Helpers
Overview
15 helper entities are configured via the UI (storage-based). They provide state storage, boolean flags, timers, person tracking, and geographic zones used by automations and dashboards.
Boolean Helpers
Guest Mode
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | input_boolean.guest_mode |
| Icon | mdi:account-group |
| Default | on |
| Purpose | Flag indicating guests are present; can be used to adjust automations (e.g., suppress alarms, adjust lighting) |
Number Helpers (Irrigation Watering Duration)
Four input_number helpers store the duration of the last watering run for each Front Yard irrigation zone. Values are set by irrigation tracking automations.
| Entity | Zone | Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
input_number.front_planters_last_run_duration |
Front Planters | 0–480 | min |
input_number.front_yard_shrubs_last_run_duration |
Front Yard Shrubs | 0–480 | min |
input_number.front_fence_planters_last_run_duration |
Front Fence Planters | 0–480 | min |
input_number.side_yard_garden_bed_last_run_duration |
Side Yard Garden Bed | 0–480 | min |
All use box mode (manual entry) and 0.1 step.
Date/Time Helpers (Last Watered Timestamps)
Four input_datetime helpers store the last watered date and time for each irrigation zone.
| Entity | Zone |
|---|---|
input_datetime.front_planters_last_watered |
Front Planters |
input_datetime.front_yard_shrubs_last_watered |
Front Yard Shrubs |
input_datetime.front_fence_planters_last_watered |
Front Fence Planters |
input_datetime.side_yard_garden_bed_last_watered |
Side Yard Garden Bed |
All have both date and time enabled (has_date: true, has_time: true).
Timer Helpers
Garage Light Timer
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | timer.garage_light_timer |
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Restore | false |
| Purpose | Auto-off timer for garage lights; started when motion or door triggers lights |
Button Helpers
Bin Button
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | input_button.bin_button |
| Icon | mdi:gesture-tap-button |
| Purpose | Virtual button — likely triggers a garbage/recycling reminder or related action |
Zones
Two named geographic zones in addition to the default Home zone:
Work
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | zone.work |
| Latitude | 43.641442 |
| Longitude | -79.377578 |
| Radius | 47 m |
| Icon | mdi:briefcase |
| Purpose | Presence tracking — Rajeev at downtown Toronto office |
Rajeeta Home
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | zone.rajeeta_home |
| Latitude | 43.656839 |
| Longitude | -79.383613 |
| Radius | 46 m |
| Icon | mdi:account |
| Purpose | Tracks when Rajeev is at Rajeeta's home location |
Person
Rajeev Iyer
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | person.rajeev_iyer |
| User | 9c38d44ad18d49fbb4a18e892d4d8634 |
| Tracked devices | Iceheart (iPhone), Bacta (iPad), Krytos (iPad) |
| Current state | home |
The person entity aggregates location across all three mobile devices. Home/not_home state is determined by GPS proximity to the Home zone.
Notes
- The
input_datetimeandinput_numberhelpers for watering are write-only from automations — do not manually edit them unless correcting erroneous data. input_boolean.guest_modeis currentlyon(guests present). Remember to turn it off after guests leave if automations depend on this flag.- Zones use lat/long from when they were created — verify they still accurately represent the locations if addresses change.
Last Updated
2026-06-24