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.
The latest EtherRain design (Rev C) supports an exdended API that allows multiple zones to open and close simultaneously independently. The internal power supply has been updated using most advanced industrial semiconductor regulator IC for longer life in electrically noisy environments. The original EtherRain has been running non-stop since 2009!
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
- 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 irrigation - a single command can control a complete irrigation cycle
- Supports 8 Zones/Valves - cycle times of 1 to 240 Minutes per zone
- Timed-relay commands offer independent relay operation without sending an "off" command. (See API document)
- 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
- Automatic relay power cutoff upon short circuit
- Built-in rain detection circuitry
- Employs standard network protocols - UDP, TCP/IP, HTTP, DHCP, DNS
- Secure design - password protected
- Can be controlled directly through the Internet without need for a local computer
- Provides results status (busy, rain, short, reset, done - See API document)
- OptiRain scheduling software for Windows 10
- OptiRain Open scheduling software for Linux, Raspbian, QNAP, Synology NAS
- Internet/Cloud based sprinkler scheduling: www.lawncheck.com
- iPhone App for local zone control/Valve Testing: ZonePopper™ iPhone App
- Android App for local zone control/Valve Testing: ZonePopper™ Android App
- Web Interface and Plug-In for HomeSeer HS3/HS4
- Supported by third party schedulers: mcsSprinklers; and jirrigate
Usage:
EtherRain can be used on an Ethernet local area network. EtherRain is attached to the network through a switch, wireless bridge, or router port. With the availability of an always-on Internet connection, 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.
EtherRain Rev C controllers offer built-in timed-relay commands. Using timed-relay commands up to 8 relays can be operated independantly with up to 6 relays open simultaneously. Timed relay commands make EtherRain useful for controlling power applications like lighting, fans, and pumps when interfaced to power using 24VAC power control relays.
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: high reliability; 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; HomeSeer; MCS Sprinklers; OptiRain for Windows; OptiRain Open for Linux. 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 (link opens .pdf), 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 not recommended for new applications. EtherRain will go out of production at the end of 2024.
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 | $159.00 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor & Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-NW | Available | $12.95 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, 25 ft Wire, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-25 | Available | $19.95 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, 40 ft Wire, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-40 | Available | $22.95 |
| 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 | $21.95 |
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 10 Irrigation Scheduler | OptiRain for Windows 10 | |
| Linux, QNAP, Synology Scheduler | OptiRain Open for Linux | |
| Smart Internet Sprinkler Control | Click here to Visit LawnCheck | |
| Learn what an Internet Sprinkler Controller is | ||
| HomeSeer 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 ZonePopper for iPhone | |
| Android App for Local Access Valve Testing | Learn more about ZonePopper for Android | |
Information Links and Downloadable Documents:
| Frequently Asked Questions | EtherRain FAQ Page | |
| Rain Sensor Information | EtherRain Rain Sensors | |
| Users Guide | EtherRain Users Guide (.pdf) (update 7-22-2017) | |
| 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 | Economically Connect EtherRain to WiFi(.pdf) (update 9-7-2017) | |
| Wired Connection to a Home Router(.pdf) | ||
| Using Powerline Networking with EtherRain(.pdf) | ||
| Setting Up Multiple EtherRain Controllers(.pdf) | ||
| LawnCheck EtherRain Setup Procedure (.pdf) (update 7-10-2016) | ||
| Interface Users Guide for HomeSeer3 (.pdf) (update 7-22-2017) | ||
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For Purchasing information Click here |
