Introduction

Controlling lights, blinds, and curtains when it gets darker or brighter? You can control them all automatically via a light sensor base function or with the astronomical clock function. They are both embedded in the TELETASK system. With a light sensor you can measure the light intensity but you can’t predict. ON the other hand, with the astro function you can. The system can act before/after sunrise and sundown. How do both options work, and what are the possibilities?
PROSOFT, the configuration software that allows system integrators to set up the TELETASK home automation system, has a full clock action system. This allows for the performance of certain actions at a specific time, provided a certain time and condition is met. Example: turning on the lights in the garden at 6 p.m., provided it is sufficiently dark, then turning them off at 9 p.m. Indoor, a clock function can perform many other tasks, such as the control of heating, cooling and curtains, to name a few.

The alternative: an astronomical clock

The TELETASK system functions can now also be controlled via an astronomical clock that is integrated into the DoIP central units. This clock predicts when the sun rises or sets each day of the year, at any given global location. This way, the astronomical clock can trigger an action precisely at sunset or sunrise, or a number of minutes/hours earlier or later.
To do so, the astronomical clock does not require input from a light sensor. This makes the technology interesting when a light sensor was not needed anyway, like in an apartment without outdoor lighting, or if no budget was set aside for a light sensor. In other words, it also lowers the entry level for choosing home automation. In addition, the astronomical clock saves energy by avoiding useless energy consumption.
Of course, one advantage that a clock function with a light sensor has over the astronomical clock is that it can take actions according to the actual light intensity outside. The astronomical clock cannot account for cloudy or particularly sunny days. The choice is yours. Everything is possible. After all, in the TELETASK system it’s software defined and 100% flexible.

What are the applications of the astro function?

Many applications are similar to those with a light sensor, with the difference that you do not need such a sensor. Closing the curtains, activating garden and drive-way lights or even indoor lights. For example one hour before sunset. Ideal for outdoor dining and enjoying the garden or for increased security. After sunset, for example, the path to the front door, the parking lot, or the entrance gate to the property can be automatically illuminated without the need for motion sensors all around. Garden sprinklers can be activated in the night at a number of hours after sundown of before sunrise. Easy to configure and flexible to change in a matter of seconds. Even from remote site.

Satisfy customer wishes

With control based on an astronomical clock, the TELETASK home automation system becomes even more versatile, for even more convenience in and around buildings. It is a feature for wich we received many requests and which we are happy to make available.

How to configure the Astro function in PROSOFT

You can find the Astro Clock functions in the functions list:

There you can define up to 4 Astro Clock functions.
Be sure that the correct global position of the end-user location (house/building) is entered in the Latitude/Longitude fields (see screen capture below). PROSOFT will enter the location of the configuration PC when making a new .nbt file but if you start PROSOFT from another location than the final location of the central unit (the customers house or building) you may need to alter the Latitude/Longitude setting in PROSOFT (recommended if both locations are more than 20km from each other). You can find the location information on many websites (look for ‘find Longitude and Latitude of my location” and enter the village or city + country).

To find coordinates manualy, use your computer browser and the Google Maps website. At Google maps you right-click on the location to get the Longitude/Latitude information (Example of the Louvre museum in Paris in the screen capture below):
Paris/Louvre museum Latitude is 48.86087 and Longitude is 2.33779.

Once you entered the coördinates you can also check them by clicking the button "Check on google maps".

Then you can define the Astro abased action. In one screen you can define an action around SUNRISE (morning) and SUNSET (evening).
Example: Open a curtain 30 minutes after SUNRISE and lower it to again 20 minutes after SUNSET.

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