Source for inexpensive timers?

[justDIY]

Hi all.

I am planning to do a custom eletrical outlet panel for my new tank, to eliminate (or at least reduce) the multi-strip jungle.

the biggest problem is timers. I'm using the clock motor kind right now, that take up about 3 outlets on a strip. Also, the wall-warts for my PH controller and light fans also take up 2 outlets each.

So am going to use those inexpesnive plastic boxes, outlets and pvc conduit to make an "outlet panel" on a piece of plywood.

Intermatic seems to be the only company producing "in wall" type timers, that take up the same room as an outlet or light switch, but they're $35 each at home depot!

Anyone know of a low-cost web source for these timer/switch contraptions?

 

[fishfreek]

Why not do this.

I have seen short extension cords that are less than a foot lengh. They can be used to to get the large power bricks and timmers off the outlet strips and thus you can get more use of the outlets. I have even see some that pigtail out into two plugs.

 

[c-bass]

Where did you see these short extension cords you speak of? I was thinking that that was just what I needed but didn't think they were made. I'm glad to hear they exist.

 

[fishfreek]

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=71673-171-82882

The above is an example of what i was refering to. Not exact but simular. I am not sure where I saw the exact item I was takling above above

 

[justDIY]

www.bgmicro.com has them

they are called the "Rotator" ... it's a 12" 3 prong extension cord with a swivle plug.
page 13 - $1.89

 

[BillyZ]

RE your first post... this sounds like EXACTLY what I did... I'll have to remember to take a pic of the boxes when I get home tonight. I got the same wall mount digital timers, wired them to a wall socket and put them in plastic junction boxes. Thing is... those digital timers came WITH 3 clock style analog timers... LOL.. I needed two of the digital timers... anyone need 5 analog timers?

 

[justDIY]

I wish my x10 microcontroller was still working ... it was the sweetest gizmo, could program it to do all sorts of things.

for a while I had it lighting my tank on a circadian rythymn, so the lights would come on just after sunrise and shut off just before sunset.

but then it burned out for some reason, I think too much noise on the power lines

 

[BillyZ]

here's that pic of my timers, as promised. Guess it gets a little dusty behind the tank... lol

 

[justDIY]

yup exactly what I had in mind!

maybe I'll watch ebay for a good deal