[Cialug] Pressing a button remotely

[Morris Dovey]

Nathan C. Smith wrote:
> If you wanted to open your garage door or turn something on or off
> from a remote location what would you use to do it?
> 
> Looking for something easy and low tech to switch a dry contact, push
> a monetary contact type of switch.  I would like to be able to access
> it via http, or SSH, maybe by phone.
> 
> I've used X10 style stuff in my house before but I think I have too
> much interference on my power lines (thank you compact fluorescents)
> to trust X10 any more.

Since you mention http and ssh, I'm assuming that you have a suitable 
machine available and suitably connected...

...so how about plugging one of these into a USB port and using it to 
control a relay?

 
<http://www.emtcompany.com/catagories/usb-to-parallel-adapters.htm?gclid=CLLg9fybspgCFR0SagodeVFNVQ>

(mind the wrap)

-- 
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/