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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => Plug-ins => Smart Macros => Topic started by: Frank3d on January 09, 2011, 01:09:10 PM

Title: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 09, 2011, 01:09:10 PM
I have AHP V3.294 with all the plug-ins running on a Compaq w/Vista SP2. I cant seem to get any of my macros to work if they contain any timed conditions at all. I have read all the posts concerning macros until I'm cross eyed. I see allot of posts saying that the macro looks as if it triggered buy the indication of the blue macro symbol flashing but it will not execute. One other indication I noticed is the audio DING does not sound with a macro triggering ,containing a condition, but still looks as if it triggered by its flashing. I'm starting to wonder if it has something to do with Vista. B:( B:( B:( B:(
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 09, 2011, 05:38:34 PM
First, I recommend you update to the latest version of AHP, 3.301.
You can download it here:
http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm .
If you have any of the plugins, it is recommended you install the latest versions of those first, THEN install the latest AHP.

Second, conditional macros ignore the conditions when you trigger them from within AHP. If you are clicking on the box to trigger the macro, AHP ignores the conditions, and executes the commands in the macro.

To test macros, I recommend you use a PalmPad, motion sensor, or a different controller to activate the trigger address.

You can use your activity log to see what's happening when the macro is triggered.

If you post more detail about what you are trying to do, there are plenty of users here who would be more than happy to help you work it out.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 09, 2011, 08:59:05 PM
First, I recommend you update to the latest version of AHP, 3.301.
You can download it here:
http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm .
If you have any of the plugins, it is recommended you install the latest versions of those first, THEN install the latest AHP.

Noam, If I do update to V3.301 I thought I read that all the plugins update at the same time you update AHP now?????

Quote
Second, conditional macros ignore the conditions when you trigger them from within AHP. If you are clicking on the box to trigger the macro, AHP ignores the conditions, and executes the commands in the macro.


Noam, Yes I know this and have read this in many of the macro posts.  

Quote
To test macros, I recommend you use a PalmPad, motion sensor, or a different controller to activate the trigger address.


Noam, I do use a palmpad to test with along with monitoring the activity log. The log shows the house code sent by the palmpad and the macro icon flashes but will not execute if I have included a condition

Quote
You can use your activity log to see what's happening when the macro is triggered.

If you post more detail about what you are trying to do, there are plenty of users here who would be more than happy to help you work it out.


Noam, I am successfully using a PR511 to trigger a camera / snapshots  macro at night. Since the P511 will not send a N+ command during the day I want to use an eagle eye to do this but only during the day.
The macro I use for the eagle eye needs a condition to run only during the day. When I include the condition the macro will not trigger.



Separated quotes for readability.

Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 10, 2011, 08:56:27 AM
Okay, let's try and figure this one out.
Triggering from a PalmPad executes the macro, but i doesn't run any of the commands. That sounds like it doesn't think the conditions are "true".
If you trigger it from within AHP (which bypasses the condition test), do the commands all execute?
What conditions do you have, and what housecode/unitcode do you have the macro on, etc?
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 10, 2011, 08:09:17 PM
Okay, let's try and figure this one out.
Triggering from a PalmPad executes the macro, but i doesn't run any of the commands. That sounds like it doesn't think the conditions are "true".
If you trigger it from within AHP (which bypasses the condition test), do the commands all execute?
What conditions do you have, and what housecode/unitcode do you have the macro on, etc?

Noam, I'm trying to get some screen shots for you of the macro config below the 128kb attachment limitation of this forum so all can see and understand better. Standby......
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 10, 2011, 08:45:40 PM
Okay, let's try and figure this one out.
Triggering from a PalmPad executes the macro, but i doesn't run any of the commands. That sounds like it doesn't think the conditions are "true".
If you trigger it from within AHP (which bypasses the condition test), do the commands all execute?
What conditions do you have, and what housecode/unitcode do you have the macro on, etc?

Noam, OK here ya go. This is the screen shot of my macro config. I have also tried without the macro wizard. Evey time downloading to the CM15a too. Even cleared the CM15A once.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 10, 2011, 10:42:45 PM
If you trigger it from AHP (by clicking on the button), does it run the commands?
When you trigger a macro with the PalmPad, it WILL show the macro executing, which it does when it starts up and evaluates the conditions.
If it isn't running anything after that, it probably thinks the conditions aren't being met.
Do you have the correct location set in the AHP preferences?
Are your Windows time AND time zone correct?
Check the dusk/dawn times in your AHP preferences, make sure the times look correct for your location.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 11, 2011, 02:33:51 PM
If you trigger it from AHP (by clicking on the button), does it run the commands?

NOAM, YES IT DOES

Quote
When you trigger a macro with the PalmPad, it WILL show the macro executing, which it does when it starts up and evaluates the conditions.
If it isn't running anything after that, it probably thinks the conditions aren't being met.


I AGREE BUT WHAT CANT BE MET WITH THE "AFTER DAWN" CONDITION? I HAVE TRIED ALL THE OTHER MACRO CONDITIONS WITH THE SAME RESULTS.

