Hi
I have seen 2 methods for controlling lights auto off behaviour - 1 using the self retrigger schedule and the other using sequence and NOW expressions. Is there any advantage of one over the other?
I like the timers because they are more precise. Also, NOW evaluates every minute which may not be desirable depending on the situation.
The NOW example is simpler to setup … but is less precise.
Ok thanks. Couple of follow up questions… Can I reuse timers in different conditions? For example, I have a 30s timer set up called timer30s that I use in one condition related to one light / motion combination. Can I use the same timer in another condition for another light / motion combo without them conflicting? What I mean is, if the motion in condition 1 starts the timer when motion is detected, will the motion in condition 2 start a new “instance” of a timer30s timer, or will it be acting on the same thing? Hope that makes more sense than it sounds! I think I have to set up 2 separate ones, but just want to check before I repeat if its not necessary!
Lastly, can you confirm that my understanding of how these self retrigger timers works is correct and that they are “true” until the timer expires, after which they become “false”
Can I reuse timers in different conditions?
YES and NO …
You can use the same time in multiple conditions if a single timer is appropriate for both conditions.
In your case you described the answer is NO.
Can you explain in a bit more detail what you mean please? The timer is appropriate in one respect, as I want the same timer to apply to the condition (30s). The condition uses a different motion and different light, but if that is what you mean by it not being appropriate, then I can not think of an obvious scenario where using the same timer might be ok?
Thanks
An example:
In an area with multiple lights … you might turn a particular light on based in motion near that light …
In the action you would turn on the light and re-trigger the global timer.
When the timer expires you can turn off ALL the lights.
If you want the lights to go off after no motion in each area … you would need a separate timer for each area.
And a separate off command for each timer.
Ok I understand. Thanks for clarifying.