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Rachio 3 and Australia - illegal!
Getting Started International Users
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9](https://community.rachio.com/u/Gene "Gene")
8](https://community.rachio.com/u/franz "franz")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/vosadrian "vosadrian")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/bm282 "bm282")
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Mar 2018
post by bm282 on Mar 24, 2018
3
Folks, was about to buy a Rachio 3 with water flow meter, and decided to check on the frequency used for communications with the flow meter. Rachio 3 uses the “900Mhz” band for communications (US is 902-928MHz). Unless it is a very specific range in that band - 915-928MHz (trying to confirm with Rachio), it is illegal to turn the Rachio 3 on in Australia. The spectrum 902-915Mhz is licensed to Vodaphone to cell phone use as a base station receiver. They police illegal devices in that spectrum. They will find you. They will fine you if you don’t turn it off after a warning - and the fines are substantial!!!
So Australians - do NOT buy a Rachio 3 (with or without the flow meter). You will be wasting your money.
In Europe 868MHz is standard (with 915-921MHz recently being made available).
So until Rachio confirm what frequency in the “900MHz” band it is using, their device is likely to be illegal in Australia and Europe. As for Asia, I can’t comment.
Pity Rachio didn’t chose to use the 433Mhz band - which is accepted in the US, Europe and Australia.
And the Rachio 3 sounded so good!! Very shortsighted decision.
29.2k views 30 likes 18 links 43 users
9](https://community.rachio.com/u/Gene "Gene")
8](https://community.rachio.com/u/franz "franz")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/vosadrian "vosadrian")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/bm282 "bm282")
4](https://community.rachio.com/u/laura.bauman "laura.bauman")
read 12 min
Top replies
post by Columnmn on Mar 28, 2018
Hi Mate.
I’ve had it up and running for 2-3 years now, works like a charm (In Adelaide). I think you’re confusing wifi with cellular frequencies. The rachio uses standard wifi 2.4ghz (or 5ghz) modes, same as any standard laptop, chromecast, etc. Otherwise the modem wouldn’t be able to connect with it.
Bigger problems Aussies have with it are the power plug, it comes in 120V wall worts, so you need to go to jarcar and buy another and swap the plugs over.
post by bm282 on Mar 29, 2018
Hi,
You have the older Rachio - not the new Rachio 3. The new one has the addition of 900Mhz links which operate in the vodaphone cell band and are therefore illegal in Australia. The Rachio 2 is legal as it does not have this transmitter and as you point out operates on the 2.4 wifi band.
So, under no circumstances buy the Rachio 3 for Australia until Rachio verify it works between 915 and 928 otherwise you WILL get a hefty fine.
I know the 120v is annoying but even if they put in 100-240 you would still need a plug adapter, so for me it would be better if they sold it without the transformer and I’d buy local.
Not being able to buy a Rachio 3 for Australia is annoying as it means a loss of access to new features it will support.
Shortsighted, but the US market is so big they don’t care.
post by DLane on Mar 29, 2018
@bm282 - The Rachio Gen 3 likely has a receiver in it to listen to the flow meter. The flow meter would have the transmitter. One can buy the Rachio Gen 3 without the wireless transmitter. I think that the Gen 3 will still support wired flow meters.
post by bm282 on Mar 29, 2018
I wish you were correct, but unfortunately you are not. The Rachio 3 controller includes a transmitter as well as a receiver. So does the flow meter. This is how this link works. So with or without the flow meter it is illegal in Australia - unless it transmits only from 915-928 - which is unlikely and silence fromRachio on that question. Any Australian buying and using a Rachio 3 in anywhere but outback remote Australia where no cell towers exist is asking to get a hefty fine and confiscation of their Rachio. I can’t be clearer!
And given the link is a key factor in what the Rachio 3 will offer now and in the future - it would be dumb to buy it and not be able to use.
I understand their focus on the big US market, but a simple earlier decision would have at least kept the international market open for Rachio 3.
28 days later
post by bm282 on Apr 27, 2018
Just a bit of an update - I asked Rachio support about the actual frequencies they are using in the 900Mz band. No answer. Prompted a second time after 20 days. No answer. That was 10 days ago.
