Rain Bird Irrigation ESP-TM2 ESP-Me Controller LNK WiFi Plug in Module(Open Box)

I upgraded the faceplate on my ESP-Me to be the new wi-fi enabled, and added this module to the faceplate. I downloaded the Rainbird app onto my tablet and after setup, I am now able to access the ESP-Me controller from the tablet. As of November 2016, Rainbird has offered the ESP-Me wifi accessible controller. The older version ESP-Me pre November 2016 faceplate only, can be replaced with the new wifi version faceplate. Then this wifi module can be plugged in the back side of the new faceplate. It took me less than 20 seconds to swap out the faceplate and I already had the wifi module plugged in the back side of the new faceplate. It took me less than 20 seconds to swap out the faceplate and I already had the wifi module plugged into the new faceplate. Disconnect the small ribbon cable, and then put some pressure on the left side hinge to clear the tab the other end is seated in, put new faceplate in and replace the ribbon cable. The new faceplate has a wifi ready symbol in the lower dark green area. My only issue was getting a wifi signal strong enough to the controller.I had to move my wifi extender in the house closer to where the Controller is mounted outside on the house. Also you will need your router password for one of the setup entries. I lost mine, but I was able to retrieve it off one of my connected devices by following a youtube tutorial.Download the Rainbird app from the iOS version 8 or greater, or Android device 4.4 kitkat or later, fill in each step. You will be filling in zip code and also your wifi password, a password to remotely access controller, name of location (optional), etc. In the video one guy said if you are old you can use a tablet or ipad. I did everything on my Samsung 10" tablet. I can now see my program(s) on the tablet. I can name each zone, (front west drip, etc), see the time each zone will come on, run a zone manually, change run times, see the total time those zones will run on each program, lot's of features, and you can take a picture of the area and upload it.I am glad I can remotely access the controller. One picture shows all entries added accessed by touching the pencil on the first screen, the second pic shows zones and if a zone is running, see zone 13 access by touching the drip symbol on the front screen.

As a follow-up to my previous post, I called Rainbird Tech Support and was delighted to speak with a person who was knowledgeable and helpful to my particular configuration. It took about twenty minutes and numerous non-intuitive to me steps to integrate the Rainbird controller into my wifi. Happily it all worked and I able to see and arrange the watering schedule we want. Seeing it on my iPad is so much more understandable than sequencing manually through the Rainbird unit. Thank you Rainbird.BobI should have read the earlier review that berated the Rainbird Apple IOS interface as not correctly designed. First, almost everything we use in our home is connected at the 5ghz signals for speed and security, and it had to be disabled while connecting. Rainbird’s WiFi only connects to 2.4ghz signals. When both signals ran simultaneously the Rainbird wouldn’t connect to my iPad. I spent much time on configuration of my Orbi router which no consumer should have to do to connect anything. The connection is still unstable.Second I programmed everything to water my simple seven zones on Program A and I wanted to make sure nothing else was programmed to run o B,C, and D. Well, Rainbird demands each program has to run at least one day. Egads! So when I looked to see what each program had, I was surprised to find a lot of irrigation planned that I hadn’t specified. The only alternative is to have one zone water on one day for a minute or two just to satisfy how the program is written.I wouldn’t mess with this, but the control panel methods are even more foreign to my way of using internet based home automation systems. On the positive side Philips Hue lighting is even tougher for me to understand.

I read the other reviews before purchasing this, so I was hesitant, but decided to take the plunge anyway.It just annoyed me having to go out to the garage and mess with a cumbersome interface to program and run the irrigation system. To set a program would take forever it seemed.With this device, I can do it with my phone, it only takes minutes, and is much more intuitive. I can also run the program anytime I want from anywhere in the world. It also helps with maintenance as I can activate any zone while in the yard so I don't have to have someone else turn it on for me. Each zone can be manually activated for as little as a minute at a time and turned off instantly.I know a lot of people talked about connectivity issues with the controller, but so far I haven't experienced any. However, we do have a mesh wi-fi system, so we have excellent coverage throughout the house. The closest node is in the laundry room next to the garage and is probably about 20-25 feet away through a wall and gets about a -55 dbm signal strength.Sometimes when trying to connect to the controller from the app, it can take about 20 or 30 seconds before coming up, but it's not an issue at all. Setup was easy through the app and only took a few minutes.Overall, I highly recommend this product if you want better and easier control over your sprinkler system.