ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hi everyone,
If, like me, BeoTime is your favourite B&O product of all time, then you might like this! Basically, BeoTime has a hidden menu which allows you to enable a number of useful extra functions, including:-
1) Masterlink Gateway compatibility
2) Switching on the light instead of/as well as the alarm clock
3) A "Sunrise" facility to gradually increase the light level in the room each morning to simulate surise at any time of the year.
Here is how to add the hidden menu items to your BeoTime:-
1) Hold down the central control button for at least ten seconds. The Source Off and Lights Off commands will be sent, ignore this and keep holding down the button.
2) Whilst still holding down the button, press the Alarm On/Off button at the end of the remote in and out at least four times. Now release the central button.
When you scroll through the menu, you will now have a new option "ALARM LIGHT", which can be set to raise your lights to a pre-set level each morning. The "SUNRISE" option in the Alarm Light sub-menu can be used to enable this as a gradual brightening over a period of time, instead of simply switching on the lights at once.
As an added bonus, your BeoTime will now be enabled for use with Masterlink Gateway (if you have this). If you enable the Alarm Timeout or Sleep Timer Timeout options, then BeoTime will now switch off the lights automatically when it switches off the source that is playing.
Just in case you are thinking "I can't control my bedroom lights from BeoTime, can I?" - the answer is "Yes, you can!" B&O produced a range of LC light controllers which are still available on the used market (try LifeStyle AV for starters), plus Lutron produce a range of B&O approved Rania dimmers that can replace a standard light switch to give you easy control from BeoTime or any B&O remote with a LIGHT button (you can obtain these from your B&O dealer, or at www.lightbutton.co.uk). Hope this is helpful.
Kind regards, Steve.
Steve.
www.soundsheavenly.com
Founder of Sounds Heavenly Cables and Brand Ambassador for Bang & Olufsen
Sounds Heavenly are proud to sponsor BeoWorld!
Please check out my YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/soundsheavenlycables
BeoTime was just a useless externalised timer function which should have been integrated in B&O stuff...
Now with your trick Steve, it looks a lot more interesting! I don't know if a lot of people here have tested "sunrise simulators" as alarm clocks, but I can only recommend it!
Thanks Steve, that's something great, finally a B&O product is better than what it is marketed for!
diisign.com
Steve am working on an install at mo and guy has wired two single gang switches and one double gang switch - can these switches work or be configured to work in the same room?
Hi,
The Lutron Ranias for B&O only come in single gang versions, but you can use several of these together in one room with independent control, plus they can work as two-way or three-way switches for control of a lighting circuit from several positions.
Here are the links to the technical datasheets that I got from Lutron, which should help you in setting up the lighting, but you are welcome to email me if you need further help (you will need to ignore any references to Dual dimmers, as these don't apply to the B&O versions):-
http://soundsheavenly.co.uk/lightbutton/multiple.pdf
Kind regards,
mbee: BeoTime was just a useless externalised timer function which should have been integrated in B&O stuff... Now with your trick Steve, it looks a lot more interesting! I don't know if a lot of people here have tested "sunrise simulators" as alarm clocks, but I can only recommend it! Thanks Steve, that's something great, finally a B&O product is better than what it is marketed for!
Hi Mbee,
Yes, I originally bought BeoTime due to the lack of a timer function on my BeoSystem 3500, but I soon started to love the design. The one failing was the fact that it couldn't switch on the lights as part of the alarm function, then I found out about the hidden Alarm Light menu whilst wading through a very dry technical manual about Masterlink Gateway! The Sunrise Timer is a great added bonus, this has three different time delay settings so that it can be configured to suit your needs.
Three cheers for B&O for a superb product (once unlocked to give it its full functionality, of course!)
Now what would be excellent would be to use a lintronic to receive the light up signal and open the curtains
Eclipse 65V1-32Beosound M5Essence MK2BLI
Seanie_230: Now what would be excellent would be to use a lintronic to receive the light up signal and open the curtains
Yes, works.
The LIGHT feature was originally meant to control the MLGW, so you can program whole house macros for the Beotime.
Not a really new function. Been already discussed nearly two years ago in the "Beotime increased functionality" thread of the "old" archived and sadly inactive forum....
http://archivedarchivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/34812/311493.aspx#311493
Stefan
Hi Stefan,
Yes, the archived thread discussed this topic, but didn't confirm that the functions worked without having Masterlink Gateway installed, which was the reason I started the new post. I can confirm that once a compatible IR light dimmer (eg. B&O version of Lutron Rania) is installed in the room, the Alarm Light and Sunrise Timer functions on BeoTime do work correctly without ML Gateway installed.
