Rain Bird controllers are designed and manufactured with the highest quality components and processes for trouble-free operation. However, sometimes issues do arise. The following was developed to guide you through the most common issues so that your Rain Bird RC2 or ARC8 WiFi Smart Controller returns to its expected performance level. Connection issues between mobile […]
Wifi Connection
Techniques to Troubleshoot Your Rain Bird RC2 or ARC8 WiFi Smart Controller
Rain Bird WiFi Controller Troubleshooting
LNK WiFi Module Overview
Rain Bird WiFi Controller Connected at Home But Not When Away
Sometimes a Rain Bird WiFi controller has a successful WiFi connection where the light on the WiFi module is blinking green, and the user is able to connect to the controller with a mobile device when at home, but when they are outside the range of their home network they get the Communication Error “The […]
Rain Bird WiFi controller connection troubleshooting
If your Rain Bird WiFi controller is not able to stay connected to your home WiFi network it may be on the outside edge of the WiFi signal broadcast by your WiFi router. This is seen at the controller with a blinking red WiFi Module. This can be improved by moving the router closer to […]
Rain Bird WiFi Controller Communication Methods
Rain Bird WiFi Controllers communicate in three different ways, as explained below. This is important to understand because the speed of the controller connection is affected by which method is being used. In general, the three as listed in order of fastest, to least quick in connecting. The three methods are also listed in closest, […]
Using Guest (Unsecured) WiFi Networks
You are able to use any of the WiFi network connections, guest or otherwise, so long as they are Internet connected and are 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. Rain Bird WiFi will not connect to 5 GHz WiFi networks. Note: Public guest networks that require the acceptance of policy and terms will not work due to […]
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz WiFi networks
Rain Bird WiFi controllers only connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi Networks. Rain Bird WiFi controllers are often installed outdoors, or other locations away from the indoor WiFi Router, so 2.4 GHz is the best WiFi network for this purpose. 2.4 GHz WiFi networks travel farther than 5 GHz. Though 2.4 GHz networks transmit data slower, […]
WiFi Connection After Power Loss
A Rain Bird WiFi controller should reconnect to the local WiFi connection after losing then regaining power or WiFi service. An optional notification informs the owner when a connection is restored. If re-connection is not occurring, it is possible that the LNK is getting a weak WiFi signal. If this is suspected, check the RSSI […]
WiFi Signal Strength and Obstacles
Obstacles between the controller and the WiFi router or booster can significantly degrade WiFi signals, especially when installed outside the home. Things a WiFi signal will not pass through may include: Cinderblock Sheet metal Cars Brick Large amounts of water (fish tanks) In these cases, it is recommended to use a WiFi booster between the […]