Can we fix this faulty time switch?

[@ShadowzGSD]

3:40 just for a bit of jeopardy and excitement we will just scoot a metal screwdriver a tad closer to the spicy boomy bit.

[@jo2lovid]

This was such a stressful watch experience. Clive moving the meter and bumping the brass screwdriver, (and the small screws rolling about) were just about a short circuit BOOM 🎆 away!

[@chuckster255]

I don't think he would have wanted to compete with ElectroBOOM 🔌.

[@AndyM...]

Another "trademark" etching of the table averted !!! 😆🤠😎

[@railgap]

Why else do they have plastic handles?? ^_^

[@solsol1624]

I noticed that too!

[@jmargarson]

I was expecting you to say the fingertip of the glove was lopped off so you could test whether capacitors were discharged.

[@bigclivedotcom]

That too.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Best done with tongue 😊

[@markaoslo5653]

@@RS-Amsterdam - 🤣 If, you touch the capacitor with your other hand... it feels like, someone else, is doing it... 😄Cheers-

[@TopEndSpoonie]

Good fix. Great work. Note at 3:40, unit powered on, gloves on, moves meter and brass screw driver rolls toward exposed live module. Was expecting sparks and a loud bang. Oh well, next time perhaps.

[@bigclivedotcom]

Yeah, I really should add an anti-roll thing to that driver.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Next time gadget, next time.

[@freddydiazg]

I thought the exact same thing... Previous experience? Maybe.

[@chrislambert-shiels5291]

ElectroBOOM ⚡😂

[@RonNewsham]

My anxiety was high during the video, not because of you handling mains voltage (you know what you are doing) but ... that screwdriver 😮

[@joelanderson6614]

Your "problem solving" videos are my favorite, Detective Clive

[@LuminalSpoon]

Deteclive

[@frankowalker4662]

I was watching that screwdriver rolling closer to the powered PCB. LOL.

[@wbrenne]

Yes, my heart stopped for a second seeing that.

[@chrismayer8990]

I felt the same way!

[@phonotical]

Available for a few years in Tesco, I found them to be pretty reliable even if you're just using it to check the time, I wondered what they were like inside, thanks for showing!

[@bigclivedotcom]

I have a new Tesco one here. I should open it and have a look inside.

[@phonotical]

@bigclivedotcom ahh, please do 😅

[@mikeciavarella316]

Nice one Clive

[@Robothut]

Nice to know about the Battery fix and problem. Here in the USA the most common time switch always has the same failure in that the Zenor diodes short out. It takes a bout 9 months for the under rated Zenor's to die. I have repaired 4 of them so far by replacing the Zenor's with higher wattage units of the same voltage rating. They work fine after that. But now I know about the battery's lifetime problems. So, thank you Clive for sharing this video with us.

[@CyberlightFG]

I had some with failing mains voltage capacitors. Running at 230V, 50hz) I never replaced a Zener I always replaced the battery with a standard aa rechargeable battery. I don't use those any more. Those tiny batteries are expensive for no reason., aa is cheap and indestructible for infinite trickle charge

[@Robothut]

@@CyberlightFG Must be some differences with the units they sell in the USA for 120 VAC only, never had a failure other than Zenor diodes. But I do expect to see the batteries fail now that I have seen this video.

[@rogertebbutt8586]

Hi Clive ...Whilst watching your interesting presentation, it was constantly interrupted by adverts. One being for a little 500 watt heater that was designed by a "genius" at London University, that can heat a house from freezing cold to 20 c in just two minutes...Wow! ... I guess it would use even less power?... If it was fitted with one of those sand filled power saver plugs..😂

[@gudenau]

I love how every piece of equipment has modifications that would drive some organizations insane but make your life easier because you have at least a basic understanding of how stuff works.

[@terrym1065]

Awesome....a rare fix video from Big Clive and a successful one at that! Add to that the totally thorough, electronic engineers explanation of causes and remedies in the video description and we have one heck of a video...Thanks Clive...

[@billyhglgr]

Clive, I'm ecstatic - I bought two of them back in 2011; they lasted such a long time and one of them has that problem for about 6 months now; I'm so happy I didn't throw it out yet. YOU are THE MAAAAN !!!! Thank You!!

[@6yjjk]

Ah, another night owl. Over the Christmas holidays, I've gradually rolled forwards to my natural 5am bedtime. Getting up for work this morning was brutal.

[@ArtHeld]

Thanks x2 - first for the video - always a fun puzzle to guess ahead - and Second, for the detailed analysis and commentary in the notes.