The advantage of MLGW here would be to add further programming for the rest of the house, and/or easy home automation control (I think someone mentioned a Goblin Tea Maker in the archived thread?)
I'm working on a design for a simple, "retro-fit" curtain/blind controller that can be activated from the Light control, so this could give some home automation capability from BeoTime without MLGW. Watch this space.....
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: Yes, the archived thread discussed this topic, but didn't confirm that the functions worked without having Masterlink Gateway installed, which was the reason I started the new post. I can confirm that once a compatible IR light dimmer (eg. B&O version of Lutron Rania) is installed in the room, the Alarm Light and Sunrise Timer functions on BeoTime do work correctly without ML Gateway installed.
Sorry...
lausvi 01-26-11:
"...Anyway, I don't have a MLGW, but the timed alarm with light does work. Just BeoTime + B&O-IR compatible dimmer. I have been trying the SUNRISE function but can't seem to figure it out..."
beoeric 01-26-11:
"Works Nice with Lutron GE without the MLGW"
I wish there were a way to use the Beotime to turn a BV10 on and off at a certain time each day, as if it had an internal timer like a BV7. and do so without also sounding the Beotime alarm.
Beolab 28s Beolab 9s Beolab 12-3s Beolab 1s Beolab 6000s 2 pairs Beolab 4000s Beovision 7-55 Beovision 10-40 Beoplay V1 32 inch Beovision Avant 32 inch Beosound 1 (CD player) Beosound 3000 Beosound 5 Core Essence MKII Beoplay M5
You can do that with Beotime and a Lintronic box - with alarm sound though...
Or an X10 solution with an X10 Mini Timer and an X10 controler connected to a Lintronic box - without alarm sound..
Here in Euroland Marmitek Timer and controler are about 100 Euros. I don`t know whether these products are available in your country - if not, there will be similiar products...
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: Hi Stefan, Yes, the archived thread discussed this topic, but didn't confirm that the functions worked without having Masterlink Gateway installed, which was the reason I started the new post. I can confirm that once a compatible IR light dimmer (eg. B&O version of Lutron Rania) is installed in the room, the Alarm Light and Sunrise Timer functions on BeoTime do work correctly without ML Gateway installed. The advantage of MLGW here would be to add further programming for the rest of the house, and/or easy home automation control (I think someone mentioned a Goblin Tea Maker in the archived thread?) I'm working on a design for a simple, "retro-fit" curtain/blind controller that can be activated from the Light control, so this could give some home automation capability from BeoTime without MLGW. Watch this space..... Kind regards, Steve.
Interesting indeed - I've always liked the looks of the Beotime, but mistakenly thought it didn't do a lot.... it's probably a bit left field, but can it control the likes of an Beoplay V1, or is it only useful for the full B&O range rather than Beoplay products?
Kind regards
John...
Why should the Beotime not be able to control a V1? Beotime can control video sources - the IR commands are the same in all Beo products...
So, would surprise me, it that woudn`t work.
I try the sunrise function, it works fine, but... The alarm clock sound is comming too. Is it possible to disable the sound? Or the sound only when the light is at 100% ?
Thanks
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: The "SUNRISE" option in the Alarm Light sub-menu can be used to enable this as a gradual brightening over a period of time, instead of simply switching on the lights at once.
Yes, but I must pose the question, how many people are awakened in the dark by the Beotime and would then buy an expensive light control unit so they can then lie in bed whilst the lights gradually brighten?
Oh go on, shoot me down and tell me lots of you!
I've got B&O gear plus LC2s in the lounge which are great. In the bedroom, the 15 Euro Lidl alarm I bought 4 years ago and which also projects the time on the ceiling, works fine. A stretch of my arm and hey presto the lights come on via a miraculous device called a switch. I can dim them too.
25 Euros the lot!
Hi kokomo,
Maybe I'm the only one then! For me that's the joy of B&O; not the cheapest, nor the only option, but a little bit of decadent style to brighten up my day.......
Steve at Sounds Heavenly:to brighten up my day.......
A terrible pun Steve, intended or not!
Intended! (sorry)
I try the sunrise function, it works fine, but... The alarm clock sound is comming too. Is it possible to disable the sound? Or the sound only when the light is at 100% ? Thanks
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz??????
