Any experience with RainMachine integration?

But the cloud-based thing is really becoming a non-starter for me.

+1

Here's to hoping that we can get a working Z-Wave controller someday.

+5

...Looks like the new firmware will include a Pause:...
...Web interface
...- Added Pause feature, a pause button will show up during watering that allows user to delay the watering for 30 minutes.

Interesting they documented the pause feature under the web UI. Maybe it is not supported in the API, yet.

looks like it might be in the new API?:

Code: Select all

- Updated API to 4.6 version to reflect the new API calls like Pause.

...

Code: Select all

- Updated API to 4.6 version to reflect the new API calls like Pause.

DOH!

...Here's to hoping that we can get a working Z-Wave controller someday.

Well, there is the Nortek GoControl WI15VZ-1, also sold by Homeseer. (Matt has previously commented on this). As sold by Homeseer it is claimed to only work with their home controller. However, as sold by Nortek they say... "Utilizing your Z-Wave hub’s app..." At $59, it would seem to be well worth someone's time to try out, especially if you are looking for a bare-bones system.

As for rolling your own , which I previously suggested, really irrigation controllers consist of nothing more that a number of relays or solid state relays that control the delivery of a 24vac common input to the valves. There is usually some very basic logic to prevent two relays from operating at the same time, and maybe to have one relay operate a pump or main valve. This logic could easily be encapsulated in a plugin. Beyond that, it is a question of scheduling and reporting. Though, if the WI15VZ-1 works, it would be less expensive that any 1-relay I/O board I know of and, night make a great Z-Wave general I/O controller on it's own.

As one Homeseer user commented on the WI15Z-1 product page:

I'm actually not using the controller to control sprinklers. This turns out to be the most cost effective way to get 15 outputs from HS3. I'm using the outputs to control landscape lighting.

[jay (support)]

Well, there is the Nortek GoControl WI15VZ-1, also sold by Homeseer. (Matt has previously commented on this).

Exactly why I mentioned it...

Got my RainMachine installed yesterday evening and.. color me impressed so far. Didn't go too far into the configuration, just ended up running some zones manually. But the setup was nice and clean and the app is pretty well done from what I have seen.

Hope to dig more into this very shortly...

Note: It is possible to use a wired ethernet adapter with the Rainmachine. There are some minor limitations dealing with setup, but it works. Check their forums. AND, the next version, the PRO version, will directly support wired ethernet.

Where did you hear about the Pro version? Wired Ethernet is what I want and I'm contemplating replacing my Skydrop with a RainMachine and even found a PoE splitter that can provide AC that it requires. Having Ethernet in it natively will be much better though...even if a PoE splitter is required.

I just noticed that the Pro model is on their site currently selling for $169 until October 31st.

https://www.rainmachine.com/products/rainmachine-pro.html

I just received the RainMachine Pro 16. Haven't done much with it except power it on. When it gets cooler I'll get a enclosure, a PoE splitter and place it outside. I'll compare it to my SkyDrop.

I am looking to get my rainmachine in a few months, and given how hyper localised the rain has been recently, the nearest wunderground weather station 2 miles from me has regularly had storms and 5mm of rain to my none, I am looking at getting a weather station.

What are my best options now that wunderground doesnt let you have access to your own data? As RainMachine uses the no longer supposed free API keys, I guess that is no longer an option. It supports Netatmo directly, so is that my obvious option, as I was looking at other stations that I could use with WeatherSnoop and have local data to analyse as well as on Netatmo's cloud.

Thanks

There is someone on their forums that is looking at importing a weather file...Wunderground will let you have the weather format in that way. So that is one possible method. Even without an API key, some information can be retrieved from Wunderground.

I am looking to get my rainmachine in a few months, and given how hyper localised the rain has been recently, the nearest wunderground weather station 2 miles from me has regularly had storms and 5mm of rain to my none, I am looking at getting a weather station.

What are my best options now that wunderground doesnt let you have access to your own data? As RainMachine uses the no longer supposed free API keys, I guess that is no longer an option. It supports Netatmo directly, so is that my obvious option, as I was looking at other stations that I could use with WeatherSnoop and have local data to analyse as well as on Netatmo's cloud.

The RainMachine has a sensor input for a rain and freeze sensor -- I am not sure of the brands or type you need, but might be the easiest and cheapest route.

So far my RainMachine hasn't run (or needed to) automatically once since I installed it -- part of its algorithm is based on the forecast precipitation and we have that every single day of the summer for the most part. Like you, our rainfall varies greatly within a short distance (my family lives about 3 miles and can easily get an inch / 2.5cm more than us at times). SO, I plan on just seeing how it goes and only adding a sensor if it becomes necessary. I think getting an Indigo Plugin to handle the few random "should run manually" plus monitoring should be fine.

Of course, I could have someone else nearer that has a PWS, not positive on that.

Adam

[...SO, I plan on just seeing how it goes and only adding a sensor if it becomes necessary....

Note you can use multiple weather data sources and weight them. Between that, and adding a local rain sensor things should be ok. Note that while rainfall may vary over short distances, other factors like cloud cover, temperature and humidity may not. So, in spite of the difference in rainfall, the ETo calculation is likely to still be useful.

Note you can use multiple weather data sources and weight them. Between that, and adding a local rain sensor things should be ok. Note that while rainfall may vary over short distances, other factors like cloud cover, temperature and humidity may not. So, in spite of the difference in rainfall, the ETo calculation is likely to still be useful.

Good point -- though our typical (summer) day is bright, sunny, and hot until about 3 or 4 in the afternoon and then cloudy for a bit while the afternoon rains run in... BUT, I am trying to take your original suggestion to me and just run with it a while before doing any changes or decisions in regards to additions or controls or whatever. The rain sensor possibility is just a thought and possibility depending upon how it goes.

This is probably not the ideal time to test a smart sprinkler controller for me because of our daily rains -- I'm most interested in evaluating the times of transition between seasons when we seem to have more frequent periods of hot with no rain. Not typically drought conditions, though we get those at times -- but presumably nearly any smart sprinkler will pick up on a drought type condition.

Good to have the info and experience of those having used equipment before - so thanks for that!

So it sounds like you are saying don't but new toys?? I thought you guys at least would encourage that
But yes it's probably something I should only decide once I've used it a bit. For now I know I over water but as 2 days ago was first rain for 2 over 2 months that hasn't been a problem!!
(And yes I live in the UK!)


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...about 3 or 4 in the afternoon and then cloudy for a bit while the afternoon rains run in......

I think I'd much rather have your great cuisine than your average 80% humidity

So it sounds like you are saying don't but new toys?? I thought you guys at least would encourage that
But yes it's probably something I should only decide once I've used it a bit. For now I know I over water but as 2 days ago was first rain for 2 over 2 months that hasn't been a problem!!
(And yes I live in the UK!)...

Buy, Buy. I am very happy with mine. The issue really is this: If an automatic irrigation controller, particularly one that calculates ETo, really does the job you just set it and forget it. OTOH, if you like constantly twiddling and adjusting things you can probably find less expensive options. Though, as has been well discussed in this thread, you may soon have both options with the RainMachine.

Now, I am not saying the RainMachine is perfect for perfect for everybody and every situation. But, in my experience, France cote d'azur, I have gone a year without touching it and everything in my 16 zones is green and healthy and my water bill within reason.

BTW, hang on about your weather, the latest rumor is that storms that arrive in the UK from Europe may soon be delayed at the border