Rachio 680474003150 Get Started

www.rachio.com/support

Let’s get started!

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Need help? We’re here for you.

Visit us online at www.rachio.com/support

Email us at [e-mail]

Call us at 844-4-RACHIO

2 Year Limited Warranty

Rachio’s products include a 2 year limited

warranty and a 30 day return policy.

www.rachio.com/warranty

Outdoor Installation

This Rachio controller is designed to be installed

indoors. If you need to install yours outside, a

weatherproof enclosure is required. You can

purchase an enclosure at www.rachio.com/store

For outdoor install instructions visit

www.rachio.com/outdoors

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What’s in the box?

cover

power adapter

4 screws with anchors

base

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Wi-Fi Access

2.4 GHz

The Rachio controller uses wireless communications
and must be installed within range of a strong signal
source for optimal performance. If the Wi-Fi signal
strength is low, you may need to move your wireless
router or install a Wi-Fi extender. You’ll need your
Network (SSID) & Password to connect to your network.

This controller cannot connect to 5 GHz networks.

Mobile Device

iOS 9 (or greater)
Android 4 (or greater)

What you’ll need...

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phillips screwdriver wire strippers

hammer

(for drywall installs)

drill

(for drywall installs )

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Easy Install

4 Steps

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Check your sprinkler system.

Test your sprinkler system by turning on each zone
with your old controller. Find and repair any issues
with your sprinkler system prior to installing your
Rachio controller.

Take a few pictures.

Use your phone to take a few photos of your old
controller’s wiring from a few angles. This will come in
handy when it’s time to wire your Rachio controller.

Unplug your old controller.

Disconnect the wires from your old controller and then
remove it from the wall. Now you’re ready to install
your Rachio controller.

Prepare

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Attach it to the wall.

Remove the controller’s cover from the base.
Locate the 4 mounting locations on the base.
Attach the base to the wall using the included
screws. Wall anchors are included for drywall.

Wire it up.

Insert sprinkler wire through the opening
on the base. Connect the wires to the
corresponding terminal locations. Press down
on each terminal tab with a screwdriver to
easily insert or remove each wire.

Connect the power cord.

Insert the power connector into the
controller’s power port in the lower right hand
corner of the wiring bay. Finally, plug the
transformer into a wall outlet.

Install

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Required Wiring

Connect common wires to any of the four terminal locations
labeled with a “C”. Zone wires connect to the numbered terminals
“1-16”. Only install a single valve wire per terminal. Power and
ground wires are not needed.

Advanced Wiring

If you have a master valve, pump start relay, hydraulic indexing
valve, or sensor see Advanced Wiring on page 28.

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Download the Rachio app. www.rachio.com/appstore

Create a Rachio account. You’ll need to create a username
and password to connect your controller.

Connect your controller to Wi-Fi using the app tutorial. The
Rachio app will guide you through the process. The lights
shown at the right will signal the status of your controller.

Connect

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Light One (Booting Up)

A blinking light means the device is booting
up. Once the light turns solid you can add the
controller to your account. You’ll be prompted to
confirm the network you want to connect to.

Light Two (Connecting to Wi-Fi)

This light will begin blinking as the controller
tries to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Once
connected to Wi-Fi, the light will turn solid.

Light Three (Connecting to Rachio Cloud)

This light will begin blinking as the controller
attempts to connect to Rachio’s servers. Once
connected, it will turn solid.

Light Four (Online)

This light will begin blinking until you enter the
controller’s serial number. The light will turn solid
once your controller is online.

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Tips for Connecting

While the controller is compatible with numerous platforms, it
must be setup via the Rachio mobile app for initial activation,
including zone and scheduling configuration.

If the controller fails to connect, a Wi-Fi reset will be required to
clear the controller’s network settings.

To perform a Wi-Fi reset, see page 19.

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The app will now guide you through the setup
process in order to create your first schedule.

The Rachio controller uses your local weather data combined with
the specifics of your landscape to create accurate and efficient
schedules.

You can change the national weather station you use, or even
choose a personal weather station. Try to find the station that
provides the most consistently accurate results.

Control

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Your Zones

Every yard is different. Customize each zone’s vegetation, soil,
shade, nozzle and slope types. Your controller will use this
information to better predict when and where you’ll need water.

You can adjust each zone over time and your schedules will
automatically adjust, watering more effectively.

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Your Schedules

Fixed Schedules

Water on a static schedule; Rachio adjusts watering durations
using statistical data and skipping schedules based on local
weather forecasts.

Flex

TM

Schedules

Water only when needed; Rachio dynamically adjusts watering
days based on soil moisture needs. Promotes root growth and
reduces watering frequency, resulting in a healthier landscape.

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Advanced Program Features

Smart Cycle

Eliminates runoff and promotes deeper roots by breaking watering
schedules into shorter durations dependent on soil, nozzle, and
slope settings.

