I recently transitioned my vacation rental from Wink to SmartThings and encountered an interesting challenge with motionless automation. In Wink, I had a simple setup that adjusted the thermostat, turned off backyard lights, and disabled pool heating after 23 hours of no motion. While SmartThings offers a similar automation feature, I noticed that the ‘Motionless duration’ option is capped at 60 minutes. This was a bit puzzling, as I expected this functionality to be more flexible.
I attempted to bypass this limitation using IFTTT, but my motion sensors only trigger on new motion, not the absence of it. After some research and experimentation, I discovered that the Rule Machine app provides a workaround. By setting up a rule that triggers after 60 minutes of inactivity and then introducing a delayed action, I can effectively extend the automation period beyond the 60-minute limit.
This solution has been working smoothly for me, and I’m excited to explore more advanced automation features with SmartThings. If anyone has alternative methods or tips, I’d love to hear them!