So its poor that Rachio can’t answer a simple support question.
So AUSTRALIANS DO NOT BUY RACHIO 3 !!! IT IS ILLEGAL!!!
post by franz on Apr 27, 2018
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
We are using the 902-928MHz ISM band. For this reason Australians cannot buy it and we can not sell the R3.
The Gen2 unit is still completely within Australian regulations.
Hope this helps
post by bm282 on Apr 27, 2018
Thank you - finally confirmation! I understand the Gen 2 is legal in Australia as it doesn’t transmit on this band.
Clearly though the Rachio 3 is the future for Rachio, so why would one buy what will be a superseded model - presumably dropped by Rachio in the not too distant future.
Sad that Rachio didn’t take the time to do a design that would work worldwide - it would have cost nothing extra, other than a bit of thinking.
I guess we will wait for Rachio 4 in a year’s time and see if that has a better design.
I get it that the US is big and the rest of the world is not needed - but good system designers think more broadly even if they still only focus on a specific market mostly. Ah well - there are other suppliers to go and chase.
Of course, some poor silly person in Australia will go and buy one without knowing the communications legislation and get themselves in a heap of trouble.
Rachio need to put something on their web page to warn any non-US person interested in the Rachio 3 to forget it - as it is illegal to use in their country. That would be the least Rachio should do as a good customer focussed company!
post by franz on Apr 27, 2018
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Sorry for any confusion.
We are in the process of upgrading our website to provide more information regarding R3 restrictions.
6 months later
post by shasam on Oct 16, 2018
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Can you provide a firmware update for Australian users to disable the 900MHz radio in the unit?
Should be simple enough to default it to off and only enable the radio when a flow meter is to be used?
Thanks,
Shane.
3 months later
post by Wirepower on Jan 12, 2019
Any update on option to turn off radio on software yet?
post by laura.bauman on Jan 14, 2019
Hey @Wirepower! Unfortunately no update on this yet The community will be the first to know when/if this happens!
16 days later
post by guric1van on Jan 30, 2019
Or they could, you know, realize that there is a much bigger market outside the US, and design their product accordingly.
post by kingy444 on Feb 3, 2019
shasam](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Surely this is the easiest option - a firmware update to disable the flow meter broadcast would resolve issues for us Aussies.
I’m sure we can live without the Wireless flow meter if it means we can stay current with the controller.
A firmware update like this should be a simple thing added into the boot sequence. The device is going to know it is in Aus based on the weather data so may not even need user intervention.
1 month later
post by Stu_rob on Mar 20, 2019
Columnmn](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Hi mate could you give me some more info on what to get from Jaycar? And the rough cost? Cheers
post by Columnmn on Mar 20, 2019
I think I used this one:
https://www.jaycar.com.au/mains-adaptor-24vac-1a-unregulated-bare-ends/p/MP3032
Then just soldered on the plug.
It was an early gen Rachio, they might have gotten their shit together and be offering international options for plugs now though. Swapping them for whatever country it’s going to. Pretty silly if they aren’t.
Let me know if you need a hand.
1 month later
post by aukiman on Apr 23, 2019
1
About to drop the money I have budgeted on a smart irrigation controller to complete my home setup when I found this thread. Rachio 3 is my first choice but I notice this discussion has been going for more than a year now so was just wondering if Rachio has done anything towards making this legal for the Australian market or if this is just a case of it not ever being available for alternate markets?
Also tweeted Rachio in the hopes of an answer: https://twitter.com/aukiman/status/1120792115976388608
post by laura.bauman on Apr 23, 2019
Hey @aukiman!
Just wanted to share our most up-to-date post on this:
Wish I had a better update!
post by aukiman on Apr 23, 2019
Thanks for the reply Laura, for the interest of the DIY’ers is anyone from the Rachio technical team able to confirm if the frequency of the comms between the flow control and the Rachio 3 device is controlled by crystal or by inbuilt processor?
8 days later
post by muzzah on May 2, 2019
aukiman](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
As described elsewhere on the forums, just snip the connection to the transmitter on circuit board with $5 scalpel, or cover it with shield tape, both from Jaycar. Well worth the effort.
4 months later
post by Zaimondos on Aug 30, 2019
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Thanks for the information.