Quote
Do you have the correct location set in the AHP preferences?
  YES

Quote
Are your Windows time AND time zone correct?
YES

Quote
Check the dusk/dawn times in your AHP preferences, make sure the times look correct for your location.
YES THEY ARE CORRECT.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE DING SOUND EFFECT AHP MAKES WHEN A MACRO IS TRIGGERED AND ALSO FLASHES. WELL ALL I GET IS THE FLASHING AND NOT THE DING SOUND WHICH INDICATES TO ME THERE IS SOMETHING NOT CORRECTLY INITIALIZING. B:( B:( B:( B:( Frank3d B:( B:( B:( B:(


EDITTED: Removed replies from quotes again
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 11, 2011, 02:43:20 PM
I AGREE BUT WHAT CANT BE MET WITH THE "AFTER DAWN" CONDITION?

I took a closer look at your screen shots.
It looks to me like you have two conditions:
1) I4 On
2) It is after DAWN

What is the trigger address of the macro?
If the trigger address is I4, then you shouldn't be using that as a condition, too.

If the trigger is a different address, and you really want to check if I4 is on before running the commands, then you must set your monitored housecode to "I".
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 11, 2011, 05:56:21 PM
I AGREE BUT WHAT CANT BE MET WITH THE "AFTER DAWN" CONDITION?

I took a closer look at your screen shots.
It looks to me like you have two conditions:
1) I4 On
2) It is after DAWN

What is the trigger address of the macro?
Noam, I4 is the trigger address. I have no control over the line in conditions that says " Trigger conditions I4 on" that's there apparently because that's what I'm using for this macro's trigger.

Quote
If the trigger address is I4, then you shouldn't be using that as a condition, too.

Again I can not remove that line in conditions. Its there without any input from me other than its the main macro trigger address.
 
Quote
If the trigger is a different address, and you really want to check if I4 is on before running the commands, then you must set your monitored housecode to "I".

Do you have the capability of simulating a similar macro as this one yourself? If you do please try it and let me know how it acts for you. Buy the way, THANKS for all your input!!!

Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 11, 2011, 07:08:05 PM
You're right, I never noticed that AHP throws the trigger address into the condition summary.
It looks like perhaps AHP doesn't really think it is after dusk.
Try using a specific time, at least as a test, and see if it validates THAT condition.

Some people have reported problems using Dusk/Dawn in conditions. At least one user reported a workaround for that.
Use one of the flags (or a dummy appliance module on the monitored housecode), that gets turned on or off using a dusk/dawn timer.
You should then be able to use that flag or module status as a valid condition (and it is easier to test, because you can set/clear the flag, or turn the dummy module on or off more easily than you can make the sun go up and down).

Try that, and let us know what happens.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 11, 2011, 07:31:39 PM
You're right, I never noticed that AHP throws the trigger address into the condition summary.
It looks like perhaps AHP doesn't really think it is after dusk.
Try using a specific time, at least as a test, and see if it validates THAT condition.

Noam. There is no specific "time" condition available in the macro condition selections. There is however a between times selection available which I have also experimented with at different start and end times with no luck. So far no experience with flags. I was avoiding the flags subject unless absolutely necessary.

Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 11, 2011, 08:39:12 PM
Noam. There is no specific "time" condition available in the macro condition selections. There is however a between times selection available which I have also experimented with at different start and end times with no luck. So far no experience with flags. I was avoiding the flags subject unless absolutely necessary.

The Specific time condition is what you used for the dusk condition. Make sure you are using the advanced interface for the conditional macros.


Removed response from the quote.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 12, 2011, 07:53:05 AM
Noam. There is no specific "time" condition available in the macro condition selections. There is however a between times selection available which I have also experimented with at different start and end times with no luck. So far no experience with flags. I was avoiding the flags subject unless absolutely necessary.

The Specific time condition is what you used for the dusk condition. Make sure you are using the advanced interface for the conditional macros.

OK, specific time for Dawn shows 7:35am but macro still wont work after that time.


Removed response from the quote.

Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 12, 2011, 09:46:16 AM
Noam. There is no specific "time" condition available in the macro condition selections. There is however a between times selection available which I have also experimented with at different start and end times with no luck. So far no experience with flags. I was avoiding the flags subject unless absolutely necessary.

The Specific time condition is what you used for the dusk condition. Make sure you are using the advanced interface for the conditional macros.
OK, specific time for Dawn shows 7:35am but macro still wont work after that time.

Okay, try chaning it from "After Dawn" to "After 7:35 AM", and see if that makes any difference.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 14, 2011, 08:58:44 AM
Noam. There is no specific "time" condition available in the macro condition selections. There is however a between times selection available which I have also experimented with at different start and end times with no luck. So far no experience with flags. I was avoiding the flags subject unless absolutely necessary.

The Specific time condition is what you used for the dusk condition. Make sure you are using the advanced interface for the conditional macros.
OK, specific time for Dawn shows 7:35am but macro still wont work after that time.



