Dataprobe PowerPal Single User Manual

POWER PAL

Remote Power Controller

Version 2

POWER

PAL

PowerPal uses a dial telephone line to remotely control A/C power. The user can turn power ON, OFF
or Power Cycle (Reboot) by entering DTMF digits using an ordinary tone dial phone. The phone line
connected to PAL can also be used by other equipment in a normal manner after control of power.
With one phone call, you can power up, down or reboot equipment then ring the telephone device
connected to PowerPal’s Extension port.

Pal works by listening for dialing tones (DTMF) after it answers a call. If these tones are heard, Pal will
respond with the current power status and allow additional tones to control the power. Once power
control is completed, the device on Pal’s Extension may (or may not) be rung.

Four call answering modes, security features and power control options make PowerPal both easy to
use and very flexible. An On/Off/Auto switch on PowerPal allows local manual control.

A/C Source

Switched AC

Dial Line

POWER

PAL

Line Ext

PowerPal

Power Controlled Device

Any Telephony Device:
Phone / Fax / Modem

Functional Schematic

REF: PWR\POWERPAL-VER2_V980326W.DOC

Technical Support Hotline: [phone]

11 Park Place / Paramus, New Jersey 07652
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Website: www. dataprobe.com Email: [e-mail]

POWER PAL Page 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using this product, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

1. Read and understand all instructions.

2. Follow all warnings and marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product in an outdoor environment or near water, for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to
the product.

6. Slots and openings in this product and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation to protect it from
overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on the bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation unless proper
ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are
not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power company.

8. This product is equipped with a three wire grounding type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug
will only fit into a grounding type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding type plug. Do not use a 3-to-2 prong adapter at the receptacle; use of this type adapter may result
in risk of electrical shock and/or damage to this product.

9. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where the cord will be abused by
persons walking on it.

10. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in the risk of fire or electric shock.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electrical shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble this product, but take it to a qualified serviceman
when some service or repair work is required. Opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltages or other risks. Incorrect re-assembly can cause electric shock when the appliance is subsequently
used.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:

a) When the power supply cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
b) If liquid has been spilled into the product.
c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those

controls, that are covered by the operating instructions because improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the

product to normal operation.
e) If the product has been dropped or has been damaged.
f) If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

14. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of
electric shock from lightning.

15. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

16. Do not exceed the maximum output rating of the auxiliary power receptacle.

POWER PAL Page 3

POWER COMMAND SEQUENCE

A call placed to PAL is answered in one of four ways. In all cases, Pal answers the call and listens for a power
control code. If the command control code is received, Pal will respond with the current status of the A/C power
and allow power control commands. Once power control is complete, Pal will disconnect the call. If the Extension
is rung, by pressing 0 no additional control codes are accepted. The call sequence is:

Answer àà Power Control Code →→ Power Control ààCall Complete

CALL ANSWER MODES

PowerPal has four ways it can answer an incoming call. The mode you select will depend on who is usually calling
PowerPal and how secure you want the power control to be. In all cases, the number of rings before PowerPal
answers the call, additional security codes and how the call is passed on to the Extension Port are selectable.

Normal Answer Mode

In this mode, PowerPal will answer the call and generate a ‘Ringback’ signal. This signal is like the one you hear
when the phone company is ringing Pal. During the quiet times of the ringback, PAL listens for the command
control code. If, after two ringbacks, no tones are heard, Pal will check the security level. With security level 0
and 1, Pal will ring the Extension Port. With security level 2 the call is disconnected.

Use the Normal Answer Mode if: Voice or Fax calls are being made to the device on Pal’s
Extension Port and you don’t want the caller to know that Pal is there.

Answer and Prompt Mode

Pal answers the call and issues three short beeps to signal the caller. If no command control code is received in 6
seconds, Pal will check the security level. With security level 0 and 1, Pal will ring the Extension Port. With
security level 2 the call is disconnected.

Use the Answer and Prompt Mode if: You want a more secure line or you want to know exactly
when to put in the power control codes.

Answer and Quiet Mode

Pal will answer the call and be quiet for 10 seconds, waiting for the command control code. If it is not received
within 10 seconds, Pal will check the security level. With security level 0 and 1, Pal will ring the Extension Port.
With security level 2 the call is disconnected.

Use the Answer and Quiet Mode if: You want secure control of power and the shortest time
before the extension is rung or if you want to use the wait for quiet answer command.
(@ for most modems.)

