Re: Electronics/Computer Question

From: Tim Wescott (tim_at_wescottnospamdesign.com)
Date: 02/05/05

  • Next message: glug: "Re: I'm sick & tired of LINUX" 
    Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2005 16:26:04 -0800

    Atokata wrote:
    > Hello,
    >
    > I volunteer at a small radio station in Western Colorado. My general
    > field of expertise is UNIX and Linux servers, though oftentimes
    > nessecity forces me outside of that niche.
    >
    > The station uses a plain-jane DSL connection for their office internet
    > connectivity. However, our local provider (Qwest) is problematic (at
    > best). Due to errors on the ISP side of the DSL connection, the
    > ActionTec DSL modem/router provided by Qwest often loses its
    > connection.
    >
    > This is easily fixed by simply power cylcing the modem. However, due
    > to the volunteer-based workforce at the station, many times there is
    > no one availible with the ability to perform this task.
    >
    > My question is this:
    >
    > Do any of the readers here know of a device which can physically
    > switch off the power to the modem through a software control?
    >
    > That is to say, for example, the software could execute a simple DNS
    > request to the ISP's name servers every thirty seconds. If the
    > request comes back accurately, then there's no problem. However, if
    > it times out, that would indicate the DSL modem has become
    > disconnected, and the power circuit to said modem could be interrupted
    > for five or ten seconds, allowing it to reboot.
    >
    > I'm a rank amateur in electronics, but could what I'm describing be
    > called a "relay," or perhaps a "watchdog?"
    >
    > Thanks for any advice you may have.
    >
    >
    If you've got a spare hardware port available, printer or serial, you
    can control the power to the modem. Assuming there isn't already
    something out there you'll need:

    - A relay to switch the load (other things may be better, a relay is
    easiest for a beginner).
    - A driver transistor to switch the relay.
    - A box to put it in.
    - A wall-wart to power it up.
    - Software to tell it what to do to the poor modem.
    - Knowledge on how to hook it all up.

    The first three can come from Radio Shack. The next to last you need to
    supply, and the last may come to you if you ask nicely on
    sci.electronics.basic (or basics; I can't remember which).

    An alternative is to see if any of the plethora of X-10 home automation
    stuff would let you control an outlet from a PC. Search on X-10.
    You'll still need software to ping the server and cycle power, but the
    hardware would be taken care of, at least. 

    -- 
Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com
  • Next message: glug: "Re: I'm sick & tired of LINUX"

    Relevant Pages

    • Re: Next year hdtv law comes into effect
      ... |> COFDM in places like West Virginia where a market exists out to 100 miles ... | instances where you use a high power, ... |> power station transmitting with 1/100th the power of a full power station ... you get a specific coverage area for the high power station that is much ...
      (alt.tv.tech.hdtv)
    • Re: Imperial Naval Command Sub (late 21C setting)...
      ... the ability to communicate from the ocean depths. ... Relays can be used to extend the range, ... DX3950-T Imperial Sea Floor Relay Station ... For power a DX3950-T uses an NPU and a bank of power cells. ...
      (rec.games.frp.gurps)
    • Re: Cable Broadband Internet Signal loss from serial RG59 cabling - RF amp recommendations?
      ... RF 10db Amplifier - while the cable channel signals were still ... Let's start by plugging the cable modem in where it last worked. ... downstream power level, and signal/noise ratio. ... Transmit Power +42.0 dBmV ...
      (comp.dcom.modems.cable)
    • Re: Cable Broadband Internet Signal loss from serial RG59 cabling - RF amp recommendations?
      ... RF 10db Amplifier - while the cable channel signals were still ... Let's start by plugging the cable modem in where it last worked. ... downstream power level, and signal/noise ratio. ... Signal passes through Ideal 2Ghz 3-way digital/Satellite Splitter ...
      (comp.dcom.modems.cable)
    • RE: DSL disconnect
      ... Power cycling the modem has a couple of benefits. ... Remove and replace the DSL phone line from the jack on the DSL modem. ... Turn DSL modem on (if you have turned the computer off, ...
      (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)