Hello Rachio community. I’m new here to the community and figured I’d go ahead and sign up for this forum. I don’t yet have a Rachio Iro but I’ll be buying soon. Tomorrow I’ll take a look at my current controller (1997 Rainbird) and see what model I need.
So I’m a local weather buff with a weather station on Wunderground, CWOP, PWSweather etc. Station is a Davis Vantage Pro2+ running on Weather Display 10.32 R252 software. This is where my interest in the Rachio Iro begins.
Last week I got a touching email from a new Rachio Iro customer nearby who’s Rachio uses my station. His kind words almost brought tears to my eyes. Not every day you have someone email you expressing their gratitude for something you do. It made my day.
Accuracy in my weather station is something I’m a bit OCD about.
He also showed me a phone screenshot of my station shutting the system off after a good rain from Tropical Storm Bill last week. That’s what got me thinking about getting a Rachio Iro for my home.
After doing more research on the Rachio Iro I’m beginning to get hooked on the idea. I know we need a new irrigation controller. Rather than buy yet another simple Rainbird or Toro, I’ve got my sights set on getting a Rachio.
So I have some questions regarding the setup,
I’ve heard about issues with wire gauges on older systems that use thick wire. I’m not sure what our current system uses. Installed in 1997 so it’s old.
What wire gauge will the Rachio accept?
What’s the Internet setup like? Enter WEP code and it’s instantly online?
My station is a Pro2+. CWOP provides the wind, temperature, humidity, rain, and solar radiation data. Does Rachio calculate evapotranspiration?
Does the Rachio factor in the plants in a specific zone? Like in zone 1 tomatoes etc?
Does it factor in drought and watering restrictions from sources like the Palmer drought monitor?
Can’t wait to get the Rachio and set it up.
Thanks.