Ovation Alpha - Frequently Asked Questions
About the Ovation Speech Timer:
- How big is the Ovation Alpha?
- How bright are the Green, Yellow and Red lights?
- Are the lights visible to the operator of the timer?
- What are the common uses of the Ovation Alpha?
- How is the Ovation speech timer powered?
- Why doesn’t the Ovation Alpha use batteries?
Operation of the Ovation Speech Timer:
- What are the default preset settings?
- Can I customize the preset illumination times?
- What happens if I start the timer before selecting the proper preset for the speech?
- What is the maximum speech length that the Ovation Alpha can time?
- Is there an alarm on the timer?
- Can I control the lights manually?
General Questions:
- What if I lose my power adapter?
- What is your privacy policy?
- Who is the figure on your website header?
How big is the Ovation Alpha?
The dimensions for the Ovation Alpha speech timer are: 4 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches (102 x 142 x 35 millimeters).
How bright are the Green, Yellow and Red lights?
The LEDs used in the Ovation Alpha are of an enhanced high-intensity type. They are easily visible from more than 50 feet in front of the unit.
Are the lights visible to the operator of the timer?
The Green, Yellow, and Red lights illuminate the transparent edge of the enclosure to allow the operator to see them. You can see this if you play the video on the "How It Works" page.
What are the common uses of the Ovation Alpha?
The Ovation Alpha speech timer can be used for a variety of purposes! Some of the most common applications are listed below. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list! See the "Who It's For" page for more information.
- Business Meetings
- Conferences
- School / Classroom Uses
- Public Speaking Club (Toastmasters, etc.) Meetings
- Debate Teams
- Professional Speakers
- Speech Rehearsal
- Political Meetings
- Public Hearings
- Panel Discussions
- Preparation for Trials & Depositions
- Courtroom Testimonials
- Stockholder Meetings
- Homeowners Associations
- Media Training
- Radio or Television Broadcasting
- Webinars
- Stage Performances
- Game Clubs (Chess, Scrabble, etc.)
How is the Ovation Speech timer powered?
The Ovation Alpha is powered by means of a standard USB power adapter (included) that plugs into a wall outlet. This power adapter is similar to the type used as a charger for many cellular phones. The cord on the power adapter is 6 feet in length.
Why doesn’t the Ovation Alpha use batteries?
The main reason is that batteries tend to go dead at the most inopportune times and could ruin someone’s speech. If we require that the timer is plugged in, this will never be a problem.
Having said this, if you’re stuck and you really need a battery-powered unit, you can buy an external battery-powered USB power supply for the Ovation Alpha HERE. It uses four AA batteries. We’ve tried it, and it works great!
What are the default preset settings?
The standard presets for the Ovation Alpha speech timer are as follows but may be easily modified to suit your organization's needs (see the next question for more information):
| Standard Presets | Green Light | Yellow Light | Red Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Minutes | 1:00 | 1:30 | 2:00 |
| 2-3 Minutes | 2:00 | 2:30 | 3:00 |
| 4-6 Minutes | 4:00 | 5:00 | 6:00 |
| 5-7 Minutes | 5:00 | 6:00 | 7:00 |
| 8-10 Minutes | 8:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 |
Can I customize the preset illumination times?
Yes. Please see the Ovation Alpha Speech Timer Set-up and User Guide for detailed instructions on how to customize the presets.
What happens if I start the timer before selecting the proper preset for the speech?
No problem. You may seamlessly select another preset or make illumination time adjustments even while the stopwatch is running.
What is the maximum speech length that the Ovation Alpha can time?
The Ovation Alpha speech timer can count up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds.
Is there an alarm on the timer?
Yes, this feature was added in June 2011 as a result of multiple requests. To activate the optional alarm feature, press and hold Reset while simultaneously pressing the Red button to view the alarm time. For more information on this feature, see the Ovation Alpha Speech Timer User Guide.
Can I control the lights manually?
Yes, this feature was added in June 2011 as a result of multiple requests. If you set the Red illumination time to zero (0:00), the Green, Yellow, and Red lights will illuminate only when their corresponding buttons are pressed. For more information on this feature, see the Ovation Alpha Speech Timer User Guide.
What if I lose my power adapter?
Replacement power adapters may be purchased at Radio Shack or similar electronics stores.
What is your privacy policy?
We do not sell or release your information to others. We always maintain the privacy of your information.
Who is the figure on your website header?
The figure is that of Chronos, the ancient Greek god of time. Chronos is usually portrayed as an old, wise man with a long, gray beard, such as "Father Time." His name actually means "time," and is alternatively spelled Khronos (transliteration of the Greek) or Chronus (Latin version). For more information about Chronos, see Wikipedia.