You would be surprised how many people give this gadget a bad reviews because they don't comprehend how to work it. This video was very simple direct and helpful. Thank you much fellow patreon.
Thanks, had not used it in a while and could not remember how. Lost the instructions. Tried another video just before this and the guy forgets how to program it halfway in. I appreciate you
I HAVE TWO OF THESE AND JUST COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW I DID IT THE LAST TIME reading the freaking INSTRUCTIONS, thanks a ton , very well explained and reviewed.
Bruce - You the man! I tried to read the manual and was totally confused. Saw the "official" video onRUclips and was still baffled. Then I found you and you saved the day. I join 976 others by thanking you for this video
I just two of these (they came two in a box) and after listening to the official videos, I had several questions. You answered them all. I can't thank you enough for taking your time to explain how these things work. The company should have, but didn't. THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!
This HAS to be the BEST tutorial on this timer available to the public. A very MINOR critique is when you program event #1 "ON" setting....around 2:33 of this vid. You (mistakenly) say.... "Let's set this to go OFF at 7.30"......you mean to say, "Let's set this program 1 to go ..."ON" at 7.30. It was only a slip of the tongue....otherwise this is by FAR the BEST tutorial on this timer available under the many brands you show. Also this.....know whether you are on Daylight Saving Time ( March-Nov) or not. As you set the clock and the later event timing.....you can invoke DST by pressing BOTH HOUR and MINUTE....and when the "bubble" circle appears on the right of the screen....you're on DST. Do it again, the bubble disappears....and you are NOT on DST. This is great as it doesn't disturb either the basic clock setting or event prorgam setting,....it only adds or subtracts 1 hour to invoke the DST and back.
Thanks for the info Will! Definitely a slip of the tongue. I think I added the DST info in the information section as someone else had pointed out I left it out. Cheers!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I tried to program my dual outlet timer last night, then just tried to turn the display lights off...finally unplugged them. This morning I started searching for a "dual outlet for idiots" that just went on and off one time each day...couldn't find one. Found your video. You are a wonderful instructor for a complicated (I don't care if the manufacturers' say it is "easy") timer. Now I am all set!!! Once again, Thank You!
I purchased this timer to turn on my radio to wake me up in the morning (and my neighbors!! haha). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for explaining this, I could not read the tiny instructions. Even if I could, I would have been sooo frustrated!
In case nobody has mentioned this, with the exception of using standard time, this unit is identical to the Chicago Electric Digital Timer for Lamps & Appliances sold by Harbor Freight (which uses 24-hour military time) - SKU 95205. They're both probably made by the same manufacturer. Anyway, thank you so very much for taking the time to make this very informative video. It is concise and clear. Thank you for your efforts and good work.
I had lost the directions and the setup was not intuitive, at least not to me. I was about to give up but decided to give RUclips a shot. Your video was straightforward and very easy to follow. Thanks. Subscribed.
Thank you for making this much easier than it looks! I had no clue how to set this thing up. I'm running grow lights for 16 hours using this timer, so it's imperative that I get it going.😊
@@BruceAlanR thank you for the reply. Now just recently as in the last 2 or 3 nights the time is lit up and the fans kick on but I have to switch it from auto to off back to auto or my light wont come on or kick off at corresponding time.
I agree 100% as that is a frequently asked question in the comments to which I usually cut and paste the response. If only I could add it to the video... I’ll add it to the description in the meantime. Thanks for the heads up. “Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF, which you should see in the display.... so... If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to AUTO. That way the timer will turn on for your next programmed on time. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO. When the timer reaches the next programmed OFF time it will turn power off.”
THANK! YOU! LOL! I had it programmed for my battery bank supplemental charge, but forgot how and didn't want to hunt for the instructions. Now I'm setting it up for my hydroponic tote. You made this complicated gizmo EASY to program. Very, very much appreciated.
I've owned this timer for a couple of years now and just gave up on it because I couldn't figure it out … and I'm one of the rare types that actually makes it a point to read the instructions! They were no help. This extremely concise video has explained everything I need to know and I'm starting to use it right away. THANK YOU!
@ I hope you realize how helpful you and people like you are for just making this type of basic video. It worked, the lights came on! I appreciate you!
EXCELLENT!! Thank you for this video! This works for our WOODS programmable timer also. I bought this timer for the CHRISTMAS Tree years ago and, of course, the instructions are not with the timer anymore. Your video was short and on-point! Thanks again! You have a new subscriber!
This is a excellent video. I use it to cycle my router and modem off/on once a week. This keeps my IP address reset and overall great for the equipment. But this timer has been sitting around for awhile. Glad I can get some use out of it. The instructions were hard to follow.
I would like to do exactly what you did which is turn off my router once a week for a couple of minutes to reset it. Would you mind sharing how you did it? Thanks!
Thanks for your video, very helpful. Harbor Freight sells this same timer under a different name of course. The timer uses military time or can be changed to 12 hour. Programming the timer to work within the same day is pretty simple; set the on time for 18:00 or 6pm and the off time for 22:00 or 10pm. But what if you only want to have the power off for 5 minutes each day beginning at 1:55 every day and restarting at 2:00pm? The problem you run into is your overlapping two days. The power needs to be immediately on and not stopped until the next day. Then it has to restart 5 minutes later. One option is to use 7 different programs that has the ON with today and OFF with the next day; ie Monday ON and Tues OFF, etc. What is more simple is to confine the ON and OFF times to one day and not confine yourself to the time and day in your time zone. Simply adjust the current time and day to a time zone west of you. If you're in the central time zone use the pacific time zone. With this timer you can set the ON time to be 0:03 and the OFF time to be 23:58. When it is about 2am Central the timer will turn off power and turn it back on.
