Showing posts with label automatic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label automatic. Show all posts

Monday, December 24, 2012

CSF-3 Cat Super Feeder, Stand, New Bowl and Timer Review

CSF-3 Cat Super Feeder, Stand, New Bowl and Timer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This feeder is worth every penny. I own two evil-genius cats that collaborate with each other to overcome all of the restrictions I attempt to enforce. I purchased an automatic Bistro feeder about a year ago to isolate ourselves from the feeding process; the cats found a way to extract food from it almost immediately. After months of being annoyed at all hours of the night by our cats attacking the Bistro, I opted for a Super Feeder.
The Super Feeder arrived unassembled with easy to follow instructions. The assembly process took about five minutes and familiarized me with all of the high quality components. I also purchased a "hood cover" to prevent my little devils from stealing food from the machine. The Super Feeder is brilliantly simple. It comes with a high quality power timer that cycles the power on and off at user set intervals. A small hidden dial controls the length for which the machine dispenses food. This analog control allows for an infinite level of feeding precision (unlike the Bistro's huge intervals). The Super Feeder also features a jumper that will restrict the machine from feeding more than once in a (approximate) 45 minute period. This prevents the machine from feeding more than once in the event of a power interruption during a feeding cycle.
The Super Feeder was made for nerds like me. I have mine attached to a network power controller next to my server cabinet. I wrote several UNIX shell and expect scripts to control the feeding behavior. The cats are fed at every even hour of the day (12 times a day). This prevents the cats from getting too excited when food is dispensed and prevents overeating and eating too quickly. I also authored a password protected website that allows me to feed the cats from anywhere in the universe with the click of a button, as well as capturing a photographic image of the cats eating so I know that they are safe and that the feeder is working correctly. Every time the cats are fed I receive a page to my telephone showing me the output of the scripts to verify that everything is working correctly.
I've had the feeder for a while now and it has proved to be smarter than my mischievous cats. The machine operates quietly, reliably, and consistently. It has never jammed, failed to feed properly, or under/overfed. Support for this product is also wonderful. When I purchased the additional 1.8 gallon food hopper I received answers to my emails within 10 minutes of sending them after 10pm PST. Do yourself a favor, buy this.

Click Here to see more reviews about: CSF-3 Cat Super Feeder, Stand, New Bowl and Timer

New!This new and even better than ever multi-mount custom Super Feeder® now features a special dishwasher-safe bowl made with a special high-grade kitchenware material known as "AS" by Kibisan® and especially designed to split and spread kibbles for better food access to pets.It also features a new quality Super Feeder® analog timer with red LED light indicator when the timer is on, and very easy to program tiny pins used to trigger the feeder up to 48 times per day. The previous mounting bracket has been replaced with a new more attractive black power coated bracket to attach the feeder to the already proven and compact heavy-duty black ABS base and tower. The Super Feeder® could also be used with a home automation system and/or web based system. It is compact and holds 4 and 3/4 cups of food (slightly over a quart by volume). Its capacity can be increased later with extra stackable 2-cup clear extensions or 1.5 gallon hoppers available from Super-Feed®. If you have a really aggressive "locksmith" cat when it comes to trying to get to the food, an optional chute cover (protective device) is available installed on ASIN B00428TOBC or direct from Super-Feed®. If needed, small 1/4" round kibbles are recommended with the chute cover. You can trigger multiple feeders at a time with one timer! Not only is it extremely dependable, versatile and easy to operate, but it comes with personalized customer support. It only needs minor assembly with a screwdriver. Proudly made in USA, try one, you'll love it as many other pet owners do! Its compact size mounted is 10" x 11" x 15" tall and is normally placed backed up to a wall, cabinet or across a corner wall. Most importantly, compared to others, it could also be mounted to a wall or your very own mount using a piece of lumber instead of supplied short stand for that smart and highly mischievous cat! Do not install this feeder with stand outdoors. The stand set up is for indoor use only.

