Rachio IRO irrigation controller

We replaced our 20 year-old sprinkler clock with a new wifi-connected device.

We decided to go with the Rachio IRO Smart Wifi Enabled Irrigation Controller 8 zones

Installation was very easy, but a couple tips to make the installation easier:

1. Take a picture of the wiring of your old clock before disconnecting it and /or label the wires for each zone 
2. The Rachio utilizes a photo sensor to send your wifi network password from your phone to the IRO.  I couldn't get this to work from my Android phone, which was frustrating.  A little research turned up a page on the Rachio support site indicating that Apple devices are more reliable for doing the initial setup.  I used an iPad to finish the setup and everything went smoothly.

There are two models of the Rachio IRO - 8-zone and 16-zone.  So if your current clock controls more than 8 zones, make sure to buy the 16-zone model.

Every so often, you can get the 8-zone model for $199 on Amazon, so keep an eye out for a sale