Newbie in need of some info.
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Posts: 46,084
I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here will
be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation (no
problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10 mintues, I
want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
so bassicly I want it to work like this-
log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is idle
for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
does this sound easy to do?
thanks!
be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation (no
problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10 mintues, I
want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
so bassicly I want it to work like this-
log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is idle
for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
does this sound easy to do?
thanks!
Comments
> I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here will
> be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
>
> I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation (no
> problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
>
> The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10 mintues, I
> want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
>
You know this isn't good for the computer, right? You could damage a
computer by cutting the power.
I know the Mac platform allows you to tell the computer to shut down,
but I don't know how this works on Windows.
> so bassicly I want it to work like this-
>
> log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is idle
> for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
>
> does this sound easy to do?
>
> thanks!
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in the
> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10 minutes (no
power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down. (wouldn't
harm the press any)
is it possible?
(this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
allow the users to log into it)
--- In basicstamps@y..., Adam Ernst <adam1234@m...> wrote:
> On Monday, June 25, 2001, at 05:27 PM, sjordan@Q... wrote:
>
> > I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here
will
> > be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
> >
> > I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> > log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation
(no
> > problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
> >
> > The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> > they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10
mintues, I
> > want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
> >
> You know this isn't good for the computer, right? You could damage
a
> computer by cutting the power.
>
> I know the Mac platform allows you to tell the computer to shut
down,
> but I don't know how this works on Windows.
>
> > so bassicly I want it to work like this-
> >
> > log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is
idle
> > for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> > secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
> >
> > does this sound easy to do?
> >
> > thanks!
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in
the
> > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
>
> basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10 minutes (no
> power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down. (wouldn't
harm the press any)
I don't have that much experience w/ basic stamps, but I would think
that would not be easy—you'd need to make a relay and track it.
>
> is it possible?
>
> (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> allow the users to log into it)
>
> --- In basicstamps@y..., Adam Ernst <adam1234@m...> wrote:
>> On Monday, June 25, 2001, at 05:27 PM, sjordan@Q... wrote:
>>
>>> I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here
> will
>>> be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
>>>
>>> I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
>>> log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation
> (no
>>> problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
>>>
>>> The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
>>> they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10
> mintues, I
>>> want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
>>>
>> You know this isn't good for the computer, right? You could damage
> a
>> computer by cutting the power.
>>
>> I know the Mac platform allows you to tell the computer to shut
> down,
>> but I don't know how this works on Windows.
>>
>>> so bassicly I want it to work like this-
>>>
>>> log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is
> idle
>>> for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
>>> secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
>>>
>>> does this sound easy to do?
>>>
>>> thanks!
>>>
>>>
>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
>>> from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in
> the
>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>>>
>>>
>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>>> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>>>
>>>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in the
> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
not in use.
On Mon, 25 Jun 2001 sjordan@Q... wrote:
> It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
>
> basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10 minutes (no
> power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down. (wouldn't
> harm the press any)
>
> is it possible?
>
> (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> allow the users to log into it)
>
> --- In basicstamps@y..., Adam Ernst <adam1234@m...> wrote:
> > On Monday, June 25, 2001, at 05:27 PM, sjordan@Q... wrote:
> >
> > > I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here
> will
> > > be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
> > >
> > > I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> > > log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation
> (no
> > > problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
> > >
> > > The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> > > they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10
> mintues, I
> > > want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
> > >
> > You know this isn't good for the computer, right? You could damage
> a
> > computer by cutting the power.
> >
> > I know the Mac platform allows you to tell the computer to shut
> down,
> > but I don't know how this works on Windows.
> >
> > > so bassicly I want it to work like this-
> > >
> > > log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is
> idle
> > > for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> > > secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
> > >
> > > does this sound easy to do?
> > >
> > > thanks!
> > >
> > >
> > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > > from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in
> the
> > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> > >
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc. (ServNet)
Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma - Bremerton
email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
"...There's no moral, it's just a lot of stuff that happens". - H. Simpson
how to I interface the Basic Stamp to the socket though?
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
wrote:
>
> If it's anything like my drill press, it doesn't draw ANY power
when it's
> not in use.
>
> On Mon, 25 Jun 2001 sjordan@Q... wrote:
>
> > It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
> >
> > basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10 minutes
(no
> > power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down.
