I've located an inexpensive Intermatic 88watt 12v transformer (ML88-T) for $22 each online. It has good reviews on Amazon and I'm thinking I'd use one or possible two Aethers on each of these. This seems like it would save me a bundle on wiring and almost make the Aethers standalone.
Is 88watt too small to run two Aethers?
They do have the 120watt version (ML121RT) for $32 ($9 more).
I have 8 total Aethers, but because they are all over the place, so I'm leaning toward having more of these smaller transformers to keep my 12v wiring real simple (less wire=cheaper) and more localized. I'll already have power in all of these locations, so hooking up a local transformer in all these locations is not an issue.
Aether#1,#2 - location A - 88 or 120 watt ?
Aether#3 - location B - 88 watt
Aether#4 - location C - 88 watt
Aether#5,6 - location D - 88 or 120 watt ?
Aether#7,8 - location E - 88 or 120 watt?
For $150 shipped I can basically get 6 of the 88 watt transformers (giving me a spare).
If you think I'm pushing it with 88 watts for two, then I could upgrade locations A,D,E for +$27 more.
I think I may have answered my question, as $27 seems rather little for the upgrade in 3 locations.
I'm also thinking I'd prefer these mechanical timers to the digital or photo eye ones because I sometimes run the show at borderline times, like early dusk. I also like mechanical simplicity.
I was thinking of a bigger 600watt unit for 4 of them, but then the cost of a couple others still was getting rather pricy, then all the wiring needed. This setup seems cheaper because I will need very little wire being co-located ... would SPT2 for attaching 1-2 aethers?