Topic(s): Device HelpRC2 – ARC – ST8

How to Program the R2C Controller

Basic RC2 Programming & Setup

This article walks you through the basic setup and programming steps for the RC2 controller using the Rain Bird 2.0 App. You’ll learn how to add a new controller, set the date and time, and run irrigation programs either automatically or manually.

Add a New Controller to the Rain Bird 2.0 App

1. Before mounting the new controller, check the WiFi signal at the controller.
   1. Network required: 2.4 GHz.
   2. Verify minimum signal strength of two bars at controller.
   3. Mount controller closest to router or add signal booster if needed.
2. Download and launch the Rain Bird App.
3. Select “Add Controller” to begin the setup wizard.
   1. The App will prompt to create an account.
   2. Once created, choose Permanent Access (if local WiFi network available) or Guest mode (if local WiFi network is not available) to begin the setup.
   3. Have the SSID and network password ready if connecting in Permanent Access mode.

Set Date and Time

• If a local WiFi network is not available at setup, the controller will default to the date and time in the mobile device settings. In the event of a power outage, the date and time will need to be manually reset by reconnecting the controller to your mobile device.
• When the controller is connected to WiFi, it will automatically set the date and time according to the local WiFi network settings. In the event of power outage, the date and time will re-sync once the power is restored.

Running Irrigation

NOTICE
Even before setting up a custom program in the Rain Bird 2.0 App, each zone will run for 10 minutes by default until you change the watering duration in the App. When irrigation is active in either automatic or manual mode, the number of counts blinking in the LED will indicate which station is active.

Running Irrigation from the Controller

Automatic Watering

NOTICE
When operating in automatic mode, each program will run according to the start times, run days, and run times for each zone in sequence until all scheduled watering is complete.

• Press the AUTO 🔄 button to start automatic watering according to scheduled program(s).
• The blinking LED will give indication for which zone is active.
• To advance to the next zone, press the NEXT ⏩️ button.
• To stop automatic watering on the controller, press the OFF button.

Manual Watering

• To start manual watering, press the MANUAL ▶️ button.
• The blinking LED will give indication of which zone is active.
• To advance to the next zone press the NEXT ⏩️ button.
• To stop manual watering on the controller, press the OFF button.

For a complete guide on How to Schedule Irrigation and Advanced Water Saving Features in the Rain Bird 2.0 App, see our R2C articles.