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The main point is to be very careful with tucking all wires away to enlarge the space you have to work. Once installed, the features of the new and improved version of this timer "shine" as the auto dusk/dawn setting really works well. The size of the switch is a little daunting when trying to install, especially when installing into a box with a three- or four-way switch. Highly recommended, as this version improves upon the spotty record of the SS7 version.
They were all very difficult and tedious to program. They all had poorly written instructions in tiny print. Lights flickered with one timer. Have gone thru 3 different Intermatic wall timers, inlcuding this one. They all eventually failed. I refuse to buy another one of these Chinese-made Intermatic products, even though they seem to have a monopoly in local stores.
With the ST01C, it uses lithium camera batteries so they're expensive compared to the AAA batteries that the previous model used. The biggest problem with these is that they only last about a year. When they work, they're great. I think this one broke within the warrenty period and I got smart and scanned my receipt so I got a copy. For some reason they just stop working.
Changing the batteries doesn't fix the problem. No more forgetting to turn on the lights at night or turning off at dawn. I've had three in wall timers from Intermatic. The ST01C even self adjusts to the season. Unfortunately, unless I can find a better timer, I'm stuck with buying a new one every year.
Program them once and forget about them. Hopefully some competitor to Intermatic will come up with a more reliable product.
I have nothing to add to the many positive comments already written here by others, however I would add that it is easier to read the display when programming if a small penlight is shined head-on; the "am" and "pm" indicators, in particular, are very difficult to read because they are so small. It's really amazing how much Intermatic has crammed into something that fits in a standard receptable box. I purchased the ST01C timer to control a post light with 4 13W compact flourescent bulbs and 2 exterior wall lights, each with 3 7W compact flourescent bulbs. In short, this timer works well and does not cause flickering of the bulbs because a relay completes and opens the load under control of the many programs that can be entered into this unit. This is a minor issue, as far as I am concerned, compared to the many conveniences this timer presents.
If you have more questions about the ST01C, Intermatic has a copy of the owner's instructions and the quick programming instructions on their Web site in pdf format. The timer became one of the switches and the other two switches worked as before.The ST01C can be used with various types of lights and devices. The adjustments are so minor and so infrequent that this just has not been a problem worth noting. If mine breaks after a couple years of use, for $30+ I would quickly go out and buy another. For that reason, I did all of my programming before mounting the timer in the wall box.The ST01C clock, programming and relay are powered by a small Panasonic CR2 battery.
Replacement batteries are available at most of the chain drug stores in the camera department. It will control incandescent as well as the new energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs. DST adjustment is automatic and has been updated for the newer extended dates set by Congress. Once programmed, it can then be set to automatically control lights or devices or the "manual" mode can be used to discontinue the programmed events.
After I changed the house wiring around and changed out a four way switch to a three way as outlined in the timer instructions, everything worked perfectly. It is amazing how flexible this small device is and how many different programming options it will accommodate. You then control the switch (off and on) of the timer by pushing on the outside cover. I replaced the battery in my older timer after about a year and a half but think it would have lasted longer.
It will also control small motors such as the pump on a garden fountain.Because this timer is compact enough to fit in an existing wall switch box, the display is rather small and can be difficult to see. I installed my most recent ST01C in a circuit where three switches controlled outside lights. I believe the ST01C to be a good value for the money.
I have been using an InterMatic ST01C for over two years now and have not experienced any of the problems described by some of the other reviewers. If you want to install it in a circuit where two or more switches control lights or devices the installation becomes more of a challenge. In fact, I like the first timer so much that I purchased and installed a second unit in another circuit.I have found the clock to be reasonably accurate and that it requires only minor adjustments of no more than two minutes after four or five months of use.
There is also a "random" mode that will vary the programmed setting by as much as twenty minutes to give a more occupied look to lights in your house when you are away.Installation of the timer is not difficult at all if you are using it in a circuit where one switch controls lights or devices. I also found that after I manually adjusted the dusk and dawn times for my exact location that automatic corrections for changes in sunset and sunrise were made by unit without problem.Programming of this timer is not difficult either. The unit comes with a set of quick programming instructions which are easy to follow and very straight forward.
I recommend this timer and give it a hardy five stars.
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