LNK2™ WiFi Module

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................... 1
Controller Compatibility................................ 2
LNK2™ WiFi Module Installation ................ 3
Rain Bird Mobile App .................................... 4
Troubleshooting Guide ................................. 5
Frequently Asked Questions ..................... 6
Light Cues ........................................................ 12

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

LNK2™ WiFi Module

Start Saving When You Add Instant

WiFi Connectivity to Your Controller
LNK2 installs in seconds without tools, making it a simple
and affordable solution for Rain Bird controllers without built-
in WiFi. After a quick setup you’ll be able to monitor multiple
sites with ease—right from your mobile device—and enjoy
advanced water-saving features that save up to 50% in water.

A Smart & Responsible Solution

Optimize Irrigation
Weather data from local weather sources triggers
automatic adjusts to run times so your yard only receives
the water it needs

Conserve Water
Gain access to notifications, Delay Watering, and more
advanced features.

Manage Remotely
Control irrigation right from your mobile device with
NO HIDDEN FEES! Download Rain Bird’s FREE App to
manage your watering from anywhere in the world.

Protect Privacy
LNK2 uses encrypted wireless communication to protect
user’s privacy.

Unlock Voice Control

LNK2 is smart home compatible for convenient, voice-
activated control

Visit https://wifi.rainbird.com/ to learn more.

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Controller Compatibility

Residential / Residential /
ESP-ME3 Light Commercial ESP-ME Light Commercial

ST8 Residential

International
ESP-TM2 Residential ESP-RZXe Residential

Detailed Compatibility Requirements:

1. Controller
LNK2 WiFi is compatible with Rain Bird ESP-TM2, ESP-RZXe,
ESP-ME3, and ESP-ME controllers manufactured after
November 2, 2016. Compatible controllers must have the
LNK™ Ready WiFi symbol in the front panel.
LNK2 is also compatible with LXIVM, LXME2 and
LXME2 Pro controllers.
To verify your Rain Bird
2. Network
Controller is compatible,
look for a “LNKTM Ready” Verify that your network is 2.4 Ghz. Note that LNK2 is NOT
symbol on the front panel. compatible with 5.0 Ghz
3. Rain Bird App
Be sure the Rain Bird App on your device is updated to the
following version or newer
• Android: Version 2.17.12 (392) • iOS: Version 2.18.9 (2)

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

LNK2TM WiFi Module Installation

1
Download the
Rain Bird Mobile App

2
Open the Controller Front Panel
and insert the LNK2 WiFi module
into the accessory slot. The LNK2
should start blinking Blue.

Scan this QR code or

visit wifi.rainbird.com
to watch setup and
support videos.

3
Open Rain Bird app and select
Add Controller (bottom left of
screen), then follow Setup Wizard

Add Controller

NOTE: Information you will need for setup

• WiFi network name (SSID)

• WiFi network password
• Email address
• Residence Zip Code

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Rain Bird Mobile App

Return to Login Screen

Send access invitations, Save Changes
add/remove controllers,
or view all controllers

WiFi Tab
Edit Timer Name Measure WiFi signal strength
Change the designated at the controller. RSSI values
name of the timer. larger than -70 (-70’s, -80’s
or -90’s) indicate need for
signal booster.

Next Scheduled Event Weather Forecast*

View Zone, Start Time View today’s weather
and Run Time of the next and the 5-day outlook
scheduled irrigation event. *with internet connection

Edit Program
Activate Auto, Seasonal
Adjust, change watering
schedule

Seasonal Adjust %
View automatic seasonal
watering adjustment

Settings
Add/Remove Zone Update app notifications,
Click to add or remove a network settings, controller
Zone from the schedule passwords, and smart
home options

Calendar View of Manually Water Zone Manual Water Delay

Watering Schedule Choose a Zone to start Up to 14 day delay
View the watering schedule watering immediately
in convenient calendar form

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Troubleshooting Guide
START HERE

STEP 1: Confirm Compatibility

• Confirm your controller is compatible with LNK2 WiFi.
• LNK2 WiFi is compatible with Rain Bird ESP-TM2, ESP-RZXe, ESP-ME3, and ESP-ME controllers
manufactured after November 2, 2016.
• Compatible controller will have the WiFi symbol in the front panel.
• LNK2 is also compatible with LXIVM, LXME2 and LXME2 Pro controllers.

