🌐 Rain Bird  Wi‑Fi Timer

Description
An 8‑zone indoor/outdoor smart sprinkler timer that connects via Wi‑Fi or local interface, enabling remote programming and automatic seasonal adjustments. 

Key Specifications

• Zones: up to 8

• Start times per zone: 6

• Station timing: 0–199 min

• Seasonal adjust: −90% to +100%

• Power: 24 VAC (0.65 A output); input 120 V AC (50/60 Hz) or 230 V AC depending on region 

• Backup: Non‑volatile memory + 2×AAA batteries (time/date backup) 

• Connectivity: Dual‑mode Wi‑Fi / local access / Rain/Frost sensor / master valve & pump relay 

• Dimensions: 15.9 × 15.9 × 3.9 cm (indoor models) 

Special Features:

• Smart scheduling (Wi‑Fi app control, remote alerts)

• Weather-driven seasonal adjustment

• Multiple interfaces: app, panel, and voice (Alexa/Google) 

🌦️ Hunter HPC Hybrid Controller

Description
A modular, Wi‑Fi-enabled controller supporting both conventional and decoder wiring, featuring smart weather-based scheduling (Predictive Watering). 

Key Specifications

• Zones/stations: Conventional 4–23; decoder hybrid up to 32

• Programs: 6 independent programs, 6 start times each

• Inputs: 2 sensors + master valve/pump relay output

• Interface: 7 cm color touchscreen + Wi‑Fi (Hydrawise) 

• Smart features: Predictive watering based on weather data

• Diagnostics: Milliamp wire fault sensor + alerts for leaks/valve issues

• Certifications: WaterSense, Smart Watermark, EPA 

🌧️ RainPoint Smart Rain Sensor

Description
A high-precision rain sensor with Wi‑Fi connectivity that halts watering based on real-time rainfall measurements. 

Specifications

• Rainfall range: 0–9,999 mm accuracy ±0.1 mm

• Data frequency: Every 3 minutes

• Wireless range: 120 m (with compatible timer)

• Power: 3×AA batteries (non-rechargeable) 

• Weight: 189 g; Wi‑Fi: 2.4 GHz 

• Use case: Pair with single/dual outlet timers to adjust irrigation schedules based on rainfall 

🛠️ Summary Comparison

⚙️ How Irrigation Timers and Controllers Work

Irrigation timers and controllers are electronic devices used to automatically control the operation of irrigation systems based on programmed schedules or weather data.

🔹 1. Power Supply

• Controllers are powered either by AC electricity (typically 24V transformer) or batteries (for portable or small systems).

• Some models include solar panels or backup batteries to retain settings during outages.

🔹 2. Programming and Scheduling

• Users set watering schedules through:

  • Manual buttons and screens (LCD/touchscreen)

  • Smartphone apps via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

• You can program:

  • Start times

  • Run time per zone

  • Watering days (specific days, intervals, or odd/even days)

  • Seasonal adjustments (increase/decrease duration automatically)

🔹 3. Zone Control

• Each controller can manage multiple irrigation zones.

• It activates solenoid valves, allowing water to flow into each zone one by one, according to the schedule.

🔹 4. Sensor Integration

Most modern controllers support external sensors:

• Rain Sensors: Pause watering when it rains.

• Soil Moisture Sensors: Skip watering if soil is wet.

• Flow Sensors: Detect leaks or clogs.

For example, RainPoint sensors measure rainfall and send wireless signals to pause watering.

🔹 5. Smart Features (Wi-Fi Models)

• Connect to mobile apps (like Hydrawise, Rain Bird App)

• Use local weather data to adjust watering automatically

• Receive alerts for system errors, rain delays, or high water usage

🔹 6. Manual Override

• Most controllers include a manual start button or app feature to run irrigation temporarily without changing the schedule.

✅ Benefits

• Saves water by preventing overwatering

• Ensures consistent watering when you’re not home

• Adapts to weather changes automatically (smart models)

• Extends plant health and improves irrigation efficiency