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Any opinions of any of the various app or computer controlled irrigation controllers out there?
I have a basic irrigation controller now(Hunter Pro-C) but I'd like to upgrade to something that takes into account the predicted weather instead of just the simple rain sensor I have now. I'd like to be able to flex the schedule based on the condition of the grass. Not simply watering on a static schedule but be able to easily tweak settings on the fly (say run tomorrow morning if the grass is showing the signs of wilting this evening). I'm also on the road a lot so I am starting to appreciate a connected house. I have connected thermostats, smoke & CO2 alarms, cameras, and lighting controllers. This seems to be the next logical step.
The more I read about the proper cultivation of St. Augustine the more it seems like it's better to water when it shows signs of wilting instead of on a rigid schedule. Similar to mowing when the grass gets to be a certain height vs. mowing every Saturday. Water when the grass needs it vs. on a regular schedule. I would be more likely to do this if I can fire it off from my iPhone. Constantly re-programming the Hunter controller becomes a pain in the ass.
Need at least 6 stations. No need for pump relay control. Would like something that takes input from internet weather service as well as physical local sensors. Wired or Wifi is cool. I can drop a cable if needed.
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I don't know much about a truly connected controller, but I do have a Rainbird ESP-SMTe evaporative transpiration controller, it uses historical data for your zip code and actual rainfall measurements to determine how much water to apply. It is not connected and does not make a weather prediction, but is leaps and bounds ahead of a conventional controller. I have noticeably smaller water bills compared to before when I just had the regular Rainbird ESP controller. The ET controller is a plug in swap for Rainbird ESP modular controllers, but probably doesn't help you with a Hunter. The big down side is the rain sensor is larger than most sensors, and is wired. It only distinguishes between warm and cold season grasses and does not have specific grass types beyond that.
If I were on the road, I would want to be able to shut off the system remotely in case a leak occurs. That way if a neighbor calls to let you know, you can shut it off and leave it off versus having to have them to access and mess with an unfamiliar system in an attempt to turn it off for you.