Answer and Dial Tone Mode

Pal will answer the call and send 4 seconds of dial tone, then it waits 6 seconds for the command control code. If it
is not sent within the 6 seconds, Pal will check the security level. With security level 0 and 1, Pal will ring the
Extension Port. With security level 2 the call is disconnected

Use the Answer and Dial Tone Mode if: You are using automated access and wish to utilize your modems
wait for second dial tone command. (W for most modems)

POWER PAL Page 4

POWER CONTROL

The A/C power is controlled by a few simple codes sent to Pal. In all cases, Pal responds with tones to confirm
commands and to report the current status of the power. If invalid codes are sent, Pal responds with a low ‘Error’
tone. Power can only be controlled on calls placed to Pal. During outgoing calls, Pal is totally transparent,
allowing any phone numbers to be dialed without risk of accidental power control.

Status

Once Pal Answers the call, the caller sends a command control code to Pal. This code must be sent during the
quiet portion of Pal’s answering sequence.

When Pal is answering a call, with security level 0 enter:
With security level 1 or 2 enter the security code (see programming section # c ∗)

Pal will respond with the current power status:
One Beep = Power OFF

Two Beeps = Power ON
Once the current status is reported the caller can control the power. Power can either be changed, On or Off, or a

Power Reset can be done.

1

Change Power

To Change Power Enter:
This Toggles power from On to Off or Off to On. Pal will respond with the new status. Power On (Two Beeps),

Power Off (One Beep). The Power Change command can be entered as many times as necessary.

Power Reset

To Power Reset Enter:
Power Reset will pulse the power for a set time. The length of the pulse is user programmable (5-45 sec.). When

Power Reset is commanded, Pal first reports status at the start of the pulse, then again after the preset time.
(During reset all commands are ignored until completion.)

Status Request

To find out the current status of the outlet without changing it, enter 1 Pal will respond with one beep for OFF or
2 beeps for ON.

EXTENSION RING

The Extension Port can be accessed at any time after the command control/security code is entered by simply
pressing the

answer, Pal will terminate the call. The number of rings Pal allows to the extension is user programmable (1-6
rings). Once the extension has been rung, no more power control codes are accepted.

OPER

0

key. This will cause the Pal to ring the Extension Port. If the device on the extension does not

CALL COMPLETION

Once Pal rings the Extension Port, it continues to monitor the call. When the call is completed, Pal will hang-up
the phone line and wait for the next call. Pal’s Power setting will remain in its last position.
Optionally, Pal can be set to automatically turn power off after a preset time (5 to 90 seconds). Use this setting to
automatically shut down equipment when the call is complete. A typical application would be to turn off a PC when
the modem call to that PC is finished. If the power is off when the call is terminated, this setting is ignored.

POWER PAL Page 5

SECURITY

Additional security can be added to Pal’s power control and extension ringing features. With security enabled, a
security code is required before gaining access to the power control. Once the security code is received, Pal will
respond with the status. (ON = 2 Beeps OFF = 1 Beep). The security code can be from one to six digits long.

The security feature can be set for just power control, or both the power control and extension ringing functions.
When set for Power Only; all callers have unrestricted access to the extension, while a code is required for power

control. When set for Both Power and Extension; security code is required for all Pal functions.
If an incorrect security code is entered, Pal will send a low Error tone and wait for a second attempt. If the second

attempt is incorrect or if no security code is entered at all, Pal will check the security level. With security level 0
and 1 Pal will ring the Extension Port. With security level 2 the call is disconnected.

OPERATION SUMMARY

Command Code Remarks

Status Command 1 Pal responds with power status

1 Beep = Off, 2 Beeps = On
Power does not change.

Power Toggle
Command
Pulse Power

Ring Extension 0 Rings through to extension and

# Power Changes and new status is

reported
Power is pulsed for preset time.

*

(Programmable from 5 to 45
seconds).

discontinues power control

PROGRAMMING

Warning: Disconnect all equipment from PowerPal’s A/C receptacle when programming Pal.

All user programmable settings are set using a touch tone telephone connected to Pal’s Extension Port (EXT).
Settings are stored in non-volatile memory and will not be lost when power is removed from Pal.

To enter the Programming Mode: disconnect the telephone dial line connected to Pal, pick up the phone handset
(go off-hook) and enter Pal responds with two Beeps to confirm programming mode.

