What makes Cyber-Rain a smart controller?

Sprinkler controllers typically water the same amount regardless of the weather, even when it is raining. Cyber-Rain is smart because it checks the weather and automatically adjusts watering times.

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How much water can I expect to save?

Cyber-Rain's users typically reduce their landscape water usage by 30-70% -- your savings will depend on your prior irrigation patterns.

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Does Cyber-Rain pay for itself?

Yes! Cyber-Rain typically pays for itself within 2 years. It also qualifies for many water-efficiency rebates

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Does Cyber-Rain track how much water has been saved?

Yes, in the Statistics tab, you will find charts and detailed reports on water savings.

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What weather information does Cyber-Rain use to determine how long to water?

The temperature, the humidity and the percent chance of rain.

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Is using the weather forecast sufficient for adjusting watering times?

Yes. Cyber-Rain's algorithm has undergone rigorous testing and it is SWAT approved. The weather information is updated throughout the day, so changes are kept current.

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Is Internet access required?

Yes, high-speed (dsl/cable/broadband) Internet access is required. A Cyber-Rain Access Point is plugged into a local router or host PC to receive weather updates via the Internet.

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How do the Cyber-Rain controllers receive schedule updates?

Each Cyber-Rain system includes an Access Point, which is plugged into either a router or a host PC. The Access Point wirelessly communicates with Cyber-Rain controllers to send schedule updates and receive irrigation activity reports.

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Will the wireless signal go through walls/floors?

Yes, but remember that radio waves can be affected by many things in the surrounding environment such as thick walls, metal objects and radio frequency noise.

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How far can the controller be from the access point?

Most residential models communicate about 300 feet (approximately the length of a football field). The Long Range products for commercial and residential settings communicate up to 2 miles.

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Are Cyber Rain commercial systems able to communicate over 300 feet?

Yes, Cyber Rain provides radios and antenna with various range and communication capabilities. With proper antenna, the 900 MHz long range controller and access point are able to communicate up to two miles.

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Is it possible for multiple Cyber Rain installation sites to be managed from a single computer?

Yes, the Cyber Rain XCI Cloud allows the user to manage multiple sites from any internet connected computer, although the internet must be accessible from each site.

Q

My neighbor also owns Cyber-Rain. Will he be able to access my controller?

Cyber-Rain uses a secure binding protocol that ensures Cyber-Rain controllers can only be managed by one access point. Once a controller is 'bound' to an access point, a neighbor cannot detect or bind with that controller.

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How many zones/stations are available with Cyber-Rain?

Cyber-Rain is available in 8, 16 and 24 zone models.

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What if I have more than one controller or need more than 24 zones?

Additional controllers can be easily added to the Cyber-Rain system. A single access point can manage an unlimited number of controllers, which can be centrally controlled from a computer.

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How do I know if I need a long range model or if I need antenna?

In general, residential models communicate up to 300 feet. Long range models with the 900 MHz radio and proper antenna can communicate up to 2 miles.

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Is Cyber-Rain compatible with rain sensors? Is a rain sensor needed?

Cyber-Rain is compatible with all rain sensors that have a dry contact/2-wire interface. The rain sensor overrides the weather forecast information. A rain sensor is not needed, but can provide additional protection from watering when rain is not forecasted.

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Is Cyber-Rain compatible with flow meters?

Yes, all professional versions of Cyber-Rain seamlessly integrates with impeller (e.g., Data Industrial) as well as meter type (e.g., ARAD/Netafim & Bermad) flow sensors. This is a great way to improve system monitoring including alerts for abnormal activity. Note that flow meters must be set up in the software before Cyber-Rain recognizes the sensor.

Q

What happens if the power goes out?

Cyber-Rain uses a built-in super-capacitor that will retain the controller settings for up to 30 days. This item never needs replacing.

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Is the schedule set on the computer or the controller?

You set your schedule at your computer. You have a choice of inputting a schedule for the hottest time of the year or having Cyber-Rain recommend an irrigation schedule based on your landscape and local conditions.

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How does Cyber-Rain recommend irrigation times?

