Rain Bird WiFi Smart Controller

Features

Installation

If You’re Replacing an Existing Controller

1. Take a photo of the wiring details for reference.
2. Unplug the power cord and disconnect wires.

Mount New Controller

1. Choose a mounting location on a wall within six feet of an AC power outlet and at least 15 feet away from major appliances or air conditioners. Ensure the power supply cord exit side points downwards to avoid water ingress.
2. Drive a mounting screw into the wall, leaving an 1/8-inch gap between the screw head and the wall surface (use supplied wall anchors if necessary).
3. Locate the keyhole slot on the back of the controller and hang it securely on the mounting screw.
4. Remove the wire bay cover and drive a second screw through the open hole into the wall for secure mounting.

Connect Power

The controller has an internal transformer (120 VAC to 24 VAC). It can be used with the provided six-foot power cord or wired directly into a power supply.

• WARNING: Ensure power is OFF before connecting wires. Do not plug in or apply power until all wiring is complete and checked.

Connect Valve Wiring

1. Route all field wires through the opening at the bottom of the controller. WARNING: Do not route valve wires through the same opening as power wires.
2. Connect one wire from each valve to a numbered zone terminal (1–8). NOTICE: Do not connect more than one valve to the same zone terminal.
3. Connect a field common wire to the common terminal (C).
4. For optional accessories (rain/freeze sensor, master valve, pump start relay), refer to the appropriate section.

Connect Custom Wiring (optional)

• WARNING: Ensure AC power is disconnected. Secure the strain-relief bar. Use a disconnection device for fixed wiring. Do not apply power until all connections are checked. Do not link multiple controllers with one transformer.
• Remove the wire bay cover and wiring compartment cover.
• Disconnect the power cord wires from the transformer.
• Route external power supply wires into the compartment.
• Connect external power supply wires using wire nuts and resecure the strain relief bar.
• 120 VAC Power Wiring: Black supply wire to black transformer wire, white supply wire to white transformer wire, green supply wire to green transformer wire.

Connect Rain/Freeze Sensor (optional)

• NOTICE: Do not remove the jumper wire unless a sensor is connected. The controller will not function without a sensor if the jumper is removed. Use only normally closed sensors.
• Remove the yellow jumper wire from the SENS terminals.
• Connect both sensor wires to the SENS terminals.
• Refer to the sensor manufacturer's instructions for detailed installation.

Connect Master Valve (optional)

• WARNING: Do not route master valve wires through the same opening as power wires.
• Connect one wire from the master valve to the master valve terminal (M). NOTICE: Do not connect more than one valve to the master valve terminal.
• Connect the remaining wire from the master valve to the common terminal (C).

Connect Pump Start Relay (optional)

• WARNING: Do not route pump start relay wires through the same opening as power wires.
• Connect one wire from the pump start relay to the master valve terminal (M).
• Connect the remaining wire from the pump start relay to the common terminal (C).
• Connect a short jumper wire from all unused zone terminals to the nearest zone terminal in use to prevent pump damage.
• Refer to the pump manufacturer’s installation instructions for details.

Programming

Add a New Controller to the Rain Bird App

1. Before mounting, check the WiFi signal strength at the controller location (minimum two bars). Mount closer to the router or use a signal booster if needed.
2. Download and launch the Rain Bird App.
3. Select “Add Controller” to start the setup wizard.

Set Date and Time

• When connected to WiFi, the controller automatically sets the date and time.
• If no WiFi network is available, connect via AP Hotspot mode; the controller will use the mobile device's date and time. Manual reset may be needed after a power outage.

Create a Watering Schedule

1. ADD PROGRAM(S): Use up to three programs (A, B, C). Programs include watering days, start times, and durations. Add programs via the app by selecting “+ PGM”.
2. SET PROGRAM START TIME(S): Set up to four independent start times per program. Each start time runs all zones in sequence for their scheduled duration. Add start times and associated zones/durations via the app using the “+” icon.
3. SET PROGRAM RUN DAYS: Define watering days (Odd, Even, Custom, Cyclic intervals) for each program in the app.
4. SEASONAL ADJUST: Adjust watering duration (as a percentage) for all zones in a program. Use the slider in the app's program settings. NOTICE: Controller must be WiFi-connected for automatic adjustments. 100% is the average hottest time of year.
5. RAIN DELAY: Manually turn off automatic watering for a fixed number of days (up to 14) via the app. Select the icon in controller settings, slide to the desired number of days, and save. Automatic irrigation resumes after the delay period.

Manual Watering

• ON THE CONTROLLER: Press the button to start manual watering (default 10 minutes per zone, adjustable in the app). The blinking LED indicates the active zone. Press the button to advance to the next zone. Press the button to stop manual watering.
• IN RAIN BIRD APP: Select the icon to start manual watering and set preferences. Select the icon to advance to the next zone. Select the icon to stop manual watering.

Automatic Watering

• ON THE CONTROLLER: Press the button to start automatic watering according to the schedule. The blinking LED indicates the active zone. Press the button to advance to the next zone. Press the button to stop automatic watering.
• IN RAIN BIRD APP: Use the toggle to switch between automatic watering and off status.

LED Status on Controller

Safety Information

• WARNING: This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capacity, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised. Children should be supervised.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid hazard.
• Take special precautions when valve wires are near or share conduit with other electrical systems. Separate and insulate all conductors carefully. Electrical shorts can damage the controller and create a fire hazard.
• CAUTION: Install the device to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and do not co-locate or operate with any other antenna or transmitter.
• NOTICE: Unauthorized modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Use only Rain Bird approved accessories. All electrical connections must comply with local building codes. Professional installation is recommended.
• ISED NOTICE: This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS standards. Operation is subject to two conditions: no interference, and acceptance of any interference.

Technical Support

For assistance, call Rain Bird toll-free at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247) or visit www.rainbird.com.

For more information, including troubleshooting, scan the QR code.