I live in Japan and was keen to import a Rachio 3 here - given the frequencies above the closest mobile carrier is Softbank using 900MHz (not sure the exact frequency).
Would you have any specific information in regards to Japan?
1 month later
post by tranquillity on Oct 6, 2019
I removed the transmitter from my Rachio3 and its working well (in Canberra).
post by Yellowmike on Oct 11, 2019
muzzah](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Would you be able to help give the instructions on how to cut the transmitter wire. And where can I get rachio 3 in Australia?
post by tranquillity on Oct 11, 2019
There’s various options detailed here with photos: Ability to disable Wireless Flow Meter radio? Australian usage
You can buy rachio3 from amazon.com (not .au)
They will ship to Australia.
post by muzzah on Oct 12, 2019
I got mine 2nd hand but unused from auction disposal business on ebay US and the weatherproof box from another US vendor.
post by muzzah on Oct 14, 2019
Total one off I suspect, I was lucky.
3 months later
post by Sheepdogg on Dec 30, 2019
Hi just wanting to no an update looking at getting 2 rachio 3 will buy from eBay USA and post over hoping there has been an update or is there news on a rachio 4 yet please
post by danethomas on Dec 30, 2019
I’m also keen to hear if there’s an update. It’s been close to a year but no real answer apart from going ahead and modding it (which I’m ok with).
Now that the wireless flow meter has been discontinued (and this is the purpose of the transmitter) can we expect to see an updated hardware any time soon?
post by dJOS on Dec 31, 2019
So now that Rachio has EOL’d the flow sensor, will we be able to disable the 900 MHz radio in software soon?
15 days later
post by rjmcinnes on Jan 16, 2020
muzzah](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
I have two Rachio weather proof boxes (Perth, Australia) if anyone wants them.
Brand new, opened the boxes, but decided that the form factor did not suit my site.
(Currently listed on eBay, at $1.00 each…)
4 months later
post by ramseysir on May 10, 2020
Hi mate, are your items still available? looking to set up a DIY system in Darwin, NT
post by rjmcinnes on May 10, 2020
Ramsey,
No, I sold the two Rachio weather proof boxes on eBay.
But the good news is that I found a much neater weather proof enclosure locally.
Made by Sistema, a new design, available in any IGA Store, among the plastic storage/lunch boxes.
Photos enclosed…
It is a bit fiddly to fit, but really just a mater of drilling a few holes in the right places in the box to suit. I fitted three spacers under the Rachio 3 Controller (to make room to hide the wiring), drilled three holes in the box to match exactly the three mounting holes in the Rachio 3, plugged the wall, added the spacers, and I was done.
Ah, but “One More Thing”…
You have to dump the Rachio 110VAC power pack.
I bought a 240VAC unit from Jaycar Electronics, same output specifications (24VAC 1,000mA), but weatherproof and suitable for outdoor mounting, cut off and Rachio 3 power plug/cable and soldered it to the Jaycar unit cable. While you are at Jaycar, you will find the spacers (feet for a small equipment cabinet), and the few grommets you will need to weather proof the cable entries into the Sistema enclosure.
A nice little DIY project, you will have fun…
\ IMG_4154.jpg2126×1594 743 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/5/52d1cd1fb240ebd968b67f93e6a5d699c5fe7af4.jpeg "IMG_4154.jpg")
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post by rjmcinnes on May 10, 2020
1
ramseysir](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Ramsey,
More:
The Rachio 3 is a very neat unit, I am very happy with operation, and performance overall. I have two Units installed, simply because existing wiring for the the front and back gardens were set up separately by the previous owners.
However I did run into a problem establishing the WiFi Connection.
A known Rachio 3 problem, but not at the time I struggled with it.
The issue is that modern iPhones and Andriod phones use the WiFi chip in a manner that Rachio 3 does not comprehend. So the Rachio WiFi Connection configurator just drops out at the last moment.
Finally, in desperation, after many to’s and fro’s with Rachio, I tried my wife’s iPhone 6, and surprise, found it was compatible, and completed the setup, smooth as.
(my iPhone 11Pro does not work, and still does not work, no Rachio firmware update yet?)
