Modern Alternative To Sangmo Solar Time Switch?

[ProDave]

I need to replace a failed time switch for stairwell lighting in a low rise block of flats.

Currently a Sangmo clockwork timer with the solar dial to adjust on / off times according to time of year.

Before I just go and replace it with the same, is there a modern solid state alternative?

 

[kerching]

I have used loads of these in the past for one client.

Not fitted one for a few years now, plugs straight into existing base

 

[Evans Electric]

I was always impressed by the old Sangamo Solar Time switch TBH  .    No electronics ...... just  the usual little motor driving it  but it mechanically adjusted itself to follow the season's dusk to dawn periods .  

They also took in the latitude , so in my area you bought  one marked 52 or 54 deg. ( Can't quite remember now)   no good taking it to Scotland .    

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Work of art, those things. Just like a Swiss watch.

Going a bit of topic you can now buy ( i have seen a few different makes)  a photocell with a built in timer to set the on time (from dusk) from 1 to about 8 hours. Now i cant see the point of these as you may want 2 hours in the summer rising to 8 hours in the winter. Am i missing something ?

 

[kerching]

Work of art, those things. Just like a Swiss watch.

Going a bit of topic you can now buy ( i have seen a few different makes)  a photocell with a built in timer to set the on time (from dusk) from 1 to about 8 hours. Now i cant see the point of these as you may want 2 hours in the summer rising to 8 hours in the winter. Am i missing something ?

Royce thompson did one of these about 20 years ago............no adjustment of the time or light level,and after a power cut of more than about 1Hz it took 4 days to reset itself.

When it worked it was great, when it didn't it was Jimmy Savile in a Santa Suit

Just saying

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Royce thompson did one of these about 20 years ago............no adjustment of the time or light level,and after a power cut of more than about 1Hz it took 4 days to reset itself.

When it worked it was great, when it didn't it was Jimmy Savile in a Santa Suit

Just saying

Lost you,  you mean like the Sangamo ?

 

[kerching]

Sorry, i meant the Photocell. It had this weird built in brain, when it lost its power it went moody for days on end.

Lights on in the day and off at night. Lights on early evening then off when it went dark, came on at dawn. Thought i was losing it at one stage!

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Royce thompson did one of these about 20 years ago............no adjustment of the time or light level,and after a power cut of more than about 1Hz it took 4 days to reset itself.

When it worked it was great, when it didn't it was Jimmy Savile in a Santa Suit

Just saying

Never heard of them and just now as i was looking for a time lag switch    http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/product/2159615/?grossPrice=Y&   cm_mmc=UK|Shopping-_-Google+PLA-_-Royce+Thompson+Electric|Lighting+Controllers-_-2159615&kpid=&istCompanyId=f7e7b05b-2daf-4c0e-8825-3633baf8113b&istItemId=xwilarlml&istBid=tzit&gclid=CJqJ0d-CqbwCFWITwwodVVUAiQ    ;

 

[kerching]

I think this is the one

http://www-public.tnb.com/eel/docs/emergilite/rtnightstar.pdf

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

I think this is the one

http://www-public.tnb.com/eel/docs/emergilite/rtnightstar.pdf

Similar, but different programing.  I was referring to this type of unit http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/products/Photocell-Switch-with-Timer.html

also available in the Zodian type as your link. What i dont get is, you set it for say 3 hours on at dusk  in  July, then by Dec that 3 hours means its off at by 5pm when you want it on till midnight  & visa  versa

 

[kerching]

It appears that you have to keep changing the time, which sort of defeats the object a bit really

Just confused