[APP][Pro] Mode Switch - Smart home modes for lights, climate and devices — fully automated

[Erikje]

Version 3.5.7 is now in testing. It looks like we can proceed with expanding the AVD integration. Therefore, I’ve decided to skip the separate widget feature (3.5.6) and include it directly in version 3.5.7. As a result, both the widget feature and the expanded actions for color/white balance and dimming are included right away.

v3.5.6 — AVD in de Mode-widget

Use an imported AVD as the source for the Mode widget

Control AVD lists directly from the widget

Use AVD buttons or On/Off controls as widget buttons

Add a Widget and choice a “Mode source”. And set the remaining fields.

v3.5.7 — Expanding the AVD integration

Full light settings for AVD actions

Delayed actions

A redesigned AVD configuration page using the same style as Modes, Monitoring and Planning on the local configuration page

Mode & Switch devices will no longer be offered for new installations or to users who are not already using these devices

Existing Mode & Switch devices will continue to be fully supported

• Since AVD can now take over this role, new installations will no longer need a separate virtual Mode & Switch device.

[Erikje]

Version 3.5.8 is now online as a test version.

• Mode & Switch devices have been made available to everyone again.

• Text/number fields of an AVD can now also be used directly as an action to write/change them. (Currently only available in the AVD Integration, starting from V3.5.9 in all actions, such as Planning, Zones&Sensors, Monitoring).

So as an example: (AVD) Ventilation button “speed 2” is pressed - An “on” action occurs on a device - (AVD) has a number field, which is updated to “2”.

[Dietrich_Kassner]

Hello Erikje,

the configuration for the app makes always an automatic save. That makes it impossible to configurate a new light setting for a mode because the automatic save closes the input before you could even select a lamp.

[Erikje]

Thank you so much for letting me know. I’ll try to work on an update in the coming period and fix this at the same time by giving it a bit more time and making sure the save waits while someone is adjusting a setting. At the same time, I hope to implement AVD everywhere so it can modify from anywhere.

[Erikje]

Hi Dietrich,

Version 3.6.0 is in test, I hope the auto-save is better. Tomorrow I will also make a manual about this version, because in this version I have also added remote controls; this does require a personal API and AVD action is now available everywhere

[Dietrich_Kassner]

Sorry, still not working. I recommend to take out the auto save funktion. Everybody can save manualy after making changes.

[Erikje]

Test version 3.6.1

The following changes have been made in this version:

• AVD options have now been added throughout, allowing you to add an action anywhere that an AVD should perform, such as changing text or switching a button on or off.
• Option added to enable or disable automatic saving.
• Remote controls have been supported since version 3.6.x. Because the Mode Switch app does not have drivers for listening to incoming signals from devices such as Zigbee or Z-Wave remotes, a personal API key must be added. This allows a flow to be created that receives triggers from remote controls. You can set this up as follows:

Go to https://my.homey.app/

API Keys

Click “New API key”.

Give your API key a name and select only the Flows permission.

Copy the complete API key.

Go to the Mode Switch settings page and open the “Remote Controls” tab.

Paste the API key there and save it.

Once this is done, the Mode Switch app will search for remote controls that have been added as devices in Homey. (I have only been able to test IKEA and Hue devices myself.)

Next, expand a remote control to view its buttons and functions.

Then expand a function or button. You will probably see an action already listed, which you can modify.

Configure this action further and add a condition if necessary.

When you save, Mode Switch will create a separate folder named “Mode Switch” and automatically create a flow linked to these actions. When a button is pressed, the flow will run and execute the actions in sequence.

[Dietrich_Kassner]

Thank you. Again good work.

[Erikje]

Mode Switch – What’s Next?

I’m working on some new ideas to make Mode Switch even more powerful, flexible, and user-friendly!

The goal remains the same: automate your smart home directly within Mode Switch, without having to create separate, complex Homey Flows for everything.

Here are some improvements I’m considering for future updates:

1. More Integrations – Chronograph & Google Services

I’m considering adding integrations with Chronograph and Google Services.

For example:

- Start, pause, resume, or stop timers and stopwatches directly from Mode Switch.

- Create and control timers and stopwatches based on modes, zones, or activities.

- Send spoken notifications (text-to-speech) to compatible speakers, for example, when your washing machine has finished its cycle.

2. Smart Rule Diagnostics & Repair

Sometimes you remove a device from Homey, which can cause an existing automation rule to stop working correctly.

I’d like to introduce a smart diagnostics system that:

- Automatically detects broken or incomplete rules.

- Displays clear warnings on the Mode Switch settings page.

- Shows exactly what’s missing or no longer available.

- Takes you directly to the affected rule so you can easily fix it.

No more searching through all your settings to figure out why something has stopped working!

3. A Step-by-Step Setup Wizard

Mode Switch already offers quite a lot of possibilities, but setting everything up should remain easy for everyone.

That’s why I’m considering introducing a new wizard that guides you step by step through creating:

- Zones & Sensors: Easily set up basic automations, such as turning on a light when motion is detected in a zone and automatically turning it off when there’s no more motion.

- Planning: Create schedules and configure time-based actions.

- Monitoring: Configure devices to monitor their current status based on power consumption.

The wizard would guide you through the available options, showing only what’s relevant at each step.

Of course, all advanced settings will remain available and can still be configured or adjusted later.

Support the Development

Mode Switch is a personal project that I really enjoy working on in my spare time. I love continuously improving the app and adding new features and possibilities.

If you enjoy using Mode Switch and would like to support its continued development, a small voluntary contribution would be greatly appreciated!

“Support Mode Switch via PayPal” ( PayPal.Me )

Of course, donations are completely optional. Your feedback, ideas, and bug reports are just as valuable!

[Arie_J_Godschalk]

@Erikje

Chronograph

For Chronograph i already have a (limited) npm package for getting updates (listeners) of timers/stopwatches etc.

I could add start and update chronographs etc to the package.

And perhaps i can create a package for Google Services also.

[Erikje]

Oh, that would be fantastic if you could integrate that so it can be retrieved and also controlled via Mode Switch, enabling the apps to truly work together.

[Arie_J_Godschalk]

You can already install the npm package chromograph-npm
https://www.npmjs.com/package/chronograph-npm?activeTab=readme
Although i see i need to fill the npm, just like with my betterlogiclibrary npm package.
https://www.npmjs.com/package/betterlogiclibrary