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Check out this power monitor that texts you when the power drops

We hate – no, we actually we loathe – arriving home to find the power out and we’re sure you do as well but Netshield could rid us of that hate quite soon.

The Simple Single Phase GSM Power Monitor PH1 from Netshield might have a long and convoluted name but its as simple as putting a plug into a socket, because that’s how it works.

Simply plug the PH1 into a South African three-prong plug socket and hey presto you never have to worry about arriving home to a powerless home again. Of course, there is a bit more to it than that.

The PH1 is fitted with a SIM slot which allows it to send text messages. By setting up the PH1 to send alerts to a mobile number of choice, users will receive text message alerts when the power dips below 46VAC.

Netshield has also fitted the PH1 with a Lithium-ion polymer battery so that the PH1 can actually send you a text message using its GSM unit when the power is out.

“This solution has many applications in businesses and consumer households,” Netshield South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Inus Dreckmeyer said.

“If you’re away on holiday, I’m sure you don’t want to worry about returning to a fridge or freezer full of off food,” Dreckmeyer added, “and if you are a business owner, for example, a shop owner with large freezers or a restaurant owner, knowing about a power trip could save you a lot of money.”

The PH1 has indicators lights so you can check the status at a glance. You can also just send a text.
The PH1 has indicators lights so you can check the status at a glance. You can also just send a text.

We can’t help but notice the similarities to the quick and dirty load shedding light we built last year, although if we’re honest this one is a bit more advanced.

You will be able to interact with the PH1 by sending SMS shortcodes to the SIM card you have fitted to the unit. Sending “PWR” would trigger a reply indicating the date and time of the last power failure while “SMS” or “AirT” will let you know how many SMSes  in your bundle are remaining on the PH1 SIM and airtime balance respectively.

The expected retail price for a unit is R1 499 which is a bit pricey but keep in mind that this is once-off and you’re really paying for convenience.

The PH1 will be available through Netshield from 12th February.

 

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