If I understood you correctly, the key problem here is "being exposed to outdoor".
I think you may search for "outdoor wifi plug":
https://www.amazon.com/outdoor-smart-plug/s?k=outdoor+smart+plug
Also, I think there is nothing wrong with that the given solution is proprietary. The only downside is that you have no full control over that device (it connects to some external servers and you cannot change it), but there is no "subscription" or whatever.
Regarding "scripting and cron
jobs" - such solutions have their own smartphone apps which have
timers/schedulers etc. so this is enough I think - unless you
want some device to be activated as a response to some Debian OS
event ;-) In that case you maybe need some custom solution based
on Raspberry Pico/Pi - DIY.
I use many of such "smart
plugs" (but only indoor in my case) and they work fine.
Regards,
Rafal
Hi All. As the knowledge base on this list is wide and deep, I am asking to cut through the commercial clutter. Ideally, what I would like to find is a WiFi (802.11a/b/g) capable device that would plug into the end of an extension cord (common US NEMA 5-15 receptacle/plug) and allow me to activate power to the connected device (in this case engine block warmer) over the network via some scripting and cron jobs. Searches invariably lead to a near endless result list of proprietary devices and apps and household items that aren't likely to be up to the task of being exposed to outdoor elements. Of course there is the Home Assistant forum I can sign up for and ask but I thought I would try here first in case someone has already found such devices. TIA - Nate