STEP 2: Verify Network

• Verify that your network is 2.4 Ghz. Note that LNK2 is NOT compatible with 5.0 Ghz.
• Learn more here: wifi.rainbird.com/articles/if-i-do-not-have-a-2-4-ghz-network-available-what-do-i-do/

STEP 3: Check for Updates

• Be sure the Rain Bird App on your device is updated to the following version or newer
• Android: Version 2.17.12(392)
• iOS: Version 2.18.9 (2)

Scan this QR code or visit wifi.rainbird.com

to watch setup and support videos.

Call 1-800-RAINBIRD to speak with a representative Monday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM Pacific.

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my controller is compatible with LNK2 WiFi?

Compatible with Rain Bird ESP-ME, ESP ME3, ESP-TM2, & RZXe manufactured
after November 2, 2016. Look for the WiFi symbol in the front of the control panel
to verify compatibility.

How do I download the Rain Bird app?

The Rain Bird app is available for both Apple and Android mobile devices.

• Download the Rain Bird app for iOS by visiting the App Store.
• Download the Rain Bird app for Android on Google Play.

How do I set up the LNK2 WiFi Module

1. Download the Rain Bird Mobile App
2. Open the Controller Front Panel and insert the LNK2 WiFi module into the accessory
slot. The LNK2 should start blinking Blue.
3. Open Rain Bird app and select Add Controller (bottom left of screen), then follow Setup
Wizard

For more help, scan the QR or visit

wifi.rainbird.com and see video titled
“LNK2 WiFi Module Setup.”

Can I use voice control with LNK2 WiFi Module?

Yes! LNK2 is compatible with Amazon Alexa* and Google Assistant. Read more here.

*Amazon Alexa integration is only available in the United States, Canada, India, Australia
and the United Kingdom.

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I receiving this error: Please Connect to the Rain Bird Network?
You may be connected to the wrong WiFi network or have Location Services Disabled on your device.

1. Verify the WiFi module is blinking green and red, and that you are connected to the WiFi
network with Rain Bird in the name.
2. Ensure Location Services are enabled in device settings, and location access is enabled for
the Rain Bird app.

Why is my WiFi Module light blinking green but not connecting?

During setup the Rain Bird app is designed to check that your WiFi module is successfully connected
to your selected WiFi network by connecting your mobile device to the same network. It is possible
that your mobile device automatically reconnected to a different WiFi network than the Rain Bird
controller. Please try the following or refer to the light map at the end of this document.

1. When receiving a “setup unsuccessful” message, check to ensure your mobile device is
connected to the same local WiFi network as your WiFi module and click “Retry”.
2. Restart the setup process by pressing the button on your WiFi module (flashes red and green)
and go through the process again, this time ensuring that your mobile device reconnects to
the same WiFi network.

This article may also be helpful: wifi.rainbird.com/articles/rain-bird-wifi-network-setup-issues

How might a WiFi Range Extender help with my WiFi connection?

If you find that you have poor WiFi signal strength at the controller, you can boost the signal of the
LNK2 WiFi Module’s Hotspot to extend its range using a commercially available WiFi signal boosters
that operates on 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz signals.

The amount of boost you can achieve will vary depending on the strength of the booster and your
local environment. If you decide to use a WiFi range extender, make sure the Rain Bird WiFi controller
connection is changed to the new WiFi Range extender network name and password. This is similar
to changing to a new WiFi router.

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my controller is not connecting to the WiFi network?