You said "The timer uses military time or can be changed to 12 hour" Please describe how to change it from one format to the other with my sincere thanks.
notlooknback1 A question folks have been asking is how to turn on/off Military time. Would you be able to explain how to do that? Also, does your model have another bubble that lights when in military time? Some users (perhaps with a newer model) have asked what the third bubble does. Thanks so much!
An ingenious instructional video by a kind soul indeed! The manufacturer should compensate you for such a gigantic favor you have done to all of its clueless customers and and its profits, I am sure. Thank you, good American man!
Great question and I apologize for not covering that. I have added an explanation to the description, but the solid black dot in the lower right indicates that DST (daylight savings time) is not turned on. To activate DST (aka, to “spring forward”) press the “Hour” and “Minute” buttons simultaneously and you’ll notice the current time will jump forward an hour and a clear dot will appear above the solid dot, but below the random dot. To deactivate DST, press the “Hour” and “Minute” buttons simultaneously and the current time will jump back an hour and the clear dot above the bottom solid dot will disappear. Thanks for the great question!
look2christ777 Thanks for the question. When you hold the hour button, it cycles through 24 hours (12 AM->1AM->2AM->3AM...10AM->11AM->12PM->1PM->2PM->3PM...10PM->11PM->12AM...). Hope that helps!
Great video, very well presented and made my setup very easy and I understand how all the features work on this timer. Thank you so much and great job!!!
Thank you so much for the excellent video. I was getting ready to return this timer because I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to program it. So now you saved my hair and I don’t have to return it
does this timer have to be reset every week? i want it to keep going seven days a week for about 2 months, do i just set it once and forget about it, or is it a weekly thing that must be done?
Thanx Bruce...Could not figure out why my digital timer was not coming on as programmed...My current time and programming times were accurate but the Xmas window lights were not coming on at 4:30 pm as requested...Later on in your vid, you mention the random function which turns on the timer at different times...Eureka, somehow the tiny random button was on on mine and showing in my display even though I had never programmed it in there...Must have been the dog...LOL...Hit my hour button to erase it and voila, lights come on at 4:30 sharp daily...Driving me nuts for the last few days as all the other Xmas timers in the house all came on when requested (Woof never got to those yet)...Thanx and stay safe & healthy....
Thank you for throughly explaining all the settings! I couldn’t figure out why my preset timer wouldn’t come on when I programmed. Guess what. Had that setting to change to make it look like someone was home. Thanks for solving my problem the past few days. I’m very great dil.
thank you seens how I think your the one who just saved my ass it wasn't working kept staying on idk why but did realize the random circle was on so I turned it off!
Thank you for your video. I almost took my time back bcuz the display was blank. The directions did say to plug it in first. THANKS!! You saved me time and energy!
Thanks so much, man. I chose to watch this video before trying to decipher the in-box instructions. You made this wildly easy and I'm ready to go. Thanks again man. Have a gooder and happy growing.
I was losing my mind trying to program this thing. I'd figured out everything you went over in the first 6 minutes through reading the manual and testing it. What the manual does not tell you (accurately), and this video does, is what indicates that the random on/off feature is enabled. For some reason mine came with it turned on and the indicator does not flash. Thank you.
Mr.! I watch a lot of videos on RUclips! You are one of the best I’ve seen at explaining something in detail. Excellent tutorial! And I subscribed in case you have more content coming out in the future, whatever it may be! Thanks for the help!
Super duper duper helpful omg thank you .. I’ve been searching for the right video for a week now and finally stumbled on this one and literally dude you just saved my sanity 😂
HUGE thanks!! Sincerely, I use one of these for the lights on both of my turtles' aquariums and you shaved off a lot of stress for me - thank you very much 🌟😁!!
Excellent video! One thing I might add is that even after following these directions explicitly, your timer STILL DOESN'T WORK... press the reset button with a pencil, (that small one on the lower right side of the face), and start from scratch. My timer sat unused for a couple years and that's what it needed.
I so appreciate your clear instructions! I had it right, for the most part. It's the parts that I didn't have right that made the difference. Thanks also for the info on clearing a program.
Thank you, absolutely my friend! You saved me money but not throwing this very nice timer out the dang window because it did not come with a lick of instructions (just came in a cheap white box that said "made in china"). The timer I actually have is not a Vivosun brand. It's made by Century, but it's the same exact type model and can be set exactly the same. Thanks again my friend, I will enjoy all the bells and whistles of this cool timer because of your video. :)
@@BruceAlanR I swear this timer has a mind of it's own. I've had it for 4 weeks and it was working flawless...until I had to change the timing again. lol I changed it from a 18/6 cycle to a 12/12 cycle and the timer would only stay ON (even when the program time was set and it was suppose to be OFF....it would still stay ON). I reset the timer with the little button but it kept doing the same thing (The actual time was 12:12am, I set it to come on at 6am/off at 6pm, but it was staying ON even though it was not 6am yet lol ). The only way I got it to work was to switch the timer from "auto" to "off", then set the program time, then switch it back to "auto" and then plug it into the outlet. If I had the device already plugged into the timer and tried to set the program time with it set to "auto" the programming time would not work (the timer would just stay on even though it was programmed to be off at that time). I'm thinking the problem was to have the timer set to "off" when I was programming it and then turn it to "auto" after it was plugged in the outlet. It can be so confusing using this timer, but it does work very good when it does work. :/
I agree it seems this timer sometimes has a mind of its own. On my timer, the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles: OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF. This is important to note! If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF->Auto. If you plug in the timer during a programmed on time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON->AUTO. For example, you set Program 1's ON time to 8:15PM for every day of the week.Then, you set Program 1's OFF time to be 8:30PM for every day of the week. You now plug in the timer and it's 8:20PM (which is between 8:15PM and 8:30PM... so power should be supplied to the outlets). If you only toggle from OFF->AUTO, the timer will not supply power until tomorrow night at 8:15PM. If you toggle OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO, power to the outlets will be supplied until 8:30PM, after which time it will turn off. Hope that helps!