(wouldn't
> > harm the press any)
> >
> > is it possible?
> >
> > (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> > allow the users to log into it)
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., Adam Ernst <adam1234@m...> wrote:
> > > On Monday, June 25, 2001, at 05:27 PM, sjordan@Q... wrote:
> > >
> > > > I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone
here
> > will
> > > > be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
> > > >
> > > > I want to be able to create a program that would allow a
person to
> > > > log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier
workstation
> > (no
> > > > problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
> > > >
> > > > The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how
long
> > > > they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10
> > mintues, I
> > > > want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
> > > >
> > > You know this isn't good for the computer, right? You could
damage
> > a
> > > computer by cutting the power.
> > >
> > > I know the Mac platform allows you to tell the computer to shut
> > down,
> > > but I don't know how this works on Windows.
> > >
> > > > so bassicly I want it to work like this-
> > > >
> > > > log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet
is
> > idle
> > > > for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every
10
> > > > secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
> > > >
> > > > does this sound easy to do?
> > > >
> > > > thanks!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > > > from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text
in
> > the
> > > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in
the Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
> Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
(ServNet)
> Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
Bremerton
> email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
> "...There's no moral, it's just a lot of stuff that happens". - H.
Simpson
operator to press the button to turn on the equipment. One other option is
some sort of proximity sensor or floor mat switch that turned stuff on / off
if they step away.
Original Message
> If it's anything like my drill press, it doesn't draw ANY power when it's
> not in use.
> > It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
> >
> > basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10 minutes (no
> > power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down. (wouldn't
> > harm the press any)
> >
> > is it possible?
> >
> > (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> > allow the users to log into it)
are you trying to do this all from the outlet, or are you willing to rewire the
switch to the drill press? You
certainly want to leave the switch to the drill press where it is (hopefully)
logically and safely placed, but if you
could make the switch trigger another switch leading to the basic stamp in some
way, this would certainly be a doable
project...
i'd bet that the switch to the drill press simply allows or doesn't allow power
to flow to the motor. instead, you
could make this switch flip a relay which would control the motor. this new
switch could then be polled in some way by
the basic stamp, and then you'd be all set. writing the code itself shouldn't
be tootoo tricky...
can you do something like that, or do you not want to mess with the drill press
itself?
rory
> > It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
> >
> > basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10 minutes (no
> > power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down. (wouldn't
> > harm the press any)
> >
> > is it possible?
> >
> > (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> > allow the users to log into it)
You could then determine if there was current draw; no current draw observed
for 10 minutes, then turn off the outlet's supply. You would probably want
to use a separate current sensor for each workstation.
Regards,
Daniel McGlothin
Original Message
From: <sjordan@Q...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 25 June 2001 18:27
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Newbie in need of some info.
> I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here will
> be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
>
> I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation (no
> problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
>
> The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10 mintues, I
> want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
>
> so bassicly I want it to work like this-
>
> log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is idle
> for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
>
> does this sound easy to do?
>
> thanks!
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in the Subject
and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Are we trying to catch an employee screwing off, conserve energy or what?
Original Message
> Why not place a current sensor on the wiring to the workstation's outlet.
> You could then determine if there was current draw; no current draw
observed
> for 10 minutes, then turn off the outlet's supply. You would probably
want
> to use a separate current sensor for each workstation.
>
> > I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here will
> > be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
> >
> > I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> > log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation (no
> > problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
> >
> > The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> > they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10 mintues, I
> > want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
> >
> > so bassicly I want it to work like this-
> >
> > log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is idle
> > for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> > secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
I have designed a Universal Relay Input/Output board (URIO for short) that
has 10 SPDT relays. Contacts are isolated and each relay could be used to
turn on or off an external device. The board also has a DPDT relay that
could turn on or off the main power. If you are interested please contact me
off line.
Sid Weaver - W4EKQ
Newzed@a...
inbetween the power, and the drill press would work out just fine.
--- In basicstamps@y..., Rory MacKean <mackean@c...> wrote:
> mmmm....power tools....
>
> are you trying to do this all from the outlet, or are you willing
to rewire the switch to the drill press? You
> certainly want to leave the switch to the drill press where it is
(hopefully) logically and safely placed, but if you
> could make the switch trigger another switch leading to the basic
stamp in some way, this would certainly be a doable
> project...
