A quick google for commercial products puts the control of one relay at about $30US+S&H
http://www.sigma-shop.com/product/7/usb-relay-controller-one-channel-box.html?&CurrencyID=1 -- 1 relay, USB controlled, nicely packaged http://numato.com/2-channel-usb-relay-module -- 2 relay, USB controlled, board with exposed components assembled http://procontrol.com/products/pro-relay-4/ -- professional looking, 4 relay, ethernet or IR interface, POE or 1A 12V external power, no price on page at first glance http://www.fullcompass.com/product/366255.html?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googleps&gclid=CKSL0re7xLMCFao7MgodIWcA7Q -- Interesting device for controlling and monitoring 2 audio lines in and out. USB controlled and powered for $30 Now $30 isn't cheap (under $2 is in my book), but these options are not bad for $30 equipment. I use an earlier version of http://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html that cost about $130. It is commercial grade and well worth it. I use it remotely over a wifi network, and it is rock solid. I use 'Web Power Switch III' and they are new selling 'Web Power Switch 6' just a couple of years later. Essentially the same device more features. I found out about these from a local college that uses 3 or 4 'Web Power Switch 1' that isn't as programmable but still rock solid and they were using it for 2 or 3 years before I got the one I have. As you can tell, if you have a 'it needs to just work' this is a great device (testimonial concluded) even if the price did throw me about $100 over the budget I had, it is much better than anything else I found. I have this thing controlling a XP machine, monitor, WIFI router, small ethernet switch, and power plugged into a small UPS that has dead batteries now (need to be replaced, but out of my control currently - so it is currently working as a good surge protector). Tell us what you choose, and how it works for you in your application. _______________________________________________ Hardwarehacking mailing list [email protected] http://lists.blu.org/mailman/listinfo/hardwarehacking
