Troubleshooting Your Irrigation Controller’s Wi-Fi Connection

Simon Bando
16/04/2024

The main Wi-Fi controllers we sell are the Rain Bird LNK range of controllers, Hunter Hydrawise and the Orbit B-Hyve. Regardless of the brand of Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller you choose, when setting it up or troubleshooting the Wi-Fi connection, it’s important to ensure that your Wi-Fi network is capable of providing a reliable connection.

Here’s how to check and prepare your Wi-Fi network to support a Wi-Fi irrigation controller. There may be a few terms that you would like further information on to help you understand. For this reason I have included a glossary at the base of this page.

The Right Tools For The Job

Simply checking the Wi-Fi bars on your mobile phone is not accurate enough when setting up a new Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller or for that matter any Wi-Fi device.

Depending on the Smart Phone you choose to use, you will need to download one of the following Apps to undertake some Wi-Fi tests. These tests should be taken at the location where your Wi-Fi irrigation controller is installed.

Airport Utility – Apple

WiFi Analyzer – Android

What Am I Actually Testing For?

There are some key markers that you should be testing in order to ensure you have a strong connection to your Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller.

Wi-Fi Bandwidth

Irrigation Controllers connect to the 2.4GHz badnwidth from your Modem. Modems put out 2.4GHz & 5GHz bandwidths. If you can’t see the 2.4GHz when checking your home Wi-Fi network it is possible that it has been turned off. To turn it back on, you will need to speak with your Internet Provider. They will be able to take you through the steps to turn it back on

Signal Strength

For a reliable connection you require anywhere between 0 to -70dBm, anything over -70dBm will lead to an unreliable experience.

Using Airport Utility to Scan WiFi Network Signal Strength

Wi-Fi Channel

On the 2.4GHz bandwidth your modem could be putting out its signal on channels anywhere between channels 1-14. In order for your controller to communicate with your Wi-Fi network you need to ensure that you set your channel anywhere between channels 1-11. If the channel is between 12-14 you will need to get in touch with your Internet provider to discuss how to set the channel in your modem.

The channel is usually set to auto in your modem, so if you lose power the channel can change automatically to one of the channels 12-14. Once the channel changes you will lose connection to your controller.

Glossary

  • Bandwidth: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Which frequency should you choose? A 2.4 GHz connection travels farther at lower speeds, while 5 GHz frequencies provide faster speeds at shorter range. Your choice of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz will depend on where and how you use your Wi-Fi connection most.

  • RSSI, or “Received Signal Strength Indicator,” is a measurement of how well your device can hear a signal from an access point or router. It’s a value that is useful for determining if you have enough signal to get a good wireless connection.

  • Typically, Wi-Fi operates at two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Depending on the region and regulations, each is divided into multiple channels (“lanes”). So, the Wi-Fi channel is the frequency at which your router sends and receives signals.

Some Helpful Videos

YouTube video
YouTube video

Thanks for reading I hoped it helped you in your goal for the ultimate connection to your Wi-Fi Irrigation controller!

Thanks,

Simon Bando

Sales Manager

Sunshower Online

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