Stopwatch suggestions

I've gotten to the point where I need to pick one of these up for shopping accuracy - any suggestions on which one works best for multiple timing on a job?

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I find that my $10 digital from Walmart with a stopwatch function is really all I need. A number of my shops want the greet time and then how long until I am finally assisted. I start the stopwatch when I arrive at the given point, glance at it when I am greeted and turn it off when I finally get assistance. I am remembering only the reading when greeted. In a situation where I can reasonably have a paper and pencil out, I will write them down. If I can't have paper and pencil I usually talk to my DVR or make some distinguishable noise so I can check the time elapsed later on the recording.

You have better memory function for timing that I do! I've got an excellent timer on my iPhone with split timing functions, but don't want to be too obvious with the phone.

The DVR - which do you use? As you can see today is my research MS day. I've decided to forward with it as I really like what I've already done but I know I have tons yet to learn.

I have an old Sony ICD-MX20 with an external microphone. There are newer, better ones out there, but if you are seriously going to do shops I would strongly recommend one that can upload your sound files to your computer and has the capability of accepting an external microphone. I recently picked up a Sony ICD-PX720 off the clearance counter at Office Max for $27. I haven't taken it out of the packaging so don't know how well it will work, but it does have the correct capabilities and the buttons are different enough in size and location they should be easy to find with the recorder in my pocket without looking.

I find my watch with a stopwatch function works good. It just looks like I am checking the time when I start and stop it.

Yes, my cheapie Walmart works well also. I don't even need to look at it, I can hear the faint 'beep' that says it started or stopped and I can read it later. If I have an intermediate time, I can glance at it then.

Well then, I'm off to Walmart!

I really appreciate all your input, I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go along and it's always nice to know you veterans are there with the answers for us newbies!

The best I have found is a digital voice recorder in my shirt pocket or notebook pocket. They record everything and place a digital time stamp on it. You never get caught looking at your watch. I have a series of words I use to indicate timing marks. I was doing a 150 item Grocery comparison shop without writing any prices, brands or sizes on paper. I would wear a cell phone hands free in my ear while pretending to be a robot shopper. "Telling" my wife about the products on her list. I would get store clerks to help me find the items and they never had a clue I was a shopper and recording the information they told me.

AS to brand of Digital voice recorders I recomend the Olympus model sold at Costco. It has a USB Port to tranfer the files to your computer if want to save them long term. It has multiple file folders to organize multiple jobs. The buttons are harder to accidently push while recording.

I have had the basic Sony, but if you accidently hit the stop button while recording, it starts playing the current file. This is a big problem if you are standing next to a store employee when the stop button gets activated.

Both of these models are under $40.00 and well worth it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/16/2010 07:27AM by vanster2000.

Vanster....that is very impressive. Thx for the info on the voice recorders.

You can pick up digital stopwatches for next to nothing on ebay. Mine does the trick for the purposes. I'm not sure you need anything too sophisticated.

FYI Sports Authority also carries as good selection as well as many office supply stores.

I use my cell phone. It has multiple timing. the only drawback is that I Have to subtract the times when I sit down. But no one ever seems to notice. so many people are busy texting that no one pays any attention anymore.

The one I use is the "Flash's Walmart $10.00." Works great. What I am looking for is a good, reasonable priced compass, as I am finding that I am doing more and more TS Scope E's. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

I suspect Walmart has them in automotive to mount on your dashboard or in their camping supplies. I must not have seen the Scope E I think. I have just used Google Maps to get my reasonably accurate alignment of streets in the neighborhood so have not worried as the N on my sketch has to do more with what Google Maps showed me. And I don't know how it is in other areas of the country, but my Tax Assessor's office includes a sketch of all properties in the county. I use that as my starting point because it lets me know what structures to expect on the site and at least approximate dimensions.

OK, I'll bite - What's a TS Scope E??

It is a particular shop that Trendsource runs that is a site visit with measurements and photos.

I'm using my Ipod which has a great stopwatch. Everyone else is looking at or speaking into cell phones so I think they assume the same about me. Before that, I was using a Casio watch with a stopwatch function but I found it more complicated.

My iPhone has a great stopwatch but I'm afraid the large display might give me away! I have gotten a DVR and am loving it - might have to change my handle to SecretAgentGal - I feel so covert whenever I use it!

I picked up a stopwatch that goes on my keychain (Wal-mart), have my cell phone and a watch...just in case.

Live consciously....

DVR is definately the way to go. I used to use my cell phone, but the new pocket device I have is easier and less obvious. I still use the phone with ear piece to record long audits and my handy stop watch in the pocket for accuracy during wait time measures in grocery shops. Got my watch at Target for $15.

Damselfly Wrote:
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> I've gotten to the point where I need to pick one
> of these up for shopping accuracy - any
> suggestions on which one works best for multiple
> timing on a job?

I use an Olympic Digital Recorder (Sold at Radio Shack) They will set you up with the right accessories like a remote mike if you prefer. Women need these to clip on undergarments. Guys just carry the recorder in their shirt pocket.

Turn it on. If you are doing multiple shops tell the recorder the time and date and venue you are going to. If it is NOT a multiple shop, it is still wise to record the time and date for your report, Record the milage if you take a car. Info for income tax time.
A recorder goes beyond just gathering timing data.

You can use voice ques. You can use sounds IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HOME or MILES AWAY FROM THE VENUE BETWEEN SHOPS you can listen and time and "remember" facts clearly. No one sees you pressing buttons or taking notes. I have never been caught, and my timings are split second accurate. When it comes down to disputes, who said what in what attitude, the recorder saves the day many times.

I agree with the folks who use their DVR and their phones -- Most newer phones have them near the alarm function. Even non Iphone, phones have stopwatches, timers, and world clocks ( really helpful for international phone calls).
DVRs are awesome for that too, but I find the phone easier; just me.

As far as being spotted....I learned a long time ago to hide in plain sight. If you do your thing without feeling conspicuous, no one will notice.

RE: Compass
[www.a1components.com]
Free shipping over $100 !!!

But seriously, I bought my son's compass at REI or Eastern Sports ( Don't remember which one) I agree that Walmart has it, saw it in the sports department near the handheld/personal GPS. Also Sports Authority,Target,and Sears should have them. Most hikers have at least a compass with them, so it's not a hard thing to find.
Damselfly,
Let me know how you like the TS shop -- I need to branch out and do some different shops. I feel like I'm in a retail rut.

Hi from England, thank you so much for these postings as I was in despair today as I did my first dummy run and could not fathem how to do the timings. Comeon DVR's. Oh and happy new year to all across the pond.

I did what Flash suggested when doing a Scope E. I google it and can tell which direction it is facing. I also run the tax records which gives me all kinds of important information. Thanks Flash!!

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