EtherRain Scheduling Software

The following software is provided for local control and scheduling of QuickSmart EtherRain ethernet sprinkler controllers. For Internet based irrigation scheduling, please visit LawnCheck (opens new browser window).

OptiRain for Windows and
OptiRain Open for Linux, UNIX, Mac OS X

OptiRain is software for scheduling one or more local LAN-based EtherRain valve controllers. OptiRain for Windows installs on Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 computers. OptiRain Open is designed for use on local Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X platforms. OptiRain irrigation scheduling software, when used with the EtherRain controller, provides the following benefits:

Benefits:

• Enables high efficiency scheduling - for water conservation
• Provides easy-to-use weather dependent scheduling - for plant health
• Provides a likeable, easy-to-use scheduling Interface - to eliminate programming headaches
• Provides seasonal irrigation set-backs - for year-around optimized irrigation
• Capable of Retrieving Yahoo! weather feeds by Zip Code - for accurate weather-controlled cycles
• Capable of being integrated with weather station data
• OptiRain saves money through optimized irrigation control

OptiRain for Windows

OptiRain for Windows consists of a user interface program and a scheduler. The user interface program allows schedule building, weather configuration, log viewing, and initiation of manual cycles. The scheduler, called the OptiRain Scheduler Service, operates in the background sending commands to the controller as determined by the schedule. Once installed and started, the OptiRain Scheduler Service executes the watering schedule whenever the computer is running, even when no one is logged in. The service starts automatically whenever the computer is powered on.

OptiRain for Windows installs on computers running Windows XP(SP3), Windows Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), and Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit). A fully functional OptiRain install requires download of both OptiRain User and OptiRain Scheduler. To sample the user interface, download and install the OptiRain User package.

Windows XP Pre-Installation Note:
Optirain will install on a Windows XP (SP3) computer. OptiRain runs under the .NET 4.0 Framework and so will also install the .NET 4.0 Framework if it is not already installed. In addition, OptiRain's installer will check to see if Windows 4.5 Installer exists on the target computer and if not will install it.

Vista and Windows 7 Post-Installation Note:
For Vista or Windows 7 intallations, OptiRain User must be configured with the "administrator" privilege level after installation in order to control the scheduler. The privilege level can be set as follows:

1. Right-click the OptiRain desktop shortcut icon
2. Click "Properties"
3. Click the "Compatibility" tab
4. At the bottom of the tab window, click "Change Settings for all users"
5. At the bottom of the "Compatibility for all users" tab, check the "Run this program as an administrator" checkbox
6. Click "Apply" then click "OK"

Downloads

When downloading, click the "Run" button at the prompt for easiest install. These download packages are unsigned.

Download OptiRain User for XP/Vista/Windows 7

Download OptiRain Scheduler for XP/Vista/Windows 7

OptiRain User last update:  01-07-2012.

OptiRain Scheduler last update:  7-31-2011.

Latest OptiRain User version 1.5.6 enforces 240 minute maximum zone run time fixing an update bug. Latest OptiRain User version 1.5.5 now saves and displays weather deactivation paramters fixing an update bug. Version 1.52 fixed a credentials issue on Windows 7 64
Latest OptiRain Scheduler fixes zone time quirk.

OptiRain now conforms to the Vista/Windows 7 files security model. OptiRain now runs under the .NET 4.0 Framework.

Important Migration Note:

If you wish to update a pre-May 2011 installation please read these Migration Instructions(.pdf)

To request feature updates for OptiRain, please contact us via our email contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

OptiRain Open for Ubuntu Linux, UNIX/FreeBSD, and Mac OS X

OptiRain Open is a complete sophisticated scheduling and control web application designed to locally schedule multiple EtherRain valve controllers. OptiRain Open is a web application that delivers all of the same benefits mentioned in the description above and is supplied as a directory of web scripts.

For more information including screenshots please download the OptiRain Open brochure  (pdf).

OptiRain Open for Ubuntu, Mac OS X 10.6, and FreeBSD is now available.
OptiRain Open was last updated on: 11-09-2010.

OptiRain Open is ideally suited for use on Mac Mini or Mac Servers. For detailed information on installing OptiRain Open on Mac OS X 10.6 please download the Install OptiRain on Mac OS X  (pdf) guide.

OptiRain Open requires the Apache web server, PHP 5.25 or above, SQLite, and support for SQLite 3. In addition wget must be installed on Linux/UNIX platforms.

Available via Email. If you are interested in obtaining OptiRain Open for installation on your Linux, Mac OS X, or FreeBSD based server, please first view the installation requirements shown in our brochure, and then use our email contact form to request a copy.

mcsSprinklers Advanced Scheduling Software for Windows and HomeSeer

For advanced scheduling in HomeSeer2 or in standalone Windows-based irrigation environments see mcsSprinklers, the sophisticated irrigation control software from MCS Automated Solutions. mcsSprinklers provides a variety of irrigation strategies, monitoring, and reporting capabilities, while also providing excellent support for EtherRain controllers.

Web Page Interface for HomeSeer 2 Sprinkler Control

The EtherRain series of Ethernet connected sprinkler valve controllers can easily be controlled with HomeSeer HS2, the market-leading home automation and remote access software package from HomeSeer Technologies, using web pages and scripts provided by QuickSmart Development.

EtherRain provides a superior irrigation alternative for HomeSeer HS2 installations. EtherRain provides very high reliability, offers easy event driven setup, and provides a much less complex solution compared to existing networked sprinkler control alternatives for HomeSeer2.

In addition, the web interface provides complete button click functionality including advanced features like cycle setbacks and email alerts. With the included setback functionality a single HomeSeer EtherRain Event can automatically change the irrigation time based on month of the year. One Event can be set up for the whole year, without wasting water. Because the standard HomeSeer Event is used, the HomeSeer owner can set up a customized schedule to meet the most demanding of needs by altering the event trigger conditions.

A users guide providing installation and setup instructions is included in the download. The installation procedure is simple and easily reversible. By downloading and installing you can get an idea of the functionality provided by the interface before purchasing a controller.

Download EtherRain Web Interface for HomeSeer 2

HomeSeer Web Interface was last updated 8-06-2011. Updates include a provision for more cycles, added event functions, and updated users guide and function guide.

HomeSeer plug-in developers are invited to use the provided script(s) in part or in total to offer the benefits provided by EtherRain to their customers through their extensive feature packed plug ins.

EtherRain Admin

EtherRain Admin is the configuration and testing utility for the EtherRain valve controller. EtherRain Admin is available as a Windows native installation as well as a Java Web Start installation. The Web Start version works with Apple Macintosh (Mac OS X) and various distributions of Linux that have Java Web Start installed.

Click here to go to the EtherRain support page where EtherRain Admin can be downloaded.