B-Hyve vs Rachio Sprinkler Controllers

[JMintzer]

Title says it all...

Anyone have any insight on which one is better? The reviews I've read on-line say the interface is better on the Rachio, but I'd like to hear from folks who have used them... Thanks!

[logdog]

Title says it all...

Anyone have any insight on which one is better? The reviews I've read on-line say the interface is better on the Rachio, but I'd like to hear from folks who have used them... Thanks!

I know Rachio is a lot more expensive. I bought the B-Hyve 4 station controller at Lowes for about $60 with my military discount and very happy with it. Easy to set timers and it automatically shuts off when rain or frost is in the forecast. Has a lot of other features like smart watering that I don't use. Wish I had replaced the Hunter controller a long time ago.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

B-Hyve is very good. Especially when linked to their server with weather changes.

[mjr0773]

Both are good clocks and have good software. My understanding is Rachio is considering adding a commercial grade line to their current homeowner line so that may say something about the long term growth of the company.

[npwalters]

I have the $120 B Hyve and are very happy with it

[villager@casa-aloha.net]

I've had a Rachio for a couple of years (recommended by a neighbor) and am happy with

[laboutj]

Have the Rachio. Very easy to set up and it even connects to local weather stations. Has saved me a lot of money on irrigation water

[Ropnrose]

I installed my Rachio last January, when my Rainbird got a mind of it's own! I purchased directly from Rachio around the previous Black Friday. I like the Rachio, because it uses weather forecasts/history from local stations. When I'm not here, I can monitor my irrigation.

[Altavia]

I installed my Rachio last January, when my Rainbird got a mind of it's own! I purchased directly from Rachio around the previous Black Friday. I like the Rachio, because it uses weather forecasts/history from local stations. When I'm not here, I can monitor my irrigation.

Flume is another handy device that can monitor irrigation flow when away. Early detection of one broken heads will pay for it.

Flume Water | Smart Home Water Monitor | Water Leak Detector (https://flumewater.com/)

Only issue is it will not work if the meter box fills with water as happened here during the hurricane.

[JMintzer]

Thanks for the replies/recommendations!

I've ordered a Rachio 3 (4 zone) and it should arrive tomorrow. I had a $20 Amazon coupon, so it brought the price down...

We'll see if I'm posting on Wednesday when I can't get the damn thing to work! :1rotfl:

[laboutj]

Thanks for the replies/recommendations!

I've ordered a Rachio 3 (4 zone) and it should arrive tomorrow. I had a $20 Amazon coupon, so it brought the price down...

We'll see if I'm posting on Wednesday when I can't get the damn thing to work! :1rotfl:

It's super easy to hook up. Be sure to take a pic of the current wiring before disconnecting. I also do not use the Hunter rain sensor that's mounted outside, the software and weather application is so good you don't need it. The only issue you may run into is the WiFi signal in your garage could be weak.

[PJMac]

Very happy with my B-Hive. Really not sure how the phone interface could be much easier. I think the complete install, including physical install and downloading the app and setting up the programs was less than 30 minutes.

At least twice I have gone in to set a rain delay, but it had already figured it out. Possibly the best 60 bucks I have spent.

[laryb]

I wasn't sure about the wiring on my Rachio when I installed it. I called customer service and they stayed on the phone with me and walked me through it. Couldn't be more helpful, and the unit blows away the Hunter. Have had it 3-4 years now without any issues. Can't speak for the other units mentioned. Love being able to remotely turn the zones on and check the heads

[polirudb]

I purchased a Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler controller several months ago and installed it myself in less than a half hour. It has almost paid for itself in the 3 months that I've had it. I can set it to work off a schedule or control it from the app. Highly recommend it. I have a brand new unit which I may consider selling. PM me if you are interested.

[normgreg]

Had my first Rachio install 3 years ago in a rental unit, it has been a super convenience to access by internet when are tenants are in occupancy and the account can easily by transferred to the new owner. Bought the second unit for my home 2 Years ago, no issues. I especially like the feature that Rachio will notify by email what the next schedule will be, so you can let it run or cancel the run for whatever reason.

[jrref]

Rachio is the best.

[BigSteph]

I think either, with app-based programming, is a positive over the clumsy interface of the Hunter. The Hunter was competent, but whenever I wanted to test lines or change a schedule, it was like programming a VCR.

I got the B-Hyve at Lowes. I got the one with extra zones.

I had several things go wonky after a storm last summer. The B-Hyve was one of them. I contacted B-Hyve and they gave me a voucher to purchase another.

I like being able to test lines from the phone, or add/decrease water from an armchair


Very happy with my B-Hive. Really not sure how the phone interface could be much easier. I think the complete install, including physical install and downloading the app and setting up the programs was less than 30 minutes.

At least twice I have gone in to set a rain delay, but it had already figured it out. Possibly the best 60 bucks I have spent.

[Bmacs]

Best control for the price. Wyze.com

[rsmurano]

Title says it all...

Anyone have any insight on which one is better? The reviews I've read on-line say the interface is better on the Rachio, but I'd like to hear from folks who have used them... Thanks!

