Setting up Rainbird (home) WiFi sprinkler controller - needs 2.4ghz

[DJSpraz]

I’m trying to set up a WiFi connection to a new Rainbird ST8i WiFi that (I found out) requires 2.4ghz WiFi signal.  I have set up the device 4 times and get a positive response from the required Rainbird IOS app, then it disconnects from WiFi and fails to communicate with my phone app.  I have seen similar comments about WiFi lights and other devices, but don’t understand how connecting to a different 2.4ghz router, then unplugging that router, will magically (?) leave the Rainbird device talking to my Google Wifi network.  Can anyone help or explain?  Thanks.

[plumitt]

Having the same problem. 😕 May try doing the setup far away to see if I can force the phone to connect to the 2.4GHz network. Either that or get another router. Bah. 

[Jeff]

Hey, everyone.

Sorry about the issues trying to get connected with 2.4GHz devices. It's frustrating when certain devices struggle to find the network and connect to the correct band. As plumitt mentioned, you can try setting your devices up at the far edge of your network's reach, where generally you will only have a 2.4GHz signal. If your device placement doesn't allow for that, sometimes you can have luck getting devices to connect to the guest network to set them up. I would give those both a try and see if you can sort it out. If you're still struggling, let me know.

Thanks.

[DJSpraz]

Disconnecting the closest Google WiFi unit apparently created the distance requires for the Rainbird to connect to 2.4hz of the next closest WiFi unit (several rooms away.  The Rainbird has stayed connected for several days now.  Thanks!

[Jeff]

Great news, DJSpraz. Thanks for letting us know that worked out for you.

Before I mark this as resolved for you, is there anything else you might need?

[Jeff]

Hi, all.

As we got our resolution here, I'm going to mark this one as resolved. Thanks to all who helped and contributed. If anyone has any other needs, please feel free to open up a new thread.

Thanks,

- Jeff