Hi Silou,
Sorry for the slow reply, my wife is expecting a baby any time now and I have been too busy to check the forum for a while.......
Yes, I think that the alarm has to be sounding (or set to "snooze", ie. pushed in quickly and then released) for the sunrise control to be enabled. I now use the Beotime to switch on my lights straight away when the alarm sounds, but I think the sunrise timer will be more useful to me in the winter as it will then be dark outside when the alarm goes off.
I did wonder about disconnecting the alarm so that the Beotime just controls lights and music, but that's a project for the future, once the baby has arrived!
Steve at Sounds Heavenly:my wife is expecting a baby any time now
congratulations to both of you
Steve at Sounds Heavenly:I have been too busy to check the forum
don't worry ... you can do it during the 3am feeding
BeoNut since '75
I was reading on Peter tyson website about the beotime a d it says
Finally, stroll off to work without switching anything off - BeoTime will gladly do that for you at a preset time. http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/bang_and_olufsen_beotime.shtml
Finally, stroll off to work without switching anything off - BeoTime will gladly do that for you at a preset time.
Thats the link for the full story.
Does anyone know if this is even possible? If so I know how to set my alarm but how do I set what time I want it turn everything off?
Thanks in advance
Hi 2012martin,
Simply set the "Alarm Timeout" to the required number of minutes - this sets how long the lights and audio/video source will remain on after the alarm time.
Is it possible to change the language on the beotime?
Beosound 8, Beotime, Beocom 4, Beo 5, Lutron Rania, MacBook 15" (Mid 2015), iPad Pro, iPhone 6S, B&O Play H3, Beolit 12, Form 2, A8 Headphones, B&O Play A1, B&O Essence
I did it! Thanks Steve!
Well done Chris!
The button combination required to enable this is not easy, but it is worth the effort!
I couldn't find any way to change the language on BeoTime, so I'm guessing these are set at the factory, depending on which country they are shipped to?
My next project is a simple (one-box, single-room) home automation system that will work with Beo4 and BeoTime. I will start a new thread about that shortly......
That sounds interesting steve - sort of a budget 'lintronic'?
It didn't work for me at first, I held the main button down for at least 10 seconds and then pressed the alarm on/off for around 10 times whilst on the clock function. I didn't seen any source indication.
Hi Chris,
Yes, the aim is to give several channels of control, these could be either lighting or relay control for things like curtains, blinds, doors, etc. I'm looking at a few options, with somewhere between two and eight control channels, all accessible via the LIGHT control on Beo4 or BeoTime.
I've started a new thread (http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/t/2340.aspx) to get some ideas of what other BeoWorlders would like their remotes to be able to do, as this will help me focus the development work.
Rather than a budget Lintronic system, the aim is to bridge the gap between remote light switches like the Lutron Rania and advanced systems like Lintronic, ie. to give a simple retro-fit device that can be put in individual rooms for easy remote lighting or control systems, without the option for linking rooms that tends to add cost and complexity.
Please take a look at the new thread and let me know your views!
Silou: I try the sunrise function, it works fine, but... The alarm clock sound is comming too. Is it possible to disable the sound? Or the sound only when the light is at 100% ? Thanks
Sorry for the slow reply, I found out the answer to this question this morning when I pressed the "wrong" button on my Beotime......Yes, you CAN use the Sunrise function without having the alarm sounding constantly - when the alarm sounds, press the "Up" or "Down" button instead of pressing in the "Alarm" button at the end of the Beotime. This will activate the snooze function and cancel the alarm for 10 minutes, without switching off the Sunrise function.
Hope this helps (I'm finding it quite useful now that the darker mornings are here again!)
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: Rather than a budget Lintronic system, the aim is to bridge the gap between remote light switches like the Lutron Rania and advanced systems like Lintronic, ie. to give a simple retro-fit device that can be put in individual rooms for easy remote lighting or control systems, without the option for linking rooms that tends to add cost and complexity.
