Using ambient light sensor?

[danergo]

I found an old thread about Edge 530, back in 2020.

Now it's 5 years later, and we have 840, and even 850.

Do we have any updates now regarding the ambient light sensor access?

Old thread's "solution" was

This is not planned for the Edge 530, but could be implemented for future devices.

Well, now it's future, so what's the current status? :)

[maca88]

Unfortunately, there are no new updates from Garmin regarding the light sensor API :/

[danergo]

That's a pity. In case of Garmin computer's auto mode, you wrote this:

By having the ambient light available via API, it would be possible to mimic the built-in "Auto" mode, where we could set which light mode should be used when passing through a darker place (e.g. tunnel).

Can you share a few keypoints for me please? I could not find these anywhere.

With Garmin Edge 840, in case of builtin automode:

1. Does the Edge or the frontlight sense the ambient light? (by the need for the API I assume its done by the Edge itself - but also found some articles stating this is done by the light)
2. In case of done by the front light, which front lights have the ambient sensor?
3. Theoretical question: You have created this app mainly because the builtin auto mode is not configurable?

[maca88]

Can you share a few keypoints for me please?

I don't remember how the "Auto" mode exactly works, but I know that the light mode does change based on the ambient light.

With Garmin Edge 840

If you have the solar version, you can use the "solar intensity" filter, which works similar on how the ambient light sensor works.

Does the Edge or the frontlight sense the ambient light? (by the need for the API I assume its done by the Edge itself - but also found some articles stating this is done by the light)

When using the Garmin "Auto" mode, Edge is the one that does change the light mode based on its ambient light sensor.

Theoretical question: You have created this app mainly because the builtin auto mode is not configurable?

Yes, I do not like how Auto mode works. In my case I wanted the lights to turn on only when it gets dark and that is not possible with the "Auto" mode.

[danergo]

Thank you!

When using the Garmin "Auto" mode, Edge is the one that does change the light mode based on its ambient light sensor.

And

I do not like how Auto mode works. In my case I wanted the lights to turn on only when it gets dark and that is not possible with the "Auto" mode.

How these two are different?

Do I understand correctly:

Garmin Auto: can turn on and off the front light with computer start/stop. It can also adjust the intensity and light mode if it has ambient light sensor.

What you wanted instead: turn on ONLY the light when it gets dark.

Is this the correct phrasing?

[bin101]

There is another feature request to add an API for the ambient light sensor, upvoting it maybe helps.

[danergo]

That's also by me.