I’ve finally configured my garden and landscaping on drip irrigation, but I’m using some dumb valves hooked up to my house hose spigot.
I would absolutely love a smart valve that I can have better control of the schedule, or respond to sensors.
After some looking around, it seems like “Rachio” is the only integration I can find for something like this. It’s a bit pricy ($99 per valve), and it looks like it needs a wifi hub to work. Has anyone used this integration successfully?
Is there any other options? There seem to be lots of “Bluetooth” controllers available in the big box stores, but I’m guessing they will need an app or something?
If you are fairly tech savvy, this isn’t hard to do.
I have built a few sprinkler valves using an esp8266, relay, solenoid, and esphome. Total cost of each one is less than $15 (US). If you are willing and patient, you could probably get that to under $10 via aliexpress.
The circuit is really simple -
Parts list:
Outline:
Run power supply to dc-dc converter, and set converter to output 5v.
Connect one leg of 12v through switch on relay, then to the solenoid.
Connect other 12v leg directly to solenoid.
Run 5v from output of buck converter to input of esp and relay.
Run data wire from esp pin to data input in relay.
Put everything but the solenoid in a plastic box.
Run water source to solenoid inlet and connect sprinkler or drip system to solenoid outlet.
Flash esp with esphome
In the esphome code, you will need the home assistant api, a switch, and a sprinkler component.
In home assistant, set a switch or button on your front end to test everything with and provide manual control
Write a basic home assistant automation to control via timer, or weather conditions, or soil hydration, or whatever.
You can do all of this without any soldering or any (real) programming - that being said, those two skills will improve the results by quite a bit, and are just useful in general for this sort of work.
It can (of course) get as complex and full featured as you like, but if all you want is a system that can water your flowers every time the ISS passes overhead, the above will get you there pretty cheaply.