Abstract: The present invention is a technique for operator entry of a time program into a programmable device. An operator adjustable input device having associated time indicia is employed to enter a time signal indicative of a time a selected time. A manual control state input device enables selection of one a control state. When the programmable device is in a program mode the selected control state is stored in a program memory at a location corresponding to the selected time. This program memory stores a program of control states for particular times. When in a control mode a clock signal indicative of the current time permits recall of the control state for the current time, thus permitting control in accordance with the recalled control state. In accordance with the preferred embodiment the programmable device is an electronic thermostat.