Smart Controller Manufacturers & Selection
Disclaimer: The information present here is based on sincere opinions and should not be considered as recommendations. Technology and products change quickly, and neither the Skidaway Audubon, The Landings Association or their members are obligated to update or maintain this information. Before we begin, please note that this information is to the best of our knowledge.
Let’s review the 4 top manufactures: Rain Bird, Hunter, Orbit and Rachio.
Rain Bird – Rain Bird has a “Semi-Smart” controller, model x x x . We’ll call it “Semi-Smart” because their controller models use an add-on Wi-Fi module and local weather is via “World Weather”, and is based on zip codes. (editorial: the data via zip code is too ‘coarse’ for the island. It is far superior to “Dumb” controllers but not ideal.)
Hunter – The Hydra-Wise (consumer) model can connect to a local PWS via the Weather Underground.
(Note: the base controller requires a “Wi-Fi Module” to be inserted to connect to internet data bases.
Also, this module can be retro fitted to “Pro-C” and “X2” manual controllers that were manufactured after August, 2014). But . . . there is one small “catch”. The base product will only allow you to connect to local weather IF you purchase a $60/ year subscription (to date) to connect to a “matrix of local weather”. If you call Hunter Support and ask them to allow your controller to connect to “My personal weather station via Weather Underground” they will enable that feature on your controller at no charge. We’ll cover how to and which station in the next section.
The good news is that many local irrigation and landscape professionals are very familiar with the Hunter product.
Orbit – The Smart controller product made by Orbit goes under the name of B-Hyve. They have two models, the B-Hyve and the B-Hyve XR (second generation); both are available. The difference between the two is that the XR has an improved Wi-Fi range & can use 2.4 or 5 Ghz. Users can designate what the weather data source is (single source), either the nearest Nation Weather Service location or a local PWS station via Weather Underground (local PWS is recommended).
Both appear to be solid products and allow connection to hyper local weather stations.
Rachio – This controller comes in two models, a consumer and professional model. The primary difference is the Pro model has screw wiring terminal instead of “push on”, a 4-year warranty instead of 2 year and standard “valve monitoring” feature (which can be purchased for the consumer model for a one-time cost of $30). The purpose of the valve monitoring is to alert you (or your landscaper) of any malfunctioning irrigation valve. We’re not aware of any other manufacturer that has this feature.
In our opinion, the selection can be narrowed down to the last three manufacturers, which when properly set up, will provide significant savings. We give the Rachio product the edge because they have provided The Landings Association a 20% discount off the price of the Consumer model and upgraded the product to the Pro model. These controllers are sold at cost + tax at the TLA Office and at the North Marina office. So, the ‘bottom line’ is Rachio provides more “Bang for the Buck”.
Model Selection –
Before you purchase a replacement controller, you’ll need to know the number of ‘Zones’ (also know as ‘Stations’). This can be done by looking at your current controller and noting how many are programmed to be active. If that’s not evident, you may have to open the controller face plate. It’s best to unplug the controller before doing this.
If you have 5 Zones for example, any controller with 5 or more will do; so a 8 zone controller is fine since the extra connection are not used. (Note: the TLA sells two models, an 8 and a 16 zone model.)
All of these models also allow your landscaper to monitor and /or control them remotely IF you provide them with access.
