Quick cheap remote outlets

posted Jan 19th 2009 11:34am by
filed under: classic hacks, home hacks

ir_plugs1

[jwad650] wanted a remote controlled power strip. These are fairly expensive, with a single outlet running roughly $15. He was able to build a 6 outlet version for about $50.  He is using an SIS-7c to decode signals from a universal remote. Each plug is individually controlled by a 3Amp relay. Be careful making this, there’s lots of nasty shock potential in that mess of wires. We recommend that you confine it in an enclosure as well. [jwad650] plans on adding an enclosure, as well as LED indicators and fuses. You can see a video of it in action after the break. If you want more information about working with relays, check out the working with relays writeup.

tagged: , ,


16 Responses to Quick cheap remote outlets

  • xrazorwirex says:
    January 19, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    You can go to radioshack and get a remote single outlet and just plug it into a surge bar and just wire that to your wall, probably alot safer than having a bunch of loose high current wires lying around in your wall…

    Reply Report comment
  • nubie says:
    January 19, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    I am sure that this is scalable, but . . .

    This is only $10.90 and works 2 outlets (only $30 to work the same 6 outlets),

    http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5298

    I will keep this wireless IR reciever in mind (Oh wait, it is $20, nevermind.)

    I keep meaning to build an Atmega IR reciever, huh.

    Reply Report comment
  • Sparky says:
    January 19, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Anyone foolish enough to use this kluge for actual daily use better hope their home insurer
    doesn’t cancel their policy for stupidity (after
    the house burns to the ground).

    The folks at the NEC, NFPA, and maybe UL would
    probably condemn this contraption as nothing but
    a vo-tech lab exercise. Not something you use in
    a home when your loved one’s lives could be put
    at risk.

    Reply Report comment
  • jesus in techicolour says:
    January 19, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    it’s a good job he doesn’t live in europe :)

    Reply Report comment
  • josh cabio says:
    January 19, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    @xrazorwirex

    wow that’s smart I cant believe i didn’t think of that

    Reply Report comment
  • nubie says:
    January 19, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    @ sparky:

    He just needs to put all the circuitry in a certified box, and the outlets as well.

    At the local store a box is $0.25 apiece, figure 3 for the sockets, and 3 more for the relays/chip, it is only $1.50.

    I didn’t have the audio turned on, I don’t know why he has it connected to the back of a power strip instead of using a gang-box ( $4 at home depot http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100404086 ).

    Reply Report comment
  • jproach says:
    January 19, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    $15 is quite cheap, considering:
    - claimed range is 100ft
    - more importantly its RF NOT infrared (outlets are usually behind other things)
    - its rated 10A, so you could add a power bar, and plug quite a few things in
    - its rated for outdoor use (but not when its cold according to the comments :p)

    Reply Report comment
  • Sparky says:
    January 19, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    As long you keep the hot, common, and ground all separated and sealed away in a box with a cover plate on the outlets this looks great. I build similar setups using ceiling fan remotes that don’t get used in fixture installation at my workplace.

    Reply Report comment
  • Sparky says:
    January 19, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    in addition, please be sure of the polarity and voltage output before you plan on using these.

    Reply Report comment
  • wifigod says:
    January 19, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    Why not just buy an X10 remote outlet? These can be bought for around $10 on ebay, not to mention they have units that offer a serial input that can communicate with other X10 units and X10 software. It is MUCH safer, UL approved and everything. A few more bucks for a priceless amount more safety is good enough reason for me.

    Reply Report comment
  • Scotty says:
    January 19, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    This is a very nice exercise in technology, and rather well done, but nowhere near ready for use by anyone other than the educated builder. I could not trust the non-tech savvy in my home to use this. It needs a huge dose of idiot-proofing. But I do have to say I LOVE it as a tech exercise. x10 is what I use instead and building a strip using that technology would be one of the better ways to go.

    Reply Report comment
  • The Cheap Vegetable Gardener says:
    January 19, 2009 at 8:25 pm

    Great project, I solved a similar problem but I am too lazy to leave the computer to get the remote so I went the wired route. Also put in box which is probably not code, but at least don’t have the shock hazard

    http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/2008/12/control-two-120v-electrical-outlets.html

    Reply Report comment
  • Doug says:
    January 19, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    RF remotes to turn off Christmas lights are fairly cheap at Walmart. Any left over after Christmas are probably dirt cheap. I keep forgetting to run in to see if they have any on clearance.

    Reply Report comment
  • kord says:
    January 20, 2009 at 10:12 am

    I hope he doesn’t plug in anything greater then a 60watt lamp into this thing. Electric code anyone?

    Reply Report comment
  • Sparky says:
    January 20, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    @kord
    the receptacles appear to be of the 15 amp residential variety and what wiring i can see looks to be at least 14 gauge (also rated for 15 amps) that’s quite a bit of draw that you can put on these.

    Reply Report comment
  • ciper says:
    June 9, 2010 at 11:08 am

    Check this out http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13147 universal learning IR controlled outlet for less than 15$

    Reply Report comment

    • Leave a Reply

    XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title="" rel=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

    Hack a Day serves up fresh hacks each day, every day from around the web as well as hacking related news.

    Send us your hacks










         



    Hacks

    Resources