You start by creating the zones that you’ve wired up, which includes specifying a number of details about the kind of watering required. Now we’re in the app, we can started to realise the true potential of the Rachio 3. There is support for account sharing, so you can provide controlled access to other family members as well if required. You’ll need a Rachio account as is typical of smart devices, which is used to manage access to the app, and thus the device configuration, and the weather service. Using the very nicely designed Rachio app, it’s easy to set up the device on your WiFi network, and enter the basic details for the device. The controller is then attached as normal using it’s own provided screws into the built in mounting points to match.Īll of this makes set up a breeze, and in most cases Rachio says you can replace an existing irrigation controller yourself in less than 30 minutes.
Mounting is a simple matter of drilling three wall plugs at the designated locations of the build in mounting holes and using the provided screws. This does ensure you have plenty of space to store excess cable in the back, and the enclosure itself is solid and seals well. The enclosure is a quite deep, both due to the spaced required to stow the power pack behind the controller, and a the standoff from the wall provided by some small feet. That’s not an issue, though, as Rachio also sells a weather proof outdoor enclosure which includes a seperate enclosed compartment for the mains wiring feed (including a pre-installed power outlet) and room for the power supply that sits behind the device itself once installed in the enclosure. The Rachio 3 is designed for internal use, so it’s not weather proof. The whole design is elegant and well thought through, and comes with all the mounting hardware required as well.
#RACHIO CHANGE COLOR DRIPS SCHEDULE INSTALL#
The 24V AC power connector is located on the front as well, so there’s no awkward maneuvering needed during install or later adjustments. The Rachio 3 also supports Rachio’s optional wireless flow meter, which allows the device to detect leaks in the system and warn you. There are simple spring clip terminals for each wire, with support for a master valve or pump relay (configurable) and two wired sensors (if you have such). Everything you need to access is located on the front of the device, with a large cavity along the bottom to pass wiring through to the back and out to where it needs to go. The faceplate is attached by magnets to the body of the device, which makes it secure but simple to open in order to access the wiring terminals. The physical device itself is slick and minimalistic, with a smooth white faceplate adorned only with a simple 4 way button and a light strip across the center which servers as a status indicator. As one user commented in the forums, if Apple was to build an irrigation controller this is what it would look like.
Before we look at the HomeKit experience specifically, it’s worth looking at the Rachio 3 itself.
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