Count-Up/Down Timer

This is the best timer I've seen yet, but it has flaws.Simple functions. If you clear it with the clear button and type in a time and press start, it counts down. If you clear it with the clear button and press start, it starts counting up. (My previous timer required me to select up or down mode, so the simple function of this one is appreciated.) It does not have a clock mode (I don't want one), so I don't have to figure out how to get it from clock mode to timer mode.Each button press causes it to beep, giving a nice feedback.It beeps loudly for 60 seconds when the time is elapsed with no reminders after that, though it does start counting up after it gets to zero, so if you don't hear the alarm during those 60 seconds, you do get to find out how much you missed it by. A piece of tape could easily cover the hole over the beeper on the back and reduce the volume. If this timer is in the same room as you, you will hear it.But the case is iffy. The vertical clip on the back is very narrow, so it easily wobbles if you press a button on the left or right side, often dislodging the magnet's grip on the fridge. This, I can fix. I could put spacers on both sides of the clip to stop the rocking, or I could remove the clip and put a magnet across the back. I'll figure that out later. Sadly, an alarm that needs some mechanical reconstruction and doesn't remind you after 60 seconds of alarm is the best there is.

I've lost track of how many timers I went through before I found this one. It's the first one that hasn't broken after a couple of months of use. I've been using it for three years and it still works great.One thing I absolutely need in a timer is a keypad that lets me enter exactly the time I want. Those timers that require you to push a button multiple times to step-enter the time you want are a nuisance. The keypad on this timer works great.The clip on the back has a latch that locks it in place so the timer stands up at an angle on the desktop or countertop. The latch folds up if you want to clip the timer onto a pocket or belt. The clip also has a magnet that holds the timer on a magnetic surface. Finally, the top of the clip contains a hinged gizmo that swings up for hanging the timer on a hook or nail, and folds down into the clip when not in use.Unlike other timers I've owned, this one is sturdy enough to survive a fall from my desktop. I dropped the timer once, and ever since then the lid covering the compartment for the AAA cell tends to fall off, but that was easy to fix with a piece of Scotch tape.I have no trouble hearing the alarm if I'm in the same room, but it's difficult for me to hear when I'm in another room. However, that's due to my loss of high frequency sensitivity with age. My kids can hear it just fine from several rooms away. In any case, it's not a problem for me, because I usually have it right in front of me when I'm using it.All in all, the Ultrak has proven to be the most durable and useful timer I've found, and it has all the features I want. I've bought some timers that cost less, and some that cost more, but for my money, this is the best one I've ever owned.

I've been using this exact timer, I think under another manufacturer's name and white in color, since the late 1980's. I was totally bummed when it seemed to disappear from the marketplace a few years ago; I couldn't find it anywhere on the Internet. So I was thrilled beyond words to see this exact timer appear again on Amazon.I know it's expensive at 20 bucks, but it leaves everything else in the dust, and I love the new black color. It's so user-friendly that nothing else touches it. Its count-up and count-down feature is unmatchable. If you want it to go off in eight hours, 14 minutes and 52 seconds... in just five clicks, you're there. Bam.And this model has proven to be very durable over the years. And NO, btw, I don't work for the dealer, the manufacturer or anyone else. I've been an Amazon regular for a couple of years now, and this is the first review I've ever written... I feel that strongly about this timer!I'm a single Dad with three teenagers and I just ordered four more for around the house. Because I use this thing for everything... including as a pinpoint-able alarm clock. It's definitely loud enough to wake you up. But also as a laundry timer, a general reminder timer, etc. So I wanted my kids to each have one. Help them be on time, or homework reminders, etc. It will actually improve the quality of your life around the house! At least, it does mine.

This is a comparison review: the Component Design CDN TM30 Direct Entry 2-Alarm Timer and the Ultrak Count-Up/Down Timer appear to be the same electronic "guts" in different cases and packaging. The displays, buttons, audible alarm sounds, and functionality are identical; the cases, packaging, and instruction sheets are different. The CDN audible alarm seems slightly louder, probably due to muffling by the cases, and only the CDN has a beep/vibrate switch. The CDN is slightly easier to read in dim light, probably due to different transparent plastic in the case windows. The CDN has a metallic front plate and plastic case back; the Ultrak case is all plastic. The pop-up "magnetic back clip and easel stand" appears identical. The CDN instruction sheet is larger and easier to read but the Ultrak sheet has a more useful illustration.Minus one star for the start and stop functions being on a common button, and for not retaining the timer overrun when stopped - the overrun must be noted before stopping. I prefer a design with start and stop/clear buttons.Overall I have a mild preference for the CDN unit, but the Ultrak is equally useful.