Great video taught us all how to use it and set it up one question you set one and two and you want to choose between them how do you ..say now I want to use 2 settings or I want to use setting 1 is there a way to choose
Glad the video was helpful. Regarding your question, you don’t actually select which program to run. The timer runs any program that is populated. Be sure to clear any programmed on or off times you don’t want to run and avoid programs that overlap/conflict. Here’s another important thing to note: When you put the timer into AUTO mode be sure to pay attention to how you do it. Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF.... so... If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to AUTO. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO.
Well explained, concise, Thanks a lot! Though in mine I'm not sure if it's working. I set it on for 8am, off 8pm, auto. I test the outlet on 9am it's powered, on 9 pm it's powered. So not sure what's wrong. Also, not sure what's that tiny hidden button to the right.
The tiny button is the RESET button in case the timer is not working properly. Use a paperclip and hold until the timer resets. Before doing that, I recommend you check that you've properly set AM/PM (common mistake). In your case, Program 1's ON time should be 8 AM and Program 1's OFF time should be 8 PM. Then be sure to use the program button to toggle through all the other programs' ON and OFF times and clear them out because the timer runs all populated programs (even if they conflict). When you put it into AUTO mode be sure to pay attention to how you do it. Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles it OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF so there are a few things to take note of. If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to Auto. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO. If none of that fixes your issue, then try resetting the timer with the little button.
@@BruceAlanR I was now playing with it and figure out something like you mentioned about the sequence. They should design it to be straight forward without paying attention to a sequence. So in my case, it didn’t work because I was setting it to the AUTO sequence that dollops after the ON. But now I set AUTO sequence that follows the OFF, and it’s working. Just like you said, toggling that button keeps cycling through the sequence: ON-AUTO-OFF-AUTO-ON -AUTO-OFF... etc. Selection AUTO by coming Previsouly either from ON or from OFF is not the same thing. Thank you again mate.
Thank you, yes it was helpful. My instructions say the timer and clock are in military time, but it is not, and the unit you have says AM and PM on it, mine does not. If you do a Google image search, you see this timer with all variations of colored buttons, decals, brand names, packaging and packaging labels, but they're all the same product.
Very welcome. It’s bizarre to me how there are so many sellers selling the exact same product with different packaging. Since when did buying a timer become like shopping for a mattress. 😂
If you want a timer that cycles 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off, then 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off, so on and so forth, you should get an interval timer. This timer isn’t good for that.
Great explanation! Thank you. I have lights on a powerstrip and for some reason no matter how I program (off at night/on during the day or the reverse) when I plug this thing into wall and the powerstrip into the socket on the side, the lights are on. As long as it's set to auto the light will change when programmed, but what I am trying to do is set the lights to come on at night, but be off when I plug this thing in. It doesn't seem to matter what the program is, the lights are on to start even when they're supposed to be off and come on later. My question is can I only install this thing when you want your lights on and therefore shut off at the programmed time?
When you put the timer into AUTO mode be sure to pay attention to how you do it. Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF.... so... If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to AUTO. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO. Confusing? Yes, but if you don't do it properly you'll want to throw the %^&** thing. 😃
What a fantastic video. I’ve had a device very similar to this one for quite a few years and I’ve always had trouble trying to understand how it works but you have shown me how can use it properly. I have one question to ask you if you have a lamp that comes with a button that you press to turn it on or off. How does this device turn it on and off because it hasn’t automatically got a hand that’s gonna reach the button that turns the lamp on or off, are you supposed to keep it on the on position and then it’ll automatically just turn off when you have it at the right time I hope you kind of understand what I’m trying to say? so I have another question to ask you if say you wanted to turn on the lamp, manually, meaning you want to turn it on, but you want this device to turn it off for you in case you fall asleep can you do that with this device?
To answer your questions… If you plug a lamp into the timer, you will want to turn the lamp’s switch to the on position. That way the timer will send it power once the programmed on time is reached. Manually turning on the lamp during a programmed off time can be a bit trickier since you have to have access to the timer in order to turn on power to the lamp (remember, the lamp’s switch is already in the on position). To turn on the lamp manually during a programmed off time, you would need to go to the timer and press the ON/AUTO/OFF button until ON appears in the display. If you wanted the lamp to then shutoff at a particular time, you’d need program an OFF time but the timer would need to be placed back into the AUTO mode using the ON/AUTO/OFF switch. An easier method would be to turn on the lamp and then set a programmed on time for when you usually go to bed and then a programmed off time for when you typically fall asleep. I think there are better options for doing what you’re trying to do. For example, ruclips.net/video/3vZbsfyEX10/видео.html which would allow you to set a timer or turn on and off the lamp using your phone. They have since added a timer to OFF since I made the video.
Sir, you don't know how much you just saved my household from my rants and fits from trying to program this thing! Thank You
+yamajesty09 - I'm amazed at how many people have found this video helpful.
