portable metronome/timer

[Alan Babbitt]

After 25 years as a TV director, I can measure time in my head almost as accurately as a watch, usually within about 1 second per minute, and more accurately if I'm counting.

I used to have a little travel alarm clock, about 3 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 1/2 inch thick, that included a countdown timer and a synthesized voice. You could set the timer in hours, minutes and seconds, and the synth voice would count down "one minute remains", "30 seconds remain", etc., finally counting down from 10 seconds to zero.

Here's one similar to the one I had. Hey, it's 9 bucks. How can you go wrong?

[Andrew O'Neill]

I've been using a very small electronic metronome that clips onto my vest pocket for quite a few years now. I bought it at a music store while I was living in Japan. I use it in my darkroom, too.

[j.e.simmons]

I also use a small, battery operated electronic metronome I bought at the local music store. By setting it at 120bpm it's easy to count half-seconds, too.

[Mark Sawyer]

I would consider a little cassette tape player of someone counting "one potato, two potato, three potato, four potato..." There might be a site where you could down-load it to an I-pod for 99 cents...

[CXC]

Try counting down maybe 5 seconds while looking at your watch, to get the cadence right, keep counting, then look up and do the deed. I bet that would be accurate enough.

[Aaron_5037]

I'm glad I asked here. So many good hints & ideas. Really! Thanks again Matt for the help with the search. Thanks for the potatoes, Mark. Puts a smile on my face. The I-pod's a good idea worth considering. Thanks to all.

[Graeme Hird]

Or you could DIY! Say these words when needed:

"One potato, two potato, three potato, ....."

[jj_4045]

Go to a kitchen supply place & get a small electronic timer. Takes AAA batteries & clips on the belt if you need it. Can beep every second or when the time is up. Small & lightweight & work well.