And no, I have not messed about at all with the Rachio 3 “900Mhz” band.
My understanding is that it does not transmit unless it is configured for and detects the Rachio Water Flow Meter.
Robert.
1 month later
post by sbarnhard on Jun 14, 2020
rjmcinnes](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
image you paint en art your rachio, you could then actually see your art outside.
post by rjmcinnes on Jun 15, 2020
sbarnhard,
Thank you, nice comment…
The slowly pulsing blue heartbeat is cool art in an its self at night.
Robert
2 months later
post by garchiba on Aug 26, 2020
Hi there. I assume the new Rachio 3e which does not have the Lora radio would now be legal to use in Australia. Could anyone confirm that for me?
Cheers
5 months later
post by Dukebox on Jan 13, 2021
Any views on this last question?
post by Gene on Jan 13, 2021
1
Yes 3e does not have a Lora radio, but that may be hard to prove during customs. Also 3e is missing features (flex daily & per zone moisture keeping) which provide the highest water savings. IMHO Gen 2 is a better fit when Lora is not needed. Keep in mind that 3e still have 5 Ghz radio & WU network support which Gen 2 does not, but besdies the better wifi, weather network is not an issue (you can always make your data avaialble on pwsweather).
post by hubert on Jan 17, 2021
Waiting to receive my Rachio 3 in Melbourne (ordered from a US seller via eBay), will apply the solder workaround to disabling the 900 MHz radio
What are some solenoids available in Australia that work well? Need 4 to control a small backyard irrigation system (dripper & soaker hoses, 1 set of sprinklers and a mister)
11 days later
post by vosadrian on Jan 28, 2021
Hi All,
I am in Sydney and I am an Electrical Engineer who works in cellular devices, so I should be OK to do anything required to disable the Flow meter RF. I did a bit of searching around for a controller to upgrade my home Richdel 6 zone controller which has started to play up. It looks like Rachio may be a good option for me. I just want to check I am understanding this right:
- My existing system seems to be powered by 6 24V AC zone solenoids which should be compatible with the Rachio system?
- I need to source a local power supply and the Rachio should be able to work with a 24VAC/1A supply?
- I need to perform a mod to disable the wireless flow meter?
Is that all I need to know specific to Australian use of a Rachio… everything else should be covered by normal user documentation?
post by Gene on Jan 29, 2021
I’ve previously recommended, what in my opinion is, minimally invasive way to disable the 900 Mhz radio, a blob of solder is all you need:
As far as power, if you have ~24Vac ~1A supply from your old controller, feel free to use that, just be sure not to use 24V + and - terminals on your controller as power input, you’ll blow out the filter inductor if you do, as these terminals are designed for low power output only.
You’d need to cut and spice the terminal from the Rachio power brick with the old supply.
Rachio is driver limited to channels 1 through 11 for 2.4 Ghz Wifi, if you are running into major issues during setup, check to make sure you are not using 12+ on your access point.
post by vosadrian on Jan 29, 2021
Thanks Gene… much appreciated.
My network is a unifi setup and I am using several 2.4GHz channels with 3 APs… 1,6 and 11. All with same credentials. Hopefully it can work out which AP is best for signal.
I have not yet had a look at the Rachio manual, but I am not quite getting the not using 24V supply terminals for + and - as controller input. It should make sense when I look at a manual… but are you suggesting I need to run the rachio off a different supply other than 24VAC?
Thanks again!
post by Gene on Jan 29, 2021
Besides the power input plug (which is not a terminal by itself), Rahio features two terminals labeled 24VAC + and -.
These are designed to power sensors, such as wireless rain sensor or flow sensor and are not designed to be used for power input to run the controller itself & a number of valves.
If you want to see what happens if you use the termianals to connect the 24VAC supply instead of the power input plug, here (link) is an example.
post by vosadrian on Jan 30, 2021
Thanks… I get it… Only use the connector for power… not the terminals.
