Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I am your average homeowner, with a geeky side....and this controller will appeal to geeks! I have practically no experience with sprinkler systems, yet I was able to get this installed and configured without any trouble. The quick start guide and instruction manual are very clearly written, and the controller is very easy to use. The hardest part is probably deciding where to mount the weather station. There are no subscription fees, which I think is a huge plus. The weather station measures temp, volume of rain, and rain intensity. This, combined with your zip code, and a plethora of information you enter for each zone, allows the controller to intelligently water your yard.
I am very impressed with the level of customization you can do for the zones, controller, and watering behavior. I was able to program the San Diego water restriction schedule with no problem. I really can't imagine an easier to use controller, or one that is more customizable. The only possible downsides are that it doesn't measure humidity (relies on pre-programmed monthly averages for your zipcode, or you can put in your own averages) and it doesn't measure solar intensity. But there are a lot of customizable parameters you can tweak to lock in the right watering amount.
I purchased the outdoor model on accident, even though I wanted it mounted indoors. This was actually an advantage to me, because the 12V DC transformer is in the controller housing and not a brick that plugs into the outlet. This makes the other outlet easier to access. All I had to do to convert it was buy a $3 extension cord at the home improvement store and cut off one end and use wire nuts to connect the wires inside the controller. I think this looks more finished than an external power brick.
If you self-install, you will need to know a bit about the type of soil you have, breed of grass, and other information to acurately tell the controller about your environment. A little googling and common sense should get you most of the way. Chances are your sprinklers may need adjusting, so you could always have a pro verify your settings and make any required corrections to really dial it in. But it by no means requires a pro to configure as the menus and interface is very intuitive. It even has a 7 day weather history showing low temp, high temp, precipiation, and evaporative value.
Highly recommended, and also qualified for the SoCal water rebate, saving me $80.
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There's never been a time when water efficiency was more instrumental to your success. And there's never been a Smart Controller that's easier to install and program than the Rain Bird? ESP-SMT Smart Control System. This innovative product, combined with our comprehensive support program, is designed to help you grow your business amid mounting water restrictions and a challenging economy. Other Smart Controllers claim simplicity and precision; the Rain Bird? ESP-SMT Smart Control System delivers. Combining the simplicity of Rain Bird Extra Simple Programming (ESP) with the accuracy of proven weather-based control, this innovative system is engineered to save valuable time, money and water.
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