Turn off monitor when PC shutsdown

[rchadd]

I would like to be able to automatically turn off the power to my arcade monitor whenever my PC is shutdown.

I am using an ATX PSU.

Is this possible?

[JasonF]

There is a type of power strip that can tell based on the current draw of one "control" outlet when your device is on or off (you would plug your ATX power supply into this outlet).  When off, it switches off other outlets (and likewise, switches them on when the control outlet begins to draw enough current).

You might be able to find something like this at Fry's, CompUSA, etc.  I did a quick search, and this looks like what I'm describing:

http://www.bitsltd.net/smartstrip/landing1/landing.htm


[I have no affiliation and do not endorse the linked product--provided as an example only]

[rchadd]

yes, this looks very interesting.

I thought the ATX PSU is powered all the time - even when PC has been shutdown. Suppose it doesn't draw so much current then and so that triggers the other outlets to be shut off.

i am in UK so will investigate if possible to get similar here.

not sure if feasible to get it shipped from US if can't find UK equivalent ( we have 240v power system).

any electrically minded people here think it is possible to implement similar from scratch? know of a circuit design that will do this?

could i modify a regular belkin 4 way power block (with builtin filter) to do this?

cheers

- richard

[Silver]

maplin's do an equivalent in the UK - think it goes for around

[rchadd]

yes you are correct, it is on www.maplin.co.uk website.

It is called the "Intelligent Mains Extension Lead" and available for

[Teknique]

take a look at this too:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00924031000

I know some ppl use this for their cabs.

[JasonF]

To roll your own, you could tap into the 5VDC or 12VDC outputs of the ATX power supply, and then find a relay that will switch your AC in response to the DC.  I don't have any example relays to provide, but you would need to consider the maximum voltage that the relay will handle as well as the maximum current draw.  You could use multiple relays to power different things (i.e., one for a monitor, one for the marquee light, etc) if the current rating is not high enough for all of your devices.

[rchadd]

I have received a suggestion for a relay based solution (see attached pic) - thanks Gary!

here is the spec of the relay used:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?moduleno=2516

product code YX97F
price 1.49 + VAT

Ultra Miniature High Power Mains Relay
 
An ultra-miniature relay capable of switching 10A resistive at 240Vac. The relay is fully enclosed and is designed for direct printed circuit mounting. Available with a single-pole changeover silver cadmium oxide contact. Dimensions: 22 x 17

[JasonF]

Yes, neutral would not be switched through the relay.  This is consistant with how light switches in your home are wired.

[KevSteele]

There is a type of power strip that can tell based on the current draw of one "control" outlet when your device is on or off (you would plug your ATX power supply into this outlet).  When off, it switches off other outlets (and likewise, switches them on when the control outlet begins to draw enough current).

You might be able to find something like this at Fry's, CompUSA, etc.  I did a quick search, and this looks like what I'm describing:

http://www.bitsltd.net/smartstrip/landing1/landing.htm

[I have no affiliation and do not endorse the linked product--provided as an example only]

I'll endorse it - the SmartStrip is a great power strip for MAME cabs - I've got a review on my site:

http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/smartstrip1.html

I'm actually working right now on a review of their 2nd-generation SmartStrip, with an adjustable trigger point for activating. They've also got time-delayed versions.

Kevin

[rchadd]

it might be good - but no use if you live outside the US  

In UK we are 240v

[KevSteele]

it might be good - but no use if you live outside the US  

In UK we are 240v

You Brits always do things the hard way, don't you? Drive on the wrong side of the road, force people to wire up their own power plugs, use 240v, the metric system...why can't you do it right like us?  

(Um, did I get that "irony" thing right?)

Kevin

[rchadd]

yep you got it (irony that is)

in fact most people here don't want the metric system either.

a while ago a fruit and veg market trader was taken to court because he would only sell his produce in pounds and ounces. it was highly publicised but resistance is futile. the metric stuff was forced on us by "europe".

bring back feet and inches!!!

[KevSteele]

Funny thing is, I was educated in the metric system, part of a short-lived push in the seventies to switch America over to the metric system. It fizzled out (inertia wins again!), so I'm a metric-loving American trapped in a land of sixteenths of an inch and however many damn feet in a mile...

Everything divisable by 10, gotta love it...sigh...