USB Line Switch Turn on and off your personal computer peripherals, save power and money. Now suitable for Windows 7 without restrictions!

An older version of this product were published in the special issue "Mikrocontroller-Special 4" (ON/OFF USB-Lineswitch, page 48) of Elektor. Please note, that the descriptions and downloads, offered in this page, or not suitable for the circuit, described in the special issue.

With the "USB Line Switch" electrical consumers (e.g. printer, scanner, modem etc.) can be turned on and off by the personal computer (or with the push button in the device). The switch, used in the device, is working solid-state (triac), that means free of electrical noise and wearout. A light emitting diode shows the switch state. The device is designed as adapter plug. For the connection with the personal computer, an ordinary USB cable is used. More than one device can be controlled with a comfortable software for Microsoft Windows ®. An additional command line tool is available. Each device can store a short designation (e.g. the connected consumer), which will be shown in the applications.

The line part is optical isolated from the USB control electronic. The control electronic is supplied by the USB interface. If the personal computer is powered down, the connected consumer also is turned off (the LED is off). With this restriction, the USB Line Switch is especially suitable for computer peripherals. The advantages of the USB Line Switch:

• no standby current for line powered peripheral PC devices

• no self power dissipation (null watts) in off state

• turn on and off required peripheral devices convenient from your working place

• simple way to leave a designation for each device for comfortable differentiation of devices

Please note (for prospective buyers outside Germany): The device is equipped with three-pin plugs, especially used in Germany and some other european countries.

The differences to the "Elektor Edition" (Rev. 1.0):

• Only one Rev. 1.x ("Elektor Edition") device can be connected to the PC. In addition, a few Rev. 2.x devices can be connected.

• The firmware supports the storage of a designation.

• The circuit, PCB and firmware is optimized for higher reliability and noise immunity.

• Another casing is used.

Software:

The required software for this device is available as free download. The software package contains 32 Bit applications, which can be also executed under 64 Bit operating systems. They are suitable for

• Microsoft Windows 2000
• Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows Vista

New: Now suitable for Windows 7 without restrictions!

The installation program is actualized. A new version of the LibUSB-Win32 driver set is used. This causes, that the applications of the package are suitable for Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit) now, without any restrictions!

The USB Line Switch is either available as assembled and approved device or as construction kit. The gadget uses only conventional (wired) parts. The assembling of the kit may be no difficulty for experienced hobbyists.

Warning!

This device is used at the high voltage line! You risk your life or the damage of other connected devices, if the gadget is not assembled properly. It is only allowed, to connect the circuit to the high voltage line, if it is housed in the destined casing. Less experienced hobbyists and electronic novices should not order the kit. For them, the assembled device is recommended.

PCB & Controller the basic material	Construction Kit for self made mens (and women)	Assembled Device the connect and forget solution
This set contains: printed circuit board (current revision) programmed microcontroller (current firmware version)	This set contains: casing printed circuit board all parts for the PCB, with programmed microcontroller USB cable 1.8m	This set contains: assembled and approved device USB cable 1.8m
Price: Euro 15.00	Price: Euro 35.00	Price: Euro 49.00
Shipping cost category: A	Shipping cost category: C	Shipping cost category: C
Order number: ULS01	Order number: ULS02	Order number: ULS03

All prices inclusive german VAT, without shipping.

Shipping costs are calculated as real costs.

You can order via E-Mail or FAX. Please give Your invoice and delivery address.

Delivery is only possible by prepayment! You will get a preliminary invoice as PDF file via E-Mail, which contains bank transfer information. After payment the goods will be delivered.

We apologize, that we can't offer you a more comfortable way for order and payment in the moment.

More informationen about order and payment...

The following free downloads are available:

Hint: The software package should be installed before connecting a gadget!

You will find information and downloads for software modules and drivers with the following links.