Docs/Rachio Controller

Rachio Controller

The Rachio 3 handles multi-zone irrigation and fertigation tank fill via its cloud API. TentPilot sends zone start/stop commands — Rachio handles the physical valve control. No Scout required since Rachio has a native cloud path.

Supported models

Setup

1

Set up your Rachio in the Rachio app

Follow Rachio's setup guide to connect the controller and wire your zones. Name each zone clearly — TentPilot will display these names.

2

Get your Rachio API key

In the Rachio app, go to Account → API Access → Get API Key. This is a personal API key tied to your account. It looks like a long UUID.

3

Add the API key to TentPilot

In the dashboard, go to Settings → Integrations → Rachio. Enter your API key. TentPilot will discover your controller and all zones automatically.

4

Assign zones

In Devices, assign each zone to a room and role:

  • irrigation_zone — used by the irrigation scheduler for plant watering
  • fertigation_fill — used by the fertigation engine to fill the reservoir tank
  • fertigation_mix — used for recirculation/mixing after dosing
Zone assignment is critical for fertigation

The fertigation engine expects specific zone roles. If the fill zone and mix zone are swapped, nutrient pumping will happen before the tank is full. Double-check role assignments before running an auto-dose.