Last Updated: April 3, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Rain Bird ST8I WIFI 8 Station WiFi Timer Indoor
Last Updated: April 3, 2019 (Refresh Now)
7.8
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
290
Old Reviews
4
Unverified
15
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
WIFI
Review Analysis - 271 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ease of Use
96easy, app, setup, easy to set, program
+98%
-2%
" ... Easy to setup and use up and running in less than 1/2 hour. ... "
" ... Could be 5 star if the phone app was more user friendly. ... "
" ... Never set up a sprinkler system in my life and it was very easy. ... "
" ... Fairly easy to install and setup. ... "
" ... It was easy to set up. ... "
" ... Easy to set up and use. ... "
" ... Easy set up, easy app to use. ... "
" ... Easy to install. ... "
Setup
93easy, setup, install, wifi, instructions
+91%
-9%
" ... Easy installation & set-up!!! ... "
" ... Very easy to install. ... Setting up the zones was also very easy. ... "
" ... Also the installation was very easy and tool only 10 minutes or so. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and use up and running in less than 1/2 hour. ... "
" ... Easy to install and set up. ... "
" ... The hub is easy to instal and a great upgrade for an existing system. ... "
" ... Extremely easy to install and use and works great even from a different country !! ... "
" ... Never set up a sprinkler system in my life and it was very easy. ... "
Software Platform
74controller, error, zone, rainbird, program
+68%
-32%
" ... It's easy to use, very logical app, and was easy to swap out our old system with this one. ... "
" ... Easy to program with smart phone app. ... "
" ... Easy to program app. ... "
" ... The iphone app interface makes it very easy to set and change your watering schedule, and you can make the changes anywhere you have an internet connection. ... The app is user friendly and has an intuitive interface. ... I especially like the app feature that allows you to send your settings via email to your ipad or other mobile device . ... "
" ... I really like that I can update everything using my cell phone and find out the latest status, etc. ... "
" ... App is very simple to use it has great features ... 3) Email App settings to anyone and all the setup is copied ... "
" ... The app should allow me to take the photo and use it directly, but instead it only facilitates selecting an existing photo. ... "
" ... The app is very quick to respond, takes only seconds when you tell it to stop or run. ... "
Wifi
74wi fi, module, controller, rainbird, router
+58%
-42%
" ... Replaced a similar builder standard model (Rainbird) with this one capable of using Wi-Fi. ... Connected to Wi-Fi no problem, added a few details about our location and was up and running in under 30 minutes. ... "
" ... Setup and WiFi connection was much easier that I expected. ... "
" ... You need to have good 2.4ghz wifi access where you are installing this unit. ... "
" ... The WIFI is excellent and the app is easy to use. ... "
" ... Works great with Wifi. ... "
" ... It works with WiFi, which is very helpful, as it can be accessed anywhere in the world. ... "
" ... Easy to connect to WiFi, and I like that it has the non cloud option. ... "
" ... My router is within 30 feet of the box and the wifi signal at the box is strong. ... "
Apps
64controller, zone, mobile, program, easy to use
+69%
-31%
" ... The UI on the app is great and I love being able to control the schedule when I'm away. ... "
" ... The app that goes with this is fine, although a bit light on features. ... "
" ... Once the app on her phone detected the controller and we re-entered the same controller name and password, we aborted at the "connect to local WiFi network" step and everything was okay. ... "
" ... The iphone app is easy to use and I had it programmed within 15 minutes. ... "
" ... The Rainbird app is easy to use, and once setup it works great with no issues. ... "
" ... But using the app to program the zones . ... "
" ... Only reason i gave it 4 stars is that the App / Controller lags quite a bit. ... "
" ... Programming via the app is quite easy. ... "
Device Compatibility
52network, controller, app, connected, wifi
+75%
-25%
" ... Just what I have been looking for > will connect with ALEXA !! ... One step closer to home automation ! ... "
" ... I recommend it only to those computer savvy. ... "
" ... Love the phone app so that I can control most of the functions thru my android phone. ... "
" ... Takes you just five minutes to connect to your network and your smartphone app. ... "
" ... Phone connects to everything else just fine so it’s the app to the controller. ... "
" ... Love the ability to manage everything from the app on my phone. ... "
" ... I especially like the app feature that allows you to send your settings via email to your ipad or other mobile device . ... "
" ... It is also easy to program and monitor using the phone app. ... "
Network
38router, network, signal, rainbird, 5 ghz
+55%
-45%
" ... Was able to connect up to our wifi network within about 10 minutes. ... "
" ... I have it in the garage and the Wi-Fi from the living room works just fine. ... "
" ... If you have a modern wifi router, make sure when you hook this system up, it's on the 2.4 ghz channel. ... "
" ... If you have a good signal, you will have no problems. ... "
