# How to set a simple timer reset **URL:** \ **Category:** Questions & Help\ **Created:** [November 4, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729 "2023-11-04T20:09:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Alex\_S1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/alex_s1/32/79236_2.png) [@Alex\_S1](https://community.homey.app/u/Alex_S1)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/1 "2023-11-04T20:09:19Z")
Hi guys! This question was discussed a lot of time here but I cannot get it work. What I want to do is simple. When light is on and area becomes inactive → start countdown to turn off the lights BUT reset the timer when movement was detected after the area became inactive within the timer time. I tried to use two different apps without success. Now I try to get it work with the Cronograph app. My problem is that it doesnt matter what time I set, it is ignored by the app and simply triggers the next action right away ignoring the time I set. Could someone tell what I´m doing wrong, please? I created a short flow as attached. When the area becomes inactive, the timer doesnt start but triggers the next event instead. I can attach tags to the field “Name” but do I need to and if yes, which one? Same for “Duration”. ![Bild 04.11.23 um 21.03](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/3X/1/9/19325991af374b99e36243f53d8213ae63051010.jpeg) Again, sorry for asking a question that was discussed so many times here but I start to dispair. Thanks Alex ---
**Author:** ![Rmb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/rmb/32/79135_2.png) [@Rmb](https://community.homey.app/u/Rmb)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2023, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/2 "2023-11-04T20:18:45Z")
Maybe you can switch (temporarily) to normal flow and use “when zone is inactive for x minutes”. I have not used extended flows, so I don’t know if this card is available in your flow. ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_S1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/alex_s1/32/79236_2.png) [@Alex\_S1](https://community.homey.app/u/Alex_S1)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2023, 8:23pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/3 "2023-11-04T20:23:17Z")
Hi! Thanks for the hint. This option is also available in advanced flows and is some kind of a solution but there you can only add minutes. In few specific cases I need to set seconds as a minute is too long. So, I thought a timer app would help but I cannot get it run correctly. ---
**Author:** ![Rmb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/rmb/32/79135_2.png) [@Rmb](https://community.homey.app/u/Rmb)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2023, 8:33pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/4 "2023-11-04T20:33:18Z")
Then you might use the card “when zone becomes inactive” and use the delay in the card switching of the light. ---
**Author:** ![Rmb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/rmb/32/79135_2.png) [@Rmb](https://community.homey.app/u/Rmb)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2023, 8:42pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/5 "2023-11-04T20:42:13Z")
Try replacing the nam “Test / 10s” by “Test\_10s” to get rid of the dash slash. As this might be a special character. When you click on the “i” you get information how to use the card. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_van\_Ulft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/paul_van_ulft/32/56539_2.png) [@Paul\_van\_Ulft](https://community.homey.app/u/Paul_van_Ulft)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 12:06am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/6 "2023-11-05T00:06:30Z")
I use the app countdown. This works perfect and I use your setup. In the configuratian. you define a time (for instance lightstimer) In dutch the cards are named zandloper. Then the flows are IF THEN IF THEN \ IF AND IF THEN IF THEN ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_van\_Ulft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/paul_van_ulft/32/56539_2.png) [@Paul\_van\_Ulft](https://community.homey.app/u/Paul_van_Ulft)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 12:09am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/7 "2023-11-05T00:09:57Z")
![pint](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/3X/b/7/b75c457105ac39e80bb6f9b8aa29b8fd9f094ffe.png) I use a variable which i use in a different flow to kill or activate the lights ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Kawa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/peter_kawa/32/173848_2.png) [@Peter\_Kawa](https://community.homey.app/u/Peter_Kawa)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 1:48am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/8 "2023-11-05T01:48:27Z")
In this topic you’ll find several examples and variations > [@The Flow Exchange(r) - Exchange Your Flows with Others!](https://community.homey.app/t/the-flow-exchange-r-exchange-your-flows-with-others/68981/8): > > Zone Activity Controlled Light / Device To prevent the light (or other device) from turning off (or on), while there’s still motion detected. It uses Homey’s Zone Activity AND a timer. This way your motion- & contactsensors become exchangeable and expandable, without having to fix the flow. This way, you can add a sensor, remove one (use 1 sensor minimum), use one with another protocol (f.i. zigbee/wifi/z-wave) in a zone. Apps used [Chronograph](https://homey.app/a/nl.fellownet.chronograph/)Flow example: ---
**Author:** ![DirkG](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/dirkg/32/118897_2.png) [@DirkG](https://community.homey.app/u/DirkG)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 7:51am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/10 "2023-11-05T07:51:14Z")
The problem is that you gave the timer 2 different names: **Test** and **10 s** Either use the drop-down menu and select an existing timer, **or** enter a name in the Name field: ![IMG_3790](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/3X/6/f/6f66d0c50b8a0f389dcad43655b137a8fe1e748a.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_S1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/alex_s1/32/79236_2.png) [@Alex\_S1](https://community.homey.app/u/Alex_S1)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 8:54am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/11 "2023-11-05T08:54:37Z")
