364 lines
21 KiB
Markdown
364 lines
21 KiB
Markdown
# v4.2 - Multi-Alarm Control, Dual Thermostat Functionality, and More
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## Support this project
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**As always, we would like to thank everyone who donated to this project and remind you that every donation helps to support this project
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So if you haven't made a donation yet, now would be a good time ;)**
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[](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=S974SWQMB8PB2)
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## General
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Hello everyone! In our latest update, we've made some great strides to enhance your experience.
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We've fine-tuned the TFT upload process, making it smoother and more user-friendly for both newbies and veterans.
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Exciting news – we've introduced multiple alarm control panels and added support for dual target temperature thermostats, complete with a handy new add-on.
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On top of that, you've got more customization freedom now. Play around with additional custom buttons and icon size settings on your Home and button pages.
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Oh, and don't miss the new clock feature on the sleep page – it's a small but nifty addition!
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Dive into the details below and see how these improvements can upgrade your day-to-day. Looking forward to your feedback!
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### Upcoming Change: Switching to ESP-IDF Framework by March 2024
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Exciting news for our community – in just a couple of months, by March 2024, we'll be transitioning to the **ESP-IDF** as our default framework.
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This upgrade is designed to significantly increase the available memory on the ESP, making more room for new features and your customizations.
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While the change is around the corner, there's no need to rush. You have time to get ready for this transition.
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When it's time to switch, you’ll need to flash your device using a serial cable, similar to what you did for your first custom firmware installation.
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If you happen to need a serial firmware installation before March, consider giving `esp-idf` a try earlier.
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It’s already supported and a good step towards future-proofing your setup.
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And if you're not able to make the switch by March or can't flash via serial, don't worry.
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You’ll still have the option to use the `arduino` framework and update your device wirelessly (OTA).
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For all the details on customizing the framework, our [customization docs](docs/customization.md#framework-esp-idf) are there to help.
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We're committed to making this transition as smooth as possible, so reach out if you have any concerns or need assistance.
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## Updating
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Updates may come with changes on the blueprint inputs and we highly recommend you review your settings and make sure all fields have the correct selection.
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We did our best to support your legacy settings and avoid breaking your system, but please double check your settings if you see something not working as expected.
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### Files that need to be reloaded
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1. nspanel_eu.tft, nspanel_us.tft or nspanel_us_land.tft - v4.2
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2. nspanel_esphome.yaml - v4.2
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3. nspanel_blueprint.yaml - v4.2
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### Instructions
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*You can find the update procedures following here:*
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- [How To - All important thing you should know - Update](docs/howto.md#update-blueprint)
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## Breaking changes
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1. **The `background` parameter in the `esphome.xxxxx_set_component_color` service is now deprecated.**
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2. **On the home and climate pages, the button layout has changed.**
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This adjustment was made to incorporate additional custom buttons on the home page and new target temperature indicators on the climate page.
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3. **Wi-Fi power save mode has been reset to `NONE` as the default setting.**
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This was the standard up to v4.0. We switched it in v4.1 to accommodate Bluetooth components.
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However, since this feature isn't widely used, we're reverting to the original setting.
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For Bluetooth usage, you should manually set a different mode, such as `LIGHT`, as shown in the customization example below:
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```yaml
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##### My customization - Start #####
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# Enable Bluetooth proxy
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bluetooth_proxy:
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# Set Wi-Fi power save mode to "LIGHT" as required for Bluetooth on ESP32
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wifi:
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power_save_mode: LIGHT
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##### My customization - End #####
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```
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4. **The default baud rate for advanced mode has been reverted to 115200 bps** to resolve issues that arise when rendering button pages.
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5. **ESPHome v2023.12.0 has been established as the minimum required version** to ensure optimal performance and compatibility, particularly with the recent developments in the Nextion component.
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6. **The Alarm section in the blueprint settings has been removed.** All configurations previously made in this section have been automatically transferred to custom button 07.
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7. **Documentation in German is no longer maintained.** This change allows us to more efficiently update and maintain the remaining documentation.
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8. **Reversion to "Toggle" as default action for automation entities on buttons.**
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In this update, we have reverted the default action for button presses on automation. entities back to "Toggle".
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This change reverses the adjustment made in version 4.1, where "Trigger" was set as the default action.