>
> i'd bet that the switch to the drill press simply allows or doesn't
allow power to flow to the motor. instead, you
> could make this switch flip a relay which would control the motor.
this new switch could then be polled in some way by
> the basic stamp, and then you'd be all set. writing the code
itself shouldn't be tootoo tricky...
>
> can you do something like that, or do you not want to mess with the
drill press itself?
>
> rory
>
>
> > > It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
> > >
> > > basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10
minutes (no
> > > power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down.
(wouldn't
> > > harm the press any)
> > >
> > > is it possible?
> > >
> > > (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> > > allow the users to log into it)
save time/money)
--- In basicstamps@y..., "D. Daniel McGlothin" <ddm_stamps@y...>
wrote:
> Why not place a current sensor on the wiring to the workstation's
outlet.
> You could then determine if there was current draw; no current draw
observed
> for 10 minutes, then turn off the outlet's supply. You would
probably want
> to use a separate current sensor for each workstation.
>
> Regards,
> Daniel McGlothin
>
>
Original Message
> From: <sjordan@Q...>
> To: <basicstamps@y...>
> Sent: 25 June 2001 18:27
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Newbie in need of some info.
>
>
> > I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here
will
> > be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
> >
> > I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> > log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation
(no
> > problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
> >
> > The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> > they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10
mintues, I
> > want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
> >
> > so bassicly I want it to work like this-
> >
> > log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is
idle
> > for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> > secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
> >
> > does this sound easy to do?
> >
> > thanks!
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed with. Text in
the Subject
> and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
>
>
> _________________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
--- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> Umm... If there's no current draw, why shut off the power?
>
> Are we trying to catch an employee screwing off, conserve energy or
what?
>
>
Original Message
>
>
> > Why not place a current sensor on the wiring to the workstation's
outlet.
> > You could then determine if there was current draw; no current
draw
> observed
> > for 10 minutes, then turn off the outlet's supply. You would
probably
> want
> > to use a separate current sensor for each workstation.
>
> >
> > > I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone
here will
> > > be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
> > >
> > > I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person
to
> > > log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier
workstation (no
> > > problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
> > >
> > > The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how
long
> > > they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10
mintues, I
> > > want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
> > >
> > > so bassicly I want it to work like this-
> > >
> > > log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is
idle
> > > for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> > > secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
A stamp would certainly do it, however it is overkill. I would use a
555 in it's monostable mode. that, along with a small handful of
parts would do the whole job. One Amperite time delay relay would do
the job nicely, however I understand they're getting a bit pricey.
I said it before, a 555 is 1/100 the price of a BS2.
The 555 is easy to use, has been around forever, will source or sink
200 mA, delays from milliseconds to hours, astable or monostable
operation and virtually indestructable.
I really enjoy working with the BS2, Parallax has done an outstanding
job supporting their high quality products, but at 50 bucks a pop it
really hurts when I use one in a project and end up having to buy a
new one. I realize this final paragraph has nothing at all to do with
the query I have chosen to reply to, it's just that I always feel
better after I vent.
cul8tr
Rich
http://geocities.com/rbc1956
--- In basicstamps@y..., sjordan@Q... wrote:
> I'll just tell you what I had in mind, and hopefuly someone here
will
> be be able to tell me if the basic stamp is the way to go
>
> I want to be able to create a program that would allow a person to
> log into, an upon loging into; provide power to thier workstation
(no
> problem, I could do this with X10 technology)
>
> The trick comes here- I want to be able to keep track of how long
> they are using power, and if they go idle for more than 10 mintues,
I
> want the power to thier workstation to be cut off.
>
> so bassicly I want it to work like this-
>
> log in- basic stamp tells an outlet to reveive power, outlet is
idle
> for more than 10 minutes (I'd like to poll for activity every 10
> secs.) the basic stamp tells the outlet to cut the power.
>
> does this sound easy to do?
>
> thanks!
You may want to consider this very carefully if this is in a work place.
Altering the power feeds to installed equipment could land you in a world of
trouble, as in LEGAL.
Imagine this scenario..
User goes to the drill press prepares to work, readies the part, safeties in
place, hits the power. Nothing... Dam!! forgot to login.. Users attention
now away from equipment, left power switch in on position, work piece lying
on table, logs in to your system to restore power! Wham instant projectile.
Many other consideration as well, reliability and fail safe, for a few. Then
there is always OSHA and many local codes regarding equipment wiring...
Best regards,
Mike Witherspoon
Original Message
From: sjordan@Q... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=8b03xqvTReNvInZNv6obqSYCEMjRczZ-k06y92z2rN_DtFZuumun65LxAol23KyCJkBLf6sUig]sjordan@Q...[/url
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 7:50 AM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Newbie in need of some info.
I just want to get at the power to the outlet. so i guess a switch
inbetween the power, and the drill press would work out just fine.
--- In basicstamps@y..., Rory MacKean <mackean@c...> wrote:
> mmmm....power tools....
>
> are you trying to do this all from the outlet, or are you willing
to rewire the switch to the drill press? You
> certainly want to leave the switch to the drill press where it is
(hopefully) logically and safely placed, but if you
> could make the switch trigger another switch leading to the basic
stamp in some way, this would certainly be a doable
> project...
>
> i'd bet that the switch to the drill press simply allows or doesn't
allow power to flow to the motor. instead, you
> could make this switch flip a relay which would control the motor.
this new switch could then be polled in some way by
> the basic stamp, and then you'd be all set. writing the code
itself shouldn't be tootoo tricky...
>
> can you do something like that, or do you not want to mess with the
drill press itself?
>
> rory
>
>
> > > It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
> > >
> > > basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10
minutes (no
> > > power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down.
(wouldn't
> > > harm the press any)
> > >
> > > is it possible?
> > >
> > > (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> > > allow the users to log into it)
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the travel, and use a timer in the bs2 and log the time down then have a
talk with the employee.
"Witherspoon, Michael J" wrote:
>
> Wet blanket time...
>
> You may want to consider this very carefully if this is in a work place.
>
> Altering the power feeds to installed equipment could land you in a world of
> trouble, as in LEGAL.
>
> Imagine this scenario..
>
> User goes to the drill press prepares to work, readies the part, safeties in
> place, hits the power. Nothing... Dam!! forgot to login.. Users attention
> now away from equipment, left power switch in on position, work piece lying
> on table, logs in to your system to restore power! Wham instant projectile.
>
> Many other consideration as well, reliability and fail safe, for a few. Then
> there is always OSHA and many local codes regarding equipment wiring...
>
> Best regards,
>
> Mike Witherspoon
>
>
Original Message
> From: sjordan@Q... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=lAOjrNCAd8C85aipQuIKzErkrleBhZBfmAJ_wYxPfeGAuL66VVrdvWZ5V-pmemkKOhyhDv3lOR_qMNAZ]sjordan@Q...[/url
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 7:50 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Newbie in need of some info.
>
> I just want to get at the power to the outlet. so i guess a switch
> inbetween the power, and the drill press would work out just fine.
>
> --- In basicstamps@y..., Rory MacKean <mackean@c...> wrote:
> > mmmm....power tools....
> >
> > are you trying to do this all from the outlet, or are you willing
> to rewire the switch to the drill press? You
> > certainly want to leave the switch to the drill press where it is
> (hopefully) logically and safely placed, but if you
> > could make the switch trigger another switch leading to the basic
> stamp in some way, this would certainly be a doable
> > project...
> >
> > i'd bet that the switch to the drill press simply allows or doesn't
> allow power to flow to the motor. instead, you
> > could make this switch flip a relay which would control the motor.
> this new switch could then be polled in some way by
> > the basic stamp, and then you'd be all set. writing the code
> itself shouldn't be tootoo tricky...
> >
> > can you do something like that, or do you not want to mess with the
> drill press itself?
> >
> > rory
> >
> >
> > > > It's not to turn of power to a computer, it's for power tools.
> > > >
> > > > basicly if the drill press has been idle for more than 10
> minutes (no
> > > > power being drawn) power to the outlet would be shut down.
> (wouldn't
> > > > harm the press any)
> > > >
> > > > is it possible?
> > > >
> > > > (this all needs to be done through one local computer that would
> > > > allow the users to log into it)
>
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>If it truly is a drill press then it goes up and down you need a switch on
>the travel, and use a timer in the bs2 and log the time down then have a
>talk with the employee.
