best automatic timers?

[aznlmpulse]

which brand/model is the most reliable and worth my money? I'm looking for one that has at least 3 independent controls, and isn't too expensive.

any suggestions?

[AquaScapes1]

The timers I use are the $20 digital ones with battery back up which you can get at home dopot

[bllfish]

I use the X-10 timers. You can put four modules on a mini timer and use any timed program you make. The modules are usually available on ebay for cheap. The timer is $29.95 (http://www.x10.com/automation/index.html)
I have mine changing 3 PC lights and moonlight to simulate dawn to dusk.

[shawnz28]

I like the old fasioned Intermatic timers the best

[DC321]

Intermatic Digital.

$20

[bllfish]

Do they have battery backup?

[artilespm]

I found heavy duty digital timers with battery backup at Target. $12.99. I don't remember the brand, but I'll check when I get home. They work great and are easy to use. They also have the receptical in the front. I used the intermatic mechanical ones before and had issues with the receptical on the side of the timer. They take too much space. The Intermatic digital ones also have the receptical on the side unless you go with the big outdoor units.

[fredo]

Originally posted by bllfish
Do they have battery backup?

Found while surfing @ HomeDepot.com

Intermatic
500 Watt 120 Volt AC Heavy-Duty PadDigital Timer
Model DT17C

"This heavy duty timer is used to control lamps, TVs, stereos and appliances. Up to 14 on, 14 off programs per day or 99 on, 98 off programming per week. 3-prong grounded plug and receptacle. Easy-to-set hand-held programming with battery backup. Random setting option avoids predictable "timer-controlled" look."

[artilespm]

Okay, here are the specs for the timer I mentioned in my previous post. It is made by Timex. Memory holds up to 20 different programs with up to 140 on/offs per week. Digital Accuracy. Grounded Oulet with manual override. Rechargable battery backup (included). Always displays current time. 15A, 1875W Resistive, 5A Inductive, 120VAC, 60Hz. $12.99 at Target.

[rufio173]

12.99 is a pretty good price for a digital timer.

[artilespm]

That's what I thought. I was going nuts looking for a timer that had the receptacle in the front. I went to Target with my wife and there they were. I bought 4 of them. Hope this helps those in need of a good timer. No more resetting the timers after water changes and power outages.

[bobioden]

Do you have a pic of the digital timer from Target?

Thanks,

Bob

[AnnArborBuck]

I get my timers from Harbor Freight. I wait till they are on sale for $3.99. I have had several for over 2 years and they are still going.

Harbor Freight Timer - UL Listed 15 AMPS (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40148)

[bllfish]

AnnArborBuck - do yours have battery back up? I did not see it mentioned.

[BryanJ]

The standard timer is my personal preference. Had the digital and it only lasted 7 months.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9868&Ntt=timers&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

[AnnArborBuck]

Originally posted by bllfish
AnnArborBuck - do yours have battery back up? I did not see it mentioned.

No, but I really don't see a need for it with my system. I only use it to run my lights and a couple of powerheads. It's no big deal if they get out of sinc by a few minutes if I have to shut down the power. I use 4 of these things, and at $4 it is much cheaper then $20 or even $30 for the digital timers.

[artilespm]

Originally posted by bobioden
Do you have a pic of the digital timer from Target?

Thanks,

Bob

I don't quite know how to post pics yet. But I browsed the net and found them at this link:

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product.asp?product=244692zz&dept_id=14150&cm_ven=INKTOMI&cm_cat=Timers&cm_pla=Timex174_Digital_7D&cm_ite=244692zz&code=macs=MPINK05&

They have them at this place for 21.99

[8BALL_99]

I did use the digital ones from Homedepot. I changed to the x10 controller a couple of months.. I like the x10 setup 100 times better. I bought mine at Radio shack.

[bllfish]

I like the X10 too. I actually am using 2 separate mini controllers and have had no problems.

[bobioden]

Originally posted by artilespm
Okay, here are the specs for the timer I mentioned in my previous post. It is made by Timex. Memory holds up to 20 different programs with up to 140 on/offs per week. Digital Accuracy. Grounded Oulet with manual override. Rechargable battery backup (included). Always displays current time. 15A, 1875W Resistive, 5A Inductive, 120VAC, 60Hz. $12.99 at Target.

Thanks for the tip. I just went to Target and picked up two. The price here in Denver is $14.99. Well worth it I think. Nice timers, and I also like the fact that the plug-in part in on the top instread of the side.

Bob

Here is a pic of it. Is this the one you have artilespm?

http://www.rockymountainreefclub.com/members/bobioden/timer.jpg

[artilespm]

Bingo. That's the one. You'll enjoy it. Easy to use. Manual shut off with a press of the button. $14.99 is still a good price.

[sjm817]

Love the Timex Timer! I have 2 running my lights and another running the Nilsen Reactor.

[shawnz28]

Those look pretty nice. Are they easy to set?

[sjm817]

Yes, easy. You can have it turn on and off 20 times a day! Battery backup so it doesn't forget the program too.

[Quinster]

I have 6 garrison grounded 6 on/6 off settings timers(once you find one you like...stick to it) they normally sell for $29.99 (bought 1), then they went on sale for $19.99 (bought another), thought I was doing great at that price, then they went on for $9.99 (bought the other 4)...boy was I happy!! And that is Canadian $....which is like free American $