Rain8 - X10 Sprinkler Controller

Available in 1-way or 2-way models, details below.

The Rain8 is a full featured, 8 zone irrigation controller that may be linked together to provide a maximum of 256 zones of operation. A must for automating lawn sprinkler systems.

model now shipping 8/31/08
No longer requires a computer to configure the Rain8 modules in many cases. You can now assign the X10 House and Unit code addresses without a PC.

Automatic Zone Programmed Mode (Classic Rain8 only)

The Rain8 can be used with nothing more than X10's Mini Timer. Anything that can generate a 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. More info...

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. More info...

16 zone wiring example

Requirements and Specs

Here are the detailed specs for the Rain8.

Here are some Sample Installations


2-Way Model

With the 2-way version, you can determine which irrigation zones are on and which are off. Designed for use with X10-compatible computer interfaces and other devices that can generate the X10 Status Request command. In addition to giving you the power to poll irrigation zones to determine their on/off status, it also allows your computer send a command to the module then check to see if the command was carried out. If not, the computer can automatically send the command again.

30006
initial 8 zones

One Rain8II 2-way X10 sprinkler controller, high current 24v AC 20VA transformer, RS232 cable, modular cable and a PSC05 power line interface.

Order this model for your first 8 zones. Everything you need to start irrigating.
$129.75
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30004
expansion kit
One Rain8II X10 sprinkler controller, modular splitter (for sharing PSC05) and modular cable.

Order this model to expand 8 more zones.
$99.75
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Original one way Rain8 module for 8 to 256 zones

For applications that don't need the 2-way status request or the other features of the Rain8II. We offer the original "Classic" Rain8.

If your irrigation needs require a pump relay or master valve to be operated, you can configure zone 8 to control 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). When not enabled zone 8 works just like the other zones.


29002
initial 8 zones
One Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller, 24VAC, 20VA transformer, RS232 cable, modular cable and a PSC05 power line interface.

Order this item for your first 8 zones.
$109.75
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29003
expansion kit
One Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller with pump control option, modular splitter (for sharing PSC05) and modular cable.

Order this item to expand 8 more zones.

$79.75
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Rain8 Accessories

30017

Rain Sensor
Save water and money by getting a rain sensor to inhibit sprinkler operation during and after rain showers.
More info...
$29.95
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20042
Software CD
Windows software for Rain8 irrigation controllers. Internet based with five separate irrigation programs.
More info...
$29.95
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10006

USB to serial RS232 Adapter
Required only when a serial port is not available.
More info...
$24.95
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80059

Mounting Rack
Use this aluminum mounting rack to stack up to 3 modules (24 zones) on end.
$9.95
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80069

5 for 1 splitter, PSC05 RJ11 version
Use this modular splitter to drive up to 5 modules (40 zones) with a single PSC05 (TW523).
$9.85
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80071

5 for 1 splitter, PowerLinc RJ45 (1132b) version
Use this modular splitter to drive up to 5 modules (40 zones) with a single PowerLinc.
$9.85
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Rain8 Configuration Software

This is the required software for configuring your Rain8 modules with the desired settings like X10 addresses, default run times and operational modes. In most cases it is needed only during the initial installation and setup.

Windows Two-way Rain8II configuration program
Windows One-way Rain8 configuration program
Macintosh (OS X & OS 9) Configuration software for both one and two way Rain8 modules
Contributed by Doug Norton [dougnorton@mac.com]
Linux software for Rain8. Requires GTK 2.0.
Contributed by Sean Maloney

Documentation Downloads

Rain8 Instructions

Rain8 Links

University of Florida general irrigation controller paper.

Networking in your garden.

Irrigation with a Macintosh

Harmony Home software