I currently have a RD-600 and just acquired a Rachio 3 with an external container. This link is a picture of the RD-600 wiring setup. Zone/Valve controllers are on the left and power on the right:
With those two fixed pipes coming up from the ground, I’ve got two issues.
The holes on the RD align with those pipes; Not so with the Rachio.
The RD has power on the right and valves on the left; just the opposite of Rachio.
Basically, without turning this into a major project; what can I do?
Dave
Find another outdoor enclosure that is big enough to house an electrical box for an outlet box along with the Rachio. Wire in the electrical outlet to plug in the Rachio transformer and drill holes where the existing pipes are.
Go below ground level to find the end of the sprinkler valve field wire pipe (left pipe above) and move it to the other side of the box. I don’t expect this pipe to go beyond the depth where the sprinkler valve field wire is run. This may require a splice in the wires if there is not enough slack in the existing box. Be sure to use waterproof wire nuts on the connections (https://www.homedepot.com/p/DryConn-Aqua-Orange-Waterproof-Wire-Connectors-4-Pack-62104/202889869). You may have a choice on where to make the splice - in the Rachio box or underground where the wire enters the PVC pipe to keep thing clean. Lowe’s or Home Depot should have sprinkler valve field wire that you can buy by the foot with x number of conductors to match up (or get close) to your existing wire (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-By-the-Foot-18-10-Black-Solid-UL-Sprinkler-System-Wire-49270299/204724972).
Hope this helps. Feel free to post back with further questions.