Building an electronic bench helper

[trendyironicname]

I'm designing a relay/micro based thing for use in the shop and will release the schematic and code here when it's done.  Basically, it'll function as an automatic patch bay and safety mechanism to make it easier in the design, building, and testing of the pedals.  It'll control what's piped into my amp and PA so I can keep everything plugged in and just push a button when i grab it. I like to listen to music loud while working and usually have it running through both.  I also test eq's and stuff with canned tones that also come from my computer. I really hate unplugging and replugging and think it'll make me happy.   It'll also control a box that has 16 power outlets on it that was used to control par cans back in my band days.  I'm notorious for leaving my soldering iron on and one aspect of it will be to pop up ever hour or so(whatever you decide to put as a time limit) on the computer and go, "are you still using the soldering iron?" and if you're not there to click yes, it'll turn off the outlet it's plugged into.  Will probably webcam the place and have fun controlling stuff over the internet as well.  I would like to know if there's any features ya'll would think would be good for this to have.  It might wind up more fun to build than it is practical or useful but time you enjoy doing what you're doing is not wasted. 

[Jarno]

I think there's a project here that has a tin vapour removal system with an passive IR sensor, you could do the same of course. Use one to switch of the fan after 2 minutes or so, and have another one switch off the iron after 0.5-1 hour.