8-zone Sprinkler Controller

RAIN8

 

The Rain8 is a full featured, 8 zone irrigation controller that may be networked together to provide a maximum of 256 zones of operation. A must for automating lawn sprinkler systems. Using PC home automation software, such as HAL, you can even control your sprinklers over the Internet

A complete irrigation schedule can be triggered by the reception of a single X10 power line carrier command. With its dual-mode capability, each individual zone can be controlled independently if the user prefers.

The Rain8 can be configured by directly connecting it to a computer via the serial port.

How it Works

To configure the Rain8 you connect it to your computer (Windows or Mac) and run the configuration utility application. This allows you to define the X10 address zone assignments and set the operational mode. For maximum flexibility, once programmed you can run the Rain8 in two different operational modes:

 

Automatic Zone Programmed Mode

Any of the X10 controllers can trigger a complete irrigation sequence, cycling through all eight zones. When one zone times out, the next one starts. In this instance the time settings for each zone are stored internally. The Rain8 provides for two independent schedules, each with its own X10 trigger assignment and run times.

 

Manual Computer Controlled Mode

This mode requires the use of a home automation program (such as HAL) to generate X10 power line carrier signals to start and stop each zone. The actual timing controls, in this mode, are located in this PC program. This provides an easy means of adjusting run times for seasonal irrigation changes. As a safeguard, the user can set the maximum "valve on" time for each zone anywhere from 1 to 240 minutes. This guarantees that the sprinkler valve will turn off even in the absence of an X10 OFF command. As each sprinkler valve has its own default setting, this guarantees a minimum of wasted water in the advent of a lost X10 signal. Another safeguard to help in the conservation of water is the interlock feature. Only one sprinkler valve is allowed on at a time in this mode.

 

Requirements and Specs
The Rain8 requires an XM10 power line interface, as well as a power adaptor or transformer (not included). The Rain8 operates on 24 - 27 volts AC, 50 Hz).