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**Impact:**
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- **Default Behavior:** With this reversion, pressing a button linked to an automation entity will now enable or disable the automation, as it did prior to version 4.1.
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- **Consistency and Familiarity:** This change aims to align with user expectations and maintain consistency in the user experience.
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- **Customization Still Available:** Users still have the option to manually set "Trigger" as the action for their `automation.` entities, as per their preference.
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We understand that changes in default settings can impact your workflows.
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We appreciate your understanding as we strive to balance new features with the familiarity and stability of the user experience.
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9. **Advanced mode no longer enforces a specific framework.**
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In the past, the enforcement of framework changes by the advanced mode could inadvertently result in users switching frameworks during OTA updates.
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This practice was not recommended due to the potential for errors.
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10. **Alarm page cannot be used as wake-up page.**
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As multiple alarms are supported now, the system don't know which one to show on the wake-up.
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11. **Refinement of Icon Presentation**
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In our continuous pursuit to refine the user experience, we've embarked on standardizing the presentation of icons across various pages.
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This initiative may lead to noticeable changes in icon appearance and behavior,
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encompassing aspects like the introduction of new colors for alarms, lights, climate icons,
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and the adoption of fresh icon designs.
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Our aim with these modifications is to establish a default presentation that adheres to a unified standard,
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enhancing both consistency and user experience across the platform.
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While this approach simplifies the overall design,
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it still preserves a degree of customization through blueprint settings.
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The complexity of managing icon colors, especially for items with multi-state attributes like alarm control panels,
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climate controls, and lights with adjustable brightness and color, has prompted us to rethink our approach.
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The current version implements domain-based colors for multi-state items, with specific states for alarms and climate being hard-coded.
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We're exploring ways to offer user-selectable colors for these states in future updates.
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The new color logic is as follows:
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- For the `off` state: Icons will be displayed in **gray**.
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- For states other than `off`:
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- For alarms and climate: Each state will have a specific, hard-coded color for immediate recognition.
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- For lights: If supported, the icon will reflect the light's RGB color, proportionally dimmed to match its brightness.
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- For other domains: Icons will be displayed in **white**.
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This transition towards a more standardized icon presentation is a step forward in enhancing
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the interface's intuitiveness while balancing it with the flexibility of customization.
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We understand this change might be an adjustment from previous versions,
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but our goal is to streamline the experience without compromising the essence of personalization.
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12. ***Action required:* Reset your wake-up page selection.**
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We've enhanced the wake-up page functionality for improved consistency after power cycles.
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Previously, the system didn't remember your selection following a power outage.
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With our latest update, this issue has been resolved.
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However, this improvement requires you to reselect your wake-up page one more time.
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Thanks for your cooperation in making these settings more reliable for everyday use.
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## Overview of noteworthy changes
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1. Standardized entity icons
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2. Additional custom buttons on Home page
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3. Outdoor temperature selectable font size
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4. Select icon size for button's pages
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5. Support to CJK languages (experimental)
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6. Improved TFT transfer
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7. Multiple Alarm Control Panels
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8. Support to `remote`
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9. Home page chips now supports covers
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10. Chips can be inverted
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11. Add swipe control to screensaver page
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12. Enhanced control for automation entities on buttons
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13. Dual thermostat controller support (add-on)
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14. Dual thermostat display
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15. Enhanced timeout flexibility for Sleep, Page fallback, and Dimming settings
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16. Display time on the `screensaver` page
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## Details of noteworthy changes
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### 1. Standardized entity icons
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The engine for defining the icons to be shown and it's color was standardize between all the pages, so now you may see a more consistent User's Interface.
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We've upgraded the icon definition engine to standardize the appearance and color of icons across all pages.
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This enhancement leads to a more consistent and harmonious user interface.
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Expect a unified visual experience that aligns the look and feel of icons throughout the system, contributing to improved navigation and aesthetic appeal.
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### 2. Additional custom buttons on Home page
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It's that simple, now you have 7 buttons where used to be 3.
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Well, where used to be 4, as the space previously used by the Alarm button is now a custom button. 😉
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### 3. Outdoor temperature selectable font size
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Now you can select the font size of your outdoor temperature display:
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> Important: Long text with bigger fonts may exceed the limit of space reserved for this with incomplete information shown.
