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Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller
Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller
Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller
Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller
Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller
Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller
Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller

Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller

$$ Rebate Eligibility
In many water districts, this controller is eligible for a rebate. See more info about rebates on the Rebate Information tab below.


  • What is the Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Smart Controller? The ESP smart controller is a tried-and-true, professional grade irrigation system controller (also called a "timer") that has been upgraded from their incredibly popular "dumb" controller, the ESP Modular.

    Why the Rain Bird ESP-SMTe? We recommend the Rain Bird ESP smart controller because of its reliability, its extensibility (you can add modules for up to 22 valves), and ESP stands for Extra Simple Programming (which is why it's so darn popular).

    We carry the ESP smart controller with the following options
    • Indoor or Outdoor
    • Need extra modules? We sell those, too.


    ESP-SMTe Electrical Specifications
    • Input Required: 120VAC +/- 10%
    • Output: 25.5VAC 1A
    • Surge Protection: Primary input side has (2) built-in MOV’s (metal oxide varistor) to protect circuitry. Output side has(2) built-in MOV’s for each valve station.
    • Power back-up: Lithium coin-cell battery maintains time and date while non-volatile memory maintains the schedule.
    • Multi-valve station capacity: Up to two 24VAC, 7VA solenoid valves per station plus a master valve.

    Warranty Information
    Rain Bird will repair or replace at no charge any Rain Bird professional product that fails in normal use within the warranty period stated below. You must return it to the dealer or distributor where you bought it. Product failures due to acts of God including without limitation, lightning and flooding, are not covered by this warranty. This commitment to repair or replace is our sole and total warranty. This product appears to carry a 1 year warranty. Full Rain Bird Warranty.

    Downloads & Resources from Rain Bird
  • The feature-rich Rain Bird ESP-SMTe smart controller offers these benefits:
    • It's modular so you can manage anywhere from 3-15 valves from one controller, and you only need to purchase modules as you need them.
    • It's powerful as it allows you to run 4 different start times and three different programs, allowing for the cycle-soak watering need in clay soils, different seasons, or different water needs of planting areas.
    • Battery-operated Memory Backup means you don't lose your settings in a power failure, and you can reset to your original settings at the start of a new season.
    More About ESP

    If you're thinking about upgrading your irrigation timer to a smart controller, but dread the reprogramming that comes with the project, this is an excellent choice for you. Some "smart" controllers are smarter than others, and this one does a lot of the heavy lifting. It recognizes how to adjust the irrigation for ALL

    • Local Climate data is loaded by zip code. This may not always be the most reliable data-point for micro-climates, but it covers the gaps with the rest of its smart capabilities.
    • Plant Type watering needs can be specified right into the controller, so no more guesswork for you about how much water your plants need! If you have a mix on one station, don't worry, just tell the controller what the majority of the plants on that valve are.
    • Plant Density affects how much of your applied water is evaporating out into the air instead of staying in the ground where your plants use it. Rain Bird ESP-SMTe adjusts its watering schedule for plant density.
    • Soil Type affects the holding capacity and infiltration rate for the water you apply. Water passes right through sandy soils, but can sit around too long in clay soils. This controller adjusts its watering based on your soil type.
    • Watering Restrictions can be a hassle, but not with ESP. Just tell it which days you're not allowed to water and it will make sure your neighbors aren't reporting you to the utility provider!
    • Slope is so often overlooked when homeowners and landscapers set up an irrigation program. If you're watering on a slope the irrigation design should be different, but so should the watering program. ESP has you covered with the Cycle+Soak built-in application.
    • Micro-climate Conditions can drastically affect how much water you need on any station. ESP lets you tell it how sunny exposure for that is, so it can adjust accordingly. This is something that should have been addressed when the garden was designed, but often isn't, so again, if you have a mix on one station, just enter whatever the majority of the station's micro-climate conditions are.

  • Rebates typically range from $25 to $200, and in some areas, like Palm Springs, the water district will give you a free one, and install it and program it for free, too.

    Here are some examples of available rebates

    Install a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller. Purchase a new “smart” controller and never forget to reduce your watering schedule again! The EPA estimates these controllers—which take their cues from real-time weather conditions—can save the average family 8,800 gallons annually. Schedule a pre-inspection with one of our conservation specialists, then take advantage of MMWD’s rebate for $20 per active station. (Marin Municipal Water District)

    Rebate--$200 (for 500-1999 Square Feet) or $400 (over 2000 Square Feet). Minimum conversion of 500 SF. Must replace existing irrigation controller. Controller must be programmed. Controller must be on the SWAT list of tested devices. Original receipts or invoices showing cost of materials must be submitted. Total rebate amount will not exceed the cost of components. (San Diego Public Utilities)

    Find Your Local Rebates
    There are too many water districts and municipalities to list all of the available rebates, so the best thing you can do is search for either your water district or your city and the phrase "smart controller rebate" to find out if you have this opportunity.