Okay, try chaning it from "After Dawn" to "After 7:35 AM", and see if that makes any difference.
NOAM
Tried that and a before time and an exact time and a couple others. Each time downloading it to the CM15A interface and trying to trigger the macro with a PalmPad. No luck..........
I still think it has something to do with Vista. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE USING CONDITIONAL MACROS WITH VISTA SP2 SUCESSFULLY??????
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: troll334 on January 14, 2011, 09:16:41 AM
Hey Frank,
Yes, I am running Vista Ultimate 64-bit. Microsoft updates applied daily. So I'm completely up to date.
I've got no shortage of complex conditional macros :)
They're running just fine. Perhaps it's time to get back down to the basics.
Start a brand-new AHP file. A single module. A single macro. Plug the hardware module in right next to the
CM15. Build that macro ONE step at a time. No complex conditions at first. If you get 100% reliability,
then add the next condition...and so on...
You really need to make sure the CM15 and AHP are both working satisfactorily and reliably for peace-of-mind.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 14, 2011, 02:51:56 PM
Hey Frank,
Yes, I am running Vista Ultimate 64-bit. Microsoft updates applied daily. So I'm completely up to date.
I've got no shortage of complex conditional macros :)
They're running just fine. Perhaps it's time to get back down to the basics.
Start a brand-new AHP file. A single module. A single macro. Plug the hardware module in right next to the
CM15. Build that macro ONE step at a time. No complex conditions at first. If you get 100% reliability,
then add the next condition...and so on...
You really need to make sure the CM15 and AHP are both working satisfactorily and reliably for peace-of-mind.

Troll334,
I have five macros that work fine and everything else works fine too. Only when adding any kind of condition to one of the macros does it stop working.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: troll334 on January 14, 2011, 03:28:38 PM
Hmmm,
Just for grins, try this:
Add your conditions. Empty AHP's trashcan.
File, Save As
Give it a new filename. Close AHP.
Clear out the CM15, remove his batteries, unplug him.
Let stand for a few minutes.
Reconnect (batts included).
Start AHP and open the newly named file.
Download to the CM15 and see what happens.
I know I've seen the guys talking about trashcan and clearing the CM15 before.
Nothin' 2 loose!
let us know...
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: HA Dave on January 14, 2011, 05:26:44 PM
Empty AHP's trashcan.
....... I know I've seen the guys talking about trashcan and clearing the CM15 before.

Clear the macro and empty the trash. Clear the memory of the CM15A. Recreate the macro and save under a new file name.
Download the new file to the CM15A.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 15, 2011, 02:27:43 PM
Empty AHP's trashcan.
....... I know I've seen the guys talking about trashcan and clearing the CM15 before.

Clear the macro and empty the trash. Clear the memory of the CM15A. Recreate the macro and save under a new file name.
Download the new file to the CM15A.

OK but can you please be more specific. Under "Tools" I see "Empty Deleted Modules", "Clear History", and "Purge Delayed Macro Events" TNX
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: HA Dave on January 15, 2011, 08:03:42 PM
"Empty Deleted Modules"
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 17, 2011, 12:25:51 PM
"Empty Deleted Modules"
Well here's a good one for you all. I tried all the above suggestions from all of you and still no TIME conditional macros would execute. I then tried days of the week or specific days that I had not tried previously and the macros worked. OK that started a fire in my brain. I said with this info I'm gonna figure it out once and for all. Just for the heck of it I tried an exact time condition but reversed the BEFORE / AFTER condition setting.. When the current time is 11:45am and I set the macro condition for "BEFORE" 11:00am Ill be darn it worked. So then I set a new condition for "BEFORE DAWN" with my current time being 11:55am. Darn that worked also. So now I'm thinking AHP sees AM and PM reversed.[/color] My PC time and the Interface time in hardware interface config are both correct. I updated the interface while in the hardware interface config screen but that did not help. I also changed AHP clock to the 24hr format and still this symptom of AM and PM seem to be reversed. Oh well at least I have a work around now. Any thoughts you all?
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Conditions"
Post by: HA Dave on January 17, 2011, 01:12:03 PM
............ Oh well at least I have a work around now. Any thoughts you all?

Work-arounds are (IMHO)... a big part of this technology. Sticking at the effort and trying different methods is what makes a great setup.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 17, 2011, 02:43:48 PM
Despite you confirming that your time and time zone are correct, it almost seems like your clock is off by 12 hours for some reason.
You might want to try changing the Windows time AND time zone to something very different (London time, for example), then changing it back.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 18, 2011, 10:49:28 AM
Despite you confirming that your time and time zone are correct, it almost seems like your clock is off by 12 hours for some reason.
You might want to try changing the Windows time AND time zone to something very different (London time, for example), then changing it back.
Noam, Tried that too. No luck. I'm using V3.294 and am very much suspecting its the AHP software causing these problems. I sure wish X10 would confirm this. I hate to upgrade since everything else is working prefect especially my 5 cameras. I did some extensive testing yesterday and here's what I came up with. When current time is 6:50pm macro cond. set for After 6:45pm does not work. Current time is 6:54pm and macro cond. set for After 6:59pm it works OK. So in this case any current time that is BEFORE the macro cond after time, it works OK. Backwards. In the next test my my Dawn is 7:21am and my Dusk is 5:51pm  current time is 7:17pm with macro condition After Dusk does not work however Before Dusk works OK. Backwords again. In the next test macro cond set for Start at Dusk and end at Dawn and current time is 7:24pm works OK. However start at Dawn and end at Dusk with the current time 7:30am does not work but here's the crazy part when the macro cond is set for Dusk to Dawn and current time is 7:35am it works OK. I did notice one thing using the between times condition and that is if the times cross midnight it works every time.  I will experiment with 2 conditions in a macro tonight, a AFTER and a OR BEFORE time and will see what happins. I have read many posts on how Dawn / Dusk and specific time conditions have given folks many problems in the past. 




Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 18, 2011, 01:23:11 PM
Time conditions cannot cross midnight.
AHP evaluates time ONLY in a 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM window.
If the condition is true, then it continues.

Given this, setting a time condition of "Between DUSK and DAWN" will always evaluate FALSE, because there is never a time that is between DUSK and 11:59 PM, and also BEFORE DAWN.

I don't know why your condition logic seems to be backward. I suspect you might still be doing something wrong with AHP, or with your testing accidentally.

If you want something to only happen between DUSK and 11:59 PM, OR between 12:00 AM and DAWN, then you need to break it up into two separate macros, each with half the condition.
If you give them both the same trigger address (ex: A4 ON), then they will work like IF-THEN-ELSE logic.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: lviper on January 18, 2011, 02:04:26 PM
If you want something to only happen between DUSK and 11:59 PM, OR between 12:00 AM and DAWN, then you need to break it up into two separate macros, each with half the condition.
If you give them both the same trigger address (ex: A4 ON), then they will work like IF-THEN-ELSE logic.

Then what does the "nighttime" condition do? I'm using the nighttime condition for my front door open turn light on macro and it is only turning the light on at night, between dusk and dawn. I know the nighttime condition uses 2 slots so I assume it is like saying if the time is between 12:00am and dawn or dusk and 11:59pm.

But, when I first tried using the between time and set it to after dusk and before dawn, it did not work and the light never turned on. Which would prove what you say about crossing midnight. But I would think you could either set 2 conditions of 12:00am to dawn OR dusk to 11:59pm or just use the nighttime condition which is basically doing the latter in one condition.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 18, 2011, 04:14:59 PM
Then what does the "nighttime" condition do? I'm using the nighttime condition for my front door open turn light on macro and it is only turning the light on at night, between dusk and dawn. I know the nighttime condition uses 2 slots so I assume it is like saying if the time is between 12:00am and dawn or dusk and 11:59pm.

But, when I first tried using the between time and set it to after dusk and before dawn, it did not work and the light never turned on. Which would prove what you say about crossing midnight. But I would think you could either set 2 conditions of 12:00am to dawn OR dusk to 11:59pm or just use the nighttime condition which is basically doing the latter in one condition.
Exactly.
From my conversations with the X10 developers 5 years ago (when I was a beta tester for the SmartMacros plugin), the "nighttime" condition DOES use up two of the condition slots, because it does exactly that. It splits the condition (between 12:00AM and dawn, OR between dusk and 11:59PM).
The reason I suggested using two separate macros, is if you want to have any other conditions, they may not work correctly with an "or" condition.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 19, 2011, 03:36:19 PM
Then what does the "nighttime" condition do? I'm using the nighttime condition for my front door open turn light on macro and it is only turning the light on at night, between dusk and dawn. I know the nighttime condition uses 2 slots so I assume it is like saying if the time is between 12:00am and dawn or dusk and 11:59pm.

But, when I first tried using the between time and set it to after dusk and before dawn, it did not work and the light never turned on. Which would prove what you say about crossing midnight. But I would think you could either set 2 conditions of 12:00am to dawn OR dusk to 11:59pm or just use the nighttime condition which is basically doing the latter in one condition.
Exactly.
From my conversations with the X10 developers 5 years ago (when I was a beta tester for the SmartMacros plugin), the "nighttime" condition DOES use up two of the condition slots, because it does exactly that. It splits the condition (between 12:00AM and dawn, OR between dusk and 11:59PM).
The reason I suggested using two separate macros, is if you want to have any other conditions, they may not work correctly with an "or" condition.
Noam, Still not having much luck. I also tried to create timers for this macro but there is no stop time shown to set however there is a start and stop time shown when I look at creating a timer in the camera or wall switch modules.
Can I ask you to suggest exactly how to set this up? This is what I have so far. F4 is the macro trigger, select the backyard camera A4, then 1 sec delay, then select preset position "Pool", 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, RF command A4 off. I want this to run ONLY during the day, say dawn to dusk. How would you or anyone else propose I should modify this set up without flags if possible. Thanks to all for your inputs.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 19, 2011, 03:48:03 PM
Noam, Still not having much luck. I also tried to create timers for this macro but there is no stop time shown to set however there is a start and stop time shown when I look at creating a timer in the camera or wall switch modules.
Can I ask you to suggest exactly how to set this up? This is what I have so far. F4 is the macro trigger, select the backyard camera A4, then 1 sec delay, then select preset position "Pool", 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, RF command A4 off. I want this to run ONLY during the day, say dawn to dusk. How would you or anyone else propose I should modify this set up without flags if possible. Thanks to all for your inputs.
There is no "Stop" time for a macro, because a macro doesn't have an "off" state. A macro is a just a script of commands to run in a specific sequence (the SmartMacros plugin adds conditions, but it still is simply a list of commands to run).
You activate a macro, and it runs until it completes (or until you purge all running macros - which is usually if something locks up). There is nothing to turn off.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: troll334 on January 19, 2011, 04:19:22 PM
Hey Frank,
Geeeez, this should be a no-brainer eh?  I've got macros doing just this very kinda thing; using dawn-dusk window.
So, forget the timer idea. As long as you've got something actually sending an F4 On AND AHP is hearing it, you
shouldn't need (or want) a timer for this application.
1) What's programmed for F4, an EagleEye or something like it?
2) Does this macro work at any time during the day or is it completely dead?
One of my Time-conditional macros:
Trigger Conditions
F7 On and The time is between Dusk and Dawn
End Trigger Conditions
Turn Hall_Entry ON
WAIT for 1 Second
Turn Foyer_Entry ON
WAIT for 1 Second
Turn Front_Porch ON

