Smart Strip LCG4 Energy Saving Power Strip with Autoswitching Technology and Fax/Modem Surge Protection
|
List Price: Our Price: $29.29 You Save: $12.66 (30%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $27.00 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
|---|
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Smart Strip LCG4 Energy Saving Power Strip with Autoswitching Technology and Fax/Modem Surge Protection
Customer Review: Okay but....
Summary: 3 Stars
Alright this is an expensive device. The way it's set up, you have a single device control a bunch of other devices except those you want to run independently. So let's say you have a TV which you set up as the controlling device: when it goes off the other devices you set up to be controlled by it go off as well. If you have a VCR you can set that to be on independently of the other devices which you most likely want as it needs to be on 24/7 to keep time and record tv shows. So that's reasonably solid. The problem is that the strip doesn't allow for large or odd shaped plugs which can block other plugs. For a strip that's over $30 it should be designed so that doesn't happen. Also you could accomplish the same thing with two plain strips: one which you turn on when you need it and one you leave on all the time. That would very likely save you $20. If the automatic switching is worth that much to you then buy it, if not.....Customer Review: One Major Flaw - Impossible tuning for Computer Sleep/Standby
Summary: 2 Stars
I really wanted to like this product. It is a great idea and the design is almost perfect. The major problem with the design is a single $0.20 trimmer pot ( variable resistor ) that is used to set when your device is ON versus OFF. It is VERY hard to set. My computer in Sleep mode consumes 50W and in normal ON mode consumes 100W. Tuning the strip to recognize the difference between the two power states required about 1/10 of a degree turn - hard to do. What is worse is that even after I got it working once, temperature variation in the circuit would cause it to stop working the next day. For many applications ( for example, computer hibernate=5W, vs ON=100W ) this device works just fine. I can't recommend it for computer Standby however. If they would improve the circuit with a multi-turn pot, it would probably work great. I might try this myself after the warranty period is over. Should have been a great "Green" product, sigh....Customer Review: Only worked once
Summary: 1 Stars
Great write-up on the product, so I bought one. Plugged it in as instructed. Worked great the first time I turned the computer on and off. It hasn't worked since. Have tried the full range of sensitivity settings to no avail. Don't waste your money.Customer Review: Outlet switching problem SOLVED!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This product really does fill a need in our multi-device electronic world. We seldom think about the phantom idle current our devices use when they are "off". Makes a lot of sense to use this.
I got mine for my computer. Works perfectly straight out of the box. It also alerted me to an incorrectly wired outlet (hot and neutral lines were reversed). Corrected that by reversing black and white leads and now it shows the outlet working properly via the green Ground & Surge light being lit. Tested other outlets in my home to see if any others needed attention.
UPDATE: When I first installed the strip, it worked as provided. Over the past few weeks the setting has drifted, and has occasionally failed to shut down as before. I am in the process of tweaking the dial to find where it needs to be. Didn't realize there was a conditioning period for the unit, or that the setting would drift......annoying.
2nd UPDATE: The strip finally quit responding and will not shut off the controlled outlets, regardless of adjustments. Only if I switch the rocker switch off manually and back on. I called BITS Ltd and got an RMA to return it for an exchange. They agreed something's not working properly, I must have a defective unit. Hopefully the replacement will work right.
3rd UPDATE: Just got my RMA replacement of the new, updated version LCG3E from BITS Ltd. Seems to be working fine now, will keep an eye on it. After some tests were done, the original was found to be defective. I spoke to the tech who checked it, he explained what he had done, and shipped the replacement quickly as promised. The new style strip's controlled outlets are now marked green, and the blue Smart Strip name by the rocker switch is now screened in a different style. The box still has the old photo on it, guess they haven't taken an updated photo yet. The barcode label on the box bottom says BIT-LCG3E-10, the barcode # 855883000032. Hopefully this has taken care of the problem. So if you have an older model, don't give up if it's not working. Fill out a Contact Form under Contacts and Support on BITSLtd website. I got a fast response to my request and they took care of me.
4th UPDATE: Well, I have had the replacement LCG3E Smart Strip installed and working for about a month now, and I am happy to say that the problems have not returned! It now switches everything on/off according to the control outlet device (the desktop PC power) being switched on or off. It didn't require any adjustment right out of the box. I believe BITSLtd realized there were manufacturing or design issues with the previous versions of the strip. Customer service has been prompt and savvy in addressing the problem. The strip has a newer silk screen design, with the controlled outlets colored green, and a redesigned logo by the rocker switch, more evidence that this is a revised design change. So, I'm considering the problem officially solved. Thanks BITSLtd!
Customer Review: Performed exactly as advertised
Summary: 5 Stars
The Smart Strip is easy to use and has performed exactly as it is supposed to. The extra space for plugs with odd sizes and shapes is helpful. I don't know if it will pay for itself through energy savings in weeks as was advertised, but it definitely functions well and I'm sure the energy savings will add up over time. A good buy for anyone with lots of peripherals associated with their computer or home entertainment system.