Why Choose the Finder 12.C1.8.230.B000 Bluetooth Astronomical Time Switch?
The Finder 12.C1.8.230.B000 is a compact digital weekly astronomical time switch with Bluetooth connectivity, designed for automatic control of lighting and electrical circuits. Part of the Finder 12 Series, this programmable timer combines astronomical sunrise and sunset calculations, weekly scheduling and smartphone configuration in a space-saving DIN rail module.
Featuring a 110–230 V AC/DC nominal supply, a 10 A normally open output contact and a 17.5 mm housing width, the Finder 12.C1.8.230.B000 is suitable for residential, commercial and industrial electrical installations. Its Bluetooth interface allows programming through the Finder Toolbox application on compatible Android and Apple smartphones, eliminating the need for an integrated programming display.
The timer provides weekly, astronomical, pulse, astronomical pulse and night switch-off functions, together with holiday programming and automatic summer/winter time adjustment. A built-in supercapacitor maintains a one-week power reserve without an internal battery, while an optional Finder Bluetooth GPS antenna enables automatic clock synchronisation.
Key Advantages
- Bluetooth smartphone programming: Configure switching schedules through the Finder Toolbox application.
- Astronomical switching: Automatically calculate sunrise and sunset times according to geographical location.
- Weekly scheduling: Create repeatable switching programmes for different days of the week.
- 10 A normally open output: Control suitable lighting and electrical loads.
- 110–230 V AC/DC supply: Supports a wide range of compatible electrical installations.
- 17.5 mm module width: Occupies only one standard DIN rail module.
- One-week power reserve: Supercapacitor technology maintains clock operation during temporary power interruptions.
- Battery-free design: Eliminates the need to replace an internal backup battery.
- External push-button input: Allows convenient manual switching of the connected output.
- Optional GPS synchronisation: Supports automatic date and time correction using the Finder 012.BG.8.230 antenna.
- Holiday programming: Provides flexible control during periods of absence.
- Four-digit PIN protection: Helps prevent unauthorised changes to programmed settings.
- Automatic daylight-saving adjustment: Supports regional summer/winter time rules.
- DIN rail mounting: Designed for installation on a 35 mm mounting rail.
Key Features
- Finder 12 Series digital time switch.
- Type 12.C1 weekly astronomical timer.
- Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone configuration.
- Finder Toolbox app compatibility with supported Android and Apple devices.
- Single normally open output contact (SPST-NO / 1 Form A).
- 10 A contact rating at 250 V AC.
- 2,500 VA AC1 switching capacity.
- 500 VA AC15 switching capacity at 230 V AC.
- 110–230 V AC/DC nominal supply.
- 50/60 Hz AC supply frequency.
- Weekly time scheduling.
- Astronomical sunrise and sunset switching.
- Night switch-off management.
- Pulse and astronomical pulse functions.
- Holiday programme.
- Automatic summer/winter time adjustment.
- Four-digit PIN programming lock.
- One-week supercapacitor power reserve.
- External push-button control input.
- Optional wireless GPS time synchronisation.
- Protective separation between the supply and output contact circuits.
- 17.5 mm-wide DIN rail housing.
- IP20 protection rating.
Smart Astronomical Scheduling with Bluetooth Programming
The Finder 12.C1.8.230.B000 combines conventional weekly time scheduling with astronomical switching based on sunrise and sunset. Instead of relying on fixed switching times throughout the year, its astronomical function calculates the appropriate switching times using the configured date and geographical location. This makes it particularly suitable for exterior lighting, signage and other applications affected by seasonal daylight changes.
Programming is carried out through the Finder Toolbox smartphone application using Bluetooth communication. The installer can configure weekly programmes, astronomical events, pulse functions and night-time switch-off periods without navigating an integrated device display. This display-free arrangement also contributes to the timer's compact 17.5 mm width.
The timer supports an external wired push-button for manual switching. A brief push-button operation changes the relay output state, with the device returning to its programmed status at the next scheduled switching event. The external push-button function can also be disabled through the application when manual intervention is not required.
A built-in supercapacitor provides approximately one week of power reserve, allowing the timer to maintain its clock during temporary interruptions to the electrical supply. Unlike battery-backed timers, the Finder 12.C1 does not require a replaceable internal battery for this function.
For applications requiring automatic clock correction, the time switch can communicate with the optional Finder 012.BG.8.230 Bluetooth GPS antenna. When the antenna is installed within the specified wireless range, it can synchronise the date and time of compatible Finder 12.C1 timers. The GPS antenna is a separate accessory and is not integrated into the time switch itself.
The timer provides a 10 A normally open relay output rated at 250 V AC. Its 2,500 VA AC1 and 500 VA AC15 ratings allow appropriate load selection, while the manufacturer's separate lighting ratings must be observed for LED, halogen and other lamp technologies. For loads exceeding the timer's switching capacity, a suitably rated contactor may be controlled by the timer output.
Typical Applications
- Automatic outdoor and security lighting control.
- Street lighting and public-area lighting systems.
- Commercial shopfront and illuminated signage control.
- Garden, pathway and landscape lighting.
- Residential exterior lighting automation.
- Building façade and architectural lighting.
- Car park and communal-area lighting.
- Office and commercial building electrical scheduling.
- Weekly control of suitable electrical loads.
- Holiday and seasonal lighting programmes.
- Night-time lighting reduction and switch-off schedules.
- Industrial control panels requiring astronomical timing.
- DIN rail electrical distribution boards.
- Control of external contactors for higher-current loads.