Short Range Cycle Timers

[Sylvia Bernstein]

OK, all you engineering types...We are looking for a Short Range Cycle Timer.  Something that can do 10 minutes on and 3 minutes off, for example.  And costs less than $100!  Any ideas?  Thanks!

[mark snyder]

I thought that Titan Apollo 2 would work for me, so I ordered one!
 
Ryan Chatterson said:

http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/controls2.shtml

Scroll down until you get to the Titan Apollo 2.

[TCLynx]

I've been using both the Apollo and the CAP repeat cycle timers.  Both are indoor dimers so you must protect them from the weather if using outdoors.

The Apollo is nice in that it only has the two nobs to worry about but that also makes it harder to switch from day/night/both operation but how often do you need to do that?

The CAP is really cool because it just has a switch to change between the different operations and there is also a re-set button so if you want to start over with the timing from the beginning, you just press the button instead of needing to unplug the timer from the outlet.

Then again.  Rob's Controllers from Bigelow Brook Farms are in a nice weather proof housing and can function as two separate timers!!!!!  Or a timer and a temp controlled relay or probably a bunch of other handy things.

[Trevor Johnson]

check this timer out.

http://www.hydrofarm.com/product.php?itemid=13335

[TCLynx]

That one is new.

[George]

I've run one of these for 7 months or so without a hitch.  It is very simple and I'm using it 10 minutes on, 1 off, around the clock.  It's on my back porch, which is not exactly indoors but has been fine thus far.

TCLynx said:

Here is a repeat cycle timer with a switch to choose between day/night/always operation and it has a reset switch which I have really found helpful. 

I also have one of the Titan repeat cycle timers too and they seem to work well also, just a bit trickier to set between day/night/always operation and no re-set switch.

[Shawn Lang]

take a look at this

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00055236/k-G2615925?srccode=cii_10043468...=

[TCLynx]

Shawn,

     The description of that one doesn't really explain how the timer works?  It gives min and max time settings but doesn't say anything about length of time on or length of time off or how many cycles can happen in a given length of time.

It looks like a mechanical timer so one would be limited by the increments on the unit as well as the number of trip switches supplied and it doesn't give details.

[Shawn Lang]

ok well it's like a pool timer but it is only 60 min Cycle like a pool timer you have it go set it to go on and off as offon you want in one hour as you want you just have you put the pins in it to do so

[TCLynx]

Any idea how many pins you get with it?  Or if you can get extra pins?

[Vlad Jovanovic]

This is the timer I ended up buying. It lists for $113.00 USD. With those two screws on the left, you can set the on/off time increments independently. Their ranges are 0.5 seconds to 100 hours. So it's pretty versatile and can accommodate a very wide range of cycle times...It has a double pole, double throw relay switch that you can hear clicking as it throws (if you like that sort of thing) is rated at 5 amps, 250VAC. Input voltage is 100–230VAC, 50/60 Hz. So it will work on grid electric pretty much where ever you live. And it's Japanese made.

[Shawn Lang]

you can get the pins in lowes or  home depot  lets if you want to be on for 10 min and off for 3 you will need 4 sets of pins

TCLynx said:

Any idea how many pins you get with it?  Or if you can get extra pins?

[James Pahn]

Hi TC,

Maybe I am the only one person who don't know how to use this timer. I am having trouble to set the Cycle On at precise the time I want. For example, one munite and 30 seconds, 2 minutes and 15 seconds, etc. If I just turn the knob jus a little bit over 60 seconds, the Cycle On may last 2-3 minutes. If I switch the knob slightly counter clockwise, then the Cycle On may only keep working for a minute.

 

I couldn't find any instructions onlie how to solve this problem and the user guid posted on the manufacture's website is not clear either. However, it does say you can set timer On and Off at precise intervals.

 

Please advise and thanks much!

James

TCLynx said:

Here is a repeat cycle timer with a switch to choose between day/night/always operation and it has a reset switch which I have really found helpful. 

I also have one of the Titan repeat cycle timers too and they seem to work well also, just a bit trickier to set between day/night/always operation and no re-set switch.