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#1
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![]() Has any one else ever wondered why digital timers are so huge?
In an attempt to clean up my tank wiring I picked up a new power bar. I am using two timers, one to control my lights and the second runs my cooling fan. Well these timers are both identical digital units. Of course these things are shaped just so that if you plugged one into the top plug of an outlet, you can no longer plug anything into the bottom plug. What a ridiculous design. Well you might have guessed, my new power bar had what I thought was just enough plugs to fit everything I needed on there. Until I tried to plug my last two items in, the timers. I can plug one or the other in, but not both. These timers are the most compact design I have been able to find that still had all the features I want. Which brings me to my question: Why do timers have to be so big and bulky? Do timer manufacturers shun the modern world, by ignoring the current trend of making everything smaller? Its not like the timer needs to be this huge, other than the switch mechanism, all the other guts can be fairly tiny. And why can't the shape of the case be improved so as to function harmoniously with all other electrical cords and outlets? What timers are the majority of you guys and girls using? Thanks and sorry for the rant.
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If it is just us, It seems like an awful waste of space. |
#2
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![]() I agree that the timers waste space. I thought it was just me that was peeved about this.
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![]() 10 Gal Nano Contest: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...d=1#post348308 90 Gal Corner Pentagon Build: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=42263 |
#3
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![]() I know exactly what you mean. I used analog timers but found the same thing. There is also no way to plug two into one power bar.
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260g mixed reef, 105g sump, water blaster 7000 return, Bubble King SM 300 skimmer, Aqua Controller Jr, 4 radions, 3 Tunze 6055s,1 tunze 6065, 2 Vortech MP40s, Vortech MP20, Tunze ATO, GHL SA2 doser, 2 TLF reactors (1 carbon, 1 rowa). http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50034 . Tank Video here http://www.vimeo.com/2304609 and here http://www.vimeo.com/16591694 |
#4
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![]() I've seen a power bar that has dongels for plugging in D/C transformers, sort of like mini 3 inch extensions. I think it was at Home depot.
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Brian ____________________________________________ 220g inwall 48"x36"x30" 110g mangrove refug/sump Poison Dart Frog Vivarium |
#5
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![]() There is a coralife power bar that incorporates digital timers. My buddy uses one and it works real good.
Coralife Digital Power Center I have the coralife analog timer bar, but it isn't very good
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My Other Car is a Reef Tank |
#6
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![]() Quote:
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I once had a Big tank...I now have two Huskies and a coyote |
#7
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#8
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I have a Coralife and am actually thinking of picking up the generic one as an additional timer. I also found a much smaller digital timer at Can Tire, but it is only a two prong so you're limited as to what type of equipment you can plug into it. It also has fewer timing features, e.g. it can only be timed at 5 minute intervals, not by the minute. It is small enough that you could plug two side by side into a power bar though. I think the main reason the 3 prong (grounded) digital timers are bulky is because they are buillt to handle up to 15 amps which is the maximum a normal circuit is able to supply. You can't miniaturize the relay too much if it needs to be able to handle that amount of power. Safety.....
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Mike 77g sumpless SW DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build ![]() |
#9
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![]() I have 2 of these on my tank.
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/...ase_sku=AP7900 They are meant for remote power control of servers. But, for me the fit the purpose, and I got them cheap. They have 8 outlets that are controlled independantly, and a network connection with a intgernal web server. They also have a digital amp. display and log power usage and run time of each outlet. So, I know how much power I use, how long the heaters run and a real simple web interface to set the timer schedule. Heck, they even have over current protection that will shut down a single outlet if it starts drawing more power than you program it for. I know the APC units new are expensive, but there is a few other brands with 8/16 outlets for about $120. For me, these were cheaper than 16 timers as I got them as demo units for one of my server rooms. |
#10
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![]() That's a pretty cool device, but I assume you need to be running it with a PC or Notebook 24/7?
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Mike 77g sumpless SW DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build ![]() |