Why not try one of those solid state relay devices. They take a low level
signal at the input (any circuit capable of driving an opto-islolater should
be OK) and switch AC voltages at the output side by triac or SCR. Zero
crossing switching is built in and the output is optically isolated from the
input.

Joe
----- Original Message -----
From: piclist.com <jamesnewton@piclist.com>
To: <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 4:58 AM
Subject: Heavy duty, reliable AC power control from a PIC.


> I'm hoping I can get a quick referral to an inexpensive way to very
reliably
> reset and later, cycle power (for a computer) from another computer. They
> sit side by side. Basically I'm looking for a PIC to listen for a command
> from a RS232 port (no problem so far), validate the command (maybe a check
> sum or a password) and then activate the hardware reset switch (small
relay,
> no problem) and finally, switch a 110volt power strip off and then back
on.
> I'm a bit nervous about the last item. I want the power to be very
reliable
> so I'm not going to go down to Radio Shack and buy one of the "high
quality"
> normally closed AC relays they carry and wire it up.
>
> In fact, I'd just as soon not "do it myself" on this one. I was hoping to
> find some heavy metal from an industrial liquidator, but so far no joy.
>
> Any suggestions appreciated.
>
> BTY, DSL blows (at least in Escondido with PacBell). Details to come. Cox
> cable just dropped prices to $99 a month for T1 speed and 1 static IP. And
> they are offering local phone service on the same connection. Out with the
> phone company in with the cable company.
>
> James Newton, PICList Admin #3
> mailto:jamesnewton@piclist.com
> 1-619-652-0593 phone
> http://www.piclist.com
>