I've now had two timers "go bad" on me. This is a problem because obviously I can't be constantly worrying if my shit is working.

I got a mechanical electric timer (you know, the push the little knobby bits up or down on a dial kind) and it worked for a day but then decided it didn't want to go off when it was in the off section. Nothing would override that. Now I have a second one (different brand) which is doing the same thing, except if you push the override button it does shut off. WTF? Anyone else have this? Am I really just that unlucky to get two different duds? I thought maybe it just didn't like somewhat short increments of being turned off and on but that's dumb, that's its job!

What an annoying and stupid problem to have.

So, I just got a digital timer one in hopes there is something inherently wrong with mechanical ones or me or 3rd time's the charm or something. Bloody hell!


See, I was using it to keep my seedlings warm in this british "summer" by having my HPS turn on every couple hours for a half hour. (they were well protected under a dark coloured water catchment tray and a towel around the edges to keep light leaks out) It worked brilliantly for keeping it warm in there (have a thermometer/humidity probe in there) but then yet again the POS timer failed and the light was on for over an hour and it got to 33.4ºc (92ºf). I hope they're OK. They're just babies, in that white/yellow sprout cotyledon stage (thread with a photo but I need to update that since I've got 3 sprouted now) just waiting for them to be ready for light. I'm sort of confused on when they should be put under light. (?) Now, or do I wait for tiny little green leaves? I keep thinking that if this was in nature and not an indoor grow that they'd already be exposed to light so maybe they should, but I've read otherwise too. Anyone have any insight to give to the newbie?

Thanks, if you made it this far. :hippy:
PlainJane Reviewed by PlainJane on . Problem mechanical timers (not shutting off) & lighting on seedlings Q? I've now had two timers "go bad" on me. This is a problem because obviously I can't be constantly worrying if my shit is working. :mad: I got a mechanical electric timer (you know, the push the little knobby bits up or down on a dial kind) and it worked for a day but then decided it didn't want to go off when it was in the off section. Nothing would override that. Now I have a second one (different brand) which is doing the same thing, except if you push the override button it does shut Rating: 5