| 摘要 |
An electronic time switch for switching a power source to a load, such as a lighting circuit, is disclosed, as well as a method for its use. An electric switch has an on and an off position for either connecting or disconnecting the power source to the load. A switch actuating means controlled by a microcontroller is connected to the electric switch and is adapted for actuating the switch into either its on or off positions according to a schedule. The microcontroller includes a clock means, a time update means, and a memory means for storing the schedule. The time update means includes a receiver for receiving a time signal from a time signal source, such as a WWVB radio broadcast, or from an earth orbiting satellite, such as a GPS satellite or the like. Preferably the clock means further tracks the date, the memory means further includes a location designator, and the microcontroller includes an event time calculator for determining the sunset time and the sunrise time for the date at the location specified by the location designator. The sunrise and sunset times, offset by an offset time, may signify when the microcontroller causes the switch to disconnect or connect the power source to the load. |
