Sonoff for irrigation?

Mars

Mars

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So I'm currently using a hunter 401 to run my irrigation and it works ok. Its a pain to figure out how the programming works, but until now I haven't really needed to change it.

Now I want to add some new zones and it only has four. So if I replace the hunter with two 4ch sonoff switches that will give me 6 for zones, one for the pump and an extra one for some garden lights.

I also want to add a new zone on the other side of my house, but I only have one line running there. It runs under probably about 50 meters of paving from my well point so adding another line is not an option. My idea is to put a small manifold and a couple of solenoids on the other end of the line and use a couple of basic sonoff switches to control them.

Then I would be able to just run "front zone" for twice as long and then switch the solenoids there with the basic sonoffs.

It will work out a little more expensive than just buying a 6 zone hunter, but then I have more control and the front zones are essentially working of the same timer as the pump.

What do you all think? Does that make sense? Am I missing anything?
 
Hey man I highly recommend watching a few videos online, it isn't to complicated and once you understand it its really powerful to control everything. You can even set up multiple programs etc This helped a lot when we installed new grass and needed a totally different watering arrangement to the existing lawn.
 
Snyper564 said:
Hey man I highly recommend watching a few videos online, it isn't to complicated and once you understand it its really powerful to control everything. You can even set up multiple programs etc This helped a lot when we installed new grass and needed a totally different watering arrangement to the existing lawn.
Click to expand...
Are you talking about the hunter? Yea I have watched the vids online, and I know about the watering schedules and so on. The thing is, the app is just so much more powerful than that. I have switched all my timers over to the sonoff basic.

Its easy to monitor because I can check exactly what zones are on from my phone, start a zone individually without having to cycle between them.

My only concern is that if the pump gets turned on while all the solenoids are off it may burst a line, but I'm sure I can get (or make) a valve of some sort that will pop if the pressure gets too high.

I know there are hunters with wifi and an app but then we are way above the price of the sonoffs.
 
Mars said:
So I'm currently using a hunter 401 to run my irrigation and it works ok. Its a pain to figure out how the programming works, but until now I haven't really needed to change it.

Now I want to add some new zones and it only has four. So if I replace the hunter with two 4ch sonoff switches that will give me 6 for zones, one for the pump and an extra one for some garden lights.

I also want to add a new zone on the other side of my house, but I only have one line running there. It runs under probably about 50 meters of paving from my well point so adding another line is not an option. My idea is to put a small manifold and a couple of solenoids on the other end of the line and use a couple of basic sonoff switches to control them.

Then I would be able to just run "front zone" for twice as long and then switch the solenoids there with the basic sonoffs.

It will work out a little more expensive than just buying a 6 zone hunter, but then I have more control and the front zones are essentially working of the same timer as the pump.

What do you all think? Does that make sense? Am I missing anything?
Click to expand...

Rather get this:

Controller Archives - SmartKit

www.smartkit.co.za www.smartkit.co.za

add a raspberry pi and you have a full rock solid irrigation solution. I will never try to irrigate with Sonoff knowing that opensprinkler exists.
 
Goobie said:
Rather get this:

Controller Archives - SmartKit

www.smartkit.co.za www.smartkit.co.za

add a raspberry pi and you have a full rock solid irrigation solution. I will never try to irrigate with Sonoff knowing that opensprinkler exists.
Click to expand...
Nice. I'll have a look at that. Thanks

Edit: Have you used this? I'm struggling to find specs on that website.


Is it the same features available on OpenISprinkler.com unit?

How many zones?
Does it have the sensors or does it solely rely on online weather information?
Is there a possibility of running a remote solenoid as I discussed in the first post?
 
Last edited:
Mars said:
Nice. I'll have a look at that. Thanks

Edit: Have you used this? I'm struggling to find specs on that website.

Is it the same features available on OpenISprinkler.com unit?

How many zones?
Does it have the sensors or does it solely rely on online weather information?
Is there a possibility of running a remote solenoid as I discussed in the first post?
Click to expand...

I'm using one of these. It works perfectly with OpenSprinkler, not aware of any features that doesn't work with this. Very easy to setup.

It has 16 zones. It doesn't have any sensors built in. Mine is setup to run on schedules, or by manually turning on certain zones if needed.

I have my water pump connected to a Sonoff switch, so you can either schedule the Sonoff to turn it on and off based on the OpenSprinkler schedules, or use IFTTT to switch on the Sonoff when you start a zone.
 
Also been using the opensprinkler board from smartkit for like 2 or 3 years now. No problems. Currently have 3 zones but hoping to add more this year.
 
RVZ said:
I'm using one of these. It works perfectly with OpenSprinkler, not aware of any features that doesn't work with this. Very easy to setup.

It has 16 zones. It doesn't have any sensors built in. Mine is setup to run on schedules, or by manually turning on certain zones if needed.

I have my water pump connected to a Sonoff switch, so you can either schedule the Sonoff to turn it on and off based on the OpenSprinkler schedules, or use IFTTT to switch on the Sonoff when you start a zone.
Click to expand...

Do you have a dedicated device for IFTTT? Or do you just run it on your phone.

I like it but I'm still not convinced its better than just running two 4 channel sonoff relays. There's no pi, no firmware, scheduling is done in the app.
 
Mars said:
Do you have a dedicated device for IFTTT? Or do you just run it on your phone.

