Software Rain Sensor in RM

Follow

Jurek

June 28, 2017 16:46

I would share simple proposal of RM Software Rain Sensor, based on current day precipitation accumulated (PA).
Up to this time RM uses previous day PA to correct watering program times, when weather station service is used.
Proposal is to use in addition current day PA from station, as kind of click rain sensor, with settable rain level & enable check box in settings.
Means RM can use this way, before running program, both PA (previous & current day) to make decision how to use water, if any.
Or stop running programs, if software sensor rain level is reached, to the end of day. Limits to check PA for free WU registration seems reasonable.
Not reporting stations shows PA=0, so it can't block RM in troubles, etc.
Maybe not all weather API's allow current day PA access, but why not to try, if possible.
In WU current day station PA is visible for any user without limits (in browser).
It can help to solve some problems with not accurate forecasts visible time by time.

0

• 

  RainMachine Nicholas July 04, 2017 07:22

  We actually had this feature but we had to disable it as it wasn't reliable. We had it with QPF or today data but most issues come from getting the today data since we are running the weather parsers at a 6 hour interval.

  This feature was partially added to Programs (restrict when QPF bigger than a certain value). Also the RainMachine will compensate any watering that might happen during rain if the predicted rain was smaller than actual precipitation on the next run.

  0

  Comment actions Permalink
• 

  Jurek July 04, 2017 09:47 (Edited July 04, 2017 10:12)

  Hi Nicholas, thanks for explanation. What wasn't reliable exactly ? PA station data ?
  To clear thinks, proposal is for RM configuration only, where weather station is used. QPF usage can be not reliable in such cases, no difference.
  Maybe it is not big deal to just add one independent, current day PA check (not QPF) exactly before watering starts, to water or not water this day. It changes nothing in existing previous day PA corrections (PA can't be lower used next day). It not touches regular 6 hour weather check rules too.
  I saw in June few cases where current day QPF was showing no rain (but was raining indeed, reported by station PA) and due it evening watering used not needed water. Proposal is to try solve such cases.

  0

  Comment actions Permalink

Please sign in to leave a comment.