Looking for a remote control outlet switch.

[AJ_Dual]

Here's the issue. We need to reboot our Wi-Fi router every now and again, but it's upstairs, and a PITA to reach it in the rats nest of wires in the office by the main PC, & cable modem. (And yes, I've updated firmware, checked the MFG's site for bug fixes...)

Has anyone seen a CHEAP RF (non line of sight) remote control outlet on-off switch that has a range of about 10-15 feet, but through an intervening floor and wall or two? I see them retail for Christmas trees at the holidays, but usually for $12-20 or so, and that's way too much for what they are. (And what they probably come wholesale from China for) And I don't know if they'd work at that range, and through floors and walls.

LAAAAAAZY! I know...

Anyone got a lead on a DealExtreme kind of place/price where such a thing would be sub $10? And if you use it? I thought about a minimal X-10 setup, and controlling it from the remote PC's in the house, but that would defeat t the purpose of "wireless"...

 

[GaryF]

Did you see this one?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5298

Price is $10.90. Strangely enough, I had been looking at it for exactly the same use as you had in mind - to reboot a wireless router. I have not ordered it yet...

 

[tiktok 22]

This should work. A little more than $10 though.

 

[gorn]

Here is one from target that is made by a company that makes high quality universal garage remotes. It is $15.99.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...3/601-3983291-4696901?ie=UTF8&asin=B00008X5D5

 

[AJ_Dual]

Did you see this one?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5298

Price is $10.90. Strangely enough, I had been looking at it for exactly the same use as you had in mind - to reboot a wireless router. I have not ordered it yet...

ARRRRGH! I just ordered $50 odd dollars worth of stuff from them last night. I did not see that on their site. At DX the shipping is free so I suppose it makes no difference.

Although something with standard two-prong American outlet type would be best. I'm not sure what to do with those bare wire connectors. Take an extension cord, cut it in half, and strip the ends?

The other options look nice, although they break my self-imposed $10 limit… It's not that I can afford $15 or so, but I'd feel guilty not just walking up the stairs to reboot the router at $15 + Shipping, but not at $10.

I'm just weird, I guess. :thumbsup: But I'm mainly just glad I'm not the only person on Earth who wants a remote controlled on/off for his router!

 

[gromit]

I picked up some used x-10 stuff from ebay. can do lots more than lights.

 

[eluminator]

Why are routers so half-assed? A friend of mine has one. Just about every time the power goes out for a few seconds, I have to power it off and on to get it to work.

She used to have one that was just ethernet cable. The one she has now also has RF for a laptop. Neither one is worth a good sh@t.

Maybe it's a good thing I still have dial-up