[@Wolfusmaximus]

I repaired two of these a couple of months ago. I had to replace the electrolytic capacitor and the x2 dropper capacitor. The failure mode was the following: When plugged in the relay would turn on and off. But when the controller was on an you plugged the time-switch in the relay wouldn’t turn on. You first had to toggle off and on again. I only noticed this after a power outage. Great video :)

[@zenzen9131]

So satisfying to fix something and not bin it ! Well done Clive and Happy New Year matey :)

[@life_with_bernie]

You had me tightly clenching the arm of my chair as you were trying to measure the Zener diode with that nice brass screwdriver rolling around on the bench just needing a very slight nudge to send it under the energized PCB and give us a fireworks display.

[@ooslum]

Had a similar looking immersion timer that the backup battery failed, a Poundland garden solar light became the donor and it was still going strong 7 years later when we sold the house. I feel quite chuffed but it was all down to your solar light reviews,cheers Clive.

[@HowardLeVert]

Further to my earlier comment, I fitted the new cell I bought some while ago to mine and I'm pleased to say it effected a complete cure 😃 Thanks, Clive!!

[@MikesTropicalTech]

Warns about safety. Doesn't discharge the cap, leaves a metal screwdriver right next to a live board. Classic Big Clive! :^)

[@bobsmith24868]

Omg I can't believe you did a video on this exact unit. They're sold by grow shops for indoor grow operations in my part of the world, and they are known for welding shut from taking inrush load current of magnetic HPS/MH ballasts. The random button is the first thing to go. Who thought that was a good idea, and so easy to bump!

[@FoxoBread]

That's actually a good reminder to check on my time switch. It's been sitting in a box for quite some time, and I suspect the cell has probably failed.

[@linuxgreybeard9945]

BC: Warns about danger of working on unshielded live equipment. BC: Performs live test in immediate vicinity of tubular metallic objects that could roll under live PCB. Conclusion: BC has no fear (certainly of H&S staff). Happy New Year, BC. Lang may yer lum reek and your screwdriver turn.

[@joeschmo622]

That's why I grabbed a few of those old-timey timers with the spinny thing, motor, and 48 tabs that you push in or pull out for half-hour intervals. They Just Work.

[@starcraftuniversity9644]

Getting the solar light just for the battery is fascinating. Just checked prices: The battery by itself is actually more expensive than the whole light 🤯

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

I have one of those, and it’s still working after more than 10 years of use - well technically it’s only used for less than a month every year to switch our outside Christmas lights on and off. The display goes off after about a month once it’s unplugged (stored on a garage shelf), but returns with a push of the reset button once it’s plugged back in. I guess in reality that running the battery flat and only having “used” it (plugged in) for less than 12 months in total is the solution for a long life? Great video as always.

[@matthewmarks6951]

Maybe put two conventional and one Schottky diode in series across the cell, limiting it to about 1.5V?

[@MrSlipstreem]

I've had one of these since 2021. The fact that it's lasted over 3 hours has quite surprised me!

[@HowardLeVert]

I am yet to watch this in its entirety but this is fantastic - I have one of these time switches that does this too so here's hoping...

[@hammer313]

nice detective work. I'm slowly getting back into some electronic detective work using channels like yours for inspiration and learnings. much appreciated. love your work.

[@PaulRose-l4p]

Hi Clive. Love the channel and have followed you for several years. I have 5 timers that use the same logic module and after the first year 2 of the batteries leaked (1 did a very spectacular explosion inside the case as it shorted the 13 amp contacts with conductive fluid and left copper plating all over the board). I have now replaced all of the batteries with AAA cells and have had no further problems even after 8 years. Love the LED hacks keep up the good work.

[@matthewmarks6951]

I've got a couple of these. I was quite surprised that, not having used them for years, the backup cell hadn't gone crusty and still worked. I was using one to switch a solar inverter temporarily and it welded the contacts of the dreadful Songle relay. So my cannibalised repair was with a slightly less dubious relay from another timer and it's been fine since.

[@Flashy7]

I like the glove with one finger cut off for touch screens, the same finger that is also used instinctively to touch other things and pointing at live electronics :)

[@christopherguy1217]

Wow, such an unexpected failure point given the symptoms. I love you getting the battery from a cheap solar light, cheaper than ordering online.

[@ianhayes1960]

Unbelievable! I've just repaired 2 similar units with the same fault just before Christmas.

[@DumahBrazorf]

Yep. They mostly fail like that. Even the mechanic ones.

