automator pause for random time

Question

Level 1

20 points

automator pause for random time

Okay, I am trying to set up a tethered camera type of deal that randomly takes pictures every 5-15 seconds.

Question #1
Is there a way to specify the random number variable to remain within a range of specific numbers, so for example it will only generate numbers 5-15?

Question #2
How can I take the number in the random variable and use it as the time in the "Pause" function?

Question #3
Or is there some easier way to accomplish what I am trying to do?

If I get this working, it'll basically be...
Take Picture>
Pause (here is where I need the help!

)>
Loop for 15 minutes then end>
Additional Loop, this time asking if you want to start from the beginning>

Download Pictures>
Import Files into iPhoto.

Any help is much appreciated

Message was edited by: kahnikaze

MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz 4 GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.5.1), Logic Studio, MOTU Traveler

Posted on Sep 22, 2008 1:18 PM

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Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Sep 22, 2008 1:27 PM in response to kahnikaze

to pause for a random time as you want use the following apple script action instead of the pause action

<pre style="
font-family: Monaco, 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;
font-size: 10px;
margin: 0px;
padding: 5px;
border: 1px solid #000000;
width: 720px;
color: #000000;
background-color: #ADD8E6;
overflow: auto;"
title="this text can be pasted into the Script Editor">
on run {input, parameters}

set x to random number from 5 to 15

delay x

return input
end run</pre>

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Answer 2

red_menace

Level 6

17,066 points

Sep 22, 2008 1:34 PM in response to kahnikaze

The Pause action will only accept up to 59 seconds, and won't accept variables at all. The number returned by the built-in random number variable is a bit big also, so that would have to be divided down.

Yep, an AppleScript action is the way to go (until I code up a decent Pause action).

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Answer 3

kahnikaze Author

Level 1

20 points

Sep 22, 2008 3:39 PM in response to V.K.

Thank you very much! The script works perfectly!

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