# File lib/rbot/timer.rb, line 203
  def start
    raise 'already started' if @thread
    @stopping = false
    debug "starting timer #{self}"
    @thread = Thread.new do
      loop do
        tmout = self.run_actions
        break if tmout and tmout < 0
        self.synchronize { @tick.wait(tmout) }
      end
    end
  end