needheat

I have 3 lcd thermostats (timeguard tpt44) for my heating mats. I haven't got a clue how to work them. I've read the instructions which appear to be double dutch. I even rang the manufacturer's technical department. I got the distinct impression that they also didn't know how to use the devices.

After randomly switching all the buttons and countless resettings, I have managed to get some heat from one of the mats but negligible and it just goes off an on when ever it feels like it. Can anyone tell me how these things works?

If like me, you think they are rubbish, can you recommend a simple and cost effective alternative thermostat which I can program to come on automatically at different times of the day?

Thanks