Online alarm clock for 5:20 pm
Before handing the solar check to someone else, you can set a 5:20 pm alarm so the changeover includes taking the home solar export meter reading. That leaves a clear record of who handled it, rather than both people assuming the other person did. If the reading is normally logged alongside an evening figure, 6:00 pm provides a natural reference point for comparing what the system exported during the final part of the afternoon.
During the handover, confirm where the alarm sound will play before you step away. A phone or laptop may quietly keep headphones selected even after they have been put down, leaving the person near the meter unable to hear the alert. Play a brief test sound, disconnect unused headphones, and choose a volume that can be heard from the switchboard. Because a browser alarm will not sound once its page is closed or the device sleeps, the meter reading could be missed unless the page remains open and the device awake.
For an outdoor meter box, fading afternoon light can make the display, unit labels, or export indicator harder to distinguish. At 5:20 pm, daylight varies considerably across New Zealand by season and region, so place a torch near the meter beforehand rather than relying on the remaining light. Angle it across the display to reduce glare, and make sure the person taking over knows which figure to record before heading outside.
Common questions
Why might I not hear the alarm?
The tab may have been closed, the device may have slept or lost power, or audio may be muted, blocked, or routed to another speaker. Keep the page open, test browser permissions and volume, and use a separate dependable alarm if waking or meeting the time is critical.
Can I use the alarm as my signal to leave for a ferry or flight?
Yes, as a personal reminder, but it cannot see check-in requirements, queues, cancellations, Cook Strait wind, road closures, or delays on the way to the terminal. Confirm the operator's current advice and set the time with enough margin for the entire journey.
Is this alarm suitable for medicine, cooking, or safety checks?
It may be one reminder, but it cannot verify a dose, inspect food, or monitor a hazard. Follow the relevant instructions and supervise risks directly. Keep a reliable backup whenever a missed alert could affect health or safety, and check the device remains powered and audible.
Will the alarm sound if I switch to another tab?
It can, as long as the alarm page stays open and the browser continues running. Device sleep, a flat battery, silent mode, blocked browser audio, or Bluetooth connected elsewhere may prevent you hearing it. Test the tone first and use a second alarm for anything consequential.