Weather Intelligence

Operates as a virtual rain sensor, watering like it knows the future.
Watering schedules are skipped when it has rained and/or will rain.

Water Hammer

Eliminates banging pipes by turning on the next zone before the
prior zone turns off, reducing water pressure from building up.

Rain Delay

Manually pause watering for a specific duration of time. This can
be disabled or adjusted within the app.

Integration Partners

Rachio integrates with numerous platforms and products.
Learn more at www.rachio.com/integration-setup

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Congratulations!

Your Rachio Sprinkler Controller

is now up and running.

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Manual Controls

ARROW BUTTONS

SELECTED ZONE

SELECT BUTTON

Manually Start and Stop Zones

Press the Arrow Buttons up or down to select the zone you want
to run. Press the Select Button to start and stop the selected
zone. When you start a zone, it will begin watering immediately
and then stop after a short duration.

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Wi-Fi Reset

Perform a Wi-Fi Reset when you
need to reconnect your controller to
your Wi-Fi network. It will clear the
controller’s network settings, but not
the yard or schedule settings.

Press and hold the Down Arrow and
Select Button simultaneously until
the LED light ring is fully illuminated.

Factory Reset (Cannot be undone)
Performing a Factory Reset
cannot be undone and will clear
the controller’s network, yard and
schedule settings.

Press and hold the Up Arrow and
Select Button simultaneously until
the LED light ring is fully illuminated.

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Troubleshooting

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My controller is offline.

Check your valves.

Attempt to run a zone from the app. Does the corresponding zone
light activate on your controller? If so, the device is online and
valve troubleshooting may be needed. Please proceed to Valves
Section on page 23.

Check your Wi-Fi network.

Check your local network. Are other connected devices working
properly? Reset your router. Make sure your router has the most
recent firmware update.

Restart the controller.

Power cycle the controller. Simply unplug the device and plug it
back in. Keep an eye on the Rachio light; what light (1-4) does
it light up to? If stuck at light 2, perform a Wi-Fi reset on the
controller.

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My app isn’t responding.

Does the app respond to changes?

Make a simple edit, such as setting a manual rain delay or
disabling a zone to see if the change applies. If the change does
not apply, force quit the Rachio app.

Force Quit for iOS: Quickly press the Home button two times.
You’ll see your currently running apps. Swipe up on the Rachio
app to close it. Relaunch the app to see if the issue is resolved.

Force Quit for Android: Locate your settings icon, which
looks like a gear icon. Scroll down and tap on the Applications
option, select “Applications Manager.” Swipe your finger across
the screen to the left until you are on the “Running” tab. Scroll
down until you find the Rachio app and tap on it. Tap on either
the “stop” button or “force stop” button to shutdown the app.
Relaunch the app to see if the issue is resolved.

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My zones aren’t running.

Check Your Valves

Is the Master Valve toggle enabled? If your system has a master
valve or pump start relay, ensure the master valve toggle is
enabled within the Rachio App’s device settings.

Common Wire

Is the issue isolated to one or all zones? If all zones, move
common wire to a different common terminal to see if the issue
continues.

Hot Wire

Double check wiring matches the photos of your wiring. Swap
zone wire with another nearby zone to see if the issue continues.

Defective Solenoid

Turn off water to the system. Unscrew the solenoid from the prob­lematic zone and replace it with one from a working zone to test.

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Not Stopping/Slow Leak

Is there debris in valve? Turn off water to the system. Remove
top of valve via twist or screws. Remove diaphragm assembly
and clean the interior of the valve. Inspect the diaphragm for
tears. Replace the diaphragm assembly if torn. Make sure all
components are installed properly when reassembled.

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My schedule won’t run.

Is the Rain Sensor active?

You can either wait until the Rain Sensor dries out, or disable it
within the Rachio App’s device settings.

Is Standby or Rain Delay active?

Make sure the controller status is not set to Standby Mode.
Disable any active Rain Delay status.

Is water actually running?

Ensure the main water line supply lines are open and operating.
you can do this manually by turning on a valve via the bleed screw.

Are your wires properly connected?

Check wiring for loose connections. For a master valve/pump start
relay, ensure it’s enabled in advanced settings in the Rachio App.

Wires loose? Corroded connections?

Check your system’s wiring for damaged wires. Check all connec­tions and replace with watertight splice connectors as needed.

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Schedule or weather are
inaccurate.

Have you picked an accurate weather station?

Verify the reported weather matches what you observed. If the
weather reported is incorrect, report the station.

Try to find the most accurate weather station in your area, and
keep in mind Personal Weather Stations (PWS) can be inaccurate.

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Rain sensor isn’t triggering
my schedule to skip.

Make sure your Rain Sensor is working.

Verify operation of the rain sensor and proper wiring.

1. Ensure the rain sensor toggle is enabled in the Rachio App’s
device settings. Re-enable the rain sensor toggle if it is
disabled.