BalanR it’s super helpful till this day! 😂 Stay strong everybody! 2020
Glad the video is still helpful. I referred to it the other day for myself. Cheers! 😃👍
You would be surprised how many people give this gadget a bad reviews because they don't comprehend how to work it. This video was very simple direct and helpful. Thank you much fellow patreon.
So glad it was helpful! 😃👍
Thanks, had not used it in a while and could not remember how. Lost the instructions. Tried another video just before this and the guy forgets how to program it halfway in. I appreciate you
Ha! Glad the video was helpful. ⏰👍
I HAVE TWO OF THESE AND JUST COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW I DID IT THE LAST TIME reading the freaking INSTRUCTIONS, thanks a ton , very well explained and reviewed.
Bruce - You the man! I tried to read the manual and was totally confused. Saw the "official" video onRUclips and was still baffled. Then I found you and you saved the day. I join 976 others by thanking you for this video
Thanks so much! Glad the video was helpful. Cheers!
I just two of these (they came two in a box) and after listening to the official videos, I had several questions. You answered them all. I can't thank you enough for taking your time to explain how these things work. The company should have, but didn't. THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!
Very welcome! Glad the video was helpful.
This HAS to be the BEST tutorial on this timer available to the public. A very MINOR critique is when you program event #1 "ON" setting....around 2:33 of this vid. You (mistakenly) say.... "Let's set this to go OFF at 7.30"......you mean to say, "Let's set this program 1 to go ..."ON" at 7.30. It was only a slip of the tongue....otherwise this is by FAR the BEST tutorial on this timer available under the many brands you show.
Also this.....know whether you are on Daylight Saving Time ( March-Nov) or not. As you set the clock and the later event timing.....you can invoke DST by pressing BOTH HOUR and MINUTE....and when the "bubble" circle appears on the right of the screen....you're on DST. Do it again, the bubble disappears....and you are NOT on DST. This is great as it doesn't disturb either the basic clock setting or event prorgam setting,....it only adds or subtracts 1 hour to invoke the DST and back.
Thanks for the info Will! Definitely a slip of the tongue. I think I added the DST info in the information section as someone else had pointed out I left it out. Cheers!
@@BruceAlanR ..... still the best tutorial on this....very complete and concise. Keeping this "on file" for later use.
Thanks! Glad it’s helpful. I refer to this occasionally as well when I forget how to change the programs. 😃
@@BruceAlanR No doubt better than the printed instructions, therefore I'm "Filing" this.....good job.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I tried to program my dual outlet timer last night, then just tried to turn the display lights off...finally unplugged them. This morning I started searching for a "dual outlet for idiots" that just went on and off one time each day...couldn't find one. Found your video. You are a wonderful instructor for a complicated (I don't care if the manufacturers' say it is "easy") timer. Now I am all set!!! Once again, Thank You!
A far better communicator than the rest of the guys attempting to show how this timer works. Very informative and to the point. Thanks a bunch!
I purchased this timer to turn on my radio to wake me up in the morning (and my neighbors!! haha). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for explaining this, I could not read the tiny instructions. Even if I could, I would have been sooo frustrated!
In case nobody has mentioned this, with the exception of using standard time, this unit is identical to the Chicago Electric Digital Timer for Lamps & Appliances sold by Harbor Freight (which uses 24-hour military time) - SKU 95205. They're both probably made by the same manufacturer. Anyway, thank you so very much for taking the time to make this very informative video. It is concise and clear. Thank you for your efforts and good work.
Thanks for sharing that info. Glad the video was helpful. ⏰👍
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is soooooo refreshing to have a person explaining a procedure, who has English as a FIRST language! Very helpful!
I had lost the directions and the setup was not intuitive, at least not to me. I was about to give up but decided to give RUclips a shot. Your video was straightforward and very easy to follow. Thanks. Subscribed.
Thanks for subscribing! And it's not just you... the timer is not intuitive.
Incredibly helpful! Thank you. I haven't used this old timer in years and could not figure it out until I found your video.
Excellent! Glad the video was helpful!
Thank you for making this much easier than it looks! I had no clue how to set this thing up. I'm running grow lights for 16 hours using this timer, so it's imperative that I get it going.😊
Glad to help! 👍
Third time coming back to this video! 3 years later still thankful it’s up
Awesome! I still refer to it occasionally as well. 😃👍
@@BruceAlanR if you program 2 different time events for lights will it yours both or just the first one or do I have to set it on one specific one
The timer runs all populated programs’ On and Off times so be sure the programs don’t conflict or else you may get some unexpected results.
@@BruceAlanR thank you for the reply. Now just recently as in the last 2 or 3 nights the time is lit up and the fans kick on but I have to switch it from auto to off back to auto or my light wont come on or kick off at corresponding time.
You should also explain the difference of going from on to auto vs off to auto.
I agree 100% as that is a frequently asked question in the comments to which I usually cut and paste the response. If only I could add it to the video... I’ll add it to the description in the meantime. Thanks for the heads up.
“Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF, which you should see in the display.... so... If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to AUTO. That way the timer will turn on for your next programmed on time.
If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO. When the timer reaches the next programmed OFF time it will turn power off.”
The random tip was a big help. I was wondering why it wasn't turning on at the specified time. Thanks for taking the time to do such a thorough video.
Jeff Davies Glad it was helpful. Thanks for leaving a comment.
How to use random mode
THANK! YOU! LOL! I had it programmed for my battery bank supplemental charge, but forgot how and didn't want to hunt for the instructions. Now I'm setting it up for my hydroponic tote. You made this complicated gizmo EASY to program. Very, very much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment.
