I have an automation that when triggered turns on a scene that sets my lights a specific way. Then the automation waits for a second trigger.

I noticed that the automation doesn’t continue after the second trigger, so I looked at the trace, and it looks like the scene setting step of the automation times out: “error: Timed out when calling async_turn_on for bulb xyz: <class ‘TimeoutError’>

It looks like this bulb xyz was dropped from my zigbee network, which isn’t always the most stable. So it’s not exactly uncommon.

So how do I safeguard my automations from being broken by a single piece of a scene being offline?

  • Matt The Horwood@lemmy.horwood.cloudEnglish
    3·
    5 days ago

    I would look at making your ZigBee network reliable, as changing the automation is just fixing the symptom not the cause.

    I would move your WiFi channel from 1 to 6 or 11 and see if that helps?

    • lorentz@feddit.itEnglish
      4·
      5 days ago

      Also, since zigbee is a mesh network, the fix could be as easy as adding a smart plug halfway between the controller and the light. Every zigbee device not running on battery works as a repeater too

      • Matt The Horwood@lemmy.horwood.cloudEnglish
        3·
        5 days ago

        FYI: not all mains powered devices are routers, I have some light switches that are end devices only.

        But in general, yes most mains powered devices are routers and will help with getting the network to reach

        • turmacar@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          5 days ago

          I think I’ve mostly run across that with “no neutral” switches FWIW. It was confusing for a bit when setting up my garage.

          Also very frustrating info to try and track down when buying sometimes.