Need help with doorbell routine

#1

I’m trying to determine the best way to perform the action I’m wanting.

I have integrated an Iris push-button into my NuTone intercom chime module. I have it setup to send a push notification to my phone when somebody rings the doorbell using a SmartApp. I’ve recently added an Aeon Labs micro controller to control my porch light. I’ve added it to SmartThings and it works as expected.

What I would like to do is create a routine where when the button is pressed at anytime, I still get the push notification, but I’d also like the porch light to turn on for about 5 minutes. I’d prefer it to only happen after sunset as the light is not needed during the day. I haven’t been able to find where I can set a specific time for the light to remain on for only 5 minutes after the button is pressed. It also appears that the routine will only SMS me after sunset if I set it to only work at that time.

I’m trying to streamline the process, but figured I’ll have to leave the SmartApp for the SMS, but I still can’t figure out how to only have the light on for 5 minutes. Any suggestions?

#2

See the how to article in the community – created wiki on setting up a virtual timer for a light. That should help. :sunglasses:

http://thingsthataresmart.wiki/index.php?title=How_to_create_a_virtual_timer_for_a_light

#3

Thank you. I’ll check it out.

(Robin) #4

For your fairly basic needs I’ve no doubt it’s possible to use routines, virtual switches and power allowance etc, but if you’re looking for something a bit more natural and in one place I would suggest you look into webCoRE… I made a video and put it on the wiki:

I’ve simplified a copy of my doorbell rule (piston) to better suit your needs… this can be directly imported into webCoRE and just needs linking to your own devices which the import wizard will guide you through.

IMG_1940.PNG1178x827 130 KB

The above piston will turn a light on for 5 minutes (only when between set times), chime a bell if someone is at home, and sends an SMS regardless of time / presence.

The SMS is programmed to give current info, i.e.:

The doorbell was pressed at 14:52. Everyone is out.

The doorbell was pressed at 17:56. Robin is home.

The doorbell was pressed at 19:23. Robin and Wanyu are home.

#5

Thank you for the information. I’ll check that out as well.

Well, I followed the instructions and added webCoRE but it’s not showing up in my apps yet. Maybe it will take a while. I noticed they just resolved an outage with 3rd party services. Not sure if this would affect it.

#6

I must be doing something wrong. I double and triple checked the directions for manually installing webCoRE and it’s not showing up for me. I’ve deleted and recreated them in the web GUI.

(Robin) #7

What country are you in?

If it’s not showing up in the ‘my apps’ section after installing the 4 parts, then you are most likely installing it in the wrong IDE shard:

Suggest you click on ‘location’ and then your home name after logging into the IDE, as this will force you onto the correct shard.

#8

I’m located in the USA. I followed the directions in the FAQ and location is reported as NA01 according to the web address. I double checked and now the webCoRE SmartApps aren’t there. I’m going to try and add them again today and see what it does.

Okay, I added them and now they are being reported, but the web address indicates that it’s NA02, so I’m not sure what’s going on. Either way it’s reporting in my app now so I can start working with stuff. Thanks for the help.

(Robin) #9

Glad you got it sorted.

That’s all normal… you can log into any of the various web addresses (shards) but only one of them is linked to your hub (NA01 in your case).

If you first installed webCoRE in the NA02 shard then it wouldn’t show in NA01… think of them as completely separate databases.

To avoid confusion in the future, I would suggest you delete webCoRE from NA02 as you will instantly know you’re in the wrong shard when you see the list of smartapps is blank.