Digital timer problems. Need some advice

[magiccannabus]

I own an Intermatic DT-17 digital timer. It is supposed to be able to handle 15amp inductive and resistive, so it *should* be fine for my 512W T8 cab.... Thing is, on the back of the timer it says 1/3hp, which would be a 250W inductive load. Totally contradicts the package unless I'm not understanding correctly.

I have been home every day of flowering so far, and I took a trip for a day and came back to find that the lights didn't shut off this morning. So at least Saturday night/Sunday morning, the lights were on 9 hours out of the 12 of the dark cycle, and for all I know it missed the dark cycle entirely on Friday. I can't find any reason for this, but do any of you think this could be due to old batteries in the timer? How catastrophic is this? My grow has been going really well lately and this is pretty upsetting to be honest. Feedback on what steps I should take and what the consequences of this happening will be would be great.

Also, do you have any recommendations for a better plug-in timer? I am hurting financially right now, and I need something not expensive that can run 512W of T8 tubes. Or should I just get new batteries for it, reprogram it and relax?

 

[Haps]

Why do you need a digital for 12/12 light? Mechanicals do not loose their programs, are easy, and cheaper.

 

[magiccannabus]

I have had a lot of problems with mechanicals, plus power outages screw up their timing. I might be willing to consider one, but I feel safer with digital, if it's not built badly. Good electronics are generally pretty reliable these days. You're right about them being easier though. I do have a few of them around, I may throw one in there if I don't get any good suggestions on digis.

 

[EyeHit]

I'd suggest getting a new timer

I'd suggest getting a new timer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2009
Release #09-119 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 704-3595
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



Intermatic Recalls Digital Timers Due to Shock Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Intermatic DT17 Heavy Duty Digital Timers

Units: About 200,000

Importer: Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.

Manufacturer: Computime Ltd., of China

Hazard: The recalled timers can have a faulty ground connection, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled Intermatic DT17 heavy-duty digital timers are lamp and appliance timers. They were packaged as the “DT17C Heavy Duty Digital Timer” and the “DT17C8 Heavy Duty Digital Timer.” The timer is white-colored and measures 3 3/8” tall x 2 5/8” wide x 1 5/8” deep. Only products with date codes of “40Z” through “52Z” or date codes ending in “A,” “B” or “C” are included in the recall. The brand name “Intermatic” is molded on the front of the timer, and the model number (“DT17”) and date code are printed on the back of the timer.

Sold at: Retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from September 2005 through December 2008 for between $15 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should unplug the timer immediately and contact Intermatic to obtain a free replacement including shipping.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Intermatic at (800) 704-3595 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.intermatic.com







---

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at

 

[Olyver]

AUBE timers are the best, even PARAGON are very reliable. IMHO, Intermatic are the shittiest timers ever made.

 

[magiccannabus]

Thank you guys so much for the feedback! I don't know if I'd agree that Intermatic are the worst though. Some of that crap they sell at Walmart is brands I've never even heard of. Still, this is disappointing that it'd need to be recalled

 

[magiccannabus]

Is anyone familiar with this timer? Presumably a grow equipment retailer would sell timers that can take the abuse, but I'd like to be sure. Seems like getting Intermatic to replace my equipment is gonna take a while....

http://htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=47812

 

[niacinamide]

Is anyone familiar with this timer?

http://htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=47812

That is the same timer that Harbor Freight sells for $8.99.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95205

 

[delerious]

I've had better luck with the dual outlet mechanical timer on HTG. The digital worked for about 3 months before crapping out - wouldn't keep the stored times, kept shutting off. I was running 1 600W and a 16" oscillating fan off that circuit. The mechanical hasn't skipped a beat.

 

[madpenguin]

That is the same timer that Harbor Freight sells for $8.99.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95205

They are crap. 2 of them went bad on me in just a couple months time. One is always hot as the OP states and the other, one receptacle on one side went out. Still have 2 that work but I fully expect them to go out soon.

I'm in the same boat. Looking for a good digi timer. Not a big fan of the mechanicals because I've always gotten drift with them.

 

[magiccannabus]

Do the only good digital timers on the market need to be installed in the wall? I could probably work with this limitation easy enough, but it's a bit irritating.... Why is it so hard to make these things work?

 

[magiccannabus]

Are there any specific models I should be looking at in the AUBE timer line? Also, can I take one of their in-wall timers, wire it to an outlet in a two-gang box and wire a tail to it so I can basically have my own plug-in timer?