Separate alert when step is x seconds from finishing

[dcdom2]

Currently you can do this by creating a notifier and subtracting its time from the preceding step, but it would be nice and easier if there is an option to alert the user before each step finishes by x seconds.

[DeweyReed]

The option would be much more complicated than it seems.

Separate the step into two when two different events are happening in it.

[dcdom2]

Separate the step into two when two different events are happening in it.

There is one event. I meant a "heads-up" alert. It can be a fixed 10 seconds before option if you don't want to introduce complexity.

Thanks

[DeweyReed]

I need help to understand your meaning. Could you elaborate more?

[dcdom2]

Think of the following scenario: You are a chemist making a chemical preparation.

1. Put substance A and substance B together for 90 seconds.
2. Add substance C over 20 seconds and wait for 120-180 seconds.
3. Add substance D and mix well for 30 seconds.

Ideally, you make a timer with the following settings:

Method 1

10 seconds before the end of each step, a small alert (vibration or a beep) to alert you that the following step is imminent.

1. Step 1: Title: "A+B". Duration: 90s (alert at 80; you get substance C ready).
2. Step 2: Title: "Add C". Duration: 20s. Starts automatically. Starts with an alert. You add C slowly over the 20s.
3. Step 3: Title: "Wait C". Duration: 120s. Starts automatically. Starts with an alert. (alert at 110; you get substance D ready).
4. Step 4: Title: "Add D and mix". Duration: 30s. You add D then start the timer and mix over 30s.
5. End Step: to stop mixing.

The advantage of this over the current way:

1. No need for notifier step (which can still be useful if timing isn't critical).
2. No need for step halting in most cases since you get a heads-up.

Method 2

1. Step 1: Title: "A+B". Duration: 90s.
2. Step 2: Title: "Add C". Duration: 20s. Starts halted. Starts with an alert. You start the step (continue the timer) and add C slowly over the 20s.
3. Step 3: Title: "Wait C". Duration: 120s. Starts halted. Starts with an alert. You continue the timer and wait.
4. Step 4: Title: "Add D and mix". Duration: 30s. Starts halted. Starts with an alert. You add D then start the timer and mix over 30s.
5. End Step: to stop mixing.

The advantage of this over the current way:

1. No need for notifier step.
2. "Start halted" (instead of "end halted") means that the notification says the name of the active step not the name of the notifier or the previous step. This also allows for unexpected delays etc (the timer doesn't move on automatically until you tell it.)

Currently

1. Step 1: Title: "A+B". Duration: 80s.
2. Notifier 1: Title: "Ready for C". Duration: 10s. Starts with an alert.
3. Step 2: Title: "Add C". Duration: 20s. Starts with an alert.
4. Step 3: Title: "Wait C". Duration: 110s. Starts with an alert.
5. Notifier 2: Title: "Ready for D". Duration: 10s. Starts with an alert.
6. Step 4: Title: "Add D and mix". Duration: 30 seconds. Starts with an alert.
7. End Step: to stop mixing.

Disadvantages of the current method:

1. Having to split timings between steps and notifiers.
2. Repeating the titles "Ready for

[DeweyReed]

Thank you for the detailed explanation!

You're right about the tedious and repetitive creation of timers. But I haven't come up with a solid solution to the problem.

The "Count" reminder is the best for the situation. It will remind you of every second before a step finishes.

[dcdom2]

The "Count" reminder is the best for the situation. It will remind you of every second before a step finishes.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work for me (problems with TTS) 😶

[DeweyReed]

TTS is a compelling feature. Here is a guideline that helps you set it up.

[dcdom2]

Thanks for the link.

Can there be a global setting to set the count number? It is tiring having to change it every single time. This also intersects with my request for custom templates. Maybe there can be templates for "step", templates for "notifier", etc.

Thanks