Yardian Smart Sprinkler WiFi Controller and Security Camera - Hardware and App Review

Yardian sells and fulfills their sprinkler through Amazon: amzn.to/2OHvydJ
(affiliate links - see below)
Add it to your cart and keep an eye on the price! They do go on sale from time to time. Yardian's smart sprinkler is almost always one of the most affordable and feature-rich sprinkler systems available.
The good people at AEON Matrix provided me with this Yardian Smart Sprinkler and Security Camera system to review a while ago and I finally got my home irrigation system up and working. I'm excited to give you a totally honest (and unscripted) review of their product after using it for about three weeks.
This video goes through the installation of the Yardian, which is a relatively simple affair. You'll need an electrical outlet and access to the sprinkler valve wires from your home irrigation system. The wires use a quick push-to-connect system and are easy to plug in. Once you plug in and power on your Yardian you'll need to download the app for iOS or Android devices and install it on your smartphone or table. You will need to create a personalized account with a password in order to use the Yardian, but the setup was relatively quick and painless. Once your app is setup you can synchronize it with your Yardian and you're pretty much good to go!
The video talks about placement of the Yardian - it's made to be installed indoors or outdoors, though you'll need to install it where you can run your sprinkler wires because the security camera is built into the unit itself. Everything is controlled through the app, which is great as long as your wifi is stable and your devices are charged and with you. There are no "manual overrides" on the Yardian so if your wifi goes down you can't turn your sprinklers on or off unless you start disconnecting wires and touching them together (not recommended..ahem).
The Yardian app itself is full of features and gives you total control over your sprinkler system's timing, water flow and more. There are "smart watering" features which will take your plants, soil type, zone makeup and current local weather conditions into consideration so that you don't have to worry about your lawn.
The security camera works well, though your current sprinkler box may not be in a place where a security camera would work. You can either run your own sprinkler wires (I used thermostat wires to do it) or you can buy Yardian's sprinkler box extender. The camera even allows you to turn the sprinklers on to scare away intruders or animals when they trip the sensor. This is a neat feature that requires you to have the Yardian set up in full view of your lawn or yard.
Other advertised features:
SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY - Water is being wasted on a regular basis. With Yardian, you can be the change by saving up to 50% of water used to irrigate your yard while still maintaining a lush and green garden.
REAL TIME WEATHER MONITORING - Avoid watering in the rain with Yardian as it provides optimal watering schedules by analyzing real time local weather data and forecasts with pin-point accuracy.
SMART HOME READY - Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home to control each zone or adjust your water scheduling.
HD SECURITY CAMERA - Yardian is the world’s first multi-functional smart device capable of both smart irrigation and surveillance. With a built in HD Camera, monitor your yard day or night.
15 MINUTE INSTALLATION - Changing to Yardian Smart Sprinkler system can be installed by anyone in 15 minutes or less. Our customer service agents are ready and waiting in case you run into any issues or questions.
Sprinkler Controller Rebates- As an EPA WaterSense certified sprinkler controller, Yardian Pro is eligible for local rebates.
Smart Program - 100% fully automated Smart Program helps decide what days and the duration your schedule needs to keep your yard lush and green
Real Time Weather Monitor - skip watering schedules based off real time weather forecasts for rain, freeze, or wind
Full Range Power - with 110-220V, Yardian Pro can be used anywhere in the world without a power converter
All the products I recommend: www.amazon.com...
All the products I recommend: www.amazon.com...
Twitter: / homehobbyist
Blog: spillingcoffee....
Tom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Using affiliate links does not cost you any more but it does show your support for the content and creators that share them.
You can visit his blog at spillingcoffee.com

[@gskibum]

Can it be controlled from the desktop via browser instead of a stupid smartphone app?