Help with template sensor! comparing two numbers

Configuration
1

Hey everyone!

I am trying to create a sensor that shows if my desktop is actively being used.
I integrated it into HA through IOT Link which gives me a sensor that shows the Idle time of the PC.
So far so good. I am trying to get a sensor that is on when the idle time (in seconds) is under 900. The sensor should be off when it is over.

This is what I have:

  - platform: template
    sensors:
      desktop_pc_active:
        friendly_name: 'Desktop PC active'
        value_template: >-
            {% set desktop = states('sensor.desktop_oaf62lp_system_idle_time') | float %}
            {% if desktop < 900 %} On
            {% else %} Off
            {% endif %}

It works as intended however the state of the sensor is saved as a string I suppose. So it just has “on” or “off” in it. I would like the sensor to be on or off, so it reflex the status also in lovelace. Does that make sense?

Anyone that can help me?
Cheers!

2

You mean you want a template binary sensor?

3

yes! exactly!

4

So you want a binary sensor?
Then make a template binary sensor

  - platform: template
    sensors:
      desktop_pc_active:
        friendly_name: 'Desktop PC active'
        value_template: >-
            {{  states('sensor.desktop_oaf62lp_system_idle_time') | float < 900 }}
5

Why was that so hard for me to figure out… Thanks a lot mate!