How To: Delay device shut off with responsive motion sense

[aaronb]

I have been looking for a way to automatically shut off scenes after a delay while using motion sensors to turn on and/or keep on scenes.

 

The problem I have faced in the past is that using motion sensors in programs as triggers has a noticeable delay when turning on when motion is sensed. Adding motion sensors as a controller to a scene allows for a much more responsive reaction to motion, however, by default motion sensors will turn off on their own delay interval.

 

The best option I have seen so far is to make motion sensors only send 'On' signals (set through options) and to make them send whenever motion is sensed with no timeout and make the motion sensor a controller in the scene. This configuration only allows the motion sensor to turn on a scene and it will do so every time motion is sensed.

 

Delayed auto-shut off is accomplished with programming by using to programs. One to listen for triggers and the other to delay the shut off. Whenever a trigger is sensed, the first program stops the delay program and restarts it resetting the delay interval.

 

Here are the two examples:

 

[Program 1 - Trigger Sensor - 'Auto Off - Master Closet']

If

Control 'Master Bedroom / Master Closet' is switched On

Or Control 'Master Bedroom / Master Closet' is switched Fast On

Or Control 'Master Bedroom / Master Closet' is switched Fade Up

Or Status 'Master Bedroom / Master Closet' is not Off

Or Control 'Sensors / Motion-Closet-Sensor' is switched On

 

Then

Stop program 'Auto Off - Master Closet - Delayed'

Run Program 'Auto Off - Master Closet - Delayed' (Then Path)

 

Else

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

 

[Program 2 - Delayed Auto Shut-Off - 'Auto Off - Master Closet - Delayed']

If

- No Conditions - (To add one, press 'Schedule' or 'Condition')

 

Then

Wait 20 minutes

Set Scene 'Scenes / Master Closet Light' Off

 

Else

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

 

 

So far this approach has worked very successfully. Any new trigger to a scene resets the delay, so if someone is getting ready in the closet the light doesn't switch off until 20 minute after no motion (or switch on) has been received.

 

Please let me know if you have found approaches that work better or have program changes you recommend.

 

Thanks!

[oberkc]

Are you sure that it is necessary to include the "stop program" command? My recollection is that initiating a "run program" will interrupt an ongoing wait statement.