Rain Bird ARC6 App-Based Indoor Smart Irrigation WiFi Timer/Controller

Product Overview

The Rain Bird ARC6 is an app-based indoor smart irrigation WiFi timer/controller designed for 6-zone/station sprinkler systems. It is EPA WaterSense Certified, ensuring efficient water usage, and is compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This controller provides total control of your sprinkler system from your mobile device, allowing you to set, monitor, and adjust schedules from anywhere in the world.

Key Features:

• Indoor WiFi timer for mobile app control.
• Set, monitor, and adjust schedules remotely.
• Activate schedules, delay watering, view upcoming schedules, and check local weather forecasts.
• Automatic water usage reduction up to 30% based on local weather.
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple iOS 8+, and Android 6.0+.
• Controls 6 zones with up to 12 total start times across 3 individual programs (A, B, C).
• Customizable watering days (days of week, odd/even, cyclic).
• Seasonal Adjust feature to modify run times (5% to 200%).
• Watering Delay function for 1 to 14 days.
• Manual watering for individual or all zones.
• Notifications for programming changes, valve malfunctions, WiFi disconnections, and potential freezes.

The Rain Bird ARC6 controller with its intuitive mobile app interface.

The Rain Bird app simplifies smart watering, allowing schedule activation, watering delays, and weather forecast checks.

The ARC6 meets EPA WaterSense criteria, ensuring water efficiency.

Watering Delay feature automatically skips scheduled watering based on upcoming rain.

The controller is smart home compatible, allowing voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Official Product Video:

This video provides a promotional overview of the ARC Series Smart Controller, highlighting its key features and benefits.

Setup Guide

1. Pre-Installation Considerations

Before beginning installation, ensure you have a suitable indoor mounting location. The controller should be within 6 feet of an AC power outlet and away from major appliances or air conditioners to minimize Wi-Fi interference. Verify your Wi-Fi signal strength at the chosen location using your mobile device. If the signal is weak, consider moving the controller or your router closer, or adding a Wi-Fi signal booster. The controller requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.

The ARC6 controller is designed for indoor mounting, often in a garage or utility area.

Official Installation Video:

This video demonstrates the general installation process for the ARC Series Smart Irrigation Controllers.

2. Mounting the Controller

If replacing an existing controller, take a photo of the current wiring for reference. Disconnect power to the old controller by turning off the appropriate breaker. Mount the new ARC6 controller by driving a screw into the wall, leaving an 1/8-inch gap. Use the keyhole slot on the back of the controller to hang it securely. Remove the wire bay cover and drive a second screw through the open hole to fully secure the unit to the wall.

The ARC6 controller is designed for easy installation, replacing most irrigation controllers in less than 30 minutes.

3. Wiring the Controller

Route all field wires through the opening at the bottom of the controller. Connect one wire from each valve to one of the numbered zone terminals (1-6) on the controller. Connect the common wire (usually white) to the common terminal marked 'C'.

Important: Do not route power wires through the same opening as valve wires. Do not remove the yellow jumper wire unless you are installing a Rain/Freeze sensor, as the controller will not function without it or a connected sensor.

Detailed view of the ARC6 wiring terminals for zone and common connections. For additional help, scan the QR code: https://qrs.ly/iud9t2b

Hardwire Installation Video:

This video details the hardwire connection process for the Rain Bird ARC8 WiFi Smart Controller, applicable for ARC6 models.

4. Power Connection

The ARC6 is an indoor model and connects via the included 6-foot transformer power cord. Plug the power cord into a 120VAC outlet. The status light on the front of the controller should start flashing blue, indicating it is powered up and ready to connect.

5. App Setup and Wi-Fi Connection

Download the Rain Bird app from your device's app store (Apple iOS 8 or greater, Android 6.0 or later). Open the app, select "Add Controller," and choose the ARC Series. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the controller to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and set up a password for remote access.

Control your irrigation system directly from your mobile device with the Rain Bird app.

Operating Your Rain Bird ARC6

1. Scheduling and Programming

Use the intuitive Rain Bird mobile app to create and manage your watering schedules. You can set up to 3 individual programs (A, B, C) per zone, with up to 4 start times per program, for a total of 12 start times. Run times can be set from 1 minute to 6 hours. Customize zones with names, pictures, frequency, start times, and run times.

2. Smart Watering Features

• Seasonal Adjust: Automatically reduces or increases run times from 5% to 200% based on local weather forecasts and historical averages, saving water.
• Watering Delay: Suspends watering for 1 to 14 days, automatically resuming once the delay ends. Useful for preventing overwatering after rainfall.
• Manual Watering: Initiate watering for a single zone or all zones for a specified duration directly from the app or the controller panel.
• Notifications: Receive alerts for programming changes, valve malfunctions, Wi-Fi network disconnections, incorrect date/time, or possible freeze conditions.

The Rain Bird app allows for easy manual control of individual zones.

Monitor the status of active watering zones directly from your phone.

Receive timely notifications about irrigation events and system status.

Maintenance

Regularly check your sprinkler system for leaks or damaged components. Ensure the controller's power connection is secure. Keep the controller's exterior clean and free from dust. Periodically check the Rain Bird app for software updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

For detailed maintenance procedures for your irrigation system components (valves, sprinklers), refer to their respective manuals.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions:

• No Power/Controller Not Responding: Check the power cord connection and the circuit breaker. Ensure the outlet is functional.
• Wi-Fi Disconnection: Verify your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network is active and the signal strength at the controller's location is adequate. Restart your router and the controller if necessary.
• Zones Not Watering: Check wiring connections for each zone and the common wire. Ensure the master valve (if installed) is functioning correctly. Verify schedules are active and not suspended by a watering delay or sensor.
• Valve Malfunction Notifications: Inspect the specific valve for physical damage or blockages. Consult a professional if the issue persists.
• App Connectivity Issues: Ensure your mobile device's Bluetooth is enabled during initial setup. Check for app updates.

For more in-depth troubleshooting, refer to the official Rain Bird user manual (PDF) available online or contact Rain Bird customer support.

Specifications

Compatible Accessories

The Rain Bird ARC6 controller is designed to work seamlessly with various irrigation accessories to enhance its functionality and water-saving capabilities.

• Rain/Freeze Sensors: Automatically pause irrigation during rain or freezing temperatures. While not required for operation, they can significantly conserve water. (Rain sensor CPRSDBEX sold separately).
• Master Valve: Controls the main water supply to the irrigation system, preventing leaks when zones are not active.
• Pump Start Relay: Used for systems that rely on a pump to supply water, ensuring the pump activates only when watering is scheduled.

Accessories Overview Video:

This video highlights various accessories compatible with the ARC Series controllers.

Connecting Accessories Video:

This video demonstrates how to connect various accessories, including rain/freeze sensors, master valves, and pump start relays, to your Rain Bird ARC Series controller.

Support & Warranty

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty information, please visit the official Rain Bird website or contact their customer support. Rain Bird is committed to "The Intelligent Use of Water".

You can also refer to the comprehensive User Manual (PDF) for detailed instructions and diagrams.

For additional help, scan the QR code found on the controller or in the quick reference guide: https://qrs.ly/iud9t2b