Complicating a power strip

JoshK · « **on:** 22 Sep 2004, 05:45 pm »

Gentlemen,

I've been brainstorming an idea for a controllable power strip/conditioner. I was inspired by Marbles.

My idea was to use an IR receiver to DC pulse transcoder circuit to control a relay, instead of a typical control outlet. This would allow one to remotely turn on/off the power strip. This is the easy part so far, apart from possible programing the IR receiver. I have seen such transcoder circuits around in various places so I think that is doable.

Anyone know a source for high quality high current relays? I was thinking of using a 30a or 40a 12VDC automotive relay like those that can be found on partsexpress for <$2. This is good for starters but I'd like to get the highest quality possible.

Second, once this is working the trick will be to add a delay circuit with a second relay, so the first turns on immediately and the second turns on some time later. This is so I can delay turn on my amp. Anyone know of such a delay circuit?

Now, to make things the most complicated, the delay needs to be the other way around for turn off, i.e. amp goes off first, then preamp.

Suggestions?
Josh

Marbles · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 05:56 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

Gentlemen,

Now, to make things the most complicated, the delay needs to be the other way around for turn off, i.e. amp goes off first, then preamp.

Suggestions? .

How about a passive pre

mgalusha · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 06:40 pm »

I have a very simple, easy to build time dealy circuit that will activate a relay. It won't act in reverse however. Once power is cut, the relay will open immediately. Let me know and I can send you the schematic and some pictures. The parts are available at Radio Shack, so putting one together is easy. It requires 12V DC to run.

If the power amp has muting relays it really won't matter what order they get shut off in as they will open as soon as power goes away. 'Course not all amps have them.

The contacts in the main power relay are nearly identical to what's inside a normal switch. There should be little, if any difference between them.

mike

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 07:12 pm »

For everyone's edification, I remembered seeing some circuits that may be useful for anyone attempting to travel the same road.

Elliot Sound Projects Power Projects

He shows a current sense auto switch and a soft start that could be other ways of complicating this power strip.

Fine Print: It should be said here, for legal reasons that although I have pointed you to a website that shows you how to do such things, I am in no way resposible for any harm/damage that may encurr from attempting such projects.

bubba966 · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 07:28 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

Second, once this is working the trick will be to add a delay circuit with a second relay, so the first turns on immediately and the second turns on some time later. This is so I can delay turn on my amp. Anyone know of such a delay circuit?

Now, to make things the most complicated, the delay needs to be the other way around for turn off, i.e. amp goes off first, then preamp.

Josh,

Have you given a thought to picking up an older Monster Power HTS 2500 or 3500? Those have timed outlets (both on & off) for the exact reason you're talking about.

Then gut the filtration circutry, pull the factory outlets out, maybe re-wire the power input with some Belden wire & nice Furutech Rhodium plug, and possibly pull the surge protection out as well if you don't care for that.

Add your remote circuit to the switch on the front, or the 12vDC trigger, and you're set.

If you go that route (and pull the filtration out) the HTS2500 would be the better model for you to go for as the upgraded filtration in the HTS3500 wouldn't matter.

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 07:36 pm »

Quote from: bubba966

Josh,

Have you given a thought to picking up an older Monster Power HTS 2500 or 3500? Those have timed outlets (both on & off) for the exact reason you're talking about.

Then gut the filtration circutry, pull the factory outlets out, maybe re-wire the power input with some Belden wire & nice Furutech Rhodium plug, and possibly pull the surge protection out as well if you don't care for that.

Add your remote circuit to the switch on the front, or the 12vDC trigger, and you're set.

If you go that ...

All the monsters have a 12V trigger already!

Good thinking Bubba.

JoshK · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 07:42 pm »

....Or do it the ninny way Brian suggests.

bubba966 · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Sep 2004, 08:51 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

....Or do it the ninny way Brian suggests.

Can't quite figure out if you mean that was a good suggestion, or a bad one?

JoshK · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Sep 2004, 01:54 pm »

I was teasing you Brian. Great suggestion but ultimately I think I am going to do it the "hard way". I want to add a soft start circuit for my amp to the equation so I am thinking ground up. (no pun intended)

bubba966 · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Sep 2004, 06:31 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

I was teasing you Brian.

And I didn't get it...

Anyway, the HTS 2500, 3500, and even the 5000

seem to be had on eBay for around $100. Which is a lot cheaper than I thought they'd be (I got a pair of 3500's cheap a few years back for $450, thought they were still in the same ballpark).