Rachio compatibility with Hunter Rain-Clik Rain Sensors

Last Update:May 17 2024 8:34pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 5 MIN

Installing a Hunter Rain-Clik Rain Sensor is easy with the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. Before moving ahead, please identify if you have a wired or wireless version. Instructions for installation and wiring for both are below:


Installing and configuring your Wired Rain-Clik to your Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller


Installing and configuring your Wireless Rain-Clik to your Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

Why use a rain sensor?

Rachio’s Weather Intelligence is proactive, meaning it modifies your watering schedule based on past and forecasted weather events. Rain sensors are reactive, modifying your watering schedule based on actual observed precipitation or freezing temperatures. The more data available to your Rachio controller, the better it can water. 

Also, some states require rain sensors to be installed with irrigation systems. We encourage you to check local regulations to see if one is needed in your area.

Installing your Hunter Wired Rain-Clik Sensor

First, you need to find an unobstructed place to mount your sensor so that it has no obstructions above which could prevent rain from falling on the sensor. Avoid installing below trees, porches or awnings. Your wired rain sensor comes with 25 feet of wire so you will need to find a suitable spot within 25 feed of your controller. If that is not long enough, you can extend the run with additional wire based on Hunter’s wire gauge recommendations or consider getting a wireless Rain-Clik, which has a range of up to 200 feet.


After finding a spot that is suitable, run the wire back to your controller along the desired path to ensure you have enough wire to work with. Return to your mounting location and use the two screws included in the packaging to mount your sensor. The barrel of the rain sensor should be pointed up so that the Hunter logo is right side up.


Note

Use caution when opening up the mounting arm as the plastic holding the rain sensor to the mounting arm can break. We recommend loosening the bolt and screw which holds the mounting arm to the mounting bracket, then adjusting the arm angle to 90 degrees before re-tightening the bolt and screw.


Once the sensor is mounted, adjust the Dryout Time window based on your location and needs. See Hunter’s documentation for more information.


Working your way from the sensor to the controller, secure the wire so that it cannot get damaged. For best results, hide the wire as much as possible, and avoid sharp objects like nails or sheet metal.


Once you get to the controller, remove the disconnect the controller from the power supply.


Wiring the sensor to your Rachio Controller


For Rachio 3 controllers:

Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, & 24 VAC -). Plug one of the wires into S1 or S2, and plug the other wire into 24 VAC -. Reconnect power to your controller.

For Gen 2 controllers:

Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, & SC). Plug one of the wires into S1 or S2, and plug the other wire into SC. Reconnect power to your controller.


For Gen 1 controllers:

Locate the sensor terminals (R1 & R2). Plug one of the wires into R1, and plug the other wire into R2. Reconnect power to your controller.


Configuring the sensor in your Rachio App

Open the Rachio App and navigate to that controller. Click on the settings wheel in the upper right corner. Tap “Controller Settings” and “Accessories.” Select the sensor terminal you connected the wire to (S1 or S2), enable the sensor and select the type of sensor (“Rain” in this case).


Now you can test to make sure that the sensor works! Learn more about that here.


Installing your Hunter Wireless Rain-Clik Sensor

First, you need to find an unobstructed place to mount your sensor so that it has a clear view to the sky. Avoid installing below trees, porches or awnings. Your wireless rain sensor has a range up to 200 feet, but that may be decreased by thick walls or other obstructions.

After identifying a suitable location, return to the controller to wire the receiver to the controller.


Using the hardware provided, mount the receiver next to the controller.

Then, disconnect the power supply from the Rachio controller before wiring the Rain-Clik receiver to the controller.


Wiring the receiver to your Rachio Controller


For Rachio 3 controllers:

Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, 24 VAC +/-). Connect the blue wire to either the S1 or S2 terminal. Connect the white wire and one of the yellow wires to 24 VAC -. Connect the remaining yellow wire to 24 VAC +. The orange wire is not needed, and can be trimmed. Reconnect the power supply to the controller.

Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor for Rachio 3

For Gen 2 controllers:

Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, SC, SP). Connect the blue wire to either the S1 or S2 terminal. Connect the white wire and one of the yellow wires to the SC terminal. Connect the remaining yellow wire to the SP terminal. The orange wire is not needed, and can be trimmed. Reconnect the power supply to the controller.



For Gen 1 controllers:

Locate the sensor terminals (R1, R2, C). Connect the blue wire to the R2. Connect the white wire and one of the yellow wires to the R1 terminal. Connect the remaining yellow wire to the C terminal. The orange wire is not needed, and can be trimmed. Reconnect the power supply to the controller.

 rain_click2.png


The receiver should now be receiving power from the controller and the light will most likely be red. The sensor communicates with the receiver once every hour so it could take up to an hour to sync. Alternatively, you can hold the button on the sensor to send a signal to the receiver, which should switch the light to green. If this is not working for you, please contact Hunter support.


Return to the mounting location and using the provided hardware, mount the sensor.


Note

Use caution when opening up the mounting arm as the plastic holding the rain sensor to the mounting arm can break. We recommend loosening the bolt and screw which holds the mounting arm to the mounting bracket, then adjusting the arm angle to 90 degrees before re-tightening the bolt and screw.


Once the sensor is mounted, adjust the Dryout Time window based on your location and needs. See Hunter’s documentation for more information.



Configuring the sensor in your Rachio App

Open the Rachio App and navigate to that controller. Click on the settings wheel in the upper right corner. Tap “Controller Settings” and “Accessories.” Select the sensor terminal you connected the wire to (S1 or S2), enable the sensor and select the type of sensor (“Rain” in this case).


Now you can test to make sure that the sensor works! Learn more about that here.


Receiver Wiring Chart (wireless Rain-Clik only)


Wire ColorRachio 3Generation 2 Generation 1
WhiteVAC(-) (Sensor Common)SC (Sensor Common) R1 (left-most terminal) 
Yellow (a)VAC(-) (Sensor Common)SC (Sensor Common) R1 (left-most terminal) 
Yellow (b)VAC(+) (Sensor Power)SP (Sensor Power) (white terminal) 
BlueS1S1R2
OrangeNot usedNot usedNot used

 



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Note

Stuck on wiring? Check out this article on basic and advanced wiring for all Rachio controllers!