F7 is an EagleEye in my Foyer area.
This works without fail.
I know I'm restating the obvious but...
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 19, 2011, 05:27:56 PM
Noam, Still not having much luck. I also tried to create timers for this macro but there is no stop time shown to set however there is a start and stop time shown when I look at creating a timer in the camera or wall switch modules.
Can I ask you to suggest exactly how to set this up? This is what I have so far. F4 is the macro trigger, select the backyard camera A4, then 1 sec delay, then select preset position "Pool", 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, snapshot, 1 sec delay, RF command A4 off. I want this to run ONLY during the day, say dawn to dusk. How would you or anyone else propose I should modify this set up without flags if possible. Thanks to all for your inputs.
There is no "Stop" time for a macro, because a macro doesn't have an "off" state. A macro is a just a script of commands to run in a specific sequence (the SmartMacros plugin adds conditions, but it still is simply a list of commands to run).
You activate a macro, and it runs until it completes (or until you purge all running macros - which is usually if something locks up). There is nothing to turn off.
Thanks Noam, There is a He?? of a learning curve with this stuff being as there are no detailed instruction manuals. Do you know any reason why there aren't?
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 19, 2011, 06:15:37 PM
Hey Frank,
Geeeez, this should be a no-brainer eh?  I've got macros doing just this very kinda thing; using dawn-dusk window.
So, forget the timer idea. As long as you've got something actually sending an F4 On AND AHP is hearing it, you
shouldn't need (or want) a timer for this application.
1) What's programmed for F4, an EagleEye or something like it?
2) Does this macro work at any time during the day or is it completely dead?
One of my Time-conditional macros:
Trigger Conditions
F7 On and The time is between Dusk and Dawn
End Trigger Conditions
Turn Hall_Entry ON
WAIT for 1 Second
Turn Foyer_Entry ON
WAIT for 1 Second
Turn Front_Porch ON

F7 is an EagleEye in my Foyer area.
This works without fail.
I know I'm restating the obvious but...

Troll334, I have tried this once before but will gladly try it again. If I use between dusk and dawn it works ok after the dusk time but if I use between dawn and dusk after the dawn time of day it does not work. Remember I want this to work only during the day. Ill try it in the morning after the designated dawn time 7:21am and will let you know. Buy the way I'm using an Eagle eye on F4 for the macro trigger and I want the macro to work all day only.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 20, 2011, 07:32:36 AM
Hey Frank,
Geeeez, this should be a no-brainer eh?  I've got macros doing just this very kinda thing; using dawn-dusk window.
So, forget the timer idea. As long as you've got something actually sending an F4 On AND AHP is hearing it, you
shouldn't need (or want) a timer for this application.
1) What's programmed for F4, an EagleEye or something like it?
2) Does this macro work at any time during the day or is it completely dead?
One of my Time-conditional macros:
Trigger Conditions
F7 On and The time is between Dusk and Dawn
End Trigger Conditions
Turn Hall_Entry ON
WAIT for 1 Second
Turn Foyer_Entry ON
WAIT for 1 Second
Turn Front_Porch ON

F7 is an EagleEye in my Foyer area.
This works without fail.
I know I'm restating the obvious but...

