Cyber-Rain XCI 8-Zone Automated Sprinkler Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have used the Cyber Rain sprinkler system this summer and fall and I have been generally pretty pleased with it. There have been no mechanical or electrical issues with this system. I replaced a much older working sprinkler controller.
1). No Odd / Even day water capability. In my area watering is restricted to odd/even days which is not the same as every other day. Because the CyberRain unit is based more on a week schedule, I had to visit the schedule at least once a week to make sure I was watering on the correct days. I have emailed CyberRain and they have said this suggestion will be incorporated into a future release.
2). Distance USB to device. There is a USB transmitter which plugs into your computer. This USB device needs to talk daily with the main controlling unit. Typically my computer is up on the 2nd floor and my sprinkler system controller is in the basement. I did not try this setup as I was concerned about the distance and all the interference by transmitting through the house. A system that had a network jack would have been much better for me, but with setting up a computer in the basement it never had a problem transmitting to the controller.
3). Need to leave computer on / or at least turn on daily. The PC pulls weather information daily and updates the controller daily based on the forecast. This is one of the more powerful features of the system. If you do not turn on your PC or leave it on, it will not have that information and will water when it is raining, and during a heat wave it may not water enough. Not a big deal but if it is hooked to a PC that is not on everyday you will not get full benefits from the system. (Which is another reason I liked having an ethernet connection directly to this device, it could pull this information automatically)
4). Manual watering through the device is hokey. This one may be my fault, but when I wanted to give the lawn in front another 15 minute watering, this was not possible by pressing the button on the unit. You can start any of your zones, but the time was extremelly limited that it would stay on. To give it additional watering I had to create a new 1-time schedule for that zone on the PC.
5). Does not yet tie in with any Home Automation systems. One other suggestion I had for CyberRain was to tie in this system to other Home Automation systems. They were planning to connect it to a high end home automation system. I was hoping they would look at other systems as well such as Housebot.
I look forward to their changes in the software for the 2009 watering system. Overall I have been pleased with the unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cyber-Rain XCI 8-Zone Automated Sprinkler Controller

Cyber-Rain is a smart sprinkler control system that gives homeowners an easy way to save 30-70 percent on their landscape watering bills by using a personal computer (PC) to schedule watering times and to adjust irrigation levels based on automatic weather updates received via the Internet. Most sprinkler control systems rely on manually adjusted timers to regulate watering schedules. Cyber-Rain works through your PC to adjust the amount of watering automatically based on weather and seasonal conditions. This saves you water and money on your utility bill, as preventing the hassle and cost of plant replacement. The PC program stops the sprinkler system on rainy days, automatically decreasing the watering schedule on cold or humid days, and increasing it on hot and dry days. Unlike timer systems, Cyber-Rain keeps track of exactly how much water your sprinkler system is using allowing you to compare your 'before' and 'after' water bill to see the difference. The controller and your PC speak directly to each other using their own network included in the system. You don't need to have wireless in your home, and no complicated wiring is needed. This product is the ideal choice for those living in areas of drought or for anyone wanting to do their part to conserve water and save the environment.This product is also available as a 16-Zone Automated Sprinkler Controller. Please Note: Cyber-Rain XCI is designed to be installed indoors (e.g.: your garage, laundry room, other indoor access area). Do not mount it outdoors unless using a fully-enclosed weatherproof box, sold separately.

Buy cheap Cyber-Rain XCI 8-Zone Automated Sprinkler Controller now.