Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: mrclean on July 25, 2007, 12:37:15 am
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http://www.retroblast.com/videos/smartstrip.wmv looks exactly what I need does any local stores sell a similar product such as a local home depot?
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Sears has something like that intended to turn on a light or dust collection when a tool is turned on. Not sure if the price is better (IIRC it's about $25).
IIRC, Cyberguys has a different model that does the same thing.
Rick
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I considered one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Power-Minder-Mini/dp/B000BSN1CA) because it was a bit cheaper, but in the end I bought a BU SmartStrip and highly recommend it. I don't think HD carries an alternative.
-pmc
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Here's a link to another thread referencing the Sears version ..
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68046.msg693961#msg693961 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68046.msg693961#msg693961)
Koz
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Here is one that you can use from NiceMite (http://www.nicemite.com/PowermiteDD/PowermiteDD.htm)
Or if you want to hack your own look here. (http://spystyle.arcadecontrols.com/01/index81.htm)
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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.
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i am using the Sears/Craftsman unit and it works beautifully
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Agreed on the Sears/Craftsman unit. It works perfectly and if you want it instantly you can run down to Sears and get it now.
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Sears unit is going into my mame cab as well, just bought it last week.
Price here was $19.99 + tax. Several were in stock. Salespeople were useless, but I found them myself.
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Here's the info on the sears unit.
Craftsman Auto Switch
Sears item #00924031000 Mfr. model #24031
I'd link to it, but IIRC sears's website is finicky... One of those item#'s in their search box should find it. (I found it with the search terms "dust switch")
I seen it in the store (my store anyway) near the clamps and sawhorses.... FWIW
Rick
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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.
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.
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I just purchased the PAM-102 Powerminder from Jay Kang (http://www.jaykang.com/ceco8oupostw.html). It's manufactured by Hobbes USA (http://www.hobbes-usa.com/Products/power_mgt/_PAM.htm), 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!
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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.
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.
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.
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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 .