I've owned this timer for a couple of years now and just gave up on it because I couldn't figure it out … and I'm one of the rare types that actually makes it a point to read the instructions! They were no help. This extremely concise video has explained everything I need to know and I'm starting to use it right away. THANK YOU!
Frank Simpson Glad it was helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Your video has saved the day for me once again, I think! We’ll see this evening if the aquarium lights come on as they should. lol Thanks again!
Very welcome! 😃
@ I hope you realize how helpful you and people like you are for just making this type of basic video. It worked, the lights came on! I appreciate you!
EXCELLENT!! Thank you for this video! This works for our WOODS programmable timer also. I bought this timer for the CHRISTMAS Tree years ago and, of course, the instructions are not with the timer anymore. Your video was short and on-point! Thanks again! You have a new subscriber!
I’m so glad the video was helpful! Thanks for subscribing! Cheers!
Thanks, Bruce! Your illustration is the best amongst all. I wish I have watched yours first. The others only got me more confused than ever.
Glad it was helpful! 😃⏰👍
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I KNEW that there had to be an easier way to do this. You are a Godsend.
From one very grateful dyslexic
+Joe Moffitt Glad it was helpful!
Point to point... never got a chance to skip a sec... this guy know value of time..
I'm glad the video was helpful. Cheers!
Great explanation. Incredibly easy to setup this timer using this video.
+Alex V Glad it was helpful.
You sir just saved me my afternoon off work with no interruptions doing this.
Ha! Glad it was helpful!
This is a excellent video. I use it to cycle my router and modem off/on once a week. This keeps my IP address reset and overall great for the equipment. But this timer has been sitting around for awhile. Glad I can get some use out of it. The instructions were hard to follow.
That’s a brilliant idea! Thanks for posting!
I would like to do exactly what you did which is turn off my router once a week for a couple of minutes to reset it. Would you mind sharing how you did it? Thanks!
The best instructional video on RUclips. Thank you for taking the time to explain programming this timer in a consice, easy to understand way. Bravo!
Glad it was helpful and thanks for the kind feedback.
You, sir, should have been consulted on the instruction manual and video for this product. THANK YOU.
JFM Ha! Glad it was helpful.
I called harbor freight help line and pointed out confusing parts of manual. I ended not returning it but still have figure things out on my own.
Good luck!
I can't fully express with word how grateful I am. Thank you for saving so much stress.
Very welcome! Glad the video was helpful!
Thanks for your video, very helpful. Harbor Freight sells this same timer under a different name of course. The timer uses military time or can be changed to 12 hour. Programming the timer to work within the same day is pretty simple; set the on time for 18:00 or 6pm and the off time for 22:00 or 10pm.
But what if you only want to have the power off for 5 minutes each day beginning at 1:55 every day and restarting at 2:00pm? The problem you run into is your overlapping two days. The power needs to be immediately on and not stopped until the next day. Then it has to restart 5 minutes later.
One option is to use 7 different programs that has the ON with today and OFF with the next day; ie Monday ON and Tues OFF, etc.
What is more simple is to confine the ON and OFF times to one day and not confine yourself to the time and day in your time zone. Simply adjust the current time and day to a time zone west of you. If you're in the central time zone use the pacific time zone. With this timer you can set the ON time to be 0:03 and the OFF time to be 23:58. When it is about 2am Central the timer will turn off power and turn it back on.
+notlooknback1 Great information for those looking to do that. Thanks for posting!
You said "The timer uses military time or can be changed to 12 hour" Please describe how to change it from one format to the other with my sincere thanks.
notlooknback1 A question folks have been asking is how to turn on/off Military time. Would you be able to explain how to do that? Also, does your model have another bubble that lights when in military time? Some users (perhaps with a newer model) have asked what the third bubble does. Thanks so much!
An ingenious instructional video by a kind soul indeed! The manufacturer should compensate you for such a gigantic favor you have done to all of its clueless
customers and and its profits, I am sure. Thank you, good American man!
Ha! Very welcome! Glad it was helpful!
MINES JUST ARIVE 2 MY FRONT DOOR NOW TIME TO SET THESE BABIES 👌🙌💯 THANK YOU FOR THE HELP IN THE VIDEO
Thanks - very helpful. Much better than the written instructions or their video.
Glad it was helpful! 👍
Hello. Sir, what is the solid black dot for in the right hand corner? I don't think you covered that. Thanks so much.
Great question and I apologize for not covering that. I have added an explanation to the description, but the solid black dot in the lower right indicates that DST (daylight savings time) is not turned on. To activate DST (aka, to “spring forward”) press the “Hour” and “Minute” buttons simultaneously and you’ll notice the current time will jump forward an hour and a clear dot will appear above the solid dot, but below the random dot. To deactivate DST, press the “Hour” and “Minute” buttons simultaneously and the current time will jump back an hour and the clear dot above the bottom solid dot will disappear. Thanks for the great question!
Thanks so much Balanr. Totally makes sense. Thanks for the answer.
@@BruceAlanR Hello, how do you set PM and AM settings? Im at my wits end trying to figure this out.
look2christ777 Thanks for the question. When you hold the hour button, it cycles through 24 hours (12 AM->1AM->2AM->3AM...10AM->11AM->12PM->1PM->2PM->3PM...10PM->11PM->12AM...). Hope that helps!
look2christ777 Ah! I just saw your other comment. I didn’t realize you were trying to switch from 24 to 12 hour clock. No one’s figured that out yet.
