Automatic Power Control of PC Peripherals via a USB

[mklotz]

Thanks for the tip on the 5V relays.

My problem was very similar to yours and I solved it in a different, though not in any way superior, way.

Since I very seldom use my printer, I like to keep it powered down until I actually need it in order to save energy. Since it's use is so infrequent, I often forgot to turn it off after a session at the computer.

I bought one of those sets of three radio-controlled outlets, e.g....

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Wirel...s%2C219&sr=8-4

Outlet 1: controls power to a fan across the room (don't like it blowing straight into my face)
Outlet 2: controls power to computer, monitor, external hard drive, etc.
Outlet 3: controls power to printer

The system is turned on by pressing switch #2 on the remote that sits on my desk. If I need the printer, I press switch #3 .

I've trained myself to always power everything down by pressing the "all off" switch on the remote. Thus the printer gets turned 'off' whether it was on or not. This arrangement has also prevented me from leaving the (very quiet) fan on when I leave the room.