the treshold amperage. It works on any idle load as long as you turn the pot right.

[slug54]

Thanks guys,
I checked 2 walmarts near me and I couldnh't find the phillips strip mentioned even though their website said they had a limited supply in store.
I think I may rig up a relay and go that route If I can't find this strip or the Belkin locally.
Thanks for the quick repys.

[Grimoz]

Im running Jackson brand which was pretty cheap ($40 Australian) and I havent had any issues, work like a charm.

[AlienInferno]

I used a Belkin like what Nephasth posted.  Not sure if it's that exact model.  Got mine at Home Depot.  It was the cheapest they had but works great.

[yaksplat]

Just make your own:

http://yaksplat.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/main-power-switch-wiring-part-2/

[drventure]

Yow. You're far more comfortable with 110 than I am 

But nice job!

[yaksplat]

The key is knowing your limitations and knowing what you know. 

[Nephasth]

110V isn't bad. I usually don't get nervous until I'm messing with 3 phase 480V.

yaksplat, what was the total cost for one of those setups?

[mgb]

Its easy enough to make your own using a 12 volt relay to switch 120vac to outlets. If you go that route, make sure the contacts are rated high enough.
Other wise the belkin smart strip works great, its not badly priced and you can find it at your local Home Depot.

[yaksplat]

110V isn't bad. I usually don't get nervous until I'm messing with 3 phase 480V.

yaksplat, what was the total cost for one of those setups?

About $40.  I'm sure that you could find a lower cost relay and base though and still have the same rating on it (6A).