Blackt Electrotech (BT41PM) : 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer Switch

Manual and so it works well...if there is powercut also the product will do its job.

So far the product has worked as per expectations. But being a new bee, i didn't know how to use this automatic switch. The documentation was not there to tell me how to use it and how to program this timer.So for anyone who wants to use this switch, the timer dial rotates, and the arrow should be used to set it to current time. The black outer circle, is not a show piece thing those are really small switches, an indigenous work, however, hard to operate so you cant really press one single switch by your hand. 1 switch is approx 15 minutes. the dial keeps rotating with time and you the next time that dial arrow matches the switch that is pressed, current will pass to your system.There is a red huge switch which allows you to change between timer mode and non timer mode.Pros: Works fine as per requirementCons: Documentation lacks, so someone needs to figure out themselves how to use it. And those switches are too small, so have to use a small key or something to press it. Otherwise good mechanical device.There are videos available on youtube for some similar products, which could be helpful to figure out how to use this switch.

In the first place I could not under stand the instructions and the atrocious English these are given in, eg. 'Ensure that Timer was disconnected with power', 'Push one pin change to downward and in line with each time of day you want to stay on the change to down side of the dial', 'If with any trouble should ask factory'. I am unable to understand such crudely provided instructions and hence unable to start the unit. I have wasted a lot of time attempting to understand how to use the product. Complete waste of time and money.

I've bought and used this product years ago in the US and it seems the pricing is the same buying it now in India. I love this simple and smartly designed timer that I use on the wifi router to get a good night sleep.

Pros:1. Does it's job well.2. Since it's analog, it's easy to operate.3. Since it's analog, has longer life & will not (hopefully) breakdown as easily as digital ones.Cons:1. Too expensive. Shouldn't cost more than Rs.250/- for what it does & build etc. I got it for Rs.500 which is too expensive for a simple socket with timer.2. The timing "nubs" or "pins" are too thin & all in the same color (black) making it difficult to see & push. They could have used alternating color on every next pin to make identifying easier.3. Earthing pin is missing. Due to this - (a) safety is missing (b) the unit slides out from the socket slightly due to it's size & shape. Had there been the Earth pin, it would provide additional support on socket, apart from safety.Overall, it does it's basic job well. Hence I decided to keep it. But there is ample scope for improvement for what it costs.

Pins are absoletly useless even with adaptors.in India.Too cumbersome for daily use.Concept is good !Daily use with same routine like gardening may work but who has 24 hours uninterrupted power supply in India.A reasonable product but not for India.

Very useful & best product

Difference between digital and manual:I had Blackt digital timer earlier.Pros: it can be timed to minimum each minute difference. 24 slots on and off. Its internal timer keeps the clock go on. i.e. when there is a power cut it has got no problem and it continues till the OFF time that was set.Cons: It has numerous components inside. Circuit board, relay, switches. i.e. cannot be repaired in general. Once gone its gone.This manual timer:Cons: It has got push down numerous switches (can be seen in images) which has minimum time of 15 minutes. i.e. if say in your aquarium, you want your mist maker to be on for 5 mins every 1 hour, it cannot be set that way, you need to set it for minimum 15 minutes.Moreover, it has no internal clock.Eg. Suppose you set it from 2pm to 10pm. In between if there is a power cut for 1 hour. Its dial would resume rotating after power resumes. Now it would be off at 11pm. So this makes a difference in a week if power cut is frequent in your area.Pros: since its working is simple, no much internal components. If not damaged grid units, it is repairable in an usual manner.