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Smart Sprinkler Controller

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by owb2gp, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:16 PM
    #1
    owb2gp

    owb2gp [OP] New Member

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    I've had some issues last year with my sprinkler controller and I think I need a new one. Thinking about going with a smart sprinkler controller. I have 9 zones total. I haven't done a ton of research yet but sometimes reviews on Amazon, home depot, and Lowes are wonky. Thought if anybody had this type of product they could chime in. Also, how hard are these to swap out?
     
  2. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:26 PM
    #2
    801Tundra

    801Tundra New Member

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    Smart / Wifi sprinkler controllers are awesome!

    I have the Rainbird wifi controller and would not recommend it. I'm always having connection issues and the app is full of intermittent bugs.

    A few guys at work use the Rachio controller and I hear nothing but good things. I will likely go this route if my Rainbird controller continues to give me issues.
     
    owb2gp[OP] and 15whtrd like this.
  3. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:32 PM
    #3
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    I use an industrial type system at work so that would be no good for you (Calsense). I’ve only heard of the home systems. My brother-in-law has one and loves it, I wish I could remember the name right now. But it’s pretty cool to see him turn on the system with his phone and we watch it through his cameras. Fun way to get rid of someone soliciting. I know that Hunter makes one and I’m pretty sure any big name company is making them now. Your best bet is to check the reviews. You’ve got Toro, Hunter, Rainbird and Irritrol. Personally I would stick to one of those brands.
     
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  4. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:35 PM
    #4
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    Just talked to my bro, he uses Orbit. I forgot about that one. Works fine for him but I have always felt like orbit was Home Depot homeowner stuff. I go to a irrigation supply house to get all my stuff.
     
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  5. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:55 PM
    #5
    ChargedToyo

    ChargedToyo New Member

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    I have the Rachio some electrical companies like mine give you a discount. I just got lucky and found it cheaper on Amazon that day. I haven’t had any issues lately, you just have a lot of options on that one. I like it skips days when it rains or if the wind is too high. You can turn it off. I enjoy it and it works for me.
     
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  6. Feb 26, 2020 at 1:57 PM
    #6
    RollTide82

    RollTide82 New Member

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    I have the rainbird one...no problems for 2 years yet...
     
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  7. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:04 PM
    #7
    LittleTRD

    LittleTRD New Member

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    I have the Orbit smart controller from home depot. You cant beat it especially for 99bucks. It doesn't look as nice as the other smart controllers, but does its job great. I've had it installed for 2 years and it hasn't skipped a beat. control my sprinklers from anywhere. The app is nice and user friendly as well.

    I looked over the Orbit when I was shopping around, but my gardener said he installed alot of them and never any complaints. So I gave it a shot, now i've recommended it to many friends and at least 5 or so of us are using the Orbit and love it.
     
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  8. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:05 PM
    #8
    fisherman951

    fisherman951 MT dreams

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    I have the orbit. Reminds me I gotta fix my sprinklers and reprogram that damn thing
     
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  9. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:52 PM
    #9
    motoryder

    motoryder ^^ I probably crashed after that pic

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    Another Orbit owner here. Check with your water company too, they may still have a rebate going on. At the time I bought mine, they reimbursed me for 100% of the cost of the timer.
     
  10. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:52 PM
    #10
    fisherman951

    fisherman951 MT dreams

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    What?? I never bother checking oh well 3 years to late baba
     
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  11. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:55 PM
    #11
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    I have Orbit B-hyve as well. All controlled by my phone :)
     
  12. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:56 PM
    #12
    motoryder

    motoryder ^^ I probably crashed after that pic

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    owb2gp[OP] and LittleTRD like this.
  13. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:02 PM
    #13
    mr_lasseter

    mr_lasseter New Member

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    Rachio here. Works like a champ.
     
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  14. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:06 PM
    #14
    MS22

    MS22 New Member

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    I have a 10 year old Irritrol no problems at all but not Wi FI.
     
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  15. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:13 PM
    #15
    shakezoola

    shakezoola Not a new member

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    If your sprinkler uses a private cloud server and goes down or the company out of business, well, then it's no longer smart.

    RainMachine is another option and uses weather data from the NOAA, not a private cloud service like Rachio.
     
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  16. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:14 PM
    #16
    fisherman951

    fisherman951 MT dreams

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    I like to turn them on when unwanted ppl are on my yard. Haha I get a kick looking at them panick when they hear the water starting to come out hahaha
     
  17. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:22 PM
    #17
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    :spy::spy:
     
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  18. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:33 PM
    #18
    Jayprestonky

    Jayprestonky New Member

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  19. Feb 26, 2020 at 3:39 PM
    #19
    plinyyounger

    plinyyounger New Member

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    I use two different models on two houses. The Rachio is great, up to 12 zones and you can buy it at Costco. The other is a Hunter, more commercial version. Both work great! Easy setup and access through your phone or tablet. Highly recommend both.
     
  20. Feb 26, 2020 at 4:03 PM
    #20
    Marty McFly

    Marty McFly Nobody calls me chicken!! Except when off roading

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    I water my grass the old school way with a good ol fashion hose :anonymous:

     
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