If you are having issues connecting to your WiFi network during setup please try the following:

1. Verify that you are connecting the controller to a 2.4 GHz network since 5 GHz is
not supported
2. Ensure that the network you are trying to connect to is not an unsupported satellite ISP or is
commercially secure. A commercial secure WiFi network may be one that is used for internal
purposes at an office or company, and it is not available for guest use.
3. Check the WiFi network name and password.
a. It is recommended that the WiFi network name is selected from the list provided
in the app but if it does not show up for some reason it can be entered. If you did
not select the WiFi network name from a list, double check every character and
capitalization. Even spaces are counted as characters.
b. Double check the WiFi network password. Like the network name this is case
sensitive. Every character needs to be entered upper and lower case correctly, as
well as any spaces or special characters. Use the “Show Password” switch to see
exactly what is being entered.
c. If there is any doubt try to disconnect the mobile device from the WiFi network and
reconnect it again to make sure the name and password is correct.
4. Look for obstacles. Obstacles between the controller and the WiFi router or booster can
significantly degrade WiFi signals, especially when installed outside the home. Things a WiFi
signal will not pass through may include:
• Cinderblock
• Sheet metal
• Cars
• Brick
• Large amounts of water (fish tanks)

In these cases, it is recommended to use a WiFi Range Extender between the WiFi router and
the irrigation controller or moving the WiFi router closer.

What should I do if my Samsung or Android mobile device is not connecting

to the WiFi network?
If you are having trouble connecting your mobile device to the Rain Bird hotspot network during
controller setup, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure you keep the WiFi connection, even if the mobile device tells you internet is not
available when connecting to the Rain Bird network. The connection to your home WiFi
network with the internet is a later step.

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

2. Turn Airplane Mode on (far right icon

below), then turn WiFi on while Airplane
Mode is still active (far left icon below),
and then reconnect to the Rain Bird
WiFi network (RAINBIRDXXXXX) and
follow the on-screen setup instructions
as normal.
3. Restart the phone. Some users have
found this clears previous phone
settings and it allows for connection to
the Rain Bird WiFi network.

What do I do if my Rain Bird WiFi controller won’t stay connected to my network?

If your Rain Bird WiFi controller is not able to stay connected to your home WiFi network it may be on
the outside edge of the WiFi signal broadcast by your WiFi router. This is seen at the controller with a
blinking red WiFi Module. If you are able to establish a temporary connection to the controller, consult
Scenario A below. If you are unable to establish a temporary connection to the controller, consult
Scenario B below. (Additional assistance with images here.)

Scenario A: YES, I can temporarily connect to the controller.

If you can connect to the controller, the best way to check the router signal strength at the
controller is to take these steps:

1. Check to see if your controller is currently connecting to the WiFi network by pressing on the
picture of the controller in the Rain Bird App.
2. If it connects, go to #3. If it does not connect you can try again later or use one of the signal
strength scanning apps listed further down.
3. Select the WiFi Signal strength tab or icon depending on the controller type.
4. If the signal strength indicator only has two bars and it says weak signal then this confirms
poor signal strength. When the signal is poor there may be an irregular connection.
5. There is also an RSSI number provided. (RSSI means Received Signal Strength Indicator).
The below chart shows the range this number represents.

RSSI Signal Strength

-30 to -50 Excellent
-51 to 60 Good
-61 to -50 Fair
-71 to -85 Poor, better with boost
> -86 Unreliable, needs boost

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Scenario B: NO, I cannot temporarily connect to the controller.

If you are unable to connect to the controller, try pulling the WiFi module out of the controller
and re-inserting it, allowing it to boot back up again. It should be blinking green when you try to
connect in the Rain Bird app.

If it is not blinking green, you are still unable to connect to the controller, you can scroll down
further in this FAQ and use one of the alternate apps to scan WiFi signal strength at the controller.

