Overview
The Light Widget is available for Pro + Spiio Soil Sensor users in GreenCast Connect. It provides detailed insights by measuring direct sunlight via light intensity.
This feature combines two data sources:
Spiio soil sensor light readings (from the white top cap of the sensor).
Weather service (CE Hub) sun hour data.
By comparing these values, superintendents and turf managers can better understand site-specific light exposure and conduct deeper light studies and analysis.
How It Works
The light sensor is built into the white top cap of the Spiio device.
This measures:
Direct sunlight above a specific light-intensity threshold
These measurements are displayed alongside weather service sun hours, giving you a clear picture of actual vs. expected sunlight exposure at your location.
Important note about data timing
The Light Widget displays yesterday’s total sunlight exposure, not today’s data.
This is because the widget calculates and summarizes all sun exposure that occurred within a full day, and this final calculation is only available after the day ends.
Why you may not see sun hours
Sun exposure appears only when:
The light intensity at the sensor location reaches at least 25,000 Lux,
AND it remains above that threshold long enough to count toward hourly sunlight.
Note: The Light Widget always shows the previous day’s results.
If the sun is weak, shaded, or low angle (winter mornings, cloudy days), the widget may show 0 hours — even though some ambient light was present.
Example:
You may see something like “1 minute” of sun hours detected. This means sunlight briefly met the threshold but did not stay above 25,000 Lux long enough to register a full hour.
Understanding Light Data & Thresholds
Measurement | What It Means |
Direct sunlight | Sunlight that exceeds 25,000 Lux hitting the sensor’s white cap. |
Hourly sun exposure | Calculated only when sunlight intensity stays above the threshold long enough to equal one hour. |
0 hr showing | Either: |
Yesterday’s data | Light data cannot update in real time like moisture/temp. It finalizes after the day ends. |
Installing the Sensor for Light Measurements
Unlike standard soil sensor installation, the Spiio sensor for the Light Widget must be installed vertically, not horizontally.
Golf course installation: The sensor should be installed so that only the white top cap is exposed above the surface.
Flower beds or landscaped areas: Ensure plants or flowers do not shade the white cap, as this will affect sunlight readings.
Tip: What really measures sunlight is the light that reaches the white cap of the sensor.
How to Add the Light Widget to Your Dashboard
Adding Widgets:
Tap the “+” icon twice at the top-right corner of your dashboard .
Once added, go back to the organize widget page and move widget up or down to your preferred location
After adding and arranging widgets, return to your dashboard
Important Installation Notes
Leave 1–2 inches of the top cap exposed above the soil unless utilizing on managed turf.
The glass portion of the sensor must be fully surrounded by soil to capture accurate salinity, moisture, and temperature readings.
Installing the sensor completely flush with the ground may expose it to direct sunlight, which can interfere with temperature accuracy. Adjust depth to balance soil readings and optimal light exposure.