dpeter99Aug 24, 2023
Alice Averlong🏳️‍⚧️
the market for network-controllable power strips is weird
it's two things:
1. 50$ devices intended for use in the home. 3 plugs, connects to some cloud service, shiny and available on amazon
2. 300$ devices with 8 ports and you can talk to it over RS232 and 10/100 ethernet and the web stack fits on a 64kb eeprom and it's only purchasable on a website that was last updated in 2008
Aug 24, 2023 at 4:53pmWeb
Show threadAlice Averlong🏳️‍⚧️Aug 24, 2023
Yeah I know #2 is the better option, but I'm currently dealing with one and how it's dying because it's running Linux + webserver in 4mb of ram
Show threadUrsidinoj/The BjornsdottirsAug 24, 2023
@foone rip :(
Show threadstirz ✅Aug 24, 2023

@foone Can the Amazon beast be run without cloud access? If so, just disallow it to go online or to resolve Amazon-related domains.

I had to deny my SmartTV internet access after I noticed how detailed it reported my habits to Samsung.

Show threadGearliciousAug 24, 2023

@stirz @foone the older firmware of tp-link's smart plugs could be isolated in their own VLAN and then entirely controlled without any cloud strings attached. Not sure if that's the case as it's been a few years.

https://github.com/softScheck/tplink-smartplug

GitHub - softScheck/tplink-smartplug: TP-Link WiFi SmartPlug Client and Wireshark Dissector

TP-Link WiFi SmartPlug Client and Wireshark Dissector - GitHub - softScheck/tplink-smartplug: TP-Link WiFi SmartPlug Client and Wireshark Dissector

GitHub
Show threadstirz ✅Aug 24, 2023
@gearlicious @foone Sounds good!
Show threadkatAug 24, 2023
@foone wouldn't it be great if you could make #1 into #2 ... like with software or something... but somehow that never seems possible
Show threadShadSterlingAug 24, 2023
@foone how well does it handle DOOM?
Show threadKyreethAug 24, 2023
@foone #2 is certainly the option whose web server will crash, requiring you to drive to a datacenter and powercycle the power strip itself.
Show threadLucyinchatAug 24, 2023
@foone 2 is worth it
Show threadWilfried KlaebeAug 24, 2023
@foone should be not that complicated to do an ESP32 based version running Tasmota.
Show threadGraham Sutherland / PolynomialAug 24, 2023

@wonka @foone it often is, because the ecosystem vendors are buttholes.

for example, Tuya. for the longest time you could OTA flash Tasmota onto Tuya devices, and they were comparatively cheap because Tuya licensed their ecosystem to hardware developers who all compete with each other.

but Tuya are greedy, and they want to lock you into their ecosystem. so they locked their protocol down with a custom key exchange. folks broke it, so they hardened it, and now you can't OTA flash.

Show threadGraham Sutherland / PolynomialAug 24, 2023

@wonka @foone on top of that, Tuya now requires that all hardware manufacturers ultrasonically weld their devices shut to prevent cracking them open and flashing them directly.

worst part: none of the open source firmwares or tools made it obvious that this was the case, leaving the problem in the GitHub issues and continuing to signpost that Tuya devices were supported.

I bought £70 worth of Tuya smart plugs and found that they're stuck tied to the Tuya cloud crap.

Show threadSid (谷思谛) 🐺Aug 24, 2023
@gsuberland @wonka @foone That's why I avoid Wi-Fi stuff, instead try to use ZigBee or Z-Wave where possible.
Show threadGraham Sutherland / PolynomialAug 24, 2023
@autinerd @wonka @foone yeah, I'll probably be going that route from now on. just frustrating that there's additional upfront cost and consideration for the hub.
Show threadSid (谷思谛) 🐺Aug 24, 2023
@gsuberland @wonka @foone Home Assistant is the best in my opinion (and has the Home Assistant SkyConnect available as a dongle for ZigBee and later Matter/Thread)
Show threadWilfried KlaebeAug 24, 2023
@gsuberland @foone I bought my last Tasmota devices via AliExpress pre-flashed with Tasmota. Might have been a little more expensive than Tuya devices, but they were guaranteed to run Tasmota.
Show threadCameron / CarmenAug 24, 2023
@foone Similar experience with climate sensors I’ve found.
Show threadfrandroid 🏴‍☠️ jin jiyan azadîAug 24, 2023
@foone Nothing on aliexpress? :P
Show threadWrenAug 24, 2023
@foone Mmm, Digital Loggers.
Show threadderekheldAug 24, 2023
@psyolus @foone
Show threadMartin, Regulus TithoniumAug 24, 2023
@foone I actually managed to find one of the $300 non-cloud ones on Amazon. Went to buy a second a month later and they don’t exist again.
Show threadClifton RoystonAug 24, 2023

@foone

This is incredibly accurate.

I have both of these sitting in my office at work.

You could add that #2 is built with a metal case and is sturdy enough you could use it as a flail for self-defense.

Show threadClifton RoystonAug 25, 2023

@foone

While I'm thinking along those lines, the little Wyze WiFi power outlet thingies are about the right size to work as caltrops, if you could get them to fall with the prongs up.

