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From: wicklowham <wicklowham.nospam@rfburns.eu>
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.misc,alt.os.linux.mint
Subject: Re: smart plugs???
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2025 13:00:36 +0000
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On 18/01/2025 11:01, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> On 18/01/2025 02:46, Paul wrote:
>> On Fri, 1/17/2025 11:48 AM, Mike Scott wrote:
>>> On 16/01/2025 13:25, Alan K. wrote:
>>>>> If you're up to a bit of wiring, try a USB relay. E.g. Annadue 
>>>>> Relay Module (try Amazon, 2 channel £10.62)
>>>>> Interface: apt install usbrelay
>>>>> usbrelay --debug for information
>>>>>
>>>>> 1, 2, 3, 8 channels available
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> https://www.amazon.com/DSD-TECH-SH-UR01A-Controller-Computer/dp/B09PYML6Q7
>>>> That's the coolest.  Damn! I wish I had that back when!   Of course 
>>>> Linux Mint and good computers etc weren't available when I was a 
>>>> huge DIYer and tinkered, but it really would have been fun.
>>>
>>>
>>> Nice idea... but I'm looking at probably 3kW at 240V to run a heater.
>>>
>>> The power level is just a bit outside my comfort zone for home 
>>> construction, especially for unattended operation.
>>>
>>> It's why I'm trying to find a commercial solution.
>>
>> You can use a relay, to switch a relay.
>>
> 
> No need., You can use a transistor to buffer a PIO output and drive a 
> sensibly big relay directly
> 
> I sourced some 20A 250V relays from china that seem OK
> 
> JQX-15F-DC05V-A 4PIN
> 
> Is the magic keyword.
> 
> They take about a watt (200mA@5V) to drive them - beyond most PIO 
> (16mA=80mW for the pico) but easily obtainable with a single transistor 
> amplifier.
> 
> Strangely Europe doesn't make shit like this - you end up with massive 
> contactors at a huge price instead.
> 
> 
> 
> 
A good solution might be a 'solid state relay ',which is an opto-coupled 
  device for 3 - 30 Volt -DC input combined with a triac output for up 
to 240V-AC
I have used these as intermediate switch between low voltage DC systems 
and AC powered devices.

Frank in County Wicklow -Ireland