Set Time Lock
The Time Lock condition controls gate access based on date and time. Gates open after a specified datetime, with optional offsets for scheduling content release.
Overview
Time Lock enables you to:
- Open content at a specific date/time
- Schedule content release relative to a session start
- Set content expiration with end time offsets
- Create sequential timed content
Enabling Time Lock
- In the gate editor, find the Time Lock Condition section
- Toggle the "Use Time Lock" switch to enable
- Configure the time settings
Configuration Options
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Start Time Expression | Datetime variable(s) to reference | GC-Start-Cycle-Time |
| Offset | Time to add after the start time | +24h, +2d, +1d 2h |
| End Time Offset | When the gate closes (optional) | +72h, +3d |
Start Time Expression
Select one or more datetime variables that define when timing begins:
- Click the Start Time Expression dropdown
- Select variable(s) from the list
- Only
datetimetype variables appear
The gate opens when the current time equals or exceeds this variable's value plus the offset.
Note: Variables must be non-mandatory datetime type. See Setup Global Variables for configuration.
Offset Format
The offset determines how long after the start time the gate opens:
| Format | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
+Xh | +24h | X hours after start |
+Xd | +2d | X days after start |
+Xd Yh | +1d 2h | X days and Y hours after start |
+0h | +0h | Opens immediately at start time |
Examples
Start: January 1, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Offset: +24h
Gate Opens: January 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Start: January 1, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Offset: +2d 6h
Gate Opens: January 3, 2024 at 3:00 PMEnd Time Offset
Optionally set when the gate closes:
| Setting | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Value provided | Gate closes at start time + end offset |
| Empty | Gate auto-closes 1 second before next gate's start |
Examples
Start: January 1, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Offset: +24h (opens Jan 2 at 9:00 AM)
End Time Offset: +72h (closes Jan 4 at 9:00 AM)
Window: Jan 2, 9:00 AM → Jan 4, 9:00 AMSequential Gates Example
Create a daily content release schedule:
Gate 1: Day 1 - Introduction
├─ Start Time: GC-Start-Cycle-Time
├─ Offset: +0h
└─ End Time Offset: (empty - auto-closes before Day 2)
Gate 2: Day 2 - Deep Dive
├─ Start Time: GC-Start-Cycle-Time
├─ Offset: +24h
└─ End Time Offset: (empty - auto-closes before Day 3)
Gate 3: Day 3 - Assessment
├─ Start Time: GC-Start-Cycle-Time
├─ Offset: +48h
└─ End Time Offset: +96h (closes at Day 4)Status Display
When Time Lock is active, users see status messages:
| Status | When Shown |
|---|---|
| Opens in 2d 5h 30m | Before gate opens (countdown) |
| Open for editing | During the open window |
| Closed | After end time offset passed |
The countdown updates in real-time, showing days, hours, minutes, and seconds.
Calculating Gate Times
Use this formula to determine when gates open and close:
Open Time = Start Variable Value + Offset
Close Time = Start Variable Value + End Time Offset
(or 1 second before next gate if empty)Practical Example
Group Session Start: March 1, 2024 at 8:00 AM
GC-Start-Cycle-Time = March 1, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Gate: "Midweek Check-in"
Offset: +3d 4h
End Time Offset: +4d
Open: March 4, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Close: March 5, 2024 at 8:00 AMBest Practices
Use consistent intervals - If Day 1 is +0h and Day 2 is +24h, keep the pattern
Allow buffer time - Don't close gates exactly when the next opens
Consider time zones - Set times that work for your user base
Test with short intervals - Use minutes during development
Document your schedule - Keep a reference of all gate timings
Troubleshooting
Gate Not Opening at Expected Time
- Verify the datetime variable has a value set in User Data
- Check that the offset format is correct
- Confirm the server/system time is accurate
Countdown Shows Wrong Time
- Verify the start time variable value
- Check offset calculation
- Consider time zone differences
Gate Closed Immediately
- Check if end time offset is too short
- Verify no other gate is auto-closing this one
- Review the gate order in your template
Questions?
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can submit an issue on this platform.
Useful Links:
Add a Gate - https://help.acenji.com/#/./shared-concepts/gate-controller/add-a-gate/index Setup Global Variables - https://help.acenji.com/#/./shared-concepts/gate-controller/setup-global-variables/index Set Variable Lock - https://help.acenji.com/#/./shared-concepts/gate-controller/add-a-gate/set-variable-lock/index