Assuming you have plugged it in for a few hours to charge the internal battery and there is a display showing then First press the reset button in for a couple of seconds. The display should revert to 00.00.oo and start counting the time then up in seconds on the last two digits. At this point plug the unit back into a socket and make sure the display stays the same. If the display shows all LED characters and time as 88.88.88 then unfortunately the unit is faulty as this was a common problem with this model. If it is OK then it is really quite simple to programme. Hold the left hand button down marked clock and keep it depressed then set day/hours/minute by pressing each one as required while keeping the clock button depressed. When the clock is set you then can put individual programmes in to memoryby pressing the programme button once for programme 1 ON then set days and time. (warning here make sure the day settings are the same when you then programme the OFF) press the programme switch again and programme 1 will still stay up but will now show the OFF symbol. set the day and time for OFF. An additional feature for the day/week settings on the programming allow you to change the days by keep pressing the button and it will give you various combinations but it is important to carry the setting for ON over to the OFF setting. Once you have selected the first programme press the prog button again and programme 2 will come up. Each one can be set individually up to 8 programmes. Press the large button on the right with the hand symbol to change from manual/auto. It has to be on auto to work the timer. There are three other features then. Countdown- Random-summer clock hour shift. These are activated by pressing two of the small buttons simultaneously. The first two for countdown the middle two for random (this overides timer settings and comes on/off randomly, the last two buttons will change to summer time. Depending when you set your clock you may have to eset it by one hour less if you are already in summertime. This feature just saves reprogramming every time we have to change the clocks back and forward. Unfortunately it does not account for the fact the programmed times will probably need changing as sunrise sunset varies. I suppose the only way to get that would be if a light sensor was incorporated but not sure if anyone has manufactured one of these yet. I incorporate mine with an add on sensor. Another problem sometimes though is these don't work with energy lights but at least the timer unit you have does. The countdown feature on the unit is a good feature. Especially for young kids bedroom lights at night if they like them on to go to sleep. Hope this helps you. The one I have is now faulty though with the 88.88.88 display permanent when plugged in so it is about to be binned, but it worked well for a couple of years
Steve Emmott, December 2008
