Errors the next day
I purchased the ST8I for remote access and easy programming. The install of the controller was easy and the app and WiFi hook up was similar as well. I loved the app and being able to control everything through the app. Everything was great until the next day. I kept getting timeout errors while trying to control the controller through the app. I tried resetting the app and the controller several times with no luck. I have read similar reviews so I’m disappointed that the issue has not been resolved. I tried calling Rain Bird for help and I either get a message to call back or their closed on weekends. In other reviewers the developers ask the customers to write an e-mail. CAN I GET SOME SUPPORT! It’s a brand new product that I purchased and there is no support for customers. Geez.
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Notifications corrected, needs a couple extra features
Most of the time notifications do not come through, even though I have every single option checked. Also, it would be nice to see a runtime log to verify which stations ran at which time, especially since the notifications do not come through most of the time. Would also love to see some sort of calculator interface to assist with setting up station runtime as well.
*edit* notifications appear to have been corrected with the latest update, thanks! Raised rating to 4 stars, couple of small added features would make it a solid 5.
*edit 2* dropping my rating back down, automatic seasonal adjust has not worked for weeks/months now, weather is nowhere close to accurate, connecting to the timer takes minutes most of the time from the app, notifications are extremely delayed most of the time, the app shows upcoming events that occurred many hours ago, and the clock doesn’t hold time well causing delays in scheduling. None of these should be an issue with an internet connected device, and do not appear to be an issue with cheaper internet connected irrigation controllers. Take my advice, do not waste your time with Rain Bird unless you want a 100% manual controller. Rachel and Orbit make much better devices at lower price points with better support.
*edit* notifications appear to have been corrected with the latest update, thanks! Raised rating to 4 stars, couple of small added features would make it a solid 5.
*edit 2* dropping my rating back down, automatic seasonal adjust has not worked for weeks/months now, weather is nowhere close to accurate, connecting to the timer takes minutes most of the time from the app, notifications are extremely delayed most of the time, the app shows upcoming events that occurred many hours ago, and the clock doesn’t hold time well causing delays in scheduling. None of these should be an issue with an internet connected device, and do not appear to be an issue with cheaper internet connected irrigation controllers. Take my advice, do not waste your time with Rain Bird unless you want a 100% manual controller. Rachel and Orbit make much better devices at lower price points with better support.
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Response from developer
Please contact rainbirdapps@rainbird.com to address the seasonal adjust, weather and notification issues. Work has been done to speed the synchronization process. It is required to synchronize because the settings on the front panel can be changed and the app needs to reflect changes there. We want to hear more about your comment that the controller does not hold time well. We don't know what that means specifically.
WaterShop Guy
Easy and intuitive to use, but it is too easy to reset without knowing the original password - just log in as a first time user, pair the unit with your Wi- Fi and the controller is yours. The original person that set up the system will be locked out as they would not know the new password. This loophole needs to be fixed by Rainbird. There is also no web interface like there is with most other Wi-Fi controllers. Images are not shared when controller settings are sent to other users
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ST8i-wifi changing password
Changing the controller's password is a complicated process on the RainBird ST8i irrigation controller. Password's requirements like length, letters, numbers, symbols aren't addressed in the manual or in FAQs. I had to call support to get answers. I was told to push the button on the wifi module, wait until the orange light comes on, and then change to password. However, that didn't work. I had to reset the wifi module, delete the existing controller in the app to be able to change the password. This process could have been simplified by adding a change password option in the app's settings. Password's requirements should also be spelled out. As of this date, it only accepts small case letters and numbers; no symbols or capital letters are allowed.
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Lots of potential
Update: Aug 1st 2017 (Initial review)
Pros:
- Very easy to install controller.
- App is very intuitive.
- Very easy to schedule zones to run multiple times per selected days, nice feature.
- Has a very nice feature whereby you can delay the scheduled program.
Cons:
- It does not appear that you are able to run a "program" off schedule manually?
Pro/Con:
- Calendar feature is nice for an at a glance view of monthly and weekly scheduled zones. However, the weekly display could be condensed by listing each zone on one line showing activity for that zone instead of listing the same zone multiple times depending upon start times.
Update: Aug 2nd 2017 (Response to Developer)
#1 - I own the ST8. I had previously attempted to do as you suggested in order to run the zones by manually setting the times on each zone, however, the App only allows one zone to be set at a time. If you attempt to set a 2nd zone the 1st zone will default back to zero. If this was doable it would be a satisfactory workaround.
#2 - Thank you for considering the consolidation of the Calendar weekly list.
Pros:
- Very easy to install controller.
- App is very intuitive.
- Very easy to schedule zones to run multiple times per selected days, nice feature.
- Has a very nice feature whereby you can delay the scheduled program.
Cons:
- It does not appear that you are able to run a "program" off schedule manually?
Pro/Con:
- Calendar feature is nice for an at a glance view of monthly and weekly scheduled zones. However, the weekly display could be condensed by listing each zone on one line showing activity for that zone instead of listing the same zone multiple times depending upon start times.
Update: Aug 2nd 2017 (Response to Developer)
#1 - I own the ST8. I had previously attempted to do as you suggested in order to run the zones by manually setting the times on each zone, however, the App only allows one zone to be set at a time. If you attempt to set a 2nd zone the 1st zone will default back to zero. If this was doable it would be a satisfactory workaround.
#2 - Thank you for considering the consolidation of the Calendar weekly list.
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