[@manuellongo4365]

Very interesting, but also, educational - love these "how to" videos...always something to learn

[@Eremon1]

I just watched a video from Adam Savage on conductive fabrics like sticky tapes, Velcro, etc. Apparently it doesn't require resistors for LEDs because the very fabric has built in resistance. I thought of you immediately, incase this sort of thing hasn't reached your radar yet. Cheers and Happy New Year Clive!

[@thepagan5432]

Elementary my dear Clive Holmes, when all possible errors have been eliminated, whatever is left is the fault. Well done mate, most of us would have slung it in the to do drawer, and popped off to Poundland and bought another iffy plug in timer. Good job 👍

[@greebo6549]

👍 another great video Clive, I’ve got about four by the looks, identical around the house, one permanently powered for an outdoor pond fish feeder, the others as random night lights for when I’m away, never had any issues with any of them 😊

[@Susandwyer]

Thanks. Repair vids are my favourite.

[@Larz99]

Thanks Clive. You taught me a good process for going after this kind of issue. Great work as always!

[@phils4634]

I've got one or two 10 year old time switches with the same problem. Thank you for giving me a heads - up, and I'll probably have a go at repairing them (with the "at risk" components all being replaced).

[@chrismayer8990]

Thanks for the video! ❤I have the same timing relay with the same problem. So far it hasn't bothered me, but now that I know the problem, I'm going to fix it. Surprisingly, it doesn't lose the settings even after 2 hours of power failure.

[@Jimmyfisher121]

Thank you Clive that should save someones job when they can fix a problem just by changing the batteries out on some old system that now doesn't have to be replaced. Jim from Scotland

[@markmurphy3578]

I have exactly the same timer switch. I think I bought it from Wilkos. The battery died in mine and I think it was a lower mA than your example but I replaced it with the same as yours has. Mine just wouldn’t hold its time, although I hadn’t used it for ages and the battery must have drained too low. I guess that’s the issue with this type of battery. Ironically I have an electric razor that was stuffed in the back of a cupboard and I kinda needed it. I thought that this bugger is going to require a new battery, but no! Lo and behold it charges and doesn’t run down rapidly either. I recon that’s progress for you! Great videos BTW 👌

[@tommiller1315]

I expected a low value cap, like my remote controlled switch. I think I would have fitted an AAA NiCad and reduced the current with a 33K resistor (had I managed to work out the battery was at fault). Nicely done Clive*. *(Note a "sir" no longer has a positive value, but you deserve honouring for your service to education & entertainment).

[@geoffmarriott4387]

Where would we be without the Pound Store - long live Poundland 🙌🙌

[@wisher21uk]

I have that timer but it’s working at the moment, but handy to know when it fails 😊 thanks Clive

[@PyroRob69]

I have owned many of these over the years. They work great for hydroponic systems.

[@Graham_Langley]

Ta for pointing out the obvious source of cheap NiMH cells to replace those in timers that have failed. I've seen solar garden lights for as little a 50p in a Sainsbury's end-of-season clearance but never thought of them as a source of backup cells.

[@jimharmon3404]

Very nice job there. I think that to finish the job I would have replaced the zener with one with longer leads with small loops in each to raise the zener away from the board.

[@bigclivedotcom]

There was the temptation to replace it with two 12V zeners in series to spread the dissipation.

[@TheCormTube]

I remember when I used these and the analog ones for Christmas lights. They didn't like the cold...analog ones would just not turn properly and battery on the digital ones would usually fail and explode. So glad to have smart plugs for this now.

[@DiggerD-w6r]

Nice to see you fix something for a change 😅

[@bigclivedotcom]

Almost everything I take apart gets rebuilt.

[@6AK5W-JAN]

Instead of cutting the tip off, just stick a bit of foil on top of the glove. The capacitance from your finger to the foil (and thus to the screen) is enough to operate a touchscreen without risking electrocution when you touch other things with an exposed fingertip. This works on my phone.

[@anthonybarra2391]

I have the same one, no issues but good to know how to fix this issue, thanks big man

[@ZaphodHarkonnen]

The warnings can still be useful just as that regular reminder. I do think people can go overboard as usually all you really need is a quick “This is mains voltage. Don’t be stupid.” You don’t really need to go into crazy detail every single time it pops up. Liability is a lot more nuanced than many people think. Otherwise a lot of things that we’re used to wouldn’t be available.