I am about to pyll the pin on an order for one off ebay. Looks like I can probably use the power supply from the richdel and disabled the antenna and should eb good to go. Is there any benefit in the oudoor box from Rachio over the food container solution pictured above? Mine would be on an outdoor wall, but under the the roof eaves, so should only get rain in high wind. Already power there. Should be only about 10m from an AP for wifi, but on the other side of brick wall, so will see if that works.
post by Gene on Jan 30, 2021
Food container is good if you have sun protection & a good place to secure your power brick (since there doesn’t seem to be enough space for it inside the container). Rachio’s outdoor enclosure is designed to protect the controller and the power brick at the same time while providing a better protection from the Sun’s UV light.
post by vosadrian on Jan 31, 2021
Thanks Gene,
I have ordered a Rachio 3 off ebay. It may take a month or so to get to me in Sydney. I have not been able to work out anywhere I can buy a Rachio enclosure from as there are none on ebay and Amazon/Rachio do not deliver to Australia from what I can see. So I may be stuck going with either a food container or an electrical box of some description.
How good is the wifi in Rachio 3? My phone gets patchy wifi at the location I plan to mount the Rachio. My phone loses Wifi when close to the brick wall I plan to mount to. It is OK a foot or so off it. I may need to put some space between the Rachio and the wall to get better wifi.
post by ritchierich on Feb 1, 2021
Here is one that is flagged as shipping internationally. I saw another listing that says US only.
post by vosadrian on Feb 1, 2021
That one on ebay was gone before I read you response!!
I might have to settle for a different enclosure arrangment.
post by ritchierich on Feb 1, 2021
Here is the other one that doesn’t say INTL shipping but might be worth contacting seller:
post by Gene on Feb 2, 2021
Gene](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
How the heck did Employee monitoring software link got inserted in the quote of my post?
post by laura.bauman on Feb 2, 2021
@Gene haha, I was so confused when I saw you spam report your own post deleted!
post by Gene on Feb 2, 2021
Yes, it was sly of them. I guess they found a way to fake the system quote with a custom one containing extra links. I guess it works more often than we would like.
post by laura.bauman on Feb 3, 2021
@Gene Unfortunately, you’re probably right - will keep an eye out for that.
post by Gene on Feb 3, 2021
No worries, I didn’t mean this forum in specific, rather spam in general.
5 months later
post by PIS7OL on Jun 26, 2021
Gene](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Hi Gene, I’m about to solder the original right angle power plug onto the 24VAC power supply, does it matter about wire polarity? Thanks
post by Gene on Jun 26, 2021
No, it should not matter. AC supplies do not have polarity.
post by PIS7OL on Jun 26, 2021
Thanks, Gene, I soldered the Rachio connector to the 24V AC transformer from Jaycar and everything is working perfectly!
\ 74BD1058-3DD5-47B3-968D-344DFE5896A63840×2160 2.31 MB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/5/58131fa0baab5f53b46fa548d91706c0b886e08b.jpeg "74BD1058-3DD5-47B3-968D-344DFE5896A6")
\ CBDB5642-824B-4625-860D-E550FE75E81E3840×2160 1.86 MB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/5/52509f81edb0da3eb47e7a994b574b51b4af3b3f.jpeg "CBDB5642-824B-4625-860D-E550FE75E81E")
post by Gene on Jun 26, 2021
Nicely done! Very clean soldering job
For those not comfortable following this example, I can recommend “lever-nuts”, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com.au/GKEEMARS-Connector-Conductor-Splicing-Connectors/dp/B08JHTDRPD/
5 months later
post by mark3 on Nov 25, 2021
Hi Guys,
Thanks for this info. Just wondering if you could share a link to the exact 24VAC Jaycar PSU you got?
Cheers
post by danethomas on Dec 1, 2021
I’ve been following here and everything is working for my install here in Sydney.
Jaycar adapter I purchased was 24VAC 1A Unregulated Power Supply BareEnds | Jaycar Electronics
The non destructive shorting the antenna was pretty fiddly, so just cut it in half and it’s all working great!
16 days later
post by Loren on Dec 18, 2021
You can use this power supply in Australia. The end fits directly into the Rachio 3.
10 days later
post by lcw731 on Dec 28, 2021
That can literally be said for just about anything you buy. Irrigation controllers, home automation devices, phones, cars, electronics. You name it. Everything will be obsolete within a few years with a newer better option to replace it. I think coming into their community with a confrontational attitude trying bad mouth their product is pretty crappy.
