Rack mount remote switched power controlled ('PDU')

ecborgoyn

Active Member
I'm looking for product suggestions on a rack mount 'switched PDU' for a reasonable price.  Probably a 1U device with 4-8 switched outlets.  A 15A total capacity, but 10A would be OK for a 4 outlet variety.
 
I've found a few on the web, and some are quite expensive.  And others look like they are poor quality.  I'd prefer an web control console, but might be able to work with a serial controlled device (for a great price) as I'm also planning to build a RPi2 based controller for my serial controlled WHA units.
 
I've even thought a building a device.  Start with a manual switched control device and add relays.  I'd control it with outputs from my ElkM1 system.  Something like 12VDC outputs controlling latching relays inside the device.  This lets the Elk just pulse the latching relays to turn the AC outlets on & off.  This sounds good, but it might end up costing as much as an off-the-shelf unit.
 
My use-case is remote control of some network and audio devices in my equipment rack.  I'd mostly be looking for on-premises control, but might think of some off-premises options later (like controlling the power to an archive file server remotely...).
 
Thanks for any ideas.
 
I use used APC PDU's off of ebay along with the web/snmp modules. I am not sure what all is available for horizontal, I just get the vertical and use it to power/control all the rack equipment with it installed in the back of the rack. The PDU's themselves can often be gotten dirt cheap. The web/SNMP control modules are a little harder to find, if you go this route make sure you get the RJ cable .
 
RAL said:
You didn't say what you consider to be a reasonable price.
 
Digital Loggers makes a relay unit that is pretty nice and well built. 
 
Sorry..  $500 for a 8 channel device is expensive.  $150 is more reasonable...
 
I've looked at DIgital Loggers website.  The videos gave me a bad impression... Good to hear that the products are well built.  I'll look at them again.
 
wuench said:
I use used APC PDU's off of ebay along with the web/snmp modules. I am not sure what all is available for horizontal, I just get the vertical and use it to power/control all the rack equipment with it installed in the back of the rack. The PDU's themselves can often be gotten dirt cheap. The web/SNMP control modules are a little harder to find, if you go this route make sure you get the RJ cable .
 
I'll look at ebay.  I agree that APC is a good name.  Just bought an APC 2U UPS.  I have to admit that ebay stuff scares me a bit....  But again, a used APC product probably compares well with a cheap new device...
 
+1 with aforementioned posts relating to purchasing a used one on Ebay.
 
PDUs typically are made to last forever. 
 
Reason for switched outlets is primarily energy conservation.  Secondarily power cycling/rebooting.
 
For instance, my employer provides me with an Integrated Services Router to allow me work remotely from home (I work that big IP networking company....).  I'll be rack-mounting device.  But would like to only power the device during my working hours.  The equipment rack is in the basement and my office is on the second floor of the house.  I'd also like to control the power of some of the future servers and audio equipment in the rack.  And not everything has WOL support...
 
Neurorad said:
What is the reason for the switched outlets? Rebooting/power cycling?

Just curious.
 
Eventually I'll upgrade for precisely that reason. I've worked with models that have build in "ping" commands for each outlet (e.g. AP plugged into outlet 1; if X failed tries to ping AP, power cycle outlet 1) - basically automating the process ;)
 
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