[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Walter123

I just connected my Rachio controller to my Amazon Echo (Alexa), now I can control my sprinklers with voice commands. For instance I can say "Alexa tell Rachio to start zone 1 for XX minutes". To stop it I say "Alexa, tell Rachio to stop watering".

Next is a wi-fi thermostat. I already have most lights and fans connected.

Why not just turn the Hunter off, and then use manual mode when you want to run a sprinkler cycle. Much less expensive rather than replacing it.

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by TV MAN

Hi Walter , I will need to try that with my echo as well. But I do have a suggestion on thermostat. I had just installed an ecobee and it works great and that I do have integrated with my echo. You should check it out. It gives a lot of flexibility and has nice logging features.

TV Man

Thanks, I'll check that out.

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Why not just turn the Hunter off, and then use manual mode when you want to run a sprinkler cycle. Much less expensive rather than replacing it.

Because it's COOL!

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Walter123

Because it's COOL!

It sure sounds it. Was it a difficult process to install it? I'm not what you would call a skilled handy man![emoji106]

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Why not just turn the Hunter off, and then use manual mode when you want to run a sprinkler cycle. Much less expensive rather than replacing it.

Originally Posted by Walter123

Because it's COOL!

Good reply.
Also, many of us travel in the summer and need a programmable system.

Thanks for the great information on Rachio. Not sure what to buy though.
2nd Generation Rachio advertised for $245 on Amazon. 1st generation seems to run around $175.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Good reply.
Also, many of us travel in the summer and need a programmable system.
Thanks for the great information on Rachio.
2nd Generation Rachio advertised for $245 on Amazon, or is it OK to buy 1st generation?

The Hunter is a programmable system. And, depending on where you live, the newer control is much more capable and doesn't have the old cork float rain gauge. No doubt though, the system Walter has is way cool!!!

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by dbussone

It sure sounds it. Was it a difficult process to install it? I'm not what you would call a skilled handy man![emoji106]

Very easy to install. search you tube for Rachio 1st generation.

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Good reply.
Also, many of us travel in the summer and need a programmable system.

Thanks for the great information on Rachio. Not sure what to buy though.
2nd Generation Rachio advertised for $245 on Amazon. 1st generation seems to run around $175.

I'm pretty sure that the major difference between 1st and 2nd generation is the number of zones.......8 vs 16. I think the same app is used for both.

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by photo1902

The Hunter is a programmable system. And, depending on where you live, the newer control is much more capable and doesn't have the old cork float rain gauge. No doubt though, the system Walter has is way cool!!!

What you say is true but the Rachio controller does a whole, whole lot more. I'm a techie so I love to (try) and keep up with technology.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Pretty soon folks won't need a wife.

Let's see Alexa put out Thanksgiving dinner!

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Walter123

What you say is true but the Rachio controller does a whole, whole lot more. I'm a techie so I love to (try) and keep up with technology.

Me too, and I'd not heard of that system until you mentioned it. I am currently checking it out!

[WhoDat]

Originally Posted by Phanatic Luvr

Mulligan - I beg to differ with you. Your irrigation controls are in the purple box, on the side of your home, each home has their own individual ones. Depending on how many zones you have, there could be two purple boxes. The meter however, is in a black box with two small purple round disc on top in the front lawn area. That is on the opposite side than your potable water meter and is shared with your neighbor.

The meter is in a separate box from the controls, on the front lawn with a purple cover.

[sarlosc]

The same exact thing happened to me last month. Insist that they send someone to physically check the reading. Turns out there was a problem with the water reading equipment. Saved me $241!!!

[willbush]

If you have the water sensor on, put it on bypass (bypass the sensor). I have done this with several neighbors when their sprinklers started running for 50 mins instead of 20 mins. The sensors often fails (most are faulty). Most on our street have it on bypass due to the many problems. I disconnected mine because it was tied to zone 5 and it want bad and if it fails then that zone won't work. Good luck.

[mistamick]

If you live south of 466a, the newest irrigation systems are equipped with a feature called "seasonable adjustment." It adjusts your watering times for each zone every day at midnight. Depending on the weather conditions, it will increase or decrease the watering times, regardless of how you had set it. This is distinct from the rain sensor. If this feature isn't set up properly it can increase watering times significantly. Check your box to see if you have this feature. If so, call the water district and have them come out to adjust it and explain it to you.
My niece owns a home in Collier and her water usage jumped to 18000 gallons from 4000 last month. Neighbors on her block were also affected.