IP relay and LAN control

[CDC]

Hello to all. I am looking for a way to activate a relay from workstations on a LAN. After viewing someone at the entry door on desktop (via IP Cam)I would like to give users the capability to release the door lock. Are "F" keys programmable to do this? Can I use a serial output of a PC and configure it to be triggered by other PC's to release for a set time? I found an IP relay that cost $250.00+. (which is to much for this app.)

Thanks for your help,
CDC

 

[iostream212]

What items do you have at your disposal? Does 'F' key mean the F keys on a keyboard or the function keys on an ELK keypad?

 

[gatchel]

What kind of IP camera? Some IP cameras have a built in trigger or relay that can be accessed from the IP camera interface.

 

[fcwilt]

http://www.controlbyweb.com/products.html

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

The easiest way to do this IMO is by getting a WebRelay device ($120). It comes with a web based interface (can even enable security) and even has contact inputs you can monitor to insure a door is closed (if you mount magnetic sensors on the door).

A little pricey, but a simple and quick solution. -_-

Don't forget about a power supply also if you order one (can just use a wall wart).

EDIT: LOL, should have read Frederick C. Wilt's post above BEFORE I posted this.

I guess great minds think alike, right Frederick?

 

[CDC]

Sorry about that. I was asking about the function keys on a keyboard. Thanks also for he link. BTW, there are IP phones in this office. Does anyone know if IP phones have the ability to trigger an output or one of these IP relays?

CDC

 

[gatchel]

Brands and model numbers of your existing equipment would be a gigantic help.

There are function key remappers out there but they would have to be able to send a command to an IP device. Sounds like a job for a programmer.

 

[fcwilt]

The easiest way to do this IMO is by getting a WebRelay device ($120). It comes with a web based interface (can even enable security) and even has contact inputs you can monitor to insure a door is closed (if you mount magnetic sensors on the door).

I guess great minds think alike, right Frederick?

I tend to be in a hurry when I read these things thus the very short post.

I have used their products and they work as advertised. The have a temperature module which I have down on my boat dock, with probes sensing air and water temperature. The module has a neat feature whereby you can set limits and it will send a command to one of their relay modules. I use a relay module as an input to my home automation system to tell me when the air temp is nearing freezing. I use this information to turn the heaters in my outdoor security cameras on or off as needed.

 

[Michael McSharry]

The $40 CAI Webcontrol (Look at Amazon.com) is a very capable device where you an control the end points via Web or use internal logic that is programmable via browsers. In this case the WebControl has 8 digital outputs and you would need to use one of the outputs to control the 5V coil of a relay that you supply that has the proper contact ratings.

 

[CDC]

Thanks to all for your help. I new I would get solutions here. There are a number of Windows work stations, but as far as what keyboards they use? There could be several manuf. I am going to look at the web control (amazon) and the IP Camera with outputs since it will be located in the area of the lock to be controlled. Does anyone have a link or model #?
Thanks again,
CDC

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

The $40 CAI Webcontrol (Look at Amazon.com) is a very capable device where you an control the end points via Web or use internal logic that is programmable via browsers. In this case the WebControl has 8 digital outputs and you would need to use one of the outputs to control the 5V coil of a relay that you supply that has the proper contact ratings.

Michael;

You wouldnt by any chance know the high limit operating temp of that device (I need something in the 60 deg C range for outdoor use here in Las Vegas)? I tried looking for it in various documents on their website. Might just call their tech support.

thanks,

BSR

 

[mustangcoupe]

Thanks to all for your help. I new I would get solutions here. There are a number of Windows work stations, but as far as what keyboards they use? There could be several manuf. I am going to look at the web control (amazon) and the IP Camera with outputs since it will be located in the area of the lock to be controlled. Does anyone have a link or model #?
Thanks again,
CDC

I think Hardware they were asking about the ipcamera and the IP Phones you asked about not the keyboards

 

[Michael McSharry]

You wouldnt by any chance know the high limit operating temp of that device (I need something in the 60 deg C range for outdoor use here in Las Vegas)? I tried looking for it in various documents on their website. Might just call their tech support.

I do not know the official specs, but I have one near Phoenix for about a year now including last summer. I mounted it in a water tight electrical gray PVC box on which I drilled a hole on one side to run the wiring conduit. I think it was a 4x4x2" container. It is mounted behind a post so it does not get direct sun exposure, but does get the 100+ degree ambient. I use it with a Vegitronix moisture, humidity and temperature measurements. The powerline ethernet and wallwart are also outside under a deck awning.

I have a single zone drip irrigation system there and this would be a good application for using a relay output of the WebControl. My problem is that the existing controller is not in a good location to do something like this so I probably will not ever take that step. With last years data I can see that there was not too much variation throughout the summer so a timed controller is good enough and then set it bak in the Fall.

I do not think their manual has the temperature specs so giving them a call is a good idea. Your 60 degree is outside the commercial electronics range which normally has a 55 degree max. It has no heat sink on the regulator, so you will want to use someting like 7 volts at the connector if you do not want to generate excessive heat to get the voltage down to 5 volts. Adding a little fan would likely also help.

You could also be a little more creative and cut out some of the air conditioner cold line insulation and mount the electronics on top of it. It will stay nice and cold. It is a shame to hog all that cold when there are better uses than just keeping people cool.

http://www.amazon.com/Webcontrol-Universal-Temperature-Humidity-Controller/dp/B001H4JXLU

They sell two versions. The BRE is what I developed software. While both versions have support for internal logic, but new one has a better logic engine. Both have the same remote access and control capability via wired IP.

 

[fresno51]

Hello to all. I am looking for a way to activate a relay from workstations on a LAN. After viewing someone at the entry door on desktop (via IP Cam)I would like to give users the capability to release the door lock. Are "F" keys programmable to do this? Can I use a serial output of a PC and configure it to be triggered by other PC's to release for a set time? I found an IP relay that cost $250.00+. (which is to much for this app.)

Maybe you need something like: http://tinyurl.com/3nyoc4v

It can be controlled from many computers at the same time and from the phone. Probably you will find it on "E- auctions"

 

[tmbrown97]

Probably you will find it on "E- auctions"

Don't worry - E-Bay isn't really a 4-letter word around here... There can be good deals to be found there, and there's nothing wrong with that! In fact, if you find something good, do share!