Timer

[bigvictu]

I bought a photocell for my alliance transformer when I bought it and it works great but i don't really want the lights to stay on until dawn. Is there a timer that I can plug into it directly or do I need a seperate timer and can anyone reccommend one?

[cgland]

Vic, just go to Home Cheapo and get a digital timer. It plugs into the trans and then you take the plug inside and plug into it. Real easy, you just have to remember to replace the dummy plug on your photocell connection

[Dreams To Designs]

Vic, what Chris has said is the easiest solution. If you choose to use the photocell to turn the system on at dusk, set the timer to go on at 3pm and off at the desired time, midnight or so. The photocell will override the on time and the system will not go on until the photocell activates. If you go with the digital timer, you eliminate having to reset the timer due to power outages, because of the battery backup. One other option is to use an astronomical timer. An astronomical timer knows when dusk and dawn will ocur daily and also adjusts itself for daylight savings time. With an astronomical timer, you would eliminate the photocell and rely completely on the times you set on the timer. It can be set for a consistent time before sunset to come on and the desired shutdown time.Astronomical timers cost a little more than standard digital timers, but other than a battery change once a year, you set them and forget them. Lowes or depot should carry an astronomical as well as digital timers in the Intermatic brand.

If you want even more control, look into an X10 system or UPB. X10 is not too expensive and will give you control from inside the house for the low voltage transformer or multiples and also indoor and outdoor lights as well as other appliances.

Kirk