[clug] remote power cycling many machines

[Chris Smart]

On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, at 08:14, Robert Edwards via linux wrote:
> On 4/4/20 11:06 pm, Chris Smart via linux wrote:
> > On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, at 20:11, Robert Edwards via linux wrote:
> >> What have others tried/can recommend?
> >>
> > 
> > Not that this helps you either, but I use WiFi Smart GPO (~$20 each) running my own code so it's not cloud connected. I bought these from Bunnings, when they sold them:
> > 
> > https://www.brilliantsmart.com.au/smart-products/electrical/wifi-plug-with-usb-charger/
> 
> (supressing urge to make obvious reference to "brilliantsmart", "Smart
> GPO", "smart-products" - do we need a disclaimer from you?)
> 

Heh, I think those are probably smart as in "intelligent," whereas my surname is probably smart as in "a stinging local pain" (oh, that smarts), or "rude" (don't get smart with me), or "to feel or endure distress, remorse, or embarrassment" (smarting from wounded vanity), "poignant grief or remorse" (was not the sort to get over smarts). Take your pick.

> I guess you reflashed with Tasmota or did you go totally bespoke?
> 

In the end I went with ESPHome (define the device as YAML), see my blog post if you're interested:

https://blog.christophersmart.com/2020/03/31/defining-home-automation-devices-in-yaml-with-esphome-and-home-assistant-no-programming-required/

ESPHome also supports those ethernet shields I mentioned (LAN8720), if you do choose to go that way.

Like this:
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/765

Which might come cheaper on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Mustwell-ENC28J60-Interface-Network-Ethernet/dp/B07G87619P/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=ENC28J60&qid=1586039079&sr=8-12

> Still, WiFi is not really an option for me (see response to Brett's
> similar suggestion).
> 

Yeah, knew it wouldn't help you but thought may as well mention in case that sort of thing is useful to others reading along.

> > I think the soft power and reset switches in a computer are 3.3 or 5V? If so, you could probably switch that pretty easily with a $2 ESP module (but WiFi again) or an ESP/Arduino with Ethernet shield ($50?). You would have to open the cases and dangle wires out though...
> 
> Funnily enough, I am more inclined to open the cases and install
> a relay board with dangling wires, than to perturbate the software
> install of the machine. Many of these machines are used for research
> work where timing and/or tightly controlled software environments
> are very significant to the published results.
> 

Yeah, should be easy with a couple of MOSFETs.

If you go Arduino, Jon Oxer's Etherten would be fine:
https://www.freetronics.com.au/products/etherten

Whatever your solution I guess you need an external power source, unless you can turn one of the machines' USB ports into "charging port" so it's always on even when the machine is off. But then that also depends if you're switching soft buttons or cutting power entirely.

-c