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Activating Auto Mode for Groups

Video Tutorial: Watch the companion video V25: Activating Auto Mode for Groups for a visual walkthrough.

Overview

Auto mode puts your lights under sensor control—responding automatically to motion and ambient light conditions. This article explains how to enable Auto mode for groups, configure group-level daylight harvesting, and understand when to use automatic vs. manual control.

What Is Auto Mode?

When lights are in Auto mode:

  • Motion sensors turn lights on when people are present
  • Motion sensors turn lights off when T1/T2 timers expire
  • Daylight harvesting adjusts brightness based on natural light (if enabled)
  • Light levels are determined by sensors, not manual settings

Auto Mode Indicator

Lights in Auto mode display an "A" on their icon. This tells you at a glance that the light level is being automatically controlled.

Auto Mode vs. Manual Control

Aspect Auto Mode Manual Control
Light level Sensor-determined User-specified
Responds to motion Yes Returns to Auto after timers
Daylight harvesting Active (if enabled) Suspended
Energy savings Maximum Varies
Best for Daily operation Special events, presentations

When you manually adjust a light (via app, switch, or scene), it temporarily leaves Auto mode. It returns to Auto mode after the sensor timers expire or when you explicitly set it back to Auto.

Enabling Auto Mode for a Group

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Navigate to the Groups page.
  2. Find the group you want to configure.
  3. Tap the Auto button next to the group name.
  4. All lights in the group switch to Auto mode.
  5. Lights now respond to their sensors according to configured parameters.

Verifying Auto Mode

After enabling: - Member lights should display the "A" icon - Lights will respond to motion - Lights will dim/brighten based on daylight (if DLH enabled)

Configuring Group-Level Daylight Harvesting

If your group contains lights with photosensors, you can configure daylight harvesting for the entire group.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Navigate to the Groups page.
  2. Tap the Dimming button on your group.
  3. Tap the sensor icon in the bottom right corner.
  4. Enable Daylight harvesting.
  5. Select a strategy (Soft, Mild, Aggressive, or Custom).
  6. Tap Save to push settings to all members.

All photosensor-equipped lights in the group now use these DLH settings.

When to Use Auto Mode

Use Auto Mode For:

Scenario Benefit
Daily operation Maximum energy savings
Unoccupied periods Lights turn off automatically
Variable daylight DLH adjusts levels appropriately
Normal business hours Hands-free operation

Use Manual Control For:

Scenario Benefit
Presentations Maintain dim lighting regardless of motion
Special events Specific light levels required
Photography/video Controlled, consistent lighting
Cleaning/maintenance Full brightness without timers

Auto Mode Requirements

For Auto mode to function properly, ensure:

  • [ ] Motion sensors are enabled on fixtures
  • [ ] Sensor parameters are configured (T1, T2, dim level)
  • [ ] Daylight harvesting is configured (if using photosensors)
  • [ ] Auto calibration has been performed (for best results)

Troubleshooting Auto Mode

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Lights don't turn on with motion Motion sensors disabled Enable motion in sensor settings
No "A" icon appearing Not in Auto mode Tap Auto button again
DLH not adjusting Not calibrated Run auto calibration
Lights too dim Min dim set too low Increase DLH min dim setting
Lights not turning off T1/T2 set to Infinite Adjust timer settings

Tips for Effective Auto Mode

  1. Run auto calibration: Improves daylight harvesting accuracy
  2. Set appropriate timers: Match T1/T2 to space usage patterns
  3. Use linkage: Provides ambient light in adjacent areas
  4. Review periodically: Adjust settings as usage patterns change
  5. Document settings: Record configurations for each space type

Quick Reference

Action Steps
Enable Auto Mode Groups page → Auto button on group
Configure DLH Dimming → Sensor icon → DLH settings → Save
Verify Auto Mode Look for "A" icon on light icons
Return to Auto Groups page → Auto button (after manual control)

Based on Keilton+autani App User Guide v9.7