Passing a timer handle between rules and functions

[5iver (Scott Rushworth)]

Even though it is not recommended, I have included examples that show how to use threading.Timer (I need to push a doc update). The examples include the use of a dict to store the timers. I use this in Area Triggers and Actions, where there is a dict that potentially holds a timer for each Item.

Actually, from what you’ve posted, Area Triggers and Actions could provide the functionality you are trying to implement, plus a LOT more…

Area Triggers --> Area Actions

The main thing I am aiming to communicate in this tutorial is the concept of using the logic built into groups to lessen the complexity of rules. By setting up your Items and groups in the following way, you will be able to use one rule for much of the automation in your home. A second rule is needed if you’d like to have the lights adjust to Mode (Time of Day) and outside lux levels. The concept is that each area within a home has triggers and the combined state of those triggers can represent …