Why use WiFi when a physical link can do the job? Using a wired link is often more reliable and removes some security risks associated with wireless access. And what better cable for the job than the ubiquitous, time-tested RS-232? This dual-outlet metal junction box contains RS-232 control electronics to give any device that can speak serial control over the output.
WiFi devices have increased exponentially in popularity over the past 5 years. A larger and larger percentage of the population have WiFi controlled lighting, heating, appliances, and even door locks. The convenience is hard to beat, but wireless communications that aren’t properly secured can be exploited by an attacker. In most domestic use cases, the results would be more annoying than catastrophic. In an industrial setting, on the other hand, the consequences could be much more severe depending on the equipment being controlled. Wireless automation has made progress in industrial equipment, but many factories and workshops still prefer to use wired connections.
RS-232 was introduced all the way back in 1960, but wasn’t standardized until 1969. It can support near real-time speeds, making it ideal for applications that require low latency communication, such as power switching. Though modern computers often don’t have DE-9 serial ports, USB to DE-9 dongles are cheap and commonplace. Some ATX motherboards still have serial ports, and PCI express serial port cards are another option as well. Serial communication has been tried and tested for over 50 years and is extremely reliable when implemented properly.
This power box may not find its way into the average consumer’s home, but it might be really handy to have in your electronics lab. You could set it up to power all your test equipment, and have it remotely turn them on when needed. It could also see use in amateur radio, where remote usage of base stations has grown in popularity. This box would make an excellent way to power up a radio via computer control.
Whatever the use cases you are thinking of, this box can handle up to 2200W! For safety, we would suggest sticking to under 1200W, especially on 120V. Pretty beefy though! The metal case is an excellent upgrade over common plastic junction boxes. It looks rugged and built-to-last!
