My Latest Pickup

[YellowDog]

OK. So it is not a game, but is is arcade related.

My local Walgreens had a bunch of First Alert remote control power sockets. There are at least 7 channels A-G. I picked up sets for channels A-D & F (my Walgreens was out of E & G). They are $10 each and will control up to 13 amps. They look perfect for controlling my cabinets, so I don't have to be reaching for power switches all the time. Just clip the remote to the keys with a label on each one and bingo! power on command. No more powering up the whole row just to turn the one I want to play.

ken

 

[mc300baud]

those look kinda cool. i've been trying to find the specs on-line but i can't come up with those units anywhere.

does each channel control a single 13a circuit or are there multiple sockets with individual switches on the remote for each?

 

[YellowDog]

Each channel controls a single 13A socket. You could probably run a couple of games off each by running them out to a power strip, but at $10 each, I'll probably run 1 game per socket.

ken

Edit: They must be really new (or Walgreens has stealthed them somehow). The model number is FA300 and a quick google came up with nothing. I bought one of the Belkin ones last year and while it works great, it just ends up turning the whole bank on which is not what I wanted, I can do that with a $10 power strip instead of a $50 one. These are cool because I can turn one game on at a time.

 

[modessitt]

Damn, and my wife just finished her Xmas shopping for me.

Might have to get a couple of these for the new gameroom...

 

[PrairieDillo]

Nice find I may get a couple of those. That's an awesome way to power a row up.

 

[Magog]

Been searching for somehting like that that wouldn't break the bank for months now thanks!

 

[Tighe]

X10

I use the X10 ones that are similar, but one remote can control up to 16 machines. Radio Shack and RCA would sell them rebranded too.

http://www.x10.com/promotions/x10_cat_new.html#aut

Right now if you buy 3 Appliance modules you get the 4th free.

And for $49 you can get 3 applicance modules, 3 lamp modules, 2 wall switches, and a remote and free shipping! great deal!

Edit: the below deal is for 2 pron appliance modules, not the 3.
http://www.x10.com/automation/rcagiftpack_burst2_cat.html

 

[Magog]

Just ran out and bought six they work great. A few things of note.

They are large, and will take up 3+ spaces on a power strip.

They work through walls and machines.

You need to hold the button down a second on them to get them to actuate.

Goodluck getting the battery cover off.

Would be nice if the remotes were a bit smaller.

Overall I am super psyched for these.

Thanks!

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Does anyone know if they make something like this that incorporates a surge protector? I've found ones with 6 switchable outlets, but I believe they are all on the same switch, which kills the point of this.

 

[Tighe]

Does anyone know if they make something like this that incorporates a surge protector? I've found ones with 6 switchable outlets, but I believe they are all on the same switch, which kills the point of this.

The X10 units use relays which is like physically unplugging the machine, so when it is off, you are safe from surges. I have my still connected to surge suppressors for when they are on.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Any clue if those lamp ones could be used for a game? 300W is a decent light...

And how many spaces do those take on a surge protector?

 

[Tighe]

Any clue if those lamp ones could be used for a game? 300W is a decent light...

And how many spaces do those take on a surge protector?

I do, but there is no ground wire, so I hack one in. I have some 3 prongs, but I got a bunch of lamp modules for free, so those got hacked.