Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The Honeywell RPLS740B has some key features I was looking for: 1. Compatible with compact fluorescent bulbs (this timer even works with electric motors). 2. Has the option of turning on or off at either a certain time or at dawn or dusk. It keeps track of the time of year so that it knows when dawn and dusk are. 3. Adjusts for daylight saving time automatically (although it may eventually be a few days off if they change the dates for daylight saving time again). 4. Keeps its programming and the correct time and date during power outages. 5. Has no batteries to wear out (more about this below). These features let me set it up once and then leave it alone. Of course, it's easy to override it if needed. Just press the main button to turn the lights on or off. The timer will stay programmed and resume automatic operation when it is time to turn on or off automatically again. Some of the literature on this product says that it has a backup battery to keep the programming set up and the clock running during power outages. At first, I was concerned that the timer might need to be replaced when the backup battery wears out. Even a rechargeable battery only lasts so long. I carefully opened the unit to see if the battery is user-replaceable. I was pleasantly surprised to see that instead of a battery, it has a 0.22-Farad super-capacitor. A super-capacitor substitutes for a battery, but for all practical purposes, doesn't wear out. I wish more electronic devices would use these. As with any product that has a mountain of features, it takes a little time to read the instructions and set up the timer. However, the menu system is pretty logical, and was easy to catch onto once I had programmed a few settings. I don't even need the instructions now. Since the timer has been installed for only a week, I can't really be sure about reliability yet. It appears to be well built, inside and out. So far, it works flawlessly and the time is staying accurate. It is a little expensive, but it's the lowest-priced timer I could find that has the features I want and has good reviews about working reliably. Also, with the super-capacitor instead of a battery, there's no need to worry about battery replacement. The timer came via Amazon Super-saver Shipping, and arrived ahead of schedule in just a few days.