Off topic - need a 12vdc dusk/dawn timer

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rickryan.com

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Dec 9, 2009
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A lot of you guys are more techy than me. Hoping for some assistance. I need a photo-switch that will turn on at dusk, then switch off after X hours. So far, everything I've found needs 120vac input. I need a switch that runs off DC power and will do a DC pass-through. Any suggestions appreciated.
 
I'm only aware of 120v versions .. like those in spotlights or in landscape lighting transformers.
 
A lot of you guys are more techy than me. Hoping for some assistance. I need a photo-switch that will turn on at dusk, then switch off after X hours. So far, everything I've found needs 120vac input. I need a switch that runs off DC power and will do a DC pass-through. Any suggestions appreciated.
Can you please explain the need for a DC power source? Are you planning to plug this switch into your car?
 
Can you please explain the need for a DC power source? Are you planning to plug this switch into your car?

It's for my venue sign. I don't want to run AC (digging a trench thru the parking lot) so was wanting to user a marine battery with solar panel to keep it charged. An DC>AC inverter draws power continuously but it looks like that's my only option. I'm planning to use tape lights on the sign, just like I did on the sign on the side of the building.
 
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There are plenty of 12v timers .. it's the photocell integration I couldn't find.
 
If you run a 12V landscape line you won't need to trench that deep, and you can put an AC timer on the 12V power supply back at the building itself. This means your sign will light up even during a week of cloudy weather.

Another option is just to use all-in-one solar landscape fixtures that can be adapted for signage. No battery, charger, inverter, or timer required.

Personally, I'd prefer a AC GFI because a convenience outlet near the entrance might be useful for certain kinds of events. If there's a utility pole nearby you might be able to get a separate meter drop to your sign. You'll need to do your own conduit work back to the pole, but the utility treats it as a second account to the same property - not much different than a duplex or attached condos.

Of course, lighting up your sign usually has to also have code approval. Being approved for a sign versus a lighted sign are two different cases.
 
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It's for my venue sign. I don't want to run AC (digging a trench thru the parking lot) so was wanting to user a marine battery with solar panel to keep it charged. An DC>AC inverter draws power continuously but it looks like that's my only option. I'm planning to use tape lights on the sign, just like I did on the sign on the side of the building.

Don't know if this helps



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