2. Hold down the test spindle on your rain sensor.

3. The app should show that the rain sensor is activated.

4. Release the test spindle on the rain sensor.

5. A new activity should be logged in the app showing that the
rain sensor deactivated.

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Advanced Wiring

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Master Valve Wiring

Install in the “M” terminal slot,
and enable the Master Valve
from the device settings under
Advanced within the Rachio
App. Complete this wiring
only if you have a master valve
installed in your irrigation
system.

A master valve is a “normally
closed” valve installed at the
supply point of the main line
that opens whenever a zone is
operating.

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Do I have a

Pump Start Relay?

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Pump Start Relay Wiring

A pump start relay serves as a switch that activates 110-220VAC
power to the pump when the Rachio controller’s master valve is
enabled. Since the Rachio controller outputs 24VAC, a pump start
relay is required when using a pump with the Rachio controller.

Install in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve from
the device settings under Advanced within the Rachio App.

Make sure that the total draw of the Pump Start Relay plus the
draw of the valve does not exceed 1.3 amps at 24 VAC, 60 Hz. The
controller does not provide main power for a pump.

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Do I have a Hydraulic

Indexing Valve?

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Hydraulic Indexing Valve Wiring

Indexing valves offer a central hub to automate multiple zoned
irrigation systems. Usually consisting of 1 inlet and 3+ outlets,
indexing valves can operate on city water or pumps.

An indexing valve will water on a zone by zone basis, diverting the
water supply from one outlet to another in a rotational direction.
The order of the zones cannot be changed on an indexing valve
are are predetermined by the order in which they were installed.
For more information, please visit rachio.com/indexing.

Install in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve from
the device settings under Advanced within the Rachio App.

If your system’s water supply comes from city water, install
following the Master Valve wiring instructions, page 29.

Since the Rachio controller outputs 24VAC, a pump start relay is
required when using a pump with an Indexing valve (See page 30).

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Rain Sensors

Rain Sensors will temporarily suspend watering by the irrigation
controller when moisture is detected. Rain sensors normally have
3 wires; common, normally open, and normally closed. Rachio
controllers use normally closed wiring (sometimes labeled NC).
For more information, visit www.rachio.com/rain-sensor

Wired Sensors

• Insert the normally closed

wire into the S1 or S2
terminal slot.

• Insert the common wire into

the SC terminal slot.

• Enable & set up the sensor

terminal under the advanced
settings in the Rachio App

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Wireless Sensors

• Insert the normally closed wire into the S1 or S2 terminal slot

• Insert one (1) of the 24VAC leads and common wire into the SC

terminal slot.

• Insert the other 24 VAC lead into the SP terminal slot.

• Enable & set up the sensor terminal under the advanced

settings in the Rachio App.

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Flow Sensors

Flow Sensor are used to measure the
amount of water flowing through an
irrigation system in Gallons Per Minute
(GPM). Flow sensors are being used
to monitor water usage and detect
abnormal use. For more information,
visit www.rachio.com/flow-sensor

• Insert one (1) of the leads

into the SC terminal slot.

• Insert the other lead into the

S1 or S2 terminal slot.

• Enable & set up the sensor

terminal under the advanced
settings in the Rachio App.

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Hard Wiring

An enclosure is required for hard wiring installations and/or out­door installation; For details, reference www.rachio.com/outdoors

Multiple Controllers

If you’re using more than one controller, do not share ANY wires
between them. A relay is required. For further details reference

www.rachio.com/relay

Got thick wires?

The controller is designed for 18 gauge sprinkler, solid copper
wire. Up to 14 gauge wire can be inserted into the terminals with­out causing damage. If you have thicker gauge wires, we recom­mend retrofitting with 18 gauge wires using a terminal strip. We
recommend the exposed wire to be between 3/8 to 1/2” inch long
and straight.

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Limited Warranty

Rachio warrants that the Product will be free from material defect
in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years (one (1)
year for factory refurbished Products) from the date of purchase
from Rachio or an authorized dealer (the “Limited Warranty
Period”). Detailed warranty info at www.rachio.com/warranty

Limited Warranty is subject to the following conditions:

You must either (i) return the Defective Product to Rachio within
the Limited Warranty Period, or (ii) notify Rachio in writing of the

Defective Product during the Limited Warranty Period by visiting

www.rachio.com/returns and return the Defective Product to

Rachio on or within thirty (30) days following the date you notified
Rachio in writing of the Defective Product.

You must provide Rachio with proof of the original purchase of
the Defective Product from Rachio or an authorized dealer. You
must obtain a return materials authorization (“RMA”) number from

Rachio.

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Privacy

We’re committed to being open and honest about how we use
data. We will always ask for permission before sharing personally
identifiable information like your email address, and we keep your
data safe with the same security tools banks use. Learn more
about our Privacy Policy at www.rachio.com/privacy

Recycle

Recycle your old controller. www.rachio.com/recycle

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©2016 Rachio, Inc.