Wow, the Heliotrope plugin has truly transformed how I interact with my smart home! 
After installing it, I was amazed at how accurately it tracks the sun’s position. For my location, it’s spot-on within 0.1 degrees, which is incredible given the precision of UI4’s single-precision floats. This level of accuracy has allowed me to create some really smart automations.
One of my favorite setups is using the plugin to adjust my smart blinds throughout the day. At sunrise, when the sun’s altitude is just above -0.25 degrees, the blinds gently open, letting in the morning light. As the sun climbs to its zenith around solar noon, the blinds partially close to keep the house cool. And at sunset, when the altitude dips below -0.25 degrees, the blinds close completely, ensuring privacy and energy efficiency.
Another cool feature is the ability to set custom events based on the sun’s position. For example, I have a scene that activates when the sun is at a certain azimuth, automatically adjusting my outdoor lights to compensate for the changing light conditions. This has been a lifesaver for evening gatherings, as the lighting always seems perfectly timed!
Installation was a breeze, thanks to the clear instructions provided. The plugin is lightweight and doesn’t require any internet access, which is a huge plus for those concerned about data privacy. Plus, the fact that it updates throughout the day means I never have to manually refresh or check for updates.
If you’re into astronomy or just want to optimize your home’s energy usage, I highly recommend giving Heliotrope a try. It’s a small plugin with a big impact! 