EtherRain Support
Download configuration software, and view frequently asked questions. For information on scheduling software click here.
EtherRain Admin
EtherRain Admin is the configuration utility for the EtherRain controller.
Configuring EtherRain is easy as generally only three parameters need to be changed:
name, mode, and account number (if using LawnCheck).
The software options listed on this page
will allow you to configure your controller quickly using your favorite computer type.
For Windows
EtherRain Admin for Windows is a native Windows installation. It works with Windows 98, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. Click the following link to download and install:
EtherRain Configuration Utility 1.3.5 (.exe) for Windows (latest version: April 2009)
For Apple Macintosh with Mac OS X
EtherRain Admin Java can be used to configure EtherRain on Mac OS X based computers. During initialization you may be offered the option to install EtherRain Admin onto your computer. If you choose to install your Web Start client will install EtherRain Admin into your application folder.
To launch EtherRain Admin V1.0j click the "launch" button:
If the orange launch button does not appear directly above, your computer may not have the required versions of Java or Java Web Start installed. Mac OS X has native support for Java and Java Web Start. Your Mac OS X computer should automatically download the latest versions of Java and Web Start, however you can get immediate updates by using the software update feature in Max OS X.
If the orange launch button does not appear and you don't want to update Java, you may try to launch by clicking here.
For Desktop Linux with Web Start
EtherRain Admin Java can be used to configure EtherRain from computers that run desktop Linux distributions that support Java and Java Web Start. The latest popular Linux desktop distributions (Ubuntu, SUSE) provide support for Java and Java Web Start. Java version 1.5+ is required to be installed.
To launch EtherRain Admin V1.0j click the "launch" button:
If the orange launch button does not appear and you don't want to update Java, you may try to launch by clicking here.
Questions or problems? Please contact us: support@quicksmart.com
EtherRain Frequently Asked Questions
Does the EtherRain Valve Controller have a built-in Web Server Interface?
EtherRain does not have a human readable web interface. EtherRain features a very reliable operating protocol and was designed to be used with an external scheduling server for operation. Such a server can easily control multiple EtherRain controllers.
Feature-rich application servers residing on either local or remote servers provide much greater value (functionality, access, ease-of-use, reduced maintenance, simpler to install, ease of expansion) and a much more intuitive and "likeable" user interface than can be provided on a controller with an embedded web-browser interface in this price range. In addition, scheduling applications like QuickSmart's OptiRain and LawnCheck were designed to help save water and so can help reduce your monthly operating expenses.
EtherRain's centralizalized server approach combined with available sophisticated schedulers offers a far superior solution compared to a simple embedded web-interface timer because the EtherRain solution provides all of of this additional value that the simple embedded web timers can't come close to matching.
What Platforms are available to provide scheduling control for EtherRain?
Currently QuickSmart offers feature rich scheduling servers for use on Windows XP/Vista (OptiRain) Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS X (OptiRain Open) and a complete Internet Sprinkler Controller application (LawnCheck). These applications provide much greater functionality and value, and feature much more "likeable" (ie, intuitive, easy-to-use) user interfaces than could ever be programmed into an embedded server within the current price range.
In addition to Windows, Linux, MacOS X, and Internet (LawnCheck) EtherRain can also be controlled by the powerful HomeSeer 2 Home Control Server through a set of easy-to-use scripts and webpages provided by QuickSmart specifically for HomeSeer 2. Users of the popular Vera home controller by Mi Casa Verde can also use EtherRain to control irrigation using a third party developed plugin.
We are also currently planning future support for Microsoft Windows Home Server.
Can EtherRain Control Lighting and Outdoor Power?
Yes, this is possible. Because reliable control of lighting events and other yard features is much different than reliable control of irrigation, we've developed some specialized power control modules called "YardSwitch" modules specifically for this purpose. For more information about YardSwitch power control modules, click here. Please contact us via email for more information.
How do I attach power to EtherRain?
EtherRain requires an external standard 24VAC irrigation transformer for use as a power supply. This transformer also supplies the power to activate your valves so you only need one power supply for both EtherRain and your valves. 24VAC transformers for irrigation use are readily available in hardware and gardening supply stores. You can purchase a transformer from us as a matter of convenience (we'll test the transformer and attach the EtherRain connector).
Can you provide Internet Control Software for controlling large numbers of EtherRain controllers?
Yes, we can provide private label and custom versions of LawnCheck, and can either host the application or install it at your host location. We can also develop to spec. Contact us for more information.