Thankyou so much. My sister gave me this thing for our lights going down the drive and I had no idea how to use it..lol
You’re welcome! Works great although it’s not very intuitive. 😃
Great video, very well presented and made my setup very easy and I understand how all the features work on this timer. Thank you so much and great job!!!
Jason- Thanks for the feedback! Glad the video was helpful.
I lost my instructions and totally forgot how to operate. Thank you so much for posting this.
Very welcome! Glad it was helpful!
Thank for clearing up my Chinese Manual on this timer!
Agreeing with the other comments, you did a much better job explaining the functions of this timer than the other videos did.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for the kind feedback. Glad the video was helpful.
Excellent explanation. So much easier than the instructions! Thank you!
+mkbozz I'm glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for the excellent video. I was getting ready to return this timer because I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to program it. So now you saved my hair and I don’t have to return it
Glad it was helpful! I did this video as much for myself as for others. That way I don’t need to refer to the instructions. 😃
does this timer have to be reset every week? i want it to keep going seven days a week for about 2 months, do i just set it once and forget about it, or is it a weekly thing that must be done?
Thanks for the question. With this timer just set it and forget it. You don’t need to set it every week.
Thanks, I lost my manual and couldn’t understand why the light didn’t want to switch off on time until you brought to my attention the little bubble.👍
Glad it was helpful! 😃👍
Very helpful, could not done with out you! Cheers!
👍 Glad it was helpful!
God Bless you for making this video!! Saved me from pulling my hair out setting up my timer
Glad it was helpful! 😃👍
I appreciate it.... you just made me look like the man my wife thought I was 😂😂😂.. thanks
Ha! Glad to have helped!
Thanx Bruce...Could not figure out why my digital timer was not coming on as programmed...My current time and programming times were accurate but the Xmas window lights were not coming on at 4:30 pm as requested...Later on in your vid, you mention the random function which turns on the timer at different times...Eureka, somehow the tiny random button was on on mine and showing in my display even though I had never programmed it in there...Must have been the dog...LOL...Hit my hour button to erase it and voila, lights come on at 4:30 sharp daily...Driving me nuts for the last few days as all the other Xmas timers in the house all came on when requested (Woof never got to those yet)...Thanx and stay safe & healthy....
Glad it was helpful. Merry Christmas!
It’s very helpful thank you sir
The best video manual / instruction on an electric gadget. Very clearly explained and demonstrated. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad the video was helpful! Cheers!
Awesome man. Thanks a bunch
Thank you for throughly explaining all the settings! I couldn’t figure out why my preset timer wouldn’t come on when I programmed. Guess what. Had that setting to change to make it look like someone was home. Thanks for solving my problem the past few days. I’m very great dil.
Ah, the random function. That will do it. 😃
Please if I want to set ,, 30 min off and 10 min on ,,,,for every day what can I do ??
thank you seens how I think your the one who just saved my ass it wasn't working kept staying on idk why but did realize the random circle was on so I turned it off!
Best explanation ever !!! This company should pay you. Thankyou!!!
Ha! I won’t hold my breath waiting for a check. 😆
Ha! Initially I went to an instruction video by a pot grower. Serves me right- I think he was stoned! This was very clear and helpful. Thanks!!!
Thank you! I babysitting dogs, and I cannot always turn on my lizard heat lamps! This will help a ton
Glad the video was helpful to you… and the lizard. 😃👍
@@BruceAlanR Very helpful! You explained it better than others! Thanks!
I just had a huge ohhhhhh moment lmaoo thank you so much for this video hahaha
Lol. Very welcome!
Me starting this video: *tears of frustration*
Me finishing this video: *jumping in the air with joy and relief*
Thank you so much!!
Ha! Comment of the day! Glad the video was helpful. ⏰👍
Not all super hero’s wear capes
Ha! You’re welcome.
Very helpful! The instructions were not clear enough to figure it out on my own. You saved me a lot of time and frustration! Thank you.
Very welcome!
I read and reread the instructions to set this timer and could NOT figure it out. Thank you! My hydroponics set up can now get up and running! wee!!!
Excellent! Glad the video was helpful.
Tried reading instructions and it was meant to turn the lights for my hydroponics. Thanks for saving me.
Glad it was helpful! 😃👍
Thank you for your video. I almost took my time back bcuz the display was blank.
The directions did say to plug it in first. THANKS!! You saved me time and energy!
Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This was sooooo helpful! I watched another video and was very confused 😅. Thank you sir.
You're welcome! Glad I could help. 👍
Read the instructions and still couldn’t figure it out. This video just saved my household !
Ha! So glad the video was helpful! Cheers!
Thanks so much, man. I chose to watch this video before trying to decipher the in-box instructions. You made this wildly easy and I'm ready to go.
Thanks again man. Have a gooder and happy growing.
Very welcome! Glad it was helpful!
I was losing my mind trying to program this thing. I'd figured out everything you went over in the first 6 minutes through reading the manual and testing it. What the manual does not tell you (accurately), and this video does, is what indicates that the random on/off feature is enabled. For some reason mine came with it turned on and the indicator does not flash. Thank you.
Yeah, that would have driven me crazy too. Glad the video was helpful.
Your explanation is the most comprehensible one! Thank you so much for taking time to post!!!
Very welcome!
Much more helpful than the video recommended by the manufacturer for their updated model. Now I get it- thanks so much!
You're welcome! Glad the video was helpful.
Thank you for the vid. I have to come back to it every time I use it because I never remember how to do it.
