How to use sunset/sunrise for a schedule?

[HuNGRYTeCH]

I am looking to use the sunset and sunrise times to control some outside lights. I can't quite figure out how to use them though to do what I want. Is there a specific schedule that I can input the times every day?
I set up some logic to do a time difference and its turns the lights on when the time difference is positive but I feel there has to be a better way.

[sycontrol]

If you are using a JACE and it has internet access the weather service has a sunrise/sunset time that you could possible use?

[Chris_Worthington]

The weather service provides Boolean points for this...

I prefer to back up this with a Boolean schedule and Lumen sensor...

I give the end user the option of selecting anyone or all.

Hope this helps.

[HuNGRYTeCH]

Thanks Chris, I missed that boolean point, it is exactly what I need.

[Chris_Worthington]

I'd still add some redundancy of some sort...JMO

[HuNGRYTeCH]

I have it inputing to a boolean schedule so that if it does fault or goes stale the schedule will take over.
Id like a photosensor but my customer isnt willing to put any more money in the system for a while

[osiyo]

I'd still add some redundancy of some sort...JMO

Exactly!

Sometimes the "Net" doesn't work just all that well.

Make that ... OFTEN

Side note: Just got back from a site whose internet connection was just not that often or well.

Nor was the URL they used to fetch that data.

[Chris_Worthington]

I have it inputing to a boolean schedule so that if it does fault or goes stale the schedule will take over.
Id like a photosensor but my customer isnt willing to put any more money in the system for a while

an "OR" block may work mo better

[HuNGRYTeCH]

I was considering that, but I set the schedule for the shortest day so I was thinking it will essentially override using the weather service all together...

[Chris_Worthington]

I was considering that, but I set the schedule for the shortest day so I was thinking it will essentially override using the weather service all together...

Better to come on late and go off early is my thinking, Its a fail safe not a replacement for what the weather service provides.

That's why I prefer the lumen sensor tossed into the mix, can't go wrong and I am covered for stormy weather

[Chris_Worthington]

I keep calling it a lumen sensor, in reality it is a foot candle sensor and is set at a user selectable setpoint to bring on my lighting.

[HuNGRYTeCH]

Better to come on late and go off early is my thinking, Its a fail safe not a replacement for what the weather service provides.

You have a point there.

I just wish I knew I was doing this at the start of the job and could have put a sensor in my pricing, its much easier that way.

[Chris_Worthington]

Might want to COV the light output as well in case they notice an issue, makes it easy to see what when wrong and when.