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Monday, October 1, 2012

Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White Review

Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I had mixed results and can only recommend to proceed with informed caution. There are unique positives to be considered as well.
First, the unit has a 7W minimum load, which is quite low compared to some competing brands that require a 40W minimum load. So if you have compact flourescents, this is one of a few that will work on such a small load. Others don't actualy cut off all the power and rely on the "load" to supply the resistence. My lights flickered even when off with competing brands. A single compact flourescent worked fine on this time with the tiny minimum load. However, I recommend that if you have any problems, throw a 40W incandescent bulb in and see if the problem goes away.
Second, the wires stick out the the right-side, which can be very difficult to work with compared to competing brands that stick out the back. If you have a tight box, planning on placing it on the right-side, or if you have other bulky switches (like other timers or dimmers) to the right of this, you might have signficiant trouble. If you have to force it, that could cause it to malfunction. I really wish the wires came out the back.
Third, Swylite's customer service is oustanding, responsive, and helpful if you have any technical problems. Unfortunately I did have trouble with two units I had purchased. At the first sign of faulty behavior on one of the two units (just a few days after installation) I had contacted Swylite through email. They promptly replied as we exchanged a few emails and quickly offered to sent out a replacement at no cost. Eventually the specific unit quicky deteriorated and significantly misbehaved, but since they did quickly replace that, let's consider that nicely resolved. The replacement unit is functioning perfectly for about two weeks now.
I said I purchased two units. Both failed to operate every now and then (every other week or so) and would start working again if you flipped the timer off and on once. I bet Swylite would replace the other if I asked, but instead bought a competing brand's timer that I am trying out for now.
Final thoughs: So again, the one replaced Swylite timer that I am still using has been functioning great. The company certainly backed it up promptly when I had a problem. My other timer from a competitor is absolutely outstanding, but it uses batteries for backup (provided) and has a 40W minimum load.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White

Saving energy will save you money by installing an LST100 digital in-wall timer switch as a replacement for your standard indoor wall switch. It automatically controls your lights, holiday lights or appliances ON and OFF the same time every day. The LST100 provides one (1) ON/OFF event every 24-hour with a minimum ON/OFF time of 1 minute (16 minutes for Variable Mode) for accurate load control. Just set the timer and go, you will never leave the lights on again. The LST100 can also serve as an anti-theft deterrent by giving a home a lived in look while homeowners are on vacation by turning lights ON and OFF. The timer is designed to provide cost-effective lighting and appliance control anywhere inside or outside the home and installs easily in single or multiple-gang wall boxes. The LST100 has a large, external Manual Override Switch, requires no tools to program or operate, never needs batteries, is easy to install and can be programmed in less than 5 minutes. It also incorporates internal self-protecting surge voltage protection against most power spikes. The LST100 has a built-in 1-60 Minute Count-Down Timer (factory preset @ 10 min.) feature that can keep the light or fan ON while exiting the house or room and automatically turns the light or fan OFF without any user-programming or automatic timer setting interference. The LST100 control loads from 1 - 625 watts and controls most low wattage CFL & LED bulbs effortlessly. Single-pole or 3-Way installation. Rating: 110-125 VAC, 60 Hz, neutral line required. Load: 15 Amp Resistive, 5A Inductive, 625 Watts Incandescent, 1/2 HP motors. Internal Surge Protection: Self-Protecting against 1000 V Transient Voltage Spikes. Storage Temperature: -4°F to +158° (-20°C to +70°C).Operating Temperature: +14°F to +131°F (-10°C to +55°C). 5% - 95% Relative Humidity, Non-Condensing. ETL CUS Listed, Conforms to UL STD 60730-1A & 60730-2-7, Certified to CAN/CSA E60730-1 & E730-2-7. Indoor installation only. MADE IN USA

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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Hummer Atomic Travel Clock Review

Hummer Atomic Travel Clock
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This compact clock worked right out of the box and adjusted to local time. It updates automatically like the advertizement says and keeps perfect time. Finally, I can keep all the clocks at home and office accurate!!

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Rugged, stylish... the Hummer single band Atomic* clock is no ordinary timepiece. Features split second accuracy with automatic updates using radio signals* and displays day, date, month, year, temperature and humidity readings. Also had four time zone settings, Daylight Savings Time and 12/24 display. Easily check the time at night with the blue EL backlight and the folding cover will keep this clock protected wherever you take it. *Works in all provinces except Atlantic Canada.

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Petmate Le Bistro Portion-Control Automatic Pet Feeder Review

Petmate Le Bistro Portion-Control Automatic Pet Feeder
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After looking around for an auto feeder it seemed like they all had some issue, but this had mostly positive reviews so I figured I'd give it a try. I bought two so each of my cats could have one. Unfortunately one of them did not work upon arrival so I sent it back and had a new one sent within a week. A few things to point out based on other reviewers problems.
1. Programming is quite easy if you just follow the instructions, it took me about 2 minutes to have it set up and ready to go.
2. If you attach the container and lid on properly your cat will not be able to get into it.
3. It will only take a day or two for your cat to realize if it sticks its arm up the food chute it can get a piece or two out but it's probably more of a hassle than your cat will want to deal with after a few tries.
4. If you are using normal dry cat food (which is smaller than the 1/2" recommended size on the instructions) the portion control isn't very accurate. I found I had to just set it 1/4 cup smaller than I actually wanted them to have.
Once you figure out a few of the quirks of this product it will work without problems. Both of mine have made my life much easier since the cats know I don't control their food anymore than just sit around until they hear the food being portioned out by the auto feeder.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Petmate Le Bistro Portion-Control Automatic Pet Feeder

The Petmate LeBistro 10-pound programmable feeder faithfully delivers portion-controlled meals to your dog or cat while you are away and relieves you of the daily chore of scooping and measuring. The stylishly-designed unit dispenses portions that you select ranging from 1/4 to 3 cups and dispenses them up to three times per day. It's perfect for pets who need a little weight management.