Programming Pal

Each setting for Pal has a number code. Once in the programming mode, each feature is set by entering the
feature number, then the setting for that feature, followed by a to confirm entry and set the new value.

Feature Number àà New Value àà

This can be repeated as many times as necessary. It is not necessary to program the features in order. If an
incorrect entry is made, Pal will send the low Error tone. Reenter the number, value and star to continue.

To end the programming mode, hang up the phone and reconnect the dial line to Pal.

POWER PAL Page 6
Answer Mode

6 1 ∗Normal Answer Mode ß Factory Setting
6 2 ∗Answer and Prompt
6 3 ∗Answer and Quiet
6 4 ∗Answer and Dial Tone

No. of Rings before Pal Answers the Call

2 n ∗n = Number of rings (1-6) Factory Setting = 1

No. of Rings to the Extension before Pal Terminates the Call

7 n ∗n = Number of rings (1-6) Factory Setting = 6

Power Reset Time

9 n ∗Set in 5 second increments Factory Setting =10 sec.

(n = 1-9 for 5 to 45 seconds)

Call Completion

4 0 ∗Power is turned off after call completion (See 8 n ∗)
4 1 ∗Power remains in current state ß Factory Setting

on call completion

8 n ∗Delay time for off after call completion (40 ∗)

Delay is set in 10 second increments
(n = 1-9 for 10 to 90 seconds)

Security

# c ∗ Security set to code ‘c’ (1 to 6 digits)
5 0 ∗Security Off ß Factory Setting
5 1 ∗Power Only Secure
5 2 ∗Power and Extension Secure

POWER PAL Page 7

PROGRAMMING SUMMARY

Feature Code Options

Enter Programming Mode # # Responds with two Beeps
Answer Mode

Pal Answers Call
Pal Rings Extension
Power Reset Time
Call Completion

6 n

2 n
7 n
9 n
4 0
4 1
8 n

∗

∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗

1= Normal Answer (ring back)
2= Answer & Prompt
3= Answer & Quiet
4= Answer & Dial Tone

n = Number of Rings (1 - 6)
n = Number of Rings (1 - 6)
n = 1 - 9 five second increments
Power turns off after call completion (8 n ∗)

Power remains in last state
Auto Shutdown n = 1- 9 ten second

increments.

Security

# c
5 0
5 1
5 2

∗
∗
∗
∗

Security set to code ‘c’ (1 to 6 digits)
Security Off

Power Only Secure
Power and Extension Secure

LOCAL CONTROL AND DISPLAY

Manual Control

Pal uses a three position slide switch to allow local control of the power. In the AUTO position, Pal is controlled
from the phone line as described above. In the ON or OFF positions, power is locally selected. All power control
from the phone line is disabled. All calls will pass directly to the Extension, as if Pal were not installed.
Disconnecting Pal from its A/C source will have the same results. When the switch is moved from ON or OFF to
the AUTO position, the power status will not change, and remote control will be restored.

LED Indicator

The LED indicator displays the current status of the A/C power on the receptacle.

INSTALLATION

Power Source

Connect PowerPal’s line cord to a suitable 120VAC 60Hz power source. When Power is applied to PowerPal, the
A/C power receptacle on Pal will be ON, if set to ON, OFF if set to OFF and if set for auto, Pal will remain in the
state it was before power loss, or before switching to Auto.

Power Controlled Device

Connect the device to be power controlled to Pal’s A/C outlet. Make sure that the total current of the devices
connected does not exceed 10 Amps.

POWER PAL Page 8
Extension Device

Connect any device that would normally be used on the telephone line to PowerPal’s modular jack marked EXT.
(Pulse phones will not work)

Phone Line

Connect the RJ11 Jack marked LINE to the telephone line.

FUSE REPLACEMENT

In the event that the device connected to Pal fails to power up when commanded to, inspect the fuse located at the
rear of PowerPal. Before removing the fuse, disconnect Pal from its A/C source. Then remove the fuse by
rotating the top of the fuse holder with a screwdriver.

If the fuse is visibly damaged, replace it with the same type and rating 250V 10 Amp fuse (5 X 20 mm).

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical

120 VAC 60 Hz. , 10 Amps maximum switching capacity
Total power = Connected load + 60 Watts

Physical

Table top unit - UL 94V-0 rated plastic
Dimensions - 9.00 D x 4.50 W x 3.25 H
Weight - 2.0 lbs.

