Skydrop utilizes your Wifi connection to the Skydrop cloud and our network of weather stations. The Skydrop cloud service constantly monitors real-time weather in your specific location and determines the optimal watering schedule based on what the weather conditions.

Skydrop is very simple to install. It replaces your existing sprinkler timer, and the existing valve wires will plug directly into your new Skydrop Controller. Once you power up the controller for the first time, it will guide you through a WiFi connection setup process. Once connected to WiFi, it will gather weather data from the cloud, and also allows you to manage your system from a smartphone or computer. *see quick install guide

Each controller valve wire corresponds to a different zone.  When you first setup your zones, Skydrop will ask detailed questions regarding that particular zone. These questions consist of: soil, sprinkler and plant type, slope, shade, etc.

Apple iOS 6.0 or newer & Android 4.0 (ice cream sandwich)

The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play store, by searching "Skydrop". The app will prompt for regular updates as with any 3rd party app on your smartphone or tablet.

No. Skydrop can be controlled using the jog-dial & LED on the face of the device itself. Control can be accessed additionally from a computer, smartphone or tablet.

*Some advanced settings are available only via a browser or the app.

There are no additional fees or costs associated with the purchase or use of the controller.

Unfortunately the controller cannot integrate with personal weather stations. We've designed the controller so that it is unnecessary, Skydrop pulls weather data for your controller from several local weather stations near you.

You can go to my.skydrop.com and you will be able to create a new account or login to an existing Skydrop account. Creating & accessing a personal Skydrop account will give you the ability to manage your sprinkler system remotely.

The controller uses a 24V power supply.

The Skydrop controller will replace your existing sprinkler control system.

The device is built for indoor installation, but can be installed outdoors with use of an outdoor housing.

**Skydrop will be releasing an outdoor housing, which will be available in Dec. 2014. But in the meantime we recommend the following which can be purchased at Sprinkler Warehouse.
-- Orbit Outdoor Enclosure (Model 57095)

The Skydrop controller is designed for indoor use (including the garage). Temperature resistance is the following: *maximum 85C to -20C

Yes, skydrop's smart-watering system allows you to set specific schedules based on day, time, duration or local watering restrictions. This can be set by day & time. See the article "How Do I Create Custom Schedules?" for how-to create a customized watering plan.

The Skydrop controller will anticipate watering needs based on future weather predictions. These weather updates are analyzed several times per day to ensure the greatest accuracy for your lawns watering needs.  In addition, after the initial setup, the Skydrop controller enters a learning period where it will send notifications requesting feedback. With this information, Skydrop fine tunes the schedule and maximizes efficiency.

The EPA estimates that about 30% of a household’s water is used for irrigation.  Over 50% of that irrigation water is wasted through overwatering and evaporation. With Skydrop, those inefficiencies will be reduced by up to 50% by watering only by need, rather than watering by a set weekly schedule.

With water use in the United States increasing every year, many regions are starting to feel the pressure. In the last five years, nearly every region of the country has experienced a water shortage. At least 36 states are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013, even under non-drought conditions. Most of these municipalities are placing restrictions on watering to combat drought conditions.

If you have been connected to the Skydrop cloud service at any time, the controller will use a backup watering schedule based on the device’s history. This schedule lacks the day-to-day smart watering intelligence, but will still operate using seasonal adjustments provided by historical data. If Skydrop does not have an active Internet connection, you will not be able to access your controller using a mobile device or web browser.

*The controller light will turn yellow to alert of a lost WiFi connection.