This will work until the employees figure out they can lock the head in the
down position.
I'd be more inclined to measure what I WANT, number of acceptable pieces
produced, after having a meeting telling everyone what I expected. If you
measure machine on-time or head down-time, you'll eventually get exactly
that. You get what you INspect, not what you EXpect. Stamps can measure,
but what is needed here is management.
That said, if the original poster must have a Stamp solution, I suggest a
momentary switch closure at each machine, to be pressed whenever a part is
completed. Measure time between presses with one of the several clock
modules that interface to the Stamp. Apply some sanity checks to the
interval between presses. Verify the count at lunch time and the end of
the day. You could use a switch actuated counter that will display a count
in place of just a momentary switch, since such counters also usually
output a pulse each time they are triggered. That way you can see the
number produced each time you pass the work station and it serves as an aid
and reminder to the employee also.
Jim H
piece production and trying to determine how productivity varied throughout
the day. The "sanity checks" on the interval would have discovered that the
machine operators were counting their product at the end of the shift and
pressing the "Part Completed" switch n times at the end of the shift! At
the end of the first shift we saw this and added the checks. :-)
Mike
At 02:38 PM 6/26/2001 -0400, you wrote:
>That said, if the original poster must have a Stamp solution, I suggest a
>momentary switch closure at each machine, to be pressed whenever a part is
>completed. Measure time between presses with one of the several clock
>modules that interface to the Stamp. Apply some sanity checks to the
>interval between presses. Verify the count at lunch time and the end of
>the day.
_________________________________
Mike Walsh
walsh@i...
>Jim has a good point here. I had an application where we were counting
>piece production and trying to determine how productivity varied throughout
>the day. The "sanity checks" on the interval would have discovered that the
>machine operators were counting their product at the end of the shift and
>pressing the "Part Completed" switch n times at the end of the shift! At
>the end of the first shift we saw this and added the checks. :-)
It's all part of getting a "fair" day's work, or a "fair" work pace. The
employee should work steadily, but should not be exhausted or worn out at
the end of the day. An employee in basically good shape who can do little
after work but go home and rest is being worked too hard and is at risk for
injury due to exhaustion. Likewise one who takes twice the "standard" time
to make a part is not working hard enough. I think a Stamp could collect
meaningful real-time info on a daily basis, though I'd be inclined to use
supervision, production reports, and a PC to compile and analyze a larger
data set over a longer time.
Jim H
the employee's belt with a yoyo. Log the key activity with a PC. If they are
at the machine, the key is in, if they need to leave, the key is out. If
they get caught not being attached to the key, fire them.
Counting product should be easily logged a couple of times during the day.
Measure the time their key is in, versus the number of units they make.
Original Message
> >If it truly is a drill press then it goes up and down you need a switch
on
> >the travel, and use a timer in the bs2 and log the time down then have a
> >talk with the employee.
>
> This will work until the employees figure out they can lock the head in
the
> down position.
>
> I'd be more inclined to measure what I WANT, number of acceptable pieces
> produced, after having a meeting telling everyone what I expected. If you
> measure machine on-time or head down-time, you'll eventually get exactly
> that. You get what you INspect, not what you EXpect. Stamps can measure,
> but what is needed here is management.
>
> That said, if the original poster must have a Stamp solution, I suggest a
> momentary switch closure at each machine, to be pressed whenever a part is
> completed. Measure time between presses with one of the several clock
> modules that interface to the Stamp. Apply some sanity checks to the
> interval between presses. Verify the count at lunch time and the end of
> the day. You could use a switch actuated counter that will display a
count
> in place of just a momentary switch, since such counters also usually
> output a pulse each time they are triggered. That way you can see the
> number produced each time you pass the work station and it serves as an
aid
> and reminder to the employee also.
>
>
> Jim H
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>Better yet -- install a key switch on each machine, and attach the key to
>the employee's belt with a yoyo. Log the key activity with a PC. If they are
>at the machine, the key is in, if they need to leave, the key is out. If
>they get caught not being attached to the key, fire them.
