Rain8 - X10 Sprinkler Controller


Now shipping, both one and two way versions of the X10 Rain8 can be configured without the need of a computer!



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.

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.

Does not require a computer for basic configuration.
$129.75
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30005
initial 8 zones

One Rain8II 2-way X10 sprinkler controller, high current 24v AC 20VA transformer, RS232 cable, modular cable

Order this model for your first 8 zones. Everything but the X10 power line interface.

Does not require a computer for basic configuration.
$109.75
PayPal or Credit Card
30004
expansion kit
One Rain8II X10 sprinkler controller, modular splitter (for sharing PSC05) and modular cable.

Order this model to expand 8 more zones.

Does not require a computer for basic configuration.
$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.


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
PayPal or Credit Card
29003
expansion kit
One Rain8 X10 sprinkler controller with modular splitter (for sharing PSC05) and modular cable.

Order this item to expand 8 more zones.
$79.75
PayPal or Credit Card

Rain8 Accessories

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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30042

PSC05 power line interface module only $23.50
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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

Run Time Downloads

Rain8 Timer

Documentation Downloads

Rain8 Instructions

Rain8 Links

University of Florida general irrigation controller paper.

Networking in your garden.

Irrigation with a Macintosh

Harmony Home software