How to constantly evaluate state of device for change

#1

Is there a way to constantly evaluate the state of a device (hue light) for change? I’m trying to accomplish constant evaluation during sunrise to sunset to ensure if a light goes on that it gets turned off immediately. Not yet sure if my hub or devices have been hacked at the moment but randomly I get outside lights turned on in the middle of the day so I’d like to constantly monitor their status. I know no piston of mine is causing this so that’s the first clue.

#2

To track down the culprit, here is the easiest place to check:
Log into the IDE > My Devices > Outside Light > List Events > All

This should show a timeline, and often, what automation turned on that particular light.

#3

Hey thanks for that tip! Well seems to miss something. I’m seeing APP_COMMAND send the appropriate OFF command to the light, next line is device switch is OFF, then the very next entry about a minute later is the device switch is ON. No app command sent.

All throughout the night the device status is online, offline back and forth as well.

So it appears the device just turns on without the piston turning it on or any app I use. It did log the device as OFF after it sent the command but then next line it’s ON again.

#4

This might be the root of your issues. Some bulbs turn to 100% brightness when they initially connect to a network.

To help with distance, you can try re-positioning your ST hub, or adding appropriate devices somewhere in the middle to help transmit the signal farther. Make sure whatever you add is AC powered, or it won’t act as a repeater. Also, the device(s) in the middle should match (either Zigbee or Zwave) with the bulbs out there.

#5

Using all hue bulbs, first one is in the next room about 12 feet away. Next one is in the foyer about another 12 feet, then the porch lights on the other side of the wall in the foyer, then 5 feet away starts the front garage lights (4). Fairly close in line. The piston controlling these lights turns them on low at sunset, ring motion turns the outside lights on for 10 minutes then off after no motion. That’s been working fine for months. Now randomly during the middle of the day they will turn on with no motion so something is turning them on outside the piston because walking in front of the doorbell during the day doesn’t turn anything else on. The lights in question are off in the morning, then some time during the day they get turned on.

#6

Your last post points to some forgotten automation that is still in effect. Could be a piston, a routine, a SmartApp, an Alexa Scene, or many other forms of automation. (Don’t feel bad. We have all been baffled by this at one point or another)

Your previous post mentioning

Leans towards a poor mesh network (probably not at 12 feet, although I never rely on more than 3-4 hops. 0-2 is preferred).

Another possible scenario is perhaps two hubs are trying to control a single device.
(there should only be one “master”)

Did you add any new devices to your SmartHome recently?