Question 1

The photo only shows the sensor that is buried in the ground.  Is the controller interface that connects to the irrigation controller included also?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 2

Will this work with an older rain bird controller--esp-modular?

Accepted Answer

Yes, works with all Rain Bird controllers and all other brands of 24V output controllers.
Thank you

Question 3

Would this rain bird smrt-y soil moisture sensor kit work inside a greenhouse with raised beds?

Accepted Answer

I don't see why it wouldn't.  It measures the moisture in the soil regardless of the environment.  I followed my neighbor's lead and am using it for regulating irrigation to my shrubs and trees (a separate sensor for each because the sensors are buried to different depths) in the Phoenix desert.  I'd say the critical issues are to follow the wiring diagram very carefully and then calibrate the sensor to meet your requirements.  I found the best way to calibrate the sensor was to place it in a 3 lb. coffee can filled with soil and adding moisture to it.  Calibration will go much faster than calibrating it after it is already in the ground because the smaller amount of soil will dry out faster.

Question 4

I have 6 zones. The wiring diagram shows, what appears to only show one connection to one zone. Does it still control the other zones? Don't see how..

Accepted Answer

It controls the other zones through the common wire. You have to disconnect the previous common wire from sprinkler controller and connect the common wire (black color) that comes from Smart-Y to sprinkler controller. The Smart-Y has another common wire (white color) that connects to the sensor AND the solenoid (the zone you choose to connect to the sensor). All the solenoids’ common wires are connected to this white wire. So now all the solenoids common wires go to Smart-Y first and then through Smart-Y go back to sprinkler controller. When the sensor tells the Smart-Y that the moisture is above threshold the Smart-Y shuts  off the common wire so there will be no current pass all the solenoids, resulting all the zones shot off . You can have two zones (which are independent of the Smat-Y) override the Smart-Y by connect blue and brown wires to the zones respectively. The sensor is stable and accurate. I bought three of them and use them to monitor soil moisture in different areas. Good luck for your project.

Brand	Rain Bird
Item dimensions L x W x H	7.6 x 10.2 x 7.6 Centimeters
Material	Plastic, Metal
Style	Modern
Mounting Type	Flange Mount
Output Type	analog
Specific Uses For Product	gardening, landscaping
Item model number	5007798500694
Product Dimensions	7.62 x 10.16 x 7.62 cm; 385.55 g
ASIN	B003L7CCIW

Rain Bird SMRT-Y Soil Moisture Sensor Kit

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