Replacing a 10 yr old HW/CH 'peg' control with a modern one?

[miljee]

We have a timer/control box (sorry, not at all technical!) in the utility where we set the on/off for the above. It's one of those peg driven ones where you move coloured pegs around the dial.

How difficult and expensive (and POSSIBLE!) is it to get a new digital one installed? One where I can preset the on/off times on a daily basis rather than weekly.

Thanks

 

[londonboy]

Tell us make and model of the timer. Is it a 'Randall 102'?

 

[Nige F]

Possible to fit - by an electrician who gives you a certificate . Probably not possible to get a simple one WHY replace something that is so simple with a complex thing that needs a backup battery - and is made in China . allegedly Is the original one broken

 

[londonboy]

No certificate required for replacement

 

[miljee]

Why? Hopefully to save money and/or the planet !

What I mean is I work part time thus am out of the house from 8.30 to 6pm 2 days a week, 8.30 to 1pm one day a week and here sitting doing work on the computer the other days, thus I have different heating needs from one day to the next. I can do this with a digital timer but not with a peg one unless I'm committed enough to change it every day!

 

[miljee]

It is a Potterton Mini-Minder E

 

[londonboy]

I cant find any details of that model.
Does it have two small screws underneath, one on the left and one in the middle?

 

[miljee]

No, grey box, 5 to 6" across, peg dial to left (with digital clock in centre giving the time now), right hand side has the 2 sliders, one for HW, one for CH: you know, On/On Once/On Twice/Off, plus two Adv(ance) buttons. Each slider has a red light next to it indicating when it's in 'on' mode.

 

[miljee]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4645

suggests I can just buy a new electronic one and plug it in!

CAN it be this simple? They're £35 on ebay.

 

[londonboy]

Just had a click about and yes it seems yours has the standard backplate.
So any digital one with the 'industry standard backplate' will fit on there with no wiring.

I recommend honeywell st9400c

 

[tamz]

Nearly any modern programmer will be a direct replacement for a miniminder. You won't even have to change the backplate. Something like ACL Drayton LP722, Danfoss FP715
or Honeywell ST9400C.

Switch off power to heating system at spur or turn off at fuse box.
Slacken (don't remove) the 2 screws on bottom of miniminder.
Unhinge from bottom.
Replace with new programmer on to old backplate.
Tighten screws.
Turn power back on.

Job done