Irrigation controller

[frank]

Would like to get suggestions on best irrigation controller to use with my ISY994iz. Needs to be 8 zones with control via the 994 and cell phone. I also subscribe to Mobilinc.

 

 

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[Bumbershoot]

10 minutes ago, frank said:

Would like to get suggestions on best irrigation controller to use with my ISY994iz. Needs to be 8 zones with control via the 994 and cell phone. I also subscribe to Mobilinc.

I'm using a RainMachine.  It works with the ISY, but not natively.  You can interface with it using NodeLink.  The RainMachine mostly stands alone in my installation, as it gets hourly forecast updates from local sources and updates the irrigation schedule appropriately.  I only use my ISY to augment the RainMachine's irrigation schedule if I've planted new grass or am concerned about new, sensitive plantings on hot days.  The beauty of this device is that I've reduced my water consumption 29% annually since I installed it.

The RainMachine has it's own, useful mobile application, and it works Alexa, Google Home, etc.  The version of MobiLinc I use doesn't properly display any nodes from nodeservers, either NodeLink or Polyglot, so it's not useful in the regard.  The only downside to this device that I've found is that it isn't recommended to be installed outdoors.

[paulbates]

6 minutes ago, Bumbershoot said:

I'm using a RainMachine.  It works with the ISY, but not natively.  You can interface with it using NodeLink.  The RainMachine mostly stands alone in my installation, as it gets hourly forecast updates from local sources and updates the irrigation schedule appropriately.  I only use my ISY to augment the RainMachine's irrigation schedule if I've planted new grass or am concerned about new, sensitive plantings on hot days.  The beauty of this device is that I've reduced my water consumption 29% annually since I installed it.

The RainMachine has it's own, useful mobile application, and it works Alexa, Google Home, etc.  The version of MobiLinc I use doesn't properly display any nodes from nodeservers, either NodeLink or Polyglot, so it's not useful in the regard.  The only downside to this device that I've found is that it isn't recommended to be installed outdoors.

Same. It can be used standalone with the RainMachine app and also some enhanced functionality with the ISY using v5 firmware and Nodelink which can be looked up hear on the forum.

The enhanced functionality includes dynamically changing field capacity (# of days between watering) in the spring and fall. Also I have a “hot zones” schedule for sunny areas and have the ISY dynamically kick it off under certain conditions 

Due to its features and internet wx that control if/how long watering happens, it paid for itself and in the first year in lowered water bills.(our Detroit water is expensive).

I don’t use an ISY mobile app. For spring / fall maint I use the RainMachine app to control zones.

Paul

[frank]

Thanks Paul. I will take a look at this controller

[frank]

Thanks Bumbetshoot

[kwb007]

Frank,

I'm using the Smartenit Insteon-Compatible EZFlora 8-Zone Sprinkler Controller.  It integrates nicely into the ISY which I use to control my 7 zones.

Ken

[frank]

Thanks Ken. Can this controller be mounted outside? If not, can someone recommend a controller than can be mounted outside?

[bleepblorp]

I mount the  EZFlora 8-Zone in a box outside. In fact, I am reusing my old Rainbird box.

[paulbates]

Insteon devices can handle outside temps typically mine see -20 to +105.  Find a decent work box like @bleepblorp suggests, that you can get an outlet inside of while maintaining electrical code for the outlex. I would suggest buying terminal strips too for the zone wire. Wire from the ez to the terminals on one side, and out to the yard on the other.

Here's an example of the terminal part, but I had 3 13wire bundles (on the right side). You'd only have 1 bundle of 8, but would need to add an outlet and with room to plug in the ez. Its a carlon box from home depot.

[kwb007]

12 minutes ago, bleepblorp said:

I mount the  EZFlora 8-Zone in a box outside. In fact, I am reusing my old Rainbird box.

I did the same thing.  It allowed me to reuse their 24V transformer.

[paulbates]

My house came with that old rainbird work box. Amazingly big... you could stuff a body in there once you get rid of the old controller parts.

[frank]

Thanks everyone. Some great ideas to ponder. Appreciate the feedback.


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