I’ve put in multiple b-hyve controllers in my houses and my friends. The interface is easy to use and there is a lot of configuration you can do or not, your choice. I use siri to start a station if I want and it’s part of my HomeKit home automation system. Everything that people have posted on this post about the rachio the b-hyve can also do.
I also have the b-hyve linked to a local personal weather station so it knows when to water and when not too depending on the rain or the rain coming.
It takes 5 mins to install, 15mins to program.
1 feature that is great about the b-hyve (not sure if others have it) and that is it breaks up the watering per station into multiple back to back watering which is supposed to be better. For example, if I have each station programmed to run for an hour, what mine does is to water zone 1 for 20 mins, then zone 2 for 20 mins, then the same for the other zones. Then after the last zone is finished, zone 1 starts watering again for 20 mins, then zone 2 and so on. This happens a third time so in the end each zone runs an hour. The b-hyve calendar shows you exactly what ran, which date and times per zone, and future waterings depending on weather

[JMintzer]

Well, Amazon dropped of the Rachio 3 about an hour ago...

It's all set up and running. Took about 45 minutes, including taking out the old system and mounting the new box. I'm using their recommended "flex monthly schedule" and their "Smart Cycle" that changes the frequency (and I think the watering times) as the year progresses and as rainfall changes.

They recommend about 35 minutes per zone, about once every two weeks right now, but that'll change as the year goes by. I had by Hunter set up for a little less watering time (15-20 minutes, depending on the zone), but @ once a week. And I had to change it throughout the year.

This seems much easier to use. The only thing I can't seem to find is if I can change the watering times in this set-up, or if I have to do a manual set-up. Any clues?

[QPB0078]

I have a Rachio 3 and love it. I can control it by my phone when I’m not there.

[2delunatics]

Well, Amazon dropped of the Rachio 3 about an hour ago...

It's all set up and running. Took about 45 minutes, including taking out the old system and mounting the new box. I'm using their recommended "flex monthly schedule" and their "Smart Cycle" that changes the frequency (and I think the watering times) as the year progresses and as rainfall changes.

They recommend about 35 minutes per zone, about once every two weeks right now, but that'll change as the year goes by. I had by Hunter set up for a little less watering time (15-20 minutes, depending on the zone), but @ once a week. And I had to change it throughout the year.

This seems much easier to use. The only thing I can't seem to find is if I can change the watering times in this set-up, or if I have to do a manual set-up. Any clues?
I'm very new to TV and will be closing on our new built house in Feb. so please forgive me if this is a bad question.....How does all the talk in this post of changing watering schedules and settings for this brand or that brand fit into the specific mandated watering time set by TV for your particular property? See this link.......http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd-1-13-irrigation-schedule/

The Villages has put every single property on a mandated schedule according to CDD and specific lot number. For example, my new house is on Lot 25 in CDD 13 which mandates that I water at 1AM on Tuesdays and Fridays. See this link....http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Irrigation-Schedules-District-5-13.pdf

........so I guess my newbie question boils down to.......how are we allowed to change the watering schedule from what has been assigned to us by TV? I understand wanting to change the unit in the garage, but the actual watering schedule set forth by The Villages........is that allowed or are we just kind of conveniently turning a blind eye to that? Thanks much. This forum is GREAT!

[JMintzer]

I'm very new to TV and will be closing on our new built house in Feb. so please forgive me if this is a bad question.....How does all the talk in this post of changing watering schedules and settings for this brand or that brand fit into the specific mandated watering time set by TV for your particular property? See this link.......http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd-1-13-irrigation-schedule/

The Villages has put every single property on a mandated schedule according to CDD and specific lot number. For example, my new house is on Lot 25 in CDD 13 which mandates that I water at 1AM on Tuesdays and Fridays. See this link....http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Irrigation-Schedules-District-5-13.pdf

........so I guess my newbie question boils down to.......how are we allowed to change the watering schedule from what has been assigned to us by TV? I understand wanting to change the unit in the garage, but the actual watering schedule set forth by The Villages........is that allowed or are we just kind of conveniently turning a blind eye to that? Thanks much. This forum is GREAT!

I'm in CDD 10. We have no watering restrictions. The newer CCDs may have added that... Other than that, I haven't a clue...

[EdFNJ]

Title says it all...

Anyone have any insight on which one is better? The reviews I've read on-line say the interface is better on the Rachio, but I'd like to hear from folks who have used them... Thanks!

I have B-Hyve wifi devices on 2 hose bibs. Their support is HORRENDOUS so I would probably stay away from their sprinkler controller but I do have the Rachio 3 for probably 2yrs and it is problem free and support is top notch and the app is great. I have their system tied into my Ambient weather station through Wunderground so the rain, wind, temp. and seasonal delays are as accurate as they can be. Too much rain, doesn't run. too much wind, doesn't run etc etc. IMO great system and support. You don't use that rain sponge thing on the roof with it.

EDIT: just saw you got one ....... :D :D.