Netro Spark Smart Sprinkler Controller, WiFi, Weather Aware, Remote Access, Compatible with Alexa (8 Zone)

Ok here's the facts..1. you dont need a rain sensor.. Why, because it is Wifi and checks the weather forecast.2. ease of programming.. generally speaking its comprehensive. I would like to see consideration for specific types of nozzles, like zones that have bubblers for annuals as well, regular nozzles. But, I simply kick on a manual watering when i walk out front and call it a day3. price, price, price.. I'm sorry, hands down, for a price comparison rainbird and hunter cant touch this category..4. Honestly i have extensively used major brands and this controller was a refreshing, easy to use, install, configure and operate device. I feel the others nickel and dime you for add ons, like a wifi adapter or are a design that reminds me of the old RCA TV's with the old fashion spin the knob, (clunk clunk) practice of setting up a controller.. Hello its 2023..5. The app has a setting for type of ground and the practice of watering.. thats important as heck.. if you have ground so hard you could build a skyscraper on, then you use the config where it waters a few times in shorter cycles.. if you has mushy soft ground.. they cover that too..The only thing I can think of that would make this better is similar to my keyboard, it has solar panels built in so i pretty much never have to charge it, replace a battery, plug it in, etc.. It seems this device uses very low power consumption so if the device had 2 of those 18640 rechargeable batteries and an integrated solar cell for trickle charging when the garage is open.. BAM self sufficient, no power cords needed.. (and if the company does that, remember who coined the idea)As for integration with Alexa.. im not saying it doesn't work, but.. some effort required.. For example.. as i mentioned the 1 small bed of annuals.. thats zone 4 for me.. so.. I'd like to say, Alexa, turn on zone 4, for 5 minutes.. and walk away.. my home is end to end controlled by alexa, but the extension doesn't seem to quite work like that.. or if it does, i may not have overlooked something.. But again, my home has more than 100 devices in operation.. grouped, designated, and is what friends typically say.. "oh this place is like the Jetsons"..Overall this is a must have and never again will i go back to industry brand overhyped controllers.

I've had a Hunter X2 wifi system for a year now. If you've had one, then you know how horrible the WiFi connection and interface are to deal with. I got tired and bought this bad boy. Mind you, I had a previous experience with the older model from a previous house so I knew what I was getting into, but boy was I impressed with the improvements to the app. The reason I went with this unit was to have the ability to manually run a water cycle without requiring the app, but I doubt I'll ever need it. The app is user friendly, and easy to understand. After install (took less than 10 mins), I had a schedule configured in less than a minute. Yes, it is that fast and easy. My only recommendation is to MARK YOUR WIRES prior to removing an old unit. You want to know which one is your master valve, what zone is which, etc.Don't bother with others. This unit it LEGIT.

there is nothing I don't like about this controller or my purchase experience on Amazon. The price was right where I wanted it, it was delivered timely, installation was a breeze, connecting to wi-fi was simple, setting up zones and watering schedules was straightforward, and I have had it all summer and it has worked flawlessly. I previously owned two different Rain Bird wi-fi controllers and this one has all the same functions. I was skeptical only because it didn't have many reviews, the name Netro is stupid, and it doesn't have the look from the outside like other controllers. I am so glad I was able to overcome these skepticisms. There is no doubt if I need another controller in the future this Netro will be at the top of my list of options to purchase. They should change the name though but once you get used to it, the look is just fine. It just isn't a makeover look of the old mechanical systems.

InstallIssues for me were not being able to fully remove the front cover. This made it somewhat tricky to see the mounting wall inserts. (limited space for my particular situation)Also, wire terminations. they aren't that great. (inserting wires isn't intuitive nor easy) and, since I had two valve cables that each required a common wire. Was unable to insert two common cables into the single termination. This required crimping both common wires together along with a third wire to terminate.This device needs a second common termination.WirelessConnection was seamless and flawless.ProgrammingNot intuitive. Difficult to get the correct amount of water applied.(Needed to pick different plant, soil, and slope options to get results needed)Programing tip: Easier to program from a PC rather phone.

I ordered this to replace the old sprinkler controller that came with my house and had a missing rain sensor. It was very easy to install and hook up to wifi. The app is easy to use and I had it configured how I wanted pretty quickly. Tested that it was working with a few taps on the app and the sprinklers turned on no problem. Had it for a few months now without issues.

Loved the Spark-8 installed in our old house. Just installed a new one in our new house and it doesn’t turn on. Swapped power supplies and outlets. No signs of life. Very disappointed after a positive experience at our old house. Frustrating to only find out after fully installed too!

Easy to set up. Looks great. Feature rich. Nice product.

I really like this. Works great. Note that to do regular scheduled watering and avoid watering in the rain requires you to enable “smart zone” and choose “basic” in each zone menu.Also, be sure to try the 5 different weather services to get the right one, as they each give radically different rain forecasts and immediate statuses. “Open weather” gave the best for my house.