I like it but I'm still not convinced its better than just running two 4 channel sonoff relays. There's no pi, no firmware, scheduling is done in the app.
Click to expand...
If you use the Sonoff (4Ch Pro as the ordinary 4Ch is AC only) you miss out on features, such as water reduction levels depending on the weather.
 
phaktza said:
If you use the Sonoff (4Ch Pro as the ordinary 4Ch is AC only) you miss out on features, such as water reduction levels depending on the weather.
Click to expand...
Ive been trying to see what I would be missing, but again I'm struggling to find a list of features.

As for the weather, if I use the Sonoff TH16 with the AM2301 sensor then I can check the humidity directly and use IFTTT to control the zones in case of rain.

I'm still leaning towards OpenSprinkler, but I need to get all my ducks in a row.
 
Hey Mars;
Did you make any progress on your controller plans? I'm weighing my options at the moment and are struggling to figure out what is best. I'd like to hear about your set up and how it works for you if you ended up doing it.

Cheers
 
It was a bit of a rabbit hole. Smartkit doesn't have documentation on their stuff so I've been trying to find more info.

The V3 they have there looks good, but I'm not sure I want to risk dropping R1400 on something I'm not sure will work.

I will probably order one once this lockdown nonsense is over but for now Ive been holding off.

Using the sonoff means I need to use relays between the units and the solenoids since theyre 24v DC (I think) and the sonoff is 240v AC so that turned out to be a bit of a PITA.
 
Mars said:
It was a bit of a rabbit hole. Smartkit doesn't have documentation on their stuff so I've been trying to find more info.

The V3 they have there looks good, but I'm not sure I want to risk dropping R1400 on something I'm not sure will work.

I will probably order one once this lockdown nonsense is over but for now Ive been holding off.

Using the sonoff means I need to use relays between the units and the solenoids since theyre 24v DC (I think) and the sonoff is 240v AC so that turned out to be a bit of a PITA.
Click to expand...
The Sonoff SV can do 24V, then you can connect the SV directly to the solenoids. The Sonoff SV is less of a consumer device and more of a hobbyist device as it doesn't have terminal blocks on it or a case. You can power the Sonoff SV with the same power supply you're using for you Hunter system, since that's 24v I assume.

You won't find "documentation" on a lot of what these applications for kit like this, these things are made for tinkerers and DIY'ers. So you're not going to find an official instruction manual on "How to use a Sonoff as a sprinkler system" - just blogs and people all tinkering together.
 
SAguy said:
The Sonoff SV can do 24V, then you can connect the SV directly to the solenoids. The Sonoff SV is less of a consumer device and more of a hobbyist device as it doesn't have terminal blocks on it or a case. You can power the Sonoff SV with the same power supply you're using for you Hunter system, since that's 24v I assume.

You won't find "documentation" on a lot of what these applications for kit like this, these things are made for tinkerers and DIY'ers. So you're not going to find an official instruction manual on "How to use a Sonoff as a sprinkler system" - just blogs and people all tinkering together.
Click to expand...
Oh I forgot about the Sonoff SV, in fact I ordered some in January that unfortunately where never shipped. I must get on ali and query those.
 
Mars said:
Oh I forgot about the Sonoff SV, in fact I ordered some in January that unfortunately where never shipped. I must get on ali and query those.
Click to expand...
There's your first mistake... not supporting Smartkit :ROFL:
 
SAguy said:
There's your first mistake... not supporting Smartkit :ROFL:
Click to expand...
Eh. I try buy local, but I do one or two big buys from ali or banggood containing all the stuff I want to play with.

But I'll get some from them when they can ship again. I think I'll need about 10 so their price is good there.
Netram is just down the drag from me so I go there for quick fixes.
 
Mars said:
It was a bit of a rabbit hole. Smartkit doesn't have documentation on their stuff so I've been trying to find more info.

The V3 they have there looks good, but I'm not sure I want to risk dropping R1400 on something I'm not sure will work.

I will probably order one once this lockdown nonsense is over but for now Ive been holding off.

Using the sonoff means I need to use relays between the units and the solenoids since theyre 24v DC (I think) and the sonoff is 240v AC so that turned out to be a bit of a PITA.
Click to expand...
I found this vid where the guy wired the 4 channel Sonoff to his Hunter kit and maybe it'll put your mind at ease too.

If the Sonoff device can be flashed with Tasmota then I'm pretty much sold. Unfortunately my local shop is out of stock.
 
@Mars
I also buy certain items that I can't find locally from Banggood, I am wondering when they will start shipping to SA again?
 
cabous said:
I found this vid where the guy wired the 4 channel Sonoff to his Hunter kit and maybe it'll put your mind at ease too.

If the Sonoff device can be flashed with Tasmota then I'm pretty much sold. Unfortunately my local shop is out of stock.
Click to expand...
Thats not the one I have. It has a separate power supply. I need to see if I can find one of those.

Greglsh said:
@Mars
I also buy certain items that I can't find locally from Banggood, I am wondering when they will start shipping to SA again?
Click to expand...

I dont think I'm going to order for a while. Ive had 3 packages from December and Jan go missing. Maybe early next year. I dont think I'll have spare cash for the rest of the year anyway.
 
RVZ said:
I'm using one of these. It works perfectly with OpenSprinkler, not aware of any features that doesn't work with this. Very easy to setup.

It has 16 zones. It doesn't have any sensors built in. Mine is setup to run on schedules, or by manually turning on certain zones if needed.

I have my water pump connected to a Sonoff switch, so you can either schedule the Sonoff to turn it on and off based on the OpenSprinkler schedules, or use IFTTT to switch on the Sonoff when you start a zone.
Click to expand...
What solenoids are you using?
How do you distribute water to the solenoids?
 
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