Rain BirdST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller, WaterSense Certified, 8-Zone/Station, Compatible with Amazon AlexaWaterSense

I purchased this to replace a manual Rainbird controller. The wifi feature and phone app allow for the program of the unit without any physical contact. The unit will also monitor the weather by using your zip code to modify the watering schedule. It is very easy to adjust watering time by the day and zone, as well as run a manual watering. Before ordering, insure you have at least two bars in a wifi signal, where you plan to mount the device. This is to make sure the device has good contact with your router. The installation instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

Works great! so easy to install and program!

Great controller! Quick & easy to install to replace an old model that stopped working. Easy to program, by either the controller or the app. App easy to install, program and adjust as needed. Has worked great since installed. Our irrigation pros were impressed by this model.

I replaced a non WiFi Rainbird with this ST8x-WiFi unit. The swap out was very easy. I took a photo of the existing wiring, as recommended by Rainbird, and made sure to reattach all of the wires in the correct locations. So far, so good. I was really looking forward to the WiFi but found out I needed to spend another $96 for a WiFi module. In this WiFi enable age, I don’t see why Rainbird does not just include the WiFi in the unit, particularly when the unit is labeled “WiFi.” Btw, programming the controller unit without the app is very clunky so if you buy this, get the WiFi module.The app is pretty basic. Interesting features: custom names for the zones (not just numbers) and the ability to add a photo of each zone. After naming the zones and setting the run time, I was able to send an email to my wife inviting her to access the program (yes, there is a user generated password required). Example of clunkiness: every time I access the controller, it goes through a multi step, time consuming, connect/ verify process. Also, make sure you mount the controller where it has good WiFi signal. Mine has two bars and that works most of the time. But, my phone also needs to be in WiFi range to send commands. I do not have strong WiFi through the entire yard so that is a limitation.Summary: definitely an improvement, WiFi is an extra (should be included) and the app is pretty basic.

This device has been working for 3 years for me. No issues, working continuously. Switching from a controller without Wi-Fi to controller with Wi-Fi, that you can control from your mobile phone, has made a lot of difference in me. You can turn the water on or shut irrigation off from anywhere at any time, easily. The controller is easy to prigram with the application. In general it's a great product and I highly recommend it.

I bought this to replace a mechanical Rain Bird timer that is significantly older than I am. I had to do a lot of work on my system (replacing valves, digging out heads, fixing leaks, etc.) and I was looking forward to being able to control it from my phone so I didn't have to walk back to the garage whenever I needed to start or stop it. Unfortunately it has not lived up to my expectations. It has been a couple weeks now since I got it installed and I am finally annoyed enough to come share my experience with all of you. Since I didn't get it installed for a few weeks after I received it I am now past the return window, otherwise I would be doing that right now rather than writing this. As it is, I must deal with Rain Bird's customer service. I will update this review as that plays out. Here are the problems that I will be bringing up with their customer service.1. The biggest problem is that the programmed run times don't work. I have zones 1-5 set to run sequentially, and the app shows that on the schedule. Only zone 2 has been running though, zones 1 and 3-5 haven't run at all. All zones work fine if I run them manually, but only zone 2 runs automatically.2. The controller will not connect properly to my network. With some work it will connect to my main router, but that is on the far side of the house and the signal is very weak. I have a range extender that is much closer, but it will not connect to that no matter what I do. Every other device I own has played nice with the extender, but no such luck here. It is possible that the resulting weak signal is the cause of some of my other complaints.3. The controller is connected to the pump start relay for my well, and it turns it off for a fraction of a second between each zone. I am no expert, but that can't be good for the pump. I was hoping it would have an option to start one zone several seconds before stopping the previous one. Boy were my expectations too high.4. The app is bad. They clearly didn't put much effort into it. It has the look and feel of the app for the made in China smart outlets I bought for $2.50 each. Each time I select anything it takes 10-30 seconds for it to talk to the controller first and then half the time it just gives me a communication error. When I do a manual run it is a gamble whether it will start in 5 seconds, 5 minutes, or not at all. This is a big disappointment, as the app was the primary reason I bought a new controller in the first place.5. Finally, their tech support. The reason I am writing this BEFORE contacting their tech support is because they don't have an email address, I have to call. Between 7am and 5pm. Guess what I am doing between 7am and 5pm. Get a tech support email address guys. Making your customers take off work early to call you about a problem they are already unhappy about is not a recipe for success.

I found the installation replacement for my existing 20-year-old Rain Bird timer to be easy. Wiring was simple, directions are clear, and Wi-Fi connected immediately and has stayed connected since installation. The iPhone app is easy to use and very versatile. You can turn off entire system, turn on a single zone or combination, or have zones run in sequence. App offers weather, Wi-Fi strength of controller, rain sensor bypass, seasonal adjustment increases or decreases irrigation time by percentage. You can even upload a photo of the zone area and name the zone (i.e. Front Yard, Back Yard, Garden, etc.). App displays zone numbers with days of week it operates, on time, and actual run time if you use seasonal adjustment. In closing, technology is awesome!