Leave a Review RainMachine
Was a great product
Edit* Thanks for the copy and paste response. Users that have been on the system for years should be grandfathered in. Simple as that...* I’ve been a great believer in this product and have always talked about it when people asked advice on new connected sprinkler controllers. However, as of today, 6/3/22, I will no longer recommend it to anyone. They have started a subscription service and taken away a basic service of accessing it from anywhere unless you pay them $30 a year. I’ll also stop getting new features, Mobile notifications and advance watering reports unless I pay up. Very disappointing that they made this decision.Show lessmbg620
Used for several years, can’t recommend anymore
I’ve used RainMachine for several years, at least more than 5, and despite being a bit expensive, I picked it up so I have sprinklers shut off when it sprinkles and turn things off and on from work if need if the gardeners show up.
RainMachine just emailed its user that to keep feature that were essentially included with its high price, now it wants a freakin subscription fee for remote use. That’s crazy balls, that like paying a subscription to operate my oven or tv years after I bought it. Most of us are exhausted with companies trying to charge a subscription fee…maybe if you gave the hardware away for free but otherwise.
At least grandfather in the legacy customers and only charge informed new buyers, that would be the ethical thing to do.Show lessSkrapmot
Developer Response
You can still connect to it from anywhere in the world using the 30 Days Premium Services Trial (no CC needed, no subscription enroll) or if you do not that, simply connect to it using the Direct Access feature through your personal internet router. RainMachine Cloud Servers will only be available for our Premium Services subscribers. Subscribing to Premium Services it is optional. RainMachine device does not require a cloud connectivity in order to save water. The weather data will still be fetched because it is not cloud based. RainMachine devices are cloud independent by design since day 1. Thank you for your review and understanding. RainMachine SupportUsed to have remote access, now they took it away
I noticed that with the last update, I could no longer connect to my Rainmachine on my secure local network. I also received an email earlier today that they are going to start charging for remote access now. I have a different network for all my IOT machines for security and t means that I will not be able to access my Rainmachine even if I am home. I have also relied on remote access to check if my sprinklers are working when I am away from home. This new business model is a huge disappointment and is unfortunately going to make me look for an alternative sprinkler controller.Show lessAlfredm
Used to be good
I just received an email that rain machine is now going to be charging me $30/year for the features that I’ve had access to for the past 5 years, such as controlling the machine from anywhere. Other than that, it is a very weak list of premium features for $30/year. It’s one thing to have a subscription model to start, but entirely different to change for existing customers and start charging for the same level of features that were free when they purchased it. I will not upgrade and support companies like this. I will be replacing my controller out of principle.Show lessddub801_sl
Why change what was working fine?
Prior to the last update, the app would automatically select your device and load up straight to the zones tab. Now, for seemingly no reason the app opens to the device list first and you have to select it every time you open the app before you can get to the zones tab. It's a minor tweak, but makes a huge difference in UX.
Aside from that, this app has been great aside from the silly Alexa naming you have to do.Show lessTheIndieArmy
When it works, it works
When it’s connected (eventually) & set up its fine. Have had a display issue for ages that is studiously ignored by RM.
Factory Reset will bring you no end of joy - NOT! Pity as the hardware is pretty damn good.Dibouski
Great app
Very intuitive. Sometimes crashes but no big deal, just relaunch it. Mostly I let the automation handle everythingEddiiiz
Hard to use and not watering when needed
We have had this app for a couple of years. Some good things are that you can add photos to each group and that it can operate multiple controllers. It is also fairly easy to do quick 30 sec test runs. In theory it knows when to water because it can connect to weather forecast services. Unfortunately you cannot rely on that. It took me weeks to realize that one of the two controllers we have was not watering anymore, even though the weather was hot and dry. I never figured out why. Some of our plants died because of that. Help desk did not respond. The app is not easy to use. Would not recommend.Show lessLiz in California
Works well for me!
Have been running this controller for a couple of years now, and it has been working fine! I’m not sure why others seem to struggle. An important item for a smart house is to have a strong wifi signal. The controller will likely be at the edge out in the garage far from your WAP ... use a mesh or power line booster. I even hooked a zone up to a soft close valve and use it to top off the pool twice a week! App has been steadily getting better, as one hopes and expects!Show lessTurkeeFriar
Great work
Great app
Keep up the great work and updates!Aneusomy
