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Any Alternative to the : Bits Limited "smart strip" that Home depot sells
moriartyds:
--- Quote from: millercentral on July 25, 2007, 06:14:41 pm ---While I have a smart strip in my cabinet now, I find it is very finiky on detecting the PC power. Depending on where I set the sensitivity, it either doesn't turn the monitor on, or doesn't turn it off. I've gotten to a point now where it will *eventually* turn it off (think hours), but its still frustrating.
Instead, I've decided to try a new computer PSU that an extra AC Outlet in in (Vantec 420 for the interested). The outlet in only energized when the PC is on, so it should do the trick (in my case, its only the monitor that I'm trying to sync power with the PC)...
I'll report back when I get it and get it installed.
--- End quote ---
I'm having a similar problem with my Smart Strip from Bits Unlimited. It's very finicky re: when it turns things off. Everything always boots up on command but half the time things don't shut down properly. I'm still messing with the sensitivity hoping that will help. If not I may check out this Sears option.
Joystick Jerk:
I just purchased the PAM-102 Powerminder from Jay Kang. It's manufactured by Hobbes USA, and so far it looks to do everything the Smart Strip does, but at a MUCH cheaper price. You can probably find it at a lot of online shops, but Jay Kang was the cheapest at $24.95 that was in stock. The product I recieved was also in a rebranded box called "DataGuard Smart", so search around for that one too to find the same product.
Initial testing proves it works great. There's not much to say since it just turns stuff off and on based on the monitored outlet, but it does that perfectly so far. To hell with you Bits Ltd. and your overpriced product!
Guaranos:
--- Quote from: moriartyds on July 26, 2007, 09:21:50 am ---
--- Quote from: millercentral on July 25, 2007, 06:14:41 pm ---While I have a smart strip in my cabinet now, I find it is very finiky on detecting the PC power. Depending on where I set the sensitivity, it either doesn't turn the monitor on, or doesn't turn it off. I've gotten to a point now where it will *eventually* turn it off (think hours), but its still frustrating.
Instead, I've decided to try a new computer PSU that an extra AC Outlet in in (Vantec 420 for the interested). The outlet in only energized when the PC is on, so it should do the trick (in my case, its only the monitor that I'm trying to sync power with the PC)...
I'll report back when I get it and get it installed.
--- End quote ---
I'm having a similar problem with my Smart Strip from Bits Unlimited. It's very finicky re: when it turns things off. Everything always boots up on command but half the time things don't shut down properly. I'm still messing with the sensitivity hoping that will help. If not I may check out this Sears option.
--- End quote ---
Oh yeah, well, my Smart Strip is haunted. Every once in a while it will decide to turn on the monitor and marquee light when nobody is around. Sometimes, if I wait outside the door to the game room, I can hear it flick on and off a couple of times.
mrclean:
Well thanks everyone for your replies and comments I ended up going with the sears unit and it's working great! no complaints so far .