UL & cUL Listed Telephone Equipment. File No. E174117

POWER PAL Page 9

FCC REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Power Pal FCC registration number: DNMUSA23923-OT-N REN: 0.4B

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. On the bottom of this unit is a label that contains, among other
information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN) for this equipment. If requested, this
information must be provided to the telephone company. REN is used to determine the quantity of devices on which may be
connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an
incoming call. In most, but not all areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of
devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total RENs, contact the local telephone company.

This equipment is designed for use with USOC registered jack RJ11. It is intended for single line use, and may not be used
on public coin phone service provided by the telephone company. Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs
(contact state public utility commission, public service commission or corporation commission for information). An FCC
compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this equipment. This equipment is designed to be connected to
the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible modular jack which is Part 68 compliant. See Installation
section for details.

If Power Pal causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary
discontinuance of service may be required. If advance notice is not practical, the telephone company will notify the customer
as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary. The
telephone company may make changes in it’s facilities, equipment operations or procedures that could affect the operation of
this equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary
modifications to maintain uninterrupted service. No repairs may be made by the user. If trouble is experienced with Power Pal
contact Dataprobe (201.967.9300) for repair or warranty information. If the equipment is causing harm to the telephone
network, the telephone company may request that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved.

FCC Part 15 Class B Registration

This equipment is covered by FCC rules for a Class B computing device.
The following information is provided for the information and guidance of the user. FCC regulations, Part 15 prescribed by the

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) specify that we provide the following information:

WARNING

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed an used properly, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specification in Part 15 of FCC Rules and
Regulations, which are designed to provide a reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, (which you can determine by turning the equipment
OFF and ON), try to correct the interference by one of more of the following measures.

· Reorient the receiving antenna.

· Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.

· Move the computer away from the receiver.

· Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

POWER PAL Page 10

Notes for Canadian Installations
Certification Number: 1794 7467 A Load Number: 6

The Canadian Department of Communications label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment
meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational and safety requirements. The Department does not
guarantee the equipment will operate to the user's satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local
telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. The
customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some
situations.

"NOTICE: The Load Number (LN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the percentage of the total load to be connected
to a telephone loop which is used by the device, to prevent overloading. The terminations on a loop may consist of any
combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Load Numbers of all devices does not exceed 100".
The Power Pal Load Number is 6.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier.
Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications
company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and
internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural
areas.

Caution: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric
inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate. Authorized Canadian service by Signatel, 215 Shields Ct. Markham,
Ontario L3R8V2 . Phone: [phone].

POWER PAL Page 11

TECHNICAL SUPPORT, RETURNS AND WARRANTY

Dataprobe Technical Support is available 8:30AM to 5:30PM ET to assist you in the installation and
operation of this product. To obtain Technical Support call our Tech Support Hotline at 201-967­8788, or Email us at [e-mail]. Please have the following information available when you
call:

• Model of Product

• Serial Number

• Data of Purchase

• Name of Seller (if other than Dataprobe)

If you purchased this product through an Authorized Dataprobe Reseller, you should contact them first,
as they may have information about the application that can more quickly answer your questions.

WARRANTY

Seller warrants this product, if used in accordance with all applicable instructions, to be free from
original defects in material and workmanship for a period of One Year from the date of initial purchase.
If the product should prove defective within that period, Seller will repair or replace the product, at its
sole discretion.

Service under this Warranty is obtained by shipping the product (with all charges prepaid) to the
address below. Seller will pay return shipping charges. Call Dataprobe Technical Service at (201) 967­8788 to receive a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) Number prior to sending any equipment back
for repair. Include all cables, power supplies and proof of purchase with shipment.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO NORMAL WEAR OR TO DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ACCIDENT,
MISUSE, ABUSE OR NEGLECT. SELLER MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THE
WARRANTY EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE; AND THIS WARRANTY
EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES ALL INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, and some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from jurisdictions to jurisdiction.

WARNING: The individual user should take care to determine prior to use whether this device is
suitable, adequate or safe for the use intended. Since individual applications are subject to great
variation, the manufacturer makes no representation or warranty as to the suitability of fitness for any
specific application.

Dataprobe Inc.
11 Park Place
Paramus, NJ 07652