From: fnox@vax5.cit.cornell.edu (Mark L. Margolis)
Newsgroups: rec.audio
Subject: Re: A receiver as a wake-up alarm?  (SUMMARY)
Date: 12 Jan 93 21:43:14 EST
Distribution: world,rec
Organization: Cornell University

In article <1il0viINNoob@news.umbc.edu>,
rouben@math9.math.umbc.edu (Rouben Rostamian) writes: 
> In a recent message to this newgroup I wrote:
> 
>> Is it possible to use a stereo receiver as a wake-up alarm?
>> 
>> I have a Nikko receiver with remote control in my bedroom.  It seems
>> not too far-fetched to imagine a generic, inexpensive bedside alarm
>> clock that will send a signal to the receiver to turn it on at a preset
>> time.  Does such a device exist, or did I just give away an idea that
>> will be the invention of the decade? :-)
> 
> Many people responded -- some via email and some via the net.
> The answers were of two distinct types, perhaps due to some
> vagueness in my original message.
> 
> One group of responses suggested plugging the receiver into an outlet
> equipped with a timer.  Electric timers, generally inexpensive devices
> available at hardware stores, are often used to turn house lights on an
> off at preset intervals.
> 
> Three drawbacks of such timers were also mentioned:
> a) Turning the receiver off at the electrical outlet level
> may cause it to lose its presets.
> b) Some receivers may not turn on just by applying electrical power
> to them.  The on/off button must be pressed to activate the internal
> relays.
> c) These timers are generally not very accurate.  In some mechanical
> models the gradation of their timing dials can be as coarse as 15 minute
> intervals.  Some electronic versions are more accurate, although they cost
> more.
> 
> The other group of responses recommended a universal remote-control
> device called CP8 made by Memorex and sold in the Radio Shack stores.
> It interacts with the receiver via the infrared port like any
> remote-controller, but it also has a built-in clock and programmable
> memory, so that it can send the on (or off) signal at a prescribed
> time.
> 
> I called two local Radio Shack stores.  They used to carry the CP8, 
> but do not carry it anymore.  I found the CP8 in my J&R Music World
> mail-order catalogue, listed for $79.95.  Here is what the catalogue
> says:
> Memorex CP8-Turbo Universal Remote
> o replaces up to 8 A/V remotes
> o LCD display w/real-time clock
> o Stores up to 156 command codes
> 
> One respondent, who recommended the devise, also cautioned that
> changing the wake-up time involves re-programming the unit, so it
> may not be as easy to use as an alarm clock.
> 
> Many thanks to everyone who responded to my message.
> 
> --
> Rouben Rostamian
-- 

DaMark sells a tiny learning remote with a built in on/off timer and sleep
timer for $20. I got one. Doesn't learn tons of commands (17 per device, 5
devices) but it was the cheapest way I could get a sleep timer. Plus, no
wires!

******************************************************
*                                                    *
*   Mark Margolis     FNOX@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU      *
*                     FNOX@CRNLVAX5.BITNET           *
*                                                    *
*   Cornell University - Ithaca, New York 14853      *
*                                                    *
******************************************************
 
Organization: Sophomore, H&SS general, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA