I’ve finally configured my garden and landscaping on drip irrigation, but I’m using some dumb valves hooked up to my house hose spigot.

I would absolutely love a smart valve that I can have better control of the schedule, or respond to sensors.

After some looking around, it seems like “Rachio” is the only integration I can find for something like this. It’s a bit pricy ($99 per valve), and it looks like it needs a wifi hub to work. Has anyone used this integration successfully?

Is there any other options? There seem to be lots of “Bluetooth” controllers available in the big box stores, but I’m guessing they will need an app or something?

  • Humanoid@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    1 year ago

    I just added a zigbee valve controller. I almost got the rachio version also when it was on sale for $80 but decided to try something else in case I wanted a second one later.

    This is the version I got and it’s been working without a problem for a month now.

    https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrn97Kq

    • Nimrod@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      Wow, that looks perfect. I wonder how strong the zigbee signal is in my back yard…

      Also, did you try those moisture sensors? That might be the next step for my system.

      • Humanoid@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        I haven’t bought the sensors yes but was debating it. I just have it on an automated cycle with conditions for rain.

    • dontcarebit@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      1 year ago

      I bought the same Tuya earlier this summer and it worked great for about a week. Unfortunately, the plastic is very thin and my kids broke it in two by just pressing the button a bit hard.

      I am currently building a system with Gardena 24V valves and they have really high build quality. Gardena provides a controller for them, but I don’t trust them to provide a reliable cloud service over the years, so I am going the esphome route.