Quick Start Guide www.rachio.
Let’s get started! Download the Rachio App to begin setting up your new controller. www.rachio.
Need help? What’s in the box? We have a team of experts ready to help. If you run into any problems, please contact Rachio customer support. 1 (844) 4-RACHIO Complete support documentation, videos and more are available on our support site. cover base power adapter 4 screws with anchors www.rachio.
What you’ll need... Wi-Fi Access (Required) 2.4 GHz or Dual Band Network Required The Rachio controller uses wireless communications and must be installed within range of a strong signal source for reliable performance. You’ll need to know your Network (SSID) & Password to connect to your network. phillips screwdriver wire strippers Mobile Device (Required) Requires iOS devices 9.3 or newer or Android 4.0 or newer.
1 Download Download the Rachio app at www.rachio.com/download. Easy Install 3 Quick Steps 8 Create a Rachio user account to set up and manage your controller. You’ll need to create a username and password to connect your controller.
2 Connect Connect your controller to Wi-Fi using your smartphone and the app at the location where you will install the controller. Connecting to Wi-Fi before installation ensures the signal is strong enough before disconnecting any wires. The Rachio app will guide you through connecting your controller to Wi-Fi. For Wi-Fi connection tips, or if you encounter issues during the process, please reference page 31. 3 Install Test your sprinkler system.
Attach it to the wall. Remove the controller’s cover from the base and attach to the wall using the included screws. Wall anchors are included for drywall. Make sure your wiring and power adapter will reach the Rachio controller. Wire it up. Insert sprinkler wire through the opening on the base. Connect the wires to the corresponding terminal locations. 12 Connect the power cord. Insert the power connector into the controller’s power port in the lower right-hand corner of the wiring bay.
Required Wiring Your controller is designed for 8 or 16 zones, depending on the model you have purchased. There are multiple Common “C” terminals for convenience; any or all of them can be used. Zone wires connect to the numbered terminals. Only install one valve wire per terminal. Power and ground wires are not needed. Congratulations! 6 (1 Zo ne M od el O nl You’ve completed the install of your Rachio Smart y) Sprinkler Controller hardware. Download the Rachio App to continue the software setup.
Manually Start and Stop Zones Press the Arrow Buttons to select the zone you want to run. Press the Select Button to start and stop the Selected Zone. When you start a zone, it will begin watering immediately and then stop after a short duration.
Update Wi-Fi Network Factory Reset (Can’t be undone) To connect to a new network, you’ll need to reset the Wi-Fi connection on your controller. To uninstall the controller from an account, perform a Factory Reset to clear the controller’s settings. 1. Power cycle the controller by unplugging and plugging it back in. 1. Power cycle the controller by unplugging and plugging it back in. 2. Press and hold the down Arrow Button and Select Button until the LED light ring is fully illuminated. 2.
Hard Wiring An enclosure is required for hardwiring installations and/or outdoor installation. For details, reference www.rachio.com/outdoors. Multiple Controllers Advanced Wiring If you’re using more than one controller, do not share ANY wires between them - a relay is required. For further details, reference www.rachio.com/relay. Thick Guage Wires The controller is designed for 18-gauge sprinkler, solid copper wire. Up to 14-gauge wire can be inserted into the terminals without causing damage.
Master Valve Wiring Outdoor Installation A master valve is a “normally closed” valve installed at the supply point of the main line that opens whenever a zone is operating. The Rachio controller is designed to be installed indoors. If you need to install outdoors, a weatherproof enclosure is required. Complete this wiring only if you have a master valve installed in your irrigation system. Install the Master Valve wire in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve in the Rachio App.
Pump Start Relay Wiring Hydraulic Indexing Valve Wiring A pump start relay serves as a switch that activates 110-220VAC power to the pump when the Rachio controller’s master valve is enabled. Since the Rachio controller outputs 24VAC, a pump start relay is required when using a pump with the Rachio controller. Indexing valves offer a central hub to automate multiple zoned irrigation systems. Usually consisting of one inlet and 3+ outlets, indexing valves can operate on city water or pumps.
Rain Sensors Rain Sensors will temporarily suspend watering by the irrigation controller when moisture is detected. Rain sensors normally have three wires; common, normally open and normally closed. Rachio controllers use normally closed wiring (sometimes labeled NC). For more information, visit www.rachio.com/rain-sensor. Wireless Rain Sensors • Insert the normally closed wire into the S1 or S2 terminal slot • Insert one (1) of the 24VAC leads and common wire into the SC terminal slot.
How do I test my rain sensor? Flow Sensors Make sure your Rain Sensor is working. Verify operation of the rain sensor and proper wiring. Flow Sensor are used to measure the amount of water flowing through an irrigation system in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Flow sensors are being used to monitor water usage and detect abnormal use. For more information, visit www.rachio.com/ flow-sensor. 1. Ensure the rain sensor toggle is enabled in the Rachio App’s device settings.
I can’t connect to Wi-Fi. The controller must be setup via the Rachio mobile app for initial activation. Disable cellular data in your phone’s settings; if in doubt, put your phone into Airplane Mode and turn on the Wi-Fi manually. Troubleshooting 30 If the controller fails to connect, note the light code displayed on the controller. To troubleshoot light codes, please reference page 32 and/or visit www.rachio.com/light-codes.
Light One (Booting Up) A blinking light means the device is booting up. Once the light turns solid you can add the controller to your account. You’ll be prompted to confirm the network you want to connect to. Light Two (Connecting to Wi-Fi) This light will begin blinking as the controller tries to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Once connected to Wi-Fi, the light will turn solid. Light Three (Connecting to Rachio Cloud) This light will begin blinking as the controller attempts to connect to Rachio’s servers.
My zones aren’t running. Do you have a Master Valve or Pump? Is the Master Valve toggle enabled? If your system has a master valve or pump start relay, ensure the master valve toggle is enabled within the Rachio App’s device settings. Check your common wire. Is the issue isolated to one or all zones? If all zones, move common wire to a different common terminal to see if the issue continues. Not Stopping/Slow Leak Is there debris in valve? Turn off water to the system.
Limited Warranty Rachio warrants that the Product will be free from material defect in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years (one (1) year for factory refurbished Products) from the date of purchase from Rachio or an authorized dealer (the “Limited Warranty Period”). Detailed warranty info at www.rachio.com/ warranty. Limited Warranty is subject to the following conditions: You must notify Rachio in writing of the Defective Product during the Limited Warranty Period by visiting www.rachio.
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