" ... Good wifi range that will stay connected almost all the way around my house. ... "
" ... Installation of the unit was pretty easy, despite the warning about the distance limitations of your home wireless network. ... My garage is as far from the wireless hub as you can get, and the signal isn't super-strong but the unit has worked reliably. ... "
" ... 4) Dont have to worry about Wifi Strength ... "
" ... As indicated in the instructions, you need reasonable wifi reception for its location (ours is just 2 bars but works fine). ... "
Product Reliability
26months, errors, weeks, controller, rainbird
+58%
-42%
" ... All working well now. ... "
" ... Have had this for a month now. ... "
" ... When i did this, everything worked as described with no issues. ... Your phone will hopefully work without any of these issues. ... "
" ... 4 weeks and works great. ... "
" ... Is easy to use and hasn't stopped once. ... "
" ... I'm hoping that they will be able to work through the bugs. ... "
" ... i had to go thru the setup again to clear the error, which was a pain in the you know what . ... The unit has been working as expected so far. ... "
" ... I've owned this unit for a few months and so far I've had no problems. ... "
Features
16feature, weather, seasonal adjust feature, auto, zones
+88%
-13%
" ... Hint: set the time and schedule for the hottest/dryest month and activate the automatic adjust feature for weather and seasons. ... "
" ... Control from smart phone is great feature ... "
" ... I like the auto seasonal adjust feature. ... "
" ... Effective "seasonal adjust" feature ... There is one caveat to the seasonal adjust feature and that is, the feature is based off of weather data that is only pulled once every 24 hours. ... "
" ... The app that goes with this is fine, although a bit light on features. ... "
" ... the flexibility of being able to control this with my mobile device is one of the best features. ... "
" ... It should be easy to manually start the programmed cycle without changing the normal programmed start times. ... "
" ... Has many useful features especially the capability to control the sprinkler when away from my house. ... "
Water Usage
10nice, feature, zones, time, saving
+90%
-10%
" ... it will help us save on water costs ... "
" ... Nice "water now" feature ... "
" ... It's nice that it uses local weather to determine how much more or less to water. ... "
" ... Recommend this purchase for handling your irrigation system without having a ridiculous water bill. ... "
" ... I also haven't found the feature that lets me repeat the cycle (good for water absorption) ... "
" ... Needed one that managed city and well water. ... "
" ... Super easy, I can water my yard from anywhere any time. ... "
Gaming
9works, love, really, happy
+100%
" ... Really solid controller. ... "
" ... The controller works great. ... "
" ... The controller works fine. ... "
" ... So far I love the controller. ... "
" ... The controller works great. ... "
" ... I highly recommend this controller. ... "
" ... I love this controller. ... "
" ... I'm very happy with this controller. ... "
Returns
9one, sent, returned, refund, new
-100%
" ... sent it back. ... "
" ... Unfortunately I bought it and installed it several months after so i cannot return it. ... "
" ... When I don't receive a NEW, working and complete unit I will request a full refund at AMEX including a formal complaint. ... "
" ... I returned it to Amazon and was afraid to buy another one. ... "
" ... Amazons window to return it closed after only one month. ... "
" ... In any event I am ready to return the product for a refund. ... "
" ... I returned the item to Amazon as it did not work. ... "
" ... if fact I would return it if the time has not passed. ... "
Controls
8watering, turn, controller, buttons, app
+38%
-63%
" ... Just add a button to manually water all zones in sequence ... "
" ... the instructions say to test, you need to hit the "water now" button. ... well, there is no "water now" button in the app, there is a "water now" button on the unit, which doesn't seem to do anything. ... In the app there are some "run" buttons for each zone, make sure you set the manual run time for these to enable. ... "
" ... And button response was VERY slow. ... Lastly - i pushed the OFF button on the unit - unit showed OFF - but nothing in the application let me know the unit was OFF. ... In addition it needs a better response to button commands - and Mobile control/status of OFF/AUTO. ... "
" ... To adjust sprinklers go to controller, push a bunch of buttons to turn on a station, walk out to station, adjust, walk back to controller, more buttons to turn station off. ... "
Capacity
8unit, garage, wifi, wi, room
+88%
-13%
" ... I have it in the garage and the Wi-Fi from the living room works just fine. ... "
" ... Good wifi range that will stay connected almost all the way around my house. ... "
" ... In fact I purchased a 2nd one for my family member. ... "
" ... Bought it for my girlfriends house so we wouldn't have to drive back and forth from my house to turn on the sprinklers. ... "
" ... Purchased this so I can operate while I'm in the house and away from the house. ... "
" ... My system is 4 zones covering about 3500 square feet. ... "
ISP
8worked, unit, network, connect, work
+25%
-75%
" ... Gee, I’ve worked at Cisco and undererstand basic. ... "
