USB Controlled Servo that can push a button

snedie

snedie

snedie

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Looking to solve a problem in which I need to press a (possibly multiple) buttons remotely, I plan to do this using a USB controlled servo of some sort that operates a switch. The device itself will be connected to an always on pc via USB which can be accessed remotely.

Can anyone recommend a way to do this, I know there are some electronics enthusiasts on here :)
 
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Pho said:
Saw control any circuit with a TV remote (and an Arduino) on Lifehacker earlier which you may be able to modify to suit your needs. This looks to be wired straight into the circuit rather than needing a servo (so probably more reliable).

Rather than an always on PC how about a Raspberry-PI or something?

What are you trying to press anyway?
Click to expand...

We happen to have a few machines located on the premised which are never turned off (one is a bitcoin controller :D) so it just saves on cost really.

The solution has to be completely over USB with no direct human interaction, IE I must be able to teamviewer into a machine and send a command to a control circuit of some sort. The device(s) will be used to toggle one or two power switches inside of this rack mount:



The power switches are will be used to remotely turn our Cisco Labs on and off as required.
 
Can you not replace the switch with a relay system so that you can just send a signal and the relay opens/closes?
 
I'd like to be clever enough to be lock our cat flap remotely, i'm rubbish at electronics though
 
Are you sure you have enough spare network ports there? :p.

The solutions by Hades/York would be the best and most reliable way I imagine (do they do a UK plug version though?).

If you really want to go for a hacky solution then you could still use infra-red. This may work:

  1. Buy infra-red powered plugs, e.g. these for £4.35 - you can program each plug with your own infra-red command from an existing remote or whatever.
    I actually use a free LIME infrared plug I got sent to turn a powerstrip with my TV/AV receiver etc on from my Harmony remote, works very well :).
  2. Buy a USB Infra-red Toy v2 for £11.83 from here
  3. Use WinLIRC to send the IR commands to the infra-red plug you want to power on/off (you can learn the correct IR code from the remote you used earlier)
 
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Howdy.

Are they regular Uk power switches, or some kind of switch on the back of something.

There are many routes you can go.

Example to remotely turn off a domestic 3 pin plugged device I would use a remote RF plug. Then make up a super simple RF switch using an Arduino and other things.

I have build prototypes of products that can remotely switch appliances on and off over a network from say an iPad etc.

Hooking up a servo to an Arduino (MCU) is very simple. You can talk to it over USB serial, Network or physical buttons.

Hows about a network attached device, you can connect to, and toggle things on or off.

This is an example I made, talking from a network device to an Arduino.

 
LOAM said:
I'd like to be clever enough to be lock our cat flap remotely, i'm rubbish at electronics though
Click to expand...

I made an auto locking catflap using a servo to obstruct the door.

Hook it upto a network interface and you can lock it from you phone, tablet or PC anytime.

 
Maybe you should get someone who knows what they're doing to have a look?

If your first thought it to make a mechanical finger to push a button to turn something off and on, then I really don't think you're cut out for this kind of thing.
 
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