It doesnt work. Once it detected inactivity, the delay starts and turns off the light disregarding any motion happened during the delay time. ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_S1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/alex_s1/32/79236_2.png) [@Alex\_S1](https://community.homey.app/u/Alex_S1)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 8:55am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/12 "2023-11-05T08:55:04Z")
The “/” cannot be removed. It a part of the card. ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_S1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/alex_s1/32/79236_2.png) [@Alex\_S1](https://community.homey.app/u/Alex_S1)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 8:57am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/13 "2023-11-05T08:57:11Z")
I dont know how to get the Countdown app work. It doesnt matter what delay I set, it turns off the lights after few ms. Same happens in Chronograph app. As others work with it, like you, there must be a mistake on my side and I try to figure out what it could be. Do I add the timer, give it a name set the time? Is it all or do I have to specify something else somewhere? Thanks Alex ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_S1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/alex_s1/32/79236_2.png) [@Alex\_S1](https://community.homey.app/u/Alex_S1)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:00am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/14 "2023-11-05T09:00:06Z")
Thanks! When I leave one of the field empty it gives me an error and I cannot save the flow. I have to specify both. Best regards Alex ---
**Author:** ![DirkG](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/dirkg/32/118897_2.png) [@DirkG](https://community.homey.app/u/DirkG)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:05am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/15 "2023-11-05T09:05:36Z")
Believe me, only 1 field needs to be used. Please delete the flow card, save the flow and add the card again and only fill in 1 field. If you use several Chronograph flow cards in the flow, please do this with all flow cards. **Edit** If an error is displayed, please take a screenshot and post it. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_van\_Ulft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/paul_van_ulft/32/56539_2.png) [@Paul\_van\_Ulft](https://community.homey.app/u/Paul_van_Ulft)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:13am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/16 "2023-11-05T09:13:44Z")
Hou have to go to the app. In configuration you defilé a timer ---
**Author:** ![Rmb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/rmb/32/79135_2.png) [@Rmb](https://community.homey.app/u/Rmb)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:43am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/17 "2023-11-05T09:43:45Z")
> [@Alex\_S1](#): > > When the area becomes inactive, the timer doesnt start but triggers the next event instead. So this problem is solved? > [@](#): > > It doesnt work. Once it detected inactivity, the delay starts and turns off the light disregarding any motion happened during the delay time. Hé Alex, it looks you are reporting about 2 different apps. That is complicating the discussion in here, as I have a very limited view of your system. So I suggest to make the most simple flow to test the timer. Start a flow manually, make a delay and switch on a lamp after the delay, or send yourself a message. Then share you flow and results here. ---
**Author:** ![Rmb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/rmb/32/79135_2.png) [@Rmb](https://community.homey.app/u/Rmb)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:55am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/18 "2023-11-05T09:55:56Z")
> [@Alex\_S1](#): > > I can attach tags to the field “Name” but do I need to and if yes, which one? Same for “Duration”. > > ![Bild 04.11.23 um 21.03](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/3X/1/9/19325991af374b99e36243f53d8213ae63051010.jpeg) Back the beginning. As the clicking on the i-button of the cards says: enter a new name for a new counter, or select the name of an existing counter. In normal flows it looks like: ![IMG_2874](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/3X/4/0/400b716249bc400e8b10d3157bbec2a3342637e4.jpeg) So from your picture it shows you have done both, you have a timer “ **Test** ” and a timer “ **10s** ” ---
**Author:** ![DirkG](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/dirkg/32/118897_2.png) [@DirkG](https://community.homey.app/u/DirkG)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 10:53am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/19 "2023-11-05T10:53:25Z")
> [@Paul\_van\_Ulft](#): > > Hou have to go to the app. In configuration you defilé a timer This is how it works with the countdown app you are using. This option is not available in the chronograph app that he uses. You can simply enter a timer name in the “Name” field, or use the “Pick” drop-down menu to select an existing name and/or create a new timer name. > [@Rmb](#): > > So from your picture it shows you have done both, you have a timer “ **Test** ” and a timer “ **10s** ” This is what I have already mentioned [here](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/10)… 🤷🏼‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![Rmb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/rmb/32/79135_2.png) [@Rmb](https://community.homey.app/u/Rmb)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/20 "2023-11-05T11:02:08Z")
> [@DirkG](#): > > This is what I have already mentioned [here](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/10) And even that might not be the problem, as I just found out that the “chosen one” is leading. However, the only way to find the problem is to exclude all possible causes. ![IMG_2875](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/3X/5/0/50d2370a10f8b69de5aab9672be27a9397c9fcd5.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![DirkG](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/dirkg/32/118897_2.png) [@DirkG](https://community.homey.app/u/DirkG)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 11:11am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729/21 "2023-11-05T11:11:45Z")
Okay, I didn’t know that. When Arie added the picker, at first I also used both fields, but with identical names, and that worked too. However, it makes no sense to speculate further here if @Alex_S1 doesn’t give us any feedback, including the error notification he receives when he uses only one field. [Next page](https://community.homey.app/t/how-to-set-a-simple-timer-reset/93729.md?page=2)