EasyManua.ls Logo

POWER USB SMART - User Manual

Default Icon
9 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
POWER USB
10/5/2012
SMART Model
USER MANUAL
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the POWER USB SMART and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Introduction to PowerUSB SMART Modes

Timed Mode Operation

Calendar-based power on-off for weekdays and weekends, controllable via PC software.

Smart Mode Functionality

Outlets switch on when master load exceeds a threshold; monitors TV usage.

Smart2 Mode Features

Outlet 1 always on for DVRs; measures DVR power load and compensates.

Timer Mode Functionality

Countdown timer for outlets; customizable off times via button press.

All On Mode

Powers all controlled outlets on; functions as a normal power strip with monitoring.

Software Usage for PowerUSB SMART

Advanced Options Configuration

Configure voltage, price per unit, smart mode trigger load, and off delay settings.

Scheduled On-Off Dialog

Set timed on-off schedules or frequency settings for outlets via PC software.

SMART Dialog Options

Displays TV on times for the week and allows TV limit mode settings.

Overview

The PowerUSB-SMART is an advanced programmable power strip designed for both standalone operation and integration with a computer. It offers a range of intelligent power management features, allowing users to control and monitor power consumption for various devices. This SMART model builds upon the capabilities of the Basic PowerUSB, incorporating an LCD display for standalone operation and additional modes.

Function Description

The primary function of the PowerUSB-SMART is to provide intelligent power control and monitoring for connected devices. It can be programmed to switch outlets on or off based on various criteria, including calendar dates, time frequencies, load thresholds, and countdown timers. Beyond simple power switching, the unit also measures real-time power consumption, tracks total accumulated power consumption (with cost estimation), and monitors "TV on" times, particularly useful in its SMART modes.

The device features an alpha-numeric LCD display that provides crucial information at a glance. This includes the day of the week, current time, the currently selected operating mode, real-time power consumption in milliamps, total power consumption in dollars (based on user-defined unit price), and mode-specific information such as the next on-off time in TIMED mode or "TV on" time for the current day in SMART modes.

The PowerUSB-SMART is equipped with a reset switch, providing overload protection for up to 8A. In the event of an overload, controlled outlets will switch off, and the unit will enter an "OVERLOAD MODE" indicated by flashing outlet LEDs. To recover from this state, the unit must be powered down, the USB cable removed, and the reset switch engaged.

Usage Features

The PowerUSB-SMART offers several distinct operating modes, which can be selected using a push-button switch on the side of the unit or configured via the accompanying software when connected to a computer.

TIMED Mode:

In this mode, outlets can be programmed for calendar-based power on-off operations. Users can set up to two on/off times per day for weekdays and two for weekend days. By default, outlets are off and only power on during these programmed periods. The resolution for time settings is 2 seconds, and the minimum on-time for an outlet is also 2 seconds. Outlets can also be configured to switch on/off with a specific frequency, rather than fixed times. The LCD in TIMED mode displays the time of the next scheduled power change.

SMART Mode:

This mode is designed for intelligent load-based control. All controlled outlets are off by default and only power on when the "master always-on outlet" (Outlet 1) detects a load exceeding a user-defined threshold. For example, if a TV connected to the master outlet is switched on and its power consumption surpasses the threshold (default 700mA), then devices like a DVD player or set-top box connected to the controlled outlets will automatically switch on. Once activated, controlled outlets remain on for at least one minute to allow the master load to stabilize, even if the master load fluctuates during this initial period. The mode-specific LCD display in SMART mode shows the accumulated "TV on" time for the current day in HH:MM format. This data is stored internally for the past seven days and can be reviewed via the PowerUSB software.

SMART2 Mode:

Similar to SMART mode, SMART2 mode also uses load-based control but with a key difference: controlled outlet 1 remains continuously powered on. This is ideal for devices like DVRs or satellite dish receivers that require constant power. The power load consumed by the device on outlet 1 is measured during the first 4 seconds of entering SMART2 mode and is then compensated for in the overall load calculation. The "TV on" time for both SMART and SMART2 modes is displayed on the LCD.

TIMER Mode:

The TIMER mode provides a countdown timer for all controlled outlets. Upon entering this mode, all controlled outlets power on. The unit then begins counting down from a preset time. Once the countdown reaches zero, the controlled outlets automatically power off. The countdown time can be adjusted by holding the push-button switch for more than 5 seconds, which cycles through predefined off times (10mins, 20mins, 30mins, 1hr, 4hrs, and 8hrs). Releasing the button at the desired time sets the new countdown duration for current and future use.

