Automatic Power Cycle Appliance

APC
FRONT - BACK

APPLICATION DIAGRAM

The Automatic Power Cycle (APC) unit is a self-contained completely automatic AC power RESET appliance that is primarily used to reset the power on broadband modems and/or routers, or any other equipment for that matter, that may hang from time to time. It is normally used in re-boot applications where there is no Windows-based PC available to run the CPS Auto Ping Program (another option to consider) or where space is limited.

When used for its primary purpose, it is configured to work right out the box when used with a DHCP router connected to the Internet. However, it also has a number of configuration parameters that allow it to be further customized to meet a variety of other AC power control requirements. In fact, it is so easily configurable and takes commands so well that if it had a pulse, it would make an excellent husband.

How it works
The APC is pre-configured to Ping two IP addresses over the Internet. If it fails to see a Ping response from both addresses, it will RECYCLE the power on the "Out" AC outlet for 5 seconds (programmable). The theory is that if the network equipment (router/modem) connected to the APC is hung. It will not allow the Ping response to be detected by the APC. In that event whatever is connected to the "OUT" AC outlet (router/modem) will experience a five-second-power reset. That's all there is to it. Note that the second IP address is used as a backup to verify that the first address is not the cause of the response failure.

Configuring the APC
The APC can also be used as an "Auto Re-booter" on LANs or WANs by simply changing the target IP addresses. All of the configuration changes are made through its serial "Config/Control Port" using a PC and a common terminal emulation program (i.e., Hyper Terminal, ProComm, etc). Note that the RS-232 serial adapter supplied. A USB adapter is also available as an option. In fact, the PC itself can also be used as a controller to send direct ON/OFF/ RESET commands to the APC through the Config/Control Port. However, if serial control is your sole requirement you might consider the Controlled Power Strip (CPS) as a more cost-effective solution (110-125VAC only) or the IPC for 220-240VAC requirements. The Config/Control Port is also used to review the configuration settings and monitor the APC's activity as required.

The following are some of the operating parameters that can be changed through the "Config/Control" serial port to meet other AC power control requirements.

Enable Ping OUT (default)
Disable ping out (pause)
Enable/Disable DHCP
Set gateway IP address
Primary Ping address to Ping
Secondary Ping Address (optional)
Ping interval (5 min. default)
Retries number of failed ping attempts to reset (3 default)
Ping Time out (5000 ms. default)
APC IP address
Reset Power OFF time 5-90 seconds (5 sec. default)
Ring Count if using the Ring Reset feature

* Note that other control features are planned for the "Control Port". Firmware upgrades may be down loaded from the CPS web site. This flash download may also come in handy to download your custom applications to your installed base.

Backup over the Telephone connection
What if the network is down?

You can also connect a standard analog telephone line to the "X-Control/Telco Port" and control the APC that way. If the APC sees six unanswered rings, it will cause a RESET. This is great for DSL lines where the analog frequency is not being used or you are assured that the analog device won't answer. This is primarily used as back up. If Ring Re-booting is your sole requirement, consider the ARR as a less costly solution (110-125VAC only) or the IPC for 220-240VAC requirements.

For expanded backup capabilities, any of the CPS Remote Controllers may also be connected to this port. The controllers provide direct ON/OFF/RESET control via Touch-tones, Web or Cell access, depending on the controller selected. Additional APC's can also be daisy chained from the "X-Base Port" and controlled with just one controller. However, if remote control is your sole requirement, without the Auto Ping, it may be more economically accomplished using one of the other CPS Base Units and/or Controller combinations.

The Hardware Platform
The APC incorporates standard internationally available parts and IEC 320 C-13 & C-14 AC connectors allowing it to be easily used anywhere in the world with locally available power cords. It can be used on 110VAC through 250VAC AC power mains.

It has a protective 15-Amp circuit breaker (10 Amps for 220VAC). A push button switch is used to manually alternate the powers state ON/OFF or RESET the power. As a special order item, this switch can be put on a cable (up to 1000') to allow remote manual control or it can be controlled with a relay from other hardware. Contact the factory for these special requirements.

Power Cords
Standard PC power cords can be used to connect it to international power mains with locally available plugs ("IN CONNECTOR"). Standard PC extension power cords or adapter cords are used to connect the target device to the controlled "OUT" AC connector.

SPECIFICATIONS - PRICE

Automatic Power Cycle (APC)

Item No SWTAPC-AC
Price $179.00
Physical 6.25" W x 4.25" D x 2.25" H, 1 lbs.
Connectors (3) RJ-11 TelCo/Control, (1) RJ-45 Network, (2) AC Receptacles (IN/OUT)
LEDs (3) In/Out, Status
Switches (1) Rocker/circuit breaker, (1) On/Off/Reset push button
Bell None
Cable (1) 7' RJ-11 Phone Cable (1) 3' CAT-5 Cable, (1) 1' AC Power Cord Adapter (North American 3 prong)
Adaptor (1) RJ-11 to 9 pin (for Config/Control port)
AC Power 115V/50-60Hz, 15 Amps to 220V/50Hz, 10 Amps
---------- OPTIONAL ADAPTERS ------------
RJ FILTERED ADAPTER (9 PIN to RJ-11)
Item No CA9R11-IPN-F
Price $18.00 (Required for Serial Port Connection)
Physical 2" W x 1.5" D x .75" H, .5 lbs.
Connectors (1) DB-9 (Female), (1) RJ-11
------------ POWER CORDS ---------------
IN AC Adapter Cords - FROM POWER MAIN TO THE IPC (Country Connector to IEC 320-14)
A - North American 110-115V 6 foot (NEMA 5-15 Receptacle to IEC C13)
Item No NA-IPC Price $2.25
A - European 6 feet two prong Item No E2-IPC
Price $6.20 *
- Other country cables also available
OUT AC Adapter Cords - FROM IPC to the EQUIPMENT
B - PC Extension 6 foot (IEC 320-C13 to IEC 320-C14)
Item No IPC-PCX
Price $3.20
C - North American 1 foot (IEC 320-C13 to Equipment, PC, Power Strip, etc.)
Item No IPC-NA
Price $1.70
D - Universal Adapter (Connects to the IPC OUT and accepts any country AC connector)
Item No IPC-UV
Price $7.50

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