Online alarm clock for 3:48 am
Packing away the camera at 3:48 am gives an inland astrophotography session a definite finish, before tired hands misplace a lens cap or cable in the dark. The alarm marks the moment to stop the final exposure, check the ground around the tripod and have the delicate gear secured by 4:00 am.
A signal tested earlier is easier to trust when the site is kilometres from the nearest town and everything is quiet. Set the alarm, play its sound once at the volume you will use, and confirm that it can be heard from beside the camera rather than only near the screen. The browser page must remain open and the computer or phone awake; otherwise no sound will end the astrophotography session when 3:48 am arrives.
Breaking down a setup in the Australian bush needs enough light for buckles and small fittings without ruining your night vision beforehand. A dim red torch can stay close to the tripod during the final exposure, while a brighter headlamp waits in the vehicle or equipment bag for packing. Position both before shooting, so the alarm does not leave you searching across dark ground for a light.
Common questions
Can I change the alarm sound?
Yes, there's a short list of tones to choose from before you press Start. Pick whichever one you're most likely to actually hear — softer sounds are easier to sleep through than a firm chime or bell.
What happens once the alarm goes off?
It rings through your device's speakers on a loop until you stop it from this page. There's no separate app notification, so make sure your volume is turned up before you rely on it.
Is this alarm accurate across daylight saving time?
It uses your device's local clock, so as long as your computer's time and date settings are correct, it'll adjust automatically when daylight saving time starts or ends.
Can I use this on my phone instead of a laptop?
Yes, it works in a mobile browser the same way, but phones are more likely to lock the screen or sleep, which can stop the alarm from ringing. A laptop or desktop tends to be more reliable for this.
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