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### 4. Select icon size for button's pages
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You can also select the size of the icons on the buttos pages:
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### 5. Support to CJK languages (experimental)
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You will find 3 new TFT files on the repository for the CJK languages.
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These files are considerably bigger, as the fonts requires more memory, but it should work fine in your panel.
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**ATTENTION:** This is an experimental feature and may contain bugs or some areas missing translations.
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Please report if you find anything.
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### 6. Improved TFT transfer
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#### TFT file selectors
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We still working on the Upload TFT engine to make it easier for new and for experienced users.
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Now, together with the **Update TFT Display** button, you will find also **Update TFT Display - Model** and **Update TFT Display - Branch** (disabled by default)
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where you can select the different model you are using and the upload URL will be automatically adjusted to donwload the file directly from the repository on GitHub,
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making this process much easier and removing the need of flashing your device every time you want to play with another TFT file or install the `nspanel_blank.tft`.
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If you have issues with the remote file and want to transfer it from your local server just as before, simply select **Use nextion_update_url** in **Update TFT Display - Model**.
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And you also can use the `esphome.xxxxx_upload_tft_url` service to upload using an alternative URL without the need of flash your panel again.
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#### Alternative baud rate for TFT uploads
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You can select an alternative baud rate for your TFT uploads.
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This allows faster TFT uploads and also supports displays previously set with baud rates not supported by this project (currently 115200 bps and 921600 bps).
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In most cases, this would be set for a higher value to enable faster TFT transfer.
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The default is 921600 bps, the maximum supported by Nextion displays.
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You can also use this if you have issues with TFT transfer and want to try a lower baud rate as in some rare cases Nextion will automatically set itself to 9600 bps.
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To enable an alternative upload TFT baud rate, add the desired value in your substitutions like this:
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```yaml
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upload_tft_baud_rate: "9600"
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```
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If an invalid value is entered, 115200 bps will be used.
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The default value for this substitution (in case it is not set by users) will be 921600 bps.
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During a TFT transfer, the system will always fall back to the standard baud rate (115200 bps) if other tentatives fails.
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### 7. Multiple Alarm Control Panels
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Now alarm control panel entities can be assigned to chips and custom buttons in the Home page,
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but also to hardware buttons, any of the buttons pages or entities pages, similarly to other domains.
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### 8. Support to `remote`
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Entities from the `remote` domain can now be assigned to buttons (hardware and buttons pages) and custom buttons (home and climate pages).
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The service `remote.toggle` will be called when the button is pressed.
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### 9. Home page chips now supports covers
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That's it!
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Chips now include cover visualization, allowing for easy monitoring of covers directly from the Home page.
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### 10. Chips can be inverted
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Chips now have an 'invert' option on the blueprint settings, providing additional customization flexibility.
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### 11. Add swipe control to Screensaver page
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You can now navigate to button pages from the screensaver while your panel is in sleep mode.
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The swipe controls will function as they do on the Home page.
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### 12. Enhanced control for automation entities on buttons
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We're pleased to announce a new feature that offers users enhanced control over their smart home setups.
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Now, you can globally select between **Toggle** and **Trigger** actions for button presses on automation entities.
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This update allows for a more personalized and efficient control experience, tailored to your unique preferences.
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#### Key features
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- **Toggle:** This action will enable or disable the automation.
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It is set as the default option.
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- **Trigger:** This action will execute the automation regardless of its current state, providing more flexibility.
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#### How to use
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1. Access your configuration for automation under **Services** > **Automations & Scenes**.
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Select the automation associated with your panel setup.
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1. Scroll to the **ADVANCED SETTINGS** section at the end.
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1. From the menu, select your desired action - either **Toggle** or **Trigger**.
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1. Apply the setting.
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This will then be effective across all relevant entities.
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This update is specially designed to cater to diverse user needs, ensuring a more intuitive and responsive smart home experience.
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### 13. Dual thermostat controller support (add-on)
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This new add-on enables the NSPanel to manage both heating and cooling systems simultaneously, utilizing its dual relay functionality.
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#### Key Benefits
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- **Versatility:** Users can now configure their NSPanel to control both a heater and a cooler, offering increased flexibility in home temperature management.
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- **Efficiency:** With the ability to control both heating and cooling systems, the NSPanel can more effectively maintain desired temperatures, potentially leading to energy savings.
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- **User Experience:** This update simplifies the user interface by integrating control of both systems into one panel, making it easier to manage home climate.
