Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) – App-Based Scheduling, Local Weather Intelligence, Rain Skips, Easy DIY Install

Easy Install, Great App
I replaced a 13-year old Hunter Pro-C with this Rachio controller. It was LONG overdue. This controller is awesome. Just follow the easy instructions, keeping track of your existing wiring. I had a master valve, rain sensor, and 14 zones. Easy peasy. The app found the controller immediately, and walked me through setting up each zone. You choose your grass type, sprinkler head type, slope, etc. In the end the app recommended a watering schedule that was eerily similar to what I was already doing. Love it. And the blue glow is not really necessary but looks classy.

Shame Rachio 3 doesn’t support multiple master Valve. Nailed wiring.
Finally figured out annoying zone Fault error for master valve operation when multiple master valve connected to the M terminal along with the regular zones Operation for about less than $20 wiring work, Really simple wiring and thanks to amazon for selling such simple devices to help rescue in this matter.It’s shame that rachio engineers didn’t design enough power for each channel especially when there is M terminal available for use. Customer should not need to buy anything else to make it work all together. At least they should have allowed up to 5 Amps of power usage for simultaneous multiple zones operations and multiple master valve operation. Which is very common these days.Anyways. I highly recommend, using individual master valves for front and back if you have multiple pipes feeding irrigation at your home, to save on leaks, and protect your irrigation and extend valve life using these available master valve terminals on Rachio 3. It is very simple, to wire up. I got all links for the product and wiring diagram shown below that has been tested and work prefectly. This is all you need.I have got 2 Master valves (1 for front yard, 1 for back yard), hooked up to external power source of 24VAC plugin type, using this simple DIN mount $10 24vac contactor, https://amzn.to/46q988xAnd this power supply, 24VAC, https://amzn.to/3I0UI6B wired externally to power up these master valve it works flawlessly,I am using these master valves https://amzn.to/4mck5QJ which shows 5W power consumption which is great for the application, however always have higher rated power supply purchased, to be safe to handle inrush (higher current for start up) current of valves when they open initially.I was able to simplify the circuit and use these externally powered master valve with any zones without any zone fault error or compatibility issues with Rachio 3. The product I shared above have been tested by myself, and I guarantee it works as long as you wire them correctly. if you have any questions then please let me know. If you use my link to purchase, it would tremendously help me provide support for your need, feel free to text me here if you have any questions. Hopefully, these photos with wiring diagram helps you out. If not just shoot me question here.The wiring for external pump would be very similar, but I can help you with that if you have unique situations for your case. Just ping me here and be happy to prepare your circuit diagram.

Solid Sprinkler Controller, But With Some Frustrations
I purchased the Rancho Sprinkler Controller at a slight discount since it was a returned item, and while it mostly works as expected, there were a few bumps along the way.The unit arrived in decent condition, but it definitely didn’t live up to the “new” description—it had visible signs of use, including a very dirty cover. More importantly, it was missing the mounting hardware that was supposed to be included, which was frustrating and inconvenient.Setup was another headache. The app setup process was extremely difficult, and Rancho’s tech support was basically useless. It starts you off with a digital assistant that gives no real help and no option to speak to a human. Eventually, it did default to a live person, but by then, I had already figured out the issue myself: my phone’s antivirus software was preventing the controller from linking properly. Once I disabled that, everything installed just fine.Another big downside—nowhere in the product description does it mention that most of the “smart” features require extra fees. Without paying, you’re basically stuck with a basic on/off timer. If you want the intelligent scheduling, weather-based watering, or integrations, you’ll need to cough up more money through the app.That said, once it’s set up and running, it works reliably and handles the basic watering functions well. I’d still give it 4 stars because the hardware seems solid, and once running, it performs as advertised. Just be aware of the hidden costs and setup challenges, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

Replaced a terrible Rainbird controller with this at the recommendation of our sprinkler company. Wow. What a difference. After a fairly simple set up this system works like a dream. Uses satellite weather to cancel a water if it rains a certain amount. So far it’s been right on. Love the flexibility of so many watering zones and setting the timing up appropriately for each zone. Easy to add a quick water run to a zone if the area looks a bit dry. Highly recommend.

Unusable device in UAE based on our power standards.Avoid!!