What is an Astronomical Timer? Working and Applications

Are you looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to manage your outdoor lighting systems? Look no further than the astronomical timer. This device offers unparalleled accuracy and control, automatically adjusting your lighting schedules based on real-time data for sunrise and sunset. By eliminating the need for separate photo control devices, the astronomical timer reduces maintenance costs and ensures maximum energy savings. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this incredible technology and show you how it can benefit a variety of different applications.
What is an Astronomical Timer?
The astronomical timer is a device that automatically switches loads according to a preset weekly schedule with up-to-the-minute accuracy. The astronomic feature provides sunset ON and sunrise OFF settings to eliminate the need for separate photo control devices. It is mainly used for street light control.
The timer operates all year round without the need for continuous maintenance, with minimum operating costs and maximum savings of electrical energy. Appliances can be controlled in regular time cycles or based on a pre-set program. It does not include any optical sensors or other external equipment. After installation, it requires no special operation or maintenance.

How Does an Astronomical Timer Work?
The operation of the astronomical timer is based on variations in the sunset and sunrise times throughout the year. Based on the current date (internal real-time clock), it automatically modifies the times for turning on or off e.g. public lighting. Time updates are resolved automatically for every day of the year.
It reduces the amount of manual adjustment needed and by making adjustments in a timely fashion, minimizes unnecessary use.

Atmospheric pollution is one of the causes of reductions in the level of environmental light. Dust deposits on the external probe of a traditional twilight switch can compromise the operation of the device preventing it from automatically switching off the controlled lighting system in the presence of external light. This problem can be resolved by installing an astronomical timer that controls the lighting system according to sunrise and sunset times.

Astronomic Timer Applications
The astronomical timer is an ideal control choice for both outdoor and indoor lighting as well as spas. The astronomic clock function saves energy by automatically making daily adjustments to on- and off-times as the days become longer or shorter, so lighting is only turned on when it is needed. Both the astronomic and scheduling functions provide security by automatically turning the lighting on to make the application feel inviting and provide a live-in look.
Other applications:
- Street light control
- HVAC
- Heating/ventilation equipment
- Pumps
- Fans
- Livestock feeders
- Poultry equipment
In conclusion, the astronomical timer is a cost-effective and efficient way to manage outdoor lighting systems. Its ability to automatically adjust lighting schedules based on real-time data for sunrise and sunset eliminates the need for separate photo control devices, reduces maintenance costs and ensures maximum energy savings. It operates all year round with minimum operating costs and maximum savings of electrical energy making it an ideal control choice for both outdoor and indoor lighting as well as other applications such as HVAC, heating/ventilation equipment, pumps, fans, livestock feeders and poultry equipment. With its unparalleled accuracy and control, the astronomical timer offers significant benefits for a variety of different applications.