[@berndeckenfels]

I prefer people using actual protection like isolation transformers and/or inrush lightbulbs and dedicated workbench FI and mentioning them. (Having said that it’s good that Clive at least mentions sometimes to use battery operated (ground isolated) scopes.

[@psirvent8]

This reminds me of a not so fun childhood anecdote/memory: Back when I was maybe 6 or 7 my parents had a slightly similar timer plug that I liked to play with when it was not in use. But one day my father suddenly disliked it and slammed the timer against the floor. (He very angrily said something like Wanna play with the timer ?! Play with the timer ! Now that it's broken...) It popped two of the screws holding it together and the case was partially open at the top. I don't remember how but I closed it back somewhat, maybe using tape to keep shut then I plugged it but unsurprisingly it wasn't working anymore. The red LED was faintly glowing but the timer wasn't usable although I don't remember if the display came on or not or if the outlet was live or dead. And now I wonder what component broke and how fixable it would have been if it had happened nowadays.

[@markhowards420]

Handy info , thanks Clive ❤ I've just bought the same model from Morrisons for my lava lamps , so I'll know what to do in a year or so when the same fault inevitably appears.

[@MrEdTraveller]

Thanks for this video Clive. I had the exact same make and model as this, and mine failed in exactly the same way too.

[@johnnodge4327]

I've used the timer module from a Tesco version as a compact timer for a Land Rover, to power up the fuel burning heater to preheat the cabin in winter. It worked very well for the task, and used basically nothing from the 12 Volt vehicle battery.

[@mrbigvanlife7130]

Well done and happy new year big boy 😊

[@marcse7en]

Well, hot on the heels of meeting you in a dream, Big Clive, you're tearing down my timeswitch! ... I have one of these timers, which I bought in Wilko many years ago. It's currently in use, switching a USB Plasma Ball on and off at the side of my bed! It has a built in rechargeable battery. EDIT: The LCD display is REALLY hard to read!

[@micheldejongh6793]

Good fix. I usually modify the circuit with a second, 9V zener (lower might work as well, have not tried it) with a transistor in series in parallel to the existing one and switch that inverted to the relay coil. Increase the 2K7 resistor and add a zener parallel to it (make a crude voltage regulator, to not overcharge the battery). It drastically decreases the standby power and they last longer.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Just in time too, also.! Good job Clive.😆

[@mateuszmolik7362]

Clive, not a week too late. I have the exact same timer (although with a proper EU plug, not that huge bulky UK rubbish ;) ) that went south a few days ago in a similar way. Since I don't like throwing things out to landfill I'll check if my NiMH isn't shot as yours was. Especially that it was unable to keep the screen lit for more than a few minutes when unplugged. Cheers Sir!

[@johnikey38]

"Do not drink gasolene" - well thats my evening ruined.😢

[@radio-ged4626]

Interesting to know that a lithium cell going bad isn't always indicated by a lower output voltage . I knew batteries go higher impedance through working on laptops over the years but I don't think I've ever thought that the output voltage could be higher than normal. I usually think about it's behaviour as reaching "full capacity" ( a false state ) too quickly and then discharging immediately. Very useful bit of information which really, I should have previously thought about more.

[@BrianG61UK]

I've got a couple of timeswitches exactly like that, but they have weird anti tamper screws that I can't find any screwdriver for. However at present they both still work. I have a mechanical one somewhere that quietly self-destructed after only a few months.

[@chrishartley1210]

Interesting to know. I have one of those timers, possibly 30 yrs old, which is working fine but I now know what to watch out for if it fails.

[@tazz1669]

Me too

[@dcallan812]

Big Clive never sleeps. 🤣 well not when the rest of us do. Interesting fault, the diode was getting toasty. 2x👍

[@herensugue]

I got one of those from Aldi a year or two ago in The Netherlands, obviously a 220/240V one. Been working fine so far, got a rechargeable internal battery inside.

[@JfromUK_]

Good work Clive! Nice to solve this mystery. I didn't know cells could fail in this way but I see how the circuitry surrounding it allows the voltage to rise, and that it was effectively being used to regulate the supply to the logic. Before the fix, the display contrast was poor ("unlit" segments were lit dimly) -- I wasn't sure if this was just an unfortunate viewing angle vs the light source but it was so much crisper afterwards. Your mention of common failures being that the unit craps out when under load due to an ailing dropper capacitor reminds me of the "smart" extension lead I need to investigate, already suspecting this cause. You set a good example with the gloves... sort of. The cut-off index finger felt like the Achilles' heel. Sitting on a well insulated chair with your feet off the floor, were you? 😁

[@bigclivedotcom]

I'm in a well isolated area protected by a type-A RCD. I may get new gloves and cut the tip of the pinky off instead.

