Toro Wireless Rain Sensor #53770

List Price: $83.99 Discount Price: $45.97

Features:

• Water conservation device that meets legislative standards in states/municipalities with mandates
• Wireless, features 300-feet range
• works by absorbing rainwater and then responds by interrupting power to the valves No changes to the timer programming are made
• For new or replacement installations
• Works with most irrigation timers

Customer Reviews:

Toro Wireless Rain Sensor [Posted on 2007-07-21]
This rain sensor replaced an older Toro wired rain sensor which failed after about 10 years of use. Although this unit functions reasonably well, I did not rate it 5 stars (when the previous model definitely was) because it takes much too long to react. In some cases it required 4-5 hours after a 2 inch downpour to turn off the sprinklers when set at 1/2 inch. My previous unit, which was also set at 1/2 inch would react within minutes of reaching the 1/2" mark and would, in fact, turn off the system while in mid-cycle. I e-mailed Toro customer service to inquire if this was normal and never received a response. I may reset to 1/4" to see if it reacts any sooner.

Works Well, Easy Setup [Posted on 2008-05-26]
I selected this product as an alternative to running wires to a 4 year old control panel. The receiver portion (small white square device not shown in product pictures) was very easy to connect taking less than 10 mins as my control panel (Non Toro brand) had sensor terminals available. Instructions were fairly easy to follow, two wire connections to the screws for the sensor, then 2 wires for power (also inside the control panel). Mounted sensor with 2 screws on edge of deck handrail and first test worked as expected.

The next morning it rained and after the first 10 mins of rain the sensor set to the 1/4 inch setting activated correctly. Approx 24 hours after a 0.75 inch rain the sensor cleared the interruption to the schedule as had dried out.

While more expensive than similar wired models, worth the extra cost due to ease of installation on a pre-existing unit. I would recommend as an approach to limit your scheduled irrigation from running during or soon after rain.

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