Hey everyone, I wanted to share my journey and success in setting up a sunset automation. I’ve always been a bit intimidated by more complex automations, but I’m thrilled to say I cracked it! 
My Goal:
I aimed to turn off my entryway motion lighting 16 minutes before sunset and have the entryway light turn on 15 minutes before sunset, staying on until 11:30 PM. Sounds simple, right? But it was a bit of a puzzle at first!
The Setup:
I used a mix of Mycroft Logic (ML) and Smart Rules (SR). Initially, I faced some challenges where the light wouldn’t turn on as expected. After some digging, I realized the timing settings needed a bit more finesse. I adjusted the intervals and made sure the sunset data was accurate. Now, it works like clockwork! 
Key Takeaways:
- Timing is Everything: Play around with the minutes before and after sunset to find the perfect window for your lights.
- Check Logs: They’re invaluable for troubleshooting. If something isn’t working, the logs usually give a good hint.
- Start Simple: If you’re new, like me, don’t overcomplicate things. Break down your goal into smaller, manageable parts.
Why It Matters:
Having this automation not only enhances my home’s ambiance but also adds a layer of security. It’s comforting to know the lights are set and I don’t have to worry about manually adjusting them. Plus, it’s a great learning experience!
If anyone has similar goals or needs a hand setting something up, feel free to reach out! Happy automating! 