Most companies develop for their target market, and offer different devices with different features for other markets based on local regulations. This is how companies have to compete in the global market place. Who knows, maybe someday they will offer an option that is geared toward Australia. I suspect the choice not to offer an Australian variant of the Gen3 likely means to do so was cost-prohibitive given the size of the market. It’s not their fault that the market won’t support the cost to bring the product to it.
post by Pedro on Dec 30, 2021
1
Sorry, I don’t agree! I think a consumer has a right to expect a product to continue working, as is, and for it not be updated to make it unusable or obsolete - at any time that suits the manufacturer. Rachio have forced upon us an upgrade that removes the functionality that connects to Netatmo Weather Stations via PWS - a shame as I have not one but two Rachio 2’s that no longer benefit from accurate local weather data, so the main justification for buying Rachio units has just gone out of the window. Maybe I should just revert back to the old Hunter controllers and rain sensors?
I feel somewhat stitched up by Rachio because of this, the same way I felt when another US company SONOS told my 4 x old SONOS Play:5 speakers were in effect obsolete and I’d have to replace them. In contrast, my c.50 year old Quad 33/303 amplifier is still working fine…
Rachio Sales department have told me they are keen to explore new markets and encouraged me to buy units for use in Spain and UK. Rachio Support department then say their units are only designed to work in USA/Canada and are somewhat reluctant to help.
IMHO Rachio should show more respect to their clients, be more open and honest and clearly state that a Rachio 3 cannot be used in Australia (and where else?) because of the bandwidth they are using (but why this cannot be disabled in software or using a jumper or DIP switch, I cannot understand!). And what’s the point of paying extra for a Rachio 3 outside US or Canada as there is no historical weather data available? That last time I looked about 6 months ago, this info was still missing from their instructions and website so everyone trying to implement Seasonal Shift outside of US/Canada is just wasting their time
post by championc on Jan 1, 2022
Indeed. Whatever about missing out on upgrades, but losing functionality should not be possible. If a product operates in a particular way, you absolutely should and would expect this functionality to continue if the source of a 3rd party data was still available.
The only exception would be if the format of a 3rd party data changed, and additional engineering expertise was needed to revise the product to reconnect with that 3rd party data.
2 months later
post by TastyFishes on Mar 3, 2022
I’ve recently set up a Rachio 3 in Australia and made the above mentioned modifications to the power supply and antenna. Everything on the Rachio is working fine except for reporting rainfall amounts from different weather stations, it either reports zero rainfall or significantly under reports it (you can see my troubleshooting thread here). Do any other Australian Rachio 3 users have this issue?
8 months later
post by franz on Oct 28, 2022
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Good news for Australia!
We have removed the LoRa module that was broadcasting on the 900Mhz channel. Any new Rachio Generation 3 units are not broadcasting on this channel anymore so are in compliance with Australian regulations.
post by dane on Oct 28, 2022
Great call out, Franz! I’ll add that specifically any Rachio 3 with a manufacture date of December 2021 and later will not have the LoRa module
post by tmcgahey on Oct 28, 2022
@franz was this module something related to the wireless flow meter?
post by franz on Oct 28, 2022
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Winner winner, chicken dinner!
post by tmcgahey on Oct 28, 2022
So I guess that eliminates any chance of a triumphant return of a new flow meter or other wireless accessory?
post by franz on Oct 28, 2022
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Not so fast!
This is compatible with our system Model WM-1000: Wireless 1" Flow Meter – EveryDrop Technologies and there could be other hardware in the future
post by tmcgahey on Oct 28, 2022
But doesn’t that run on the same 900mhz module that was removed?
post by franz on Oct 28, 2022
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
lol, just saw that. so feel free to use the WFM in US but not AU. The Rachio controller does not have that module.
post by Thomas_Lerman on Oct 28, 2022
Thomas_LermanRachio Power User
That gets my curiosity up as to what might be coming
post by championc on Oct 29, 2022
I’m using a simple Hall Sensor Flow Meter, connected to a Raspberry Pi running Node-Red. It’s a 5v DC based pulses sensor.
