This custom DC-40T-UP-BCD-NEMA Fire Station Turnout Count Up Timer order is heading out to Nielson Communications Inc., designed specifically to work alongside their existing alarm system to help regulate firefighter turnout times. When a fire call goes out, every second matters. This unit acts as a visual performance timer, counting upward from zero to a preset time, helping crews monitor how long it takes to suit up, put on boots, secure fire coats, and fully prepare for response.

Built for reliability and simplicity, this model operates through a momentary push button contact switch. Once pressed, the timer begins counting up from zero and continues uninterrupted until it reaches the preset time. There is no pause function—this is intentional. The timer is engineered to provide a continuous, disciplined measurement of turnout time without interruption. When the preset time is reached, the unit automatically resets back to zero, ready for the next activation. Fire crews can then press the button again to begin a new cycle.

The preset time is determined internally using BCD rotary switches located inside the NEMA enclosure. These switches allow the customer to define exactly how long the timer should count upward—whether that’s 1 minute, 1 minute and 25 seconds, or any time up to the unit’s maximum range.

Here’s how it works in action:

• The user presses the external momentary push button when a call is dispatched.
• The timer immediately begins counting upward from 00:00.
• It continues counting without interruption until it reaches the preset time.
• Upon reaching that time, the display automatically resets back to 00:00.
• The process can then be restarted with another button press.

To adjust the preset time, access is gained through the sealed NEMA enclosure:

• The enclosure is opened by releasing the side hatches and removing the LED display cover.
• Inside, the momentary push button is wired to a terminal block and opto base board.
• The BCD rotary switches are located on the left side of the interior.
• Using a flathead screwdriver, the digits can be adjusted individually to set the desired minute and second value.
• Once set, the enclosure is reassembled and sealed, maintaining environmental protection.

For example, if the timer is initially set to 1 minute and you want to change it to 1 minute and 25 seconds, simply rotate the last two BCD dials to 2 and 5. After reassembly, pressing the push button will cause the timer to count upward to 1:25 before automatically resetting.

From a hardware standpoint, this model is engineered for demanding environments such as fire stations:

• NEMA, IP-66 rated polycarbonate enclosure
• UL flammability rated housing
• Fully waterproof and protected against water jets
• 4-inch red LED digits visible up to 200 feet
• Four-digit display
• Counts up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds (minutes and seconds only)
• 120–240 VAC powered with 9 ft SJE0W grounded cord
• Rear mounting through-holes for secure wall installation
• Internal BCD rotary switches for precise preset configuration

The 4-inch high-intensity red LED display ensures visibility across apparatus bays, allowing crews and command staff to clearly monitor turnout performance in real time. With its rugged enclosure and sealed design, this timer is built to withstand the operational environment of a working fire station.

For Nielson Communications Inc., this custom DC-40T-UP-BCD-NEMA unit provides a dependable visual timing solution that reinforces accountability, improves response efficiency, and supports faster, more consistent turnout performance when alarms are activated.

See Product: DC-40T-UP-TERM-NEMA

See tutorial video on YouTube

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