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#### Implementation Details
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- The dual thermostat controller functionality allows the NSPanel to utilize both of its relays for separate heating and cooling control.
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Users can configure their heating and cooling settings independently, providing a tailored climate control experience.
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- The update is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring a seamless transition for existing NSPanel users.
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- Additional Documentation: For detailed instructions and configurations, refer to the updated [add-on climate documentation](docs/addon_climate.md).
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#### Note to Users
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This feature enhances the capabilities of the NSPanel without compromising its existing functionalities.
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Users who previously used the NSPanel for single-mode (either heating or cooling) control can
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now explore dual-mode options for a more comprehensive climate control solution.
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### 14. Enhanced Climate Page for Dual Thermostat Control
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Leveraging the capabilities introduced with the Dual Thermostat Controller add-on,
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the existing climate page has been upgraded to support systems with dual temperature settings.
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This enhancement allows users to effectively manage thermostats that require both heating and cooling target temperatures, directly from the NSPanel's interface.
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While originally developed to complement the new add-on,
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this refined climate page also seamlessly extends its functionality to existing thermostats with dual set capabilities,
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offering a more versatile and comprehensive climate control experience.
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### 15. Enhanced timeout flexibility for Sleep, Page fallback, and Dimming settings
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We have improved the functionality of our system by enhancing the timeout flexibility for Sleep, Page Fallback, and Dimming settings.
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The previous timeout limit of 300 seconds has been significantly expanded, offering users more control and customization options for these specific features.
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This enhancement allows for a wider range of use cases, catering to the needs of those who require extended periods for these settings,
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while still maintaining the option for shorter durations.
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### 16. Display time on the `screensaver` page
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In this release, we're excited to introduce a new feature that adds a display time function to the Screensaver page.
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With this update, our screensaver not only serves its primary purpose of saving screen energy but also doubles as an informative display,
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reflecting our commitment to creating practical, user-friendly solutions.
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You can enable this feature on the bueprint settings, at the **CUSTOM CONFIGURATION** section (almost at the end).
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You also have to set **Display Brightness Sleep** at the device's page (**Settings** > **Devices & Services** > **ESPHome**).
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## What's Next?
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Discover what's next and what we are working on right now in our [Milestones](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/milestones?direction=asc&sort=due_date)
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## Special thanks to
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- @bluefoxlee - For the CJK fonts and all the support with #1359.
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- @Floppe - Fix entity pages labels, #1455
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- @tikismoke - Customization guide: Exposing relay fallback switch to Home Assistant, #1537
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## Previous releases
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- [v4.1.4 - Support to Home Assistant 2023.12.0](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.1.4)
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- [v4.1.3 - Bug fixes](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.1.3)
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- [v4.1.2 - Bug fixes and minor enhancements](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.1.2)
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- [v4.1.1 - UI Enhancements and Reintroduction of `play_rtttl` Service](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.1.1)
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- [v4.1 - Easier TFT transfer](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.1)
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- [v4.0.2 - Bug fixes](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.0.2)
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- [v4.0.1 - Bug fixes](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.0.1)
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- [v4.0 - Alarm and Media player pages, Climate add-ons and a more robust panel](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v4.0)
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- [v3.4.1 - Patch for issues when compiling with ESPHome 2023.7.0](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v3.4.1)
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- [v3.4 - New climate page and some bug fixes](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v3.4)
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- [v3.3 - New improvements and some issues fixed](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v.3.3)
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- [v3.2.2 - fixed some bugs performance improvement](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v3.2.2)
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- [v3.2.1 - New features and some fixes](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v3.2.1)
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- [v3.2 - New features and custom configurations](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v.3.2)
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- [v3.1.0 - New features and US Version](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v.3.1.0)
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- [v3.0.0 - major update with many features and improvements](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v.3.0.0)
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- [v2.2.0 - 25 new languages added](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v.2.2.0)
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- [v2.1.0 - New Domains, Buttons and Button Page Label](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v2.1.0)
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- [v2.0.2](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v2.0.2)
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- [v2.0.1 - Bug Fixes](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v2.0.1)
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- [v2.0.0](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/v2.0.0)
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- [v1.0.1 Blueprint](https://github.com/Blackymas/NSPanel_HA_Blueprint/releases/tag/latest)
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