Light control by computer

Timer software for a computer controlled lighting system!

We are confident that our Timer software is the best to control and schedule your lights. If needing to control switching for a light show, Christmas lights or just for a building with security lights, we have selective programs ready for download.

Timer offers more benefits and features than traditional timers.
* Save on power bills. Be able to fine tune the exact amount of time the light turns on or off, saving you expensive power.
* Save money with unbreakable software compared to expensive timer controllers. Connect an old computer to a relay card and a printer cable to end the frustration of timers.
* Controls in real time from computer with ON, OFF and Auto modes. Make changes instantly.
* User friendly software.
* Easier to program than traditional timers and controllers.
* Schedules can be programmed to suit different light cycles (e.g. 16-18 hrs light, 6-8 hrs dark) depending on your needs.
 

These programs enable the PC to connect to the outside world by using the printer, parallel or serial port.
We have five trial downloads available to provide for the needs of domestic, commercial and industrial applications. This software puts the user in a controlling position of operating lights set by time and day, with On, Off or Auto modes. Hot Time Software has five programs available, Timer version 5, Timer (Pulses in seconds), Timer (Pulses in minutes), Timer (Multiple Switching's) and Serial Timer.
 

This is a screen shot example from Timer (Pulses in minutes) of channel/output 4 showing Auto selected for operation. The text "Light Row 2 " can be changed to any zone or schedule text preferred.

The days are not selected as yet. Start times and run times can be easily changed by the dropdowns or can be typed in manually. This Light Row 2 is due to be "ON" from 9:00am for 20 minutes and also at 4:30pm for 30 minutes when a day is selected. There is an additional pulse if needed on all output channels.

Timing with cycles: If needing cyclic timing there is programming in pulses available. See the "Pulse ON" and "Pulse OFF" buttons in the screen shot above. A ON/OFF time in minutes or seconds can be possible for those continuous cycles.

This is a list of items needed for a computer controlled lighting system.
 

•  Power Supply. Usually a plug pack will do the job or you can make your own power supply. Check to make sure your power supply is the same voltage as the relays that are to be switched if using extra relays. Some type of inline fuse is needed on the low voltage side of the power supply however some DC or AC power supplies have an inbuilt overload.

• Relay Boards. You may prefer to build your own hardware but there are different types of relay boards available that will work with the parallel and serial port software that are moderately priced. Here are few.
   

  Parallel port:
  KT-5165A PC Printer Port Relay In Box Board Assembled, KT-5074 PC Printer Port Relay Board, KT-5074A PC Printer Port Relay Board Assembled, Kit74, KV 3590. Also works with CK1601, CK1601a, 74V2, kit-165, kit93, CPA74, CPS74 & 80-740. Timer version 5, Timer (Pulses in seconds), Timer (Pulses in minutes), Timer (Multiple Switching's) operate via the parallel port.

  Serial Port:
  KT-5108, KT-5108, KT-5108A , KT-5108M, KT-5108MA, k108, 108 and k108 multi drop relay boards via serial connection. Also works with the CK1610 relay board. Serial Timer operates via the serial port.

  A Parallel Port Relay Board assembled or in kit form can be purchased at :

  Electronics123 Kit 

  Electronics123 USA assembled , Carl's Electronics USA  , Ozitronics Located in Australia , Qkits Canadian ,

  Quasar Electronics Located in the UK

  Assembled or in kit form these will need a power supply and a printer cable.

   

• Printer cable. If using the parallel port software a parallel port or printer cable is needed. CAB-001 D25 1.8 meter Male to Female Cable from ocean controls or similar cables can be purchased from computer shops. You will need a RS232 cable 25 pin female to 25 pin male. For pictures of a printer cable go to the gallery.

• Computer. If you are lucky you may have an old computer lying around. A parallel port is needed to operate the parallel port software or a serial port if using Serial Timer. Laptops have been used however some laptops do not have a parallel port.
   

Connecting it all together:

1. Installing the software on your target computer is the first step needed to control lights from your computer. Be sure the program operates without any errors and contact us if there are any problems. See the F.A.Q.S first. Disable any unused programs, screensavers, virus detectors that will interfere with the operation of the timer software. After all, if this is a stand alone computer, not connected to the www then they won’t be needed.

2. Make the computer operate the Timer software as soon as it reboots. See the F.A.Q.S about this. This is to ensure that if the power goes off and on, the program restarts.

3. Connect the relay board with the RS232 cable and test with the software to make sure your relays are operating correctly. If using Serial Timer a serial cable is needed.

4. Find a suitable location for the computer, relay board and power supply. Remember this computer will be on all the time. The monitor only needs to be on during adjustment to the program times. The whole three can fit in a fireproof switchboard, separate room or shed. Depends on your resources.

5. Wire the power supply and lighting circuits to the relay board as per the manufactures instructions.

6. Power up you system, adjust the times, days for each channel, and sit back and relax.

7. Purchase the software.

8. Email us if you want to about the system you have installed, your location, and what you think of the Timer software for our Testimonials section.
   
   
    

Use this matrix to compare all timing programs available.

Contact us for more info