Run Current Weather on Your Display

Want to run the temperature on your display but not sure if you have a temp sensor? Or do you need a feed? Read about both in today’s blog!

Daktronics Commercial Software Training on 10/24/2018

Categories: Venus Control Suite Training

I once heard someone say that if the temperature was less than her age, she was not leaving the house. Here in South Dakota, we are closing in on some of those type of days faster than most of us want.

But this topic brings to mind displaying  outdoor temperature on your Daktronics display.  Displaying the time and/or temperature on your display gives your customers a reason to glance up to see your message.

Many times, customers ask if they have a temp sensor on their display, so I thought I would first point out what to look for if you are not sure. Temp sensors have been described to me as “about the size of a pop can” or “looks like a small beehive.”  Although descriptive, those don’t really tell me what to look for.

Below is a picture of the temp sensor that may have been part of your display purchase.  If you have one of these hanging below, or next to your display, then you may run a message using the temperature reading from the temp sensor.

To create a message using the temp sensor readings, follow this article for step by step instructions:   https://www.daktronics.com/support/kb/Pages/DD3485657.aspx

Many newer displays use an RSS feed to display the weather. Weather feeds can be purchased through companies like Screenfeed (www.screenfeed.com) or you can negotiate the use of a weather feed from your local radio station or television network. Oftentimes, they will provide them to you free if you agree to put their logo on your display as sponsoring the weather.

If you are still unsure about what route to go, you can always reach out to Daktronics Sales for more information.  You should also make sure that your Daktronics display is compatible with XML/RSS feeds before you move forward with creating and/or purchasing any feeds.

If you have secured a feed, you can use the information in this blog to get it going: https://blog.daktronics.com/2018/02/28/feeds-feeds-feeds-finding-setting-up-and-displaying-data-feeds/

Whether you choose to create your weather message using a feed or temp sensor, adding this information to your display along with the time of day will get passersby in the habit of glancing at your display!