Cyber-Rain will use pictures in asking you to describe each zone's plant type, soil, slope, etc. Cyber-Rain combines the landscape characteristics with historical weather data for your area to recommend base watering times (irrigation minutes for the hottest time of the year). Cyber-Rain then adjusts the irrigation schedule based on the weather.

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Can the irrigation schedule be changed from the controller?

No, changes to the irrigation schedule must be made from the computer, although valves may be manually run from the controller.

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Can I turn on valves manually?

Yes, you can manually run valves from your computer, the controller and from your iPhone.

Q

Can Cyber-Rain be mounted outside?

Yes. All commercial models of Cyber-Rain are sold in a weather –proof enclosure. For residential models, a weatherproof, plastic, NEMA 4-rated outdoor box is available on the Cyber-Rain website and from most Cyber-Rain retailers.

Q

Does Cyber Rain have controller enclosures that are well suited for installations in which vandalism or security is a primary consideration?

Cyber Rain provides a secure stainless steel enclosure that is ideally suited for installation in public locations. The enclosure is designed for installation in parks, schools, apartment buildings, home owners associations, etc.

Q

Is the Cloud or PC-based version right for me?

This will depend on how you plan to use Cyber-Rain. The Cloud is best for Mac and laptop users as well as those who need to access Cyber-Rain from offsite locations. The iPhone app only works with the Cloud version. The PC-based version is best for users that plan to access Cyber-Rain from an onsite desktop computer.

Q

Do I need a different controller if I choose the Cloud or PC-based version?

No, Cyber-Rain controllers are compatible with both the Cloud and PC-based versions. However, the access point varies. The access point for the Cloud plugs into a local router while the access point for the PC-based version plugs into a USB port on a local computer.

Q

Can my existing controller be upgraded to the Cloud?

Yes, but you will need to purchase a Gateway Access Point. Note that only the controllers with the blue faceplate are compatible with the Cloud.

Q

Is there an ongoing fee for the Cloud?

We believe that weather should be free, so there is no charge for weather updates. You will always receive the water savings benefits of adjusting watering times with changes in the weather. There is an optional upgrade fee after a one-month free trial to continue to access Cyber-Rain's full features, such as reporting and alerts.

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Is there fee for the iPhone App?

No, the iPhone app is free.

Q

Does the Cloud have apps for other smart phones?

Yes, Cyber-Rain currently supports apps for the Iphone, Blackberry and Android phones. Access the downloads page for the apps/more information

Q

What is the difference between the Cyber-Rain Cloud and Cyber-Rain PC-based versions?

The Cyber-Rain Cloud is an internet-based product, so Cyber-Rain can be operated from any Internet-connected computer or even your iPhone. With the PC-Based version, Cyber-Rain software is installed on and operated from a local PC.

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What computer operating systems does the PC-Based version of Cyber-Rain work with?

Cyber-Rain software currently runs on Windows XP (SP3 or higher), Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2003/2008.

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Does the PC-Based program work on a Mac or iPhone?

No. If you own a Mac, we recommend that you use the Cyber-Rain Cloud. The Cloud is also needed for the iPhone app.

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Does the computer that the software is installed on need to be on all of the time?

No, if the computer is on once a day, the weather information will download. Cyber-Rain runs in the background, so you won't see it unless you open the software.

Q

What happens if the computer is not turned ON every day?

Cyber-Rain has a default watering schedule based on historical weather data. It will use this historical information if the computer has not been turned on for 24 hours.

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Is there an ongoing fee for the PC-based Cyber-Rain products?

No. Cyber-Rain will receive weather updates for free.

Q

Why are my sprinklers coming on multiple times?

Cyber-Rain automatically 'cycles and soaks' irrigation schedules to avoid run-off. For example, if you have dense soil or a slope, Cyber-Rain will irrigation a zone for a short time, let the water soak in as it irrigates other zones, and then continue irrigating the original zones. Cycle and soak parameters can be adjusted, if needed.

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Can Cyber-Rain be used outside the United States?

Yes. Cyber-Rain supports international weather updates, however, please contact sales@cyber-rain.com if you're interested in international use as product availability differs from country to country.

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