Platforms like RPI do not have a real time clock by default. They rely on an NTP server for the time. Fortunately, most home routers can serve as one (even without internet). There is a way to set that something else as the NTP server, though last time I googled it it was way more complicated than needed. I guess it has to do with the fact that the OS needs the time at a rather early stage for things like SSL to work properly.
Ok, but IMO, this is a serious flaw, depending on there always being internet.
What do people who are full time off grid do?
I am ditching everything I can that only works if it has internet access.
Examples: I could not control my house heat pump via Resideo or my Mr Cool mini split that uses Cielo because they require an internet connection.
Automation’s in HA that relied on clock times were not working.
Have you heard of anyone addressing this issue in HA?
Why can’t I sent up a time server on my local network?
A local time server is needed once to set the initial time, then the battery powered RTC (real time clock) on the Green should allow it to run without internet. If you read the post I linked to, using DHCP to point to a local device with an NTP server should also work, so you can do without internet from day 1. A lot of routers implement a local NTP server. So it is possible, just a hassle.
OMG, thanks for that.
I got the Green Box a long time ago and was not even thinking about the possibility of ever not having internet.
I just flipped the green box over and had a look with a flashlight.
There is a coin cell holder there without a battery.
I’ll be installing a high quality 2032 in it.
A ton of internet searches never popped up with the info you provided
Thanks Again for that.