[@zigge1989]

I wouldn't mind watching re-flowing the pcb soldering. Any one else feeling that recent videos are getting shorter, and jumping too quickly to a summarized ending? I miss "the boring parts" (-actually the best parts) - of watching and hearing every relevant, as well as irrelevant thoughts during the whole process ! And, why haven't I heard you say "masticating" in like 4 ever !? 😛😁😁

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Good diagnostic and repair! From your comments, I'm convinced this was not the first time switch you disassembled 🙂

[@oorangejuce]

Yaaaaas. A repair video! 😁

[@angeldelvax7219]

About those disclaimers: The manual for old cars had information on how to time the contact points, what order the spark plugs ignite, what torque the head-bolts needed... Modern car manuals just say "don't drink this liquid" and "don't touch those moving parts" or "don't slam your d**k between the doors" .....

[@lint2023]

The manual for my car is 550 pages!

[@chad2787]

​@@lint2023My newest car is like this and the manual is still mostly useless!

[@angeldelvax7219]

@@lint2023 It was sarcastic exaggeration ;) Yes, car manuals still have a lot of info, but not nearly as much as they used to. And a lot of warnings that should be common sense.

[@lint2023]

@@angeldelvax7219 I wasn't pushing back on you and I apologize for letting it sound like it was. I should have included that it is 550 pages and has no real maintenance information like you described. I liked the comment you posted about manuals from earlier times.

[@angeldelvax7219]

@@lint2023 Probably a combination of my autism, and the "state of the internet" as far as general negativity goes that gave my that idea ;) These days I find myself automatically in deference mode when replying :(

[@markedis5902]

I remember having to change batteries live to avoid losing the program. I kept a second soldering iron with the earth disconnected specially for that product.

[@GroovyG0]

I had much the same problem with a different brand of timeswitch, replaced the battery as BC has done, and also fitted a 1.3-ish V zener in parallel with it to ensure the voltage to the clever bits stayed within spec.

[@jburdman7]

I have one like this. It was unplugged for a long time and the screen went blank. I left it plugged in for a few months and it still did not come back. I opened it up and gave the cell a charge at the bench. It was working fine since. I now park items like this which I know have cells in them in an outlet strip which is only on a few hours a week (at the washing machine) to keep the batteries up until I need them again somewhere else. I don't see the need to leave the washer plugged in anyway so it all works out.

[@NOWThatsRichy]

With many of those units, if the display has gone completely blank & it doesn't come back on after being plugged in for a while again, you normally have to press the reset button once or twice to make it display again.

[@jburdman7]

@@NOWThatsRichy Good point! I have encountered that on calculators. The one I have has no reset button but perhaps that was a bean counter delete and my poking around did the same thing.

[@MyProjectBoxChannel]

I sometimes use an old shaver socket as a cheap isolation transformer. That way I feel more relaxed about poking my fingers in a Live pcb. I believe the shaver socket is current limited aswell reducing the flash bang surprises😅

[@philc8703]

I had one of these digital display timers, which when working, did a good job of turning things on and off at different times, but it ended up with the exact same problem as this, which I used for my Xmas lights, now in the bin and replaced with an old mechanical timer, which not as flexible, just works

[@Lada_Niva]

Very helpful video!!!

[@imark7777777]

Replacement part 5$ to $10, solar garden light with extra components 1$ to 1 pound, a quick and simple repair with just the right part priceless. This is a Remarque on how it's cheaper to cannibalize something than to actually buy a part.

[@mfx1]

Nice thing about these is that they're really easy to convert to low voltage DC/battery operation.

[@RandomAFP]

I don't really understand any of this, but it's comforting background noise and reminds me of my late partner

[@richardbriansmith8562]

Awesome Video Big Clive👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@d46512]

So many cheesy shunt regulators in this thing, it’s a wonder it didn’t fry itself. Nice electronics lesson thanks B.C.

[@neilobusk]

If its not the xmas lights failing its the timer switch...or both.... informative as ever Mr C N x

[@StreetLightOnline]

I have some similar time switches from Homebase; ordinarily, they operate quite happily, but if the load is anything especially inductive (even a small electronic ballast for a domestic compact fluorescent), they tend to self-reset after the relay has switched the load off (probably back EMF or similar). They are fine with LED equipment, however. An equivalent product from B&Q (made to a completely different design) is made of tougher stuff, and is much more capable with induction switching - not that I've tried it on a 400 W SON circuit (yet...), mind you! Yes, a lot to be said for all of those safety warnings, though "forgetting that the mains is on" has been my biggest downfall - wiring up a 135 W SOX ballast to a table lamp (as I didn't have any spare bayonet lampholders at the time) was my first zapping (nice belt off the capacitor too), and because I don't learn, I made contact with a completely non-IP2X terminal on a mechanical time switch case not too long after that...still just about here to tell the tale, mind you!!