I occasionally refer to it as well. 😃👍
Mr.! I watch a lot of videos on RUclips! You are one of the best I’ve seen at explaining something in detail. Excellent tutorial! And I subscribed in case you have more content coming out in the future, whatever it may be! Thanks for the help!
Thank you so much for the kind words and for subscribing!
The manufacturers should rate their timers based on difficulty. i.e. 1-10. This one being a 10. Thanks for your presentation.
I agree 100%. 😃
Super duper duper helpful omg thank you .. I’ve been searching for the right video for a week now and finally stumbled on this one and literally dude you just saved my sanity 😂
Ha! Glad the video was helpful!
HUGE thanks!! Sincerely, I use one of these for the lights on both of my turtles' aquariums and you shaved off a lot of stress for me - thank you very much 🌟😁!!
Very welcome! Glad the video was helpful. 🐢
@@BruceAlanRAwwww, awesome :) ! Timer ultimately died, had to buy a new one and back again for your trusty video- thank you :) !
Excellent video! One thing I might add is that even after following these directions explicitly, your timer STILL DOESN'T WORK... press the reset button with a pencil, (that small one on the lower right side of the face), and start from scratch. My timer sat unused for a couple years and that's what it needed.
Good point! Thanks for sharing that information.
I so appreciate your clear instructions! I had it right, for the most part. It's the parts that I didn't have right that made the difference. Thanks also for the info on clearing a program.
Glad it was helpful!
I saved your video and go back to it often. Thanks you're a lifesaver with this timer.
I’m so glad it’s useful! I go back to it often as well. 😃👍
Awesome instruction. This video is bookmarked AND favorited for all future vacation departure checklists!!! THANKS SO MUCH!! -M.
That’s great! So glad it was helpful!
My learn ability is 10 fold better visually than reading. Thanks for the tutorial. 👍
Excellent! Glad the video was helpful! 😃👍
Best and wonderful way of explaining something in a simple way
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Thank you, absolutely my friend! You saved me money but not throwing this very nice timer out the dang window because it did not come with a lick of instructions (just came in a cheap white box that said "made in china"). The timer I actually have is not a Vivosun brand. It's made by Century, but it's the same exact type model and can be set exactly the same. Thanks again my friend, I will enjoy all the bells and whistles of this cool timer because of your video. :)
Glad it was helpful! This timer seems to sold under many different manufacturer's, but I bet they're all made in the same factory. Ha!
@@BruceAlanR I swear this timer has a mind of it's own. I've had it for 4 weeks and it was working flawless...until I had to change the timing again. lol I changed it from a 18/6 cycle to a 12/12 cycle and the timer would only stay ON (even when the program time was set and it was suppose to be OFF....it would still stay ON). I reset the timer with the little button but it kept doing the same thing (The actual time was 12:12am, I set it to come on at 6am/off at 6pm, but it was staying ON even though it was not 6am yet lol ). The only way I got it to work was to switch the timer from "auto" to "off", then set the program time, then switch it back to "auto" and then plug it into the outlet. If I had the device already plugged into the timer and tried to set the program time with it set to "auto" the programming time would not work (the timer would just stay on even though it was programmed to be off at that time). I'm thinking the problem was to have the timer set to "off" when I was programming it and then turn it to "auto" after it was plugged in the outlet. It can be so confusing using this timer, but it does work very good when it does work. :/
I agree it seems this timer sometimes has a mind of its own. On my timer, the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles: OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF. This is important to note! If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF->Auto. If you plug in the timer during a programmed on time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON->AUTO. For example, you set Program 1's ON time to 8:15PM for every day of the week.Then, you set Program 1's OFF time to be 8:30PM for every day of the week. You now plug in the timer and it's 8:20PM (which is between 8:15PM and 8:30PM... so power should be supplied to the outlets). If you only toggle from OFF->AUTO, the timer will not supply power until tomorrow night at 8:15PM. If you toggle OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO, power to the outlets will be supplied until 8:30PM, after which time it will turn off. Hope that helps!
I didnt even bother looking at the instructions manual thanks alot👍👍👍👍👍😁😁
👍
Great video taught us all how to use it and set it up one question you set one and two and you want to choose between them how do you ..say now I want to use 2 settings or I want to use setting 1 is there a way to choose
Glad the video was helpful. Regarding your question, you don’t actually select which program to run. The timer runs any program that is populated. Be sure to clear any programmed on or off times you don’t want to run and avoid programs that overlap/conflict.
Here’s another important thing to note: When you put the timer into AUTO mode be sure to pay attention to how you do it. Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF.... so... If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to AUTO. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO.
Thank you for this clear easy to understand guide. Instructions that came with the timer are useless.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Watching in 2020 for an item i bought in 2013, LOVE IT!!
Glad the video is still helpful. I actually referred to it the other day.
Well explained, concise, Thanks a lot! Though in mine I'm not sure if it's working. I set it on for 8am, off 8pm, auto. I test the outlet on 9am it's powered, on 9 pm it's powered. So not sure what's wrong. Also, not sure what's that tiny hidden button to the right.
The tiny button is the RESET button in case the timer is not working properly. Use a paperclip and hold until the timer resets. Before doing that, I recommend you check that you've properly set AM/PM (common mistake). In your case, Program 1's ON time should be 8 AM and Program 1's OFF time should be 8 PM. Then be sure to use the program button to toggle through all the other programs' ON and OFF times and clear them out because the timer runs all populated programs (even if they conflict). When you put it into AUTO mode be sure to pay attention to how you do it. Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles it OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF so there are a few things to take note of. If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to Auto. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO.
If none of that fixes your issue, then try resetting the timer with the little button.
