How can I get Rachio 3 Soil Moisture readings into HS4?

[Haxster]

While the Rachio 3 app from Rachio shows a "calculated" soil moisture value for each zone, I wasn't able to see this parameter in the HS4 plugin. Is there a way to get this info into HS4?

I'm using Ecowitt moisture sensors. I'd like to compare their real readings with what Rachio reports so that I can better tune the settings on the Rachio 3 controller.

[Rupp]

Where do you see the calculated soil moisture on the Rachio app? I just installed this controller and still getting used to all the options.

[Haxster]

In the "zones" screen on both the mobile app and the Rachio web page, the Soil Moisture shows up shortly after a water cycle and changes (gets lower) over time.

BTW, it's a nice controller with lots and lots of settings that most laymen (like me) don't fully understand. So be careful to not over or under water. An inexpensive soil hydrometer is a handy tool to help tune your settings and avoid costly water bills or costly damage to plants, trees, and lawns.

[Rupp]

Odd, I do not have this option. I'm running the Android app so it may not be available on this app.
I really like this controller and here in the south it would virtually impossible to over water anything Now costly bills that's not a problem. Thanks for the info.

[Haxster]

Odd indeed. I run this on ios, PC, and Android. All three look the same on the Zones screen.

It's possible that you need to set some of the parameters that can affect flow rates. Click the "Edit" button for a zone of interest and check the settings. See if you can adjust the "Flow Settings" and take a look at the "Advanced" settings and the "Nozzle Inches Per Hour" setting within it.

The only other difference might be that I have Rachio flow sensors on two of my three circuits. However, even the one without the flow sensor provides soil moisture info (which is WAY off from reality).

Here in California, over-watering is a big issue with hefty fines. A faulty Rachio flow sensor caused the latter and prompted me to install some Ecowitt soil moisture sensors.

[TC1]

While the Rachio 3 app from Rachio shows a "calculated" soil moisture value for each zone, I wasn't able to see this parameter in the HS4 plugin. Is there a way to get this info into HS4?

I'm using Ecowitt moisture sensors. I'd like to compare their real readings with what Rachio reports so that I can better tune the settings on the Rachio 3 controller.

If a reading is not exposed in their API then the HS4 plugin can not retrieve it. I don't believe their API is exposing it, but see for yourself here:
Welcome (readme.io)

[Haxster]

Thanks for the link!

I'm not familiar with their API, or any API for that matter.
When it says "PUT," that means the API can set the parameter and when it says "GET", the API can read the parameter...is that right?
If so, that means HomeSeer can't read Rachios' soil moisture level or percent...but it "could" possibly set them...maybe.

[TC1]

That is also my interpretation. The Rachio moisture level is a crude mathematical guess based on some assumed assumptions such as your soil type, drainage, typical sun/shade exposure for the zone, etc. I wouldn't put much credence into it, and many people have complained about the Rachio over-watering their lawn based on it.

If I understand your use-case properly, if it was me I'd use the Ecowitt moisture sensor readings to alter the moisture parameters in Rachio, so that the Smart Intelligence in the schedule settings will alter the frequency of irrigation based on the actual moisture levels in the zone. (BTW, I have a Rachio3 controller)

Based on the API, I believe what I'm proposing is possible. I'd reach out to their support and run it by them, I guarantee you're not the first user to need something like this.

Also, it appears the Rachio is compatible with at least one hard-wired moisture sensor:
Rachio compatibility with RAIN BIRD SMRT-Y Soil Moisture Sensor

[Haxster]

TC1, Thanks for the info. I'm also using a Rachio 3 and was able to grab a couple of their discontinued wireless flow sensors from ebay. Too bad that Rachio no longer sells these.

I'm not keen on running wires to soil moisture sensors, but here's how a made my Ecowitt Soil Moisture Sensors solar powered using cheap solar lights and my 3D printer. Battery changing is a pain...especially when stuff is outside in the dirt.

[TC1]

That's actually pretty cool, nice.