[@KendalSmithy]

Hi Clive, For your own personal safety I'm just wondering if you use a mains isolation transformer when working with open appliances. When I was a teaboy (in the 1960s) at a local electrical shop I recall there was one installed under the workbench but don't recall you ever mentioning them.

[@bigclivedotcom]

I use a type A RCD.

[@amorphuc]

Nice fix and Thanks Big Clive. Watching you trouble shoot stuff is a master class for sure. Curious about the Zener Diode running hot. Is there a fix for that. The discoloration seemed legit. Would a different diode of the same voltage handle the current better?

[@bigclivedotcom]

A higher wattage diode could be fitted, or two 12V zeners in series to spread the load. Some units use a switched resistor that turns on when the relay coil is off.

[@SouravTechLabs]

As a regular viewer of your channel, I'd call this a terrible design!

[@bigclivedotcom]

It's a very cost optimised design.

[@marcusjones1088]

Clive regularly takes the opportunity to test his house hold RCD. Applying a test probes to a faulty PCB 😊 out go the lights.

[@敗北王測試用頻道はいぼく]

還是一個使用「1:56黃色安規電容」7:11廉價電子產品常見的阻容降壓電路 故障常見因素可能是阻容電容器正常損耗所以電流越來越低導致無法對電池充電與對電磁繼電器線圈供電 推動電磁繼電器 以及無法給微控制器正常供電 分壓電阻保護了定時器的微電腦 以及充電電池 10:51可以對分壓電阻輸出處並聯一個紅色的 LED 或是提高22KΩ阻值 以及改成高功率齊鈉二極體

[@EShirako]

"3:52 am...I should probably be in bed! Anyway, so here's the device..." :D Yup, that's Clive!

[@NiallWardrop]

Tricky one in that the battery was still good enough to power the circuitry when the device was unplugged.

[@johndee68]

I had a similar issue with one of the mains power monitor devices. Though in Australia, it was more for the battery than to buy a whole new replacement unit. Australia still hasn't got on to the whole reduction of land fill.

[@ThePopolou]

Also a Screwfix special. Maybe time to go back to using those old school rotary timers.

[@markaoslo5653]

2:39 _"...don't plug things in, and poke about..."_ " 🤣 Pretty-much, takes ALL the fun, out of it... 🙂 (I'll try to restrain myself...)

[@GluteMaximuz]

Couldn't be bothered to investigate mine. Just bought a smart plug and used that. Much more versatile.

[@Nebby_99]

I wonder if the smart plugs are also cooking a zener diode when they're switched off.

[@martinleska4292]

I saw few of this timers and power meters where battery wasnt charged through voltage divider 22K/2k7, but only by resistor - something like 22k from 24Vsupply and when NiMh battery fails to open circuit, full 24V appears on low voltage microcontroller and (intentionaly) burn unit. I always added Red LED parallel to battery.

[@JohnnyX50]

I don't mean to sound creepy but if we lived in the same house we would be fighting over who owns what because you have a lot of the same things I do LOL 🤣😅 I also have 2 of those little timers, never really noticed the display as they tend to go flat as I seldom use them, however I do think the display on one of them does the same thing when it is `ON`. I don't think I have any of those batteries, I do have a weird 2/3 AAA battery in a solar light. Does that timer NEED the battery, is it definitely regulating the display circuitry voltage, which it seems to do. if not bothered about settings keeping could a resistor of appropriate value be soldered instead? Any other alternate to the battery? Super cap? Your a true electronics star and salute you sir :D

[@bigclivedotcom]

The correctly sized battery is preferred, as it maintains the settings in the event of unplugging or a power cut.

[@phonotical]

Did you float the zener to give it a bit of extra air space?

[@bigclivedotcom]

It could be floated or two 12V ones could be used in series.

[@samuelfellows6923]

You’d think they would put some thermal paste on the zener diode and stick a small heat-sink on top of it 🙄

[@matthewmarks6951]

@@samuelfellows6923 But then it would cost more and people wouldn't buy it. See also the Songle relay.