Thread: timer plugin question

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I have a question! I have a need to run a small compressor at a set timed intervals for a project. Say like for 15 seconds every minute or two. Has anyone run across an outlet adapter that can be programmed to turn off and on at specified intervals?

Could always rig up a motion sensor to turn on power. Those usually can be set to stay on for short periods of time. Then get a cheap clock. Take off the faceplate and the hour and minute hands - leaving the seconds hand. Set the clock up so the seconds hand moves in front of the motion sensor so it triggers it. Only problem is there would be no variation in timing - would only be turned on every minute.

timer plugin question

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I have a question! I have a need to run a small compressor at a set timed intervals for a project. Say like for 15 seconds every minute or two. Has anyone run across an outlet adapter that can be programmed to turn off and on at specified intervals?

The thing is, you can get outlet timers almost anywhere (ace, H.Depot,etc..). I'm not quit sure why you need or want to set up your compressor to turn on and off so much (especially if it is a large compressor).

If your just looking for bursts of air (say every so often, like air cannon effects or similar) you might think about going with a solenoid and a controller for timing and or an activator via trip mat, or sensor, etc...
It all depends on what your doing, but I'd be a little cautious on turning a large compressor on and off continuously (just control air flow instead).

Corpse Heads - Skull props
Blood and Torture props

I have the same question. Why turn a compressor on and off for a prop. Just use an air valve to control the air. Sorry, I don't understand, or you're just new to this and don't realize any options.

Let us know more details.

using a tankless compressor, and only wants the air flowing to the device at set intervals.

Originally Posted by craigsrobotics

using a tankless compressor, and only wants the air flowing to the device at set intervals.

My opinion to this is that the flow won't be strong enough. The purpose of the tank is to allow volume of air to flow. With a tankless comp, the air would have to build up the PSI to be effective, and that I think would be a slow reaction time of the prop.

Craig, if you want to use a standard cheap wall timer you will have to change out the motor, most timers are 24 hrs so the motor makes 1 RPM in 24 hrs. The problem I see is finding a timer that you could easily swap motors in.

You could use an event timer . You might need to use a bigger relay depening on the specs of your compressor. You could even use a fog machine timer to accomplish the same thing and they are cheap and readily avialable

there are a number of event timers out there here is one from Simple Circuits I've have good experience with them and Jeff is very helpful He will/can customize existing boards to your need or create something specific although I expect using an existing board is the cheapest
Timer-Based Boards

there are a number of them

Lilgeek,

I sell a relay controller board that would do this. You can adjust both the time the relays are on and the time they are off. It is meant to be used with a sensor to start a cycle, but if you connect the "5V Out" signal to the "Trigger In" signal then it just continuously cycles on and off according to your time on/time off settings. There was another haunter that wanted some lights to come on and off at regular intervals that used this board for his application and it worked out fine. I don't know how much current your compressor draws the relays on this board are rated at 250V AC and 10A. If you are interested the board costs $40 and you can see it here. You can also download the user's manual from this page as well.

Cheers,
Bruce