[richardc1947]

I have been using the Rachio 3 for about 3 years now. It paid for itself in about 7 months. It was very easy to self install, and has been very dependable.

[CosmicTrucker]

I installed a Orbit B-hyve unit. First thing noticed was how flimsy the orbit unit is built versus the Hunter. It’s worked well other than the “ smart” weather forecast. As someone said before, it may rain 1/2 mile away and not a drop at my house. I ended up deactivating the start watering and let the previously installed rain sensor take control. The remote functions are worth every Penny

[stevekennedy3]

Orbit B-Hyve is excellent. By far, the best value.

[REDCART]

Just curious. Do you need to leave the metal door open on the cabinet in the garage or are the air vents in the door sufficient to allow the wi-fi signal to reach the sprinkler controller?

[Malsua]

Originally Posted by KJ1325

Is the wand essentially the rain sensor?

No, it's a Wifi module for the higher end non wifi Hunter controllers. If you were controlling a big property with 12+ zones, it's cheaper to buy the module.

For small, single home irrigation, the entire wifi unit I listed above makes more sense sense.

[rsmurano]

Have you checked the prices for this wifi module/wand? I replaced my irrigation controller with the orbit b-hyve controller that was controlled with my iPhone/iPad and HomeKit home automation. I also got the outside remote rain gauge unit that was wireless to the b-hyve controller. It took me a while 15 mins to install on a 4 station system, half an hour to program it. It worked great, starting a station from my iPhone, looking at its calendar to see when the water will come on and it determines how long each station will run depending on heat and how much rain we have had or the rain gauge hit its limit so it’s delayed watering. You also get a notification when the system turns on/turns off/delayed so you are always know it’s working. It cost me around $80 for the 4 station controller and remote rain gauge, I’m buying 1 to replace my controller that came with my house

[biker1]

For me, Wi-Fi penetrates the metal door of the low-voltage panel just fine.

Originally Posted by REDCART

Just curious. Do you need to leave the metal door open on the cabinet in the garage or are the air vents in the door sufficient to allow the wi-fi signal to reach the sprinkler controller?

[DIver0258]

Originally Posted by KJ1325

Currently have Hunter Pro C non-wifi controller. I'm looking to replace it with a wifi model. I'm told to replace the Hunter I will need the Model X2 Plus a Wand. I am also looking at the Orbit b-hyve 57950 and the Rachio 3. Any suggestions? Do I need the rain sensor with the Orbit or the Rachio?

Hunter makes a WIFI door that replaces the existing door on the pro c. takes about 5 minutes to install it. Works through your smartphone or computer via Hunter's Hydrawise app.

Pro-C - Replacing Front Panel | Hunter Industries

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by DIver0258

Hunter makes a WIFI door that replaces the existing door on the pro c. takes about 5 minutes to install it. Works through your smartphone or computer via Hunter's Hydrawise app.

Pro-C - Replacing Front Panel | Hunter Industries

I'm South of 466A and had the non compatible green button Pro-C 300.

[Guychancey]

I also have the Rachio and I love it. Very user friendly and Best Buy Installed it.

[rsmurano]

4-Zone B-hyve Smart Wi-Fi Indoor Timer 57915 is the controller that I used and is all you need. You don’t need any dials, manual programming on the controller. 5-10 mins to replace your 4 stations over to this controller and do the steps on the iPhone to program it. Just make sure that your sprinkler system valves are compatible with the b-hyve unit. Also, quite possibly the wired rain sensor you have might be compatible but if not, you probably can swap out the rain gauge and use the wire to hook up to the b-hyve

[KJ1325]

Thanks Everyone. Still deciding but I have enough info to go from here!!!

[Edzo49]

Friend told me that there is a upgrade to the PRO-C. SPW Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise Face Panel Upgrade for Pro-C - Amazon

[ldj1938]

Originally Posted by KJ1325

Currently have Hunter Pro C non-wifi controller. I'm looking to replace it with a wifi model. I'm told to replace the Hunter I will need the Model X2 Plus a Wand. I am also looking at the Orbit b-hyve 57950 and the Rachio 3. Any suggestions? Do I need the rain sensor with the Orbit or the Rachio?

I bought the B-hyve System thru Amazon. Took picture of the wire hookups before removing the old unit. Multiple watering options are/can be controlled on your phone. Love it. It checks the wx forecast and turns it off if it is going to rain!

[rsmurano]

Did you use the hunter wired rain sensor with your b-hyve?