I'm very glad this is possible. Perhaps the latest commenter is trying to do the same thing seeing this topic was found at the time of the year the issue comes up. I'm actually glad they took the time to try. I never have made a good solution to this.
Hi LouF, Turns out I have 2 of these units. The earlier one I purchased does "remember" the setting, and when the timer turns it on it is in motion, no need to stroll across the lawn to push the red button. I think it actually remembers if after sitting year in the box, but that isn't important (a single push of the red button each year is tolerable). The 2nd one does not "remember" the setting. I have them both open so in a day or two will report on what is actually different. I looked at them at two different times, if I recall correctly the board inside is the same, I will look across the components.
That said, I am interested in your 1uF capacitor solution. I saw your pictures on
www.electro-tech-online.com. But somewhere you said that this is at your father's house, and it takes 2 or 3 times to get it working (I can't find your actual quote.) Can you let me know what you meant. Does it take 2 or 3 start times before is evens out and works pretty consistently? Is there any manual operation outside of the timer that might be required on occasion?
Once I get these two units open side-by-side, I will message back since I have now taken them down. Maybe I will find something else to do, but your solution if robust enough is certainly quick and easy. Thanks.