Irrigation control via OmniPro II

[arakasi55]

Hi everyone!
I know there are a ton of irrigation threads, but most are quite old and don't really answer my query.

I'm in the process of designing and installing an irrigation system that I want to control with my HAI OPII.
I'll have around 8 zones to control and am wondering whether it would be better to use a separate controller such as a Rain8 or to use outputs from the panel directly.
I currently only have 1 output free on my OPII panel, so i'll need to invest either way. I see that WGL no longer recommend the Rain8NetPro for HAI use and recommend the UPB version instead, which I also don't currently have any investment in, so i'd require a PIM in addition to the Rain8 UPB Pro.

Basically, i'm wonder which avenue to go down, given both options will require investment. Besides having manual buttons on the Rain8, is there any other benefit to this controller vs just using an 8 relay board and 16 zone/output expansion board?
I'm also wondering, if I go down the direct output option, can I just run the 24v required for the solenoids from the 24vac input to the expansion and then connect it via series to the relay commons inputs or is that a no no?

Thanks

 

[pete_c]

Personally I see there are many folks doing sprinkler control direct and indirectly with the HAI panel.

I went the Rain8Net route a few years back (like 10?) and used a serial connection to the Rain8net / Rainbird controller box about 75 feet away from the Digi USB to serial device.

I was fine with that set up until one day I had a lightning strike take out the two Rain8Nets. I also had left the wires for the old Rainbird rain sensor still connected outside but connected indirectly to a wireless sensor inside; but in close proximity to the 24VAC solenoid wires.

The lightning strike though did not take out the outside manifold solenoids nor the Digi Edgeport. I don't know really though what a lightning strike would do to an HAI panel.

I have recently now removed the serial wires over to the Rain8Nets and gone with a little box running Linux in the Rainbird box and using an indirect LAN connection for managmenet of the software. I still have the legacy Rain8Nets because I couldn't fit two of the newer Rain8Nets with the buttons inside of the Rainbird box. Manual control though works fine via application or wireless hand held device.

 

[jmorris644]

I have the Rain8Pro UPB and it works great.

I would always use relays off of your OPII. I think using the 24v off the board is a no no.

Joe