SMART CONTROLLERS


Before you start the


For any smart devices, make sure the strength of the Wi-Fi signal is capable of reaching and communicating effectively. Look out for obstructions in the area that can weaken the overall signal. Photo: Orbit


for certifications like UL. It’s also important to have on- device buttons just in case you need to run your zones when the internet is down.”


INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS


When it comes to installing smart controllers, the differ- ence between an unconnected controller and one without an internet connection isn’t too much of a divide. Te key factor is the strength of connection at the location where the controller itself is installed, whether the smart control- ler is connected via Wi-Fi or cellular service. When building a Wi-Fi network, remember that the signal is sent out in a similar style to televisions or radi- os from a single source called the Wireless Access Point. Most devices available to contractors will transmit at 5Ghz, which allows for a higher transmission of data. Devices that send at 5Ghz have a maximum reach of about 200 feet. Similar to how Wi-Fi signal weakens in- side a home the farther away a phone is from the source, that reach of 200 feet degrades significantly over the dis- tance. Also similar to that home setup, the more physical objects between the source and the intended receiver, the faster that signal will break down. Will Upton, director of pro at Rachio, Denver, suggests doing a simple test to ensure the necessary coverage is there to operate the controller. “Before you start the process, one of the biggest things is to go to where the original timer is or where you’re go- ing to put the timer and check to make sure that you have about two bars of Wi-Fi,” Upton says. “Usually, if you have about two bar signals and you can see that you’re logged into it the network, then you should have plenty of band- width to run any smart controller.” Just as with any irrigation system installation, a map of


any Wi-Fi sources and repeaters installed on the property will go a long way toward making maintenance or future upgrades run smoothly. Installers need to make sure this information along with any network access information is stored securely, as it contains clients’ private information.


irrigationandlighting.org Upton adds that in some instances, the client might


feel more comfortable with the installer using the client’s phone to set up the system so the installer does not have to gain access to the client’s network credentials. Beyond testing the site’s connective-friendliness, an- other consideration that end users should keep in mind is security. Make sure the client is aware that the servicing team needs to be notified anytime there are changes in the network’s access if the customer is supplying the Wi-Fi network.


Upton says that it’s essential for the installer to make


sure that the controller is properly connected to the end users’ network to ensure ease of use and give the users con- fidence to operate the controller via their smartphones. He says this is one of the big benefits of smart controllers: Peo- ple know how to use an app but might be intimidated by the traditional tactile setups of normal controllers. “Tat contractor, being a pro, should be able to get that unit online for that homeowner,” says Upton. “Tat’s one of the reasons why they’re there. Once it’s online people are more able to use an app and trust an app much more.” Properly installed and functioning,


the capabilities of smart controllers can make a difference in a company’s business strength and in terms of helping conserve resources, Upton says. “I don’t care what manufacturer it is,


it if you adopt it and you learn it, it drives efficiencies and drives money into the bottom line, and it increases your routing and scheduling, decreases footsteps, decreases everything and then puts data stamps on when you were there as a contractor,” he says. “People don’t have to be home. It’s kind of a game-changer.”


Luke Reynolds is the content editor for Irrigation & Lighting and can be reached at lukereynolds@irrigation.org.


June 2023 Irrigation & Lighting 37 Photo: Rain Bird


process, one of the biggest things is to go to where the original timer is or where


you’re going to put the timer and check to make sure


that you have about two


bars of Wi-Fi. – Will Upton, Rachio


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48