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Shop > WGL > RAIN8

WGL X10 Sprinkler Controller

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Includes only the Rain8 X10 Sprinkler Controller Master Module, for your first 8 zones. Required power line interface (TW523 or PSC05) not included. For bundled PSC05 and Rain8 order Rain8B. Order the Rain8EXP for additional zones (from Option menu at right).

The Rain8 is a full featured, 8 zone irrigation controller that may be networked together to provide a maximum of 256 zones of operation. A must for automating lawn sprinkler systems. Using PC home automation software, you can even control your sprinkler over the Internet.

Item # RAIN8

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How it Works:
To configure the Rain8 you connect it to your computer (Windows or Mac) and run the configuration utility application. This allows you to define the X10 address zone assignments and set the operational mode. For maximum flexibility, once programmed you can run the Rain8 in two different operational modes:

Automatic Zone Programmed Mode
The Rain8 can be used with nothing more than X10's Mini Timer. Anything that can generate an X10 command can trigger a complete irrigation sequence, cycling through all eight zones. When one zone times out, the next one starts. In this instance the time settings for each zone are stored internally. The Rain8 provides for two independent schedules, each with its own X10 trigger assignment and run times

Rain8 Auto Mode
The auto mode is for the user who does not care to dedicate a PC to run a home automation program or whose irrigation needs can be condensed into two separate schedules that don't require frequent changes.

In the example here, only Auto A schedule has been enabled, therefore the House Code and Unit code that will trigger this schedule are set by drop down text boxes.

Auto B is not enabled therefore its HC/UC and run time boxes are grayed out (deactivated).

Sending the Rain8 an A-9 ON would turn on the zone 1 sprinkler valve. This valve would remain on for 250 minutes, then it would turn off and the zone 2 valve would turn on and so on...

The run times for each zone may be anything from 0 to 250 minutes, in one minute increments. A setting of zero would cause the Rain8 to skip that particular zone. Here zones 6 - 8 would be skipped.

One way to generate the trigger signal is to use X10's CM11A running in the “stand alone” mode. This is available as part of X10's Home Director package that sells from $30 to $50 on the internet.

Manual Computer Controlled Mode
This mode requires the use of a home automation program to generate X10 power line carrier signals to start and stop each zone. The actual timing controls, in this mode, are located in this PC program. This provides an easy means of adjusting run times for seasonal irrigation changes. As a safeguard, the user can set the maximum "valve on" time for each zone anywhere from 1 to 240 minutes. This guarantees that the sprinkler valve will turn off even in the absence of an X10 OFF command. As each sprinkler valve has its own default setting, this guarantees a minimum of wasted water in the advent of a lost X10 signal. Another safeguard to help in the conservation of water is the inter lock feature. Only one sprinkler valve is allowed on at a time.

Rain8 Manual Mode
This mode would be the selection for anyone who wants total control of their irrigation schedules at their PC. A unique water conservation feature is the default or maximum run time values. In event of a lost X10 OFF command, the run time is determined by this default setting. Each zone has its own default value.

The default values may be any value between 0 and 250 minutes. In most cases this value would be slightly larger than the greatest run time that would ever be considered for this particular zone. The example shown, zone 1 is set to 3 minutes because it is used in a green house, controlling a misting head that never runs longer than 2 minutes. Entering a 0 disables that particular zone.

This mode lets you assign an individual X10 code to each sprinkler valve. You have the option of using any of the usual X10 house codes and either 1 - 8 or 9 - 16 unit codes. In the example shown here, sending X10 code E-1 ON will turn the zone 1 sprinkler valve on. Send it an E-1 OFF and the sprinkler valve turns off. The Rain8 is smart enough to assume that if it receives an E-2 ON it should first shut off the zone 1 valve, before starting zone 2. Only one zone can be active at a time.

One configuration would be to use X-10's ActiveHome software This setup lets the user establish the start and stop time & day of week, for each zone. This information may then be transferred from the PC into a stand alone CM11A module. The PC does not need to be on until the next time the schedule needs modification. The main disadvantage here is that every zone must be scheduled individually.

