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 may require a “Wi-Fi Module” to be added 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). Note that the base product will only allow you to connect to a particular local weather station if you purchase a (currently $60/year) “enthusiast” subscription. However, you can call Hunter Support and ask them to allow your controller to connect to “My personal weather station via Weather Underground” and they will enable that feature on your controller at no charge. All these stations on the island are a gift to the residents from Skidaway Audubon and the TLA Strategic Water Committee. We’ll cover how to and which station in the next section.
Hunter is a trusted name and most 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 as a standard feature.
In our opinion, the selection can be narrowed down to the last three manufacturers. Each of these, when properly set up, will provide significant savings compared to a controller with a simple rain sensor or no weather intelligence at all. We give the Rachio product the edge because they have provided The Landings Association a deal and provide us the Professionsal model at a price that is a 20% discount off the price of the Consumer model. TLA has these controllers for sale at the TLA office or the Landings Harbor Store and passes along the savings to residents.
Model Selection –
Before you purchase a replacement controller, you’ll need to know the number of zones (also known 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 an 8 zone controller is fine since the extra connections are not used. TLA has two models available:
- 8 Zone – $160 + tax
- 16 Zone – $200 + tax
Note that in addition to allowing you personally to control your system from your phone, all of these models will also allow your landscaper to monitor and/or control them remotely (if you choose to provide them with access).
