Rain Bird ESP-ME3 VS Hunter Pro HC

[@riffbrokers]

I love the exasperated sighs at the end, you sound like me at the end of the day! I'm an irr. contractor (31 yrs now!) and have been completely let down with Rainbird's wifi LNK platform- very frustrating. I've found Rachio and B-Hyve to be much more reliable/ easy to use. I am tasked with guinea-pigging a Hydrawise here at the shop, and have a better feeling about the ease of use. It sounds like you had a hard time with Rainbirds' LNK as well?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I definitely prefer the Hydrawise platform over LNK WiFi from a contractor management standpoint. They both have pros and cons. As a contractor I can manage multiple controllers and use the app as a remote controller when on site with the Hydrawise system. The LNK isn’t as good in that regard. I haven’t ventured much into the other one off smart controller companies.

[@irrigationproservices5048]

I agree Nick the b-Hyve is now are goto controller of choice for us on installs for the homeowner

[@ThriftyGarage]

@@irrigationproservices5048 They nice thing with b-hyve and Hydrawise is the fact that bigger irrigation companies have picked them up. I worry about long term support from the small scale Smart WiFi Controllers. Orbit, Hunter and Rainbird have been in the irrigation business for years and should be around for years to come which means for better support and future updates.

[@bigds6692]

Thanks for the review! I think I would get a hunter for the multiple zones right off the bat!

[@officesuperhero9611]

Hi. Great video. For the Hunter, there’s no plug. Could I add a high quality appliance plug to the hunter so I can plug it into a socket? I will be using it indoors. Thanks.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes, you can purchase a pigtail or even cut up an old extension cord.

[@officesuperhero9611]

@@ThriftyGarage thank you!! I was thinking of just using a high grade extension cord or buying and an appliance plug from Home Depot and splicing the wires together. I appreciate the quick response and advice.

[@shanew7361]

Just installed the RainBird ESP-ME3 with the Wi-Fi module. Do I need to install/add the rain sensor or does the application know when it's raining outside based on the weather forecast etc?

[@ThriftyGarage]

The app will use local weather data. A rain sensor will provide a more accurate indicator to the controller whether it should or should not run the sprinklers.

[@shanew7361]

@@ThriftyGarage So will the module without the rain sensor turn off/stop watering if it's raining or forecasted to rain?

[@ThriftyGarage]

It depends on your settings.

[@shanew7361]

@@ThriftyGarage What settings are those then?

[@ginapepe-ux5bf]

Thank you for That great video !!! I have two quotes in front of me from two local companies. Rain bird esp comtroller irrititrol wireless rain sensor , 3 rain bird zone valves, 8 hunter rotor heads , 5 toro 4”pop up heads. The second quote is hunter 8 zone WiFi controller, hunter wireless rain sensor, 4 hunter zone valves, 8 hunter ultra rotary sprinklers , 12 hunter pro spray sprinklers . I have no idea which one to pick !!! I would value your expertise!

[@ThriftyGarage]

Send me both quotes to my email. Address can be found on the ‘about’ tab. Or the channel name spelled out @gmail.com no spaces or periods or anything.

[@johndzienkowski2472]

Thank you for the video. If you had 16 zones, would you go with the 2400 or would you go with the 1200 and build up with modules? Also, I have read that the rainbird requires very strong internet signal at the location. Mine is in the garage and probably is medium in strength. Would the Hunter work on that strength? I have a 20 year old Rainbird ESP-16 in there now. Thank you

[@ThriftyGarage]

If you currently have a Rain Bird I would stick with that brand for ease of use and similar configuration. I would recommend that you purchase locally and talk to whoever you purchase it from and let them know your intent to install with WiFi at your location. In the event that the WiFi doesn't work I would return it and try a different model. You could also install a WiFi booster. I've never heard one brand has better signal than another. But I can attest that low signal isn't worth messing with.

[@codybakerousucks3926]

The Hydrawise LCD Touch screen went out on me after 2 years. It was sitting outside in the heat. Idk if that happens a lot with those controllers

[@ThriftyGarage]

First time I have heard of that issue. I’d try reaching out to Hunter and see if it’s under warranty. Worth a shot. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I’m always trying to be aware of the pitfalls of products I use.

[@rajdive89]

@@ThriftyGarage! kono

[@BattistoniTrenchTalk]

It’s apples and oranges. RB feels good and Hunter actually does good (electrical & hydraulic monitoring & hyper local weather adjustments) but your kid the RB one if you need a toy, go where gramma keeps the cookies and that’s the top shelf, Hunter!

[@ThriftyGarage]

Sounds like we have a Hunter fan right here!

[@hawthorned1]

Great Review

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kathy0118]

Hi, do you accept business cooperation? About testing our smart irrigation controller and making a video.

[@ThriftyGarage]

You can find our email in the 'About' section of our channel.

[@Kathy0118]

I emailed you on13th @@ThriftyGarage

[@ThriftyGarage]

@@Kathy0118 sorry, it was in the spam folder.