Rachio Smart Sprinkler WiFi 8-Zone Controller (2nd Gen; New/Brown Box) EXPIRED

Difference between Gen2 and Gen3 Rachio systems.

Difference #1: Wireless Rachio Flow Meter – While the Rachio Gen 2 and Gen 3 do have a lot in common, only Gen 3 supports the Wireless Rachio Flow Meter. This meter precisely monitors water usage, and can actually stop leaks before they destroy your lawn. It doesn't come included by default and is an extra expense, but it may be more than worth the cost when it comes to protecting your lawn from excessive watering and keeping an eye on your monthly water usage.

Difference #2: Weather Intelligence – One benefit to both sprinklers is their support for weather intelligence. With the Rachio Gen 2, your sprinkler is smart enough to avoid watering in the rain, wind or snow — ensuring that your water is used effectively to keep your lawn green and your costs low. The schedule of your sprinklers will be dynamically adjusted with updated weather data based on the locates local forecasts.

The Rachio Gen 3 has many of the same features, but takes its weather monitoring to the next level with Weather Intelligence Plus. This system features hyper local accuracy, continuous monitoring, and comprehensive data that ensures that your smart sprinkler's watering should be as accurate and attentive to weather as possible.

Either system will get the job done, but if you want weather monitoring that is nearly zeroed-in on your home, the Gen 3 is the superior choice.

Difference #3: Wi-Fi Connection – Both sprinkler systems are controlled over WiFi, although the Gen 3 does offer wider support for different router setups.

With the Gen 2, you'll need a 2.4GHz network or dual-band network, while the Gen 3 works with 2.4 GHz or 5GHz wireless signals. So if your wireless setup is running on a 5GHz network, your only real option is the Rachio Gen 3.

Even if you're using a 2.4GHz network, the Gen 3 might be the better buy since it gives you the ability to upgrade to a new router should you make that choice in the future.

Difference #4: Easy-press Connectors – With the Rachio Gen 3 model, the company has made the installation process even easier than it was with the Rachio 2 by adding easy-press connectors. These connectors easily accommodate 14 and 18 gauge wire, which makes getting things set up much easier. Despite these easy-press connectors, however, installation is still a bit of an involved process. Unless you consider yourself relatively handy, it may be worth it to look into professional installation for Rachio Gen 2 from Amazon.

Difference #5: Manual Control – Both the Rachio Gen 2 and Gen 3 offer manual controls for when you want to start and stop the sprinkler system on the controller itself. Each model offer run, pause, and skip buttons, but they are under the cover on the Gen 2 and on the device itself for the Gen 3. The latter is a little bit easier to access, so if you think you'll be using the manual controls often it may be the better buy.

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