LOWENERGIE Photocell Timer Switch, 12V DC Solar Power – Automatic Dusk to Dawn Light Sensor Controller for Outdoor Lighting, Garden, Pathways, Security, Off-Grid & Solar Installations

Orate this

In this day and age, I wish I could have some sort of more programmable interface and also, this device is fairly large. It is in fact v frustrating to use because it is supposed to 'set itself' based upon getting used to the dusk/dawn schedule. The issue is that while 'setting itself' it also switches on my light which would be ok if it didn't completely drain the battery which was charged by my solar panel thus defeating its use because it cannot continue the cycle where it needs to set itself. This is a huge flaw. Thus, I have not actually been able to use the item. Another issue is that an indoor or even outdoor light seems to throw off the sensor. In theory a sensor is a great idea, but not at all practical given living patterns and constraints.

Be careful, I bought this to replace an existing exact same model. Swapped the heads over and it went pop. I had been sent a 10A model rather than the 16A advertised (and as seen in the picture). Either that or it was defective already. Not impressed.

***NB: The listing & its images say 16A but the unit and box are clearly labelled 10A***This works well in testing. The intent is for this to turn on/off a 12v solar submersible pump system for self-watering the garden.Where the cable feeds in there is no grommet for water ingress protection from rain and splashes etc. As such, we've had to adapt it and supply our own grommet to feed the cable in. Now, to be fair to the manufacturer, the cable inlet is largely protected from water ingress due to its orientation and location below the large operational head, so, for most people, it is already waterproofed 'enough'. But, because we will be operating an outdoors hydroponic system, in essence, we would have liked to see an optional grommet included.Using a photosensor timer is NOT a failsafe option. Strong ambient lighting can trick photosensors into thinking it is lighter than it is. Location is very important. If using to power lights, for example, then you need the sensor higher than the light source or your light will cause it to turn off. Bear that in mind if using for lighting.When we have the solar pump setup running, we'll update with how it is working in real world usage. Currently priced at a discounted £9, this is good value for money for a 12V solar timer.

Way over complicated i can't get it to stay on it has a mind of it's own buy something simpler i wish i had

As described

Looked OK but never had a chance to see it working. Returned for full refund - good service.

Really poor