There’s a system called LinkTap. It’s fairly new to the market. It uses it’s own Zigbee gateway for the end Tap units. They do have an open API and I’ve developed a plugin for it for another system.
Yikes $130!!! to control one faucet!
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That’s including the controller unit as well. So the startup is high. The add on “Taps” are a little pricey as well though.
Good stuff and works really well. I use it with a plugin with HomeSeer.
Hi Everyone. I am also trying to control a garden hose. I am thinking of taking a different (and cheaper) route. Would like to run it by all of you:
Connect this solenoid to the faucet:
Wire it to this smart plug:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Weather-Resistant-Required-Works-SmartThings-14284/dp/B06W9NWFM3/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=
Done. $60-$70.
I haven’t really seen this suggested on the forums. Am I missing something? Will this not work?
Yep, looks like you missed a few other people suggesting this approach:
https://community.smartthings.com/search?q=solenoid%20smart%20plug
Including this post earlier in this very thread which suggests the exact same valve:
Note that this valve has NPT threads, so you would need adapters for garden hose fittings, and the valve doesn’t appear to be suitable for outdoor use, so you’d need to put it in a box or similar for protection from the elements (or install it inside before the hose bib, in which case you would need different adapter fittings).
Hi Ryan,
I have connected my solenoid valves to a eWeLink smart relay. I have also connected the relay to smart things where I have set up the relays to come on at sunset and to come on if it is cloudy and clear.
The problem is that the relays also come on if it the weather channel reports a rainy day.
Is this something that you have setup on smart things that works?
Thanks
Regards
Norbert
I’m sorry I don’t have a good solution for you. I’ve moved away from the Smartthings platform in favor of Home Assistant for scheduling because you can implement really complex conditional logic. (Like tying in weather sensors, for example). I do still use Smartthings platform to pull entities into Home Assistant though, because ST supports proprietary stuff, like my oven.
When my garden expanded, I needed more valves, and at that point it made sense cost wise to get a sprinkler system. Rather than install it, i run the whole thing above ground, and pack it away for the winter, or just drain the water and leave it be.
I went with Rachio. You run low voltage wires from the rachio head to the valves. Just like the washer valves, the sprinkler valves are off by default and Rachio applies voltage when it needs to run. I think it was around $100 for the Rachio 3, and then valve manifolds can be bought in sets of 3 for around $50. I use the ultra-cheap garden tubing to run stuff where I need it. Theres some other one time costs like the wires and hose adapters, but if you’re doing more than 1 or 2 valves, it really makes sense. It’s also low-voltage, so there’s way less risk involved.
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Thanks Ryan,
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Norbert