EtherRain Networked Sprinkler Controllers
Purpose built for reliable and economical operation, EtherRain™ is the most flexible dedicated networked sprinkler controller currently available. Designed for commercial and residential use, EtherRain networked sprinkler controllers, when combined with available software schedulers, provide efficient, accessible, low-maintenance, and water-saving networked control of landscape irrigation.
Benefits:
- Remotely accessible and programmable - through Local Network or Internet
- Can be stacked to service an unlimited number of valves
- Reduces maintenance headaches - no battery or clock
- Supported with high efficiency scheduling software for water conservation
- Capable of being integrated with weather station data
- Supported by multiple professional-level, feature-packed, software schedulers
- Saves time, money, and helps to save natural resources
- When used with available high-efficiency schedulers, EtherRain pays for itself
- Open API for Software Developers
Features:
- Reliable hardware design - multiple watchdog timers; relay cutoff circuitry
- Ultra low power: typically uses less than 1/2 Watt of power! (0.5 Watt)
- Efficient switching power supply saves power; runs cool; requires only 24 VAC
- Reliable software design - one command controls a complete cycle; immediate reset
- Can be controlled directly through the Internet without need for a local computer
- Automatic relay power cutoff upon short circuit
- Secure design - password protected
- Employs standard network protocols - UDP, TCP/IP, HTTP, DHCP, DNS
- Supports 8 Zones/Valves - cycle times of 1 to 240 Minutes per zone
- Built-in rain detection circuitry
- Provides results status (busy, rain, short, reset, done)
- OptiRain scheduling software for Windows 8/Windows 7/Vista/XP
- OptiRain Open scheduling software for Linux Ubuntu, FreeBSD, Macintosh OS X
- Internet/Cloud based sprinkler scheduling: www.lawncheck.com
- Web Interface and script for HomeSeer 2
- iPhone App for local zone control/Valve Testing: SprinklerAce iPhone App
- "Plug-ins" are available for MiCasaVerde Vera Home Controller: UI4 or UI5 (also see EtherRain FAQ)
Usage:
EtherRain can be used on an Ethernet network, wired or wireless. EtherRain must be attached to the network through a switch, bridge, or router port. With the availability of an always-on connection (DSL, Cable, T1), EtherRain can be controlled/scheduled without need for a local always-on computer. EtherRain units can be stacked to control a virtually unlimited number of valves.
Interface:
EtherRain acts as an intelligent client to an irrigation scheduling server. It requires receipt of only one command to initiate irrigation. Once a command is received EtherRain manages the complete cycle with no further intervention. A scheduling server is required to deliver the command. This architecture results in many benefits compared to other designs including: highest reliability (reduced complexity; no loss of schedule on "gadget glitch"); less maintenance (no battery; no time drift; no schedule loss); better irrigation control (smart irrigation schedulers can provide more optimal irrigation timing).
A wide array of scheduling servers are compatible with EtherRain including: LawnCheck; MiCasa Verde Vera; HomeSeer; MCS Sprinklers; OptiRain for Windows; OptiRain Open for Linux and Mac OSX. Each of these scheduling servers provide their own unique benefits. Some can be used in combination. See below for more information on scheduling servers.
Installation:
EtherRain was designed to be installed in a dry location. Network connectivity is facilitated by the ability to connect EtherRain to an existing network using Wireless/WiFi Bridge devices, Ethernet Powerline adapters, as well as traditional CAT5 network cable. Please see the application notes provided below for information on how to use Wireless bridging and Powerline adapters with EtherRain.
WiFi Connectivity:
Because EtherRain uses an Ethernet port for connectivity it is easy to configure a WiFi sprinkler irrigation controller. Click here for more information.
Availability and History:
EtherRain is currently available via direct order and can be shipped to both US domestic and international locations. See below for purchasing information. EtherRain has been delighting our customers by reliably controlling their automated sprinkler systems since 2008.
Controller Selection
If your irrigation application includes a master valve or requires a pump control output the EtherRain 7P controller is required. If not, select EtherRain 8.
Price List
| Name | Description | Part # | Status | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EtherRain 8 | 8 Zone Ethernet Sprinkler Controller | ER-8 | Available | $159.00 |
| EtherRain 7P | 7 Zone Ethernet Controller /w Pump Control | ER-7P | Available | $169.00 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor & Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-NW | Available | $8.95 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, 25 ft Wire, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-25 | Available | $14.95 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, 40 ft Wire, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-40 | Available | $19.95 |
| Connect Kit | Share Power/Rain Sensor btwn 2 Controllers | ER-CK-02 | Available | $3.95 |
| Connect Kit | Share Power/Rain Sensor btwn 3 Controllers | ER-CK-03 | Available | $4.95 |
| Transformer | 24VAC Power Transformer (RainBird UT-1) | UT-1 | Available | $18.95 |
EtherRain Programmers API is available to qualified software developers
Control Software: Configuration; Scheduling; Valve Test
| Configuration Software | Click here to view Configuration Software Options | |
| Windows 8/Windows 7/Vista/XP Scheduler | OptiRain for Windows 8/Windows 7/Vista/XP | |
| Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS X Scheduler | OptiRain Open for Linux, MacOS X | |
| Smart Internet Sprinkler Control | Click here to Visit LawnCheck | |
| HomeSeer 2 Web Interface for EtherRain | Click here to read more | |
| mcsSprinklers Irrigation Scheduling | Click here to read more | |
| iPhone App for Local Access Valve Testing | Learn more about SprinklerAce | |
Information Links and Downloadable Documents:
| Frequently Asked Questions | EtherRain FAQ Page | |
| Rain Sensor Information | EtherRain Rain Sensors | |
| Brochure | EtherRain 8 Brochure (.pdf) | |
| Installation Information | EtherRain 8 Quick Start Install Guide(.pdf) | |
| EtherRain 8 Hook-Up/Wiring Guide(.pdf) | ||
| EtherRain 7P Hook-Up/Wiring Guide(.pdf) | ||
| Rain Sensor Installation Guide(.pdf) | ||
| Application Notes | Using Wireless/WiFi with EtherRain(.pdf) | |
| Wired Connection to a Home Router(.pdf) | ||
| Using Powerline Networking with EtherRain(.pdf) | ||
| Setting Up Multiple EtherRain Controllers(.pdf) | ||
| 128 Valve Wireless Example(.pdf) | ||
| Interface Users Guide for HomeSeer2 (.pdf) (update 8-6-2011) | ||
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For Purchasing information Click here |