Steve, I think it sounds like an interesting product! do you see it working in a near future?
also, if it should be a product in the gap as mentioned, will it include IR conversion like the Lintronic? or where in the gap would it be compared to the jbmedia http://cms.jbmedia.de/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=8&lang=en? will it control e.g. curtains directly or by third party products via RF?
cheers /Goran
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: Hi everyone, If, like me, BeoTime is your favourite B&O product of all time, then you might like this! Basically, BeoTime has a hidden menu which allows you to enable a number of useful extra functions, including:- 1) Masterlink Gateway compatibility 2) Switching on the light instead of/as well as the alarm clock 3) A "Sunrise" facility to gradually increase the light level in the room each morning to simulate surise at any time of the year. Here is how to add the hidden menu items to your BeoTime:- 1) Hold down the central control button for at least ten seconds. The Source Off and Lights Off commands will be sent, ignore this and keep holding down the button. 2) Whilst still holding down the button, press the Alarm On/Off button at the end of the remote in and out at least four times. Now release the central button. When you scroll through the menu, you will now have a new option "ALARM LIGHT", which can be set to raise your lights to a pre-set level each morning. The "SUNRISE" option in the Alarm Light sub-menu can be used to enable this as a gradual brightening over a period of time, instead of simply switching on the lights at once. As an added bonus, your BeoTime will now be enabled for use with Masterlink Gateway (if you have this). If you enable the Alarm Timeout or Sleep Timer Timeout options, then BeoTime will now switch off the lights automatically when it switches off the source that is playing. Just in case you are thinking "I can't control my bedroom lights from BeoTime, can I?" - the answer is "Yes, you can!" B&O produced a range of LC light controllers which are still available on the used market (try LifeStyle AV for starters), plus Lutron produce a range of B&O approved Rania dimmers that can replace a standard light switch to give you easy control from BeoTime or any B&O remote with a LIGHT button (you can obtain these from your B&O dealer, or at www.lightbutton.co.uk). Hope this is helpful. Kind regards, Steve.
Very old thread I know but I just got hold of an LC2 and I can't get the 'Sunrise' function to work with my Beotime.
I have set up the BeoTime as above and have the 'ALARM LIGHT' menu showing. The LC2 is set up in the default mode for ordinary bulbs and a 46W bulb is fitted - this operates on/off and dims correctly using the Beo4 (LIGHT then a number, for example).
However when I use the 'sunrise' function the bulb just goes straight to full brightness when the alarm sounds. If I then turn off the light manually (by touching the dome) then the light comes back on dimly a few seconds later.
Anyone know what I am doing wrong?
Hi Guy,
I've never tried this with an LC2, so I'm not sure if there are any differences. In the Alarm Light option, please set this to ON in the middle screen and then set "Sunrise Slow" in the final screen of the Beotime. This works for a slow light fade on when the alarm sounds, when using a B&O compatible Lutron Rania dimmer.
Thanks for the reply Steve - these old threads are always useful!
Steve at Sounds Heavenly:I've never tried this with an LC2, so I'm not sure if there are any differences
That's interesting - hopefully there is someone out there that has made it work with an LC2.
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: In the Alarm Light option, please set this to ON in the middle screen and then set "Sunrise Slow" in the final screen of the Beotime.
I did wonder about the middle screen setting but that's exactly the setup I eventually tried - no luck.
I may try new batteries in the Beotime later - they often do some funny things that can be fixed with a new battery 'reset'!
Guy: Thanks for the reply Steve - these old threads are always useful! Steve at Sounds Heavenly:I've never tried this with an LC2, so I'm not sure if there are any differences That's interesting - hopefully there is someone out there that has made it work with an LC2. Steve at Sounds Heavenly: In the Alarm Light option, please set this to ON in the middle screen and then set "Sunrise Slow" in the final screen of the Beotime. I did wonder about the middle screen setting but that's exactly the setup I eventually tried - no luck. I may try new batteries in the Beotime later - they often do some funny things that can be fixed with a new battery 'reset'!
I have succeeded with the LC1 and Beotime several years ago (my LC1s and Beotime are in different rooms now).
You have to create first a light scene where the brightness is set to the minimum in the LC2. When the Beotime alarm triggers, it will gradually increase the brightness to the maximum. Since there is no two-way communication between the LC1/LC2 and the Beotime, the Beotime doesn't know the initial brightness setting and just sends the brightness (dimming up) increase command.
Hoping that this will work.
Jean
jvezina:You have to create first a light scene where the brightness is set to the minimum in the LC2. When the Beotime alarm triggers, it will gradually increase the brightness to the maximum. Since there is no two-way communication between the LC1/LC2 and the Beotime, the Beotime doesn't know the initial brightness setting and just sends the brightness (dimming up) increase command.
Many thanks indeed Jean - that works a treat!
EDIT: I have since realised that you can actually use the default 'light scenes or levels', where '1' is 100% intensity and '9' is 20%. Hence when I set the 'Alarm Light' middle screen option to '9' (rather than 'ON') the light first comes on at the 20% setting, and builds from there.