Why did Rachio decide to have no dials

post by robertokc on Apr 19, 2017

What is the story behind Rachio’s decision not to have and buttons and/or dials on the controllers faceplate? This is the biggest deal breaker for contractors and homeowners. I am fine operating the controller the way it is, but just wondering.

post by rccoleman on Apr 20, 2017

Are you using the v1 or v2 hardware? v2 does have buttons that allow you to manually start and stop zones.

post by emil on Apr 25, 2017

@robertokc, great question. We decided to design the controller with limited local controls to focus the user experience in the mobile and web app. We added manual zone operation and offline (Limited) schedules to our Gen2 controller to help contractors manage landscapes with the controller if/when they don’t have access to the app or WiFi.

I hope this helps. The days of analog devices are numbered :)

post by robertokc on Apr 26, 2017

I do not agree the days of standard controllers are numbered. When you look at the percentage installs of wifi based controllers it is very, very small. If you look at all the other wifi smart controllers they have dials. Continue to tell you no dials is a complete deal breaker. The buttons for limited schedules are inadequate.

post by mckynzee on Apr 30, 2017

@robertokc What functionality do you want from the dials? Are you thinking this is needed for situations where you don’t have wifi for a limited period of time, or indefinitely?

post by civdiv9999 on Apr 30, 2017

I’ll weigh in since I let the thought of getting the Rachio bake for about a year, and it’s kinda like this -

I have a wifi thermostat, but I can do 100% on the face of the device if I want to. Likewise my security system. I can control my garage with wifi, but also if I am standing there.

I did not do my due diligence on the Rachio, and when I bought it and installed and then realized the lack of local control, I was kinda bummed. Not real bummed, because I got it so I wouldn’t have to trek down to where it is just to do stuff with it, but my first thought was now I have to set my neighbors up with the app and my login so they can kill it if I have a blowout or geyser and we are gone for a few weeks. (Normally we can all go into each other’s yards and shut down whatever needs to be dealt with). I guess they could just unplug it, but the app access is fine - we have each other’s security codes, so the sprinklers are no biggy.

What would I like on the face? A master enable/disable switch that anyone can use to immediately kill the system.

post by mckynzee on May 1, 2017

@civdiv9999 That’s really helpful, I could see an emergency “off” button being helpful in those situations you described. It’s also an interesting comparison to something like Nest, while it is a connected device you can do everything locally. However, I will give us some credit and say that irrigation scheduling is a bit more complex than setting your thermostat. However, an off switch isn’t complex in the least. For now, like you mentioned, sharing access with your neighbor or having them just unplug the controller is your best bet.

post by scorp508 on May 2, 2017

A timely thread. Here are some of my cover/box suggestions that I posted in the v3 thread. I agree the lack of any exterior controls is a poor design choice...

• Manual buttons exposed without removing the cover. I’m tempted to cut my cover to expose the buttons so the family can easily kill the sprinklers if the need arises without fumbling with the latch on the bottom or having to go grab a phone.
• Hinged cover, not the flimsy current one that you can easily drop when it pops off.
• Move the latch placement for the cover. Right now it is up against the wire entry area and with larger wire bundles behind the latch it can be tricky to sneak your finger onto the back of the latch.
• Easier to read zone #s around the LED indicators
• Wi-Fi signal indicator (maybe re-use your 1st-4th LEDs for a special mode that shows signal strength.)
• A way to plug in a non-smartphone remote...

post by Linn on May 2, 2017

I have been reading this thread with interest, seeing why people want the dials/buttons. I must be an exception to most customers. My unit is outside, on a wall buried behind a bunch of bushes and is a real PITA to get to. So I love not having to deal with anything on the unit itself. And my sprinkler guy has Rachio in several locations so he has the app on his phone and doesn’t need it either.

That said, I did have need to get to the unit the other day when it was scheduled to run, I realized that I needed to have it not run, and I couldn’t stop the schedule from starting...

post by Sammy2 on May 2, 2017

I’ve been using my Gen2 for a year and other than initial set up I have never, ever, had the need for a manual control on the unit, nor do I want it...

post by robertokc on May 4, 2017

The answer would be for ease of setup and operation at the controller...

post by mckynzee on May 4, 2017

Do you think these local control needs are more for contractors and less for homeowners?

post by robertokc on May 5, 2017

Faceplate LCD display, plus dials and buttons are important for all. But if you wish to compete well the major irrigation manufacturers this is a must. As far as install contractors you are mainly dealing with unskilled workers.

post by MDNZ on Jan 28, 2019

If I want to isolate if outside and no wifi, we have a master lever/valve on the system after the backflow preventer.

Yes Rachio will keep operating, but there will be no water delivered to the system.

post by robertokc on Oct 13, 2019

Remember that Rachio is a company in the irrigation industry that does not offer valves, rotors, nozzles, or drip equipment. Their major achievement is their excellent software...