If I understood you correctly, the key problem here is "being exposed to
outdoor".
I think you may search for "outdoor wifi plug":
https://www.amazon.com/outdoor-smart-plug/s?k=outdoor+smart+plug
Also, I think there is nothing wrong with that the given solution is
proprietary. The only downside is that you have no full control over
that device (it connects to some external servers and you cannot change
it), but there is no "subscription" or whatever.
Regarding "scripting and cron jobs" - such solutions have their own
smartphone apps which have timers/schedulers etc. so this is enough I
think - unless you want some device to be activated as a response to
some Debian OS event ;-) In that case you maybe need some custom
solution based on Raspberry Pico/Pi - DIY.
I use many of such "smart plugs" (but only indoor in my case) and they
work fine.
Regards,
Rafal
On 12.01.2025 10:49 PM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
Hi All.
As the knowledge base on this list is wide and deep, I am asking to cut
through the commercial clutter. Ideally, what I would like to find is a
WiFi (802.11a/b/g) capable device that would plug into the end of an
extension cord (common US NEMA 5-15 receptacle/plug) and allow me to
activate power to the connected device (in this case engine block
warmer) over the network via some scripting and cron jobs.
Searches invariably lead to a near endless result list of proprietary
devices and apps and household items that aren't likely to be up to the
task of being exposed to outdoor elements. Of course there is the Home
Assistant forum I can sign up for and ask but I thought I would try here
first in case someone has already found such devices.
TIA
- Nate