A second, easier to use approach is HomeSeer Software. This program is installed on a PC and runs in the background. When used with our free Script Generator software, all the user needs to do is enter the actual run times, not start and stop times, and establish the start time and day of week. It is very easy to modify irrigation schedule with this combination.

The HomeSeer software can be downloaded for a free 30 day trial here.

Requirements and Specs
The Rain8 requires an X10 power line interface (TW523 or PSC05) and can be ordered with or without a TW523 interface (110v version). Customer outside the US with 220v power systems will need to purchase a 220v AC to 24v AC transformer (the Rain8 operates on 24 - 27 volt AC, 50 or 60 HZ).
Detailed Specifications.

Sample Installations

Two Rain8 units sharing one power line interface and one 24v AC transformer, providing 16 zones mounted in a weatherproof box. Note the transformer shown in the photo is not the unit that is supplied with the Rain8.

Three Rain8 units with 24 zones and master valve/pump start relay.

Ten Rain8 units providing 80 zones of irrigation. One power line interface and one transformer are shared by all.

Base Models
We offer two base Rain8 packages. The Rain8B package includes everything you need to automate your irrigation (except an X10 transmitter and computer to configure the Rain8). The Rain8 package is the same except it does not include the PSC05 power line interface. Order this package if you already have a spare PSC05 or TW523.

Base Models
Rain8B	One Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller, 24v AC 300ma transformer, RS232 cable, data cable and a PSC05 power line interface.
Rain8	One Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller, 24v AC 300ma transformer, RS232 cable, and data cable. Required power line interface (TW523 or PSC05) not included

Rain8 Accessories
	Save water and money by getting a rain sensor to inhibit sprinkler operation during and after rain showers. View Product
	Wireless control of your Rain8 system! Turn on/off individual valves. Great for checking sprinkler heads. View Product
	Keep up to two Rain8s protected from the elements in this professional enclosure. View Product
	Software CD. Windows software for Rain8 irrigation controllers. Internet based with five separate irrigation programs. View Product
	USB to serial RS232 Adapter. Required only when a serial port is not available. View Product
	Mounting Rack. Use this aluminum mounting rack to stack up to 3 modules (24 zones) on end. View Product

Irrigation for Macintosh Users Interested in using Mac home control software, like Indigo, to manually control a Rain8? Newer Macs do not have serial ports which makes setting the default house code for the standard Rain8 difficult since you have to purchase a USB to serial adapter. We offer this modified Rain8 that allows you to easily program the house code by sending a sequence of X10 commands. This lets you use the Rain8M without a serial port (in manual computer controlled mode only). Order the Rain8M if you already have a spare power line interface, otherwise get the Rain8MB bundle.
Rain8MB	Special Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller with easy-set house house code feature, 24v AC 20va transformer, RS232 cable, data cable, and PSC05 power line interface.
Rain8M	Special Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller with easy-set house house code feature, 24v AC 20va transformer, RS232 cable, and data cables. Required power line interface (TW523 or PSC05) not included

Pump Control
If your irrigation needs require a pump relay or master valve to be operated, then order our special pump option Rain8. The operation is similar to the regular Rain8 with the exception of valve/zone 8. In this instance, zone 8 connects to a 24v AC pump start relay or master valve. The control logic is such that when any zone 1 through 7 is energized, so is zone 8 (now the pump circuit).

Everything you need at the irrigation end is supplied other than the valves. Like with the Rain8, you will still need a X10 trigger to start the irrigation cycle.

Rain8BP1

One modified Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller (7 zones + pump control), 24v AC 20va transformer, RS232 cable, data cable, and a PSC05 power line interface. interface.

Rain8net - Serial (non-X10) Sprinkler Controller Allows control of 8 to over 2000 zones directly from a PC or any RS232 serial device. Provides control of individual zones and status response.
Rain8net	The Rain8net 8 zone sprinkler controller is driven by a RS232 serial port, not X10 power line signals. When connected to a PC you can turn on or off each of the eight zones, turn off any zone that may be on, and get the current zone status. Module only, does not include transformer or cables.