Futurebit team has confirmed on e-mail:
Hi the USB version is designed to be shutdown via the power switch. If you are using another computer and not an apollo there is no way to shut it down via USB as this functionality is only possible with the full node unit.
Hi standard units controlled with a third part pc can only be shutdown with the power switch in the back.
FutureBit Team
hello@futurebit.ioHad I known this, I would never buy this device. Now, I have to use 24/7 or not at all. Cannot temperature or time control it. Once internet goes down or want it to idle, it just continues to burn full power forever.
It's an issue with USB reset on windows devices for the new Apollo. Have not been able to do much testing on windows but if there are apps or a "reset" command you can send over the COM port it should turn it off.
Other option is to use a smart plug and shut it on/off that way if you cant physically access it.
Thanks for your reply!
I don't use Windows at all. I obtained Linux binaries from your unreleased github tree. I am still waiting for support on e-mail to come back to me, it's been very slow. They confirmed that, quote:
Hi this functionality is only available on linux systems due to a driver change windows made for USB devices.
You can try powering it down by making a seperate power off bat file and only have this flag after the binary executable: -comport COM4 -brd_pwr_off_all
FutureBit Team
hello@futurebit.ioHowever, binary I have here on Linux from your github doesn't recognize this command. Can you tell me if I am ok on Linux, and eventually you will be able to give me proper binary with this functionality, or all hope is lost?