Sunset command

[rinconmike]

I am controlling some exterior lights with the controller.

I want the lights to go on at sunset (or around 30 minutes before - not sure yet) and then turn off at 2100.

I was looking at the sunset command but not sure how to use it and have it turn off at a set time.

Any help is appreciated.

thanks

Mike

 

[swearint]

I don't use the Sun command so maybe there is a more elegant way to do it:

[Sunrise]
If Sun -030/000 Then ON

[Light]
Set OFF
If Outlet Sunrise = ON Then ON
If Time 12:00 to 21:00 Then ON

Sunrise is a virtual outlet that will turn ON 30 minutes prior to the tabulated sunrise time and shut OFF at the tabulated sunset time. So whenever outlet Sunrise is ON, outlet Light will be ON. Then if Sunrise is OFF (say 5:30 pm), the Time statement would be relevant.

Todd

 

[rinconmike]

thanks. I did not think of making it a virtual outlet. that should work though.

Mike

 

[rinconmike]

i just realized that the season table in the controller is not actually the sun rise/set for my area. I was looking at the table in the controller and comparing with other tables and after a quick look do not see a set pattern (like consistent 2 hours difference).

Anyone know of a way to get it to be close with a simple program?

One simpler option may be to put a light sensor outside and run it to a switch on the controller. then use the same idea of a virtual outlet.

thanks,

Mike

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Have you tried changing the timezone of your controller; this is what I do?

 

[Ky1duck]

i had the same problem with mine i used the following fro mine worked great.

(for atinic)
Fallback OFF
If Sun 120/120 Then ON
If Temp > 86.0 Then OFF

(for 10k)
Fallback OFF
If Sun 210/030 Then ON
If Temp > 86.0 Then OFF

 

[rinconmike]

Have you tried changing the timezone of your controller; this is what I do?

yes. i have the time zone set properlly, but the season table is still not correct to local NYC area.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

The table will not be correct to NY; the default is somewhere in the Carribean as I recall but you could offset the tank timezone to make it work for you.

 

[swearint]

I don't see how this would be any better than using the offset capability of the Sun command. The sunrise/sunset times vary in a non-linear fashion based on longitude, season, and several other factors. Also, the time zone offsets in increments of a hour whereas the Sun command uses minutes.

Here is a link if anyone is interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunrise_equation

Todd