Astronomical timers are a great way to control your outdoor lights (or anything that operates based on constantly changing daylight) because you can enjoy the "set it and forget it" method. With everyone's busy lifestyle easier is better. Who has time to adjust a manual timer several times a year as the amount of daylight changes throughout the seasons? Photocells are not a reliable option because an obstruction will cause them to fail.
Astronomical timers know the position of the sun based on the time of day in your exact location. These timers get programmed to the geological area that they are being used in by zip code. Once the current date and time is set, the timer knows when dawn and dusk are thanks to advanced technology. Now all you need to do is set the desired on/off times based on dawn dusk, such as 30 minutes before or 45 minutes after, then you are done. You can even program them based on the day of the week with multiple on/off settings.
These timers even have a built in, replaceable back up battery that will hold the settings for 90 days during power failure. They can easily fit into a low voltage transformer box. At Squeals Landscaping Inc. we include them with all Outdoor Low Voltage Lighting Systems. With an astronomical timer you will always come home to an illuminated landscape after dark.
