FPP Controlled Power Outlet Suggestions?

[JonD]

I don't like to run my FM transmitter all time, and only want it on while the show is running. 

Originally I placed it on a timer, but if the timer clock gets out of sync, the batteries die and lose all the programming, or if we need to do testing outside the normal schedule, it is not the ideal solution.  On occasion a couple of cars will pull up a few minutes before the show ends, and the next thing we know, we have extended the show over an hour.  I typically leave a small buffer in case we want to extend the show, but not an hours worth.  To go more than 30 minutes we are scrambling to keep the FM transmitter from powering off.

I would like to to be able to control a power outlet from FPP.  Something I can turn on from a FPP playlist lead in, and turn off in a lead out.  Also be able to configure a Command Preset to do the same manually. 

I was hoping someone might be doing this already, and have a solution they could share?

[fauxton]

I've often considered building a cape with GPIO controlled TRIACs or relays for this purpose.  If others are interested I can make it happen.  Otherwise it wouldn't be too hard to hand wire something together 

[JonD]

Interesting.  My Pi4 pins have several things plugged in already, such as EDS RDS, and fans.  If they continued to work, that would possibly be of interest.  I was thinking more of using a Synaccess or MSNSwitch IP powered switch.  Creating a telnet/SSH/HTTP script to turn it on and off, but open to anything.

[Santacarl]

Interesting.  My Pi4 pins have several things plugged in already, such and EDS RDS, and fans.  If they continued to work, that would possibly be of interest.  I was thinking more of using a Synaccess or MSNSwitch IP powered switch.  Creating a telnet/SSH/HTTP script to turn it on and off, but open to anything.

Hey JonD.....sorry if I temporarily redirect the thread and ask a question but you mentioning fans on your PI4 made me wonder what fan you're using and which pins on the PI you use....   I have a PI4 that tends to run on the warm side and I've been thinking of looking into fans and your post hiked my interest....

[JonD]

The fan actually came with the case. (Fans plural was a typo)  I posted my EDM install which shows a picture of how everything is connected. https://falconchristmas.com/forum/index.php?topic=15364.msg126186#msg126186

You can either connect to 3v or 5v pin depending how much cooling you want.  The fan runs faster on 5v, but is louder. 

Think if you just search "Pi fan" on amazon a bunch will show up.  https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-iUniker-30x30x7mm-Brushless-RetroFlag/dp/B076H3TKBP/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3SGPX8GOAPT0S&keywords=pi+fan&qid=1665338212&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjQ4IiwicXNhIjoiNC4wNyIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=pi+fan%2Caps%2C417&sr=8-11

The case I ordered is this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0963HHSWK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The case directions wanted me to use pin 14 for the ground on the fan, but the USB header cable wanted it as well, so I just moved the fan ground to pin 6.   Using 5v pin 4 for power.  My pi usually reads between 100F and 108F (38C-42C)

[JonD]

Even though the cape sounds interesting, assuming best case it would not be something available in the near future.  My last response reminded me that I had a Synaccess I could play with.  It will turn the power outlet on/off with either http or telnet commands.  The FPP does not appear to have telnet installed by default, or come with a web browser that I am aware of.  I am assuming http might be the easier path.

The following commands will turn the power on/off from my pc.

On
http://admin:admin@10.12.25.5/cmd.cgi?$A3%201%201

Off
http://admin:admin@10.12.25.5/cmd.cgi?$A3%201%200

My linux is weak, and having a hard time making this work on the FPP.  Any gurus out there able to help me convert the commands to linux?  Can I send this using netcat, curl, wget, or something native to the FPP box?

[jnealand]

I turn my AC things on and off at the beginning and ending of my show using some old Lynx SSR4 which is nothing more than a DMX AC controller with 4 outputs.  The DMX is outputed from a Falcon PiCap.  Any of the existing DMX controllers could be used like LOR, Renard, or Lnyx or other.  However there are numerous other devices that can be controlled using plugins.

[jnealand]

Here is a device that has recently been discussed on Facebook.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B091FXH2FR/?coliid=IC0SPB71T3VR6&colid=3VMKR4YJWN0Y6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[Santacarl]

The case directions wanted me to use pin 14 for the ground on the fan, but the USB header cable wanted it as well, so I just moved the fan ground to pin 6.  Using 5v pin 4 for power.  My pi usually reads between 100F and 108F (38C-42C)

Thanks JonD.....  Unfortunately my pins 2 & 4 are taken by a Rasclock....Don't see another 5v source on the diagram of the Pi that I have....  I run a stand alone system that's not connected to the internet so I have no other time source and since I don't leave the Pi powered up I don't want to have to key in the time every time I power it up....  It's always something...Haha

[JonD]

Here is a device that has recently been discussed on Facebook.

Thanks Jim, I liked the price, but it looks like it only works with an app or a voice assistant, and requires an internet connection.  Not sure that device would be a good fit for my situation.  I appreciate the link! 

[JonD]

pins 2 & 4 are taken by a Rasclock

Is pin 1 or 17 available for 3.3v power?  The fans I have work with either 3.3v or 5v. 

[jnealand]

Here is a device that has recently been discussed on Facebook.

Thanks Jim, I liked the price, but it looks like it only works with an app or a voice assistant, and requires an internet connection.  Not sure that device would be a good fit for my situation.  I appreciate the link! 

Did you look at the TP-Link (Kasa) plugin?  That works with commands.

[rayster]

I use a couple of these to control multiple objects that need to go on and off. 3 Channel 5A DMX512 Controlled Relay Switch Kit DIY Converter DMX Dimmer Relay. $21 from Amazon.

[JonD]

I have it working now.  I ended using a Synaccess device I forgot I even had.  I just plug the FM transmitter into Synaccess Outlet 1 and the FPP handles the rest.  Little pricey for what it does, but I am happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/NP-02-Switchable-manufactured-supported-interface/dp/B00346USOA/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3CXSC78DPGGC6&keywords=synaccess&qid=1665326814&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjYyIiwicXNhIjoiMi43OCIsInFzcCI6IjIuNDEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=synaccess%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-14&th=1

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I created two text files

fm-on.sh
----------------------------------------------------------------
#!/bin/bash
# A simple Bash script
wget -O - 'http://admin:admin@10.12.25.5/cmd.cgi?$A3%201%201';
-----------------------------------------------------------------

fm-off.sh
----------------------------------------------------------------
#!/bin/bash
# A simple Bash script
wget -O - 'http://admin:admin@10.12.25.5/cmd.cgi?$A3%201%200';
-----------------------------------------------------------------

The two files sends the commands needed for the Synaccess to power on/off the outlet.  I then copied the two files to the FPP script directory.  I can now manually turn on/off the FM transmitter from my recliner.  The playlists have them in the Lead-In/Lead-Out, and I can manually start the show for testing, or extend the show for as long as I want now!

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Thanks so much for everyone's feedback!

[Santacarl]

pins 2 & 4 are taken by a Rasclock

Is pin 1 or 17 available for 3.3v power?  The fans I have work with either 3.3v or 5v. 

Ah Haaaaa....there's a lifeline!  Pin 17 is unused....  Didn't realize that your fans could run on 3.3v.... Thanks for the idea and links.