As management styles go this went out in the 50s. It is adversarial from
the outset. It restricts movement. It establishes a false standard. If
key-in time is established as the measure of performance, why shouldn't an
employee stand in front of his machine all day, doing nothing, as long as
the key is in? Tell the employees their standard of performance is to log
at least 7.2 hours of key-in time per 8-hr shift and then fire one for
producing little or nothing when he's logging that time, and the courts
will laugh at you while they reinstate the employee with back pay.
>Counting product should be easily logged a couple of times during the day.
>Measure the time their key is in, versus the number of units they make.
Measure what you WANT or eventually you won't get what you want! You don't
want key-in time, you want production.
This isn't a Stamp problem; it's a management problem that might have a
Stamp solution if done properly.
Jim H
in the customer service / telemarketing realm. They know down to the second
how long each call is, how long the caller was placed on hold, how long it
took you to pee, and how long you spent waiting for a call. Reviews (and
firings) are based on this.
Original Message
> >Better yet -- install a key switch on each machine, and attach the key to
> >the employee's belt with a yoyo. Log the key activity with a PC. If they
are
> >at the machine, the key is in, if they need to leave, the key is out. If
> >they get caught not being attached to the key, fire them.
>
> As management styles go this went out in the 50s. It is adversarial from
> the outset. It restricts movement. It establishes a false standard. If
> key-in time is established as the measure of performance, why shouldn't an
> employee stand in front of his machine all day, doing nothing, as long as
> the key is in? Tell the employees their standard of performance is to log
> at least 7.2 hours of key-in time per 8-hr shift and then fire one for
> producing little or nothing when he's logging that time, and the courts
> will laugh at you while they reinstate the employee with back pay.
on the shop, he may have to hire an electrical engineer to come up with the
equipment interface, an electrical contractor to install the interface,
*then* start worrying about the stamp stuff. Besides pissing away funds for
this, you have down time while the equipment is modified. Not to mention if
the electricians and / or workers are union.
A decent production manager can walk through a shop and look at numbers and
tell who is doing their job. Besides, I believe I did say they key time
would be compared with actual production numbers to determine efficiency.
Original Message
> Measure what you WANT or eventually you won't get what you want! You
don't
> want key-in time, you want production.
>
> This isn't a Stamp problem; it's a management problem that might have a
> Stamp solution if done properly.
>Umm... I hate to tell you this, but this kind of measurement is still used
>in the customer service / telemarketing realm. They know down to the second
>how long each call is, how long the caller was placed on hold, how long it
>took you to pee, and how long you spent waiting for a call. Reviews (and
>firings) are based on this.
But they don't get this information by putting a tether on the
employee. The gathering of this sort of information is not the
problem. HOW it is gathered can be an employee relations problem and WHAT
information is gathered determines whether or not it is useful for the
intended purpose. Note that the telemarketers you mention measure what
they expect to get and they do it unobtrusively - via computers attached to
the phone lines. To be analogous to the case below, they would attach a
tether between the employee and his phone and measure the time spent
attached to the phone. Surely the difference is apparent.
Jim H
>
Original Message
>
> > >Better yet -- install a key switch on each machine, and attach the key to
> > >the employee's belt with a yoyo. Log the key activity with a PC. If they
>are
> > >at the machine, the key is in, if they need to leave, the key is out. If
> > >they get caught not being attached to the key, fire them.
> >
> > As management styles go this went out in the 50s. It is adversarial from
> > the outset. It restricts movement. It establishes a false standard. If
> > key-in time is established as the measure of performance, why shouldn't an
> > employee stand in front of his machine all day, doing nothing, as long as
> > the key is in? Tell the employees their standard of performance is to log
> > at least 7.2 hours of key-in time per 8-hr shift and then fire one for
> > producing little or nothing when he's logging that time, and the courts
> > will laugh at you while they reinstate the employee with back pay.
department, the employee had to log into their phone and remain logged in
until lunch and shift end. They put the phone on "rest" to take a leak or
have a smoke, but the rest of the time they were expected to be there and
ready to take a call. If a call came in to their phone and they did not
answer it, the phone report showed it. Aspect, which was the phone system we
used, keeps very good records of this nature. You were, in fact, tied to
your phone during working hours.
Original Message
> >Umm... I hate to tell you this, but this kind of measurement is still
used
> >in the customer service / telemarketing realm. They know down to the
second
> >how long each call is, how long the caller was placed on hold, how long
it
> >took you to pee, and how long you spent waiting for a call. Reviews (and
> >firings) are based on this.