Troll334, I have tried this once before but will gladly try it again. If I use between dusk and dawn it works ok after the dusk time but if I use between dawn and dusk after the dawn time of day it does not work. Remember I want this to work only during the day. Ill try it in the morning after the designated dawn time 7:21am and will let you know. Buy the way I'm using an Eagle eye on F4 for the macro trigger and I want the macro to work all day only.
Noam, Well heres another reason why I think its a software related problem. It did not work this morning at 7:30am when set to between dawn and dusk but did last night when set to dusk to dawn.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 20, 2011, 08:34:46 AM
Noam, Well heres another reason why I think its a software related problem. It did not work this morning at 7:30am when set to between dawn and dusk but did last night when set to dusk to dawn.
I'm really not sure what's going on, then.
You probably need to speak with X10 support, and ask to be escalated to a Tier 2 support person.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 20, 2011, 05:12:47 PM
Noam, Well heres another reason why I think its a software related problem. It did not work this morning at 7:30am when set to between dawn and dusk but did last night when set to dusk to dawn.
I'm really not sure what's going on, then.
You probably need to speak with X10 support, and ask to be escalated to a Tier 2 support person.
Noam, Thanks for trying to help. I havnt had much satisfaction with the X10 support folks I have spoke with in the past and thats why I have resorted to this forum. Arnt there Tier 2 and up X10 support folks watching this forum?
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 20, 2011, 08:36:12 PM
... Arnt there Tier 2 and up X10 support folks watching this forum?
Theoretically, yes.
In practice, however, they have been very busy, and haven't stayed on top of the forums.
You can post something on the X10 facebook page, that usually gets them to call you pretty quickly.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 20, 2011, 08:40:25 PM
Theoretically, yes.
In practice, however, they have been very busy, and haven't stayed on top of the forums.
You can post something on the X10 facebook page, that usually gets them to call you pretty quickly.
Thanks again.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 21, 2011, 09:07:42 AM
This has been bugging me.
Refresh my memory, please.
Have you gotten macros to work with ANY other conditions (module status, flag status, etc?)
What about day of the week conditions?

When you look in the activity log, you SHOULD see the macro firing, even if it thinks the condition is not met, and doesn't run any of the commands afterward. Do you see that?

Can you post a screen shot of the condition screen for the macro that isn't working?

Where are you located?
What time zone is the PC set to? (humor me and double-check, please)
What "location" is AHP set to?
Do the CM15A clock and the PC clock match? (You can see the CM15A date and time if you go into the "Hardware Configuration" screen.
Do the "Dusk" and "Dawn" times listed on the Hardware Configuration screen match the approximate times for where you live?

I wonder if there is a bug with a specific time zone/location combination. Maybe I can try to replicate the issue.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 21, 2011, 11:28:14 AM
This has been bugging me.
Refresh my memory, please.
Have you gotten macros to work with ANY other conditions (module status, flag status, etc?)
What about day of the week conditions?

When you look in the activity log, you SHOULD see the macro firing, even if it thinks the condition is not met, and doesn't run any of the commands afterward. Do you see that?

Can you post a screen shot of the condition screen for the macro that isn't working?

Where are you located?
What time zone is the PC set to? (humor me and double-check, please)
What "location" is AHP set to?
Do the CM15A clock and the PC clock match? (You can see the CM15A date and time if you go into the "Hardware Configuration" screen.
Do the "Dusk" and "Dawn" times listed on the Hardware Configuration screen match the approximate times for where you live?

I wonder if there is a bug with a specific time zone/location combination. Maybe I can try to replicate the issue.
Noam, Yes it has been bugging me also even worse.
I called X10 support and talked with a Janelle. I asked for a tear 2 level support tech and she said I had to go through her first because there is only ONE tear 2 tech available and he is very busy. So I explained in detail to her the simplest way I could and that is the conditional macro works fine when set up for between Dusk and Dawn but would not when set up for between Dawn and Dusk. First she said she suspected power line noise. Then I told her that the Sentinel and Vanguard cameras use on/off RF commands and do not use PLC on/off commands like the Ninjas do and that I watch the Activity Monitor and see the macro triggered but stops after that. Then she told me to change the house codes. She said I had to do all she asked before she could escalate this problem to a tear 2 tech. So I said OK and hung up.

To answere your questions YES the macro works with any particular days of the week or weeks as the only condition. I have not used flags or module status.

Yes the macro fires but stops at that.
I will send a screen shot of the macro conditions tonight, I'm at work now.
Here's what it says:
F4 is the macro trigger that is sent by an Eagle Eye or for testing I use my Palmpad.
The macro condition is Between Dawn and Dusk,
Select Back Yard Camera A4,
1 sec delay,
Go to Preset Position " Pool",
1 sec delay,
snapshot,
1 sec delay,
snapshot,
1 sec delay,
snapshot,
1 sec delay
RF command A4 off
END

I'm located in Jacksonville, Fl. Eastern Time Zone and yes the PC is set to this.
The location in AHP Hardware config is the same as above.
Yes the CM15A clock and the PC clocks are the same.
Yes the Dawn is 7:21am and the Dusk is 5:30pm. This is accurate to real conditions.

I wonder how many people are using a day time condition (Dawn to Dusk) most people only use night conditions. I plan to use my PR511 to trigger the snapshots during the night.

Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 21, 2011, 12:18:59 PM
Well, I did a little experiment at about 10:00 AM, after I sent my earlier post.
I created two macros, "C4 On" for Dawn-to-Dusk (daytime), and "C4 Off" for Dusk-to-Dawn (nighttime).
Firing manually from within AHP ran the command in both cases (C16 on, pause 1 sec, C16 off).
Sending a "C4 On" from the command line (using ahcmd from the SDK) caused the "daytime" macro to fire, and run the commands. Sending the "C4 Off" caused the macro to fire (I saw it in the Activity Monitor), but the commands didn't run (this is a GOOD thing).
Next, I changed the time on the PC to 10:00 PM, and tried again.
Sure enough, the "daytime" macro fired, but didn't execute the commands. The "nighttime" one worked.
I guess they fixed the logic, so that using "dusk-to-dawn" in a condition loops past midnight, and works.

For some reason, your macro logic is working BACKWARD, with time-related conditions.

Are you leaving the CM15A connected to the PC, with the PC running (AHP can be closed, but the PC must be on) when you are testing?

Do you have timers on any modules?
If so, do they fire correctly?

As a test, can you set a timer for Dusk, to set a flag, and another timer for Dawn, to clear that flag (don't use flags 1, 15, or 16)? Do the flags get set correctly at the right times (you can check flag status by pressing "F3" in AHP).
If that works, try setting the flag status as the condition, and see if the macro works the way it is supposed to.

Not that this is a permanent fix, but it would be a valid test, at least.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 22, 2011, 11:17:21 AM
Well, I did a little experiment at about 10:00 AM, after I sent my earlier post.
I created two macros, "C4 On" for Dawn-to-Dusk (daytime), and "C4 Off" for Dusk-to-Dawn (nighttime).
Firing manually from within AHP ran the command in both cases (C16 on, pause 1 sec, C16 off).
Sending a "C4 On" from the command line (using ahcmd from the SDK) caused the "daytime" macro to fire, and run the commands. Sending the "C4 Off" caused the macro to fire (I saw it in the Activity Monitor), but the commands didn't run (this is a GOOD thing).
Next, I changed the time on the PC to 10:00 PM, and tried again.
Sure enough, the "daytime" macro fired, but didn't execute the commands. The "nighttime" one worked.
I guess they fixed the logic, so that using "dusk-to-dawn" in a condition loops past midnight, and works.

For some reason, your macro logic is working BACKWARD, with time-related conditions.

Are you leaving the CM15A connected to the PC, with the PC running (AHP can be closed, but the PC must be on) when you are testing?

Do you have timers on any modules?
If so, do they fire correctly?

As a test, can you set a timer for Dusk, to set a flag, and another timer for Dawn, to clear that flag (don't use flags 1, 15, or 16)? Do the flags get set correctly at the right times (you can check flag status by pressing "F3" in AHP).
If that works, try setting the flag status as the condition, and see if the macro works the way it is supposed to.

Not that this is a permanent fix, but it would be a valid test, at least.

OK here's a screen shot of the timed macros setting and clearing flags. I thought I would test two sets of flags 8 & 9, one for Dusk to Dawn and another for Dawn to Dusk. The F3 html function is cool. I like it. How would I have found that out without you telling me? See what I mean by Why is there no detailed instruction manual for AHP? Let me know ASAP if these macros look ok. Thanks.

1/24/11 Noam, CONFIRMED!.. The flag state does change for both macros at dawn and dusk. Weird... I wonder why AHP changes the flag status but not the dawn dusk macro conditions. Buy the way I upgraded to V3.305 before these tests just so there was no doubt about AHP not being the latest versions.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 24, 2011, 07:53:53 PM
OK here's a screen shot of the timed macros setting and clearing flags. I thought I would test two sets of flags 8 & 9, one for Dusk to Dawn and another for Dawn to Dusk. The F3 html function is cool. I like it. How would I have found that out without you telling me? See what I mean by Why is there no detailed instruction manual for AHP? Let me know ASAP if these macros look ok. Thanks.

1/24/11 Noam, CONFIRMED!.. The flag state does change for both macros at dawn and dusk. Weird... I wonder why AHP changes the flag status but not the dawn dusk macro conditions. Buy the way I upgraded to V3.305 before these tests just so there was no doubt about AHP not being the latest versions.
For some reason, the images didn't come through properly on my screen. When  tried to blow them up, they were too blurry to read.
I'm glad that the macros you are setting with the flags are working.
Next, you can try to use the flag status instead of your day/night condition, and see if the macros work that way.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: JMac on January 24, 2011, 09:34:27 PM
For what it's worth - I use version 3.228 and I had the same problem with "dawn-dusk", and ended up with a flag setting macro as you did.  I use flag 15 with no problem.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 25, 2011, 07:46:35 PM
For what it's worth - I use version 3.228 and I had the same problem with "dawn-dusk", and ended up with a flag setting macro as you did.  I use flag 15 with no problem.
Thanks for that info. One helpfull to ya
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 25, 2011, 07:50:44 PM
OK here's a screen shot of the timed macros setting and clearing flags. I thought I would test two sets of flags 8 & 9, one for Dusk to Dawn and another for Dawn to Dusk. The F3 html function is cool. I like it. How would I have found that out without you telling me? See what I mean by Why is there no detailed instruction manual for AHP? Let me know ASAP if these macros look ok. Thanks.

