Recommendations for Wi-Fi watering system

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Recommendations for Wi-Fi watering system

Eva888

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#302367 18-Nov-2022 09:10

With hotter weather coming am thinking to get a watering system that works both with Google Assistant and an Apple phone. Nothing too complex. I just want all the patio pots and a few garden plants in close proximity to be watered especially when away for a few days in summer. Thinking to be able to turn it on at night for maximum moisture retention.

Some advice, pitfalls and recommendations welcome. Thanks.

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#2997813 18-Nov-2022 09:57

Rachio.

The weather delays etc all work perfectly in NZ, I was hesitant when I ordered it as they wouldnt commit to them being fine, but the rain and saturation skips all happen as they should. I only have a small drip system on it

Richard rich.ms

Eva888

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#2997852 18-Nov-2022 11:21

Saw a few NZ comments on Rachio community forum that would make me nervous using it. I just want something I can buy here in NZ that’s not going to need special adaptors and with local support.
Drip system sounds a good idea as opposed to water being turned on at some point. Frankly I have no clue where to start.

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#2997919 18-Nov-2022 11:43

I've been using Orbit B-Hyve for a couple of years and can't fault it. It integrates with Google Assistant and also HomeKit via Homebridge as well as Home Assistant. It has the ability to adjust it's schedule based on local weather forecast.

richms

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#2997922 18-Nov-2022 11:50

The only one I can see is from some clueless person plugging the US adapter in with a travel adapter, and then using a DC adapter from jaycar which wont work with switching and valves expecting AC.

Get the power adapter and valves from somewhere local and you will be fine. If you get anything made to go on a tap from the USA it will not fit a NZ tap as they use weird threads there for garden taps. Otherwise go for the UK where you can use a travel adapter on the UK power supply and the valves will fit.

My alexa is set to US so I dont have to listen to the Aussie voice, I dont know if it will connect to it set to NZ.

Richard rich.ms

Eva888

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#2998001 18-Nov-2022 13:21

dahc:
I've been using Orbit B-Hyve for a couple of years and can't fault it. It integrates with Google Assistant and also HomeKit via Homebridge as well as Home Assistant. It has the ability to adjust it's schedule based on local weather forecast.

Link didn’t work so I checked at M10. Mixed reviews. Do you have the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth version.

dahc

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#2998059 18-Nov-2022 14:02

Sorry about the broken link.

I have the Smart Hose Tap Timer with the Gen 1 WiFi. Amazon averages this combo at 4.7 across 6,550 user reviews and you can find some other more in depth reviews from other tech related sites.

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SirHumphreyAppleby

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#2998065 18-Nov-2022 14:12

Eva888: With hotter weather coming am thinking to get a watering system that works both with Google Assistant and an Apple phone. Nothing too complex. I just want all the patio pots and a few garden plants in close proximity to be watered especially when away for a few days in summer. Thinking to be able to turn it on at night for maximum moisture retention.

Some advice, pitfalls and recommendations welcome. Thanks.

I know this isn't exactly what you're looking for, but if you can live without the Google/Apple integration, a simple $US5 (delivered) moisture meter and a solenoid valve will keep the plants alive while you're away. Set the desired moisture level, connect it between the tap and the hose, and you're done.

I use one of these ($US2.75 part) in my greenhouse... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001968295880.html

Yoban

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#2998147 18-Nov-2022 15:55

Hi there - I have one of these bluetooth controllers (4 zone) and works a treat Hunter Node Bluetooth Battery Controller - Irrigation Express

There are indoor options, if you can run the cable which I couldn't at the time...out of interest good service from them too.

Eva888

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#2998176 18-Nov-2022 17:35

Wonder what the advantages are of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth versions.

Handle9

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#2998188 18-Nov-2022 18:35

What are you looking for? Multiple zones/programs or one irrigation run with drippers?

I'm in the process of setting this up. I'm integrating it directly to Home Assistant / HomeKit via Zigbee2MQTT and all seems pretty solid so far. I'm not using the app, which appears to be Tuya based.

I only need 1 or 2 zones max to run drippers into flower beds so it's perfectly fine. If I wanted something with multiple zones and mains powered then I'd be looking for a different solution.

Eva888

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#2998190 18-Nov-2022 18:53

Handle9:
What are you looking for? Multiple zones/programs or one irrigation run with drippers?

I'm in the process of setting this up. I'm integrating it directly to Home Assistant / HomeKit via Zigbee2MQTT and all seems pretty solid so far. I'm not using the app, which appears to be Tuya based.

I only need 1 or 2 zones max to run drippers into flower beds so it's perfectly fine. If I wanted something with multiple zones and mains powered then I'd be looking for a different solution.

That looks perfect. Battery lasts 2 years and I only need it to work through summer dry period for flower garden and flowers in pots. Hydrangeas especially start to droop fast if planted in pots with light potting mix that dries out fast. Max 2 zones. Good video description too.

Would it be compatible with NZ hose fittings though.

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Handle9

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#2998194 18-Nov-2022 19:05

Eva888:
Handle9:

What are you looking for? Multiple zones/programs or one irrigation run with drippers?

I'm in the process of setting this up. I'm integrating it directly to Home Assistant / HomeKit via Zigbee2MQTT and all seems pretty solid so far. I'm not using the app, which appears to be Tuya based.

I only need 1 or 2 zones max to run drippers into flower beds so it's perfectly fine. If I wanted something with multiple zones and mains powered then I'd be looking for a different solution.

That looks perfect. Battery lasts 2 years and I only need it to work through summer dry period for flower garden and flowers in pots. Hydrangeas especially start to droop fast if planted in pots with light potting mix that dries out fast. Max 2 zones. Good video description too.

Would it be compatible with NZ hose fittings though.

Bear in mind it's not wifi, it's zigbee so you need the hub to get it onto wifi. It comes with brass thread adapters so if it need be you could adapt it but from memory they are the same threads as here.

Eva888

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#2998201 18-Nov-2022 19:35

I note the dimensions are in inches will ask the vendor if there are metric adaptors included. At that price it would still be worth it since a tuya zigbee hub is about $48 from Dick Smith. New learning curve.

Handle9

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#2998202 18-Nov-2022 19:43

Eva888: I note the dimensions are in inches will ask the vendor if there are metric adaptors included. At that price it would still be worth it since a tuya zigbee hub is about $48 from Dick Smith. New learning curve.

Just buy the hub from them at the same time. It's one of the options on the listing.

Eva888

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#2998203 18-Nov-2022 19:53

Thanks didn’t notice that.

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