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Mike Johnson
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| Posted: December 16 2001 at 09:10 | IP Logged
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How do you set a timed event to happen at dawn or dusk rather than a specific time? I see reference to the [DAWN] and [DUSK] variables in the documentation, but I can't figure out how to impliment them with a timed event. I simply want to turn some lamp modules on and off based on sunrise/sunset or dusk/dawn and possibly with a specific time offset.
Thanks,
Mike
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TonyNo
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| Posted: December 16 2001 at 23:30 | IP Logged
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Let me take a shot at this...
One way to have something occur at dusk would be to make a Create Timed Event macro set to the ID of the macro that controls your device (i.e. PORCH LIGHT ON), with a formula of, "string(datetime(today(),relativetime(00:00:00,[DUSK])))". Next, create a Timed Event that calls the previous macro once a day to calculate Dusk for that day.
I'm guessing you could add or subtract a number of seconds from [DUSK] to get your offset; maybe like, "string(datetime(today(),relativetime(00:00:00,[DUSK]-900)))" for 15 minutes before dusk.
Dave, did I get this right?! I hope I'm learning!
Tony
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dhoward
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| Posted: December 18 2001 at 00:55 | IP Logged
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Tony,
You got it right on. Exactly what Im doing in my system 
Mike,
If you need any further clarifications, just let me know. What Tony detailed above is right on the money.
Dave.
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Mike Johnson
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| Posted: December 18 2001 at 09:13 | IP Logged
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Seems to make sense, although I haven't tried it yet.
I've been trying various programs to see which one or ones I like. PowerHome seems to have the most features, but is kind of difficult to get started with. I was hoping that the dawn/dusk feature would be a little easier, like a simple option in the "timed events" section. Since I'm just getting started with X-10, I like the ease of programs like AciveHome, but it is so limiting in what one can do. The depth of PowerHome if very inviting if I can just get comfortable with it.
I'll keep experimenting. Thanks for the input.
Mike
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TonyNo
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| Posted: December 18 2001 at 22:40 | IP Logged
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Mike,
The better the software, the steeper the learning curve (at least so far)! Keep at it. I've been looking around also, and, although I don't want to dedicate a PC to run my home, I will not spend the money others are asking for a non-PC controller. I just need to find a nice solid state drive so that when the power goes out, I won't blow a standard drive.
Maybe there's something Dave can do to make this aspect easier? When I figured out how to do it, it did seem a bit complex. There may be a good reason he did it that way, though; I've been in that boat before!
Tony
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Mike Johnson
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| Posted: December 20 2001 at 22:51 | IP Logged
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Tony,
Unfortunately, I've gotten sidetracked with a bunch of little problems and can't seem to get to PowerHome. I decided to dedicate an old 486SX that I have to home automation. It's been a nightmare to get going. First, it won't run Windows 98 reliably, so I went back to windows 95. I finally got around to loading PowerHome, but it requires version 4.01 or better of IE. It took me a while to find a version that was at least 4.01 sp2, but that would still run on an old 486SX/50. I found and loaded 5.0 and the PowerHome installation was happy. But, when I try to launch PowerHome, it crashes during the "initializing CCIR...". Bummer. Well, it's late and I'll attack it again when I get a chance...
Thanks for all your input. If I can just get the program loaded and running I might even be able to try your suggestions!
Mike
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Opus
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| Posted: December 29 2001 at 09:51 | IP Logged
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All,
On the Dusk till Dawn stuff I did something a bit different, tell me if you guys think it will work. I created a Timed Event that calls my AllOffDawn macro at 12:01 every night. The in the AllOffDawn macro I issue a "Wait" until [DAWN], as you know [DAWN] gives you the number of seconds from midnight till dawn. Then the macro has an all off command for my outside x10 house code. I believe this will work and it gives me the option to offset the time a by just calling the timed event before or after midnight. I figured I would do the same for the Dusk. Your formula is a better way I can tell, but what I like about this program is it flexabilty.
Opus
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dhoward
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| Posted: December 31 2001 at 22:03 | IP Logged
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Opus,
Yep, that will work nicely.
Also, remember that the value in the Create Timed Event formula can be the number of minutes in the future. So instead of using the above formula that Tony detailed, you can simply put [DAWN] / 60 and have the first timed event fire at midnight.
Dave.
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Topic: Dawn/Dusk