@@BruceAlanR
I was now playing with it and figure out something like you mentioned about the sequence. They should design it to be straight forward without paying attention to a sequence. So in my case, it didn’t work because I was setting it to the AUTO sequence that dollops after the ON. But now I set AUTO sequence that follows the OFF, and it’s working.
Just like you said, toggling that button keeps cycling through the sequence:
ON-AUTO-OFF-AUTO-ON -AUTO-OFF... etc.
Selection AUTO by coming Previsouly either from ON or from OFF is not the same thing.
Thank you again mate.
Happy to help! The instructions stink, which is why I made the video. Glad it worked out. Cheers!
Thank you so much for uploading this tutorial. Very clear and helpful!
Glad it was helpful! ⏰👍
BIG Thumbs up!!! Setting timers have always been a mystery. But, this vid made it easy!
+rosadcoe coe Thank you for the kind words!
Excellent instructions..misplaced the manual and this refreshed my memory. This is such a great product too. Thanks!
Funny thing is, I made the video in case I misplaced the instructions. 😃 Thanks for leaving a comment!
Very helpful. Every time I want to reset or change a program, I forget how!
I’m with you on that. I even refer to the video occasionally. 😃
Thank you, yes it was helpful. My instructions say the timer and clock are in military time, but it is not, and the unit you have says AM and PM on it, mine does not. If you do a Google image search, you see this timer with all variations of colored buttons, decals, brand names, packaging and packaging labels, but they're all the same product.
Very welcome. It’s bizarre to me how there are so many sellers selling the exact same product with different packaging. Since when did buying a timer become like shopping for a mattress. 😂
Excellent, thorough description. Thank you very much.
This was SUPER HELPFUL! Just got one and that little booklet it comes with didn't quite cut it. Thanks so much. ...I may get another one now.
Glad it was helpful! 😃👍
Finally makes sense thanks to your video, huge thanks!! Made no damn sense before, and I put off programming it.. for weeks.
LOL! Glad the video was helpful.
Thank you so much for this video. Best informational video on RUclips for these timers. Thanks again !
Very welcome. ⏰👍
@@BruceAlanR Please if I work on alum dosage system ,,and i want to set ,, 30 min off and 10 min on ,,,,for every day what can I do ??
If you want a timer that cycles 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off, then 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off, so on and so forth, you should get an interval timer. This timer isn’t good for that.
That was simple and to the point. What a nice change. Thanx man.
Glad it was helpful!... and to the point. 😀
First one I picked up was defective. But the second was the charm and this video was a great help! Thank you!
Very welcome! ⏰👍
Great explanation! Thank you. I have lights on a powerstrip and for some reason no matter how I program (off at night/on during the day or the reverse) when I plug this thing into wall and the powerstrip into the socket on the side, the lights are on. As long as it's set to auto the light will change when programmed, but what I am trying to do is set the lights to come on at night, but be off when I plug this thing in. It doesn't seem to matter what the program is, the lights are on to start even when they're supposed to be off and come on later. My question is can I only install this thing when you want your lights on and therefore shut off at the programmed time?
When you put the timer into AUTO mode be sure to pay attention to how you do it. Pressing the ON-AUTO-OFF button toggles OFF->AUTO->ON->AUTO->OFF.... so... If you plug in the timer during a programmed OFF time (meaning a time when power should be off to the outlets), you must toggle from OFF to AUTO. If you plug in the timer during a programmed ON time (meaning a time when power should be supplied to the outlets), you must toggle from ON to AUTO. Confusing? Yes, but if you don't do it properly you'll want to throw the %^&** thing. 😃
@@BruceAlanR I got it. I think 😉. Now it makes though. I’ll give it a try. Cheers!
@@BruceAlanR thanks this is the explanation that the manufacturer omits from the manual and all of their instructional videos.
Thank you! I can do my Christmas now! Happy Holidays!
Glad it was helpful! Have a Merry Christmas!
What a fantastic video. I’ve had a device very similar to this one for quite a few years and I’ve always had trouble trying to understand how it works but you have shown me how can use it properly. I have one question to ask you if you have a lamp that comes with a button that you press to turn it on or off. How does this device turn it on and off because it hasn’t automatically got a hand that’s gonna reach the button that turns the lamp on or off, are you supposed to keep it on the on position and then it’ll automatically just turn off when you have it at the right time I hope you kind of understand what I’m trying to say? so I have another question to ask you if say you wanted to turn on the lamp, manually, meaning you want to turn it on, but you want this device to turn it off for you in case you fall asleep can you do that with this device?
To answer your questions…
If you plug a lamp into the timer, you will want to turn the lamp’s switch to the on position. That way the timer will send it power once the programmed on time is reached. Manually turning on the lamp during a programmed off time can be a bit trickier since you have to have access to the timer in order to turn on power to the lamp (remember, the lamp’s switch is already in the on position). To turn on the lamp manually during a programmed off time, you would need to go to the timer and press the ON/AUTO/OFF button until ON appears in the display. If you wanted the lamp to then shutoff at a particular time, you’d need program an OFF time but the timer would need to be placed back into the AUTO mode using the ON/AUTO/OFF switch.
An easier method would be to turn on the lamp and then set a programmed on time for when you usually go to bed and then a programmed off time for when you typically fall asleep.
I think there are better options for doing what you’re trying to do. For example, ruclips.net/video/3vZbsfyEX10/видео.html which would allow you to set a timer or turn on and off the lamp using your phone. They have since added a timer to OFF since I made the video.
@@BruceAlanR thanks a lot for your information.