In looking over the responses, it looks like maybe there was some misunderstanding here. What I want is a pretty much self contained unit that I can plug the 1500w heater into, and turn a knob to say 30 minutes, and 30 minutes later the heater goes off. What I'm looking for is a *countdown* timer like the one you find in the bathroom of a motel that operates an infrared light. I could likely make one of these from the parts at our local h/w store, but that's not my goal. I want it already to go. Go home plug, it into the wall, and plug the heater into countdown timer.
For the record, the local h/w sells countdown timers like those used for the infrared light for 30 minute, 60 minutes, and 12 hour intervals. I could put it into an electrical box along with a socket, and run a cord out to the wall outlet. I have no interest in doing this at the moment. Seems like what I'm asking for should be commonplace, but I guess not. Possibly some safety issue?
Nevertheless, I'll pursue the ssac and tycoelectronics URLs Monday.
Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time) Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet