Transition Modes

Transition modes determine when and how sunsetr adjusts color temperature. There are 4 time-based modes and a static mode. Time-based modes use these settings since they gradually transition from day to night values and back regularly at their specified times:

#[Time-based config]
night_temp = 3300        # Color temperature during night (1000-20000) Kelvin
day_temp = 6500          # Color temperature during day (1000-20000) Kelvin
night_gamma = 90         # Gamma percentage for night (10-200%)
day_gamma = 100          # Gamma percentage for day (10-200%)
update_interval = 60     # Update frequency during transitions in seconds (10-300)

1. geo (Geographic) - Recommended

transition_mode = "geo"

Automatically calculates sunrise and sunset windows based on your geographic location. This provides the most natural transitions that change throughout the year as seasons shift.

How it works:

  • Uses your latitude and longitude to calculate solar elevation angles
  • Determines precise sunrise and sunset times for your location
  • Transitions windows match the calculated solar timing closely
  • Automatically recalculates daily after midnight

Configuration:

transition_mode = "geo"
latitude = 40.7128      # Your latitude
longitude = -74.0060    # Your longitude

Note: When using geo mode, the sunset, sunrise, and transition_duration settings are ignored. These values are calculated automatically from your coordinates.

See Geographic Setup for detailed location configuration.

Manual Transitions:

For finish_by, start_at, and center modes, configure these settings:

sunset = "19:00:00"           # HH:MM:SS format
sunrise = "06:00:00"          # HH:MM:SS format
transition_duration = 45      # Minutes (5-120)

2. finish_by (Complete By Time)

transition_mode = "finish_by"

Ensures transitions complete exactly at the configured sunset and sunrise times.

Behavior:

  • Transition begins transition_duration minutes before the configured time
  • Reaches target temperature/gamma at the configured time

Example:

transition_mode = "finish_by"
sunset = "19:00:00"
transition_duration = 45

# Transition starts: 18:15:00
# Transition ends:   19:00:00 ← Configured time

When to use: You want night mode fully active at a specific time.

3. start_at (Begin At Time)

transition_mode = "start_at"

Transitions begin exactly at the configured sunset and sunrise times.

Behavior:

  • Transition begins at the configured time
  • Reaches target temperature/gamma transition_duration minutes after

Example:

transition_mode = "start_at"
sunset = "19:00:00"
transition_duration = 45

# Transition starts: 19:00:00 ← Configured time
# Transition ends:   19:45:00

When to use: You want transitions to start at specific times.

4. center (Center On Time)

transition_mode = "center"

Transitions are centered around the configured sunset and sunrise times.

Behavior:

  • Transition begins transition_duration / 2 minutes before
  • Reaches target at configured time (midpoint)
  • Continues transition_duration / 2 minutes after

Example:

transition_mode = "center"
sunset = "19:00:00"
transition_duration = 60

# Transition starts: 18:30:00
# Midpoint:          19:00:00 ← Configured time
# Transition ends:   19:30:00

When to use: You want the transition midpoint to align with specific times.

5. static (Constant Values)

transition_mode = "static"

Maintains constant color temperature and gamma values without any time-based transitions.

When to use:

  • You want consistent display settings 24/7
  • You prefer manual control over automatic adjustments
  • You're creating a preset for specific lighting conditions
  • You need color accuracy (e.g., photo editing)

Configuration:

transition_mode = "static"
static_temp = 6500      # Constant temperature
static_gamma = 100      # Constant gamma

Note: When using static mode, all time-based settings (night_temp, day_temp, update_interval, etc ) are ignored.

Examples:

# Always neutral (daytime)
static_temp = 6500
static_gamma = 100

# Always warm (nighttime)
static_temp = 3300
static_gamma = 90

# Gaming/color-accurate mode
static_temp = 6500
static_gamma = 100