Using a WiFi Range Extender

If you find that you have poor WiFi signal strength at the controller and decide to use a WiFi range
extender, make sure the Rain Bird WiFi controller connection is changed to the new WiFi Range
extender network name and password. This is similar to changing to a new WiFi router and this article
may help: Router Change: Updating the WiFi Network Name and Password

3rd Party Apps for WiFi Signal Testing

Alternate apps can be used to scan the network signal strength at the controller location. The
following documents explain how to use these apps:

For iOS Users: Using Airport Utility to Scan WiFi Network Signal Strength

For Android Users: Scanning WiFi Network Congestion on Android Phone

How do I reset the controller’s WiFi settings back to QuickPair broadcast mode?
To reset WiFi settings back to QuickPair broadcast mode, follow the steps below. (Note: This action
will reset WiFi back to factory default settings and cannot be reversed; watering schedules will be
retained.)

1. Hold down the Button in the LNK2 WiFi Module for more than 5 seconds to erase all settings
and reset to factory settings.

2. If you have previously connected to the controller from your mobile device, you will need to
first delete the old controller card. The controller can then be reconnected to your mobile
device by launching the Rain Bird App, tapping the “Add Controller” icon and following the on-
screen instructions.

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Guest (Unsecured) WiFi Network?

You are able to use any of the WiFi network connections, guest or otherwise, so long as they
are Internet connected and are 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. Rain Bird WiFi will not connect to
5 GHz WiFi networks.

NOTE: Public guest networks that require the acceptance of policy and terms will not work due to the
extra authentication. Also, networks that do not require a password will not work.

What happens to my WiFi connection if I lose power?

A Rain Bird WiFi controller should reconnect to the local WiFi connection after losing then regaining
power or WiFi service. Learn more here.

Can LNK2 be set up using a Cellular Hotspot device to connect to the Internet?
Yes. But make sure these items are in place:

• Cellular modem (hotspot, phone, etc.) must have active carrier data plan

• Cellular modem (hotspot, phone, etc.) must be in range of carrier cell tower (or have roaming
enabled and be in range of a federated service carrier’s tower) & able to negotiate stable
cellular service connection.

• Cellular modem (hotspot, phone, etc.) must have 2.4 WiFi AP enabled & customer must
know the AP SSID (and PW if AP is configured for link security <TLS>)

• Cellular modem (hotspot, phone, etc.) must remain within WiFi radio range of the LNK2

• Cellular modem (hotspot, phone, etc.) must have DHCP enabled (typical) or customer must
know IP address to provision manually on the LNK2 (Mobile App)

• Cellular modem (hotspot, phone, etc.) must have AP client provisioning enabled and service
parameters defined for default gateway and DNS server (typically done automatically) or
customer must configure this information on the LNK2 (Mobile App) and it must be accurate

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 LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide

LNK2TM WiFi Module Light Cues

LNK2 WiFi Module Light Cues
SETUP FOR LNK2 WIFI MODULE

FLASHING
SEQUENCE STEADY FLASH BLINK

Power on device

Device initiating Preparing for Ready for setup.

operation Open the Rain Bird
App and start the
guided setup process

WIFI PAIRING FOR LNK2

RAPID FLASH DOUBLE FLASH

SLOW STEADY BLINK

Searching for WiFi network Attempting to connect to

local WiFi network
previously set up
Success!
Connection ready
If this light mode stays in this
state for more than 15 seconds:

Unable to connect to WiFi,

Not connected to Rain Bird
check that your local WiFi is
cloud server. Try to reset.
working correctly.

SLOW STEADY BLINK SOLID

If app is showing Failure

Troubleshooting error message

Follow "RESET" instructions or

Wait 1 minute and try
contact customer service at
connecting in the App again.
1-800-RAINBIRD

RESET PROCESS
SOLID

Hold down button for more

than 5 seconds (long press)
to erase all settings and reset
to factory settings
Resetting to original
factory configuration

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