Rain Bird LNK2 User manual

LNK2™ WiFi Module

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM
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

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 1
Start Saving When You Add Instant
WiFi Connectivity to Your Controller
LNK2 installs in seconds without tools, making it a simple
and a ordable solution for Rain Bird controllers without built-
in WiFi. A er 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.
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 notifi cations, 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
A Smart & Responsible Solution
LNK2™ WiFi Module
Visit h ps://wifi .rainbird.com/ to learn more.

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 2
Controller Compatibility
ESP-ME3 Residential /
Light Commercial
ESP-TM2 Residential
ST8 Residential
ESP-ME Residential /
Light Commercial
ESP-RZXe International
Residential
Detailed Compatibility Requirements:
1. Controller
LNK2 WiFi is compatible with Rain Bird ESP-TM2, ESP-RZXe,
ESP-ME3, and ESP-ME controllers manufactured a er
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.
2. Network
Verify that your network is 2.4 Ghz. Note that LNK2 is NOT
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)
To verify your Rain Bird
Controller is compatible,
look for a “LNKTM Ready”
symbol on the front panel.

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 3
LNK2TM WiFi Module Installation
Download the
Rain Bird Mobile App
1
2
3
Open Rain Bird app and select
Add Controller (bo om le 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
Scan this QR code or
visit wifi .rainbird.com
to watch setup and
support videos.
Open the Controller Front Panel
and insert the LNK2 WiFi module
into the accessory slot. The LNK2
should start blinking Blue.

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 4
Rain Bird Mobile App
Save Changes
Weather Forecast*
View today’s weather
and the 5-day outlook
*with internet connection
Edit Program
Activate Auto, Seasonal
Adjust, change watering
schedule
Se ings
Update app notifi cations,
network se ings, controller
passwords, and smart
home options
Seasonal Adjust %
View automatic seasonal
watering adjustment
Next Scheduled Event
View Zone, Start Time
and Run Time of the next
scheduled irrigation event.
WiFi Tab
Measure WiFi signal strength
at the controller. RSSI values
larger than -70 (-70’s, -80’s
or -90’s) indicate need for
signal booster.
Return to Login Screen
Send access invitations,
add/remove controllers,
or view all controllers
Edit Timer Name
Change the designated
name of the timer.
Calendar View of
Watering Schedule
View the watering schedule
in convenient calendar form
Manually Water Zone
Choose a Zone to start
watering immediately
Manual Water Delay
Up to 14 day delay
Add/Remove Zone
Click to add or remove a
Zone from the schedule

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 5
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 aer 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.

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 6
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
a er 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 (bo om le of screen), then follow Setup
Wizard
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.
For more help, scan the QR or visit
wifi .rainbird.com and see video titled
“LNK2 WiFi Module Setup.”

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 7
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 seings, 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 dierent 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 buon 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.
Frequently Asked Questions

LNK2™ WiFi Module User Guide
© 2023 RAIN BIRD CORPORATION RAINBIRD.COM 8
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 oce 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.
Frequently Asked Questions