Rainbird Smart Controller - LAN only ?

Dolby

Dolby

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I bought one of these last week (https://www.rainbird.eu/products/controllers/esp-rzxe-series-controller) and I'm having an issue on setup. Rainbird has confirmed that the 'smart' part of the irrigation is new to them, so there are likely to be bugs on their side - fair enough. I'm trying to understand whether this situation is them or me :

On my LAN, the system works perfectly - I can login into the controller and it breaks out into the Internet to get a weather forecast. But issues start when it's off the LAN (ie When I'm sitting at work) and I try access the controller. It seems to access onceonly - but there is no Internet breakout.

The second time I try, it won't even access the controller at all and spit out a Network Error. When I go home and get back on the LAN, it accesses the controller but still no Internet break out ... if I reset everything, I can access the controller and break out to the Internet once again from the LAN. That is, until I attempt to access off my network ...

The gateway and everything is correct and I see it assigns itself a static IP.

Someone mentioned DynDNS may help?
They mentioned the lack of no cloud, ie I log back directly - which could be an issue?

I have smart lights and cameras, and I have no issue accessing them anywhere - but both are hosted with AWS.
 
Work around might be set up a VPN server at home and access it via VPN? Doesn't solve the problem though.
 
Hard to say.....you say it connects once only. So once means that firewall on router allows and Public IP gets accepted. Tough one.
 
On another thread, the mentioned a dynamic DNS ... so will be trying that tonight.

The one that works upfront also confuses me.
 
I have exactly the same problem with my RainBird controller which is the same as yours. Remote connection works once and immediately after that I get a message "Communication Error" "Network Error" After that there is nothing I can do to make it work again. When I get home it usually will still not work but after some time it starts to work again. Sometimes it has connection issues even at home which may take an hour to go away. The Wi-fi signal is perfect at the controller. I found a webpage where many people are complaining about the same problem.
 
GTHORN said:
I have exactly the same problem with my RainBird controller which is the same as yours. Remote connection works once and immediately after that I get a message "Communication Error" "Network Error" After that there is nothing I can do to make it work again. When I get home it usually will still not work but after some time it starts to work again. Sometimes it has connection issues even at home which may take an hour to go away. The Wi-fi signal is perfect at the controller. I found a webpage where many people are complaining about the same problem.
Click to expand...

You're on Vodacom?

There's your issue :'(

The technical guys will tell you exactly why and how, but I've just changed all my data through Telkom network with no issues at all. I tried multiple phones and networks and it's 100% Vodacom. Send an invite to someone on another network, and they should have no issue
 
many dumb devices that have suddenly become "smart" use freeware implementations of the TCP/IP stack.

they don't always like communicating at 100Mbps full or half duplex (even if they claim to support it)


See if you can force the switch port to 10Mbps half duplex.
or try to get your hands on an old 10Mbps hub/switch.



I had VERY similar issues with some fuel management controllers that didn't like 100Mbps even though the documentation they said they did.

once we forced them down to 10Mbps all networking (connect from one side only) issues went away.
 
ThatOtherDude said:
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Click to expand...

In this case, this is 100% Vodacom

I tried multiple phone, multiple networks and 100% of the time it came to Vodacom. As of 2 weeks back, I got a dual SIM phone and run Telkom because a) it's cheaper and b) my irrigation works perfectly, every single time.

At one stage I thought it was Huawei and they came out to assist - I could replicate it on their Vodacom units ... while other units were fine
 
Dolby said:
In this case, this is 100% Vodacom

I tried multiple phone, multiple networks and 100% of the time it came to Vodacom. As of 2 weeks back, I got a dual SIM phone and run Telkom because a) it's cheaper and b) my irrigation works perfectly, every single time.

At one stage I thought it was Huawei and they came out to assist - I could replicate it on their Vodacom units ... while other units were fine
Click to expand...
Given that it works perfectly one moment and then not at all for several hours thereafter, and also that I can have my laptop at home successfully pinging the controller 10,000 times at the time that my phone won't connect, I would agree that Vodacom could very likely be the problem. Only problem I have is that I don't have an option other than Vodacom right now. Maybe I'll get a pre-paid Telkom SIM card to try it out for a few days.
Interesting is that once I get the "Communication Error" it won't go away and reappears instantly when I try anything, even if I disconnect the phone data and reboot it. It's like the app is faulty.
 
GTHORN said:
Interesting is that once I get the "Communication Error" it won't go away and reappears instantly when I try anything, even if I disconnect the phone data and reboot it. It's like the app is faulty.
Click to expand...

