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. 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. The most common application of this kind of automation control are bombs and explosives.
The Two types of Electromechanical Timers
1. Thermal type
The process involves the electric current flowing through and heating it. A side expands making the other side shorter. 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. 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. 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.
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 popular timers for spas and hot tubs are the air switches which provides the remote control. 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.
Check out my other article about hot tub accessories.
