Not sure if I need a program or scene. Confused.

[Avonlea22]

I'm brand new to the whole Insteon world. I'm trying to grasp the programming and scene thing, but it seems like it's slow to absorb into my brain. I want to do the following, but I'm just not sure how to accomplish it:

 

I have a light that I'd like to come on 1/2 hour after sunset with a slow ramp rate (let's say 4 minutes). I want it to stay on until about 1am. At 1am, I want it to ramp off (is this even possible?). I want it to do this every day. I'd like the light to respond normally (fast on at 100%) if i physically push the switch.

 

The switch is a 2476D and I'm using an ISY 99i.

 

This is the program I have thus far:

If
       From    Sunset  + 30 minutes
       To       1:00:00AM (next day)

Then
       Set 'Shed Ext.' On

Else
       Set 'Shed Ext.' Off

 

 

 

 

Can anyone help?

[LeeG]

Define an ISY Scene with the SwitchLinc Dimmer as a Responder. Right click on the SwitchLinc node and select "Add to Scene ...". Select the ISY Scene from the pulldown list being sure the SwitchLinc is a Responder. Set the Ramp Rate for the SwitchLinc Responder to the desired value.

 

In the Program Set "scene" On rather than turning the device On. The Ramp Rate cannot be controlled with a device Direct command.

[Avonlea22]

I think I got this. I didn't see a pull down menu, though.

 

So is there no way to ramp lights off?

[LeeG]

Sorry, my mistake. The scene name is selected from a scrollable list rather than pulldown.

 

The Ramp Rate cannot be specified on a Direct device command. You cannot issue a Direct command to turn a device off with an 8 second ramp rate and then issue another Direct command to turn the device Off with a 4 minute ramp rate.

 

If different Ramp rates are desired use different Scenes with different Responder Ramp Rates. The alternative is to change the Scene Ramp Rate with an Adjust Scene Action. The Adjust Scene function writes different Ramp Rate or Bright Level values into the Responder device. This takes several powerline commands and should be used with that in mind.

 

EDIT: Ramp Rate applies when turning the device On with a Scene or turning the device Off with a Scene.

[Sub-Routine]

I'm brand new to the whole Insteon world. I'm trying to grasp the programming and scene thing, but it seems like it's slow to absorb into my brain. I want to do the following, but I'm just not sure how to accomplish it:

 

I have a light that I'd like to come on 1/2 hour after sunset with a slow ramp rate (let's say 4 minutes). I want it to stay on until about 1am. At 1am, I want it to ramp off (is this even possible?). I want it to do this every day. I'd like the light to respond normally (fast on at 100%) if i physically push the switch.

 

If you create a scene with that (those) devices with a long ramp rate the ramp rate will be effective in both On and Off commands. I use 8-9 minutes for sun position changes and 75-85% brightness. Incandescents last 5X+ longer.

 

Following that you really want the local level <90, ramp rate >0.2.

Fast On will override that, but the slower local rate will definitely extend bulb life (and it is a pleasant effect).

 

The switch is a 2476D and I'm using an ISY 99i.

 

This is the program I have thus far:

If
       From    Sunset  + 30 minutes
       To       1:00:00AM (next day)

Then
       Set 'Shed Ext.' On

Else
       Set 'Shed Ext.' Off

 

I suggest two or more programs. One to turn the lights on; same time every night. Another to turn them off. I use later times on weekends than on schoolnights.

 

That will leave your options open if you decide to add more conditions.

 

Rand