Show threadRevK Aug 24, 2023
@foone funny you should say that. For ages I have been looking to make proper power strips that can be controlled and monitored. We really got close to making one. Designed for 19” rack but usable without. Proper per outlet control and monitoring and power factor. Still not done it.
Show threadPeter MountAug 24, 2023

@revk @foone There would be a market for it and it would be easier than having individual tasmota plugs for each device (like I have currently).

At least they aren't cloudy and do power monitoring.

That said, re Amazon, there is a non-cloud zigbee 4+1 way extension lead available, I've got 2 and they are really handy.

Show threadkatrinaAug 24, 2023

@foone
I use these ones.

https://www.diy.com/departments/tp-link-13a-3-gang-smart-power-strip-extension-lead-cable/6935364087425_BQ.prd

There is a python script you can use to connect them to Home Assistant, no need for the cloud stuff.

I think they might do a 120V NEMA plug version?

TP-Link 13A 3 Gang Smart Power strip extension lead cable | DIY at B&Q

Turn your home into a true smart home with Kasa Smart. Automate your lights and appliances with smart plugs and bulbs. Secure your home with Kasa Cameras. Control it all from the Kasa Smart app.

Show threadPatrick ReynoldsAug 25, 2023

@foone @katrinatransfem The protocol for those TP-Link Kasa devices is so simple you can control them with netcat, no app or cloud account required. I’m up to around ten of them, no complaints.

They definitely have 120V North American versions.

Show threadJernej Simončič �Aug 24, 2023
@foone A few years ago a client moved to new offices, and there was a rack left by the previous occupants there; it had a network-controlled PDU with 8 outputs. They had no need for it, so I took it.
Show threadMori is a Snail GirlAug 24, 2023
@foone
It's a shame the best ones (that I could afford) in the second category are made by TrippLite (Eaton). Total POS company.
Only learned of their history after purchasing from them  
Show thread4censord Aug 24, 2023
@foone maybe check in the din rail section, there also might be some types of those
Show threadPheedback PhilAug 24, 2023
@foone we have some of these - sensible software can control over simple API - but not what you’d call cheap! Whoops forgot the link https://www.eyepowerlimited.co.uk
Welcome to eyePower - eyePower Limited

eyePower Limited's intelligent power distribution units are the PDU of choice for many broadcast, satellite and Audio Video companies.

eyePower Limited - You can't manage what you can't measure
Show threadFauxAug 24, 2023
@foone I've been using https://www.mylocalbytes.com/products/smart-plug-pm , pre-flashed with Tasmota, as everyone else is excited about.
Power Monitoring Smart Plug - Preflashed & Preconfigured

Show threadDavid SeidlAug 24, 2023
@foone And all of those #1 style devices are basically just an ESP32 hooked up inside, right? Every one I've seen has been like that and pretty darn cheesy.
Show threadmnewbergAug 24, 2023

@foone

Can always roll your own: https://shop.m5stack.com/products/atom-socket-kit-hlw8023-jp-us

I haven't used it myself, but looks cool. Plus you can change out the micro controller.

ATOM Socket Kit (HLW8023) - JP&US

Show threadKenneth FinneganAug 24, 2023
@foone $300 is cheap for that second option!
Show threadMark EichinAug 24, 2023
@foone
Shelly plugs?
Show threadMx. Aria StewartAug 24, 2023
@eichin @foone Ha yeah, the remaining option is the smart home stuff, shelly and sonoff and all the others. But it's all single sockets.
Show threadJohn de LargentayeAug 24, 2023
@foone this is about digital-loggers.com isn't it
Show threadNicklas Johnson 🏳️‍🌈Aug 24, 2023

@foone I can vouch for these... they don't cost quite $300, and their UI does feel a bit like it's partying like it's 1999, but they do their job well.

(I have no financial interest in them; I just happen to own two.)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0765NCB2L

Amazon.com

Show threadAlice Averlong🏳️‍⚧️Aug 24, 2023
@spatula this is the exact one we're looking at replacing!
Show threadNicklas Johnson 🏳️‍🌈Aug 25, 2023
@foone Hah! Out of curiosity, are they giving you some kind of trouble, or just not meeting your current needs?
Show threadAlice Averlong🏳️‍⚧️Aug 25, 2023
@spatula yeah, the webserver just completely crashed and left it on but uncontrollable
Show threadNicklas Johnson 🏳️‍🌈Aug 25, 2023
@foone
Oh dang, that's shitty. I hope that doesn't happen with mine but so far they've been solid thankfully.
Show threadIronCladLouAug 24, 2023

@foone maybe check out my potnanny project on GitHub. It runs on a pi zero w. Uses Bluetooth devices mainly (can write gpio plugins too if you want). It can talk with Govee h5082 dual outlets. Inexpensive, reliable, good BT range.
Maybe would fit your need?

No cloud required.

https://github.com/potnanny/application

GitHub - potnanny/application: potnanny application

potnanny application. Contribute to potnanny/application development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub
Show threadJeffGAug 24, 2023
@foone which is the last time that rom was updated as well.
Show threadJeffGAug 24, 2023
@foone ps...Ikea tradfri...$12/port, which is a lil pricey but works rather reliably and you can get cheap local on/off switches for under $10 yet.
Show threadmarkymarrowAug 25, 2023
@foone just build your own…
Show threaddex77Aug 25, 2023
@foone
I have some quite cheap with 4 ports connected via Zigbee