Speech Timing Lights.
Timing lights background
Over 16 years ago I was one of the founding members of a public speaking club in Manchester UK, that became a chartered member of Toastmasters International.
We needed speech timing lights and so I made a set using baton mounted
This worked well BUT there was a constant danger of members tripping over the lead. I was not at all happy having a mains device subject to possible accidents.
So I built a new battery version using three sawn off torches (Aka Flashlights in the US). This was far better and had the added benefit of allowing the timekeeper to take the unit to the front of the meeting to explain
Later as LEDs became stronger and brighter, I produced a version using various available components that
Recently at a Toastmasters
I now have a few different designs using different available components and with different form factors. Each is individually made by my self to a high standard. I do not charge a rate for my time or add on a huge mark-up. If there is ever any surplus after the cost of materials then it will be donated to a Toastmasters club. Delivery is just the cost of materials and postage. (Which is typically around £5).
The Vertical Type
The original vertical design
This is a well proven ‘Vertical style‘ design and is used by several clubs without any issues. It is bright and clear enough to be seen from a distance across a well lit room. To make battery change simple it uses an easily opened compartment to hold a standard PP3 battery. The battery will last at least one club year as long as it is not left switched on between meetings.
The light status is repeated on the rear so that the time keeper can easily confirm which light is showing. A single multi position knob switches between off/green/amber and red. The vertical arrangement also works for those that are colour blind.
I have now added a simple buzzer to this style. The buzzer can be used as an extra alert when speakers exceed their time or it meets the requirements of speakers that are sight impaired.
The cost of the vertical style is £28 + shipping.
The Horizontal Type
I came across a strobe device that I could ‘modify’ to be a timer light. This provides a contained unit with battery compartment and a smaller form factor. I call this the ‘Horizontal Style‘.
As may be seen in the picture, the lights illuminate horizontally from right to left. This also uses the easy to use single knob at the rear switching between off/green/amber/ and red. There is also a button to sound the ‘gentle’ beeper.
As with the other designs the beeper may be used to draw attention to going over time or for the sight impaired.
The cost of the horizontal style is £25 + shipping.
The Traffic Light type
I purchased a child’s toy traffic light from China to experiment with. The unit is a good size and has large bezels but requires a lot of modification including weighting the base to make it stable.
I have decided to also offer this version even though it needs to be at a higher price.
The same control method and repeater lights are still used in this design. The buzzer is also included.
The battery compartment needs to be unscrewed and is modified to use a PP3 battery.
This is the ‘Traffic Lights style‘.
The cost of the traffic light style is £35 + shipping