Do I need sensors in the ground?

No, climate controlled irrigation is simpler, more cost effective and reliable.  Weather sensors track evaporation.  Weather Reach Smart Irrigation Control products know when to water.  The science behind climate controlled irrigation has been used reliably for decades.  Advances in technology bring the benefits climate controlled irrigation to homes and businesses.

So it doesn't water when it rains?

That’s right.  Weather Reach Smart Irrigation Control products not only prevent watering when it rains, but knows how long to wait after it rains before watering again.  And there is more.  Climate conditions affect how much water plants need.  On hot dry windy days, plants need more water.  On cool cloudy days watering is rarely needed.  As the weather changes Weather Reach knows when to water.


What is ET (Evapotranspiration)?

Evapotranspiration, or ET, is a measurement of the water that evaporates into the air from the soil and the amount of water that is used (transpired) by a plant. ET is used to determine how much water must be returned to the landscape either by rainfall or by using your sprinkler system.


What is the importance of "ET" weather data?

"ET" weather data includes all the measurements to accurately determine plant water needs: Solar radiation, wind, humidity, temperature and rain.  Weather Reach delivers hourly climate measurements from precision sensors to your "smart" controller to maximize your landscapes health and water savings. 


Why is real-time weather data important?

Real-time weather data, delivered hourly by Weather Reach, is used to calculate soil moisture loss as it occurs. By using up to date, precision ET weather data, your irrigation is based on the lastest informaiton for precise watering.


What are 'smart' irrigation controllers?

Conventional irrigation timers (controllers) water on pre-programmed schedules and whether plants need it or not.  Smart Controllers respond to climate conditions, using ET and rainfall to calculate the moisture condition of your landscape to ensure the correct amount of irrigation every time.


How much water does a 'smart' controller save?

The Weather Reach Water Management System achieves documented savings of 20% - 70% landscape water use.  Your savings may vary depending on current water use compared to actual water requirements.


Can I install a 'smart' controller myself?

Yes, but a trained professional, who understand sprinkler systems, plant-water-soil-relationships and smart irrigation control, will make sure it is installed and programmed correctly.

How does ET weather data reach smart irrigation controllers?

Weather Reach data is delivered two ways:

  • Controller Links retrieve weather data through the Internet.
  • The Weather Reach Signal uses wireless paging technology to broadcast weather data to Rain Bird ET Managers and Weather Reach Receivers.

Is there an on-going cost for weather data?

It depends on your location and weather you need data through the Internet or the Weather Reach Signal.
Internet weather data, available to Controller Links, is free in markets with access to public weather stations.  Commercial providers require a subscription to retrieve data from their weather station network.  See the Controller Link Weather Station Network map.
The Weather Reach Signal, broadcast to Rain Bird ET Managers, is available without a subscription in markets where it is offered as public service to promote water conservation. Commercial providers require a subscription to receive data from their weather station network.  See the Weather Reach Signal Weather Station Network map.

What if it rains at my property but not at the weather station?

You are right, rainfall amounts vary depending on location. Weather Reach Smart Irrigation Control products support an on-site tipping rain gauge to measure rain at your property.  In most cases this is the preferred approach.  Another option is a local Rain Station.  Rainfall measurements at a Rain Station can be delivered to Weather Reach Smart Control Products.

How close does the weather station need to be to my property?

When people think about the weather, they often think about rain.  Rain does vary.  There are four other climate conditions to be considered.  Solar radiation, wind, humidity and temperature affect evaporation.  In many cases these conditions will be the same over wide area.  It is not uncommon to see climate controlled irrigation systems using data from an ET weather station as much as 30 miles away.  In these situations an on-site tipping rain gauge is used.

Can I access my 'smart' controller from a PC, smart phone of tablet?

Yes, your Controller Link can be managed remotely with a subscription to Weather Reach Access.

What is the difference between central control systems and 'smart' controllers?

The differences are primarily in the automation and application of the systems. Where a central control system is a supervised command unit that can either be on or off site, a 'smart' controller is a fully automated control unit that operates independent of human interaction.

How vulnerable are ET products to lightning strikes or power outages?

Weather Reach products have non-volatile memory, meaning their settings are not affected by power outages or surges.  For effective surge protection and personal protection, it is absolutely vital that your products be properly grounded according to local building codes.