I had purchased two 8-Zone Sprinkler Controllers (IIC-800-WIFI) in FY2024, and both worked well initially but unfortunately stopped functioning recently. I raised the issue with the support team, and they processed a refund.
Now, I’ve ordered a new unit through Amazon India. My concern is around why the earlier two controllers failed and whether they could have been repaired—since here in Bangalore, I could not find anyone who could service them. I would also like to understand what assurance I have that the newly purchased controller will operate smoothly and reliably without similar issues.
There are a couple of ways you can confirm that your units are of a later revision. If you remove the back cover you will see a “Rev B” and a Date. It is my experience that Rev A needs the 8 pfd mod discussed in other postings. Second observation is to look for these additional capacitors adjacent to the Crystal. As you will note from those postings that it does require significant soldering equipment and skills.
Hope this helps!
To provide a more direct response to your question. I received a Rev B unit and have had no issue. I have also modified a Rev A unit as recommended in the posts and had no issue since.
My units are installed in remote locations and I am very confident about the ongoing reliability now.
Thank you so much this is very helpful. Today I got the delivery, and I see its REV B, hopefully this works well. would be pls share the REV A modification information will try here if I can get the modification done.
harsha
Were you and I in communication over changing a pump Contactor system from a 3 wire on / off 2 button configuration to a 2 wire single on/ off which is better suited for automated operation in conjunction with the IIC-800 watering controller? Keen to know how you resolved?
Robin Guy
RobinGuy@internode.on.net
MB: 0413054387
Thank you for asking. Not resolved yet. As an interim solution, I currently run the irrigation schedule and manually switch the motor ON and OFF using my mobile-based controller. Earlier, this setup was sufficient when I irrigated all zones at once, but as the number of plants increased, I added Inkbird controller and solenoid valves. For the last few months and the next couple of months (May–September), it’s the rainy season here, so irrigation isn’t required, and I’ve also been busy with planting seedlings. I plan to install a pump start relay in the coming months.
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Using More controller functions will allow for more efficient and effective watering.
Watering in bursts results in less wasted run off and deeper soakage.
Time of day for lower evaporation and at select low electricity tariffs.
Inkbird supports 6 individual wavering times per day per Zone.
Rain sensors can pause watering on rainy days.
These potential efficiencies should deliver significant savings over 12 months if watering each day.
Thanks, Robin. I’ll definitely explore these controller options, as they align with my approach to sustainable permaculture farming. Recently, I dug a farm pond measuring 18m × 18m × 10m for rainwater harvesting (the complete setup is still in progress), which has already helped me minimize the use of borewell water.
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