What is Powertxt ®?

Powertxt is a simple remote power control switch that is fully operated and controlled by text message commands (SMS) over the mobile network (GSM). Powertxt allows users to effortlessly control mains power remotely and reboot any equipment in seconds. Powertxt is 100% cellular and has no Data/IP/WiFi capabilities making it the perfect secure solution for rebooting and remote power control. Powertxt is a more cost effective & secure solution than an IP power solution.

How does it work?

When your equipment hangs/freezes have you ever been told by the IT department to turn the power off and then on again, well … that’s exactly what Powertxt does, it effectively performs a ‘hard reboot’ by turning the mains power to your equipment off and then on again (“rebooting it”). Some newer routers now have the facility to perform a ‘soft reboot’ where they can reset internally but this doesn’t fix every issue, it is estimated that over 70% of all downtime events can be solved with a hard power reboot.

Low signal? No problem! As Powertxt only uses SMS (no data) it can work in many areas where other technology fails, it works anywhere you can send a text message. Powertxt is currently used anywhere from metal cages and lockers to hospital basements with no signal issues.

Powertxt ROI

“It is estimated that over 70% of all downtime events can be solved with a hard power reboot” Most Powertxt users get a return on investment with the first call out/engineering visit saved. This then mounts to a considerable cost saving when using Powertxt for several years. Also, uptime of equipment can be just as important so by using Powertxt you can ensure equipment downtime is kept as minimal as possible.

With cyber hacks happening almost daily extra precautions have to be taken to ensure your equipment is safe, more and more customers are refusing to add any additional IP equipment to their networks due to the high risks. IP devices (accessed over a network) also have significant drawbacks vs Powertxt, firstly, IP power control requires technically qualified staff to set up, install & maintain (firewalls etc), most IP devices have multiple outlets which make them very expensive for single devices in multiple locations, they have a higher initial purchase price & yearly running costs (especially if a secure IP address is required) and most importantly they have considerable security risks by controlling power over a network susceptible to being hacked.

Unlike IP power Powertxt is a simple plug and play solution with no technical installation required, it is set up with a couple of text message and can be done in minutes. As Powertxt is plug and play it can be used for new installations and retro-fit to existing equipment easily. Unlike IP power, Powertxt can only control mains power it has no connection to the equipment itself.

How do I control Powertxt? Is there a management tool?

Yes! For a small amount of Powertxt devices these can be controlled easily with a mobile/cell phone but for larger numbers we have developed a dedicated management tool called EstateView. EstateView makes controlling large numbers of devices easy and simple, it can be accessed from anywhere and has many features. To read more about EstateView please click here or contact us for a free trial.

What SIM/Network should I use? What are the approximate running costs?

UK & EU Customers - Powertxt needs a SIM card to operate, we offer UK & EU M2M (machine to machine SIMs) or you can use off the shelf PAYG SIMs (pay as you go). Running costs are very low and we have negotiated special rates for SMS only SIMs, currently approximately £2.00 - £2.67 per month (depending on volume) and a one off SIM Cost of £4.95 (ex vat) including 10 SMS per month. As Powertxt uses 2G SMS’s if you chose to use a PAYG SIM the unit does not work with digital only networks e.g. 3UK

US Customers - Please contact us for US SIM information

NOTE

1) We recommend M2M SIMs for all of our products to ensure the SIM is active at all times

2) If you choose to use a PAYG SIM please ensure you send a command every few weeks to ensure the SIM stays active

3) None of our devices contain lithium batteries, Powertxt has a capacitor to store enough energy to send the text alert when mains power is lost