It possibly depends what you want a flow sensor for, but I can use Node-Red to send me an email if it senses flow at an abnormal time. I can also use a ping node to check that my Rachio controller and my PWS are online too
post by olsnacky on Oct 31, 2022
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Is there a timeline for a product built for the Australian market, e.g., suitable for Australian power supply?
post by franz on Oct 31, 2022
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Sorry we don’t have that, or if there will be anything more formal than what we have today.
post by dane on Oct 31, 2022
tmcgahey](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
But doesn’t that run on the same 900mhz module that was removed?
I’m just following up on this because it might not be clear to all readers. It doesn’t actually communicate to the Rachio with the 900mhz module that was removed. The Everydrop Wireless Flow Meter that Franz referenced has its own wireless 900mhz transmitter that connects to the sensor terminals on the controller. You can see this in Everydrop’s installation guide.
11 months later
post by tommypirola on Sep 12, 2023
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Hi. About to buy one shipped to Aus from the USA on eBay. Is there a way of knowing if it’s the newer disabled unit?
post by franz on Sep 12, 2023
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Do you have the serial number by chance?
13 days later
post by Rawr on Sep 26, 2023
Loren](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
A warning to other users: the adapter that Loren linked is NOT suitable for Rachio. Rachio requires an AC-AC adapter. What Loren linked is AC-DC and will cause issues with your Solenoids (I learnt the hard way).
Refer to this thread:
In Australia, searching Google for “AC2410” should get you what you want. Here are some I found (yet to receive one to verify):
- https://www.bournesuperstore.com.au/24vac-1amp-ac-power-supply-2.1mm-plug
- POWERMASTER AC2410 24V AC 1AMP AC POWER SUPPLY 2.1MM PLUG - 24VAC - Radio Parts
- Search results for: 'AC2410' - Jamell Perth WA
post by championc on Sep 26, 2023
Indeed. It is VERY IMPORTANT to be using a 24v AC psu and NOT a 24v DC psu
1 year later
post by Syrathos on Nov 29, 2024
Rawr](https://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-3-and-australia-illegal/11121 "Load parent post")
Thanks for posting this.
What about the issue with 110 - 120V in America vs 220-240V in Australia? I am reading something about needing a step down transformer.
post by Rawr on Nov 29, 2024
@Syrathos , a step down transformer is only required if you plan to use an adapter which does not support 240v input (e.g. the original US adapter).
In my case I purchased an entirely new adapter, suited for 220-240V input, which outputs the correct voltage required by Rachio (24v AC 1amp). Thus no extra transformers are required.
Refer to the AC2410 links above for examples
post by Syrathos on Nov 29, 2024
Ah that makes much more sense! Thanks so much.
13 days later
post by smithi01 on Dec 13, 2024
I just set up my 16-zone Rachio 3 today. I used the weather proof enclosure and installed the 240VAC / 24VAC transformer from my old watering system into the enclosure. For some reason I had to order the controller from amazon.com and the enclosure from amazon.com.au. All good except that the iOS app got confused about my time zone during initial set up. To set a zone to start at a specific time, say, 7:45pm, I had to set the time to 6:15am. Once this happened, I swapped to the web page to do the set up and now all is well. Even the app is behaving well now. It was almost as though some parts off the app hadn’t realised what time zone I was in during the initial setup. (I am in the +10:30 time zone).
2 months later
post by psmith on Jan 30, 2025
Hey!
You mentioned you bought the enclosure from amazon.com.au, did it come internationally? My one that came from UK appears to be the US one, ie the enclosure’s socket is in American format.
I am wondering how you went with hardwiring to the enclosure’s socket, as these sockets are probably only rated for 120v (as they’re American). Did you have any issues hardwiring to yours if yours is an American plug? just not sure if its safe to hardwire 240v to an american 120v plug.
@PIS7OL it seems you also were successful in wiring 240v to the enclosure plug? wondering if theres anything i should look out for given american sockets might not be rated for 240v:
17 days later
post by psmith on Feb 17, 2025
Just following up on this: After buying the enclosure with the American outlet, I got it swapped over for an Aus plug by an electrician. They charged far too much and really I should’ve DIY’d it, but am not very electrically knowledgeable. Works well enough
Rachio, surely just create an enclosure for Aus customers!
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