Programs don't execute unless I Query the device node?

[GodOfCheese]

I have a few simple dim-at-sunset/brighten-at-sunrise programs and have been trying to debug them.   Originally I was using a folder with sunrise scheduling, but it was hard to debug.  So instead I set a state variable to control "brightening", "dimming", and "normal" state and have folders keying off those state variables.

 

What I noticed: the folder status (set by the variable in response to schedule) is correct, but the program status (set by the devices) is not.  If I Query the devices involved, then suddenly all the programs run and the system behaves as expected.

 

Why wouldn't the device states be accurate?  Is this indicative of a communication problem? 

 

For reference, here's a snippet of the programs I'm using:

 

2. Start Brightening at Sunrise - [iD 0010][Parent 0022]

If
        Time is Sunrise
     Or Time is Sunrise +  1 hour
     Or Time is Sunrise +  2 hours
 
Then
        $Kitchen_Light_State  = 2
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')
 

I have a "Brightening State" folder:

 

===================================================================================
2. Brightening - [iD 000D][Parent 0022]

Folder Conditions for '2. Brightening'

If
        $Kitchen_Light_State is 2
 
Then
   Allow the programs in this folder to run.
 

 

In the folder, I have a variety of programs like this:

 

Brighten KL if on - [iD 0043][Parent 000D]

If
        Status  'Kitchen Dimmer - Entry Master' is not Off
 
Then
        Set Scene 'Kitchen Main Lights / Kitchen Mains Slow Bright' On
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')
 

...and a "done" program:

 

Done if lights are bright or off - [iD 000F][Parent 000D]

If
        (
             Status  'Kitchen Ceiling Fan-Light' is Off
          Or Status  'Kitchen Ceiling Fan-Light' is 100%
        )
    And (
             Status  'Kitchen Dimmer - Entry Master' is 100%
          Or Status  'Kitchen Dimmer - Entry Master' is Off
        )
 
Then
        Wait  5 seconds
        $Kitchen_Light_State  = 0
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')
 

 

[oberkc]

Yes, this strikes me as a comm problem. Watch the ISY status of a given device and see if it changes as you toggle it on/off. If not, I suspect you have the answer to your question.

[BamBamF16]

If the status change of 'not off' happens while the folder is disabled the program won't fire. Then it needs another trigger (change in status) to reevaluate the program.