Motion control of exterior lights

[skunkiechris]

I have a front light that is on 40% for several early evening hours at sunset each night, then is off. I would like to add a motion detector, that behaves as follows:

 

If it is daytime, nothing happens.

If it is night and the light is on at the 40% level, fade up to 80% over 2 seconds. After no motion is received for 1 minute, fade back to the 40% level.

If it is night at the light is off, it should fade up to 80% over 2 seconds. After no motion is received for 1 minute, fade back to off.

 

I have a general sense of how to do this, but I'm not certain the best way, and I'm not certain I've thought through all the possible scenarios that might affect this. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

Thanks!

 

Edit: Sorry if this should have been in the Q&A Forum, mods feel free to move...

[Sub-Routine]

Hi SkunkieChris,

 

You could use two programs that are virtually the same with the exception of fading to Off rather than 40%. Each program would be in a folder with Schedule Conditions to limit the time they are run. Or each program could have the time conditions included in it.

 

You should create two scenes, one with the lights at 80% and a quick ramp rate for your On, the other with the lights at 40% with a longer ramp rate that you can use in both cases, 40% and Off.

 

I have a Weekend On program that is true on Friday and Saturday nights and nights before a holiday.

 

Folder Conditions for 'When Evening'
Add conditions to limit when programs in this folder are allowed to run.


If
       From    Sunset  - 15 minutes
       To      11:00:00PM (same day)
   And Program 'Weekend On' is False
    Or From    Sunset  - 15 minutes
       To      11:59:00PM (same day)
   And Program 'Weekend On' is True

Then
  Allow the programs in this folder to run.

 

Folder Conditions for 'When Midnight'
Add conditions to limit when programs in this folder are allowed to run.



If
       From    11:00:00PM
       To       4:44:00AM (next day)
   And Program 'Weekend On' is False
    Or From    11:59:00PM
       To       5:14:00AM (next day)
   And Program 'Weekend On' is True

Then
  Allow the programs in this folder to run.

 

In each folder create a program that calls the scene that turns the lights on to 80% and another that calls the 40% scene On or Off. Use the ramp rates in the 80% scene to quickly turn the lights on and longer rates with the 40% scene so the lights fade slower. Whether you turn the 40% scene On or Off it will still use the ramp rates specified.

 

If
       Control 'Motion Sensor' is switched On
   And Status  'Outside Switch' is Off

Then
       Set Scene 'Outside Motion Fast' On

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

Before midnight set the scene you made at 40% levels On. After midnight set that same scene Off. Set the Ramp Rates fairly long.

 

If
       Control 'Motion Sensor' is switched Off
   And Control 'Motion Sensor' is not switched On
   And Status  'Outside Switch' is Off

Then
       Wait  30 seconds
       Set Scene 'Outside Motion Low' On

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

Note that I added a Condition of 'Outside Switch' so you can override the motion sensor programs by turning this switch (button) On.

 

Rand

[skunkiechris]

Okay, I think I got this right.

 

I created the following WeekendOn program:

If
       On Fri
       From     4:00:00PM
       To       4:00:00PM (2 days later)

Then
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

I then created an "EveningLights" folder with the following condition:

Folder Conditions for 'EveningLights'
Add conditions to limit when programs in this folder are allowed to run.

If
       From    Sunset 
       To      11:00:00PM (same day)
   And Program 'WeekendOn' is False
    Or (
            From    Sunset 
            To       4:00:00AM (next day)
        And Program 'WeekendOn' is True
       )

Then
  Allow the programs in this folder to run.

 

In that folder I have two programs. The first is "MotionOn":

If
       Control 'Front Porch Motion - Sensor' is switched On
   And From    Sunrise
       To      Sunset  (next day)

Then
       Set Scene 'Front Light 80%' On

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

The second is "BackTo40":

If
       Control 'Front Porch Motion - Sensor' is switched Off
   And Control 'Front Porch Motion - Sensor' is not switched On

Then
       Wait  1 minute 
       Set Scene 'Front Light 40%' On

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

I then created a second folder, "NightLights":

Folder Conditions for 'NightLights'
Add conditions to limit when programs in this folder are allowed to run.

If
       From    11:01:00PM
       To      Sunrise (next day)
   And Program 'WeekendOn' is False
    Or (
            From     4:01:00AM
            To      Sunrise (same day)
        And Program 'WeekendOn' is True
       )

Then
  Allow the programs in this folder to run.

 

This folder has the same programs in it, except "BackTo40" has a set scene 'Front Light 40%' off (instead of on.)

 

*phew* Does that look correct?

 

Also, just wondering the reason for using two motion sensor lines - switched off AND not switched on. I copied since that's how your example is, I'm just not sure why.

 

Thank you!!

[Sub-Routine]

Hi Chris,

 

The reason for the second line is that if the motion sensor is switched back on the Wait program will start over.

 

Rand