" ... He said he did not know, and I would have to ask either my ISP or my router manufacturer about this, which was an absurd answer. ... "
" ... The unit never maintained a consistent connection. ... "
" ... Only compatible with 2.4 networks . ... "
" ... Won't connect to my wireless network. ... "
" ... This model will not work with a 5 Ghz router. ... It only works with a 2.4 Ghz router. ... "
Water Resistance
8lawn, rain, weather, unit, able to water
+88%
-13%
" ... We particularly like how it automatically adjusts for the weather forecast so it maintains the lawn nicely but also conserves water. ... "
" ... The only negative is that the seasonal portion where the unit watches weather and adjusts the water to compensate, seems to be adjusting several times a day as I have notifications turned on to check that function out. ... "
" ... It's nice that it uses local weather to determine how much more or less to water. ... "
" ... (To me, this really eliminates the need for the water sensor, although you can still hook one up to the unit. ... "
" ... I also haven't found the feature that lets me repeat the cycle (good for water absorption) ... "
" ... I really like being able to water my flower beds more often than the grass areas. ... "
" ... Super easy to replace with my old mechanical rain bird water timer. ... "
Marketplace
7amazon, advertised, price, distributor, delivery
+86%
-14%
" ... Thanks to Amazon for a speedy delivery! ... "
" ... Thank you A+++++ ... "
" ... Works as advertised ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Came very fast with _/ Prime. ... Better price than eBay !! ... "
For Running
6running, zone, times, set, zones
+100%
" ... So nice to be able to run the system after making adjustments to heads without running back to the controller. ... "
" ... i had mine up and running in less than 30 mins. ... "
" ... and it did run. ... "
" ... If I run a zone off schedule I have to do it zone by zone individually. ... "
" ... Once I re connected these I got up and running. ... "
" ... I have them set for early in the morning, so would like confirmation that they ran. ... "
Other
6rain, watering, app, irrigation, cprsdbex
+100%
" ... I got this model after having an early Rain Bird, because I didn't like the way the rain sensor worked on it. ... You can bypass the sensor in the mobile app if needed. ... "
" ... (You know how great those rain sensors can be. ... "
" ... I don't have it, but there is an option to connect a rain sensor to modify the watering schedule automatically. ... "
" ... The wired rain sensor (CPRSDBEX) is a must, in my opinion. ... "
" ... 5) Rain Sensor Integration ... "
" ... I also added a rain sensor which works very well shutting off watering when it has rained. ... "
Price
6good, really, money, better, value
+83%
-17%
" ... Price was good. ... "
" ... Good value for the money. ... "
" ... I really wanted to love this unit - a known name - a good price. ... "
" ... Better price than eBay !! ... "
" ... This is a really nice controller with some great features at a good price. ... "
Display Clarity
5screen, trying, small, see, lcd
+20%
-80%
" ... Also I don't think the display works 'wireless' (see photo's). ... "
" ... The LCD display is very challenging to see - there is NO backlight and the lettering is small and thin (i.e. ... "
User Manual
4zones, would, watering, one, user
+75%
-25%
" ... It works very well for manual control. ... "
" ... Much better than the older manual Zorro series we had. ... "
" ... Did like the ability to do manual watering when I missed one of the zones in setting up the schedule. ... "
Ports
4port 80, wrong, work, router, plug
+75%
-25%
" ... Easy to install and programme, but delivered with the wrong power adapter. ... "
" ... The hub is easy to instal and a great upgrade for an existing system. ... "
" ... I am using a plug in to power outlet setup ... "
For Travel
3easy to install, connect
+33%
-67%
" ... If this thing screws up and waters the lawn 7 days a weeek for 24 hours while you are on vacation, how would that be? ... "
" ... I picked this up because I travel a lot and wanted to be able to turn on-off my sprinklers from afar. ... "
Pedometer
3app
+67%
-33%
" ... One step closer to home automation ! ... "
Lagging
3unit, times, several, reset, delay
-100%
" ... I've had to reset it several times. ... "
" ... there also seems to be a lag time from when you make a change in the app and when the unit updates. ... "
Cables
3wire, wiring, connect, way, screws
+100%
" ... Just be sure you connect the wires properly ... If you connect a rain sensor (which I did) it will replace a wire shunt that comes installed. ... "
" ... The wiring is REALLY simple. ... "
" ... Wires were easy to attach. ... "
Product As Described
3advertised
+100%
" ... Works as advertised ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
Delivery
3amazon
+67%
-33%
" ... Thanks to Amazon for a speedy delivery! ... "
" ... Delivery was very fast. ... "
Internet
3long
+67%
-33%
" ... As long as I have cell coverage or internet. ... "
" ... Can be adjusted with my iPhone as long as I have internet access. ... "
Comfort
3+67%
-33%
" ... The ease of changing your schedules, and adjusting it manually at your finger tips. ... "
" ... Super convenient to be able to operate my sprinklers from the sprinkler head instead of having to run back to the old slide-switch controller. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
WiFi: Yes