Understanding entities and their limitations

Configuration
1

:question: For example I have “virtual sensors” in sensors.yaml. i can’t move them in another area nor can I give them an unique_id. How can I change that?

:question: I have multiple ZWave devices with “weird” entity names like switch.double_relay_switch_2x1_5kw_2_3 or just other devices that were used for something else before. These names are confusing, especially because sometimes friendly_name is not visible.

Can I change this without breaking everything? I would like to have something like switch.kitchen

:question: I am also using apiNetatmo to get public stations and I can’t move or edit them. I guess this has to be done by the developer, right? (or I could possibly change that somehow)

2

Go to configuration → entities to change name or entity_id.
Perhaps it works without breaking something, it depends on where you use the entities. But generally set the names as soon as you add an entity.

1 Like
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It is possible to assign a unique_id to a Template Sensor. Once it has a unique_id, you can assign the entity to an area via Configuration > Entities.

The names are assigned by the ZWave integration. You can change them afterwards (via Configuration > Entities)

I’m not familiar with the NetAtmo integration but if it creates entities with a unique_id then they can be modified as described above.

4

Well it took some time, but it worked. I thought it was not possible for alle, but it’s just the domain, that has to stay.

It is important to change all automations and HomeKit.

The netatmo plugin I use is not the official plugin, it is much simpler and allows for data of any station on earth.

5

What is apiNetatmo and what is it used for? Public weather stations are supported by the official integration already.

6

The cool thing about this plugin is, that you can get data from a specific station (when you know the MAC address). The official plugin only gets it from the area.

7

Can you please provide a link?

8

Sure:

Feature Request

1 Like
9

Thanks. To be honest I would be very surprised if that actually works.

10

The plugin works. I know the owner of the station.