Why did Rachio decide to have no dials - Getting Started / Before You Buy - Rachio Community
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.
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 - ...
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.
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. I know everyone wants to be sleek and sexy in the smart home world, but some things don’t need to be changed.
- Manual buttons exposed without removing the cover.
- Hinged cover, not the flimsy current one that you can easily drop when it pops off.
- Move the latch placement for the cover.
- Easier to read zone #s around the LED indicators
- Wi-Fi signal indicator.
post by Linn on May 2, 2017
I have reading this thread with interest, seeing why people want the dials/buttons. I must be an exception to most customers.
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 Linn on May 4, 2017
@mckynzee, speaking for my sprinkler guy, who is an authorized contractor with you...
post by robertokc on May 5, 2017
Faceplate LCD display, plus dials and buttons are important for all.
post by mckynzee on May 5, 2017
I love the newsletter idea, and I love the idea of some sort of rewards program.
post by tomlay on May 5, 2017
I like the clean “smart look” of the gen 2. The only challenge with having a wifi connection is if the wifi goes down you cannot access the controller.
post by sunny on May 5, 2017
Stay true to the smart vision.
post by franz on May 5, 2017
post by robertokc on May 6, 2017
On the front for basic install by a contractor...
post by spscoutenPhD on Aug 28, 2018
The lack of dials makes it more intimidating for someone to attempt moving the settings. What good is a smart controller if everyone could just come by and adjust it as they think it should be without regards to your carefully calculated settings?
post by laura.bauman on Aug 28, 2018
Hey @spscoutenPhD! Thanks for the feedback! ...
post by scorp508 on Aug 28, 2018
A lot of the car manufacturers are finally moving away from buttons and back towards dials...
post by laura.bauman on Aug 28, 2018
Great point @scorp508! Just out of curiosity - what kinds of controls would you be looking for here?
post by franz on Aug 28, 2018
I’m pretty sure this is the only dial we need.
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.
post by terminator on Oct 14, 2019
I wanted to speak for a few points mentioned here.
post by robertokc on Nov 13, 2019
I do not understand what you mean by hyper location.