ALL ON Mode:

In ALL ON mode, all controlled outlets are continuously powered on. This effectively transforms the unit into a standard power strip, but with the added benefit of load monitoring. This mode is also suitable for direct computer control, allowing the PowerUSB software to manage outlet states.

Software Integration and Advanced Options:

When connected to a computer, the PowerUSB-SMART uses the same software application as the Basic model, but with enhanced features specific to the SMART model. The software interface allows for detailed configuration and monitoring.

  • SMART Options Dialog: This dialog, accessible via the "SMART" button in the software, displays the "TV On Times" for each of the past seven days, providing a historical overview of usage. It also includes options for future "TV Limit" modes, which are disabled by default.
  • Advanced Options Dialog: Clicking the "Advanced" button opens a dialog for setting various parameters.
    • Power Options: Users can set the default voltage (e.g., 110V for the US) and the price per unit of power consumed (e.g., $0.15 average for the US). These values are stored in the system registry.
    • SMART Mode Trigger Load: This setting defines the threshold load (default 700mA) at which controlled outlets will switch on in SMART mode. It can be adjusted to accommodate different master appliance power requirements.
    • SMART Mode Off Delay: This specifies how long the unit waits before switching off controlled outlets after the master appliance is turned off.
    • Cumulative Power Reset: This option allows users to reset the accumulated power consumption reading to zero.
    • Reset PowerUSB: A complete reset of the PowerUSB unit, useful for troubleshooting.
  • Scheduled On-Off Dialog (Timed On-Off): This dialog, accessed via the "Scheduled On-Off" button, enables users to program precise on/off times for each outlet based on weekdays and weekend days.
    • Users select an outlet and then choose an "On-Off Mode": "Always Off," "Timed On-Off," or "Frequency."
    • In "Timed On-Off" mode, users enter up to two on/off times for weekdays and weekends. Off times must be later than on times, and the second on/off pair must be later than the first. Entering 12:00:00 AM for both on and off times disables that specific schedule.
    • In "Frequency" mode, users specify "On Time (sec)," "Off Time (sec)," and a "Start time Offset (sec)." The frequency-based on/off cycle begins after this offset delay, which can also be used to stagger on/off times between multiple outlets.
    • The "Apply Time to Other Two Outlets" button allows for quick replication of settings across multiple outlets.
    • These time-based calendar settings are saved in the PowerUSB software and remain active for future Timed mode operations until reset by the user.

Maintenance Features

The PowerUSB-SMART incorporates several features that contribute to its maintenance and troubleshooting:

  • Overload Protection and Reset Switch: The built-in reset switch protects the unit from overloads up to 8A. In case of an overload, the unit automatically shuts off controlled outlets and enters an overload mode with flashing LEDs. This protective mechanism prevents damage to the unit and connected devices. The ability to manually reset the unit after an overload is a key maintenance feature.
  • Cumulative Power Reset: The software's "Cumulative Power Reset" option allows users to clear the accumulated power consumption data. This is useful for starting fresh with power monitoring, perhaps after a billing cycle or when evaluating new device setups.
  • Reset PowerUSB (Software Function): The "Reset PowerUSB" option in the Advanced Options dialog provides a comprehensive reset of the unit. This is a valuable troubleshooting tool if the device appears to be malfunctioning or unresponsive, helping to restore it to a known operational state.
  • Internal Storage of "TV On" Time Data: The unit internally stores "TV on" time information for the previous seven days in SMART modes. This historical data can be accessed through the PowerUSB software, allowing users to monitor usage patterns over time, which can be useful for energy management and identifying potential issues with device usage.
  • Software-Based Configuration and Monitoring: The ability to connect the unit to a computer and use the PowerUSB software for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics simplifies maintenance. Users can easily adjust settings, check status, and troubleshoot without needing to physically interact with the device's push-button switch for every change. This centralized control enhances user experience and simplifies the management of complex power schedules and thresholds.

The PowerUSB-SMART is designed for users who require sophisticated power management beyond a basic power strip, offering both standalone intelligence and comprehensive computer-controlled functionality.

POWER USB SMART Specifications

General IconGeneral
Input Voltage100-240V AC
Output Voltage5V DC
ProtectionOver-current, Over-voltage, Short-circuit
Output Current2.4A
Ports2

Related product manuals