All About Optional Automation

When you say optional automation the first thing that comes to mind is a Timer. A timer is a kind of clock that can control a process or an event. It ranges form being mechanical to digital, electromechanical to software. Almost everything comes with a timer from watches to cellular phones, from computers to television.

Mechanical timers use mechanisms applied in clocks like escapement and springs in order to pick up the pace when it comes to the speed. If it is inaccurate, these mechanisms are said to be cheap and it is better to use a timer that is able to resist this. An example is the mechanical egg timer.

The accurate mechanism of a timer resembles those small alarm clocks. The advantage of these timers is hat they don't need a battery or electricity. They can also be stored for a long time. The most common application of this kind of automation control are bombs and explosives.

The Two types of Electromechanical Timers

1. Thermal type

It has a metal finger that comes with various rates of expansion. The most common are the bronze and steel. The process involves the electric current flowing through and heating it. A side expands making the other side shorter. There is contact on the other end and it moves away from the switch contact. The most common application are the flashers that turn the signals in cars. It is also applied in Christmas lights.

2. Cam Timer

This kind uses a small motor that is synchronous and turns the cam through the switch contacts. This contraption, referred to as the AC motor, is always turned on and by alternating the current, it becomes an accurate rate. Power companies regulate these kinds of timers. This slow the motor to the desired speed and turns the cam on. The most popular application are those in dishwashers, driers and washing machines. This kind of timer comes with a friction clutch between the cam and the gear train. Therefore, the cam can be reset at any time.

Electromechanical timers are really popular because they are less expensive when compared to the mechanical switch conducts. They are also cheaper than those devices that have to be controlled by heaters, motors and power lights.

Before, mechanical timers were used in electric relays in order to guild controllers powered through electro-mechanical contraptions. These electromechanical timers reached a state that were very extensive and eventually were applied in weapons systems and aerospace. Thanks to these electromechanical timers that can be controlled and programmed, launching of sequence events, rockets and missiles were made possible.

What are Digital Timers?

Digital timers are more precise compared to mechanical timers. They have integrated circuits that come with digital logic which is inexpensive. Therefore, an electronic and digital timer is cheaper than electromechanical and mechanical timers.

It is cheaper because it only needs a single chip. It is like that of a watch. The technology conducted in these devices are simpler than those of electromechanical appliances. However, most timers have software to implement their functions. The modern timer controllers resort to logic that is programmable instead of a box that is filled with parts that are electromechanically but quite complicated for the layman. The logic behind this is that the digital timer is designed to be simple. Digital timers are also safer than the mechanical and electromechanical timers. An application of the digital timer is the gas timer.

Air Switches and Wireless Controls

Most spas have electronic timers. Usually, they are digital counters that are controlled by the software. Their count down reaches zero. The minute it does, then the heater goes off.

The popular timers for spas and hot tubs are the air switches which provides the remote control. All you need to do is to push the button that is connected to the mechanism. This is flexible enough to allow the user to operate the hot tubs pump and blow up to 75 feet. Also, these models are round the clock and has a multiple timer which turns from one to two speed pump.

Finally, there is the field control operations that is very perfect for irrigation and lighting. These are also perfect for hot tubs and spas. They are also used in green houses, parking lots, traffic control, mostly for outdoor use.