Easy Programming for Portion Control Programming is as easy as setting the alarm clock using the large LCD screen. Just 3 buttons take you through the process. There’s even a meal counter. The Petmate LeBistro programmable feeder holds 10 pounds of food and accommodates a full range of dry food sizes, shapes, and types. The food hopper is conveniently transparent for monitoring food levels at a glance and has a handy twist-lock lid to keep the food secure.

Removable Bowl Makes Cleaning a Snap The bowl is easily removable for cleaning and is top-shelf dishwasher safe. The Petmate LeBistro 10-pound programmable feeder is very energy efficient, allowing 3 D-cell alkaline batteries (not included) to power the unit for up to six months. A low-battery indicator lets you know when the batteries need to be changed. Assembles easily in minutes with no tools. It measures 16”x10”x19” and includes a one-year limited warranty.




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Friday, April 27, 2012

Emerson CKS3029 - Clock radio Review

Emerson CKS3029 - Clock radio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Living in hurricane territory, I definitely wanted some clocks that would function with or without the help of Florida Light and Power and that I would not have to reset whenever I experience a momentary loss of power. Three Emerson Smartsets made us a very happy household for almost two years now, until this morning. I went over to Brookstone where I know they sell these clocks to complain that my clock did not Spring forward. They handed me a sheet explaining how to manually update my clock (something I will need to do 4 times a year for my clocks purchased pre Marc 2006). Here's how you do it for anyone frustrated as I was:
1. On the second Sunday in March, set your clock to the next lowest number time zone (for example, if you live in the Eastern Time zone, Zone 02, you will change your clock to Zone 01 to move it ahead by one hour)
2. On the first Sunday in April, when the clock will automatically advance itself by one hour for whatever time zone you are in. You will then need to set the clock back to your correct time zone (Zone 02 if you are in the Eastern time Zone)
3. On the last Sunday in October, you would again set your clock to the next lower numbered time zone (Zone 01 if you are in the Eastern time zone). Your clock was not originally set to change times on this date.
4. On the first Sunday in November, the date your clock has been preprogrammed to fall back, you would again set your clock back to your correct time zone (Zone 02 if you are in the Eastern time zone).
Really this is a circumstance beyond Emerson's control, but I am starting to think that what Emerson needs to do is bring this smartset technology to an actual Atomic clock and then the government can change daylight savings time start and end dates as many times as they want, without Emerson consumers ever experiencing any problems. Until then, I hope this has helped someone who like me scoured the Internet for information on how to change the time on these not-so-smartsets after all.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Emerson CKS3029 - Clock radio

Features:Dual-alarm clock with AM/FM radio.SmartSet automatic time setting system.Dual alarms that can be set and used independently.Large, easy-to-read LED clock display.Wide-range 2.5" dynamic speaker.

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Friday, June 17, 2011

La Crosse Technology WT-3161WH Metal Atomic Analog Clock Review

La Crosse Technology WT-3161WH Metal Atomic Analog Clock
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We bought this clock for our exercise room as it is large and can be easily seen without glasses. It is a very attractive clock and perfect for our intended use. That being said, there is one problem that I would like to alert future purchasers to, and that is that when the clock goes into the mode of setting itself the first time, that the minute hand seems to go so fast that it chatters and consequently mars the face of the clock with a black line. We sent our first clock back after this occured and solved any future problems with the new clock by laying the clock face down while it sets itself the first time and again at daylight savings time resets. This allows gravity to prevent the minute hand from scraping on the clock face. The directions don't mention this. This is something that we intend to do every year at daylight savings time changes as the clock can only reset itself (in the fall) by going forward 11 hours. It shouldn't be as much of a problem in the spring as it only has to go forward one hour. We will still take the precaution, however, to prevent the marring of the clock face.

Click Here to see more reviews about: La Crosse Technology WT-3161WH Metal Atomic Analog Clock

This 16" metal atomic analog clock makes an excellent addition to any home or office.It is easy to see, uses one AA battery and keeps the perfect time.It also adjusts automatically for Daylight Saving Time.

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