Best timers for diy builds...

PerroVerde

PerroVerde

Well-Known Member
What timers do you guys have running your dyi builds? I'm interested to hear and see the different options all here are liking... :)
 
stardustsailor

stardustsailor

Well-Known Member
Legrand's OmniRex.
That is the most reliable timer I've ever used ...
and trust me ,I've used many (: always plug-in timers ,never used rail or wallbox timers ) ,
during more than 15 years of growing ...

Still,ain't the perfect timer ,as it's time counting accuracy it's hold by the mains frequency ...
And I do not think that is a 120V ,60 Hz version available ..
Still,just for the history ,that is one work-horse of a timer ...
It usually becomes -/+ 15' inaccurate (set time relative to real time ) during a 100 day grow cycle ,
but it always switches ON and OFF the lights (and exaust and fans ) without a single fail .

http://www.legrand.com/ecat_export/699811-omnirex-t-plug-in-time.html
 
stardustsailor

stardustsailor

Well-Known Member
A simple comparison :

Program Versatility : Digitals win this round .They can be programmed with 1' steps -usually- and can be programmed in a wide range of settings .

Wear off : Again digital timers win this round .No moving parts to wear off .
Mechanicals use motor ,few wheels and gears and other moving parts .They do wear -off .

Accuracy of time :Once again digital timers win the round,as most mechanicals use mains for holding accuracy .Digitals use a quartz crystal instead (usually ).

Holdind time after a power OFF : Digitals ,again.They do have either memory capacitors or lithium batteries or rechargeable batteries ,to hold the data ...

EMI :Mechanicals neither create or are being prone to EMI.
On the contrary digitals may be prone or even create EMI .

On/OFF reliability : Mechanicals win the round .
Some digitals allow for plenty of leakage current.
( Some LED drivers (particularly cheap ones ) ,
may not be able to switch OFF the LEDs totally ,in such case ... )
Or the digitals' switching circuit may be malfunctioning,
still the timer may seem to be operative under an ordinary visual check / inspection .Mechanicals,from the other hand ,mh ... they just die .. ...

Power dissipation : Usually mechanicals allow for higher mains current to pass through their contacts.
Digitals use some kind of relay .In case of cheap digitals ,the relay used is also pretty cheap ..
Will not withstand high power dissipation for too long .

Inrush Current* : Both kinds are very prone to failure ,when it comes to
excessive mains inrush current .Timer's mechanical or relay contacts are arcing
and are-most often -weld together for good .
{ * from the devices connected to timer }

Ease of program /use : Mechanicals win ,no question asked .

Mains Surge Voltage : Digitals may fail ,after a mains surge voltage .
Mechanicals will simply "advance " timing ....

No matter the kind ,make sure the timer used is of good to high quality (branded ) .
It's a crucial part of the whole artificial growing system and oftenly
it's importance is downsized and / or overlooked .
Plug-in timers are fine up to 1000-1500 W of power dissipation per timer
(althought they may rated for double the power ...) .
For power dissipation more than 1000-1500 W ,
better use a rail timer (installed at the foundation's electric panel ).


Cheers.
:peace:
 
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PerroVerde

PerroVerde

Well-Known Member
The initial reason I raised this is because I used the standard mechanical 15 min segmented timer with my old digital 600 hps for years and never had a problem. Well with my diy builds I wanted to coordinate the far reds with lights out more closely then a mechanical timer would allow. So I picked up a couple Apollo 9 timers because I have used the mechanical Apollo timers with much success. I'm only pulling 440 watts to the two drivers hlg 185 1400 but Apollo 9's don't want to turn on my diy rig but they will turn it off. The timers will power up the far reds on and off no trouble.

The idea of not losing my light schedule with small power outs also appeals to me with the digital timers.
 
nevergoodenuf

nevergoodenuf

Well-Known Member
You can always get a 220v light controller with 110v trigger and run 3000 watts of leds off of a 4 out unit without changing anything.
 
Getgrowingson

Getgrowingson

Well-Known Member
PerroVerde said:
The initial reason I raised this is because I used the standard mechanical 15 min segmented timer with my old digital 600 hps for years and never had a problem. Well with my diy builds I wanted to coordinate the far reds with lights out more closely then a mechanical timer would allow. So I picked up a couple Apollo 9 timers because I have used the mechanical Apollo timers with much success. I'm only pulling 440 watts to the two drivers hlg 185 1400 but Apollo 9's don't want to turn on my diy rig but they will turn it off. The timers will power up the far reds on and off no trouble.

The idea of not losing my light schedule with small power outs also appeals to me with the digital timers.
Click to expand...
I've used the Apollo timers as well. 4 years old they are now . Running two 600s. I built my own lighting board and use the Apollo to switch the contactor now as well. Never had leakage with them on any leds. I'll vouch for the Apollo timers just don't exceed the current rating. I'd keep it to 12-1300w total and you'll be fine.

Edit I forgot I also use them for my far red at night time as well and always bang on as long as you set them properly it's all good
 
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