I tend to keep odd hours and travel quite a bit, but I don’t like leaving the house too empty ie. I’d like to give people the impression that it is occupied even when I’m not there.
I had been looking for some kind of timer that would allow me to have lights come on at random times, but I haven’t had much luck in finding one. All the timers I’ve come across have fixed times, though I’m sure there must be a random one out there…
I did, however, find an alternative solution today.
The unit is photosensitive and should switch lights on at dusk and off at dawn. It’s not much bigger than a standard ceiling light fitting and can be easily plugged in to a standard lamp socket.
I’ll be testing it out over the next few days, but it’s such a simple device it should just work
From Don Speekingleesh:
Saw a very clever one recently. Was of the wall socket variety, but it would record your usage of the lamp for a week, and then store the pattern for playback for a week when you’re away. Think it could randomise the days too.
From Michele Neylon:
Don
You wouldn’t happen to have the details by any chance? It sounds like it would do exactly what I’ve been looking for
Michele
From elly parker:
Michele, what’s the link for the one you are testing?
From Don Speekingleesh:
Unfortunately not. I think it may have been in the likes of Currys though.
From Michele Neylon:
@Elly – their website is dire! The brand is “Lyvia”
@Don – ok. I’ll check their site
From Rahood:
I have a couple of the mechanical versions but you might want to take a look at these little beasties.
Electronic Timer with UPS
argos.ie (needs javascript)
cat no: 982/7992