1/24/11 Noam, CONFIRMED!.. The flag state does change for both macros at dawn and dusk. Weird... I wonder why AHP changes the flag status but not the dawn dusk macro conditions. Buy the way I upgraded to V3.305 before these tests just so there was no doubt about AHP not being the latest versions.
For some reason, the images didn't come through properly on my screen. When  tried to blow them up, they were too blurry to read.
I'm glad that the macros you are setting with the flags are working.
Next, you can try to use the flag status instead of your day/night condition, and see if the macros work that way.
Noam, Your input has been very valuable. Buy the way what does the "Addressed Units" line with a plus sign under a number in Status Report Screen mean after pressing F3? Thanks & A helpfull to ya...
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 27, 2011, 07:41:19 AM
OK here's a screen shot of the timed macros setting and clearing flags. I thought I would test two sets of flags 8 & 9, one for Dusk to Dawn and another for Dawn to Dusk. The F3 html function is cool. I like it. How would I have found that out without you telling me? See what I mean by Why is there no detailed instruction manual for AHP? Let me know ASAP if these macros look ok. Thanks.

1/24/11 Noam, CONFIRMED!.. The flag state does change for both macros at dawn and dusk. Weird... I wonder why AHP changes the flag status but not the dawn dusk macro conditions. Buy the way I upgraded to V3.305 before these tests just so there was no doubt about AHP not being the latest versions.
For some reason, the images didn't come through properly on my screen. When  tried to blow them up, they were too blurry to read.
I'm glad that the macros you are setting with the flags are working.
Next, you can try to use the flag status instead of your day/night condition, and see if the macros work that way.
Noam, You still out there? See my last post question.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on January 28, 2011, 02:31:38 PM
... Buy the way what does the "Addressed Units" line with a plus sign under a number in Status Report Screen mean after pressing F3? ...
Sorry, stupid power company can't figure out that you should trim the trees BEFORE the snow storm, instead of letting them self-trim (and take the power lines with them).

The "Addressed Units" line is to indicate the last address to which a command was sent.
For example, if you send a "C12 On," then "C12" will be last addressed unit. 
If it is a lamp module, and you then send a "dim" command from a remote (or using a special command in a macro), that will be the unit that responds.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: dave w on January 28, 2011, 03:09:22 PM
Ya know, it just shouldn't be this hard.

I use Homeseer which is written by real programmers, however now Homeseer charges for all help. Even when the problem appears to be at their end. Makes me nuts.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: HA Dave on January 28, 2011, 08:36:55 PM
Ya know, it just shouldn't be this hard.

Remember back in the "old days" when wether or not anything would work on a IBM compatible computer... was often iffy. If it wasn't an actual IBM.... well then who knew.

I run a HA PC that was made to run Windows 98 (I run XP on it). Others buy a Windows 7 (64 bit) PC today... and also want to use the same software. I am amazed that so much... works so well. Users creativity and work arounds have allowed us to do much more with AHP than it was ever intended to accomplish.

I have also had trouble using time as a condition. I merely used time to turn On and Off a module (a fake module) on a monitored address. Then I use that addresses position as a condition.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 31, 2011, 07:23:26 PM
Ya know, it just shouldn't be this hard.

Remember back in the "old days" when wether or not anything would work on a IBM compatible computer... was often iffy. If it wasn't an actual IBM.... well then who knew.

I run a HA PC that was made to run Windows 98 (I run XP on it). Others buy a Windows 7 (64 bit) PC today... and also want to use the same software. I am amazed that so much... works so well. Users creativity and work arounds have allowed us to do much more with AHP than it was ever intended to accomplish.

I have also had trouble using time as a condition. I merely used time to turn On and Off a module (a fake module) on a monitored address. Then I use that addresses position as a condition.
[/quotDave, Good info and yes "who knew" helpful to ya, Thanks.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Frank3d on January 31, 2011, 07:27:18 PM
... Buy the way what does the "Addressed Units" line with a plus sign under a number in Status Report Screen mean after pressing F3? ...
Sorry, stupid power company can't figure out that you should trim the trees BEFORE the snow storm, instead of letting them self-trim (and take the power lines with them).

The "Addressed Units" line is to indicate the last address to which a command was sent.
For example, if you send a "C12 On," then "C12" will be last addressed unit. 
If it is a lamp module, and you then send a "dim" command from a remote (or using a special command in a macro), that will be the unit that responds.
Noan, Got it thanks. Guess I will be using flag status in all my macro timed events.
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: rnorton888 on March 18, 2011, 03:16:44 PM
FYI on my 3.206 and the tech at X10 the Dusk to Dawn are backwords. Of course that needs to be fixed.
Randy
Title: Re: MACROs Work Flawlesly but only without "Timed Conditions"
Post by: Noam on June 22, 2011, 03:35:34 PM
I know this is an old post, but I must have missed it when I replied to others.
The time-based condition problem was fixed in version 3.315, release 6/9/2011.
It only affected time-based conditions that were set to run from the PC (there was a bug in the code which reversed the condition logic).

If you haven't done so already, I suggest you install the update to 3.315, and test out your conditions.
You can get the update here:
http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm