Skip to main content

Weather Data (Gateway)

The Gateway product provides online weather data through virtual sensor models. These models behave like physical sensors but receive their data from online weather services via the cloud infrastructure.

What Are Virtual Sensors?

Virtual sensors are software-based models that provide real-time weather information without requiring physical hardware. They're part of the Gateway product and start working automatically once the gateway is connected to the internet.

Weather Models Available​

The Gateway provides four weather models:

1. Temperature Model​

Displays: Current outdoor temperature Units: Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F), depending on settings Update Frequency: Regular intervals (typically every 15-30 minutes)

2. Wind Speed Model​

Displays: Current wind speed Units: km/h, mph, or m/s, depending on settings Update Frequency: Regular intervals Use Case: Trigger automations to protect outdoor products (awnings, screens, pergolas)

3. Rain Model​

Displays: Rain status (Raining / Not Raining) Type: Binary (On/Off) Update Frequency: Regular intervals Use Case: Trigger automations to close outdoor products when rain is detected

4. Weather Model​

Displays: General weather condition Type: Enumerated value

Possible Values:

  • Clear Sky (0x00): Sunny, no clouds
  • Clouds (0x01): Cloudy or partly cloudy
  • Rain (0x02): Raining
  • Thunderstorm (0x03): Thunderstorm conditions
  • Snow (0x04): Snowing
  • Mist (0x05): Fog or mist

Icon Display: Each weather type should be represented by a clear icon on the Dashboard

Where Weather Data Appears​

Dashboard Screen​

Weather data is displayed at the top of the Dashboard:

  • Temperature: Shown with temperature value and units
  • Wind Speed: Shown with wind value and units
  • Rain Status: Shown as an icon or indicator
  • Weather Condition: Shown as a weather icon (sun, clouds, rain, thunderstorm, snow, mist)
tip

Only weather data from the Gateway product is shown on the Dashboard. Physical sensors from other products are visible only in the Product Screen.

Product Screen​

Weather models are also visible in the Gateway product page:

  1. Go to Products → Gateway
  2. View all weather models (Temperature, Wind Speed, Rain, Weather)
  3. See real-time values
note

If weather models are marked "non-visible" in the Gateway configuration, they may not appear in the Product Screen, but will still be shown on the Dashboard.

Using Weather Data in Automations​

Weather data can be used as triggers or conditions in routines (automations):

Example Automations:​

  1. Retract Awning When Windy

    • Trigger: Wind Speed > 30 km/h
    • Action: Retract awning to 0%

  2. Close Screens When Raining

    • Trigger: Rain = On
    • Action: Close all ZIP screens

  3. Close All Outdoor Products During Thunderstorm

    • Trigger: Weather = Thunderstorm
    • Action: Close pergola, retract awnings, close screens

  4. Open Awning on Sunny Days

    • Trigger: Weather = Clear Sky AND Temperature > 20°C
    • Action: Extend awning to 75%
tip

See Create Routines for detailed instructions on setting up weather-based automations.

Linking Weather Data to Products​

Weather models from the Gateway can be linked to other products:

Example: Gateway Weather → Awning​

Scenario: Automatically control an awning based on weather conditions.

Link Configuration:

  • Product 1: Gateway (weather models)
  • Product 2: Awning
  • Interaction: "Weather-based control"
  • Parameters:
    • Wind threshold: 25 km/h → Retract awning
    • Rain: On → Retract awning
    • Clear Sky + Temperature > 22°C → Extend awning to 50%
tip

See Linking Products for detailed instructions on linking weather data to products.

How Weather Data Works​

Data Source​

  • Weather data comes from online weather services
  • The Gateway retrieves data via the cloud infrastructure
  • Internet connectivity is required for weather data

Update Frequency​

  • Weather models update at regular intervals (typically every 15-30 minutes)
  • Updates are automatic and require no user action

Behavior Like Physical Sensors​

  • Virtual weather models behave the same as physical sensor models
  • They provide real-time context to the system
  • They can be used in scenes, routines, and product links

Setting Up Weather Data​

Automatic Setup​

Weather models are activated automatically when you add a Gateway:

  1. Add the Gateway (see Add Products)
  2. Connect the Gateway to the internet (see Product Prerequisites)
  3. Weather models activate automatically
  4. View weather data on the Dashboard

Manual Configuration​

If weather data isn't showing:

  1. Go to Products → Gateway → Settings
  2. Verify the gateway is online
  3. Check that weather models are enabled
  4. Ensure internet connectivity

Expected Result​

After the Gateway is connected:

  • Weather data appears on the Dashboard
  • Temperature, wind speed, rain, and weather condition are visible
  • Weather models can be used in routines and product links
  • Data updates automatically at regular intervals

Troubleshooting​

Weather Data Not Showing​

  • Check gateway status: Ensure the gateway is online (see Products → Gateway)
  • Check internet connection: The gateway needs internet access for weather data
  • Wait for update: Weather data may take a few minutes to appear after gateway connection
  • Refresh Dashboard: Pull down to refresh the Dashboard

Weather Data Not Updating​

  • Check internet connection: Verify the gateway has stable internet access
  • Check gateway status: Ensure the gateway hasn't gone offline
  • Wait for next update: Updates occur at regular intervals (15-30 minutes)
  • Restart gateway: Power cycle the gateway if data is stale

Weather Data Inaccurate​

  • Check location: Ensure the installation location is set correctly (see Create Installation)
  • Weather service: Data comes from online weather services and may have slight delays or inaccuracies
  • Report issue: Contact support if data is consistently incorrect

Can't Use Weather in Automations​

  • Check gateway status: Ensure the gateway is online and weather models are active
  • Check routine configuration: Verify weather triggers are set up correctly (see Create Routines)
  • Test manually: Check that weather data is visible on the Dashboard first

Comparison: Virtual Sensors vs. Physical Sensors​

FeatureVirtual Weather Models (Gateway)Physical Sensors (Sensor Platform)
Data SourceOnline weather servicesPhysical hardware sensors
LocationGeneral area (based on installation location)Exact sensor location
Update Frequency15-30 minutesReal-time (seconds)
Dashboard DisplayYes (top of Dashboard)No (only in Product Screen)
SetupAutomatic (once gateway connected)Requires physical installation
Use in AutomationsYesYes
AccuracyRegional weather forecastLocal, precise measurements
When to Use Each
  • Virtual Weather Models: Good for general weather-based automations (e.g., close everything during a storm)
  • Physical Sensors: Better for precise, location-specific triggers (e.g., sun sensor on one side of building)

Next Steps​

After setting up weather data:

  1. Create Routines – Set up weather-based automations
  2. Linking Products – Link weather data to products for automatic control
  3. Create Scenes – Create scenes that consider weather conditions