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Time-based automation
HomeGenie Mini devices also include a scheduler that can be configured using the Panel app.
The scheduler can control lights, switches, transceivers and other hardware implemented by the device. All scheduler features are built-in and do not require any gateway, cloud or internet connection to work.
Scheduler configuration
The device scheduler can calculate solar times based on the configured location so that is possible to create schedules that control things such as sprinklers, shades, shutters, night lighting and for any other application where the sun position might be used as a time reference.
During the setup procedure the device's location and time are set automatically but can also be updated later as shown below.
Adding a schedule
By tapping the menu button on the bottom bar of a widget "..." you can open the scheduler page and list, edit, delete or add schedules.
The following video show an example scheduling for the LED sign of a store. The LED sign will be switched on Monday to Thursday from 9.30 AM to 1 PM and from 2.30 PM to 5 PM.
Once a schedule is added to a module it can also be used in other modules of the same type, and if the schedule is deleted it will be no longer available for all modules using it.
Scheduling HVAC systems with IR/RF
With an IR/RF transceiver device such as Firefly we can schedule sending of IR/RF commands to control and automate appliances.
In the "Action to perform" section of a schedule we can select the preset action "Remote control commands" for this purpose as shown in the following picture.
Tapping the settings_remote button next to the "Commands" field we can capture the command directly by issuing it on the original device remote control.
More than one command can be specified each on a different line and can be optionally followed by two parameters separated by a slash. The first indicates how many times the command has to be repeated and the second one, that is as well optional, indicates the delay between each command in milliseconds.
Advanced scheduling
Scheduling based on sun position
When creating automated task for applications such as smart shutters or an irrigation system, the sun position might be an important variable to consider in order to achieve better settings.
With a "Cron expressions" type schedule you can use the "@SolarTimes" variables to create time references relating to the position of the sun (sunrise, solar noon, sunset).
To learn more about this topic you can consult the examples included in the HomeGenie Server "About cron expressions" documentation.
Custom actions with JavaScript
The "Action to perform" of a schedule can also be implemented with a custom JavaScript code rather than using preset actions. With a script you can also use HomeGenie API and do things like controlling configured modules, calling web services and read the response as JSON or, as shown in the example below, pinging a host and switch on or off a module (e.g. a status LED) to signal when the remote host is online/offline.
