Computers

The Amazing Jellybean takes the guesswork out of power cycling

The Amazing Jellybean takes the guesswork out of power cycling
A sketch of the final design for the Amazing Jellybean
A sketch of the final design for the Amazing Jellybean
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The working prototype of the Amazing Jellybean
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The working prototype of the Amazing Jellybean
This is how everything connects to the Amazing Jellybean
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This is how everything connects to the Amazing Jellybean
A sketch of the final design for the Amazing Jellybean
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A sketch of the final design for the Amazing Jellybean
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When the internet goes down, the first thing anyone should do is power cycle their modem and router – it seems like almost every internet problem can be fixed by simply turning everything on and off in the right order (as long as the problem is not on the ISP's end, of course). The process takes a good five minutes, between waiting and timing everything right. The Amazing Jellybean aims to make it simpler by allowing users to simply push one button, and have everything power cycled for them in the correct order.

The device is like an advanced power strip. The modem and router are plugged into it, and when connection issues arise, a user simply pushes the button, and everything is power cycled in the correct order and with the right timing. This is designed to take the guess work out of the process, and keeps the user from having to stand there, waiting to turn everything back on.

The Amazing Jellybean is also equipped with Bluetooth, which is handy for users who have to keep their router in a place that doesn't offer convenient access, or for those who just don't feel like moving. The application comes with a single button, much like the Jellybean itself, and users can push this to initiate a power cycle without even having to get up.

Of course, this could also come in handy for the less tech-savvy user as well. Instead of having to call customer service when the internet is going haywire, they can just press a single button to give everything a proper power cycle.

Jim Pyle, the creator of the Amazing Jellybean, is seeking funding on Kickstarter. The project has already exceeded his US$10,000 goal. The funding will go towards taking the idea from a functioning prototype to a final manufactured design. In the US, the minimum pledge to receive an Amazing Jellybean is $40. For Canada, the minimum pledge is $75, and the rest of the world requires $80.

The Kickstarter pitch video below provides more information.

Source: Kickstarter

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8 comments
8 comments
Dan Lee
I'm sorry, it somehow costs $35 more to ship to Canada, do they think that Canada is 5000 miles north of the US and that we have to get it shipped via Dog Sleds. I would honestly support this Kickstart project, if they would have a realistic view of the project for Canada. Seems like they are just trying to discriminate against us.
Bryant Drake
Anyone who really knows computers should know that power-cycling is not a proper fix. Better to leave it on, figure out the issue, actually solve the issue, then rebooting everything.
That being said its easier for non-technical people to just power-cycle everything. Additionally they should include an option where the device itself connects to the network. Every so often it polls a list of servers. If none are reachable for more then 5 minutes then do it automatically do its thing.
Derek Howe
I like Bryant's idea better, I hate it when I'm gone and my internet goes down, and I'm not there to reset it. MY UTORRENT NEEDS TO SEED! lol
Jim Ronholm
What kind of a world do we live in where we buy something, just to turn other things on/off? Is it really that hard?
MScottAdams
I have been using something similar for a while. No bluetooth but it is accessible while on the road. Handy if you are usin remote desktop on your machine. Also will automatically reboot the device when internet connectivity is lost for a selected amount of time!
http://www.amazon.com/PI-Manufacturing-Internet-Controllable-Automatic/dp/B006PPISCG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1364489721&sr=8-11&keywords=msn+switch
Yaro Kasear
I'm sorry, it shouldn't take five minutes OR precision ordering to power cycle anything. My connection goes out and I power cycle it takes me 10 seconds, only two of which at most involves depowering my router.
Also, it's better to try and fix the issue than repower the thing every time it misbehaves. Over 90% of software issues come from incorrect configuration.
This device would be a waste of money.
Cody MacLean
Yes i worked at an call centre that fixed peoples internet in the states and If they had no internet and they power cycled the router before they called then it was very difficult too find out what was wrong and sometimes we would have too send a megapath field technician out if we couldnt figure it out which would cost the customer like 150$ or something like that it was quite expensive,
Ed
You know...wouldn't it be great if you could send a signal remotely via an IP and port to automatically trigger a remote power cycling...Oh wait...that already exists....