A Flexible and Inexpensive AC Appliance Timer

As a workaround to persistent problems with our ancient X10 wireless remote system (which we've used for 26 years to control lights in our home, especially those with ridiculous original switch locations), I went searching for something like a "repeating appliance timer." 

Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional Infinite Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Timer Switch with 3-Prong Outlet for Appliances, Energy-Saving Timer, 15A/1800W NEARPOW $13.99

This timer can control a 15 amp load, and cycle AC current with the following strategies:

1. Daily Timing - up to 3 periods, defined by OFF and ON times of day (like a typical "appliance timer)
2. Countdown and Turn Off - the timer will turn the AC outlet OFF after up after a delay from 1 minute to (I think) 23 hours, and 59 minutes; It can optionally sound a built-in audible alarm when the countdown reaches zero
3. Countdown and Turn On - as above, but turning a device ON (with optional alarm)
4. Continuous Intervals - the timer will continue to cycle between an ON duration and an OFF duration; the intervals can vary between 1 second and 59:59 minutes, or 1 minute and (I think) 23:59 hours. (This is what I'm using for my X10 workaround, resetting the X10 RF/AC interface every 30 minutes for one second.)
5. Set Interval Periods (Daily) - this restricts the behavior of #4 above between defined Start and Stop times.

(There's a good chance that by the time you read this - originally posted May 2019 - this particular model won't be available, but I suspect you'll be able to find something similar. I just wanted to share that this kind of solution exists at all.)

I'm excited that these exist, and I suspect that I'll be acquiring a few more.