At the start, I thought the app or the controller as well. I spent weeks and weeks with customer care in the US to try sort it out. They monitored my specific controller for a weekend, gave me the feedback / pings etc - like seriously went out of their way!

Again this is technical - but I understand when (via Vodacom) it makes that initial connection, the Rainbird server then refuses any connection for a set time. Ask in this thread as to why and what :)

https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/what-is-the-vodacom-network-doing.985019/
https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/huawei-mate-10-rainbird-smart-controller.971765/
 
I posted this on https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/what-is-the-vodacom-network-doing.985019/ as well.

I have spent a *LOT* of time on this. I bought a Telkom prepaid SIM which certainly solved the main issue. Having said that, connectivity is still very scrappy and at my location I am dependent on Telkom roaming via MTN. Telkom will be switching to Vodacom for roaming as from 1 December, so I don't know how it's going to work then.

Ok, although the main problem is solved using Telkom, I don't agree that the problem is with Vodacom alone. There is some sort of compatibility issue which also explains why many people in the US have the same problem. To prove this, I bought some Sonoff Home Automation Wi-Fi switches which essentially use the same end-to-end connectivity as does the Rainbird controller. I have connected them to the same router and I can operate them via Vodacom absolutely flawlessly. I have tested a Sonoff switch 40m from the router, through 4 double walls, and not had a single problem or miss. My Rainbird controller is only 5m from the router and in line of sight and the feedback I get from Rainbird is to move it closer to the router.

Had I known about the Sonoff switches before, I would never have purchased the Rainbird. A dual Sonoff switch costs about R195. You can add a 220v relay to pass 24v AC to the solenoids or you can add a 220/24v transformer to each switch to operate the solenoids, or you can buy the switch that has a relay to switch a single 24v transformer for all zones. . Either way, you are looking at under R200 per irrigation zone with incredible programming and deployment flexibility (the eWeLink app is really good and adding a switch couldn't be simpler); many options to turn a zone on or off, including with pocket remote buttons; locating individual switches nearer to where you need them; being able to add unlimited zones at any time without having to change what you already have; replace only what is broken in the event of a failure or lightning strike and much more.
 
GTH said:
I posted this on https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/what-is-the-vodacom-network-doing.985019/ as well.

I have spent a *LOT* of time on this. I bought a Telkom prepaid SIM which certainly solved the main issue. Having said that, connectivity is still very scrappy and at my location I am dependent on Telkom roaming via MTN. Telkom will be switching to Vodacom for roaming as from 1 December, so I don't know how it's going to work then.

Ok, although the main problem is solved using Telkom, I don't agree that the problem is with Vodacom alone. There is some sort of compatibility issue which also explains why many people in the US have the same problem. To prove this, I bought some Sonoff Home Automation Wi-Fi switches which essentially use the same end-to-end connectivity as does the Rainbird controller. I have connected them to the same router and I can operate them via Vodacom absolutely flawlessly. I have tested a Sonoff switch 40m from the router, through 4 double walls, and not had a single problem or miss. My Rainbird controller is only 5m from the router and in line of sight and the feedback I get from Rainbird is to move it closer to the router.

Had I known about the Sonoff switches before, I would never have purchased the Rainbird. A dual Sonoff switch costs about R195. You can add a 220v relay to pass 24v AC to the solenoids or you can add a 220/24v transformer to each switch to operate the solenoids, or you can buy the switch that has a relay to switch a single 24v transformer for all zones. . Either way, you are looking at under R200 per irrigation zone with incredible programming and deployment flexibility (the eWeLink app is really good and adding a switch couldn't be simpler); many options to turn a zone on or off, including with pocket remote buttons; locating individual switches nearer to where you need them; being able to add unlimited zones at any time without having to change what you already have; replace only what is broken in the event of a failure or lightning strike and much more.
Click to expand...
I was also worried about the Telkom / Vodacom thing actually. I guess we need to see exactly what happens :/

I've done countless tests and Vodacom always shows up as the culprit. Perhaps the guys in the US are on a network that is setup in such a way that it behaves the same?

I have no issues right now with Telkom. Rainbird are always going to blame your own WiFi - I sent them screenshots at -57db and they stopped with the WiFi.

The Sonoffs and the eWeLink don't quite work the same way technically as the Rainbird. A friend imports them (shameless punt : www.smartkit.co.za).