>
> But they don't get this information by putting a tether on the
> employee. The gathering of this sort of information is not the
> problem. HOW it is gathered can be an employee relations problem and WHAT
> information is gathered determines whether or not it is useful for the
> intended purpose. Note that the telemarketers you mention measure what
> they expect to get and they do it unobtrusively - via computers attached
to
> the phone lines. To be analogous to the case below, they would attach a
> tether between the employee and his phone and measure the time spent
> attached to the phone. Surely the difference is apparent.
>There is really no difference. When I was supervising one support
>department, the employee had to log into their phone and remain logged in
>until lunch and shift end. They put the phone on "rest" to take a leak or
>have a smoke, but the rest of the time they were expected to be there and
>ready to take a call. If a call came in to their phone and they did not
>answer it, the phone report showed it. Aspect, which was the phone system we
>used, keeps very good records of this nature. You were, in fact, tied to
>your phone during working hours.
I guess "in fact" means something different to you than it does to
me. There is a BIG difference between a strong requirement to be at one's
work station, working, and being tied to one's work station with a physical
tether.
Jim H
not there he could get in trouble.
Original Message
> >There is really no difference. When I was supervising one support
> >department, the employee had to log into their phone and remain logged in
> >until lunch and shift end. They put the phone on "rest" to take a leak or
> >have a smoke, but the rest of the time they were expected to be there and
> >ready to take a call. If a call came in to their phone and they did not
> >answer it, the phone report showed it. Aspect, which was the phone system
we
> >used, keeps very good records of this nature. You were, in fact, tied to
> >your phone during working hours.
>
> I guess "in fact" means something different to you than it does to
> me. There is a BIG difference between a strong requirement to be at one's
> work station, working, and being tied to one's work station with a
physical
> tether.
>Physical or electronic tether works the same way. Employee knows if he is
>not there he could get in trouble.
You are only seeing one aspect of a complex issue. We no longer tie our
employees to their work stations, physically, as the Romans did with their
galley slaves. You need to look a bit beyond the need to measure work
performance and consider the effect on the employee of the assorted methods
you might employ. Perhaps your experience in an industry that doesn't mind
annoying large numbers of people has clouded your perception of what is
demeaning to an employee and what isn't.
Jim H
I'm looking into the possiblities of using a Basic Stamp solution-
however it's looking like it may not be the best way to go...hmm...
--- In basicstamps@y..., Jim Higgins <HigginsJ@s...> wrote:
> At 13:44 06/27/01, Rodent wrote:
>
> >Physical or electronic tether works the same way. Employee knows
if he is
> >not there he could get in trouble.
>
> You are only seeing one aspect of a complex issue. We no longer
tie our
> employees to their work stations, physically, as the Romans did
with their
> galley slaves. You need to look a bit beyond the need to measure
work
> performance and consider the effect on the employee of the assorted
methods
> you might employ. Perhaps your experience in an industry that
doesn't mind
> annoying large numbers of people has clouded your perception of
what is
> demeaning to an employee and what isn't.
>
>
> Jim H
take the power switch to the motor, and rewire it so it's a low-power
switch that toggles between ground and 5 volts. this will be read by
the basic stamp.
the basic stamp will drive a relay which will control the motor.
to use the machine initially, the operator logs in or whatever. the
basic stamp records what's needed. the operator then goes to work, and
the basic stamp sits and monitors the input switch. if it's flipped on,
the basic stamp flips the relay which turns on the motor. if it's
flipped off, the basic stamp flips the relay which turns off the motor.
if the user logs out, the basic stamp (and consequently the motor)
doesn't do anything until someone logs in again.
if the switch is turned off for ten consecutive minutes, the user is
logged out automatically.
if the operator tries to use it, the basic stamp will give some sort of
indication that he/she has been logged out, and will have to log in.
the user will then have to log in, and either turn the switch on, or
cycle it from on to off to on in order to get the motor on.
does this sound like something that would work?
Rory
sjordan@Q... wrote:
>
> hey guys, I didn't mean to start a war
>
> I'm looking into the possiblities of using a Basic Stamp solution-
> however it's looking like it may not be the best way to go...hmm...
>