Method and control system for controlling apparatus

A control system for an apparatus having at least one machine function and a cycle of operation associated therewith, comprising:

• a central control element including means for storing information for controlling said machine function, said information including an instruction repertoire and a plurality of selectable fixed periods for said cycle of operation;
• first means for inputting a selection of one of said plurality of periods to said central control element for causing said control element to activate said machine function for said cycle of operation in response to said one period;
• manually operable switch means for determining a variable period for said cycle of operation independently of said central control element;
• and
• second means for inputting said variable period from said means for determining and into said central control element whereby said apparatus may be activated by said central control element for a cycle of operation in response to either one of said plurality of fixed periods or an independently variable period.