I did think about using them over Rainbird (as you say, 25% of the cost) but I wanted the automatic seasonal adjustment and rain sensor too. Now that it works, I'm pretty happy with the Rainbird ... I'm just scared about the Telkom/Vodacom roaming
 
If I may ask, how did you contact customer care in the US? I only see a phone number on their website. I have called the local Rainbird distributers and sent them information, but they don't get back to me.

I also believe they are obfuscating the issue by alluding to the signal strength. The signal strength measurement is not only a function of the distance between devices but also their ability to receive the signal. I believe the Rainbird dongle is inferior given how well my other gadgets work on the same router from much greater distances and through walls.

Here is the Amazon website link for the product reviews. Many others are complaining about the connectivity.
https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Bird-Wi.../ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_22?pageNumber=22

I know that Sonoff and Rainbird don't work exactly the same technically, but the overall method they use for end to end communication are interchangeable for the intended application. (trying to find a way of explaining myself). I say the problem lies with Rainbird because my Outback Mate 3 solar power monitor and Sonoff switches don't have a problem with the same router and Vodacom service, so that's 2 against 1.

The Rainbird controller is not cheap so I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that it should work properly.
Hello Peter next.
 
GTH said:
If I may ask, how did you contact customer care in the US? I only see a phone number on their website. I have called the local Rainbird distributers and sent them information, but they don't get back to me.

I also believe they are obfuscating the issue by alluding to the signal strength. The signal strength measurement is not only a function of the distance between devices but also their ability to receive the signal. I believe the Rainbird dongle is inferior given how well my other gadgets work on the same router from much greater distances and through walls.

Here is the Amazon website link for the product reviews. Many others are complaining about the connectivity.
https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Bird-Wi.../ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_22?pageNumber=22

I know that Sonoff and Rainbird don't work exactly the same technically, but the overall method they use for end to end communication are interchangeable for the intended application. (trying to find a way of explaining myself). I say the problem lies with Rainbird because my Outback Mate 3 solar power monitor and Sonoff switches don't have a problem with the same router and Vodacom service, so that's 2 against 1.

The Rainbird controller is not cheap so I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that it should work properly.
Hello Peter next.
Click to expand...

Yea - just checking my invoices. It was around R3,500.00 for the controller, the LNK and the rain sensor.

I think this address was on the app review ([email protected] ) - I actually think their customer care is amazing. We went back and forth for over a week ... he monitored my system over the weekend (ie connections and what was happening) and gave me a full report on the Monday ... I sent him an invite and he could control it from US (that was one clue it was the network) - as connected multiple times in a row and activated my sprinklers.. I also phoned him direct to sort it out and we chatted for 40 minutes on the system.

Yea their dongle isn't the greatest for sure - it's pretty poor actually. As I say I have Sonoff, EZVIZ etc and often test new toys for work (mesh kits, home automation, Android boxes etc) - they all work. And for the record I'm not arguing with you ;) I just went in guns blazing with Rainbird (I have scathing review online) ... and when I realised it wasn't them, I targeted Huawei. They tested in their own lab and came to my office where we tried different networks. Each and every time single time, the Vodacom network failed - 100%. I

t's something with their ports or APNs that are different to the rest. Sonoff and the rest don't use the same ports / API (the technical folk will know).

But I haven't had an issue for months since moving away, so I'm sorted.

I hope you come right

rain.jpg
 
hmmm, mine was R4500. Strange thing, my garden looks identical to yours ! ;)
 
GTH said:
hmmm, mine was R4500. Strange thing, my garden looks identical to yours ! ;)
Click to expand...

LOL!

Since you're the only one I know with one of these ... have you ever uploaded a photo to replace that?
Heavily pixelated at all?
 
I have added a picture from within the app (Camera then select one) and it looks fine.
 
I have looked at the pictures some more, and I agree they are heavily pixelated. It just doesn't look that bad when the picture is of a garden with lots of plants in it. I tried a screenshot picture of the rainbird app itself with a communication error message on it, and it's not even legible. My phone is a LG K10.
 
GTH said:
I have looked at the pictures some more, and I agree they are heavily pixelated. It just doesn't look that bad when the picture is of a garden with lots of plants in it. I tried a screenshot picture of the rainbird app itself with a communication error message on it, and it's not even legible. My phone is a LG K10.
Click to expand...
Ah ... Thanks.

So it's their app. When I mentioned it, they told me to use a better camera :/ They didn't seem to understand that even a 10yr old phone wouldn't pixelate.

I managed to accidentally find out something one day ... Either a crop of the exact size and saved in Downloads did the trick. But I haven't bothered again
 
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