Bernman Posted March 12, 2014 Posted March 12, 2014 Posting my porch light automation programs to A) get some feedback on how to optimize (or fix them if I did something wrong), and to maybe help another beginner (like me) to get up and running. Feedback/criticism is welcomed. Thx Here goes... Hardware 2x SwitchLinc 2477D for Porch lights (set up in a 3-way scene) Motion sensor 2842-222 Automation Spec Porch lights turn on at Sunset [*]If the lights are off (i.e. someone decided to turn them off), and motion is detected, turn the Porch light on and leave it on Porch lights turn off at 12:00am [*]If the lights are switched on, wait 4 minutes and turn the lights off [*]If motion is detected, and lights are off, turn lights on, wait 4 minutes and turn the lights off Porch lights turn on at 4:00am [*]If the lights are off, and motion is detected, turn the Porch lights on and leave the on Porch lights turn off at Sunrise + 30 minutes If someone turns the porch lights on during the day, they just stay on until the automation takes over again that evening. The lamps are LED (Philips 2700k, very pleasing color...I am using these in multiple locations through the house) so I am not too worried about wasting a day of electricity. Programs Main folder (no conditions) Porch Light OFF If Time is 12:00:00AM Or Time is Sunrise + 30 minutes Then Set Scene 'Porch Light 3-Way' Off Else - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action') Porch Light ON If Time is Sunset Or Time is 4:00:00AM Then Set Scene 'Porch Light 3-Way' On Else - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action') Evening Motion Folder (runs between Sunset and 11:59pm, and between 4:30am and Sunrise+20 mins) Porch Motion ON If Control 'Motion1-Sensor' is switched On And Status 'Porch Light Switch Front Door' is Off Then Set Scene 'Porch Light 3-Way' On Else - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action') Midnight Motion Folder (runs from 12:00am to 4:30am) Porch Motion OFF If Status 'Motion1-Sensor' is Off And Status 'Porch Light Switch Front Door' is not Off Then Wait 4 minutes Set Scene 'Porch Light 3-Way' Off Else - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action') Porch Motion ON If Control 'Motion1-Sensor' is switched On And Status 'Porch Light Switch Front Door' is Off Then Set Scene 'Porch Light 3-Way' On Else - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')
oberkc Posted March 12, 2014 Posted March 12, 2014 Program "porch light off" will shut off scene at midnight and sunrise+30. This seems straightforward and as you say you want. Program "Porch light on" will turn on scene at sunset and 0400. This seems straightforward and as you say you want. Program "Porch motion on" can, perhaps, be simplified, depending on your goals (and assumes 'Porch Light Switch Front Door' is part of scene 'Porch Light 3-Way'). What happens if you delete the second condition? What is your purpose for this second condition? Otherwise, I see nothing obviously wrong.
Bernman Posted March 12, 2014 Author Posted March 12, 2014 The second condition in porch motion on is only to prevent unnecessary traffic of sending a command to the switch if it is already on. I think this was recommended in the "bathroom motion" code examples in the UDI wiki. Traffic on my network, particularly late at night is so low that this is likely not required, but it didn't seem like it hurt anything either. Thanks for the feedback
oberkc Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 The second condition in porch motion on is only to prevent unnecessary traffic of sending a command to the switch if it is already on. I think this was recommended in the "bathroom motion" code examples in the UDI wiki. Traffic on my network, particularly late at night is so low that this is likely not required, but it didn't seem like it hurt anything either. And that is the only reason I can think to have such a condition. Balance that with the possibility of comm error such that the ISY may believe a light to be on when not, causing a light not to turn on when I motion is sensed. I would prefer having higher confidence that the light goes on, rather than avoiding what (at least for me) would be inconsequential comm traffic. Still, it sounds as if your understanding of how things work is good.
Bernman Posted March 13, 2014 Author Posted March 13, 2014 Program "Porch motion on" can, perhaps, be simplified, depending on your goals (and assumes 'Porch Light Switch Front Door' is part of scene 'Porch Light 3-Way')... The programming interface seems to only allow to test for the Status (or Control) of a device, not a Scene. I suppose this makes sense, but the program would be a little clearer if I could check status of the scene vs. one of the devices in the scene. Is there a way to check Scene status? Seems like there should be, but so far it escapes me. Thanks Bernman
Michel Kohanim Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 Hi Bernman, Unfortunately not ... it's a long story! With kind regards, Michel
TJF1960 Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 Unfortunately not ... it's a long story!Ha ha ha, and stretches over many many pages and years as I recall. Tim
gatchel Posted March 14, 2014 Posted March 14, 2014 Anyone care to share an explanation or a link? I'm up for some good reading about the evolution of Insteon / ISY devices...
LeeG Posted March 14, 2014 Posted March 14, 2014 There are various topics on Scene Status. Here is one, there are others .... viewtopic.php?f=51&t=11201 The most important fact is that Insteon has no concept of Scene Status and never has. Ask 6 people what Scene Status should be and you'll get more than 6 ideas.
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